Heavy metal impact assessment using a chemical speciation and index-based approach**

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This project aims to develop a more practical method for evaluating the impact of heavy metals in freshwater sediments by integrating chemical speciation with index evaluation, through a study in a proposed mining project area with naturally elevated metal concentrations. The local baseline concentrations of selected heavy metals will be established, and the chemical speciation characteristics of metals in sediments will be analyzed. A multivariate statistical analysis will be conducted to explore the sources of metals, and an index-based impact assessment will then be carried out using multiple indices, such as enrichment factor, contamination factor, and geo-accumulation index. The spatial distribution of metal concentrations and various index values will be analyzed to provide valuable insight for identifying the "hot spots" of heavy metal impacts in the study area. The results will help the industrial partner to effectively plan their future mining activities to minimize possible environmental impacts. Close collaboration with the industrial partner will be maintained during each phase of this project, and the related findings will provide sound basis for exploring further opportunities of research collaboration with the industrial partner. The proposed methods can also be applied to other similar impact assessment studies associated with resource development in Canada.