Sediment record of heavy metals in Xincun Lagoon indicating anthropogenic impact over the last 200 years.

ABSTRACT

Anthropogenic metal pollution is a leading environmental problem in southern China, especially in remote regions where its impact remains poorly understood. This study investigates the historical variation of heavy metal pollution over the last 200 years using a sediment core from Xincun Lagoon, Hainan Island, South China. The temporal evolution of heavy metal pollution aligns with China's socioeconomic development. Prior to the 1950s, heavy metal concentrations were at geochemical background levels, reflecting China's agrarian status. Since the 1950s, the increased heavy metal accumulation may be attributed to intensified human activities linked to rapid urbanization and industrialization. Despite the increase in heavy metal enrichments since the 1950s, Xincun Lagoon currently faces a low ecological risk.