Heavy metal distribution and ecological risk in surface sediments of the Bohai Sea.

IF 2.6 3区 综合性期刊 Q1 MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES
PLoS ONE Pub Date : 2025-06-27 eCollection Date: 2025-01-01 DOI:10.1371/journal.pone.0326701
Shilin Li, Jianlei Chen, Xuzhi Zhang, Jianshe Zhang, Yongjiang Xu, Yong Xu
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Abstract

Heavy metal contamination in marine sediments poses significant ecological risks, particularly in semi-enclosed seas like the Bohai Sea, where limited water exchange exacerbates pollution retention. Heavy metals are persistent, bioaccumulative, and toxic, making their assessment crucial for environmental management. This study investigated the spatial distribution, seasonal dynamics, and potential ecological risks of heavy metal contamination in the central Bohai Sea, with an emphasis on regulatory interventions and anthropogenic influences. The annual average concentrations of Cu, Zn, Pb, Cd, Hg and As in surface sediments were 15.951, 32.556, 15.234, 0.250, 0.028 and 2.628 mg/kg, respectively, all below China's Class I Marine Sediment Quality Standards. Seasonal variations revealed peak concentrations in August for Zn, Pb, Hg and As, likely driven by increased terrestrial inputs and hydrodynamic conditions. Cd exhibited the highest ecological risk, with a single-factor risk index exceeding 30 in May, followed by Hg, Pb, Cu, As and Zn. The comprehensive pollution index remained below 5 across all seasons, indicating overall low pollution levels. However, localized exceedances of Class I standards for Cu, Pb and Cd were observed, particularly in summer and autumn. Spatially, metal concentrations were higher near industrial and riverine discharge zones, with anthropogenic sources such as petrochemical industries, aquaculture, and urban runoff contributing significantly. This study highlighted seasonal and spatial heterogeneity in heavy metal contamination in the central Bohai Sea, emphasizing the influence of industrial activities and hydrodynamic processes. While overall pollution levels were low, the high ecological risk associated with Cd underscores the need for continued monitoring and targeted pollution control measures. Strengthening enforcement of industrial regulations, improving sediment management, and addressing seasonal fluctuations in pollutant inputs were critical for mitigating future risks. These findings provided a scientific foundation for sustainable marine environmental management and policy formulation in the Bohai Sea.

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渤海表层沉积物重金属分布及生态风险
海洋沉积物中的重金属污染具有重大的生态风险,特别是在渤海等半封闭海域,有限的水交换加剧了污染的滞留。重金属具有持久性、生物蓄积性和毒性,因此对其进行评估对环境管理至关重要。研究了渤海中部地区重金属污染的空间分布、季节动态和潜在生态风险,重点分析了调控措施和人为影响。表层沉积物中Cu、Zn、Pb、Cd、Hg和As的年平均浓度分别为15.951、32.556、15.234、0.250、0.028和2.628 mg/kg,均低于中国海洋沉积物一级质量标准。季节变化表明,Zn、Pb、Hg和As的浓度在8月份达到峰值,可能与陆地输入增加和水动力条件有关。Cd生态风险最高,5月份单因素风险指数超过30,其次是Hg、Pb、Cu、As和Zn。综合污染指数四季保持在5以下,表明整体污染水平较低。而Cu、Pb和Cd的局部超标现象在夏季和秋季尤为明显。从空间上看,工业和河流排放区附近的金属浓度较高,石化工业、水产养殖和城市径流等人为来源对金属浓度的贡献较大。渤海中部地区重金属污染的季节和空间异质性,强调工业活动和水动力过程对重金属污染的影响。虽然总体污染水平较低,但与Cd相关的高生态风险强调了继续监测和有针对性的污染控制措施的必要性。加强工业法规的执行、改善沉积物管理和处理污染物投入的季节性波动,对于减轻未来风险至关重要。研究结果为渤海海洋环境可持续管理和政策制定提供了科学依据。
本文章由计算机程序翻译,如有差异,请以英文原文为准。
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来源期刊
PLoS ONE
PLoS ONE 生物-生物学
CiteScore
6.20
自引率
5.40%
发文量
14242
审稿时长
3.7 months
期刊介绍: PLOS ONE is an international, peer-reviewed, open-access, online publication. PLOS ONE welcomes reports on primary research from any scientific discipline. It provides: * Open-access—freely accessible online, authors retain copyright * Fast publication times * Peer review by expert, practicing researchers * Post-publication tools to indicate quality and impact * Community-based dialogue on articles * Worldwide media coverage
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