Ecotoxicological assessment of metal(oid)s in Polish Canal sediments: A multimetric approach

This study assessed the ecological risk of sediments from 35 Polish canals, focusing on As, Cr, Cu, Hg, Ni, Pb, and Zn. Metal(oid) concentrations ranged as follows (mg/kg dm): As 1.5–35.3, Cr 1.01–59.2, Cu 0.79–61.4, Hg 0.0005–0.142, Ni 1.16–40.7, Pb 0.5–62.0, Zn 6.16–871.63. Risk indicators included Igeo, CF, PLI, Er, PERI, PEC-Q, TEL-Q, PEL-Q, and msPAF. Most As and Hg concentrations were low. Localized peaks suggested historical inputs. Cr and Zn showed the most significant variability, with Zn exceeding 800 mg/kg in some canals. This pattern indicates anthropogenic sources. One canal (KP-K) was heavily contaminated with multiple metal(loid)s. Higher metal(loid) concentrations occurred mainly in the Vistula and Oder canals, linked to industrial, agricultural, and municipal activities. PERI values indicated low overall ecological risk, but PEL-Q and msPAF highlighted Zn as the most concerning pollutant. Sites with elevated Zn require targeted remediation and biological monitoring.