Natural and anthropogenic factors exacerbating mercury ecological risk in the Qilian Mountain Rivers: A threat to water resources

Key Points

• High levels of mercury exacerbate ecological risk in water systems, impacting local ecosystems and human health.
• Ecological risk assessments indicate significantly elevated mercury levels from both natural and anthropogenic sources.
• Assessment of water resources in the Qilian Mountain Rivers shows potential threats to biodiversity and safety.
• Findings highlight the urgent need for action on mercury pollution, particularly from human activities.