Due to rapid economic development in the Pearl River Delta, South China, trace metals pose a significant threat to the coastal ecosystems. In this study, we investigated the spatial distribution, contamination status, ecological risk, and possible sources of trace metals in 150 surface sediment samples from the Macao sea area. The results showed that concentrations of Ag, Pb, Cu, Zn, and Cd were highest in the Inner Harbour, whereas Cr, Co, As, and Ni were mainly accumulated in the downstream area of the Maliuzhou Waterway and the eastern area of Macao International Airport. Sediment grain composition, organic matter, total phosphorus, and hydrological regime were key factors influencing the spatial distribution patterns of trace metals. According to the environmental contamination indices of the enrichment factor, geo-accumulation index, and contamination factor, moderate contamination of trace metals occurs in the study area, while Ag and Pb contribute significantly to the contamination. Based on the potential ecological risk index, trace metals in surface sediments pose a low ecological risk. Correlation analysis and principal component analysis indicated that Cr, Co, Ni, and As were mainly derived from natural sources, whereas Ag, Pb, Cu, Zn, and Cd were mainly associated with anthropogenic sources.

由于华南珠江三角洲经济快速发展，微量金属对沿海生态系统构成重大威胁。在本研究中，我们调查了澳门海域 150 个表层沉积物样本的空间分布、污染状况、生态风险和痕量金属的可能来源。结果表明，内港Ag、Pb、Cu、Zn、Cd含量最高，而Cr、Co、As、Ni主要富集在马柳洲航道下游和澳门国际东部地区。飞机场。沉积物颗粒组成、有机质、总磷和水文状况是影响痕量金属空间分布格局的关键因素。根据富集因子环境污染指数、地积累指数、和污染因子，研究区域出现微量金属的中度污染，而Ag和Pb对污染贡献显着。根据潜在生态风险指数，表层沉积物中的微量金属具有较低的生态风险。相关分析和主成分分析表明，Cr、Co、Ni和As主要来源于天然来源，而Ag、Pb、Cu、Zn和Cd主要来源于人为来源。