Abstract
Comment
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Oral or Poster
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IACS
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C05 - Cryospheric biogeochemical cycles and environmental effects
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Natural and anthropogenic factors exacerbating mercury contamination in the Qilian Mountain Rivers: A threat to water resources
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1. Junming , Guo*, Key Laboratory of Cryospheric Science and Frozen Soil Engineering,Northwest Institute of Eco-Environment and Resources,Chinese Academy of Sciences
2. Xiwen , Miao, Key Laboratory of Western Chinas Environmental Systems (Ministry of Education),College of Earth and Environmental Sciences,Lanzhou University
3. Shiwei , Sun, Key Laboratory of Cryospheric Science and Frozen Soil Engineering,Northwest Institute of Eco-Environment and Resources,Chinese Academy of Sciences
4. Zhengzheng , Yang, Key Laboratory of Western Chinas Environmental Systems (Ministry of Education),College of Earth and Environmental Sciences,Lanzhou University
5. Shichang , Kang, Key Laboratory of Cryospheric Science and Frozen Soil Engineering,Northwest Institute of Eco-Environment and Resources,Chinese Academy of Sciences
6. Yulan , Zhang, Key Laboratory of Cryospheric Science and Frozen Soil Engineering,Northwest Institute of Eco-Environment and Resources,Chinese Academy of Sciences
7. Qianggong , Zhang, Key Laboratory of Tibetan Plateau Earth System,Environment and Resources,Institute of Tibetan Plateau Research,Chinese Academy of Sciences
8. Tanuj , Shukla , Key Laboratory of Cryospheric Science and Frozen Soil Engineering,Northwest Institute of Eco-Environment and Resources,Chinese Academy of Sciences
9. Yujiao , Zhao, Key Laboratory of Cryospheric Science and Frozen Soil Engineering,Northwest Institute of Eco-Environment and Resources,Chinese Academy of Sciences
10. Jie , Huang, Key Laboratory of Cryospheric Science and Frozen Soil Engineering,Northwest Institute of Eco-Environment and Resources,Chinese Academy of Sciences
*Presenting Author
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The Qilian Mountains function as a vital ecological barrier in western China, and examining environmental contaminants within this region is pivotal for safeguarding its ecological integrity. However, there is a notable lack of knowledge regarding mercury (Hg) concentrations in river waters and the associated environmental risks in this region. To evaluate the magnitude of Hg pollution, we collected 84 river water samples from six river basins within the Qilian Mountain region for comprehensive Hg analysis. The average total Hg (THg) and total methylmercury (TMeHg) concentrations in the river waters were 25.74 68.84 ng/L and 0.25 0.43 ng/L, respectively. Our findings reveal that THg and TMeHg primarily exist in particulate form and were significantly influenced by total suspended particulate (TSP) matter, contributing 86% and 47% of the THg and TMeHg variance. When considering interactions, the explanatory power of anthropogenic activities in combination with TSP for MeHg soars to 72%. Ecological risk assessments indicate that the Heihe River basin poses the highest ecological risk, with nearly half of the sites within this basin exhibiting chronic medium risk. Given escalating urban pollution, the risks of Hg exposure in this region may further intensify in the future.