Characteristics of nutrients pollution and ecological risk assessment of heavy metal in sediments of Fenhe River, Taiyuan section, China

Abstract This study aimed to reveal the characteristics of nutrients and heavy metals associated with ecological risks in sediments Fenhe River, Taiyuan section. The concentrations (total nitrogen, total phosphorus, organic matter) (As, Cu, Zn, Pb, Cr, Ni, Hg, Cd) were investigated. Spatial distribution, correlation analysis source identification facilitated indicate nutrient metal pollution characteristics. Evaluations metals’ contamination degree achieved by comprehensive risk indexes including Igeo, Iin, Cf, load index index. results showed that accumulated middle region mainly from embryophyte, zooplankton phytoplankton or algae, based on C/N values. Large spatial variabilities existed distribution patterns; for revealed they natural sources anthropogenic activities a principal component model. Results different Hg was rated as moderate but significant contamination, higher region.