Spatio-temporal variations of heavy metal(loid)s and their influencing factors in surface sediments of Daya Bay, South China Sea
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: To elucidate the spatiotemporal dynamics and driving mechanisms of heavy metal (loid)s (HMs) in coastal systems, this study investigated the surface sediments from Daya Bay across four seasons. Results indicated that the average HM concentrations (mg/kg) decreased in the order of Zn (65.35) > Pb (28.66) > Cu (13.19) > As (7.06) > Hg (0.073) > Cd (0.058), with Pb, As and Hg exhibiting significant seasonal heterogeneity ( p < 0.05). The Geo-accumulation Index ( I geo ) and Contamination Factor identified Hg as the dominant contaminant, registering the highest average I geo value of 2.039. Overall, the surface sediments in the study area exhibited a moderate level of cumulative pollution with an average Pollution Load Index (PLI) of 2.48, following a seasonal decline of winter (2.76) > spring (2.49) > autumn (2.39) > summer (2.27). Crucially, Redundancy Analysis revealed that the distribution of Cu, Zn, Cd, and Pb was primarily governed by natural physicochemical binding to fine-grained, organic-rich matrices. In contrast, the accumulation of Hg and As exhibited a stronger dependency on dynamic biogeochemical factors, notably dissolved oxygen and anthropogenic nutrient inputs. These findings highlight the necessity of distinct management strategies that account for the coupling between sediment matrices and water column biogeochemistry.
Source: Frontiers in Marine Science
Authors: Zeming Wang, Nan Zheng, Man Hao, Yahui Xu, Jinmei Li
Institution: Jinan Environmental Research Academy
Language: English
Topic: Heavy metals in environment
Subfield: Pollution
Field: Environmental Science
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,801
Award: G4174347753
OpenAlex ID: W7147136218