Pollution characteristics and source analysis of heavy metals in surface sediments of Luoyuan Bay, Fujian

The concentrations of eight heavy metals, V, Cr, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Cd, and Pb, were analyzed to explore the environmental pollution characteristics, ecological risk levels, and sources of heavy metals in the surface sediments of Luoyuan Bay in Fujian Province. The results indicated that the mean concentrations of V, Cr, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Cd, and Pb were 110.44, 97.76, 17.35, 41.99, 36.78, 137.26, 0.09, and 35.81 mg.kg(-1), respectively. The mean concentrations of Cr, Cu, and Zn exceeded the first category of the marine sediment quality standards, indicating a moderate regional comprehensive potential ecological hazard level. Due to variable hydrodynamic conditions, high concentrations of heavy metals were observed in the north and low concentrations were observed in the south, with high values generally recorded near steel plants and shipyard docks. Correlation and principal component analyses revealed that the V, Al, Co, Ni, and Pb originated from the weathering and erosion of rocks, and industrial wastewater discharge. Contrastingly, Cu, Zn, Cr, and Cd were mainly associated with the transportation and repair of ships, and marine aquaculture activities.

Automated summary

The study revealed that the concentrations of heavy metals V, Cr, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Cd, and Pb in the surface sediments of Luoyuan Bay exceeded the marine sediment quality standards, indicating a potential ecological hazard. Higher concentrations of heavy metals were observed in the north and lower concentrations in the south, with V, Al, Co, Ni, and Pb originating from weathering and erosion of rocks and industrial wastewater discharge, while Cu, Zn, Cr, and Cd were primarily associated with ship transportation and repair, and marine aquaculture activities.