Contamination Features and Source Apportionment of Heavy Metals in the River Sediments around a Lead-Zinc Mine: A Case Study in Danzhai, Guizhou, China

The spatial patterns, ecological risks, and sources of heavy metals (HMs), including Pb, Zn, Mn, Cu, Cd, Hg, As in river sediments, were identified around a lead-zinc mine Danzhai, Guizhou, China. concentrations selected HMs their coefficient variations indicated that the sediments this typical obviously contaminated with HMs. Anthropogenic activities had further enhanced accumulation higher contents most common mainly distributed area close to mine. Based on combined evaluations single factor pollution index, geo-accumulation potential risk it risks Pb high or extremely high, slight none It was found mining smelting activities, coal agricultural (livestock poultry breeding) are primary HMs, based results correlation analysis together principal component (PCA) positive matrix factorization (PMF) model. predominantly caused by activities. Therefore, for environmental persistence, should be given careful consideration under surveillance.