Pollution characteristics, potential ecological risks and sources of heavy metal pollution in lake sediments in Huoqiu County

The contents of heavy metals (As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Hg, Ni, Pb, Zn) in surface sediments of Chengxi Lake and Chengdong Lake were measured To understand the pollution characteristics, spatial distribution, potential sources, and ecological risks of heavy metals in surface sediments of Chengxi Lake and Chengdong Lake in Huoqiu County. The soil accumulation index, pollution load index, potential ecological hazard index, and sediment quality reference method were used to evaluate the pollution degree and potential ecological hazard of heavy metals. The sources of heavy metals were analyzed by correlation analysis, cluster analysis, and principal component analysis. The results showed that except for Cd, Hg, Pb in Chengdong Lake and Hg in Chengxi Lake, the average values of other elements exceeded the background values, and the content of heavy metals showed significant spatial variability, decreasing from north to south. The soil accumulation index indicates that Ni and Zn in sediments of Chengxi Lake are in a state of unpolluted to moderate pollution. The pollution load index indicates that the sediments of Chengxi Lake are in a state of moderate pollution, and the sediments of Chengxi Lake and Chengdong Lake are in a state of mild ecological risk. The results of heavy metal traceability analysis show that Cr, Zn, Ni, and Cu in the sediments of Chengxi Lake and Chengdong Lake are mainly from the parent material, mineral exploitation, and aquaculture, while As, Pb, Hg, and Cd are mainly from agricultural pollution and domestic sewage. The results can provide a scientific basis for the prevention and control of heavy metal pollution in Chengxi Lake and Chengdong Lake. © 2024 Science Frontiers editorial department. All rights reserved.