The persistence of trace-element pollution was analyzed across river sections in a remediated river basin.
River channels and banks were identified as hotspots of soil pollution 16 years after remediation.
The long-term immobilization of pollution was influenced by the background soil texture and pH conditions.
Cd and Zn were identified as the elements with the highest long-term re-distribution along the basin.
Land manager should focus on the stabilization of soil pollution in river channels and banks.