Objective To assess the overall pollution status of selected segments of the Shaying River and to provide reference for health assessment in this area.
Methods This study collected samples of river water and sediment of selected Shaying River segments, as well as soil samples of BG Village and HS Village in both a flooding season and a dry season. The river water quality was evaluated by water quality index (WQI). The ecological hazards of sediment and soil were assessed to estimate the potential ecological risk index.
Results The river water quality of three selected sections were all in level 6 (WQI 10.0-100.0) for both the flooding season and the dry season. For the river sediment samples, the potential ecological risk indices of mercury in the three selected sections were the highest (145.520, 154.267, 135.573), indicating strong ecological risk (80-160). For the soil samples, the potential ecological risk indices of mercury in the BG Village was 182.253, indicating very strong ecological risk (160-320), and that of the HS Village was 138.463, indicating strong ecological risk (80-160).
Conclusion The findings suggest severe water pollution in the selected sections of the Shaying River, both in flooding season and dry season. The content of mercury in soil and sediment significantly exceed the national standard with estimated high ecological risk.
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