Work

Ecotoxicological assessment of metal(oid)s in Polish Canal sediments: A multimetric approach

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: This study assessed the ecological risk of sediments from 35 Polish canals, focusing on As, Cr, Cu, Hg, Ni, Pb, and Zn. Metal(oid) concentrations ranged as follows (mg/kg dm): As 1.5–35.3, Cr 1.01–59.2, Cu 0.79–61.4, Hg 0.0005–0.142, Ni 1.16–40.7, Pb 0.5–62.0, Zn 6.16–871.63. Risk indicators included Igeo, CF, PLI, Er, PERI, PEC-Q, TEL-Q, PEL-Q, and msPAF. Most As and Hg concentrations were low. Localized peaks suggested historical inputs. Cr and Zn showed the most significant variability, with Zn exceeding 800 mg/kg in some canals. This pattern indicates anthropogenic sources. One canal (KP-K) was heavily contaminated with multiple metal(loid)s. Higher metal(loid) concentrations occurred mainly in the Vistula and Oder canals, linked to industrial, agricultural, and municipal activities. PERI values indicated low overall ecological risk, but PEL-Q and msPAF highlighted Zn as the most concerning pollutant. Sites with elevated Zn require targeted remediation and biological monitoring.

Source: Desalination and Water Treatment

DOI: 10.1016/j.dwt.2025.101604

Authors: Agnieszka Popenda, Ewa Wiśniowska, Małgorzata Kryłów

Institutions: Częstochowa University of Technology, Cracow University of Technology

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: $1,000