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To clarify seasonal variation and health risk of trace elements (TEs) in the Xinbian River of Suzhou City, in Anhui Province, China, nine sampling points were selected and periodically sampled for 12 months. Concentrations of arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), lead (Pb), and zinc (Zn) were investigated, and their health risks were calculated using the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) evaluation model. Results show that, although the TEs met Class III of Environment Quality Standards for Surface Water in China (GB 3838-2002), 8.30% of water samples exceeded drinking standards (10 μg/L) in China and the World Health Organization. Total health risk (RT) summed by chemical carcinogens (As, Cd, and Cr) and noncarcinogens (Cu, Pb, and Zn) ranged from 1.38 × 10−5 to 1.46 × 10−4 a−1. Among the RT of water samples, 8.33 and 40.7% exceeded the maximum acceptable risk recommended by the USEPA and the International Commission on Radiological Protection, respectively. As was the optimal pollutant because of its enhanced concentration and high carcinogen risk, accounting for 91.5% of RT. The maximum values of the As concentration and RT were both obtained in August. The results can provide a reference for screening environmental priority pollutants and water environment protection of nearby rivers as drinking water sources..

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  • A year-long sample collection and heavy metal testing on water source areas in a water-scarce city were conducted.

  • Carcinogenic and noncarcinogenic risks of six typical heavy metals were systematically analyzed.

  • Arsenic is a preferred pollutant for surface water control in the research area.

  • The key time and location for studying pollution prevention and control in river sections have been identified.

health risk assessment, suburban river, surface water plant, Suzhou City, trace element
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