Spatial-Temporal Variations for Pollution Assessment of Heavy Metals in Hengshui Lake of China

A comprehensive analysis of the spatial and temporal variations heavy metals in wetland sediment can delineate changes possible contamination sources, providing valuable conservation strategies for further management. Using pollution index, enrichment factors, potential ecological risk (Cd, Hg, As, Pb, Cr, Cu, Zn) were evaluated Hengshui Lake north China 2005 2020. The results demonstrated that concentrations assessment index most all decreased, with As decreasing (−54.3%), which mainly benefited from implementation a series restoration projects. Although indexes indicated non-pollution status, Hg Cd exhibited medium moderate risk. Especially Cd, related increased by 860.0%, influenced anthropogenic activities. Furthermore, high was distributed nearby regions dense enterprises wastewater overflow zone (i.e., Wangkou sluice, Jizhou Small its causeway). This primarily attributed to discharge industrial Cd-polluted diversion water. These findings necessity continued targeted projects identified sources important could provide insights into control options management Lake.