Heavy metals in stream sediments: Effects of human activities

The content of 11 heavy metals in the sediments of a stream system was determined by atomic absorption analysis. Geochemical phases were investigated using a sequential extraction scheme, and bulk contents were assessed with a single HNO₃ extraction. Certain heavy metals were associated with different geochemical phases. Co, Mn, and Ba concentrated primarily in the carbonate and Mn phases, while all the remaining metals concentrated in the Fe and remnant phases. Features located along the stream system influenced the content of heavy metals. Results from the geochemical phases indicated Cu, Pb, Zn, Cd and Ag were emitted by one landfill, while Cd, Ba, and Ag were emitted by a second landfill. A wastewater treatment facility appeared to emit Ni and Cu. A stream draining a reservoir and joining the study stream resulted in dilution of the heavy metals in the sediments. A populated area along the study stream appeared to emit Mn. The single HNO₃ extraction procedure is quicker to perform than the sequential extraction but does not indicate the phase associations.     

Heavy metal concentrations in sediments of streams affected by a sanitary landfill: A comparison of metal enrichment in two size sediment fractions

The purpose of this study was to determine if metal concentrations are enriched in two size sediment fractions of streams that receive landfill effluent and, if so, whether there is a greater extent of metal enrichment in one of the fractions. Sediment samples were collected from three streams adjacent to a sanitary landfill. Sediments representing control for the study were also collected from a stream not influenced by the landfill. All samples were sieved and the <0.0625-mm and <0.25-mm to >0.149-mm size fractions from each sample were used in this study. The concentrations of acid-extractable Cu, Zn, Pb, and Cr for all samples were determined by atomic absorption techniques. Mean concentrations, coefficient of variation values, at test, and the variation of metal concentrations along the stream were used to analyze the data. Results indicated that Cu, Zn, Pb, and Cr concentrations were enriched in both size sediment fractions from the stream whose channel originated at the base of the landfill. Copper, Zn, and Pb concentrations were enriched in the <0.0625-mm size sediments of the stream whose channel did not intersect the landfill. Copper, Zn, Pb, and Cr concentrations appear enriched in both size sediment fractions of the third stream, which formed from the confluence of the other two streams. The extent of metal enrichment was greater in the <0.0625-mm size sediments. A decreasing trend of metal concentrations in a downstream direction was not present in the enriched sediments. This was true for each metal in both size sediment fractions.     

Metal speciation and attenuation in stream waters and sediments contaminated by landfill leachate

The degree of metal contamination (Zn, Pb, Cu, Ni, Cd) has been investigated in the vicinity of an old unmonitored municipal landfill in Prague, Czech Republic, where the leachate is directly drained into a surface stream. The water chemistry was coupled with investigation of the stream sediment (aqua regia extract, sequential extraction, voltammetry of microparticles) and newly formed products (SEM/EDS, XRD). The MINTEQA2 speciation-solubility calculation showed that the metals (Zn, Pb, Cu, Ni) are mainly present as carbonate complexes in leachate-polluted surface waters. These waters were oversaturated with respect to Fe(III) oxyhydroxides, calcite (CaCO₃) and other carbonate phases. Three metal attenuation mechanisms were identified in leachate-polluted surface waters: (i) spontaneous precipitation of metal-bearing calcite exhibiting significant concentrations of trace elements (Fe, Mn, Mg, Sr, Ba, Pb, Zn, Ni); (ii) binding to Fe(III) oxyhydroxides (mainly goethite, FeOOH) (Pb, Zn, Cu, Ni); and (iii) preferential bonding to sediment organic matter (Cu). These processes act as the key scavenging mechanisms and significantly decrease the metal concentrations in leachate-polluted water within 200 m from the direct leachate outflow into the stream. Under the near-neutral conditions governing the sediment/water interface in the landfill environment, metals are strongly bound in the stream sediment and remain relatively immobile.     

Impact of historical metalworks on the concentrations of major and trace elements in sediments: a case study in Finland

The concentrations of major and trace elements were determined (aqua regia leach and ICP-AES analyses) in stream, lake and dredged sediments downstream of the historical Antskog iron- and copperworks, S.Finland. The levels of Ag, Cd, Cu, Pb and Zn are highly elevated in all studied sediment types: roughly half of the studied lake-sediment samples contain >5 ppm Ag, >15 ppm Cd, >0.1% Cu, >0.1% Pb and >0.3% Zn. In the dredged sediment material located onshore, the concentrations of Ag, Cu and Pb are comparable to those in the polluted lake-sediment samples, while in stream sediments elevated metal concentrations are found especially in samples characterised by high concentrations of organic material. The source of the elevated metal concentrations is the historical metalworks at Antskog, mainly the copperworks of the 19th century. Compared to the limit values for contaminated soils in Finland, the concentrations of Cu, Pb and Zn are on average elevated by factors >10 in the polluted horizons of lake sediments, >5 in the dredged sediment located onshore and >2 at the most heavily contaminated site in the stream. Since the surface waters in the area are used for agricultural purposes and for various leisure activities, it is necessary to make further detailed investigations into the extent of the metal pollution and to determine species, mobility and bioavailability of the metals.     

Distribution of heavy metals in the clastic fine-grained sediments of Gavkhuni playa lake (Southeast of Isfahan,Iran)

The sedimentary basin of Gavkhuni playa lake includes two sedimentary environments of delta and playa lake. These environments consist of mud, sand and salt flats. There are potentials for concentration of heavy metals in the fine-grained sediments (silt and clay) of the playa due to existence of Pb/Zn ore deposits, industrial and agricultural regions in the water catchment of Zayandehrud River terminating to this area. In order to study the concentration of heavy metals and the controlling factors on their distribution in the fine-grained sediments, 13 samples were taken from the muddy facies and concentration of the heavy metals were determined. The results showed that the heavy metal concentrations range in the sediments (in ppm) are Mn (395.5–1,040), Sr (100.4–725.76), Pb (14.66–91.06), Zn (23.59–80.9), Ni (37–73.66), Cu (13.83–29.83), Co (5.73–13.78), Ag (3.03–4.76) and Cd (2.3–5.5) in their order of abundances. The concentration of Ag is noticeable in the sediments relative to the average concentration of this element in mud sediments. The amounts of Pb and Zn are relatively high in all the samples in comparison with the other elements. The concentration of Ni is relatively high in the oxidized samples. The distribution of Pb is directly related to organic matter content of the sediments. The concentrations of Zn, Sr, Cu, Co and Cd in the samples of the playa are lower than those in the delta. The amount of illite is another factor influencing Zn and Pb concentrations. Sr is more concentrated in the sediments with the high content of calcium carbonate. The distribution pattern of Cu, Co, Pb and Mn resembles to that of the clay content of the sediments. The clay content shows positive correlations with Co, Cu and Mn concentrations and negative correlation with Ag. The Sr and Ag concentrations are positively correlated with the amount of CaCO₃. The amounts of Co, Cu, Ni and Mn show negative correlations with the calcium carbonate content. Pb and Co are noticeably correlated with Mn.     

The transfer and fate of Cd, Cu, Pb and Zn from two historic metalliferous mine sites in the U.K.

Monitoring of heavy metal transfers, aerial deposition and fluvial transport to soil, stream sediment and vegetation compartments surrounding two former PbZn mines are reported. Results show that 80–100 a after the closure of the mines relatively large amounts of Cd, Pb, Zn and, in once case, Cu are entering the soil and fluvial systems.Aerial deposition of heavy metals within a 300 m radius of the centre of the tailings heaps is shown to be contributing up to 3.3 kg Cd, 71 kg Cu, 373 kg Pb and 1041 kg Zn annually to the surrounding soil and vegetation compartments. It is shown that more than 4.2 kg Cd/a and 1387 kg Zn/a are being transferred from the tailings heaps via the streams in the form of dissolved load. However, the greatest quantities of Cu (38 kg/a) and Pb (74 kg/a) are transported from the heaps as wash load. Transfers calculated as percentages of the total metal quantities in the tailings heaps highlight the greater relative mobility within the fluvial system of Cd and Zn compared to Cu and Pb. Outside of the tailings heaps, the greatest accumulation of metals is in the surrounding soil, while the smallest was observed to occur in the surrounding mixed grassland vegetation.The most important implications of these findings are in the long-term release and partitioning of pollutant metal species from historic metalliferous mine tailings within the terrestrial and fluvial environments. This information is of major ecotoxicological and agronomic importance and is necessary for the effective reclamation and remediation of such contaminated sites.     

Comparison of metal homogeneity in grab,quartered, and crushed — sieved portions of stream sediments and metal content change resulting from crushing — sieving activity

Restricted grain size sediment samples were collected along two streams. Metal content in some samples may have been influenced by landfill emissions. Each sample was divided into a grab portion, a quartered portion, and a portion crushed and sieved to a smaller size and then quartered. A duplicate sample from each of these portions was extracted. The Cu, Pb, Zn, Co, Ba, Fe, Mn, and Ca quantities were determined for each duplicate sample. Relative standard deviation was used to reflect homogeneity of metal content. Metal occurrence represented speciated metals or major components of chemical phases. Results indicated that variation of metal content among portions was uniform and did not vary as a function of absolute metal quantity. Homogeneity was similar in the same size grab and quartered samples. A more homogeneous metal state was displayed by the crushed and sieved sediments. However, this activity enriched softer chemical phases and associated speciated metals. It was concluded that sediments need not be quartered to obtain a better homogeneity of metal distribution and that field samples should not be crushed and sieved prior to chemical analyses. Assessment of sediments affected by metal emission sources must include a knowledge of metal homogeneity in individual samples.     

Mobilisation of traffic-derived trace metals from road corridors into coastal stream and estuarine sediments,Cairns, northern Australia

This investigation revealed the presence of traffic-derived metals within road, stream and estuarine sediments collected from a coastal catchment, northern Australia. Studied road sediments displayed variable total metal concentrations (median Cd, Cu, Pb, Pd, Pt, Ni and Zn values: 0.19, 42.6, 67.5, 0.064, 0.104, 36.7 and 698 mg/kg, respectively). The distinctly elevated Zn values are due to abundant tyre rubber shreds (as verified by SEM-EDS and correlation analysis). By comparison to the road sediments, background stream sediments taken upstream from roads have relatively low median Pb, Pd, Pt and Zn concentrations (7.3 mg/kg Pb, 0.01 mg/kg Pd, 0.012 mg/kg Pt, 62 mg/kg Zn). Stream and estuarine sediment samples collected below roads have median values of 21.8 mg/kg Pb, 0.014 mg/kg Pd, 0.021 mg/kg Pt and 71 mg/kg Zn, and exhibit ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁶Pb and ²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁶Pb ratios that appear on a mixing line between the isotopically distinct background stream sediments and the road sediments. Thus, mobilisation of dusts and sediments from road surfaces has resulted in relatively elevated Pb, Pd, Pt and Zn concentrations and non-radiogenic Pb isotope ratios in local coastal stream and estuarine sediments. The investigation demonstrates that traffic-derived metals enter coastal stream and estuary sediments at the fringe of the Great Barrier Reef lagoon.     

滦河流域沉积物中重金属分布特征及风险评价

沉积物作为重金属污染物的源和汇,对水环境有着至关重要的影响.为了全面了解滦河沉积物中重金属污染现状,采用电感耦合等离子体质谱法对滦河干支流沉积物中重金属含量进行了测定,分析了其空间分布,并采用潜在生态危害指数法对滦河沉积物进行了评价.结果表明:滦河沉积物中Cr、Ni、Cu、Zn、Cd 和Pb的平均含量分别为60.40、26.15、48.07、76.42、0.30、25.55 mg/kg,其中Cu和Cd含量高于中国水系沉积物背景值.滦河干流的重金属含量空间分布自上游往下游呈逐渐增加趋势.潜在生态危害指数评价结果表明:不同重金属污染对滦河流域生态风险构成的危害由强至弱依次为:Cd＞Cu ＞Pb＞Cr＞ Zn,其中Cu、Pb、Cr和Zn为低生态危害等级,Cd以中等生态危害等级为主.总体上,滦河沉积物重金属处于中等生态危害等级,干流大黑汀水库和支流瀑河宽域处于强生态危害等级.     

Distribution of cadmium, chromium, copper, lead and zinc in marine sediments in Hong Kong waters

Partitioning of heavy metals (Cd, Cr, Cu, Pb, Zn) in marine sediments collected from various sites in Hong Kong waters were determined using sequential extraction method. Sediments from Kellette Bank, located in Victoria Harbour, had higher metal concentrations especially Cu and Zn than most other sites. Slightly over 20% of total Cu and Cr existed as readily available forms in Peng Chau and Kellette Bank. At most sampling sites, over 15% of the Cu existed as the exchangeable form indicating that Cu could be readily released into the aqueous phase from sediments. A significantly higher percentage of Pb and Zn was associated with the three non-residual fractions. Hence, there is a greater environmental concern for remobilization of Pb and Zn compared with Cr. The high amount of residual Cd (>50%) and the relatively lower Cd content indicate that little environmental concern is warranted for the remobilization of Cd. Distribution of metals in sediments collected from different depth at Kellette Bank shows that metal concentrations decreased with profile depth. The levels of Pb and Zn associated with the two readily available fractions increased sharply in the surface sediment. These metals represented the pollutants, which were introduced into the area in the mid-eighties through early nineties as a result of rapid economic and industrial development in the territory. As significant portions of these metals were bound to the readily available phases in the surface sediments, metal remobilization could be a concern. An erratum to this article can be found at     

Transport and sediment–water partitioning of trace metals in acid mine drainage: an example from the abandoned Kwangyang Au–Ag mine area, South Korea

Transport and sediment–water partitioning of trace metals (Cr, Co, Fe, Pb, Cu, Ni, Zn, Cd) in acid mine drainage were studied in two creeks in the Kwangyang Au–Ag mine area, southern part of Korea. Chemical analysis of stream waters and the weak acid (0.1 N HCl) extraction, strong acid (HF–HNO₃–HClO₄) extraction, and sequential extraction of stream sediments were performed. Heavy metal pollution of sediments was higher in Chonam-ri creek than in Sagok-ri creek, because there is a larger source of base metal sulfides in the ores and waste dump upstream of Chonam-ri creek. The sediment–water distribution coefficients (K _d) for metals in both creeks were dependent on the water pH and decreased in the order Pb ≈ Al > Cu > Mn > Zn > Co > Ni ≈ Cd. K _d values for Al, Cu and Zn were very sensitive to changes in pH. The results of sequential extraction indicated that among non-residual fractions, Fe–Mn oxides are most important for retaining trace metals in the sediments. Therefore, the precipitation of Fe(–Mn) oxides due to pH increase in downstream sites plays an important role in regulating the concentrations of dissolved trace metals in both creeks. For Al, Co, Cu, Mn, Pb and Zn, the metal concentrations determined by 0.1 N HCl extraction (Korean Standard Method for Soil Pollution) were almost identical to the cumulative concentrations determined for the first three weakly-bound fractions (exchangeable + bound to carbonates + bound to Fe–Mn oxides) in the sequential extraction procedure. This suggests that 0.1 N HCl extraction can be effectively used to assess the environmentally available and/or bioavailable forms of trace metals in natural stream sediments.     

Heavy-metal loadings related to urban contamination in the Kooloonbung Creek catchment,Port Macquarie,New South Wales

Urbanisation and industrial development lead to contamination of estuaries and streams with dispersed loadings of heavy metals and metalloids. Contributions of these elements also occur from natural sources. This study provides baseline geochemical data on the respective natural and anthropogenic inputs of Cu, Pb, Zn, Cd, As, Sb, Cr, Ni, Mn and S to estuarine, fluvial and wetland sediments, and adjacent soils, in the Kooloonbung Creek catchment that drains the Port Macquarie urban area in north coastal New South Wales. There have been anthropogenic additions of Cu, Pb, Zn and As from dispersed urban sources at Port Macquarie, but they are restricted to the local catchment and do not impact on the adjacent Hastings River estuary. The most contaminated sediments display enrichment factors up to 20 × for Cu and Pb, 9 × for Zn and 5 × for As relative to local background values. However, only one value (for Pb) exceeds National Water Quality Management Strategy interim sediment quality guideline (high) values. On the other hand, sediments and local soils are commonly strongly enriched in Cr, Ni and Mn, reflecting adjacent ultramafic and mafic rock substrate and lateritic regolith. Concentrations of Cr and Ni are commonly well above interim sediment quality guideline (high) values for sediments, but are in mineralogical forms that are not readily bioavailable. Sediment and soil quality guideline values consequently need to recognise natural enrichments and the mineralogical siting of heavy metals. Although dissolved concentrations of heavy metals in stream waters are commonly low, there is evidence for mobility of Cu, Zn, Fe and Al. Parts of the Kooloonbung Creek wetland area lie on sulfidic estuarine sediments (potential acid sulfate soils). Experimental oxidation of uncontaminated and contaminated sulfidic sediments leads to substantial dissolution of heavy metals under acid conditions, with subsequent aquatic mobility. The results warn about disturbance and oxidation of potential acid sulfate soils that have been contaminated by urban and natural heavy-metal sources.     

Heavy metal distribution and assessment in stream sediments of River Orle,Southwestern Nigeria

Ten heavy metals, namely, Ag, As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Hg, Ni, Pb and Zn were partially extracted using aqua regia digestion method and analysed by ICP-AES from 56 stream sediment samples collected from River Orle, Igarra area, southwestern Nigeria. The analytical results were used to produce geochemical distribution maps for the elements and were subjected to univariate statistical analysis in order to evaluate the distribution and abundance of the heavy metals in the study area. The degree of pollution of these stream sediments by these heavy metals was evaluated by calculating such parameters as enrichment factors (EF), as well as pollution load and geo-accumulation indices (PLI and Igeo). Co, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb and Zn are widely distributed in the drainage system while the distribution of Ag, Cd, As and Hg is restricted to only parts of the drainage system with Ag and Cd being localized to one sample site each near Epkeshi in the southern part of the study area. Cr and Pb display anomalously high concentrations, each from a site, also in the same locality where Ag and Cd were detected, indicating the likelihood that the four elements, Cr, Pb, Ag and Cd, are genetically related. Calculation of the enrichment factor (EF), pollution load index (PLI) and geo-accumulation index (Igeo) yielded results that indicate that all the 56 stream sediment sites, except one located about 4 km southeast of Epkeshi in the southern part of the Orle drainage system, are practically unpolluted by heavy metals. The relatively high metal concentration of this anomalous site having Pb EF of 62.5, PLI of 1.14 and Pb Igeo of 2.44 signifies Pb pollution. Both natural and anthropogenic sources of the Pb contamination around Epkeshi locality are possible. In conclusion, the levels of concentrations of heavy metals in the study area, in general, do not constitute any serious environmental risk except for Pb which needs to be monitored at only one site in the study area. Therefore the concentration ranges for the different heavy metals in the study area can serve as baseline environmental data against which the degree of pollution of these heavy metals can be evaluated in future.     

渤海西部表层沉积物中重金属的环境地球化学特征

为探讨渤海西部在多重环境因素变化下沉积物中重金属的环境地球化学行为,分析了渤海西部44个站位表层沉积物样品中8种重金属元素含量,研究了重金属元素的分布特征、环境影响因素及其生态风险。结果表明,渤海西部表层沉积物中As、Cu、Cd、Cr、Hg、Ni、Pb、Zn的平均含量分别为117 mg/kg、255 mg/kg、014 mg/kg、689 mg/kg、0037 mg/kg、303 mg/kg、223 mg/kg、757 mg/kg;Cu、Cr、Ni、Zn含量与有机碳含量、小于63 μm细粒沉积物呈显著正相关,其在表层沉积物中的分布明显受到有机质含量和沉积物粒径的控制,而As、Hg分布没有明显受到有机质含量的影响。富集系数显示,Cr、Ni、Pb和Zn为无富集,Cu、As为轻度富集,Cd和Hg为中度富集。与多种背景值和一致性沉积物质量基准相比较,渤海西部表层沉积物Pb、Cd的含量超出背景值,而Cu、Zn、Ni、Cr、As、Hg含量也存在一定的异常,但其含量水平引发有害生物效应的可能性不大,尽管重金属元素含量偏高,但生态风险较小。     

湘江入湖河段沉积物重金属污染及其Pb同位素地球化学示踪

湘江是我国重金属污染最严重的河流之一.本次工作利用等离子质谱(ICP-MS)和多接收同位素质谱(MC-ICP-MS)等技术,对湘江入湖河段沉积物进行了系统的重金属微量元素和Pb同位素分析.结果表明,湘江河床沉积物明显富集Bi、Sc、V、Mn、Ni、Cu、Zn、Pb、Cd、Sn、Sb等多种重金属微量元素,而湖盆沉积物重金...     

Temporal variability of trace metals in new jersey pinelands streams: relationships to discharge and pH

Dissolved and particulate trace metal (Al, Cd, Cu, Pb, and Zn) concentrations were determined over a 21 month time period at four streamwater sites in the Pinelands (New Jersey, USA), a coastal plain region characterized by low-pH waters and highly weathered soils. Al and Zn were also determined at two sites over a 5 day period following a major precipitation event. In the Batsto River (pH 4.4–6.3), a representative Pinelands stream draining a largely forested watershed moderately impacted by agriculture, discharge-weighted mean concentrations of dissolved metals were (in nM): Al = 4610; Cd = 0.39; Cu = 4.6; Pb = 1.0; and Zn = 149. Dissolved Cd, Cu, and Zn in the undeveloped Bass River (pH 4.1–4.8) are in a similar range, but Pb concentration is 2–3 times greater. Dissolved metals show highly significant positive correlations to discharge, and weaker inverse relationships to pH over both the long- and short-term time series. Overall, seasonal and short-term variability in dissolved metal concentrations is most consistent with control by hydrologic flow path changes during high discharge, when shallow groundwaters mobilize anthropogenic metals stored in near-surface soil horizons and bypass potential metal removal processes in bordering wetlands. The data also suggest that in-stream metal removal driven by summertime biological productivity may further reduce low-discharge metal concentrations, as a secondary effect. For these metals, the particulate fraction is generally minor, and variations in solution/particle partitioning are unimportant to spatial/temporal variations dissolved concentrations, except for Pb. Estimates of atmospheric input can account for riverine fluxes of these metals, and suggest that Zn retention is minimal in this system, while Pb, Cu and Cd are more strongly retained. The positive relationship between discharge and metals concentration, and the unusually high concentrations in Pinelands streams compared to other world rivers, suggest that riverine effects on metals distributions in the estuary and nearby coastal ocean will be measurable and strongly seasonal.     

太湖沉积物中重金属的测定及环境意义

通过对太湖地区水域湖泊沉积物中重金属含量的抽样测试，描述了太湖水域重金属（Ag、As、Cd、Cr、Cu、Hg、Ni、Pb、Zn等）元素的污染状及其分布，结果表明：太湖沉积物中重金属含量北部明显高于东部，来自太湖北岸城镇和工业区的未处理工业及生活污水，对太湖北部水域造成的重金属污染程度远高于以养殖业为主的东太湖及湖心水域。     

白银东大沟水体和底泥中重金属污染评价

为了给白银东大沟河道生态治理和底泥处理风险评价提供科学参考,分析了东大沟水体中Cu、Pb、Zn、Cd、As、Hg和底泥中Cr、Zn、Pb、Cu、Cd、Hg重金属的含量水平、分布特征及含量变化趋势,并采用内梅罗综合指数法和潜在生态风险指数法分别对水体和沉积底泥中的重金属污染累积程度、潜在风险进行评价。研究结果表明,东大沟水体中6种重金属平均含量在0.005 7～4.796 0 mg/L之间,其含量大小依次为Zn>Cu>Cd>Pb>As>Hg。随水流方向,水体中As含量表现为升高趋势,其余重金属含量则呈显著降低趋势。底泥中6种重金属平均含量在(61.6～5 999.3)×10-6之间,其含量大小依次为Zn>Pb>Cu>Cd>Cr>Hg。东大沟河段底泥中的重金属含量有起伏,但整体表现为随水流方向含量显著降低的趋势。参照相关评价标准,东大沟水体的主要重金属污染物为Cu、Pb、Zn、Cd,其单因子污染程度Cd>Pb>Zn>Cu,综合指数评价表明东大沟水体存在不同程度的污染;底泥主要重金属污染物为Cd、Hg、Pb、Cu,为复合污染,其生态危害风险程度Cd>Hg>Pb>Cu>Zn>Cr,潜在生态风险指数评价表明东大沟大部分河段底泥潜在生态风险指数为严重。     

Assessment of trace element geochemistry of Hampton Roads harbor and lower Chesapeake Bay area sediments

Acid extractable Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb. and Zn were determined in sediments from the Inner Virginia Shelf, and from shipping channels in the lower Chesapeake Bay and Hampton Roads, Virginia, harbor system. Data were evaluated by a variety of techniques Levels of Cd, Cu, Pb, and Zn exceeded average crustal abundances for most of the study sites. Cumulative frequency curves suggested that there were two major populations for all metals and perhaps a third and smaller, one for Cd, Cr, and Mn Plots of metal vs Fe indicated no anthropogenic inputs of metals for shelf and Chesapeake Bay channel sites, but suggested anthropogenic influences for all metals in several of the inshore sites. Enrichment factor calculations showed enrichment of Cd, Pb, and Zn with respect to average crustal abundances for all sites and of Cu for the industrial harbor system. A recommendation of this study for evaluation of environmental geochemical metals data is to utilize mean concentrations, cumulative frequency plots, and metal vs Fe and/or enrichment factor calculations when evaluating the pollution status of sediments.     

Environmental assessment of heavy metal contamination in bottom sediments of Al-Kharrar lagoon,Rabigh, Red Sea,Saudi Arabia

In order to assess the pollution levels of selected heavy metals, 45 bottom sediment samples were collected from Al-Kharrar lagoon in central western Saudi Arabia. The concentrations of the heavy metals were recorded using inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometer (ICP-MS). The results showed that the concentrations of Pb and Cd exceeded the environmental background values. However, the heavy metal contents were less than the threshold effect level (TEL) limit. The concentrations of heavy metals in lagoon bottom sediments varied spatially, but their variations showed similar trends. Elevated levels of metals were observed in the northern and southern parts of the lagoon. Evaluation of contamination levels by the sediment quality guidelines (SQG) of the US-EPA revealed that sediments were non-polluted-moderately to heavily polluted with Pb; non-polluted to moderately polluted with Cu; and non-polluted with Mn, Zn, Cd, and Cr. The geoaccumulation index showed that lagoon sediments were unpolluted with Cd, Mn, Fe, Hg, Mo, and Se; unpolluted to moderately polluted with Zn and Co; and moderately polluted with Pb, Cr, Cu, and As. The high enrichment factor values for Pb, As, Cu, Cr, Co, and Zn (>2) indicate their anthropogenic sources, whereas the remaining elements were of natural origins consistent with their low enrichment levels. The values of CF indicate that the bottom sediments of Al-Kharrar lagoon are moderately contaminated with Mn and Pb.