We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Identification Sources and High-Risk Areas of Sediment Heavy Metals in the Yellow River by Geographical Detector Method
Summary
Scientists measured heavy metal contamination in river sediments of the Yellow River in Inner Mongolia, identifying industrial emissions and agricultural activities as the main sources. While focused on heavy metals, the research is relevant because microplastics frequently co-occur with and transport heavy metal pollutants in river systems.
In order to determine the key influencing factors, risk areas, and source pathways of heavy metals in the sediment of the Yellow River, 37 samples were collected in the surface sediment (0–5 cm) of the Inner Mongolia section of the Yellow River main stream for the determination of heavy metals copper (Cu), nickel (Ni), zinc (Zn), chromium (Cr), lead (Pb), and cadmium (Cd). Based on the geographical detector model (GDM) and ArcGIS 10.2 software, this paper selected 6 heavy metals and 15 influencing factors, including 8 natural factors and 7 anthropogenic factors, to detect key influencing factors, risk areas, and sources of heavy metals. The results showed that: (1) The average contents of heavy metals Cr and Cd in the sediments exceeded the average value in soil, the world average concentration in the shales, and the first-level standard of soil environmental quality in China, and they were the main risk metals; (2) Vegetation coverage (VC) was the largest influencing factor for the spatial distribution of heavy metals in the sediment, followed by per capita income (PI), and land use type (LUT) and road network density (RD) were smaller influencing factors. The interactions of the factors were enhanced; (3) The Wuhai section for a risk area was mainly polluted by Cd and Pb, which were caused by atmospheric deposition and industrial emission. The Baotou section for a risk area was mainly polluted by Cr, which mainly originated from river transportation and industrial discharge. The conclusions can provide a scientific basis for the environmental protection and management of the different areas in the Inner Mongolia section of the Yellow River.
Sign in to start a discussion.
More Papers Like This
Spatial distributions of macronutrients, heavy metals and microplastics in surface sediments of the mainstem and lakes in the middle part of the Yellow River Basin
Researchers mapped the distribution of macronutrients, heavy metals, and microplastics in sediments along the middle section of the Yellow River and adjacent lakes in China. They found that microplastic concentrations ranged from 233 to 3,333 items per kilogram in river sediments, with nylon as the dominant polymer type. Contamination levels increased significantly after the river flowed through intensive agricultural areas, with urban lakes showing the highest heavy metal concentrations.
Distribution pattern and ecological risk assessment of heavy metals in Henan section of the Yellow River
Researchers assessed heavy metal pollution in sediments of the Henan section of the Yellow River, finding elevated concentrations of several metals including cadmium and lead, with ecological risk assessments indicating moderate to high risk in certain areas driven by both natural and anthropogenic inputs.
[Occurrence Characteristics and Ecological Risk Assessment of Microplastic Pollution in the Yellow River Basin].
Researchers examined the spatial distribution, composition characteristics, and ecological risks of microplastic pollution across the Yellow River Basin in China, assessing contamination levels in the nation's historically significant waterway system.
Occurrence and ecological risk of microplastics in soils and sediments in the Inner Mongolian Yellow River Basin: An analysis based on functional zoning
Researchers analyzed microplastic pollution across 34 soil and sediment samples from the Inner Mongolian Yellow River Basin, finding widespread contamination with a mean abundance of 5,503 items/kg in soils and 2,059 items/kg in sediments, dominated by transparent polypropylene and polyethylene fibers. Sewage outlets and industrial areas were identified as major microplastic sinks in soil, with the highest sediment contamination near Hohhot.
Co-occurrence of microplastics and heavy metals in sediments of the Lanzhou section of the Yellow River: Distribution characterizations and comprehensive ecological risk assessment
Researchers assessed the co-occurrence of microplastics and heavy metals in sediments from the Yellow River's Lanzhou section, finding microplastic abundance ranging from 243 to 4,289 items per kilogram, predominantly small fragments under 100 micrometers. The study developed an optimized two-dimensional index for evaluating combined pollutant risks and found severe composite pollution, with copper and cadmium showing the highest contamination levels. The findings highlight the need for integrated risk assessment frameworks in urban river systems.