Anthropogenic Gd in urban river water

Abstract

As an emerging contaminant, rare earth elements (REEs) are becoming an environmental concern, especially in Chinese cities. This study investigated the distribution of REEs in river water and tap water samples in Guiyang, Southwest China. In all water samples, the concentrations of total dissolved REE (∑REE) ranged from 15.1 to 53.3 ng·L–1, with the heavy rare earth elements enriched than the light rare earth elements. Most of the water samples showed significant positive Gd anomalies, with the highest abnormal value calculated to be 29.23. The main reason for the positive Gd anomalies was found to be the release of medical wastewaters containing Gadopentetic acids (Gd-DTPA). Overall, anthropogenic Gd could contributed >60% of total Gd in river waters and tap waters. Because Gd-DTPA is commonly used in large Chinese hospitals, the results of this study implied that anthropogenic Gd release could be common in Chinese cities.