Metal concentrations in water and sediments from tourist beaches of Acapulco, Mexico

A survey on the metal concentrations (As, Ba, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, Sr, V, Zn) in beach water and sediments is reported from the tourist destination of Acapulco city on the Pacific coast of Mexico. The concentration of dissolved trace metals (DTMs) in beach water and acid leachable trace metals (ALTMs) in sediments indicated that they are anthropogenic in nature due to the increased tourist activities in the crowded beach locations. The statistical analysis indicates Fe and Mn play a major role as metal scavengers in both the medium (water and sediment) and the higher value of other metals is site specific in the study area, indicating that they are transported from the local area. Comparison results suggest that the beach water quality has deteriorated more than the sediments and special care needs to be taken to restore the beach quality.     

Evaluation of metal contamination in coastal sediments of the Bay of Bengal, India: geochemical and statistical approaches

Surface sediment samples collected from the inner shelf region of the Bay of Bengal, were analysed for the major elements and total and acetic acid available trace elements (Al, Ca, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, Na, Ni, P, Pb, Si, Zn) to evaluate geochemical processes influencing their distribution. Major elemental analysis showed that the sediments had high concentrations of Si and relatively low concentrations of Al and Fe. Both major elemental and trace metal concentrations indicated that the sediments represent weathered products of granite and charnockite. Normalization of metals to Al indicated relatively high enrichment factors for Pb, Cd, Zn and Cr. The higher proportions of nondetrital Pb (66%), Cd (41%) and Co (28%) reveal metal contamination due to anthropogenic inputs. Factor analysis (FA) identified six possible types of sedimentological and geochemical associations. The dominant factor accounting for 26.9% of the total variance identifies an anthropogenic input and accumulation of nondetrital Cd, Co, Cr, Ni and Pb. Association of these metals with CaCO3 reveals that shell fragments in the surface sediments are likely act as a carrier phase for nondetrital metals. The results are discussed in the context of the sources and pathways of elements in the Bay of Bengal.     

The distribution of trace metals in Florida Bay sediments

The distribution of trace metals based on surface sediments collected at 40 stations across Florida Bay was done in June, November and February 2000-2001. Concentrations of Sc, V, Ba, Cd, Cr, Co, Cu, Pb, Mn, Ni, Zn, Al and Mg were determined by ICP-MS, and the total Fe was determined by spectrophotometry. Organic carbon (OC), nitrogen (N), and calcium carbonate (CaCO3) were also measured. Eleven of 13 metals showed a similar distribution pattern for the various months studied. Maximum concentrations of metals were lower than those found in most estuarine systems and were concentrated in the north-central and western zones of the Bay. The Mn and Fe concentrations, unlike the other metals, gradually decreased from north (Everglades) to south (Florida Keys). Some metals (Ni, Zn, Cu, Cr, Pb and Ba) associated with petroleum use showed high concentrations at stations near the Tavernier marina. Florida Bay sediments are predominately CaCO3 (65.9-92.5%). The greatest value for OC (5.5%) and the lowest value of CaCO3 (65.9%) were found in the western zone. Trace metal distribution patterns are similar to the OC and N in the sediments. There was a strong correlation between most metals (V>Cu>Ni>Cr>Al>Co>Ba>Zn>Pb>Mg) and the percentage of OC. The maximum C/N values (9-12) were observed at the stations with the highest OC, where dense colonies of seagrass are found and most of the metals are concentrated. All metals except Mg, Mn and Co showed a strong correlation with Al and the fine fraction of the sediments (aluminosilicates) associated with continental input and river runoff.     

Metals in Sediments of the Upper Laguna Madre

The Laguna Madre system is the largest hypersaline coastal basin in the United States. Surface sediments from 22 Upper Laguna Madre (ULM) sites were analyzed for grain size and metals (Cd, Cu, Ba, Cr, Mn, Ni, Pb, V, Zn, Fe, and Al) to assess the extent of contamination in the area. Sediments were found to consist mainly of sand texture. Clay and silts were minor constituents (<10%) of the sediments. Anomalies in metal concentrations were found at some sites and were related to probable sources, i.e., recreational and industrial activities. Concentrations of metals were normalized to grain size, Al, and Fe to distinguish natural and anthropogenic sources. Most metals showed positive correlations (p < 0.001) with Fe and Al, suggesting a natural variability of metal concentrations in sediments. Concentrations of metals, except Cd and Pb, at most sites were found to be below threshold concentrations thought to produce toxic effects in marine and estuarine organisms.     

Dissolved and particulate trace metals in meltwater from the Rhône glacier

Glacial meltwater and sediment at the source of the River Rhône have been analyzed to determine: 1. the partitioning of Al, Cd, Co, Cu, Cr. Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb and Zn between the water and particulate phase. 2. the particle size ranges which affect the dissolved trace metal ion composition of the meltwater and 3. the availability (potential release) of the ten trace metal ions from the sediment. Greater than 80% of the total Cd, Cu, Mn, Ni and Zn were found to be in operationally-defined (0.4 μm) dissolved forms. Fe and Al in the meltwater are primarily associated with particles in the size range 0.4–8 μm, while Cd. Cu, Mn, Ni and Zn occur with particles smaller than 0.1 μm. For the sediment, Cu, Ni and Pb were significantly present as exchangeable forms; only Cu, Ni, Pb and Zn were determined as organicallybound forms.     

Geochemical baselines of major, minor and trace elements in the tropical sediments of the Terengganu River basin, Malaysia

The geochemical baselines and distribution of 31 elements (Al, Fe, K, Na, Mg, Ca, Mn, Ba, Cr, Zr, Ni, Sr, Zn, Y, Li, Cu, Mo, Nb, Th, Co, Ga, W, Ta, Be, Ti, Ge, Se, Bi, Te, Sc and Re) and physico-chemical parameters of the tropical surface sediments of the Terengganu River basin, Malaysia, are reported. Sediments are sandy loam to sand in texture consisting of mostly quartz, low organic matter content (average-2.68%), low CEC (average-2.02 cmol(+)/kg) and mildly acidic pH1:5 (average-5.91). Concentrations of Mn, Fe, Ba, Cr, Ni, Cu, Mo and Se were measured to be above the environmental sediment quality criteria at various locations. Lake sediments registered significantly higher Al, Fe, Ti, Mg, Ca, Mn, Te and Sc concentrations as compared to the river sediments. Most of the elements investigated showed an association with silt size fraction (2-63 μm). Among the investigated metals, Mo and Fe concentrations showed an increasing (5-fold) and decreasing (3-fold) trend, respectively, along the river path from the upstream to the downstream depending on the stream pH-redox conditions. The enrichment factor values (EF 5) of Cr, Ni, Mo and Se indicated enrichment from anthropogenic activities. Alkali and alkali earth metals registered a significant depletion (EF values 0.7) as compared to the Earth's crust. Principal component analysis of the two main components (PC1, 87.4% and PC2, 8.7%) revealed a well-defined group of estuary sediments. Lake and river sediment sampling locations did not form defined groups revealing heterogeneity in the origin of geologic material and the in-stream geochemical processes. However, Cr, Ni, Mo and Se formed a separate group with elevated concentrations (e.g. Cr1,000 mg/kg) indicating contamination of sediments. This work presents the geochemical baselines of the tropical sediments as industrial development and urbanization along the north east coast of Peninsular Malaysia are advancing rapidly.     

Distribution,fractionation, and contamination assessment of heavy metals in offshore surface sediments from western Xiamen Bay,China

Surface sediment samples were collected at 21 offshore sites in western Xiamen Bay, Southeast China.Total concentrations of Li, V, Cr, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Sr, Mn,Pb, Ba, Fe, and Ti were determined by inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry; Hg was determined by atomic fluorescence spectrometry. A modified BCR sequential extraction procedure was used to extract fractions of the above elements. Concentrations of Pb, Cr, and Hg at most sites met the primary standard criteria of Marine Sediment Quality except site S12 for Pb and S7 for Cr, while concentrations of Zn at 17 sites and Cu at seven sites exceeded the criteria. The mean concentration of Hg was three times higher than the background, with a possible source being the Jiulong River. Fe, Ti, Ba, Co, V, and Li dominated the residual phase, mainly from terrestrial input.Ni, Cr, Pb, and Hg in the non-residual phase varied largely between sites. Sr, Mn, Cu, and Zn were mainly in the nonresidual fraction. Most sites showed considerable ecological risk; exceptions were site S7(very high) and sites S10,S11, and S14(moderate). Cu showed moderate-to-high pollution and Pb exhibited no-to-low pollution, while other metals had a non-pollution status according to their ratios of secondary phase to primary phase(RSP). Results of two assessment methods showed moderate pollution and a veryhigh ecological risk for Cu, Zn, Ni, and Cr at site S7, which might be due to the local sewage treatment plant.     

Concentration of 7 Heavy Metals in Sediments and Mangrove Root Samples from Mai Po, Hong Kong

Concentration of 7 heavy metals, Zn, Fe, Cu, Cr, Cd, Pb and Ni in mudflat sediments, mangrove root sediments and root tissues of Acanthus ilicifolius, Aegicerus corniculatum and Kandelia candel from the Mai Po Nature Reserve, Northwest Hong Kong, were measured. Metal concentrations in the upper 0–10 cm of the sediment cores from the mudflat were 4–25% higher than those found in the bottom 21–30 cm. Relative Topsoil Enrichment Index approximated 1.0 for all the metals. Mudflat sediment concentrations of Fe, Ni, Cr, Cd and Cu were greater than those found in the mangrove sediments. Except for Fe, concentrations of the other 6 heavy metals were more elevated in the mangrove root sediments than in the corresponding root samples. Higher concentration factors for Zn, Fe and Cu may indicate bioaccumulation. Mean metal concentrations in both mudflat and mangrove sediments decreased in the order Fe > Zn > Pb > Ni > Cu > Cr > Cd. Mangrove root tissues also showed the same pattern except that Pb > Cu > Ni     

云南阳宗海沉积物重金属污染时空特征及潜在生态风险

分析了阳宗海柱状及表层沉积物中Al、Fe、Mn、Zn、Cr、Co、Ni、Cu、As、Cd、Pb等金属元素的含量,结合沉积年代学,研究了沉积物重金属污染的时空变化和潜在生态风险特征.结果表明,表层沉积物中重金属含量具有一定的空间差异性,As、Cd、Cu、Pb和Zn在中东部湖区含量较高,而Cr、Co、Ni含量高值位于南、北湖区的近岸区域;柱状沉积物中,1990s之前As、Cd、Cu、Pb和Zn含量较为稳定,1990s中后期以来,其含量逐渐增加,并在2009-2010年前后达到最大值,此后逐渐下降;而柱状沉积物中Cr、Co、Ni含量变化趋势与Al、Fe相似,总体上由下向上逐渐降低,这主要与沉积物质地(粒度)逐渐变粗有关.重金属富集系数表明,阳宗海沉积物中主要污染元素为As、Cd、Cu、Pb和Zn,1990s中后期污染程度快速增加,2009-2010年前后达到峰值,此后污染程度逐渐降低;表层沉积物中Cu为未污染至"弱"污染水平;Zn、Pb为"弱-中等"污染水平,As为"中等-强"污染水平,Cd为"弱-强"污染水平,中东部湖区污染程度高于其他湖区,这可能与该湖区缺少入湖径流、自然碎屑物质沉积速率较低以及砷污染事件等人为源的重金属贡献影响更为显著有关.生态风险评价结果表明,在2002-2010年前后沉积物重金属达到"中等-强"潜在生态危害,主要贡献因子是Cd和As,近年来其生态风险等级逐渐降低;表层沉积物中重金属在中东部湖区具有"中等"程度潜在生态危害,而其他湖区表层沉积物重金属具有较低程度的潜在生态风险.     

Investigation of trace metals distribution in water,sediments and wetland plants of K(i)z(i)l(i)rmak Delta,Turkey

In this study,accumulation and distribution of Pb,Cu,Zn,Co,Ni,Mn and Fe in water,bottom sediments and four plant species (Myriophyllum verticillatum,Hydrocharis morsus-ranae,Nymphaea alba and Typha latifolia) were investigated in (C)ernek Lake of Kizihrmak Delta.The Kizdirmak Delta is one of the largest natural wetlands of Turkey and it is protected by the Ramsar convention since 1993.Selected physico-chemical parameters such as pH,conductivity and dissolved oxygen and also trace metal concentrations were monitored in water.All the parameters obtained were found higher than that of the national standards for the protected lakes and reserves.The accumulated amounts of various trace metals in bottom sediments and wetland plants were found in the following order of Fe ＞ Mn ＞ Zn ＞ Ni ＞ Co ＞ Cu ＞ Pb and Fe ＞ Mn ＞ Zn ＞ Ni ＞ Co respectively.The historical trace metal intake of Myriophyllum verticillatum,Hydrocharis morsus-ranae,Typha latifolia and Nymphaea alba were obtained higher than that of the toxic metal levels and these plants may be accepted as accumulators for the detected trace metals and also bioindicators in the historically polluted natural areas.     

The distribution and speciation of trace metals in surface sediments from the Pearl River Estuary and the Daya Bay, Southern China

Surface sediments collected from the Pearl River Estuary (PRE) and the Daya Bay (DYB) were analyzed for total metal concentrations and chemical phase partitioning. The total concentrations of Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, and Zn in the PRE were obviously higher than those in DYB. The maximum concentrations of trace metals in DYB occurred in the four sub-basins, especially in Dapeng Cove, while the concentrations of these metals in the western side of the PRE were higher than those in the east side. Such distribution pattern was primarily due to the different hydraulic conditions and inputs of anthropogenic trace metals. The chemical partitioning of metals analyzed by the BCR sequential extraction method showed that Cr, Ni, and Zn of both areas were present dominantly in the residual fraction, while Pb was found mostly in the non-residual fractions. The partitioning of Cu showed a significant difference between the two areas.     

The degree of trace metal pyritization in subtidal sediments of a mariculture area: application to the assessment of toxic risk

Four 2–3 m sediment cores were taken at the sites on the periphery of mussel raft concentrations in the subtidal zone of the inner Ría de Vigo (Galicia, NW Spain) with a view to evaluate the potential risk to mariculture from sediment-borne trace elements (As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb and Zn). The distribution of each of these elements in reactive, organic, pyrite and silicate-bound fractions was determined at 64 samples, and these data were used to calculate the degree of trace metal pyritization (DTMP) of each metal/metalloid. In the top 10–20 cm, relatively oxic conditions led to As, Cd, Cu, Pb and Zn having large reactive fractions due to their association with Fe and Mn oxyhydroxides. At lower levels, anoxic conditions favoured by intense diagenesis led to the precipitation of trace metals and metalloids as sulphides, with or without association with pyrite. Particularly large pyrite fractions in the 20–100 cm layer are attributed to the organic matter of this layer being more marine in origin than that of deeper sediments. DTMP was greatest for Cu and As, and least for Pb, Zn and Cr. The risk of trace element toxicity in the event of disturbances instituting oxic conditions in these sediments is discussed.     

Assessment of Metal Pollution in Water and Surface Sediments of the Seyhan River,Turkey, Using Different Indexes

The aim of this study was to assess the level of heavy metals (Al, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Zn) contamination and enrichment in the surface sediments of the Seyhan River, which is the receiving water body of both treated and untreated municipal and industrial effluents as well as agricultural drainage waters generated within Adana, Turkey. Sediment and water samples were taken from six previously determined stations covering the downstream of the Seyhan dam during both wet and dry seasons and the samples were then analyzed for the heavy metals of concern. When both dry and wet seasons were considered, metal concentrations varied significantly within a broad range with Al, 7210–33 967 mg kg^?1 dw; Cr, 46–122 mg kg^?1 dw; Cu, 6–57 mg kg^?1 dw; Fe, 10 294–26 556 mg kg^?1 dw; Mn, 144–638 mg kg^?1 dw; Ni, 82–215 mg kg^?1 dw; Pb, 11–75 mg kg^?1 dw; Zn, 34–146 mg kg^?1 dw in the sediments while Cd was at non‐detectable levels for all stations. For both seasons combined, the enrichment factor (EF) and the geo‐accumulation index (I_geo) for the sediments in terms of the specified metals ranged from 0.56 to 10.36 and ?2.92 to 1.56, respectively, throughout the lower Seyhan River. The sediment quality guidelines (SQG) of US‐EPA suggested the sediments of the Seyhan River demonstrated “unpolluted to moderate pollution” of Cu, Pb, and Zn, “moderate to very strong pollution” of Cr and Ni. The water quality data, on the other hand, indicated very low levels of these metals suggesting that the metal content in the surface sediments were most probably originating from fine sediments transported along the river route instead of water/wastewater discharges with high metal content.     

Mytilus californianus as a bioindicator of trace metal pollution: Variability and statistical considerations

Trace metal variability was evaluated in two populations of Mytilus californianus through the analysis of individual specimens. Samples were collected from two areas in the Southern California Bight and analysed for their Al, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Ni, Pb and Zn content.Analysis of the data revealed that population variability was not the same between the two sites, indicating that variability may need to be evaluated for each population (site) studied. In general, the analysis of 10 to 30 individuals was necessary to yield maximum resolution in terms of trace metal concentrations between population means while maintaining cost effectiveness.     

Contamination of port zone sediments by metals from Large Marine Ecosystems of Brazil

Sediment contamination by metals poses risks to coastal ecosystems and is considered to be problematic to dredging operations. In Brazil, there are differences in sedimentology along the Large Marine Ecosystems in relation to the metal distributions. We aimed to assess the extent of Al, Fe, Hg, Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb and Zn contamination in sediments from port zones in northeast (Mucuripe and Pecém) and southeast (Santos) Brazil through geochemical analyses and sediment quality ratings. The metal concentrations found in these port zones were higher than those observed in the continental shelf or the background values in both regions. In the northeast, metals were associated with carbonate, while in Santos, they were associated with mud. Geochemical analyses showed enrichments in Hg, Cd, Cu, Ni and Zn, and a simple application of international sediment quality guidelines failed to predict their impacts, whereas the use of site-specific values that were derived by geochemical and ecotoxicological approaches seemed to be more appropriate in the management of the dredged sediments.     

Trace element content of seagrasses in the Leschenault Estuary,Western Australia

Estuarine environments are particularly vulnerable to human impacts. In this study, trace elements in Ruppia megacarpa, Halophila ovalis, sediment and porewater were analysed to assess the potential contamination of the Leschenault Estuary, Western Australia, from a primarily agricultural drain. Sediment concentrations of Cd, Cu, Mn, and Ni and were highest nearest the drain while Al, As, Cr, Fe and Zn and were highest further from the drain. H. ovalis showed greater accumulation of Fe, Al, and As than R. megacarpa. Concentrations of Fe, Al, As, and Ni were generally higher in below-ground plant parts than above, suggesting uptake of these trace elements via the sediment-route pathway. This study suggested that the drain was a source of Cu and Mn, with these elements entering the estuary through water inflows. As and Fe, were highest furthest from the drain suggesting input of trace elements from sources other than the drain under study.     

Assessment of Urban Source Metal Levels in Influent,Effluent, and Sludge of Two Municipal Biological Nutrient Removal Wastewater Treatment Plants of Bursa,an Industrial City in Turkey

Removal of Al, As, Cd, total Cr (Tot. Cr), Cu, Total Fe (Tot. Fe), Mn, Ni, Pb, Sb, Sn, and Zn from urban effluent by wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) operated under five‐stage Bardenpho® process were investigated and water soluble metals in the dewatered sludge were quantified. Samples were collected from two WWTPs on a weekly basis over an approximately 2.5‐year time span. Tot. Fe and Al were the most abundant, As, Pb, Ni, Cu, and Cd were the least abundant metals in the influents of both WWTPs. Removal efficiencies above 75% were achieved for Tot. Cr, Tot. Fe, Al, and Cu, whereas, no significant removal was observed for As, Cd, Pb, Sb, and Sn. Removal of Tot. Cr, Cu, Tot. Fe, Zn, Al, Mn, and Ni were influenced by influent suspended solids concentrations, and of Tot. Cr, Zn, and Cd were influenced by their initial content in the influent. Zn removal efficiency of biological nutrient removal (BNR) system in this study was higher and Cd removal efficiency was lower than that of conventional activated sludge reported in the literature. No remarkable difference for metals such as Cu, Mn, Ni, and Pb was observed between the removal efficiencies of conventional system and BNR system.     

Spatial distribution of heavy metals in Hong Kong's marine sediments and their human impacts: a GIS-based chemometric approach

A geographic information system (GIS)-based chemometric approach was applied to investigate the spatial distribution patterns of heavy metals in marine sediments and to identify spatial human impacts on global and local scales. Twelve metals (Zn, V, Ni, Mn, Pb, Cu, Cd, Ba, Hg, Fe, Cr and Al) were surveyed twice annually at 59 sites in Hong Kong from 1998 to 2004. Cluster analysis classified the entire coastal area into three areas on a global scale, representing different pollution levels. Backward discriminant analysis, with 84.5% correct assignments, identified Zn, Pb, Cu, Cd, V, and Fe as significant variables affecting spatial variation on a local scale. Enrichment factors indicated that Cu, Cr, and Zn were derived from human impacts while Al, Ba, Mn, V and Fe originated from rock weathering. Principal component analysis further subdivided human impacts and their affected areas in each area, explaining 87%, 84% and 87% of the total variances, respectively. The primary anthropogenic sources in the three areas were (i) anti-fouling paint and domestic sewage; (ii) surface runoff, wastewater, vehicle emissions and marine transportation; and (iii) ship repainting, dental clinics, electronic/chemical industries and leaded fuel, respectively. Moreover, GIS-based spatial analysis facilitated chemometric methods.     

抚仙湖沉积物重金属时空变化与人为污染评价

分析了抚仙湖表层沉积物及沉积短岩芯中10种金属元素含量,结合沉积年代学,定量研究了Cr、Cu、Ni、Pb、Zn的污染特征及时空变化规律;参考沉积物质量基准与潜在生态风险指数法探讨了表层沉积物重金属的潜在生态风险.结果表明,表层沉积物中重金属含量具有一定的空间差异性,近岸地区重金属含量总体上高于湖心区;Pb、Zn含量自1980s中期以来逐渐增加,而Cr、Cu、Ni含量呈下降趋势.重金属富集系数与聚类分析结果表明,抚仙湖沉积物主要重金属污染元素为Pb、Zn,污染开始于1980s中期,并逐渐加重.表层沉积物中Pb、Zn富集系数分别为1.6~4.1和1.4~2.6,已达到弱—中等污染程度,北部湖区污染程度略高于南部湖区;除此之外,北部湖区近岸区域Cr污染程度也略高于其他湖区.除了大气沉降来源之外,抚仙湖沉积物重金属污染还可能与入湖河流输入有关.单因子生态风险指数表明,表层沉积物中Cr、Cu、Ni、Pb、Zn具有较低的潜在生态风险;而综合潜在生态风险指数表明,表层沉积物中重金属具有中等程度的潜在生态风险,这与根据沉积物质量基准所获得的评价结果一致.     

巢湖沉积物重金属富集特征与人为污染评价

本文分析了巢湖主要入湖河流河口区表层沉积物及西部湖心区沉积岩芯中Al、Fe、Ni、Cr、Cu、Zn、Pb、Li、V等金属元素变化特征,采用地球化学方法对金属元素变化的"粒度效应"进行矫正,并以Li、V为参照元素对矫正结果进行检验;参考历史沉积物,对河口区及西部湖心区沉积物重金属人为污染特征进行分析;结合沉积岩芯210Pb年代结果,估算西部湖心区近150a来Ni、Cr、Cu、Zn、Pb等重金属元素的人为污染贡献量.结果表明,河口表层沉积物重金属污染具有显著的空间差异,南淝河河口重金属人为污染最重,其中Ni、Cr、Cu、Zn、Pb的人为污染贡献量分别为12.2、32.2、25.3、479.9和76.0 mg/kg,分别占总含量的35%、37%、64%、92%和77%;其次是柘皋河河口,主要重金属污染元素为Cu、Zn和Pb,人为污染贡献量达57.6、57.0和19.5 mg/kg,分别占总含量的73%、47%和36%;而派河、白石山河、杭埠河等河口表层沉积物中重金属元素人为污染程度较弱.巢湖西部湖心区主要污染元素为Cu、Zn、Pb,人为污染开始于1950s,1980年以来其人为污染贡献量显著增加,平均为16.2、245.6、47.8 mg/(m2.a),分别占各元素沉积通量的23%、61%和37%;Ni人为污染开始于1980s初期,人为污染贡献量平均为12.6 mg/(m2.a),占其沉积通量的13%左右;Cr基本未受人为污染影响.西部湖心区沉积岩芯及南淝河河口表层沉积物中重金属污染程度均表现为Zn>Pb>Cu,而且南淝河河口沉积物重金属污染程度显著高于西部湖心区.结合主要入湖河流径流量与河口沉积物重金属污染特征,认为巢湖西部湖心区重金属污染主要通过南淝河输入,来自合肥等城市的废水是主要的污染源.