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Spatial variations and ecological risk assessment of heavy metals in surface sediments on the upper reaches of Hun River, Northeast China

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Abstract

The distribution, accumulation, and ecological risk of heavy metals (Cu, Cd, Pb, Zn, Ni, Cr, and As) in the surface sediment were investigated in the upper reaches of Hunhe River, Northeast China. Sediment samples from 51 points throughout the upper reaches of Hunhe River were collected and measured for heavy metal concentrations, TN content, and TP content. Results showed that heavy metal concentrations at the vicinity of mines and towns were higher than those at other locations. According to sediment quality guidelines (SQGs), Cd and Zn were enriched in the sediments. The correlation analysis and principal component analysis (PCA) were conducted to assess the heavy metal sources. Close correlations between metal distribution and TP indicated that the sediments may be affected by application of phosphate fertilizer. Elements, Cu, Cd, Pb, Zn, and As, were grouped together, reflecting they were released from the same sources. PCA suggested that their primary sources were anthropogenic, namely mining and extensive use of fertilizers. Therefore, heavy metal pollution due to mining and agricultural intensification in the upper Hunhe River basin should be taken into account during the formation of regional management strategies for the water environment.

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Acknowledgments

This work was financially supported by Major Science and Technology Program for Water Pollution Control and Treatment (No.2012ZX07202-008) and National Natural Science Foundation of China (No.40971272 and No.41201494).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Northeast Institute of Geography and Agroecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun, 130012, China

    Ruichao Guo & Xingyuan He

  2. Institute of Applied Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenyang, 110016, China

    Ruichao Guo & Xingyuan He

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  1. Ruichao Guo
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  2. Xingyuan He
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Correspondence to Xingyuan He.

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Guo, R., He, X. Spatial variations and ecological risk assessment of heavy metals in surface sediments on the upper reaches of Hun River, Northeast China. Environ Earth Sci 70, 1083–1090 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12665-012-2196-8

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12665-012-2196-8

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