Mercury distribution in sediment along urban-rural gradient around Shanghai (China): implication for pollution history.

The increasing levels of heavy metals in the environment generally related with the rapid industrialization and urbanization. Mercury (Hg) is a global toxin with wide concerns, and China gradually becomes the main producer, consumer, and emitter of Hg in the world. However, few historical data are available on the occurrence of Hg in Chinese urban areas.

Comprehensive risk assessment of heavy metals in lake sediment from public parks in Shanghai.

Rapid urbanization has caused potential pollution of heavy metal in Shanghai. A comprehensive pollution study of heavy metals (Cd, Cu, Pb, and Zn) in 35 lake surface sediments from city parks in the four different urbanized areas of Shanghai was conducted. Intensive human activities caused moderate enrichment of the four metals in highly urbanized areas, especially Cd with the significant enrichment in the central urban core area.