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Purpose <p>The exchange of heavy metals (HMs) between the water column and sediments is mainly controlled by adsorption–desorption processes, which are strongly affected by sediment physicochemical properties. This study investigated surface sediments from the Yangtze Estuary to clarify the spatial distribution of HMs and their relationships with sediment properties.</p> Materials and methods <p>Surface sediments were collected from the Yangtze Estuary and analysed for HMs, grain-size composition, nutrient contents, mineral composition, surface functional groups, zeta potential, and specific surface area (SSA). Pearson correlation analysis and Bayesian network (BN) modelling were used to identify metal–sediment relationships and potential adsorption-related associations.</p> Results and discussion <p>Zn, Cu, and Pb were strongly associated with fine-grained particles and total nitrogen, indicating preferential accumulation in nutrient-rich fine sediments. In contrast, As was negatively correlated with clay and TN, suggesting constrained adsorption under similar conditions. Cr and Cd showed weak relationships with grain size and nutrient parameters, implying stronger influences from localised inputs. BN results further indicated that Zn, Cu, and Pb were closely related to clay minerals, surface functional groups, and SSA, whereas Cd was associated with carbonates. Cr and As showed potential associations with Fe-bearing phases, although As retention may also be affected by electrostatic repulsion and estuarine environmental factors.</p> Conclusion <p>This study provides new insights into microscale metal–sediment interactions in estuarine sediments and supports improved ecological risk assessment in the Yangtze Estuary.</p>

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Spatial distribution and microscale adsorption mechanisms of heavy metals in sediments of the Yangtze Estuary

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2026年7月7日

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  • Mengxin Xue,
  • Yinghao Huang,
  • Fei Lou,
  • Min Wu

摘要

Purpose

The exchange of heavy metals (HMs) between the water column and sediments is mainly controlled by adsorption–desorption processes, which are strongly affected by sediment physicochemical properties. This study investigated surface sediments from the Yangtze Estuary to clarify the spatial distribution of HMs and their relationships with sediment properties.

Materials and methods

Surface sediments were collected from the Yangtze Estuary and analysed for HMs, grain-size composition, nutrient contents, mineral composition, surface functional groups, zeta potential, and specific surface area (SSA). Pearson correlation analysis and Bayesian network (BN) modelling were used to identify metal–sediment relationships and potential adsorption-related associations.

Results and discussion

Zn, Cu, and Pb were strongly associated with fine-grained particles and total nitrogen, indicating preferential accumulation in nutrient-rich fine sediments. In contrast, As was negatively correlated with clay and TN, suggesting constrained adsorption under similar conditions. Cr and Cd showed weak relationships with grain size and nutrient parameters, implying stronger influences from localised inputs. BN results further indicated that Zn, Cu, and Pb were closely related to clay minerals, surface functional groups, and SSA, whereas Cd was associated with carbonates. Cr and As showed potential associations with Fe-bearing phases, although As retention may also be affected by electrostatic repulsion and estuarine environmental factors.

Conclusion

This study provides new insights into microscale metal–sediment interactions in estuarine sediments and supports improved ecological risk assessment in the Yangtze Estuary.