Work

Evaluation of contamination characteristics and source apportionment of heavy metals in river sediments and their risk to human health: A case study in the Heilongjiang Basin, China

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: The concentration of zinc (Zn), chromium (Cr), lead (Pb), copper (Cu), arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd) and mercury (Hg) in surface sediments of the Heilongjiang River, China, was determined to evaluate the contamination characteristics and source apportionment of heavy metals as well as their potential risk to ecology and human health. This result founded that the order of heavy metals concentrations was Zn(62.51±17.38)>Cr(42.45±12.08)>Pb(28.16±5.91)>Cu(11.25±8.86)>As(7.20±3.70)>Cd(0.13±0.05)>Hg(0.03±0.02). Comprehensive assessments were used to identify the ecological risks and biological toxic effects caused by heavy metals. Noncarcinogenic risks were not significant in both children and adults. The total carcinogenic risk (TLCR) posed to children in the research region needed more attention. Moreover, Pb-related TLCR apportionment was higher compared with other heavy metals. Based on the correlation analysis, the APCS-MLR and PMF models was utilized to quantitatively analyze the sources of heavy metals. These achievements furnished crucial evidence for safeguarding the water resources of the Heilongjiang River and served as an invaluable reference in ensuring ecological safety and preventing pollution across other river systems.

Source: Results in Engineering

DOI: 10.1016/j.rineng.2025.107498

Authors: Weiwei Wei, Chunhua Li, Chun Ye, Zijian Xie, Yan Wang, Ye Zheng, Cui Ma

Institution: North China University of Water Resources and Electric Power

Language: English

Topic: Heavy metals in environment

Subfield: Pollution

Field: Environmental Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Good health and well-being, Clean water and sanitation

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,940