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Bioavailability, Ecological Risk, and Microbial Response of Rare Earth Elements in Sediments of the Remediated Yitong River: An Integrated DGT and Multi-Parameter Assessment

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: The expanding use of rare earth elements (REEs) in high-tech industrials has increased their environmental release, raising concerns about their ecological risks. This study employed the Diffusive Gradients in Thin Films (DGT) technique to assess REE bioavailability, spatial distribution, and ecological risks of REEs in sediments of the Yitong River, a historically polluted urban river in Changchun, China. Sediment characteristics (organic matter, pH, salinity), nutrient dynamics (N, P), and metal concentrations (Fe, Mn, As, etc.) were analyzed alongside REEs to evaluate their interactions and environmental drivers. Results revealed that REE concentrations (0.453–1.687 μg L−1) were dominated by light REEs (50.1%), with levels an order of magnitude lower than heavily industrialized regions. Ecological risk quotients (RQ) for individual REEs were below thresholds (RQ < 1), indicating negligible immediate risks, though spatial trends suggested urban runoff influences. Probabilistic risk assessment integrating DGT data and species sensitivity distributions (SSD) estimated a low combined toxic probability (2.26%) for REEs and nutrients. Microbial community analysis revealed correlations between specific bacterial (e.g., Clostridium, Dechloromonas) and fungal genera (e.g., Pseudeurotium) with metals and REEs, highlighting microbial sensitivity to pollutant shifts. This study provides a multidimensional framework linking REE bioavailability, sediment geochemistry, and microbial ecology, offering insights for managing REE contamination in urban riverine systems.

Source: Microorganisms

DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms13112443

Authors: Yu Zhong, Chanchan Wu, Jiayi E, Yangguang Gu, Hai Chi, Xinglin Du

Institutions: Jilin University, Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Liaoning Ocean and Fisheries Research Institute

Language: English

Topic: Heavy metals in environment

Subfield: Pollution

Field: Environmental Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Clean water and sanitation

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,258