Heavy metal content and bacterial diversity in heavily polluted Baotou region of yellow river

Abstract

The Yellow River is the main water source for both local industrial and agricultural use, and the main source of local drinking water as well. In this study, eight water samples of Baotou region were analyzed, in which the heavy metal (Cd, Zn, Cu, Pb, Cr, Hg and As) content were detected using plasma-mass spectrometry and reduction gasification-atomic fluorescence spectrometry. Genus of water bacteria in eight water samples were investigated by means of high-throughput sequencing. Results showed that all the contents of heavy metals exceed GB (GuoBiao) standard of China, which implied the water of the Yellow River in Baotou region are at risk of being polluted. Furthermore, a large number of conditioned pathogens (Flavobacterium, Pseudomonas, Acinetobacter and Chryseobacterium) were found, some bacteria (such as Methanobacteria) can break down harmful substance and organic matter. In conclusion, according to this study, we try to put forward an important reference for the pollution control of Yellow River in Baotou region.