Anthropogenic Gd in urban river water

As an emerging contaminant, rare earth elements (REEs) are becoming environmental concern, especially in Chinese cities. This study investigated the distribution of REEs river water and tap samples Guiyang, Southwest China. In all samples, concentrations total dissolved REE (∑REE) ranged from 15.1 to 53.3 ng·L–1, with heavy enriched than light elements. Most showed significant positive Gd anomalies, highest abnormal value calculated be 29.23. The main reason for anomalies was found release medical wastewaters containing Gadopentetic acids (Gd-DTPA). Overall, anthropogenic could contributed >60% waters waters. Because Gd-DTPA is commonly used large hospitals, results this implied that common