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The effects of human activities on heavy metal distributions and fractionation in sediments from villages around Baiyangdian Lake (BYDL), North China, were assessed. The concentrations of Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, and Zn in sediments from five villages were determined, and the potential ecological risk index, risk assessment code, and Chironomus sp. larvae toxicity assay were used to assess the bioavailabilities and toxicities of the metals. The contribution of Cd to the potential ecological risk was 45.13-89.53%, the highest among the heavy metals investigated. The contributions of Cd, Pb, and Zn in the non-residual fractions to the total concentrations were 66.23-90.57%, 18.31-96.28%, and 8.89-76.84%, respectively, which indicated that these metals had important anthropogenic sources and were very bioavailable. The mean risk assessment codes decreased in the order of Cd (49.82%) > Zn (20.95%) > Cu (9.35%) > Pb (6.88%) > Ni (4.85%) > Cr (0.30%), and the toxicity of Cd and Zn to biota around BYDL is of concern. The mean survival rate of Chironomus sp. larvae in sediments from Dizhuang village was 44.02%, which indicated that there was a high degree of heavy metal toxicity, particularly in waterways around the village. Carboxylesterase and superoxide dismutase analysis results indicated that heavy metals could markedly increase or decrease enzyme activities in Chironomus sp. larvae. Overall, the results indicated that heavy metal pollution in villages around BYDL should be taken into consideration for its ecological management., (© 2022. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Nature Switzerland AG.)

Suspended particulate matter (SPM) is a major source of contamination in urban rivers as it serves as a carrier for pollutants, such as heavy metals. In this study, the Beiyun River, northern China, was used as a case study to determine the characteristics of SPM-associated heavy metal spatial distribution, to evaluate the potential ecological risks and identify heavy metal sources. The concentrations of seven heavy metals and other associated indicators (TC, TN, TP, and OM) were measured at 12 sites and analyzed by Pearson correlation (PC) and principal component analyses (PCA). The average concentrations of Cr, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Cd, and Pb were 70.72, 27.88, 31.35, 115.70, 27.77, 0.23, and 29.62 mg/kg, respectively, with significant spatial differences occurring between some elements. Igeo values established the ranked order of heavy metal pollutant concentrations in SPM as As > Cd > Zn > Cu > Pb > Cr > Ni. [Formula: see text] analysis demonstrated that the ranked order of potential ecological risk from the seven metals was Cd > As > Cu > Pb > Ni > Cr > Zn. Potential ecological risk index (RI) results confirmed the high potential ecological risk in the study area. Among the measured heavy metals, Cd represented the highest pollution risk, as shown by its highest [Formula: see text] value. Correlation analysis (CA) showed that Zn had a strong correlation with Cu and Pb. Significant positive correlations were found between TC, TN, TP, and Cu. Three element pairs, Zn-Cd, Cr-Cu, and Cr-Ni, were also found to have strong correlations. Zn, Cu, and Ni were mainly introduced by human activities including urban industrial sewage discharge (such as metallurgy and electroplating industrial wastewater), agricultural drainage, and landfill wastewater, while Cr mainly originated from natural processes like mineral weathering and atmospheric precipitation. This information on the concentration, risk, and sources of SPM in Beiyun River provides an important reference for the reduction of heavy metal pollution in SPM in a typical river in the Haihe River Basin (China)., (© 2022. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature.)

A new approach for the extraction of organic phosphorus (Po) from freshwater sediments, which can be used in solution 31 P nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy ( 31 P NMR), has been developed and optimized. This approach addresses three important factors for sediment extraction: pH, organic matter (OM), and paramagnetic ions. We classified the sediments according to the pH, OM, and paramagnetic ions (acidic: pH < 7, alkaline: pH > 7; low OM: OM < 100 g·kg -1 , high OM: OM > 100 g·kg -1 ; non-calcareous: Ca/(Fe + Al) < 0.5, calcareous: Ca/(Fe + Al) > 0.5). The 0.25 and 0.5 mol·L -1 NaOH were optimum concentration for acidic and alkaline sediment extracted, respectively. The ratio of sediment to extraction remains at 1:10 (w:v) which exhibited higher extraction efficiency compared with 1:5 and 1:20 for both low and high OM sediments. Use of 25 mmol·L -1 and 50 mmol·L -1 ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) was optimal for Po extraction from non-calcareous and calcareous sediments, respectively. A useful extraction ratio table was developed through systematic orthogonal experiment. This new approach will allow 31 P NMR to be more efficiently used for freshwater Po analysis and will help answer questions regarding to the fate and function of Po in freshwater sediments., (© 2021. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany, part of Springer Nature.)

The Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region is China's cultural and political center. Rapid social and economic development has led to serious water pollution in this region. A comprehensive investigation of mercury (Hg) pollution in riverine sediments was carried out in a typical irrigation area in this region. The results show that the total Hg levels in the surface sediments of the Duliujian River Network (DRN) ranged from 0.169 to 1.391 mg kg -1 , with an average of 0.528 mg kg -1 . The Hg levels at most of the sample points were higher than the background. The Hg fractions were categorized as exchangeable (B1), reducible (B2), oxidizable (B3), and residual (B4). The Hg was mainly present in the B4 fraction (0.439 mg kg -1 , on average). The order of the average percentage of different fractions of Hg was B4 > B3 > B2 > B1. A risk assessment using total Hg showed that the potential ecological risk in each section of the DRN ranged from 80.4 to 662 (average = 263). A risk assessment using Hg speciation showed that the average risk for B1 was 3.28%. Because the potential ecological risk is very high, more attention should be given to this risk in the management of the river. This research also provides theoretical support for the study of Hg in the developed area of the agricultural irrigation canal. The information obtained in this study could be used to develop effective management strategies to control Hg pollution in the DRN.

Water samples and sediments from Liangzi Lake were taken and used to study the vertical distribution characteristics of nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) in both the overlying and pore water. Fluxes of ammonia (NH 4 + -N) and phosphate (PO 4 3- -P) were calculated using a one-dimensional transport-reaction model based on Fick's First Law. The results showed that the mean NH 4 + -N and NO 3 - -N concentrations in the overlying water of Liangzi Lake were 2.59 and 0.46 mg L -1 , respectively. The mean PO 4 3- -P concentrations were lower than the detection limit. Both N and P displayed peaks at the sediment-water interface. For example, the mean concentration of ammonia in pore water in the surficial layer (0-5 cm) was 4.29 ± 2.74 mg·L -1 , which was twice than that of the overlying water. Two PO 4 3- -P vertical profile regimes were identified; one had a gradually increasing trend, while the other first increased and then decreased. The mean orthophosphate concentration in the pore water of the surface layer (0-5 cm) was 0.01 ± 0.01 mg·L -1 . The spatial distribution of ammonia flux values was highly heterogeneous. Using these data, the annual load contribution of autochthonous ammonia was calculated to be 481 t a -1 . Studying N and P pollution and fluxes in the lakes of urban drinking water sources facilitates the provision of protection measures.

To control pollutants in rivers, we need to have an understanding of the spatial and temporal variations on nutrients and environmental processes in complex river networks. In this study, 177 sampling sites were located in Jinjiang River in 2017, 15 monitoring stations in Jinjiang River from 2011 to 2016 were also collected. According to the data from the monitoring station, the total phosphorus (TP) and total nitrogen (TN) were the dominant contaminants. By analyzing historical water quality data and up-to-date information about the nutrient concentrations, the secondary canals of the Jinjiang River system, most of which were black and odorous, were much more seriously polluted than the main channel and tributaries. Correlation analysis indicated that the NH 3 , CODcr, TN, and TP had similar sources (R 2 NH3-CODcr  = 0.572, R 2 NH3-TN  = 0.543, R 2 NH3-TP  = 0.537, p < 0.01). The vertical banks of urban rivers and the inadequate and poorly maintained pipe network systems promote deterioration of water quality in these secondary canals. Overall, our results suggest that the river water quality could be improved if the municipal pipe network systems were better maintained and if the vertical banks were transformed into vegetated buffer strips. This study will support initiatives to improve the water quality and function of the river network ecosystem.

The phosphorus (P)-buffering ability of suspended particulate matter (SPM) from the Ziya River Mainstream (ZRM) and the Luanhe River (LR) of northern China was investigated in this study. Forty samples of SPM from the ZRM and LR were collected in October and November of 2016. The ZRM has slow flow and poor water quality, while the LR has fast flow and reasonably good water quality. Under a scanning electron microscope, the SPM from the ZRM had a more complex microstructure than that from the LR, perhaps because of the slower flow and heavier pollution in the ZRM. P fractions in both SPM and water samples were determined using standard measurement and testing program methods. The equilibrium P concentration was used to determine the influence of SPM on soluble reactive P (SRP) concentrations. These SRP fractions were used to evaluate the P-buffering intensity of the two rivers. Differences in SPM microstructure resulted in the SPM from ZRM having a stronger P-buffering ability than the LR, making SPM an effective vector for SRP. Anthropogenic activities likely contributed to the differences in both microstructures of the SPM and P-buffering intensity of the rivers. A conceptual model was developed to show how anthropogenic activities influence the P-buffering intensity of the two rivers. As far as we know, this is the first time that the P-buffering intensity has been compared between two rivers that have been severely impacted by anthropogenic activities. Our findings provide an important reference for similar rivers worldwide.

To help us control pollution caused by urban runoff, we need to understand how particulate matter in storm runoff contributes to the total pollutant load. In this study, we collected samples from ten sites along on the banks of an urban river during five rainfall events. We determined the grain size and phosphorus (P) forms in the particulate matter to assess how much P there was in storm runoff. The results showed that the particles were mostly medium-sized, and particles with a diameter of less than 850 μm but greater than 150 μm accounted for 50% of the total particulate matter. The average particulate P concentration, at 298.7 mg/kg, was high and was mostly organic P (Po), which had an average concentration of 134.64 mg/kg. The concentrations of the different P forms varied with particle size. The main fraction in the large-sized grains was acid-extractable inorganic P (Pi), while Po and alkalinity-extractable Pi dominated in medium- and small-sized particles. Overall, our results illustrate that, by enhancing the control of particulate matter in storm runoff, P, and in particular Po, inputs to urban rivers can be reduced.

Solution 31 P nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy ( 31 P-NMR) is a useful method for analyzing organic phosphorus (P o ). Unfortunately, the extraction conditions, which are highly alkaline and require long extraction times, make this analysis less effective. In this research, according to the lability of orthophosphate monoesters (mono-P o ) and orthophosphate diesters (diesters-P o ), we verified the hypothesized overestimation of mono-P o in lake sediment using solution 31 P-NMR. We set three scenes to redistribute the mono-P o and diesters-P o . Six components, including eight mono-P o species, were detected in the NaOH-EDTA extracts of sediment samples using 31 P-NMR. The results showed that mono-P o (212.7 mg kg -1 ) was the dominant P o in the surface sediment. In the three scenes, mono-P o decreased from 212.7 to 112.0 mg kg -1 , and diesters-P o increased from 31.9 to 132.7 mg kg -1 . The ratio of mono-P o to diesters-P o increased from 6.7 to 0.8. Therefore, we deduced that the concentration of mono-P o was overestimated, while that of diesters-P o was underestimated, in most research because of the high pH and long extraction process. Diesters-P o might be an important labile P source during the P "exhausted" period.

The Haihe Basin extends over 318,000 km 2 or 3.3% of the total area of China, has a population of over 120 million, and is one of China's most polluted river basins. We investigated the pollution and risks from mercury (Hg) in surface riverine sediments of this basin and found that total Hg concentrations in surface sediments ranged from 0.001 to 1.05 mg/kg and averaged 0.054 mg/kg. Using the modified European Community Bureau of Reference standard method, we found that the exchangeable/acid-soluble, reducible, oxidizable, and residual fractions of Hg accounted for 9.86, 6.54, 11.0, and 72.6% of total Hg, respectively. The riverine sediments in the Da Qing He watershed had the highest anthropogenic enrichment of Hg (enrichment factor >1.5). There was a high potential ecological risk from Hg in the riverine sediments in the upper reaches of the Bei San He and Da Qing He watersheds, the middle reaches of the Luan He and Hei Long Gang watersheds, and the lower reaches of the Zi Ya He watershed. Comparison with risk assessment code showed that the riverine sediments in the Da Qing He, Luan He, and Tu-Hai Ma-Xia He watersheds represented a medium risk, with 16.6, 11.9, and 11.8% of Hg in the exchangeable/acid-soluble fraction, respectively.

Comprehensively characterizing and assessing the sediment quality in freshwater ecosystems based on the condition of the nutrients in eastern China was urgent. The distribution and concentration of nutrients were investigated; meanwhile, sediment quality guidelines (SQGs), organic pollution index (OPI), and organic nitrogen index (ONI) were used to assess the sediment quality. Total phosphorus (TP), total nitrogen (TN), and total sulfur (TS) concentrations in sediment samples were 48.4, 72.5, and 89.5% higher than the soil background value, respectively. In terms of the Ontario SQGs, 41.8 and 74.7% of sediment samples were severely polluted by TP and TN, respectively. The Haihe, Yangtze, and Pearl River Basins were much more severely contaminated than other basins. TN pollution was much more severe than TP pollution in all basins. The Haihe, Huaihe, and Pearl River Basins were seriously contaminated according to the OPI and ONI. On temporal scale, the TP and TN significantly increased since 1980s because of the social and economic development in eastern China. For most severely contaminated basins, TN contamination was higher than TP contamination, and concentrations of TN and TP continuously increased from 2007 to 2016, which ranged from 2.06 to 2.51 g/kg, and 1.02 to 1.22 g/kg, respectively, in the Haihe River Basin. This trend will continue without effective control. The freshwater sediment quality in eastern China revealed urgent attention.

The aquatic environment is affected by heavy metal pollution. This study was conducted to test the hypothesis that environmental factors and anthropogenic activities influence the distributions and the risks posed by heavy metals in surface sediments in shallow lakes in eastern China, which is an area affected by rapid urbanization, industrialization, and population growth. Total Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, Se, and Zn concentrations in sediment samples were determined using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry. The I geo showed that sediments in the lakes were moderately polluted with Cr, Cu, Pb, and Zn, and the EF method showed that Cd and Se were significantly enriched in lakes. The heavy metals were found to pose moderate risks in most of the lakes, except for Gaoyou Lake, Honghu Lake, Poyang Lake, and Weishan Lake. The RI method indicated that very high risks were posed in Dongting Lake and Poyang Lake. Cd was found to pose much higher levels of risk than the other metals. Significant correlations were found between the heavy metal concentrations and the total carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, and sulfur concentrations. The gross domestic product represented anthropogenic activities well. The gross domestic product of an area and the gross domestic products of primary and secondary industries in an area all had significant relationships with the concentrations of Cu and Pb, indicating that anthropogenic activities have different impacts on pollution with different heavy metals. The gross domestic product index was found to be a driving force behind the pollution of lakes with heavy metals.

A comprehensive analysis of heavy metal speciation, risk, and bioavailability in the sediments of three rivers in northern China (Shaocun River (SR), Wangyang River (WR), and Xiao River (XR)) was conducted. The results showed that higher pollution input resulting from urbanization and industrialization caused higher heavy metal contents and bioavailable proportion in the studied sediments. Total contents of all studied metals (Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, and Zn) in the sediments of SR, WR, and XR were 270.31, 902.62, and 2367.46 mg/kg, respectively. The average percentages of bioavailable fractions were 31.16, 61.73, and 81.69 %, respectively. Cr, Ni, and Pb were all mainly observed in the B4 (residual) fraction in the studied sediments, with an average percentage of 42.03, 48.19, and 55.08 %, respectively. Cu was mainly observed in the B2 (reducible) fraction (40.53 %). Zn was mainly observed in the B1 (exchangeable/acid soluble/carbonate) fraction (36.01 %), resulting in medium or high risk associated with Zn in the sediments of SR, WR, and XR. Sedimentary heavy metal risk and bioavailability associated with regional urbanization and industrialization should be taken into consideration with respect to the health of aquatic ecosystems.

The concentration partitioning between the sediment particle and the interstitial water phase plays an important role in controlling the toxicity of heavy metals in aquatic systems. The aim of this study was to assess the sediment quality in a polluted area of the Ziya River, Northern China. The contamination potential and bioavailability of six metals were determined from the concentrations of total metals and the bioavailable fractions. The results showed that the concentrations of Cr, Cu, Ni, Zn, and Pb exceeded the probable effect concentration at several sites. The high geoaccumulation indices showed that the sediments were seriously contaminated by Cd. The ratio of acid-volatile sulfide (AVS) to simultaneously extracted metal (SEM) was higher than 1, which indicated that the availability of metals in sediments was low. The risk assessment of interstitial waters confirmed that there was little chance of release of metals associated with acid-volatile sulfide into the water column. Values of the interstitial water criteria toxicity unit indicated that none of the concentrations of the studied metals exceeded the corresponding water quality thresholds of the US Environmental Protection Agency. Positive matrix factorization showed that the major sources of metals were related to anthropogenic activities. Further, if assessments are based on total heavy metal concentrations, the toxicity of heavy metals in sediment may be overestimated.

Pore water plays a more significant role than do sediments in pollutant cycling dynamics. Also, concentrations of pollutants in pore water provide important information about their bioavailability or eco-toxicity; however, very few studies have focused on this topic. In this study, four duplicate sediment cores from three typical northern bays as well as the central part of Taihu Lake were collected to investigate the distribution, diffusive fluxes, and toxicity of heavy metals and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in pore water profiles, which will be good in understanding the mobility and toxicity of these toxic pollutants and achieving better environmental management. The diffusive fluxes of heavy metals across the sediment-water interface was estimated through Fick's First Law, and the toxicity of heavy metals and PAHs in pore water was assessed by applying a water quality index (interstitial water toxicity criteria unit, IWCTU) and a hazard index (HI), respectively. The average concentrations of Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, and Zn in surface pore water were 18.8, 23.4, 12.0, 13.5, and 42.5 μg L -1 , respectively. Also, concentrations of the selected heavy metals in both overlying water and pore water from Taihu Lake were all lower than the standard values of the environmental quality standards for surface water. The concentrations as the pore water depth increased, and the highest detected concentrations of heavy metals were recorded between 3 and 5 cm below the sediment surface. The average diffusive fluxes of these metals were 27.3, 24.8, 7.03, 7.81, and -3.32 μg (m 2 day) -1 , respectively, indicating export from sediment into overlying water, with the exception of Zn. There was a potential risk of toxicity, mainly from Pb and Cu, indicating that heavy metals in pore water had slight to moderate impact on sediment-dwelling organisms by values of the IWCTU and the Nemeraw index. The total PAH concentrations in pore water were higher than those in overlying water, and such gradient implies a potential flux of PAHs from pore water to overlying water. The average HI value of PAHs in surface pore water showed no or low ecological risk. While there may be occasional risk due to the HI values in some sites being greater than 1, the dominant contributors were carcinogenic PAHs. Because of their potential biological impact, heavy metals and PAHs and their comprehensive toxic effects in pore water should be given priority attention to keep the safety of Taihu Lake.

Phosphorus (P) is an essential nutrient for aquatic organisms. However, too much P discharged into limnetic ecosystems can induce eutrophication. The concentration of P in freshwater ecosystems has escalated in Eastern China due to overuse of fertilizer and excess emission of sewage, which is the result of the development of industry and agriculture in this area. However, little is known about the P characteristics and its environmental factors in river systems. Here, we present the results of P characterization and its relationships with environmental factors in Eastern China by applying SMT and (31)P-NMR methods. The results showed that the concentrations of P in surface sediments varied with the river system, and more than 50 % of the samples had P concentrations exceeding 500 mg kg(-1). HCl-Pi was the dominant Pi in surface sediments, with the highest percentage (96.5 %) in the Yellow River System. Mono-P was the dominant Po in river sediments, followed by DNA-P. The PCA approach indicated that NaOH-Pi and ortho-P clustered in one group, with a second group including mono-P, diesters-P, and HCl-Pi. Phon-P and pyro-P belonged to different groups. On a regional scale, NaOH-Pi and Po showed a negative relationship with pH in sediments. Continuous eutrophication was induced by the presence of dams, and oxygen-consuming pollutants, such as NH3-N and CODcr, even when external P input was cut in heavily polluted rivers. The research revealed the characteristics of P in different river systems and proposed a conceptual model of P biogeochemical cycles in heavily polluted rivers. Results from this study may provide insight into P characteristics in Eastern China and would set a scientific basis for effective P management in developing countries.

The aim of the study was to estimate the impact of oxygen depletion on macroinvertebrate community structure in benthic space. Macroinvertebrate assemblages and potential of dissolved oxygen (DO) consumption were investigated simultaneously in the plain rivers of the Ziya River Basin. The degree of DO depletion was represented by sediment oxygen demand (SOD) and DO, chemical oxygen demand (CODCr), and ammonia nitrogen (NH4 (+)-N) in the overlying water. The results showed an all-around hypoxia environment formed, and the values of DO, SOD, CODCr, and NH4 (+)-N were separately 0.11-4.03 mg L(-1), 0.41-2.60 g m(-2) day(-1), 27.50-410.00 mg L(-1), and 1.79-101.41 mg L(-1). There was an abnormal macroinvertebrate assemblage, and only 3 classes, Insecta, Gastropoda, and Oligochaeta, were found, which included 9 orders, 30 families, and 54 genera. The biodiversity was at a low level, and Shannon-Wiener index was 0.00-1.72. SOD, and NH4 (+)-N had major impact on the macroinvertebrate community, and the former had negative effect on most taxa, for instance, Nais, Branchiura, Paraleptophlebia, etc., which were sensitive or had a moderate-high tolerance to pollution. NH4 (+)-N had both positive and negative impacts on benthic animals, for instance, Dicrotendipes, Gomphus, Cricotopus, etc., for the former, and Procladius, Limnodrilus, Hippeutis, etc., for the latter. They all had a moderate-high tolerance to pollution. It is significant to improve DO condition and macroinvertebrate diversity in river harnessing and management.

Sediment oxygen demand (SOD) is a critical dissolved oxygen (DO) sink in many rivers. Understanding the relative contributions of the biological and chemical components of SOD would improve our knowledge of the potential environmental harm SOD could cause and allow appropriate management systems to be developed. A various inhibitors addition technique was conducted to measure the total, chemical, and biological SOD of sediment samples from 13 sites in the Ziya River watershed, a severely polluted and anoxic river system in the north of China. The results showed that the major component of SOD was chemical SOD due to iron predominate. The ferrous SOD accounted for 21.6-78.9 % of the total SOD and 33.26-96.79 % of the chemical SOD. Biological SOD represented 41.13 % of the overall SOD averagely. Sulfide SOD accounted for 1.78-45.71 % of the total SOD and it was the secondary predominate of the chemical SOD. Manganous SOD accounted for 1.2-16.6 % of the total SOD and it was insignificant at many sites. Only four kinds of benthos were collected in the Ziya River watershed, resulting from the low DO concentration in the sediment surface due to SOD. This study would be helpful for understanding and preventing the potential sediment oxygen depletion during river restoration.

In Eastern China, wetlands are common in the lower reaches of catchments or in coastal zones. Wetlands are at risk from eutrophication because of the large quantities of phosphorus (P) they receive from rivers. They are also decreasing in size. In this contribution, we present information about the composition of P in wetland soils, obtained using the Standards, Measurements, and Testing (SMT) protocol and (31)P-nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. Average P concentrations varied in the different wetland soils and, in four of the five wetlands sampled, exceeded 500 mg∙kg(-1). HCl-inorganic P (Pi) was the main Pi fraction in wetland soils. The percentage contribution of Pi (89.7 %) to total P was the highest in the Yangtze River estuary wetland. Six P components were detected by (31)P-NMR analysis. Mono-P was the main organic P (Po) in wetland soils. Orthophosphate (Ortho-P) was positively and negatively related to NaOH-Pi (R (2) = 0.957, p < 0.001) and HCl-Pi (R (2) = -0.689, p < 0.001), respectively. Orthophosphate monoesters (Mono-P) were positively related to Po (R (2) = 0.617, p < 0.001) and ortho-P (R (2) = 0.624, p < 0.001), respectively. The main Po component was Mono-P, and it may be mineralized to ortho-P under the frequently changing redox conditions in wetland soils. The information from this study will support the development of robust scientific and effective policy for P management in wetlands.

Dissolved oxygen (DO) microprofiles of prepared sediments from 24 sampling sites in the Fuyang River were measured using a gold amalgam microelectrode in this study. The measured microprofiles can be divided into four types. In type I profiles, DO kept constant in the overlying water and decreased smoothly in the pore water; in type II profile, DO showed fluctuation in the pore water; in type III profiles, DO showed peak in the SWI; in type IV profiles, DO decreased obviously in the overlying water. Type I profiles indicated the absence of benthic organisms and thus the degradation of the sediment habitat. Type II and III profiles indicated the activity of benthic animal and epipelic algae, which is common in the healthy aquatic sediment. Type IV profiles indicated that the excessive accumulation of pollutants in the sediment and thus the serious sediment pollution. There are nine sites showing type I profile, three sites showing type II profile, nine sites showing type III profile, and three sites showing type IV profile in the Fuyang River. The dominance of type I and appearance of type IV indicated that sediment oxygen consumption processes in the Fuyang River were strongly influenced by the sediment pollutants release and the vanish of benthic organisms. The pharmacy, metallurgy, and curriery industries may contribute to the sediment deterioration and thus to the occurrence of type I and type IV oxygen profiles in the Fuyang River.

Information about the chemical composition of phosphorus (P) in sediment is critical for understanding P dynamics and eutrophication in lake ecosystems. Eutrophication as a result of P pollution still persists so we chose to determine the P characteristics of sediments from ten lakes of different trophic status and the relationships between P fractions and environmental factors. The results show that the Standards, Measurements and Testing (SMT) method combined with (31)P-nuclear magnetic resonance ((31)P-NMR) can efficiently show the P characteristics of sediment. Phosphorus concentrations in sediments decreased as the trophic status of the lake improved. Inorganic P (Pi) was the dominant form of total P (TP) in most of the lake sediments and was mainly comprised of HCl-Pi, a stable Pi fraction. Results of (31)P-NMR analysis show that the extracts were dominated by ortho-P (36.4-94.8%) and mono-P (4.0-36.2%), with smaller amounts of diester-P (.6-23.1%), pyro-P (.2-4.4%), and phon-P (.3-.7%). Analysis of the relationships between the P composition and the trophic status of the lakes indicated that the bioavailability of P forms has an influence on the surface water trophic conditions and the health of aquatic ecosystems.

The Hai River Basin (HRB) is considered to be one of the most polluted areas in China due to the high regional population density and rapid economic development. The estuaries of the HRB, which receive pollutants from terrestrial rivers, may subsequently suffer potential pollution and result in ecological risk of heavy metals. Six heavy metals (Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, and Zn) were measured in estuarine surface sediments from 10 estuaries of the HRB to investigate their variation characteristics and ecological risks. The spatial difference of Cr, Ni, Pb, and Zn in sediments was higher than that of the rest two elements. The Yongdingxin Estuary (YDX) and Ziyaxin Estuary (ZYX) in the Northern Hai River System (NHRS) were the most severe in terms of heavy metal contamination. According to the Risk Assessment Code (RAC) classification, Cd associated with the exchangeable and carbonate fraction (the average of 21.3 %) indicated medium risk to high risk. More than 50 % of Cr, Cu, Ni, and Zn on average were associated with the residual fraction. Based on the sum of the first three fractions (exchangeable and carbonate + reducible + oxidizable), the mobility order of these heavy metals was Cd >Pb > Zn ≈ Cu > Ni > Cr. Compared to the background values of cinnamon soil, the potential ecological risk index (RI) values ranged from 25.6 to 168, with an average of 91.2, indicating a low ecological risk in estuarine sites of the HRB. Cd and Pb were the dominant contributors to the toxic-response factor (45.8 and 25.5 %, respectively). The results give insight into the different control measures pertaining to heavy metal pollution and risk for both relatively clean estuaries and urban seriously polluted areas, respectively, for the formation of protect strategies of aquatic environment in the HRB.

The distributions and mobilities of metals in pore water strongly influence the biogeochemical processes and bioavailabilities of metals at sediment-water interfaces. Heavy metal concentrations were measured in pore water samples from the Shaocun River (SR), the Wangyang River (WR), and the Xiao River (XR), tributaries of the Ziya River system, northern China. The aim was to assess heavy metal contamination in the system and the associated environmental risks. The mean Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, and Zn concentrations in all three tributaries were 0.373, 57.1, 37.7, 20.4, 14.0, and 90.6 μg/L, respectively. The calculated Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, and Zn diffusion fluxes in the rivers were -0.427 to 0.469, -71.8 to 42.5, 3.16 to 86.6, 5.29 to 14.0, 7.24 to 19.0, and -204 to 21.9 μg/(m(2) day), respectively, showing that the pore water was a source of most of the metals to the water column. Only Cu and Pb in the XR and Cu in the WR exceeded the final chronic value recommended by the US Environmental Protection Agency, but the metals in the WR sediment could have caused toxic effects. These results are likely to be useful to the authorities responsible for sustainable river management.

Studies of nitrogen mineralization and diagenetic status of organic matter evaluated by total hydrolysable amino acids (THAAs) were designed to test the hypothesis that nitrogen mineralization in sediments was a potential source of ammonium in strongly artificially disturbed rivers such as the Ziya River watershed. Ammonium and organic nitrogen in both water and sediment samples were the major forms of nitrogen in the watershed. NH3-N was significantly correlated with organic nitrogen in both water (R = 0.823, P < 0.01) and sediments (R = 0.787, P < 0.01). Organic nitrogen with an average content of 3,275.21 ± 1,476.10 mg · kg(-1), accounted for 82.73 % of total nitrogen (TN) in sediments. Organic nitrogen was a potential source of ammonia release into overlying water. Nitrogen mineralization experiments showed that accumulated dissolved inorganic nitrogen ranged from 326.15 to 545.72 mg · kg(-1) and accumulated NH3-N ranged from 320.95 to 533.93 mg · kg(-1). Most of the mineralized nitrogen was NH3-N ( approximately 98.17%) and mineralized nitrogen in sediments ranged from 6.20 to 22.10% of TN. Twenty amino acids were detected, accounting for 45.70 % of organic nitrogen. Protein amino acids, accounting for 89.22% of THAAs, were the dominant THAAs in sediments. The ratio of L-glutamic acid to γ-aminobutyric acid and degradation index showed that the organic matter was poorly degraded and presented a high potential risk of ammonium mineralization.

Oxygen penetration is a key determinant of sediment nitrification rates. In this study, we analyzed the effect of oxygen penetration on the sediment nitrification rate based on sediment oxygen profiles. Six sediments were designed to produce different oxygen profiles by adding different amounts of silica gel to the collected river mud. The oxygen profiles in the sediment were detected using a voltammetric microelectrode. With increased mud content, the sediment oxygen penetration depth decreased from 8.3 to 2.6 mm, and the oxygen concentration in the overlying water and at the sediment-water interface also showed a decreasing trend. The measured nitrification rate displayed a quadratic pattern that changed with the increase in mud content. Based on the detected oxygen profiles, the nitrification rate at each depth was calculated and summed to obtain the bulk sediment nitrification rate. The bulk sediment nitrification rate showed a consistently changing pattern with the measured rate. Oxygen profiles used to calculate nitrification rates could be approximated by the penetration depth (δ). The resulting nitrification model based on δ could explain the limiting role of oxygen penetration in sediment nitrification.

Previous research has revealed that agricultural intensification in the Chao Lake Valley since the 1980s has led to significant heavy metal and phosphorus (P) contamination of estuarine sediments in this region. However, the pore water plays a more important role than do sediments in the cycling of nutrients and metals in estuarine ecosystems. Average concentrations of Cd, Cr, Ni, Pb, and P in the pore water of estuarine sediments were 0.634, 3.11, 4.98, 3.98, and 49.9 μg L(-1), respectively. Average diffusive fluxes of these elements from the pore water to overlying water were -0.015, 0.058, 0.768, -0.238, and 20.0 μg m(-2) d(-1), respectively. Compared with similar studies, the values of heavy metal fluxes were low, indicating minimal diffusion between sediments and overlying waters; however, P diffusion from the sediment pore water to overlying water was high, indicating that the sediments may be a direct source of P to overlying water. Since P is a major cause of algal blooming in agricultural estuaries of Chao Lake, the obtained results could be useful in developing effective management strategies to control pollution in the Chao Lake Valley.

The competition for water resources between humans and river ecosystems is becoming ever more intense worldwide, especially in developing countries. In China, with rapid socioeconomic development, water resources to maintain river ecosystems are progressively decreasing, especially in the Hai River Basin (HRB), which has attracted much attention from the Chinese government. In the past 56 years, water resources have continuously decreased in the basin, such that there is 54.2 % less surface water now compared with then. Water shortages, mainly due to local anthropogenic activities, have emerged as the main limiting factor to river ecological restoration in the HRB. However, the South-to-North Water Diversion Project, the largest such project in the world, presents a good opportunity for ecological restoration of rivers in this basin. Water diverted from the Danjiangkou Reservoir will restore surface water resources in the HRB to levels of 30 years ago and will amount to more than 20 billion m(3). Our findings highlight the fact that water resources are crucial for river ecological restoration.

Sediment plays a key role in controlling the oxygen demand of aquatic systems. The reaction rate, penetration depth, and flux across the sediment-water interface (SWI) are important factors in sediment oxygen consumption. However, there were few methods to collect these data until recently. In this study, methods were developed to simulate the oxygen microprofile and calculate the sediment oxygen consumption rate, oxygen penetration depth, and oxygen flux across the SWI. We constructed a sediment oxygen measuring system using an oxygen microelectrode and a control device. The simulation equations were derived from both zero and first-order kinetic models, while the penetration depth and the oxygen flux were calculated from the simulation results. The method was tested on four prepared sediment samples. Decreases in dissolved oxygen in surface sediment were clearly detected by the microelectrode. The modeled data were a good fit for the observed data (R (2) > 0.95), and zero-order kinetics were more suitable than first-order kinetics. The values for penetration depth (1.3-3.9 mm) and oxygen fluxes (0.061-0.114 mg/cm(2)/day) calculated by our methods are comparable with those from other studies.

River eutrophication could drastically influence the phosphorus (P) in the water and sediment. To understand the biogenic-P species, distribution and bioconversion, five sediment samples were collected from an artificial river, and analyzed by phosphorus-31 nuclear magnetic resonance ((31)P-NMR). The P pollution in the water and sediment were both severe. The average concentrations of total P (TP) and solution reactive phosphorus in the water were 3.0 and 2.6 mg L(-1), respectively, which surpass grade V of the national quality standard (China) and should not be used for any purpose. The river sediments accumulated significant inorganic phosphorus (Pi) and organic phosphorus (Po); in the P fractionation, the rank order of the P fractions was as follows: Ca-P > NaOH-Pi > Res-P > KCl-P > NaOH-Po, with average relative proportions of 25.1:16.8:6.6:1.7:1:0. Six P compounds were detected in the NaOH-EDTA extract by (31)P-NMR. Mono-P (8.96-29.58 %) was the dominant forms of biogenic-P, and other smaller fractions of biogenic-P were also observed, including pyro-P (0.22-0.86 %), DNA-P (0.75-2.03 %), phon-P (0-1.57 %), and lipids-P (0-2.66 %). The TP and biogenic-P decreased along the direction of flows, with their average relative proportions 7.97:1.20:1.49:1.00:1.00 and 40.87:2.34:3.46:1.60:1 from the upstream to downstream, respectively. The concentration and species of Po in NaOH-Po were lower than found in (31)P-NMR analysis in this research. Thus, the use of 0.25 M NaOH and 50 mM EDTA extracts and solution (31)P-NMR analysis was a more accurate method for quantifying biogenic-P in the river sediments than P fractionation.