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Study on Temporal and Spatial Distribution Characteristics of Biogenic Pollutant Fluxes in Ten Main Rivers Discharging into the Sea in Eastern China

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  • Lu Wang

    (Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, China
    College of Water Sciences, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, China
    These authors contributed equally to this work.)

  • Shuqin Ma

    (Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, China
    These authors contributed equally to this work.)

  • Shuo Liu

    (School of Statistics, Renmin University of China, Beijing 100872, China)

  • Yan Chen

    (Chinese Research Academy of Environmental Sciences, Beijing 100012, China)

  • Wei Gao

    (Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Water Quality Improvement and Ecological Restoration for Watersheds, School of Ecology, Environment and Resources, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China)

  • Yuan Zhang

    (Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Water Quality Improvement and Ecological Restoration for Watersheds, School of Ecology, Environment and Resources, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, China)

Abstract

Rapid economic development, accelerated urbanization, and agricultural modernization in eastern China have exacerbated pollution in rivers discharging into the sea, challenging regional ecological security and water resource sustainability. This study investigates ten main rivers in eastern China using monthly water quality and hydrological data from 2021 to 2023. Pollutant fluxes for permanganate index ( COD Mn ), ammonia nitrogen (AN), total phosphorus (TP), and total nitrogen (TN) were calculated, and their temporal and spatial variations were analyzed using descriptive statistics, two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), and principal component analysis (PCA). Results show significant spatial heterogeneity, with the Yangtze (YAR) and Pearl Rivers (PER) exhibiting the highest fluxes due to high basin runoff and intense human activities. Seasonal variations significantly affect COD Mn , TP, and TN fluxes, with summer runoff and agricultural activities enhancing pollutant transport. Moreover, flood periods markedly increase pollutant fluxes compared to non-flood periods. PCA further reveals that the pollutant flux patterns of YAR and PER are clearly distinct from those of the other rivers, indicating the joint influence of geographic conditions and anthropogenic activities. This study provides quantitative evidence for regional water environment management and offers crucial guidance for developing sustainable, differentiated pollution control strategies.

Suggested Citation

  • Lu Wang & Shuqin Ma & Shuo Liu & Yan Chen & Wei Gao & Yuan Zhang, 2025. "Study on Temporal and Spatial Distribution Characteristics of Biogenic Pollutant Fluxes in Ten Main Rivers Discharging into the Sea in Eastern China," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(9), pages 1-23, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:17:y:2025:i:9:p:4239-:d:1650960
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