Assessment of Heavy Metal Pollution in Taihu Lake: A Review

Abstract

Heavy metal contamination and its associated risks in aquatic environments is a worldwide issue. This paper examined the available literature concerning the levels and trends of heavy metals in the water, sediment, and biota of Taihu Lake. It also assessed the extent of pollution and the potential human and ecological risks associated with the frequently detected heavy metals in the sediment and fish. Nineteen trace metals (Al, As, Cd, Ce, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Hg, La, Mn, Ni, Pb, Sb, Se, Sn, Sr, V and Zn) have been detected within Taihu Lake's water, sediment, and biota. The main source of these metals is from the anthropogenic activities occurring in the area surrounding the lake. When compared to other areas of the lake, the northern portion is extremely polluted due to the massive anthropogenic activities in the developed cities nearby. The sediment of Taihu Lake is classified as toxic according to the mean PEC quotients of As, Pb, Cr, Zn, Cu, Hg and Ni. The sediment in Taihu Lake is classified as heavily polluted according to the results from the modified degree of contamination and the Nemerow pollution index. Additionally, the potential ecological risk index indicates that organisms in Taihu Lake are at high risk. More studies are required to compare and also corroborate whether the recent decrease in the absolute values of some of the heavy metals is due to the good management practices adopted lately.