Distribution and assessment of potentially toxic elements in sediments from a lagoon-bay system: Evidence from the nearshore of Huizhou-Shanwei, China

Key Points

• Toxic elements, including heavy metals, were assessed in lagoon-bay sediments, highlighting environmental concerns.
• Concentrations of these toxic elements exceeded safe limits, suggesting significant pollution in the nearshore area.
• Assessment using sediment sampling and laboratory analysis revealed critical contamination levels in the region.
• Findings may enable better environmental management strategies to address pollution in lagoon-bay systems.