Surface water pathways and fluxes of metals under changing environmental conditions and human interventions in the Selenga River system

摘要: This paper presents the results of novel field campaigns in extensive (447,000 km2) Selenga River basin, through which 304 samples river water and 308 suspended matter were collected during high low periods between 2011 2013. The is largest tributary (more than 50% inflow) to Lake Baikal. Due ongoing hydroclimatic change human pressures under conditions economic growth, rivers area experience significant quality. A key issue for improved understanding regional impacts environmental disentangle influence climate from that other within catchment. Our research aims evaluate pathways mass flows heavy metals metalloids both dissolved forms, taking a basin-scale perspective previously has not been fully pursued Baikal region. Results showed quality deterioration over short distances due strong impact hot spots urban industrial activities, including mining. determined enrichment waters as well spatial temporal variability sediment composition further analyzed context climatic, hydrological land use drivers.