Distribution, contamination assessment, and sources of heavy metals in surface sediments from the south of the North Yellow Sea, China

This paper reports the contents of six heavy metals and particle sizes in the surface sediments of 120 sampling stations in the southern North Yellow Sea to reveal heavy metal distribution characteristics, contamination assessment, and sources. Cu and Cr enrichments were mainly found in coastal areas with high mud content (silt and clay). However, Zn, Cd, Pb, and Hg were enriched in Weihai Bay and Dongpu Bay, which have denser populations, estuaries, and shipyards. The geoaccumulation index and principal component analysis showed that Cu and Cr contamination was low, and the sources were mainly natural processes. In addition, Zn and Cd pollution in the nearshore area was moderate, and its provenance was natural processes and human activity. However, most areas exhibited Pb and Hg contamination due to waterborne traffic and industries, including shipbuilding and gold mining.

Automated summary

This study investigated the content of six heavy metals and particle sizes in the sediments of the southern North Yellow Sea. The results showed that copper and chromium were mainly enriched in coastal areas with high mud content, while zinc, cadmium, lead, and mercury were enriched in areas with denser populations, estuaries, and shipyards. The contamination assessment revealed that copper and chromium contamination was low and mainly derived from natural processes. Zinc and cadmium pollution in the nearshore area was moderate and had both natural and human activity sources. However, most areas had lead and mercury contamination due to waterborne traffic and industrial activities.