Characterization, pollution, and beneficial utilization assessment of dredged sediments from coastal ports in China

China, the world's largest dredging nation with over 2 billion cubic meters dredged annually, urgently needs tailored strategies for reusing those dredged sediments based on their physicochemical traits and pollution levels. The properties (grain size, pH, density, and conductivity), nutrient contents (organic matter, N, P, K), and heavy metal risks (Cu, Pb, Zn, Cr, Cd, Ni, Hg, As) of dredged sediments were investigated across 14 ports in China. Notably, 80 % of dredged sediments in China coastal ports are composed of silt. Significant variations in organic matter, nutrients, and heavy metals concentrations were observed. Environmental indices (m-ERM-Q < 0.5, I_geo < 1 and PERI <150) indicate sediment-associated nutrients & heavy metals pose low environmental risks, except for Cd and Hg, which are potential pollution concerns. This research offers insights into tailored strategies for managing dredged sediments and proposes resource utilization approaches, including wetland restoration, for practical application in China.