Characteristics and risk assessment of heavy metal pollution in Euryales Semen and sediments of its growing waters in Jiangsu Province

DING Aihua; ZHI Rongrong; LI Yang; GUO Yan; LUO Yu; BIAN Haiwen

doi:10.13506/j.cnki.jpr.2026.01.005

Abstract：Objective This study analyzes the contamination levels of 8 heavy metals in Euryales Semen and its aquatic sediments from Jiangsu Province and conducts a health risk assessment,thereby providing data support for the safety evaluation of Euryales Semen and the establishment of heavy metal limit standards for traditional Chinese medicinal materials in Jiangsu Province.Methods Samples of Euryales Semen and corresponding sediments were collected from 8 cities in Jiangsu Province.Heavy metal contents in the samples were measured using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry and catalytic pyrolysis-cold vapor atomic absorption spectrophotometry.Sediment pollution was assessed by applying the single-factor pollution index,Nemerow integrated pollution index,and potential ecological risk index methods.Based on a multi-pathway health risk assessment model and bioaccumulation factors,the study analyzed the potential human risks posed by heavy metals and their accumulation capacities in Euryales Semen.Results The heavy metals in sediments within the study area showed no overall pollution,but localized areas posed a moderate ecological risk from Cd and Hg.For medicinal or dietary use,the levels of heavy metals in Euryales Semen remained below the standard,and the associated health risks were within safe limits.However,when consumed frequently as a cereal,3.12％of the samples exceeded the limits for Hg and Pb,and 28.12％of the samples presented non-carcinogenic risks from As.Additionally,the bioconcentration factors for all heavy metals in Euryales Semen were below 1,and their concentrations did not exhibit a significant correlation with the corresponding heavy metal levels in sediments.Conclusion The risks posed by heavy metals in Euryales Semen and its aquatic sediments in Jiangsu are generally controllable.However,enhanced monitoring of Hg,Pb,and As in Euryales Semen is recommended when it is consumed frequently and in large quantities.