Speciation characteristics, ecological risk assessment, and source apportionment of heavy metals in the surface sediments of the Gomishan wetland

Metal contamination is one of the worldwide environmental issues. The main aim of this study was to evaluate the concentration, probable environmental risk, and source of investigated elements (Al, As, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, and Zn) in sediments and water of the Gomishan wetland. Sediment contamination indices revealed sediments were solely polluted by As. The potential ecological risk index (RI), toxic risk index (TRI), and chemical speciation assessments indicated no major ecological hazards for investigated metals. Correlation analysis and principal component analysis (PCA) indicated that all studied metals in the Gomishan wetland sediments derived from natural sources. HPI, and HEI indices showed that the water quality in terms of hazardous components was inappropriate for aquatic life.