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Distribution, Source and Risk Assessment of Heavy Metal(oid)s in Water, Sediments, and Corbicula Fluminea of Xijiang River, China

Author

Listed:
  • Xuexia Huang

    (School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou 510006, China
    Linköping University—Guangzhou University Research Center on Urban Sustainable Development, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou 510006, China
    Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Radionuclides Pollution Control and Resources, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou 510006, China
    Key Laboratory for Water Quality and Conservation of the Pearl River Delta, Ministry of Education, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou 510006, China)

  • Dinggui Luo

    (School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou 510006, China
    Linköping University—Guangzhou University Research Center on Urban Sustainable Development, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou 510006, China
    Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Radionuclides Pollution Control and Resources, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou 510006, China
    Key Laboratory for Water Quality and Conservation of the Pearl River Delta, Ministry of Education, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou 510006, China)

  • Dongye Zhao

    (Environmental Engineering Program, Department of Civil Engineering, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA)

  • Ning Li

    (Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region Environmental Monitoring Station, Nanning 530028, China)

  • Tangfu Xiao

    (School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou 510006, China)

  • Jingyong Liu

    (Ecological Environment Information System and Big Data Research Team, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China)

  • Lezhang Wei

    (School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou 510006, China
    Linköping University—Guangzhou University Research Center on Urban Sustainable Development, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou 510006, China)

  • Yu Liu

    (School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou 510006, China
    Linköping University—Guangzhou University Research Center on Urban Sustainable Development, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou 510006, China)

  • Lirong Liu

    (School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou 510006, China)

  • Guowei Liu

    (School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou 510006, China)

Abstract

A total of 43 water and sediment samples, and 34 Corbicula fluminea samples were collected in Xijiang River in southern China to determine the spatial distribution and sources of 12 metals/metalloids (V, Co, Cr, Ni, Cu, Mn, Zn, Cd, Pb, As, Sb, and Tl) and to assess the pollution levels and ecological risks of the pollutants. The results showed that the levels of the metals/metalloids (except for Tl) in the river water from almost all of the sampling sites met the Chinese national surface water quality standards. However, the concentrations of the metals/metalloids in the sediments exceeded the background values by a factor of 1.03–56.56 except for V, Co, and Mn, and the contents of Zn, Cd, and Pb in the Corbicula fluminea soft tissue exceeded the limits of the Chinese Category I food Quality Standards. The spatial distribution analysis showed that the concentrations of the contaminants in the lower reaches of Xijiang River were higher than in the upper reaches. The bioaccumulation factor ( BAF ), biota-sediment accumulation factor ( BSF ), geo-accumulation index ( I geo ), and the potential ecological risk index ( RI ) were obtained to assess the pollution levels and ecological risks. The results indicated that Cu, Cd, and Zn were the most prone to bio-accumulation in the Corbicula fluminea soft tissue, and the lower reaches showed a much higher pollution level and risk than the upper reaches. The metals/metalloids in the sediments posed serious threat on the aquatic ecosystem, of which Cd, As, and Sb are the most risky contaminants. The results of principal component analysis (PCA) indicated Cr, Ni, Cu, Mn, Cd, Pb, and As in the sediments came from relevant industrial activities, and V and Co originated from natural sources, and Sb from mining activities, Zn and Tl came from industrial activities and mining activities.

Suggested Citation

  • Xuexia Huang & Dinggui Luo & Dongye Zhao & Ning Li & Tangfu Xiao & Jingyong Liu & Lezhang Wei & Yu Liu & Lirong Liu & Guowei Liu, 2019. "Distribution, Source and Risk Assessment of Heavy Metal(oid)s in Water, Sediments, and Corbicula Fluminea of Xijiang River, China," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(10), pages 1-17, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:16:y:2019:i:10:p:1823-:d:233537
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Rachaneekorn Mingkhwan & Suwalee Worakhunpiset, 2018. "Heavy Metal Contamination Near Industrial Estate Areas in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Province, Thailand and Human Health Risk Assessment," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 15(9), pages 1-10, August.
    2. Haiao Zeng & Jinglu Wu, 2013. "Heavy Metal Pollution of Lakes along the Mid-Lower Reaches of the Yangtze River in China: Intensity, Sources and Spatial Patterns," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 10(3), pages 1-15, February.
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