Title: Potential ecological risk quantification of metals in lake sediments: a considering of sources

Authors: Yuanpei Zhang; Xiongwei Zheng; Ci Zhao; Ying Wu; Junqiang Luo; Yang Bai

Addresses: Geophysical Exploration Brigade of Hubei Geological Bureau, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China, 430056; Hubei Key Laboratory of Critical Zone Evolution, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan, 430074, China ' Geophysical Exploration Brigade of Hubei Geological Bureau, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China, 430056; Hubei Key Laboratory of Critical Zone Evolution, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan, 430074, China; School of Geosciences, Yangtze University, Wuhan, 430100, China ' Geophysical Exploration Brigade of Hubei Geological Bureau, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China, 430056;Hubei Key Laboratory of Critical Zone Evolution, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan, 430074, China ' Geophysical Exploration Brigade of Hubei Geological Bureau, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China, 430056;Hubei Key Laboratory of Critical Zone Evolution, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan, 430074, China ' Geophysical Exploration Brigade of Hubei Geological Bureau, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China, 430056;Hubei Key Laboratory of Critical Zone Evolution, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan, 430074, China ' Geophysical Exploration Brigade of Hubei Geological Bureau, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China, 430056;Hubei Key Laboratory of Critical Zone Evolution, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan, 430074, China

Abstract: Quantifying ecological risk of metals based on sources is essential for mitigating pollution of aquatic ecosystems. In this study, we assessed the potential ecological risk of metals (As, Cr, Ni, Cu, Zn, Cd, Pb) in sediment of Honghu Lake by combining multiple models. The results revealed that Cd was the primary contaminant, causing light pollution at most sites and moderate to heavy pollution at certain sites. Cr, Ni, Cu, Zn and Pb were mainly derived from natural processes and agricultural activities, while As and Cd predominantly originated from industrial activities. Metals from natural and agricultural sources posed no ecological risk, while Cd from industrial sources caused moderate to very high ecological risk to lake ecosystem. In conclusion, metals in the lake sediments posed moderate ecological risk, with industrial sources contributing over 60% of the ecological risk. These findings highlight the need to curb industrial pollution surrounding the study area.

Keywords: sediment; metal; Honghu lake; source identification; ecological risk quantification.

DOI: 10.1504/IJEP.2022.132942

International Journal of Environment and Pollution, 2022 Vol.71 No.3/4, pp.212 - 228

Received: 22 Apr 2022
Received in revised form: 07 Apr 2023
Accepted: 18 May 2023
Published online: 20 Aug 2023 *

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