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<p>Sediment samples collected from small agricultural and recreational ponds surrounding a coal-fired power plant in Mississippi, USA, were evaluated to determine trace-element concentrations and contamination status. Sediments were collected from two depth intervals (2–5 and 8–12&#xa0;cm) to assess vertical variations in trace-element accumulation. Following acid digestion, As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Pb, Hg, and Zn concentrations were determined by ICP-MS and evaluated using background concentrations, sediment quality guidelines, contamination factor (CF), pollution load index (PLI), geoaccumulation index (Igeo), and the Hakanson ecological risk index (RI). Samples collected north (downwind) of the facility exhibited the highest average trace-element concentrations, consistent with a potential influence of prevailing wind direction on contaminant distribution. Pollution and ecological risk indices likewise indicated substantially greater contamination at downwind locations (CF = 0.82–76.33, PLI = 0.58–9.05, Igeo = 6.5–11.5, average RI = 1,519) than at other sampling sites (CF = 0.79–18.21, PLI = 0.60–4.53, Igeo = 6.6–9.5, average RI = 164). Although additional anthropogenic and natural sources may contribute to the observed contamination patterns, the results identify localized hotspots of trace-element enrichment and ecological risk surrounding the facility. By focusing on small, privately owned agricultural and recreational ponds, an environmental setting that has received comparatively little attention, this study provides new baseline data for the southeastern United States and improves understanding of localized contaminant accumulation and potential exposure pathways in rural landscapes.</p>

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Trace element accumulation and ecological risk in agricultural and recreational pond sediments near a coal-fired power plant

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2026年7月25日

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  • Charles Bills,
  • Varun G. Paul,
  • Prashan M. Rodrigo,
  • Todd E. Mlsna

摘要

Sediment samples collected from small agricultural and recreational ponds surrounding a coal-fired power plant in Mississippi, USA, were evaluated to determine trace-element concentrations and contamination status. Sediments were collected from two depth intervals (2–5 and 8–12 cm) to assess vertical variations in trace-element accumulation. Following acid digestion, As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Pb, Hg, and Zn concentrations were determined by ICP-MS and evaluated using background concentrations, sediment quality guidelines, contamination factor (CF), pollution load index (PLI), geoaccumulation index (Igeo), and the Hakanson ecological risk index (RI). Samples collected north (downwind) of the facility exhibited the highest average trace-element concentrations, consistent with a potential influence of prevailing wind direction on contaminant distribution. Pollution and ecological risk indices likewise indicated substantially greater contamination at downwind locations (CF = 0.82–76.33, PLI = 0.58–9.05, Igeo = 6.5–11.5, average RI = 1,519) than at other sampling sites (CF = 0.79–18.21, PLI = 0.60–4.53, Igeo = 6.6–9.5, average RI = 164). Although additional anthropogenic and natural sources may contribute to the observed contamination patterns, the results identify localized hotspots of trace-element enrichment and ecological risk surrounding the facility. By focusing on small, privately owned agricultural and recreational ponds, an environmental setting that has received comparatively little attention, this study provides new baseline data for the southeastern United States and improves understanding of localized contaminant accumulation and potential exposure pathways in rural landscapes.