Potential Toxic Elements (PTEs) Dataset of Surface Sediments in the Sanjiangyuan Region

1. Dataset Title
Potential Toxic Elements (PTEs) Dataset of Surface Sediments in the Sanjiangyuan Region
2. Authors & Affiliation
Dongdong Chen, Qi Li, Yukun Zhang, Li Zhang, Fuquan He, Quanbang Li, Liang Zhao (Northwest Institute of Plateau Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xining 810008, China)
Xin Chen (Xingzhi College, Zhejiang Normal University, Jinhua 321000, China)
Zongjian Zhao (Northwest Institute of Plateau Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xining 810008, China; Graduate University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China)
3. Contact Information
Corresponding Author: Liang Zhao
E-mail: [e-mail]
Affiliation: Northwest Institute of Plateau Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences
Address: Xining 810008, Qinghai Province, China
4. Geographic Coverage
4.1 Study Area
Sanjiangyuan Region, located in the hinterland of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau (31°39′-36°16′ N, 89°24′-102°23′ E), southern Qinghai Province, China. As the source area of the Yellow River, Yangtze River, and Lancang River (Mekong River), it is known as "China's Water Tower". It plays a critical role in the national ecological security barrier.
4.2 Sampling Site Distribution
Sampling sites cover the main streams and tributaries of three major river systems, with a total of 48 sampling points (Figure 1 in the associated manuscript):
5. Data Content and Structure
The dataset is stored as an Excel file with 4 worksheets, integrating raw concentration data, pollution assessment indices, and source apportionment results. All data are complete (no missing values) and consistent with the analytical results in the associated manuscript.
6. Data Collection and Processing Methods
6.1 Sample Collection
Medium: Surface sediments collected via the multi-point mixing method.
Preservation: Samples sealed in acid-washed polyethylene bags, stored at 4°C, air-dried, and sieved through a 0.15 mm mesh in the laboratory.
6.2 Laboratory Analysis
Instrumentation: Inductively Coupled Plasma Atomic Emission Spectrometry (ICP-AES) for Cr, Ni, Cu, Zn; atomic fluorescence spectrometry for Hg, As, Pb, Cd (compliant with Chinese national standards GB/T 17141—1997, GB/T 22105.1-2008, GB/T 22105.2—2008).
Quality Control: Method Detection Limits (MDLs): Hg=0.002 mg kg-1, As=0.01 mg kg-1, Pb=17.50 mg kg-1, Cr=7.500 mg kg-1, Cd=0.050 mg kg-1, Ni=1.750 mg kg-1, Cu=1.500 mg kg-1g, Zn=1.000 mg kg-1; recovery rate: 85%–115%.
6.3 Data Calculation
Enrichment Factor (EF): Normalized by Ni (reference element) with background values from Chinese fluvial sediments.
Geo-accumulation Index (Igeo): Igeo = log₂(Cₙ/(1.5×Bₙ)), where Cₙ=measured concentration, Bₙ=background value.
PMF Model: EPA-PMF 5.0 with 5 factors (Qrobust/Qtrue=60.3, residuals within [-3, 3]).
7. Data Format
File Type: Microsoft Excel (.xlsx)
Compression: Uncompressed (single file)
Encoding: UTF-8

8. Acknowledgment
This work was supported by the Chief Scientist Program of Qinghai Province (2024-SF-102).