Metals in the river waters of Primorye

New data are presented on the contents of Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu, Pb, Cd, and Ni in dissolved and particulate modes of occurrence in unpolluted or anthropogenically contaminated major rivers of Primorye. The background contents of dissolved metals are as follows: 0.1–0.5 μg/l for Zn and Ni, 0.3–0.7 μg/l for Cu, 0.01–0.04 μg/l for Pb and Cd, and 2–20 μg/l for Fe and Mn. Common anthropogenic loading (communal wastewaters) notably increases the dissolved Fe and Mn concentrations Industrial wastes lead to a local increase in the contents of dissolved metals in river waters by one to three orders of magnitude. The effect of hydrological regime is expressed most clearly in the areas of anthropogenic impact. The metal contents in the particulate matter are controlled mainly by its granulometric composition. Original Russian Text ? V.M. Shulkin, N.N. Bogdanov, V.I. Kiselev, 2007, published in Geokhimiya, 2007, No. 1, pp. 79–88.     

Zn isotopes in the suspended load of the Seine River, France: Isotopic variations and source determination

We report Zn isotopic ratios (δ⁶⁶Zn) of river suspended particulate matter (SPM) and floodplain deposits (FD) from the Seine basin, France, with a precision ?0.05‰. A decrease in δ⁶⁶Zn from 0.30‰ to 0.08‰ is observed in SPM from the upstream to downstream parts of the fluvial system, associated with an increase in Zn concentration from 100 ppm to 400 ppm. The Zn/Al of SPM at the river mouth is up to five times greater than the Zn/Al of the natural background, and by normalizing to the later value we define a Zn enrichment factor. Suspended sediments from a temporal series of samples collected in Paris display a similar variation in δ⁶⁶Zn of between 0.08‰ and 0.26‰, while showing an inverse relationship between the Zn enrichment factor and δ⁶⁶Zn. The amount of Zn transported as suspended load varies from 10% to 90%, as a function of increasing discharge. The δ⁶⁶Zn of SPM and the dissolved load are correlated, suggesting that adsorption processes are probably not the dominant process by which the Zn enrichment of SPM takes place. Instead, we interpret our data as reflecting the mixture of two main populations of suspended particles with distinct δ⁶⁶Zn. The first is characteristic of natural silicate particles transported by erosion processes to the river, while the second likely represents anthropogenic particles derived from wastewater treatment plants or combined sewer overflows. Based on isotopic ratios, we calculate that 70% of Zn in SPM of the Seine River in Paris is of anthropogenic origin.     

The environmental impact of Aguilar mine on the heavy metal concentrations of the Yacoraite River,Jujuy Province,NW Argentina

The Yacoraite River and its tributaries run down the eastern slope of the Aguilar Range. It is one of the tributaries of the Rio Grande, located in Quebrada de Humahuaca, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The Aguilar underground mine (Pb–Ag–Zn) is located in the upper reaches of the Yacoraite River drainage basin. The aim of this work is to characterize the presence of heavy metals in water and sediments of the Yacoraite River and to identify their sources. The analysis shows the seasonal variation of heavy metals concentration in water and their relation with the World Health Organization (WHO) limits established for human consumption. The Yacoraite basin is naturally anomalous in some metals and some elements, such as As which is controlled by the chemical composition of regional lithology. During the wet season, Al, Co, Mo and Pb concentrations in water samples are higher than during the dry season; in addition, these metals are also higher than WHO limit values. High enrichment factors for Ba, Mo, Pb, Zn and Cd were found in Casa Grande stream, indicating the direct influence of the mining activities. Cd, Pb and Zn are present in the Aguilar ore minerals, such as sphalerite and galena. Sediments collected during the dry season show a drastic increase in the concentration of As, Pb, Ba, Zn, Cd and Mn. The Müller geo-accumulation index in Casa Grande indicates that it is a highly polluted stream. The concentrations of As, Pb, Ba, Zn, Cd are also high in Yacoraite River: Security Quality Guidelines indicates toxicity. A decrease in enrichment factors and geo-accumulation indices observed in sediments indicates the occurrence of precipitation/adsorption processes in the river to restore the equilibrium composition. Strict environmental controls in Aguilar Mine are necessary to avoid the uncontrolled input of toxic metals in Casa Grande stream and Yacoraite River.     

Hydrological and biogeochemical dynamics of the minor and trace elements in the St. Lawrence River

Surface water samples from the St. Lawrence River were collected in order to study the processes controlling minor and trace elements concentrations (Al, Fe, Mn, Cd, Co, Cu, Ni and Zn), and to construct mass balances allowing estimates of the relative importance of their natural and anthropogenic sources. The two major water inputs, the upper St. Lawrence River, which drains waters originating from the Lake Ontario, and the Ottawa River were collected fortnightly over 18 months. In addition, other tributaries were sampled during the spring floods. The output was monitored near Quebec City at the river mouth weekly between 1995 and 1999. Dissolved metal concentrations in the upper St. Lawrence River carbonated waters were lower than in the acidic waters of the tributaries draining the crystalline rocks of the Canadian shield and the forest cover. Biogeochemical and hydrodynamic processes occurring in Lake Ontario drive the seasonal variations observed in the upper St. Lawrence River. Biogeochemical processes relate to biological uptake, regeneration of organic matter (for Cd and Zn) and oxyhydroxide formation (for Mn and Fe), while hydrodynamic processes mainly concern the seasonal change in vertical stratification (for Cd, Mn, and Zn). In the Ottawa River, the main tributary, oxyhydroxide formation in summer governs seasonal patterns of Al, Fe, Mn, Cd, Co and Zn. The downstream section of the St. Lawrence River is a transit zone in which seasonal variations are mainly driven by the mixing of the different water masses and the large input of suspended particulate matter from erosion. The budget of all dissolved elements, except Fe and Zn, was balanced, as the budget of particulate elements (except Cd and Zn). The main sources of metals to the St. Lawrence River are erosion and inputs from tributaries and Lake Ontario. Direct anthropogenic discharges into the river accounted for less than 5% of the load, except for Cd (10%) and Zn (21%). The fluxes in transfer of dissolved Cd, Co, Cu and Zn species from the river to the lower St. Lawrence estuary were equal to corresponding fluxes calculated for Quebec City since the distributions of dissolved concentrations of these metals versus salinity were conservative. For Fe, the curvature of the dilution line obtained suggests that dissolved species were removed during early mixing.     

Spatio-temporal dynamics of heavy metals in sediments of the river estuarine system: Mahanadi basin (India)

Dynamics of heavy metals in the surface sediments of Mahanadi river estuarine system were studied for three different seasons. This study demonstrates that the relative abundance of these metals follows in the order of Fe > Mn > Zn > Pb > Cr > Ni ≥ Co > Cu > Cd. The spatial pattern of heavy metals supported by enrichment ratio data, suggests their anthropogenic sources possibly from various industrial wastes and municipal wastes as well as agricultural runoff. The metal concentrations in estuarine sediments are relatively higher than in the river due to adsorption/accumulation of metals on sediments during saline mixing, while there is a decreasing trend of heavy metal concentrations towards the marine side. The temporal variations for metals, such as Fe, Mn, Zn, Ni and Pb exhibit higher values during monsoon season, which are related to agricultural runoff. Higher elemental concentrations are observed during pre-monsoon season for these above metals (except Ni) at the polluted stations and for metals, such as Cr, Co and Cd at all sites, which demonstrate the intensity of anthropogenic contribution. R-mode factor analysis reveals that “Fe–Mn oxy hydroxide”, “organic matter”, “CaCO₃”, and “textural variables” factors are the major controlling geochemical factors for the enrichment of heavy metals in river estuarine sediment and their seasonal variations, though their intensities were different for different seasons. The relationships among the stations are highlighted by cluster analysis, represented in dendrograms to categorize different contributing sites for the enrichment of heavy metals in the river estuarine system.     

Heavy metal contamination in the Arieş river catchment, western Romania: Implications for development of the Roşia Montană gold deposit

The Abrud–Arieş river system, western Romania, is subject to ongoing mining activity associated with Cu, Pb and Zn ore extraction. The catchment contains what is believed to be Europe's largest unutilized Au deposit at Roşia Montană that is planned to be exploited by open-cast mining techniques. The magnitude and environmental significance of metal (Cd, Cu, Pb, and Zn) concentrations in surface water and river channel sediment have been investigated along a 140 km reach of the Rivers Abrud and Arieş and 9 tributaries affected by mining. The speciation of sediment-bound metals was established using a 4-stage sequential extraction procedure (SEP) that identified four chemical phases: (1) exchangeable, (2) Fe/Mn oxides, (3) organic matter/sulphides and (4) residual. Peak solute and sediment-bound metal concentrations were found to occur in the River Abrud downstream of the EM Bucium mine and in mining-affected tributaries, with up to 71% of sites containing sediment metal concentrations in excess of Dutch intervention values. The River Arieş was found to be much less polluted than the River Abrud, with only Cu showing concentrations above guideline values, as a consequence of porphyry Cu mineralization in the catchment. The magnitude and spatial extent of metal pollution is influenced by local physico-chemical conditions and hydrological linkages between mining and local river systems. Sediment-bound Cd and Zn were found to be predominantly associated with the exchangeable phase of the sediment (9–74% and 6–65%, respectively), whilst Fe/Mn oxides (5–76%) and organic matter/sulphides (1–45%) generally accounted for a majority of Pb and Cu partitioning, respectively. Sites of environmentally significant sediment-metal pollution were identified in the Rivers Abrud and Arieş where exchangeable metal concentrations exceeded Dutch intervention values. The implications of metal contamination in the Arieş river basin to the proposed mining development at Roşia Montana are discussed in relation to other contaminated Romanian catchments and with the EU Water Framework Directive.     

Particularities of the dynamics of river channel processes in the Khabarovsk water junction

The dynamics of river channel processes were analyzed in the region of complex floodplain-channel branching of the Amur River near Khabarovsk using remote sensing data of the Earth’s surface. Zones of steady accumulation and long-term erosion of the river channel are established within the Khabarovsk water junction over the period of 1964–2004. The main problems related to restoring the Amur River back to its initial channel were distinguished in the course of these works. A map of individual streams formed in the Amur River channel under the influence of large tributaries (the Sungari and Ussuri rivers) was developed. The importance of this map for forecasting the spreading of anthropogenic pollution in the channel of the Amur River is shown using the example of the emergency situation that resulted from the explosion at the chemical plant in the Sungari River basin (Jilin, China; November 2005).     

Geochemistry of Suspended Matter from Waters of the Amazon Basin

The geochemical study of the suspended matter in the waters of the Amazon River and its tributaries revealed that the chemical composition of this material ranges widely; however, generally, it is similar to the average composition of the suspended matter in the rivers and clayey sedimentary rocks around the world. Against this background, an essential regional Hg enrichment due to the anthropogenic factor is distinguished. The suspensions from the so-called clear waters from the tributaries of the Amazon River—Xingu and Trombetas—demonstrate the local enrichment in Pb, Sn, Zn, and organic carbon indicating the ore mineralization of the drainage basin, and points to the presence of metal-organic complexes.     

Morphometric analysis of Suketi river basin,Himachal Himalaya,India

Suketi river basin is located in the Mandi district of Himachal Pradesh, India. It encompasses a central inter-montane valley and surrounding mountainous terrain in the Lower Himachal Himalaya. Morphometric analysis of the Suketi river basin was carried out to study its drainage characteristics and overall groundwater resource potential. The entire Suketi river basin has been divided into five sub-basins based on the catchment areas of Suketi trunk stream and its major tributaries. Quantitative assessment of each sub-basin was carried out for its linear, areal, and relief aspects. The analysis reveals that the drainage network of the entire Suketi river basin constitutes a 7th order basin. Out of five sub-basins, Kansa khad sub-basin (KKSB), Gangli khad sub-basin (GKSB) and Ratti khad sub-basin (RKSB) are 5th order sub-basins. The Dadour khad sub-basin (DKSB) is 6th order sub-basin, while Suketi trunk stream sub-basin (STSSB) is a 7th order sub-basin. The entire drainage basin area reflects late youth to early mature stage of development of the fluvial geomorphic cycle, which is dominated by rain and snow fed lower order streams. It has low stream frequency (Fs) and moderate drainage density (Dd) of 2.69 km/km ². Bifurcation ratios (Rb) of various stream orders indicate that streams up to 3rd order are surging through highly dissected mountainous terrain, which facilitates high overland flow and less recharge into the sub-surface resulting in low groundwater potential in the zones of 1st, 2nd, and 3rd order streams of the Suketi river basin. The circulatory ratio (Rc) of 0.65 and elongation ratio (Re) of 0.80 show elongated nature of the Suketi river basin, while infiltration number (If) of 10.66 indicates dominance of relief features and low groundwater potential in the high altitude mountainous terrain. The asymmetry factor (Af) of Suketi river basin indicates that the palaeo-tectonic tilting, at drainage basin scale, was towards the downstream right side of the drainage basin. The slope map of Suketi river basin has been classified into three main zones, which delineate the runoff zone in the mountains, recharge zone in the transition zone between mountains and valley plane, and discharge zone in the plane areas of Balh valley.     

Spatial patterns of the evolution of the chemical composition and discharge of river water in the Ob River basin

The discharge of major cations and dissolved organic carbon (C_org) with water of the Ob River and its tributaries along the natural zones within the Ob River basin was calculated, and the contribution of the underground component to the volumes of total discharge of the Ob River basin was estimated. It was demonstrated that the total chemical composition of river water and the geochemical discharge in the Ob River basin were consistent with the zoned hydroclimatic conditions controlling the character and duration of interaction in the water–rock system. It was established that the average ionic discharge of the Ob River increased from 6–7 × 10⁶ t/year near Barnaul to 46–47 × 10⁶ t/year near Salekhard; the discharge of dissolved C_org increased from 0.1 × 10⁶ to 3.8 × 10⁶ t/year. Multiple enrichment of underground waters of the Ob River in dissolved organic matter from the upper to the lower reaches was revealed.     

Biogeochemistry of the Madeira river basin

A biogeochemical characterization of the Madeira river basin has been made to evaluate the local and global effects of possible alterations in the ecosystem caused by recent intensive occupation in Rondonia state. During the period April 1983—January 1986, sampling was made both by land and river along the tributaries and main channel of the Madeira river. The parameters analysed lead to a detailed study of the physicochemical quality of the waters of the basin and their relationship with the local geology, associated with the transport of solid material and the hydrological behavior of the ecosystem.Penman's method adapted to tropical rainforest conditions was used to evaluate the potential evapotranspiration for the basin. Estimated potential evapotranspiration was 1420 mm/y, 77% due to the energy balance. Real evapotranspiration was 94% of the estimated potential and the main residence time of the rain water in the basin was 2 months. The isotopic behavior of Hydrogen and Oxygen in the river waters of the region was typical of great rivers, the values being more positive during the dry season and more negative during the rainy season. An isotopic gradient of ¹⁸O 0.038 ()/100 km, was established from Porto Velho station to the estuary, which was considered low when compared with the value of 0.063 ()/100 km, obtained for the Amazon river.In general, the waters of the tributaries were poor in dissolved ion species when compared with the main channel of the Madeira river. Seasonal variation in the transport of suspended sediment kept the same pattern, greater transport being observed on rising water than during high water. A transport of 2.85 million tons per day was observed in the Madeira river near the mouth.     

Iron ore mining promotes iron enrichment in sediments of the Gualaxo do Norte River basin,Minas Gerais State,Brazil

The objective of the present study is to assess the influence of iron ore mining on Fe concentrations in fluvial sediments of the Gualaxo do Norte River basin (Minas Gerais State, Brazil). Initially background values were determined for Fe by means of the boxplot representation, the iterative 2σ technique and the calculated distribution function, using geochemical data obtained for alluvial terraces. Geochronologic analyses in carbonaceous materials attested for the proposed background values. After that, chemical analyses of active drainage sediments collected along the entire basin were carried out and a geochemical map of the study area was prepared. The mean background value for Fe is relatively high (8.2 wt %), when compared to the Fe concentration in the Earth’s crust (5.6 wt %). Such background value is strongly associated with the geological characteristics of the region. It was observed that most of the high Fe concentrations were detected in active sediments collected in the main river of the basin and not in its tributaries. This suggests that Fe enrichment is not only linked to the local geology but also to possible increase resulting from accidental leakage of iron ore mining tailings from containment dams and lakes upstream. It is suggested that measures that help stop or minimize such impact be adopted. The large capacity of Fe to adsorb and form complexes with toxic metals implicates in environmental hazards that may not be restricted only to the Gualaxo do Norte river basin, but may affect the other basins downstream.     

长江沉积物环境地球化学特征及生态风险评价

为了进行长江流域沉积物生态风险评价,对长江流域干流以及主要支流的沉积物统一进行采样分析。首先对其元素的组成特征及重金属元素的富集特征进行分析。常量元素含量在流域空间上的变化主要受其携带矿物含量变化的影响;Cu、Pb、Cd、As、Hg 5种微量元素富集程度较大,存在异常。同时采用潜在生态风险指数法对长江沉积物Cr、Mn、Co、Ni、Cu、Zn、Pb、Cd、As、Hg 10种元素进行了评价研究。结果表明,潜在生态风险指数较大的地区分布在湖南湘江、安徽铜陵等地区,中等的地区分布在四川、重庆及江西等地区,这些潜在污染指数与矿产的开采冶炼以及工业的布局有一定的关系,很大程度上是由人为因素造成的。从元素的潜在污染程度看,长江流域Cd、As、Hg污染程度较重,Cu、Zn、Pb次之,而Cr、Mn、Co、Ni基本没有污染。本研究为探讨长江流域沉积地球化学过程和环境保护提供了科学依据。     

Sources, distribution and storage of heavy metals in the Río Pilcomayo, Bolivia

The Río Pilcomayo rises on the Cerro Rico de Potosí precious metal-polymetallic tin deposits of Bolivia, and flows in a southeasterly direction for ca. 600 km to Bolivia's southern border with Argentina. Mining of the Potosí deposits has occurred continuously since 1545, generating large quantities of waste materials in the headwater of the basin. In addition, a tailings dam breach at the Porco mine in 1996 released an estimated 235 000 m³ of tailings and fluid into the upper reaches of the Río Pilaya, the largest tributary to the Pilcomayo.Concentrations of As, Sb, Cd, Cu, Pb, Hg, Ag, Tl and Zn in contemporary channel sediments upstream of the Pilaya confluence are significantly elevated above background values. Elevated levels appear to be associated with pyrite- and other sulphide mineral-bearing tailings materials transported more than 200 km downstream of the Potosí mines. Significant downstream declines in elemental concentrations occur within 15 km, and again between 150 and 200 km, from the mines. The initial decrease in concentrations is due to the rapid dilution of nearly pure tailings effluent released to the river from milling facilities near Potosí. The latter decrease results from a combination of geomorphic processes including the storage of sediment-borne metals within the channel bed and the influx of ‘clean’ sediment from several large tributaries. Downstream of the Pilaya confluence, concentrations of Cu, Pb, Hg and Zn are only slightly elevated above background values, and Ag, Cd, Sb and Tl cannot be distinguished from background levels. These data suggest that while the Porco tailings spill may have had a significant short-term impact on sediment and water quality along the lower reaches of the Río Pilcomayo, its longer-term impacts were limited. Metals stored and eroded from alluvial deposits of historical age in upstream reaches appear to be an important source of metals to the river today. An additional, and perhaps more significant source, is the release of tailings effluent to the river from modern milling operations. The transport of these contaminants downstream of Icla (203 km from Potosí) appears to be restricted by aggradational processes occurring in the vicinity of Puente Sucre. In addition, downstream of the confluence of the Río Pilaya, inputs of large amounts of ‘clean’ sediment have caused dilution of the metal contaminants. Data from other studies where similar geomorphic processes have occurred suggest that the metals in the upper Pilcomayo may eventually be moved downvalley as the aggradational processes are reversed and channel stabilisation occurs. Thus, the most significant impacts of metal contamination may not be realised in downstream areas for decades.     

Elemental composition of suspended particles from the surface waters of Lake Baikal in the zone affected by the Selenga River

The elemental composition of suspended particles in surface waters of Lake Baikal has been studied by ICP MS along a transect of the zone affected by the Selenga River. The amount of terrigenous suspension in water was estimated from Al content, which decreases in a saltatory manner along the transect: 6.5–8.3 km offshore it decreases by an order of magnitude; 11–14 km offshore, by other 20 times; in the pelagic zone it remains almost unchanged. During the study period (late June 2001), the distribution limit of suspension from the Selenga River in the lake’s surface waters lays 11–14 km offshore.It has been found that pelagic suspension is more than 20 times richer in Ca, P, Zn, Cu, Ni, Sn, Mo, Bi, S, and Cd than littoral one (6.5 km offshore) in the zone affected by the Selenga River. This is mainly due to fine suspension (<1.2 μm), which was considerably richer in Ca, P, Zn, Cu, Ni, Sn, Mo, Sb, and Cd than coarser ones in the river.Fine suspension in Lake Baikal, both in the zone affected by the river and in the pelagic zone, is considerably (2–35 times) richer in most elements, except for typical terrigenous ones, than river one. This suggests that element enrichment takes place in the lake, probably owing to bioaccumulation and chemisorption. These processes may be affected by additional factors, because fine suspension from the zone affected by the river differs significantly from pelagic one in elemental composition.     

Heavy metals in Oka river sediments (Urdaibai National Biosphere Reserve, northern Spain): lithogenic and anthropogenic effects

 The Oka River basin is located in the Urdaibai National Biosphere Reserve, North Spain. In order to obtain a preliminary view of its environmental conditions, nitric acid extractable Fe, Mn, Zn, Pb, Cu, Cr, Ni and Co, organic matter content (L.O.I.), geochemical fractionation of heavy metals and mineralogical composition were analysed in surficial sediments (fraction <63 μm) collected in October 1991. Relatively high concentrations of metals occurred in a sampling site upstream, due to a local natural enrichment controlled by weathering of volcanic rocks. Geochemical fractionation confirmed the lithogenic origin of metals, which were mainly associated to the detrital phase. The significant increase of heavy metals found in some samples collected in the municipal area of Gernika suggested a pollution effect, related to anthropogenic wastes. Large amounts of metallic slags have been found mixed with the sediments upstream from this locality. Nevertheless, in view of their composition, it is unlikely that these slags constitute a significant source of heavy metals in the studied area. In a second sampling in October 1997 an apparent decreasing trend in some heavy metal levels was noted, particularly for Pb and Cu. Nowadays, enrichment factors relative to background values confirm moderate anthropogenic influence on Zn, Pb, Cu, Cr and Ni concentrations. However, heavy metal levels in the Oka river sediments are much lower than those detected in other major rivers of the Basque Country (Nervión, Urumea, Deba). Received: 7 July 1997 · Accepted: 4 July 1998     

Surveying the anthropogenic impact of the Moldau river sediments and nearby soils using magnetic susceptibility

Measuring magnetic susceptibility is a method which is used to estimate the amount of magnetic particles in soils, sediments or dusts. Changes in magnetic susceptibility can be due to various reasons: input from different sources of sediments, e.g. from different soils or rocks, atmospheric fallout of anthropogenic dusts containing magnetic particles produced by fossil fuel combustion, steel production or road traffic. In the case of river sediments, input from the catchment is of primary significance. The main aim of this investigation was to test the potential of magnetic susceptibility screening in identifying the effect and significance of anthropogenic activities in an area with complex geological conditions. We investigated the magnetic susceptibility of riverbed sediments of the largest river of the Czech Republic, the Moldau river. Besides that, the magnetic signal of nearby topsoils as well as of outcropping bedrocks in the vicinity of the river was examined. In the upper 300 km of the river, the magnetic enhancement of the river sediments can be linked to anthropogenic activities. Positive correlations were found in the river sediments between the contents of Cu and Zn and magnetic susceptibility, while Fe, Mn and Ni did not show a correlation with magnetic susceptibility. However, the major geogenic magnetic anomaly in the area around the Slapy dam has made it impossible to unambiguously interpret the magnetic signal in terms of anthropogenic impact in the last 80 km downstream.     

Heavy metal history from cores in Wellington Harbour,New Zealand

Analysis of ten heavy metals (Ag, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, Sb, Zn) in six sediment cores from Wellington Harbour show both anthropogenic enrichments and diagenetic modifications. Absolute concentrations determined by two methods, x-ray fluorescence and acid leaching for bioavailability, are not comparable. However, vertical trends in concentrations of the cored sediment are comparable. To assess levels of anthropogenic pollution, enrichment factors (enriched concentrations in upper core divided by background levels in lower core) are preferred over index of accumulation (I _geo) values because preindustrial or background levels of heavy metals are well constrained. The ten metals are placed into three groups: (1) Cu, Pb, and Zn, which show the most anthropogenic enrichment; (2) As, Cd, Cr, Ni, and Sb, which are often associated with anthropogenic pollution but show only minor enrichment; and (3) Fe and Mn, which are diagenetically enriched. Assuming harbor waters are well mixed, anthropogenic enrichments of Cu, Pb, and Zn, are time correlative, but the degree of enrichment depends on the method of analysis and core location. Levels of As, Cd, Pb, and Zn show small variations in preindustrial sediments that are not related to changes in grain size and probably result from changes in the oxidation-reduction potential of the sediments and salinity of the pore waters.     

Arsenic enrichment in waters and sediments of the Rio Loa (Second Region,Chile)

The Second Region of Chile (126,500 km²) is extremely arid, with a dramatic scarcity of water. The only water resource for the population (about 420,000 habitants) and the mining industry (the most important economic activity in the region) is the 440 km long Rio Loa. Moreover, this is highly enriched in As. In order to assess As concentrations and sources, and to evaluate the impact of mining activity on the water quality in the Rio Loa basin, water and sediment samples were taken at strategic points along the river and its major tributaries. The water in the whole basin is quite saline (total dissolved solids up to 11 g/l) and heavily enriched in As (average: 1400 μg/l) and B (average: 21,000 μg/l). These values are up to 300 and 100 times higher than the respective guidelines suggested by the WHO for drinking water. The quality of water is extremely poor along the tributary Salado, mainly fed by the El Tatio geothermal waters that are very rich in As (up to 27,000 μg/l) and other components. Sediments from the Rio Loa and its tributaries have As contents in the range of 26–2000 mg/kg (mean value of 60 samples: 320 mg/kg), and reach 11,000 mg/kg at El Tatio. Sequential extraction analyses show the As to be mainly associated with Fe–Mn oxy-hydroxides and residual phases, but part of the As (about 20%) is readily available being extracted from the exchangeable and carbonate phases. This result is in agreement with the correlation observed between As content in sediments and As concentration in waters in the area. The extreme arid conditions, high evaporation, and the lack of low-As tributaries contribute to maintain high concentrations of As and other components in the Rio Loa water to the mouth. Due to the oxidising conditions, neutral to alkaline pH, high salinity and high As concentrations, adsorption of As-species is not favoured. The main As source in the Rio Loa basin is considered to be natural, i.e. linked to the lithologies in the area. Smelter emissions and mining wastes, as well as the As-rich effluents from the water treatment plants, possibly represent additional sources.     

Multivariate statistical techniques for evaluating and identifying the environmental significance of heavy metal contamination in sediments of the Yangtze River, China

The concentrations of heavy metals (Cr, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Pb, Cd, As, Hg, and Fe) in sediments of the Yangtze River, China, were investigated to evaluate levels of contamination and their potential sources. The lowest heavy metal concentrations were found in the source regions of the river basin. Relatively high concentrations of metals, except Cr, were found in the Sichuan Basin, and the highest concentrations were in the Xiangjiang and Shun’anhe rivers. All concentrations, except Ni, were higher than global averages. Principal component analysis and hierarchical cluster analysis showed that Zn, Pb, As, Hg, and Cd were derived mainly from the exploitation of various multi-metal minerals, industrial wastewater, and domestic sewage. Cu, Co, and Fe were derived mainly from natural weathering (erosion). Cr and Ni were derived mainly from agricultural activities, municipal and industrial wastewater. Sediment pollution was assessed using the geoaccumulation index (I _geo) and enrichment factor (EF). Among the ten heavy metals assessed, Cd and Pb had the highest I _geo values, followed by Cu, As, Zn, and Hg. The I _geo values of Fe, Cr, Co, and Ni were <0 in all sediments. EF provided similar information to I _geo: no enrichment was found for Cr, Co, and Ni. Cu, Zn, As, and Hg were relatively enriched at some sites while Cd and Pb showed significant enrichment.