Heavy metals distribution, risk assessment and water quality characterization by water quality index of the River Soan, Pakistan.

Highlights: [•] EF and I geo were used to determine metals enrichment in sediment, River Soan. [•] Cd, Zn and Pb enrichment were more in sediments. [•] RI revealed moderate ecological risk in the suspended sediment samples. [•] WQI suggests water quality was good during the pre-monsoon season. [•] Cd, Zn and Pb threats to aquatic ecosystem should not be ignored. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]