Comprehensive Evaluation and Source Apportionment of Potential Toxic Elements in Soils and Sediments of Guishui River, Beijing

Jiankang Wang,Dongyu Xu,Yanyan Li,Laisheng Liu,Bo Gao,Shuhua Yin

doi:10.3390/w11091847

Jiankang Wang, Dongyu Xu + Show 4 more

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https://doi.org/10.3390/w11091847

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Abstract

This study investigated the concentrations and spatial distributions, ecological risks, and potential pollution sources of potential toxic elements (PTEs) in the soils and sediments collected from the Guishui River (GSR) in Beijing, China. Multiple methods for pollution assessment and source identification of PTEs in the sediments/soils were used, including analysis of the physicochemical properties, Geo-accumulation index (Igeo), potential ecological risk index (RI), Pearson correlation, principal component analysis (PCA), and Pb isotopic ratio analysis. The results showed that PTE concentrations in the sediments/soils were similar to the soil background values (BV) of Beijing, except for Cd. Maximum Cd concentrations in soils were far below the guideline of the Environmental Quality Standard for Soils in China. PTE concentrations in the soils were slightly higher than those in the sediments. Upstream to downstream of GSR, PTEs concentrations in the soils and sediments remained stable. Pollution assessment based on Igeo and RI indicated that Cd was the main contaminant with moderate pollution levels. PCA results showed that Cd originated from anthropogenic sources, mainly including pesticide and fertilizer residues, while other metals mainly originated from natural sources. Further source identification using Pb isotopic ratios and PCA indicated that Cu, Pb, and Zn in GSR originated from anthropogenic sources (aerosols and coal combustion) and atmospheric deposition was considered as the primary input pathway.

Highlights

Environmental contamination by potential toxic elements (PTEs) is a serious and worldwide problem due to their toxicity, persistence, and non-degradability [1,2]
Indicated that Cu, Pb, and Zn in Guishui River (GSR) originated from anthropogenic sources and atmospheric deposition was considered as the primary input pathway
The GSR belongs to a tributary of the Yongding River, and is one of the three largest rivers flowing into the Guanting Reservoir (GTR)

Summary

Introduction

Environmental contamination by potential toxic elements (PTEs) is a serious and worldwide problem due to their toxicity, persistence, and non-degradability [1,2]. With rapid industrialization and urbanization, the accumulation of PTEs in surface soils and sediments is attracting worldwide concern [3]. PTEs in soils can migrate and transfer though natural processes or anthropogenic activities, threatening the safety of water resources, food, and even human health [5,6]. The water quality of Amvrakikos bay suffered severe degradation caused by PTE pollution in sediment [11]. The Kolleru Lake in India, was affected by PTE (especially chromium) pollution [12].

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