Distribution characteristics and risk assessment of heavy metals in surface water of the Manas river basin
To better understand the characteristics of heavy metals in the surface water of the Manas river basin,eight heavy metal elements,i.e.,Zn,As,Cr,Cu,Ni,Pb,Cd and Hg,were analyzed.These elements were subjected to various water health risk assessment models and methods,including the single-factor pollution index and the Nemerow comprehensive pollution index which help assess the pollution status,potential risks and possible sources of heavy metals in water bodies.Results revealed that the level of heavy metal content in the study area followed the order Zn>As>Cr>Cu>Ni>Pb>Cd>Hg.Moreover,the heavy metal pollution level in the entire Manas river basin was observed to be low,and the carcinogenic heavy metals Cr,As and Cd were the main water pollutants in the basin.The pollution of Cd,Ni,Cu,Cr,Pb and Zn in the Manas river basin was attributed to human sources in aq-uaculture,agriculture and industrial industries,which were prevalent in the basin.Further,the pollu-tion of As was attributed to the natural sources of soil-forming parent materials.
Manas river basinheavy metal elementshealth riskpossible sources