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Heavy metal(loid)s contamination status in the Indus River Basin: A systematic review with Spatial Analysis and Risk Assessment
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DOI：10.1016/j.pce.2026.104414.png)
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Abstract
En 中文
The Indus River Basin, essential for millions, faces significant environmental challenges from heavy metal(loid)s (HMs) contamination. This study systematically reviews and assesses the contamination levels of HMs in the Indus River over three decades. HM concentration data are analyzed for ecological risk assessment, pollution quantification, and geospatial distribution. Few of the studied HMs have been noted to exceed the permissible limits. The Heavy Metal Pollution Index (HPI), Potential Ecological Risk Index (PERI), and Metal Index (MI) are above safe limits, indicating widespread contamination. The HPI values have reached an alarming 198,639, with 63% of the samples surpassing the safe drinking limit of 100, highlighting severe degradation in water quality. PERI values reach as high as 538,500, classifying 81.1% of samples as high ecological risk, while MI results indicate that 71.6% of the water samples fall into the seriously affected category. HM concentrations and health risks are higher in metropolitan areas and lower catchment regions. Principal component analysis (PCA) reveals that 96% of the variance in HM concentrations is explained by natural geological processes (e.g., rock weathering and soil erosion) and anthropogenic activities (e.g., industrial discharge, agricultural runoff, urban pollution). Spatial analysis reveals contamination hotspots along the Ravi, Kabul, and Chenab rivers. Pb, Cr, Ni, and Cd exceed permissible limits in multiple locations, primarily due to industrial discharge, mining, and agricultural runoff. These findings highlight the importance of implementing targeted approaches to address HM pollution and protect water resources in the Indus River Basin.
Keywords:
Heavy metal(loid)s
Contamination
Spatial analysis
Systematic review
Indus river
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