Trace element distribution, sources, toxicity risk characteristics associated with lacustrine groundwater discharge in boreal lakes: Implications for the eco-environmental security in the Yellow River Basin, China

Xu Yang; Shen Qu; Juliang Wang; Yuanzhen Zhao; Xiaohui Ren; Shaogang Dong; Ruihong Yu

Ecological Indicators (Oct 2024)

Trace element distribution, sources, toxicity risk characteristics associated with lacustrine groundwater discharge in boreal lakes: Implications for the eco-environmental security in the Yellow River Basin, China

Xu Yang,
Shen Qu,
Juliang Wang,
Yuanzhen Zhao,
Xiaohui Ren,
Shaogang Dong,
Ruihong Yu

Affiliations

Xu Yang: Inner Mongolia Key Laboratory of River and Lake Ecology, School of Ecology and Environment, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot 010021, China
Shen Qu: Inner Mongolia Key Laboratory of River and Lake Ecology, School of Ecology and Environment, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot 010021, China; Corresponding authors.
Juliang Wang: Inner Mongolia Key Laboratory of River and Lake Ecology, School of Ecology and Environment, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot 010021, China
Yuanzhen Zhao: Inner Mongolia Key Laboratory of River and Lake Ecology, School of Ecology and Environment, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot 010021, China
Xiaohui Ren: Inner Mongolia Key Laboratory of River and Lake Ecology, School of Ecology and Environment, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot 010021, China; College of Desert Control Science and Engineering, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot 010018, China
Shaogang Dong: Inner Mongolia Key Laboratory of River and Lake Ecology, School of Ecology and Environment, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot 010021, China
Ruihong Yu: Inner Mongolia Key Laboratory of River and Lake Ecology, School of Ecology and Environment, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot 010021, China; Corresponding authors.

Journal volume & issue: Vol. 167
p. 112600

Abstract

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Although the pollution of trace elements has been extensively studied, there is still a lack of comprehensive understanding regarding accumulation of these elements in lake ecosystems within the Yellow River basin, specifically the effects of lacustrine groundwater discharge (LGD) on trace elements. This study investigated the distribution, sources, and toxicity risks associated with 20 target trace elements (i.e., Li, Sc, Ti, V, Mn, Cr, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Rb, Y, Mo, Sb, Ba, W, Tl, Pb, U and Sr) in lake water (LW), groundwater (GW), and river water (RW) influenced by the LGD process in lake Ulansuhai and lake Daihai. The natural source is the primary contributor of trace elements in both LW and GW within the two lake basins, while industrial discharge plays a secondary role. The average LGD fluxes in lake Ulansuhai and Daihai basins were 6.39 × 105 m3/d and 1.07 × 105 m3/d, respectively. Additionally, the trace element fluxes from LGD in lake Ulansuhai (mean of 106,659.37 g/d) exceeded those observed in lake Daihai (mean of 3236.57 g/d). The overall toxicity risk was found to be higher in lake Ulansuhai (LW (17.36) > RW (16.81) > GW (12.76)) compared to lake Daihai (GW (10.43) > LW (9.10) > RW (4.63)). As well as the toxicity levels of trace elements in lake Ulansuhai were elevated compared to Daihai, which can be attributed to the influenced of ion compositions and water nutrients. Among them, Ca2+, Mg2+, and SO42+ were identified as key ions impacting the toxicity of trace elements in lake Ulansuhai. These findings provide crucial insights for targeted monitoring and mitigation of trace element pollution in the Yellow River basin’s lake ecosystems.

Published in Ecological Indicators

ISSN: 1470-160X (Print); 1872-7034 (Online)
Publisher: Elsevier
Country of publisher: United Kingdom
LCC subjects: Science: Biology (General): Ecology
Website: https://www.sciencedirect.com/journal/ecological-indicators

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