Distribution of Potential Harmful Trace Elements and Potential Ecological Risk in the Jiulongchi Wetland of Fanjing Mountain, Southwest China

Abstract

In order to understand the distribution and ecological risk of potential harmful trace elements (PHTEs) in the high altitude areas of the Fanjing Mountain World Natural Heritage Property, 30 surface samples including soil and plants were collected in April, 2019 in the Jiulongchi wetland which lies in the saddle between the New Jinding Peak of Fanjing Mountain and Fenghuang Peak. The contents of 23 major and trace elements were determined, and the pollution characteristics and potential ecological risk of 11 PHTEs (Mn, V, Zn, Cr, Co, Ni, Cu, As, Cd, Sb and Pb) were discussed. The element contents showed significant differences in plant and soil samples. Enrichment factor and single-factor pollution index demonstrated that Mn, Zn, Co, As and Cd in the soil were in a clean state. The potential ecological risk index and pollution load index indicated an overall good ecological condition of Jiulongchi wetland, with a weak pollution degree. Comparisons of relevant studies showed the anthropogenic activities have considerable impacts on the pollution status of PHTEs with significant spatial differences in Fanjing Mountain. Multivariate statistical analysis proved that Pb and Sb were main pollutants of the soil in the Jiulongchi wetland, and the mining and smelting of minerals such as mercury, manganese and lead-zinc ore in the adjacent areas could be the main pollution sources through atmospheric deposition. This study could provide targeted strategies for the environmental protection and management of the Property and give scientific evidence for the pollution prevention in southwest China.

Significant Decrease in Heavy Metals in Surface Sediment after Ten-Year Sustainable Development in Huaxi Reservoir Located in Guiyang, Southwestern China

“…∑ Cancer risk = LCR = Cancer risk ing + Cancer risk inh + Cancer risk dermal (15) where LCR is the summation of the cancer risk from each exposure pathway. The values of cancer slope factor (CSF) for Cd, Cr, Pb and As are 6.3, 0.5, 0.0085 and 1.5 mg/kg/day, respectively [56].…”

“…Once these heavy metals are discharged into water environment, they could threaten the ecosystem and public health due to the bioaccumulation or biomagnification in the aquatic food web [ 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 , 10 , 11 ]. Particularly, the risk level could be higher in areas with high background values such as Karst region of Guizhou Province in southwestern China [ 12 , 13 , 14 , 15 , 16 ].…”

Risk Assessment of Heavy Metal in Farmlands and Crops Near Pb–Zn Mine Tailing Ponds in Niujiaotang, China

“…The cumulative production of Pb and Zn in China until 2007 was approximately 6.69 and 12.59 Mt, respectively, and approximately 1.62 Mt of Pb and 3.32 Mt of Zn were released into the environment due to mining, processing, and smelting activities. During mining and smelting, heavy metals can be transported to the surrounding environment through atmospheric deposition, surface water contamination (including acid mine drainage), and groundwater seepage, thereby posing serious ecological risks [ 1 , 2 ]. Guizhou Province is famous for its rich mineral resources and long history of nonferrous metal mining and smelting [ 3 ].…”

Characteristics and risk assessment of heavy metal pollution of farmlands and crops near Pb–Zn mine tailing ponds: a case study in Niujiaotang, China

“…The cumulative production of Pb and Zn in China until 2007 was approximately 6.69 and 12.59 Mt, respectively, and approximately 1.62 Mt of Pb and 3.32 Mt of Zn were released into the environment due to mining, processing, and smelting activities. During mining and smelting, heavy metals can be transported to the surrounding environment through atmospheric deposition, surface water contamination (including acid mine drainage), and groundwater seepage, thereby posing serious ecological risks (Child et al 2018;Shen et al 2020) Guizhou Province is famous for its rich mineral resources and long history of nonferrous metal mining and smelting (Zheng et al 2007). Despite the economic bene ts of mining, this activity causes heavy metal pollution of nearby soils and crops.…”