Spatial distribution characteristics and source identification of heavy metals in river waters of the Huaihe River Basin, China

Abstract

Rapid rates of industrialisation and urbanisation have led to heavy metal contamination of many rivers in China. Identification of the main sources of heavy metal contamination in river waters and description of their spatial distribution are essential for the control of river water pollution. In this study, water samples were collected from 218 sampling sites on rivers of the Huaihe River Basin during summer 2014. Fourteen heavy metals were detected (As, Ba, Co, Cr, Fe, Pb, Mn, Mo, Ni, Zn, Se, Sn, Sr and V). The concentrations of these heavy metals showed significant regional variation and the areas could be divided into four groups based on pollution levels: a pollution-free group (Group C), a low pollution group (Group D), a moderate pollution group (Group A), and a high pollution group (Group B). Pearson correlation coefficients verified the common sources of some of the heavy metals. Further analysis revealed that the release of effluents associated with mining, smelting, welding, fertilisers, pesticides and the chemical and electronics industries are the principal sources of heavy metal contamination in the waters of rivers of the Huaihe River Basin.