Work

Heavy metal enrichment characteristics in different sedimentary environments: A case study of the Pearl River Estuary and adjacent coastal area

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Estuaries and nearshore sediments primarily serve as reservoirs for heavy metals and other pollutants. In this study, 65 surface sediments were collected from the Pearl River Estuary (PRE) and its adjacent coastal area for a detail analysis of heavy metal enrichment characteristics. Both the enrichment factor and geo-accumulation index concurred in highlighting the low enrichment of heavy metals in the study area. Only a minor proportion of samples demonstrated slight to moderate levels of contamination with Pb and Zn. Heavy metals mainly originate from natural sources, with minor contribution from anthropogenic sources. The semi-enclosed PRE recorded greater impacts from human activities, evidenced by sediments containing higher concentrations of Cu, Zn, and Pb. In contrast, coastal areas are subject to intense hydrodynamic forces, which lead to relatively low levels of heavy metal enrichment in their sediments. Sedimentary hydrodynamic conditions is the primary factor controlling the accumulation of heavy metals in sediments.

Source: Regional Studies in Marine Science

DOI: 10.1016/j.rsma.2025.104180

Authors: Guanqiang Cai, Shun Li, Li Zhao

Institutions: China Geological Survey, Guangzhou Marine Geological Survey, Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Guangzhou)

Language: English

Topic: Heavy metals in environment

Subfield: Pollution

Field: Environmental Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Clean water and sanitation, Life below water

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,030