Ecological risk, health risk assessment, and pollution source analysis of Xinli Lake wetland based on triangular...

Wetland environmental pollution has become a global problem involving the ecological environment and human health. This study measured the concentration of seven potentially toxic elements (PTEs Hg, Cd, Zn, Cu, Cr, Pb, and As) in the soil upstream of the Xinli Lake wetland in China. Based on the fuzzy theory, the sources, spatial distribution, ecological risks, and health risks of pollutants are studied. The result shows that the concentrations of the seven potentially toxic elements are close to or exceed the background value, and their spatial distribution showed irregular changes. The soil upstream of the wetland has not been seriously polluted, and Cd, which has higher bioavailability, is the priority element for ecological risk. Pollutants do not harm human health; children face higher health risks; Pb and As have the highest carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risks, respectively. Zn, Cu, Cr, Pb, and As in the study area are derived from agricultural activities, while Hg and Cd are mainly affected by soil-forming parent materials. Attention should be paid to controlling the intensity of agricultural activities to avoid excessive input and accumulation of pollutants that would harm the ecological environment and human health.