Sources, seasonal variability, ecological and health risk of potentially toxic elements in size-fractionated sediment from the national capital territory of the Delhi segment of the Yamuna River

Article Type

Research Article

Publication Title

International Journal of River Basin Management

Abstract

Potentially toxic element (PTE) contamination in seasonal, size fractionated surface sediments of the Yamuna River across the Delhi segment is examined. Mean concentrations of Pb (39.9–83.8 mg/kg), Cr (37–78 mg/kg), and Cu (3.1–39.6 mg/kg) followed a general seasonal trend of winter > summer > monsoon, while Mn (344–477 mg/kg) and Co (5.8–10.3 mg/kg) peaked in the summer, indicating physicochemical and hydrological control on element accumulation. Several ecological risk frameworks were employed to evaluate spatiotemporal contamination levels. Pb and Cr posed moderate contamination (summer > winter > monsoon). Fine fraction (<53 µm) showed higher PTE accumulation, exhibiting 1.2–2.5 times greater enrichment than the bulk fraction (<2 mm). Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and correlation analyses indicated both geogenic and anthropogenic contributions, including inputs from industrial discharge, domestic wastewater, urban runoff, and weathering. Risk assessments showed negligible non-carcinogenic risk (Hazard Index (HI) ranges from 3.94E-04 to 3.39E-02) but highlighted potential carcinogenic risks associated with Ni (ILCRtotal-10−5) and Cr (ILCRtotal -10-4–10-5), particularly through ingestion and dermal exposure. The results underscore the need for element-targeted remediation and integrated watershed management to mitigate trace element loading and associated ecological and public health impacts in this critical urban river system.

DOI

10.1080/15715124.2025.2601734

Publication Date

1-1-2025

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