淮河干流沉积物中多环芳烃分布特征与生态风险评价

为客观描述淮河干流沉积物中多环芳烃(PAHs)含量及分布特征,并为进一步开展生态风险评价和环境综合治理提供科学依据。通过检索文献数据库搜集1980—2010年有关淮河流域PAHs的研究结果,整合分析文献中涵盖淮河干流自上游至下游的35个采样断面沉积物中16种美国国家环保局提出的优先控制PAHs的含量分布,并对其潜在的生态风险进行评价。结果显示,淮河干流沉积物中PAHs平均含量为143.1 ng/g,与国内其他流域沉积物中PAHs含量相比,处于较低水平。淮河干流沉积物中PAHs含量变化幅度较大,在淮南市凤台大桥断面(2007年)含量达到1 293.0 ng/g,淮南市洛河电厂断面(2007年)含量为1 278.0 ng/g,淮南市平圩断面(2006年)PAHs总含量是1 007.7 ng/g,而在蚌埠市韩郢断面(2007年)含量仅为5.4 ng/g,蚌埠市一号码头断面(2007年)含量是6.7 ng/g。对其潜在的生态风险进行评价可以看出,淮河干流沉积物中PAHs平均含量远低于潜在生态风险的效应区间低值(4 022 ng/g),生态风险小于10%,极少产生负面效应。从单一种类的PAHs含量来看,淮河干流沉积物中仅有二苯并(a,h)蒽平均含量(156.5 ng/g)超过风险评价效应区间低值(63.4 ng/g),低于生态风险的效应区间中值(260 ng/g),生态风险在10%~50%之间;苯并(b/k)荧蒽、茚并(1,2,3-cd)芘和苯并(g,h,i)苝没有最低安全值,只要在环境中存在就会对生物有毒副作用,在报告的35个断面中,除外蚌埠市韩郢断面(2007年)、蚌埠市五河县城断面(2004年)、滁州明光市太平乡断面(2004年)和滁州明光市小河头断面(2004年)等4个断面未检出外,其他断面都至少检出一种没有安全低值的PAHs。综述显示,淮河干流沉积物PAHs含量状况总体程度较低,潜在的生态风险较低;但个别断面的单一种类的PAHs含量较高,并且多数断面检测出没有最低安全值的PAHs,应引起重视。     

Levels and Distribution of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in Sediments of Huaihe River and Ecological Risk

为客观描述淮河干流沉积物中多环芳烃(PAHs)含量及分布特征,并为进一步开展生态风险评价和环境综合治理提供科学依据.通过检索文献数据库搜集1980-2010年有关淮河流域PAHs的研究结果,整合分析文献中涵盖淮河干流自上游至下游的35个采样断面沉积物中16种美国国家环保局提出的优先控制PAHs的含量分布,并对其潜在的生态风险进行评价.结果显示,淮河干流沉积物中PAHs平均含量为143.1 ng/g,与国内其他流域沉积物中PAHs含量相比,处于较低水平.淮河干流沉积物中PAHs含量变化幅度较大,在淮南市凤台大桥断面(2007年)含量达到1 293.0 ng/g,淮南市洛河电厂断面(2007年)含量为1 278.0 ng/g,淮南市平圩断面(2006年)PAHs总含量是1 007.7 ng/g,而在蚌埠市韩郢断面(2007年)含量仅为5.4 ng/g,蚌埠市一号码头断面(2007年)含量是6.7 ng/g.对其潜在的生态风险进行评价可以看出,淮河干流沉积物中PAHs平均含量远低于潜在生态风险的效应区间低值(4 022 ng/g),生态风险小于10％,极少产生负面效应.从单一种类的PAHs含量来看,淮河干流沉积物中仅有二苯并(a,h)蒽平均含量( 156.5 ng/g)超过风险评价效应区间低值(63.4 ng/g),低于生态风险的效应区间中值(260 ng/g),生态风险在10％～50％之间;苯并(b/k)荧蒽、茚并(1,2,3-cd)芘和苯并(g,h,i)菲没有最低安全值,只要在环境中存在就会对生物有毒副作用,在报告的35个断面中,除外蚌埠市韩郢断面(2007年)、蚌埠市五河县城断面(2004年)、滁州明光市太平乡断面(2004年)和滁州明光市小河头断面(2004年)等4个断面未检出外,其他断面都至少检出一种没有安全低值的PAHs.综述显示,淮河干流沉积物PA Hs含量状况总体程度较低,潜在的生态风险较低;但个别断面的单一种类的PAHs含量较高,并且多数断面检测出没有最低安全值的PAHs,应引起重视.     

粤北大宝山槽对坑尾矿矿山废水沉积物中重金属形态分布规律研究

目的了解粤北大宝山槽对坑尾矿酸性矿山废水(AMD)中沉积物中部分重金属形态分布规律及其潜在的生态风险。方法于2013年11月15日,利用改进的Tessier分级提取法依次提取沉积物样品中Mn、Ni、Cd、Pb、Zn、Cu的化学形态,运用火焰原子吸收分光光度法测定不同形态的重金属含量,并采用地累积指数(Igeo)对重金属污染状况和生态风险进行评价。结果各种重金属含量的空间分布表现出下层沉积物中的含量高于上层,其中,Mn和Ni污染程度较轻;Cd和Cu污染达到极强水平;各种重金属主要以残渣态形式赋存。按照重金属形态风险评价准则可知,上层沉积物中Mn的生物有效态含量在40%以上,表现出较强的生物可利用性,环境风险高;上层沉积物中Ni和下层沉积物中Cd环境风险中等。结论槽对坑尾矿区AMD沉积物中Cd和Cu污染值得关注,主要来源可能与尾矿矿渣堆的自然淋滤密切相关。     

大气中细颗粒物的污染特征及其生物效应

窄气中的半挥发和不挥发污染物绝大多数吸附在颗粒物上，其中细颗粒物载带污染物的能力最强，且极容易进入呼吸系统并沉积在肺泡，对人体呼吸系统及全身其它器官造成极大危害。空气细颗粒物是由不同来源组成的一种非常复杂的复合型污染物，含有多种有机污染物及过渡金属成分。单一质量浓度已不能说明健康影响问题。我国城市细颗粒物污染严重，本研究以具有复合体系的整体细颗粒物为出发点，选择北京、太原两个不同污染特征的城市，分析了两城市细颗粒物的污染水平及生物效应。结果如下：以美国EPA大气环境质量PM2．5标准，我国环保局PM10、TSP大气质量标准为判断依据，北京、太原的冬季和春季PM2．5、PM10、TSP几乎均超标。相同采样日期PM2．5日均值太原高于北京。太原冬季、北京冬季、北京春季、北京沙尘期间空气中B(a)P浓度分别为5．86，1．09，0．38，0．184(μg／100m^3）。太原冬季、北京冬季超过我国居住区大气B(a)P日均最高允许浓度。空气颗粒物上Pb含量均未超过我国居住区大气Pb标准。北京、太原细颗粒物对肺泡上皮细胞A549具有细胞毒性，500μg／mL基本接近半数致死毒性剂量，200μg／mL可作为体外染毒的最高剂量：细颗粒物5．200μg／mL染毒12，24小时均可引起DNA损伤，并呈现剂量反应及时间效应关系：在早期(2h)可使炎性细胞因子TNF-α、IL-6 RNA表达增加，TNF-α、IL-6蛋白表达随染毒时间2h，12h，24h延长而增加，并呈剂量反应关系。细颗粒物使细胞培养上清中NO含量增加，呈剂量反应关系：细颗粒物未能刺激A549细胞呼吸爆发。     

我国两城市空气细颗粒物PM2.5污染及对肺上皮细胞炎性因子的影响

[目的]比较北京和太原细颗粒物PM2.5污染水平及研究其炎性损伤毒性。[方法]选取我国具有典型污染特征的两大城市太原与北京，采用分级采样器和重量法收集两城市空气中细颗粒物样品，用甲醇超声提取细颗粒物上的B(a)P，硝酸和过氧化氢溶解：Pb，从质量浓度、B(a)P、Pb含量等方面比较分析了两城市细颗粒物污染水平；同时用ELISA及RT-PCR法，测定细颗粒物对人肺泡上皮细胞(A549)产生的炎性因子IL-6、TNF-α表达的影响。[结果]以美国EPA大气环境质量PM2.5标准为参考，PM2.5太原冬季、北京冬季超标率、超标倍数分别为100％，4.23；90．6％，2．62。太原冬季、北京冬季空气中B(a)P浓度分别为5．86，109(μg／100m^3)，均超过我国标准。总之，太原细颗粒物污染高于北京。细颗粒物能引起人肺上皮细胞产生炎性因子IL-6、TNF-α及其mRNA的表达增加，而且呈现剂量．效应关系。[结论]上述两城市的细颗粒物污染严重，并具有一定程度的炎性损伤毒性。     

夏季渤海湾人工鱼礁区多相介质铅的分布特征及其潜在生态风险

目的了解人工鱼礁区铅(Pb)分布特征及潜在生态风险。方法于2014年7月采集渤海湾天津海域人工鱼礁区海水、沉积物和鱼体样本,利用电感耦合等离子体质谱仪(ICP-MS)测定Pb含量,分析其空间分布特征及其潜在生态风险。结果礁区海水Pb含量的范围为0.003~0.024μg/L,平均值为0.008μg/L;沉积物中Pb含量的范围为0.138~0.470mg/kg,平均值为0.273 mg/kg,各监测点位沉积物Pb垂直分布特征为下层中层上层。礁区沉积物Pb潜在生态危害指数属于低生态风险;富集系数属于无~轻的污染程度。礁区鱼体Pb含量范围为0.004~0.519 mg/kg,平均值为0.185 mg/kg;礁区鱼体Pb的生物浓缩系数(BCF)普遍高于生物富集系数(BAF);其健康风险系数远小于1。结论本次调查的渤海湾天津海域人工鱼礁区呈轻度Pb污染,鱼体Pb含量无明显健康风险。     

黄河宁夏段水体中多环芳烃分布特征和生态风险分析

目的 了解黄河宁夏段水体中多环芳烃（PAHs）污染特征和来源并对其进行生态风险评价。方法 于2020年3月份沿宁夏黄河流域采集13个水样，通过气相色谱-质谱联用（GC-MS）分析16种优先控制PAHs的含量，了解其分布特征，通过特征比值法和主成分分析法对PAHs的来源进行分析，并采用风险熵值法进行生态风险评价。结果 ∑PAHs的浓度范围是1 099.82～1 721.67 ng/L，平均浓度为1 353.68 ng/L，以3环、4环PAHs为主。两种来源解析方法表明，水中PAHs主要来源于煤炭等化石燃料的燃烧、生物质燃烧以及交通污染。生态风险评价结果表明，大部分PAHs单体低风险浓度风险熵值（RQNCs）范围在1.06～52.75，可能对水体造成了中等污染；其中Flu、Ba A、Chr的高风险浓度风险熵值（RQMPCs）分别为40.47、4.68、1.32，说明PAHs可能对水体造成了一定的污染，应采取积极的措施治理污染。结论 黄河宁夏段水体中多环芳烃存在一定生态风险，应该积极采取有效措施保护黄河流域生态安全。     

夏季渤海湾人工鱼礁区多相介质铅的公布特征及其潜在生态风险

目的 了解人工鱼礁区铅(Pb)分布特征及潜在生态风险.方法 于2014年7月采集渤海湾天津海域人工鱼礁区海水、沉积物和鱼体样本,利用电感耦合等离子体质谱仪(ICP-MS)测定Pb含量,分析其空间分布特征及其潜在生态风险.结果 礁区海水Pb含量的范围为0.003～0.024 μg/L,平均值为0.008 μg/L;沉积物中Pb含量的范围为0.138～0.470mg/kg,平均值为0.273 mg/kg,各监测点位沉积物Pb垂直分布特征为下层＞中层＞上层.礁区沉积物Pb潜在生态危害指数属于低生态风险;富集系数属于无～轻的污染程度.礁区鱼体Pb含量范围为0.004～0.519 mg/kg,平均值为0.185 mg/kg;礁区鱼体Pb的生物浓缩系数(BCF)普遍高于生物富集系数(BAF);其健康风险系数远小于1.结论 本次调查的渤海湾天津海域人工鱼礁区呈轻度Pb污染,鱼体Pb含量无明显健康风险.     

太湖北部表层沉积物中多环芳烃和多溴联苯醚及多氯联苯的分布和来源及生态风险评价

目的 测定太湖北部表层沉积物中三类持久性有机污染物(POPs)含量并分析它们的来源,并观察其是否具有潜在的生态风险.方法 采用气质联用技术分析了太湖北部贡湖、梅梁湾和竺山湖及湖心区表层沉积物中的16种优控多环芳烃(PAHs),10种多氯联苯(PCBs)和8种多溴联苯醚(PBDEs)的含量水平及分布特征.并采用特征化合物比值法和主成分分析法分别对PAHs和PCBs的来源进行了分析,最后根据沉积物环境质量标准和商值法分别对PAHs和PCBs及PBDEs进行生态风险评价.结果 太湖北部湾沉积物中PAHs、PCBs和PBDEs的含量范围分别为367.81～1 166.79、1.08～3.49和53.55～848.33 ng/g.PAHs和PBDEs的最高含量都出现在竺山湾区域,而PCBs的最高含量则出现在贡湖区域;通过来源分析表明太湖北部湾PAHs主要来自燃烧源,而PCBs呈现以五氯联苯为主的污染特征,其主要来自于油漆等工业产品的添加剂.PBDEs中以BDE-209的含量最大,主要来自阻燃剂的生产和使用;北部湾湖区沉积物中的PAHs和PCBs均低于其毒性评价低值;根据商值法的计算结果,8种PBDEs的商值远小于1.结论 太湖北部湾地区沉积物中的三类POPs不会对该区域的生态环境产生负面影响.     

淀山湖不同水文时期水质变化及与水体中叶绿素a含量的关系

目的通过监测淀山湖不同水文时期水质污染指标及水体中叶绿素a含量水平,评估淀山湖水质富营养化现状并探究不同污染指标对水体藻类生长的影响。方法于2017年1—7月在淀山湖入水、出水和湖中心分别设置5个采样点,采集水样进行主要污染指标及水体中藻类叶绿素a含量的测定。结果水质浊度监测均值为6.37 NTU,pH均值为8.13,高锰酸盐指数(CODMn)均值为3.69 mg/L,达到地表水环境质量标准限定的Ⅲ类水质标准;氨氮和亚硝酸盐氮的监测均值分别为0.92和0.042 mg/L,分别符合地表水环境质量标准限定的Ⅳ和Ⅱ类水质标准;藻类叶绿素a含量的监测均值为10.52 mg/L,明显超过了地表水环境质量标准限定的Ⅴ类水质标准。枯水期和平水期的水质污染指标中除氨氮和亚硝酸盐氮的均值高于丰水期外,其他指标均优于丰水期,水质相对较好。丰水期温度、浑浊度、pH值、化学需氧量(COD)和叶绿素a高于枯水期和平水期,且与枯水期和平水期相比差异有统计学差异(P0.05);丰水期氨氮和亚硝酸盐氮水平低于枯水期和平水期,且丰水期氨氮水平与枯水期和平水期相比差异有统计学差异(P0.05)。藻类叶绿素a含量与水体温度(R=0.511,P0.01)和pH值(R=0.636,P0.01)呈正相关,和亚硝酸盐氮含量呈负相关(R=-0.666,P0.01),而浑浊度(R=0.342,P0.05)、氨氮(R=-0.351,P0.05)、CODMn(R=0.261,P0.05)与叶绿素a无统计学关联。结论淀山湖水体富营养化水平严重,丰水期水体藻类叶绿素a含量显著升高,可能与温度和pH值有关,而与水体中浑浊度、氨氮、亚硝酸盐氮及CODMn没有关联。     

Occurrence,Distribution and Sources of Organochlorine Pesticides (OCPs) in Surface Sediments from the Lijiang River,a Typical Karst River of Southwestern China

The Lijiang River is a typical karst river of southwestern China. Karst-aquifer systems are more vulnerable to contamination compared to other types of aquifers. The occurrence and distribution of organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) in surface sediments from the Lijiang River were investigated to evaluate their potential ecological risks. The total concentrations of them in sediments ranged from 0.80 to 18.73 ng/g dry weight (dw) (mean 6.83 ng/g dw). The residue levels of OCPs varied in the order of HCB > HCHs > DDTs. Compositional analyses of OCPs showed that HCHs and DDTs were mainly from historical usage. The ecological risk assessment suggested that HCHs and DDTs in Lijiang River sediments may cause adverse ecological risks, particularly at sites near agricultural areas.     

Distribution of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in Henan Reach of the Yellow River, Middle China

The distribution and source of 16 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in Henan Reach of the Yellow River, Middle China, has been investigated. summation sigmaPAHs levels ranged from 144.3 to 2361 ng L(-1) in water, from 506.6 to 10,510 ng g(-1) in suspended particulate matters (SPMs) and from 16.4 to 1358 ng g(-1) in sediment, respectively. The compositional profile of PAHs revealed that 2-3-ring PAHs were predominated in water and 2-4-ring PAHs were abundant in SPMs. Whereas the PAHs in sediment were composed mainly of 3-5-ring PAHs. The spatial distribution of PAHs indicated that concentrations of PAHs in water and SPMs in dry season were much higher than those in flooding season. It may be attributed to a high flow rate in flooding season. The ratios of phenanthrene/anthracene (Phe/Ant) and fluoranthene/pyrene (Flua/Pyr) reflected a pattern of pyrogenic input. The potential ecosystem risk assessment indicated that the ecosystem risk of PAHs was relatively low in Henan Reach of the Yellow River.     

Bioaccumulation of Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers by the Freshwater Benthic Amphipod Gammarus pulex

This study reports on the relationship between polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE) levels in water, sediment, and the benthic macroinvertebrate Gammarus pulex, which plays a major ecological role in freshwater ecosystems. Samples were taken in a periurban watershed (near Paris, France), and PBDEs were systematically detected in sediment (≤727 ng g(-1) OC) and G. pulex (≤264 ng g(-1) lipids). PBDEs were also occasionally detected in the water column at low levels (∑ PBDEs < 1.5 ng L(-1)). The log values of bioaccumulation factors were in the range 7.8 ± 0.1-8.3 ± 0.4 L kg(-1) for tetra- and penta-BDEs, which were the only ones quantified in the dissolved phase of river water. Meanwhile, levels of individual tri- to hepta-PBDE congeners in G. pulex generally positively correlated with sediment levels, suggesting an equilibrium situation. Biota-to-sediment accumulation factors (BSAFs) of tri-hepta BDEs were congener specific and were in the range 0.5 ± 0.3-2.6 ± 1.2. For several PBDEs, BSAF values deviated from the expected range, likely because of in vivo metabolism.     

Environmental monitoring and ecological risk assessment for pesticide contamination and effects in Lake Pamvotis, northwestern Greece

Monitoring of pesticide residues in water and sediments was conducted as a basis for subsequent ecotoxicological risk assessment for the shallow eutrophic Lake Pamvotis, northwestern Greece. During a one-year study period, atrazine, desethylatrazine (DEA), simazine, diazinon, malathion, oxamyl, carbofuran, and ethion were detected in water and atrazine, desethylatrazine, diazinon, and s-ethyl dipropylthiocarbamate (EPTC) in sediments, all at ppb concentration level. Temporal variation in pesticide concentrations was observed. Highest residue levels for most pesticides in both water and sediment matrices occurred in the May to July period with the exception of atrazine and DEA, which show highest levels in water during the September to November period. The ecological risk associated with pesticide contamination was assessed using two different methods: The toxic unit method, which provides a first indication of the relative contribution of detected pesticides to the total toxicity and a probabilistic approach, and the inverse method of Van Straalen and Denneman, which is used to quantify the ecological risk. The maximum percentage of the ecological risk was 10.3 and 51.8% for water and 17.2 and 70.6% for sediment, based on acute and chronic level, respectively. These results show that pesticides exert a significant pressure on the aquatic system of Lake Pamvotis, especially for the chronic-effect level. Simple quotient methods should be coupled with higher-tier risk assessment, especially if restoration activities on lake ecosystems are to be undertaken for sustainable development.     

PCBs in Samples from the Environment of the Southern Moravia Region,Czech Republic

The determination of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in water, sediment and fish samples from the Czech Republic was carried out using high resolution gas chromatography with electron capture detection. PCBs concentrations in water and sediment samples were rather low and corresponded with the findings from some prior studies. On the other hand, investigated samples of fish tissue were highly contaminated (on average 1.3–266 ng/g fat for individual PCBs), thus, a continuing contamination of fish species with PCBs was proved.     

Integrated fate modeling for exposure assessment of produced water on the Sable Island Bank (Scotian shelf, Canada)

Produced water is the largest waste discharge from the production phase of oil and gas wells. Produced water is a mixture of reservoir formation water and production chemicals from the separation process. This creates a chemical mixture that has several components of toxic concern, ranging from heavy metals to soluble hydrocarbons. Analysis of potential environmental effects from produced water in the Sable Island Bank region (NS, Canada) was conducted using an integrated modeling approach according to the ecological risk assessment framework. A hydrodynamic dispersion model was used to describe the wastewater plume. A second fugacity-based model was used to describe the likely plume partitioning in the local environmental media of water, suspended sediment, biota, and sediment. Results from the integrated modeling showed that the soluble benzene and naphthalene components reach chronic no-effect concentration levels at a distance of 1.0 m from the discharge point. The partition modeling indicated that low persistence was expected because of advection forces caused by tidal currents for the Sable Island Bank system. The exposure assessment for the two soluble hydrocarbon components suggests that the risks of adverse environmental effects from produced water on Sable Island Bank are low.     

Contaminants of Concern in Dutch Marine Harbor Sediments

The status of the contamination of Dutch marine harbor sediments was reevaluated after a period in which emissions from point sources had been greatly reduced. Data on sediment chemistry from 1999 and 2000 were assessed against screening levels (SLs) selected from available sediment quality guidelines and representing a low probability of adverse biological effects. This yielded a ranking of the environmental hazard of 22 contaminants.Most of the sediments were silty material; every year 15 to 25 million m³ of such material is dredged from Dutch harbors. Some 34% of the volume exceeded one or more SLs. The contaminants of concern were tributyltin (TBT), mineral oil (petroleum hydrocarbons), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), and mercury. The PCB and mercury contamination is the legacy of historic inputs; the TBT and mineral oil contamination is related to present-day shipping activity. Concentrations of trace metals, rare earth elements, organochlorine pesticides, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were low and apparently of minor environmental concern. It is concluded that the risk assessment would be improved by laboratory testing of adverse biological effects.     

Distribution and Risk Assessment of Antibiotics in a Typical River in North China Plain

We evaluated the occurrence and distribution of 12 antibiotics from the sulfonamide (SAs), fluoroquinolone (FQs) and tetracycline (TCs) groups in the Weihe River, North China. The total antibiotic concentrations in surface water, pore water, and sediment samples ranged from 11.1 to 173.1 ng/L, 5.8 to 103.9 ng/L, and 9.5 to 153.4 μg/kg, respectively. The values of the sediment-water partitioning coefficient in the Weihe River varied widely, from not detected to 943, 2213, and 2405 L/kg for SAs, FQs, and TCs, respectively. The values of the partitioning coefficients between sediment and surface water were generally lower than those between sediment and pore water, which indicated ongoing inputs to the water. The risk assessment showed that there were relatively high ecological risks to aquatic algae in this area from sulfamethoxazole, norfloxacin, tetracycline, ofloxacin, and ciprofloxacin.     

Effect-based methods in combination with state-of-the-art chemical analysis for assessment of water quality as integrated approach

Complex mixtures of chemicals in waste and finally in surface water may pose a risk to the environment and also to human health. This contamination of surface water cannot be addressed with chemical analysis alone. Tools are required to detect and assess these micropollutants which might cause adverse effects. Effect-directed analysis (EDA) with effect-based methods in combination with state-of-the-art chemical analysis can meet this challenge. The present paper summarizes and outlines current experiences with analytical tools and bioassays as integrated approach for assessment of water quality. The need for a holistic and solution-oriented procedure of water quality monitoring is described. To integrate and evaluate existing information about toxicity pathways, which are essential for the EDA approach, the adverse outcome pathway (AOP) concept is useful and recommended. An integration of AOP concept in water quality assessment and further requirements are discussed.     

Preliminary Risk Assessment of Trace Metal Pollution in Surface Water from Yangtze River in Nanjing Section,China

In order to investigate the contamination levels of trace metals, surface water samples were collected from six regions along Yangtze River in Nanjing Section. The concentrations of trace metals (As, B, Ba, Be, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Pb, Li, Mn, Mo, Ni, Sb, Se, Sn, Sr, V and Zn) were determined using inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-AES). Total concentrations of the metals in the water samples ranged from 825.1 to 950.4 μg/L. The result was compared with international water quality guidelines. Seven metals levels were above the permissible limit as prescribed by guidelines. A preliminary risk assessment was then carried out to determine the human health risk via calculating Hazard Quotient and carcinogenic risk of the metals. Hazard Quotients of all metals were lower than unity, except As. The carcinogenic risk of As and Cd was higher than 10⁻⁶, suggesting that those two metals have potential adverse effects on local residents. An erratum to this article can be found at