title: Potential ecological risk of heavy metals and metalloid in the sediments of Wuyuer River basin, Heilongjiang Province, China.
abstract: The spatial distribution, sources, and potential ecological risk of heavy metals and metalloid were evaluated in sediments of the Wuyuer River and its tributaries. Metal and metalloid concentrations and chemical speciation (Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, Cd, As, Zn and Hg) in 187 surface sediment samples were measured using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Metals and metalloid in the sediments of the Wuyuer River were greater than the background values of the Songnen Plain, and mean heavy metal concentrations were greater in downstream segments of the river than in upstream segments. Speciation results indicated that Cd was chemically mobile and Cu, Pb, Zn, Cr, and Ni were potentially bioavailable. Mercury and As existed mainly in the residual fraction. Hakanson's potential risk index indicated that the total potential ecological risk of these elements was moderate in the Wuyuer River. Among the selected metals and metalloid, Hg and Cd were the most potentially toxic and mainly distributed near the cities of Keshan, Yi'an and Fuyü. Because the speciation of Cd in the river sediments is highly bioavailable, the concentrations of Cd should be closely monitored. This research provides managers with information needed to better regulate the environment of the Wuyuer River.
authors.affiliation: Key Laboratory of Remote Sensing Monitoring of Geographic Environment, College of Heilongjiang Province, Harbin Normal University, No. 1 South Shida Road, Limin Economic Development Zone, Harbin, 150025, Heilongjiang, People's Republic of China.
authors.forename: Jia
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Cui
authors.forename: Shuying
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Zang
authors.forename: Danlei
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Zhai
authors.forename: Bin
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Wu
mesh_terms: D002681:China; D004784:Environmental Monitoring; D019015:Geologic Sediments / Q000032:analysis*; D058955:Metalloids / Q000032:analysis*; D019216:Metals, Heavy / Q000032:analysis*; D015999:Multivariate Analysis; D018570:Risk Assessment; D045483:Rivers
chemical_list: D058955:Metalloids; D019216:Metals, Heavy