Rare earth elements in sediments from a representative Chinese mariculture bay: Characterization, DGT-based bioaccessibility, and probabilistic ecological risk.

ABSTRACT

Rare earth elements (REEs) are emerging contaminants due to their worldwide exploitation in the high-technology sector. Aquaculture systems, particularly those located within coastal areas, are fragile ecosystems due to anthropogenic impacts regarding urban and aquaculture activities. However, to date, there are no reports on the combined toxicity of rare earth element (REE) mixtures on aquatic biota in sediments from coastal aquaculture systems. In this study, the combined toxicity of REE mixtures based on probabilistic risk assessment indicated that the surface sediments of Zhelin Bay had a 1.86% probability of toxic effects on aquatic biota. The average value of total REEs (TREEs) was 297.37 µg/g, with light REEs representing the major part. A factor analysis (FA)-geographic information system (GIS)-based approach coupled with correlation analysis (CA) revealed that the REEs are derived from anthropogenic sources through fluvial processes.