10种典型重金属在八大流域的生态风险及水质标准评价

Concentrations of 10 priority metals were compiled for eight major river basins in China. In addition, toxicology data of metals were collected and validated. The overlapping area and joint probability curve methods were adopted to characterize ecological risk and results were compared to current water quality standards. Copper and zinc were identified as the elements exhibiting the greatest potential to cause adverse effects to aquatic organisms. Current water quality criteria might not be sufficiently protective of aquatic organisms. Conversely, the water quality standards for mercury and nickel were deemed sufficient or even slightly over-protective of aquatic organisms. The ecological risks of selenium, arsenic and antimony were relatively low. Water quality standards were moderately protective for these three elements. It is suggested that current water quality standards should be revised and monitoring should be strengthened in order to provide effective protection for the aquatic ecosystem safety in China.