Assessment of metal pollution and subsequent ecological risk in the coastal zone of the Olkhon Island, Lake Baikal, Russia

Abstract

Olkhon Island is the largest island in Lake Baikal and a part of Baikal National Park, Russia. The first objective of this study is to establish relationships between the particle size of accumulating sediments and their elemental composition, as well as the concentrations of heavy metals (Hg, Cd, As, Pb, Cr, Co, Ni, Cu, and Zn). The second goal is to completely assess the contamination level and to identify the possible sources of heavy metals using geochemical indices, including enrichment (EF) and contamination (Cf) factors, contamination degree (Cd), geoaccumulation index (Igeo), and pollution load index (PLI). The results obtained are summarized as follows. Heavy metal pollution in the coastal zone of Olkhon Island ranged from moderate to significant levels for Hg, As, Cd, Pb, and Cu. The EF and Igeo indices showed that Hg, Cd, Pb, and Cu sources were more likely to be anthropogenic, whereas the As, Cr, Co, Ni, and Zn sources were similar to crustal sources. Thus, Hg, Cd, and Pb are the main pollutants in the study area and pose high ecological risks. Pearson correlation analysis indicated high positive correlations between Pb and Hg (0.741), As and Cd (0.730), and Cd and Pb (0.803), and strong positive correlations among Cr, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn and Fe. This can reflect the same source and migration pathway, either crustal or anthropogenic. However, it does not indicate that Cr, Co, Ni, Cu, and Zn have anthropogenic origins because these metals are linked with FeMn deposits. These findings could contribute to a more effective investigation of relationships between heavy metals and their sources. We emphasize that Hg, Cd, and Pb could rise to dangerous levels. These reliable results allow us to use our study as a model for studies relating to heavy metal contamination in different areas.