The influence of wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) effluents from a microelectronic industrial zone (IZ) on natural waters (Arc river) was investigated. Surface water samples from upstream, downstream, and WWTP effluents were analyzed by distinguishing 'background' geogenic sources from anthropological sources. Amongst the five elements (Si, V, Se, Sr, U) analyzed, Si increased in concentration (in raw water) in the downstream compared to upstream, which indicated a discharge of Si from anthropological sources (IZ site) into receiving waters, even if no contaminated levels were reached. Meanwhile, the anthropogenic inputs have an important influence on the distribution of elemental partitioning among large particulates (>18 μm), particulates (0.22-18 μm), colloidal/nanoparticle (10 kDa-0.22 μm) and truly dissolved fractions (<10 kDa), which were distinguished by filter cartridges and membranes with decreasing cut-offs.