Abstract
In order to understand the spatial distribution, ecological risks, and pollution status of nutrients and heavy metals in the coastal tidal creek water of the Yellow River Delta (YRD), a total of 21 water samples were collected from 7 sample sites. The results indicated that along the coastline from northwest to southeast in the YRD, the concentrations of TN, TP, and NH4+-N in the water decreased and then increased; the Cu concentration increased, decreased, and then increased; and the Pb concentration decreased. The average TN/TP mass ratio indicated that the tidal creek water belonged to a potential phosphorus-restricted eutrophication state. The RI result indicated that Cu and Pb in the water were at low ecological risk, while the SSD and RQ results indicated that Cu in the water was at a high ecological risk level and had potential harm to aquatic organisms. Based on the single-factor method, the water quality of the tidal creek inside and outside the Yellow River Delta Nature Reserve belonged to Grade IV. Cu should be controlled to improve the water quality and reduce the ecological risk, especially in the Yellow River Delta Nature Reserve.
Highlights
Academic Editor: Elias DimitriouCoastal tidal flats are in the important transitional regions between land and sea, with special climatic, hydrological, soil, and biological characteristics
The coastal tidal flats in the Yellow River Delta (YRD) are the key wintering habitat and breeding ground for migratory birds from East Asia to Australia, which is of strategic significance for global biodiversity conservation and ecological security maintenance in the Yellow Sea and Bohai Sea [24]
The results showed that N and P in the coastal tidal flat water of the YRD may mainly in the total phosphorus (TP) concentration among different
Summary
Academic Editor: Elias DimitriouCoastal tidal flats are in the important transitional regions between land and sea, with special climatic, hydrological, soil, and biological characteristics. Coastal tidal flats in the Yellow River Delta (YRD) are important parts of natural wetland in the YRD, and important parts of coastal wetlands around the Bohai Sea [3]. Coastal tidal flats in the YRD provide an important transfer station and wintering habitat for bird migration in Northeast Asia and the Western Pacific Rim, which is of great significance for global biodiversity conservation [4]. Tidal creek, which provides an important channel for tidal flat water exchange, is the most significant first-level geomorphic unit on the natural silt beach [5]. In order to better protect the biodiversity and ecological environment, the Shandong Yellow River Delta National Nature Reserve (SYNR) was established in the YRD
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