[Spatiotemporal Distribution and Source Analysis of Heavy Metals in Surface Sediments in Lake Ulansuhai Based on PCA-APCS-MLR Model].

To explore the spatial and temporal distribution characteristics of heavy metals in the surface sediments of lakes in cold regions during ice-sealing and non-ice-sealing periods, we analyzed the potential ecological risk degree and the pollution sources. A total of 20 sampling sites in Lake Ulansuhai in cold regions were collected from 2020 to 2021, and 120 surface sediment samples were collected during different periods. The contents of As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, Zn, and Hg were determined. Correlation analysis, principal component analysis, and the absolute factor score-multiple linear regression (APCS-MLR) receptor model were used to trace the source of heavy metal pollution. The results showed that:① the distribution of heavy metals in lake surface sediments was different between the ice-sealing period and the non-ice-sealing period. The distribution of heavy metals during the ice-sealing period was higher in the north and lower in the south. Cd and Hg were mainly distributed in the central and southern lakes during the non-glacial period. ② Hg, Cd, and As were moderately polluted, and Ni was mildly polluted in the surface sediments of the lake. The overall performance was at a high risk level, and the pollution level during the non-ice-sealing period was higher than that during the ice-sealing period. The main environmental risk factors were Hg and Cd, which showed high risk and moderate risk, respectively. ③ The sources of heavy metals in lake surface sediments were mainly industrial sources from mining and transportation, agricultural sources, and natural sources. As, Ni, Pb, and Hg were mainly affected by industrial sources, with contribution rates of 62.67%, 75.31%, 77.47%, and 80.11%, respectively. The main sources of Cu and Zn were natural sources, and Cd was greatly affected by agricultural sources. The contribution rate was 81.57%. The source of Cr was mainly affected by natural factors, and the influence of human activities and unknown sources require further attention.

Influence of environmental factors on changes in the speciation of Pb and Cr in sediments of Wuliangsuhai Lake, during the ice-covered period.

Ecological pollution caused by heavy metals released from sediments is a worldwide concern. However, the effect of changes in sediment speciation on their release of heavy metals has not been adequately reported. In this study, the research focused on Pb and Cr in the ice period of Wuliangsuhai. This study analyzed changes in the sediment speciation of Pb and Cr before and after a release experiment using four risk assessment methods while varying the temperature, pH, and salinity of the water column. The results indicated that the total concentration of Pb ranged from 11.17 to 24.25 mg/kg, while for Cr it ranged from 42.26 to 69.68 mg/kg. Both elements exhibited mild contamination. The release of Pb and Cr from sediments increases with increasing water temperature, mainly due to the conversion of the residual fraction of Pb to the Fe-Mn oxide fraction and Cr converting more residual fraction to the organic matter and sulfide fraction. The release of sediment Pb and Cr decreased with increasing pH, with Pb converting more acid extractable fraction to the residual fraction and Cr converting more organic matter and sulfide fraction to the residual fraction. In contrast, the release of Pb and Cr increased and then decreased with increasing salinity. For Pb, the acid extractable fraction was more susceptible to conversion to the residual fraction by environmental influences, whereas for Cr, the organic matter and sulfide fraction were susceptible to conversion to the residual fraction.

Distributions of total mercury and methylmercury and regulating factors in lake water and surface sediment in the cold-arid Wuliangsuhai Lake region.

This study aimed to understand the occurrence of mercury in the water environment of typical cold and arid lakes and the regulating environmental factors. Water and surface sediment samples were collected from July to August, 2022 in the Wuliangsuhai Lake region for the analysis of total mercury (THg) and total methylmercury (TMeHg). Lake water THg and TMeHg ranged between 19.20 ~ 668.10 and 0.10 ~ 11.40 ng/L, respectively, exceeding China's environmental quality standards and contents of other lakes and reservoirs in China and other areas. Surface sediments showed lower mean THg and TMeHg of 261.85 and 0.18 µg/kg, respectively, with the former significantly exceeding the background value of Inner Mongolia and unpolluted natural lakes but lower than those of lakes affected by human factors, such as aquaculture. Sediments showed relatively low methylation and TMeHg (0.01-0.21%) concentrations. Correlation analysis identified salinity, total dissolved solids, conductivity, and redox potential as important factors affecting mercury speciation in water, whereas those in surface sediments were organic matter, pH, and total iron content. This study conducted preliminary research on the different species of Hg in Wuliangsuhai Lake water environment, which can provide scientific evidence for the specific treatment of Hg pollution in agriculture, or industry and other related fields. Our results suggest that upstream and downstream regulatory agencies should strengthen the regulation of agricultural and industrial production, moderately reduce human activities, and reduce the use of mercury-rich substances such as pesticides.