Centennial pollution dynamics and ecological risks of potentially toxic elements in Shenzhen Futian mangrove wetland: Human-driven trends and tidal-level influences.

Authors

Jiali Fang, Yuyao Ou, Fan Zhang, Bigyan Neupane, Kunshan Bao

Published in

Marine pollution bulletin. Volume 233. Issue Pt 1. Pages 120201. Aug 03, 2026. Epub Aug 03, 2026.

Abstract

Urban mangrove wetlands are facing increasing threats from potentially toxic elements (PTEs) derived from industrial and urbanization activities. Reconstructing pollution histories and natural baselines are essential for effective pollution control. However, centennial PTE pollution histories and natural baselines across different tidal levels remain poorly documented. This study reconstructed a high-resolution pollution history of 12 PTEs over the past 120 years from three sediment cores of Futian mangrove wetland in Shenzhen city, South China and systematically assessed contamination characteristics and health risks using an integrated methodology (I_geo, CF, C_d, PLI, E_r, and RI). PTE concentrations exhibited a turning point around 1990 CE, shifting from increasing to declining. Before 1990, regional industrialization drove a continuous rise in PTE concentrations; thereafter, strengthened environmental policies led to a decline However, a resurgence of concentrations for most elements occurred after 2008. Cd was found to be in the slightly to moderately polluted range, with Cd and Cu being the main contributors to pollution and ecological risks. The health risk assessment showed that 86% of samples posed a non-carcinogenic risk to children exceeding the safety threshold, and total carcinogenic risk exceeded the acceptable level for both children and adults, with Cd and As as the main contributors. These findings emphasize that future coastal wetland management should pay special attention to children's health risks associated with exposure to Cd, As, and Cu via sediments. This study provides a scientific basis for mangrove wetland conservation and pollution control, helping to balance regional economic development, ecological security, and public health.

PMID:
42546355
Bibliographic data and abstract were imported from PubMed on 04 Aug 2026.

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