Spatial and seasonal characteristics of dissolved heavy metals in the seawater of Beibu Gulf, the Northern South China Sea

Heavy metal contaminations in the marine environment are of considerable attention because their high potential ecological effects and public concern for human health. However, influencing factors large-scale distributions heavy metals Beibu Gulf, a newly developing industry port South China, still unclear due to lack investigation. Here, total 871 samples 127 stations seawater Gulf during spring, summer, fall winter 2020-2021 were analyzed dissolved concentrations physicochemical parameters. The ranked following order Zn > Cu Cr As Pb Hg Cd. Compared other regions, at relatively higher levels, which mainly influenced by input transportation water masses from local regions; whereas lower levels. Seasonally variations observed gulf, is activities (i.e., shipping mariculture activities) seasonally hydrological conditions. Seasonal changes spatial distribution have been found gulf. occurred coastal bays or areas summer offshore three seasons. This related seasonal that affect exhibits dominant contribution current northern west-Guangdong SCS risk index revealed main factor contamination gulf seems be noticeable. study highlights greatly affecting