Suspended particulate matter affects the distribution and migration of heavy metals in the Yellow River

• Published in: The Science of the total environment Vol. 912; p. 169537
• Main Authors: Liu, Xiaozhu, Sheng, Yanqing, Liu, Qunqun, Li, Zhaoran
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Netherlands Elsevier B.V 20-02-2024
• Subjects: Bioavailability; Distribution and migration; Heavy metals; SPM; Yellow River; SPM; Bioavailability; Heavy metals; Distribution and migration; Yellow River
• ISSN: 0048-9697; 1879-1026
• DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.169537

Suspended particulate matter (SPM) is an important heavy metal transporter in water. As a well-known high-SPM river, its impact on the distribution and migration of heavy metals in the Yellow River (YR) deserves special attention. In this study, the spatial distributions of heavy metals in surface water and SPM of the YR were investigated. The results indicate that the concentrations (dissolved and particulate phases) and bioavailability (particulate phase) of most heavy metals were higher during the rainy season than during the dry season. A considerable proportion of heavy metals (>70 %) was transported by SPM and fine particles (clay) controlled the pollution status of heavy metals in the YR. This could lead to higher heavy metal concentrations in the SPM midstream and downstream during the rainy season and higher heavy metal concentrations in upstream during the dry season. Heavy metal adsorption experiments showed that specific combination methods (such as binding with carbonate) between Cd and SPM may cause SPM to act as a source of Cd midstream and downstream. This study provides a new perspective on the effects of SPM on heavy metal distribution and migration in the YR.
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•Heavy metals in the surface water were evaluated as low contamination level.•The SPM in the YR was the most severely polluted by Cd and As.•Fine particles (clay) control the pollution status of heavy metals in the SPM.•Over 70 % of heavy metals in the YR were transported by SPM.