Spatial and Temporal Distribution Characteristics of Nutrient Elements and Heavy Metals in Surface Water of Tibet, China and Their Pollution Assessment

Abstract

In the context of global climate change, the ecological environment of Tibet has been gaining attention given its unique geographical and fragile nature. In this study, to understand the pollution status of the surface water of Tibet, China, we collected monthly data of 12 indicators from 41 cross-sectional monitoring sites in 2021 and analyzed the spatial and temporal variations of nutrients and heavy metal elements, water quality conditions, and pollutant sources in surface water. All 12 polluting elements, except lead (Pb), had significant seasonal variations, but the magnitude of the differences was very small. Spatially, nutrient elements were relatively concentrated in the agricultural and pastoral development areas in central and northern Tibet. In general, the water quality in most parts of Tibet was found to be good, and the water quality of 41 monitoring sections belonged to Class I water standard as per the entropy method–fuzzy evaluation method. The study used a multivariate statistical method to analyze the sources of pollution factors. The principal component analysis method identified four principal components. The results of this study can provide a scientific basis for pollution prevention and control in the Tibet Autonomous Region, and contribute to further research on water ecology.