Distribution characteristics of heavy metals in surface sediments of alkaline lake in Plateau

Hamatai lake represents important saline and alkaline resource in sandy land of Inner Mongolia plateau. In this study, the pollution degrees of heavy metals (Cu, Zn, Pb, Cd, Cr, Ni, Mn, As) in sediments of Hamatai Lake were analyzed, based on the national soil background value and the soil background value of Inner Mongolia, and single factor and potential ecological risk index. The results showed that the concentrations of heavy metals (Cu, Zn, Cu, Pb, Cd, Cr, Ni, Mn, As) were 15.22, 33.16, 5.32, 0.80, 61.60, 16.40, 286.50, 20.21 mg kg-1, respectively. Among them, the contents of Cd in eight samples went beyond the soil background value of Inner Mongolia, the national soil background value and the screening value. Meanwhile, Cd had the highest potential ecological risk through potential ecological risk assessment. Overall, the potential ecological risk of the central area of the lake was significantly greater than that of the surrounding area. The results of this study can provide a scientific basis for the prevention and control of heavy metal pollution in alkaline lake of Plateau in arid area.