scholarly journals Characterization of Heavy Metals in Typical River Sediments on the West Bank of Taihu Lake, China

Author(s):  
Fei Wang ◽  
Xiaoming Ren ◽  
Yang Qiu ◽  
Jiade Cheng ◽  
Yan Chen ◽  
...  

Abstract In this study, nine heavy metals (Cd, Cr, As, Hg, Pb, Cu, Ni, Be, Sb) in typical river sediments of Wujin and Yixing, two cities on the west bank of Taihu Lake, were determined. Variety of statistical methods were applied to analyze the distribution, sources, pollution status and the potential ecological risk of these metals. The results showed that the mean concentrations for most of the heavy metals in sediments exceeded their local background values, except for Hg and Be. Geoaccumulation index (Igeo) and potential ecological risk index (RI) analysis showed the partially serious contaminated status and strong potential ecological risk for Cd in most sites. The highest contamination level was observed in the estuary of Taihu Lake and most of the sediment samples were polluted and under risk. Principal component analysis (PCA), Cluster analysis (CA) and correlation analysis demonstrated that Ni, Sb, Cr and Cu were controlled by industrial sources, whereas the other metals appeared to be influenced by complex origins including industrial, agricultural and natural sources.

2017 ◽  
Vol 76 (8) ◽  
pp. 2177-2187 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xu Wang ◽  
Lijun Ren ◽  
Fengchao Jiao ◽  
Wenjie Liu

The concentrations of eight heavy metals (Cr, Hg, As, Pb, Cd, Cu, Zn, Ni) in six river sediment samples were collected for evaluation of the degree of the heavy metals pollution distribution and ecological risk of three main rivers' sediments in Jinan. Multivariate statistical techniques were used to determine the most common pollution sources. The results illustrated that all of the metals in Damatou and Xinfengzhuang sections of the Xiaoqing River were much higher than the background value, and the level of potential ecological risk index was very high. The remaining four sections had a low or moderate degree of ecological risk. Principal component analysis (PCA) showed that all metals, with the exception of As, formed the first component explaining 86.85% of the total variance and industry sources could be considered as the first component, while As alone could be the second component, representing agricultural source. The elements Cr and Zn were grouped together while the remaining six metals formed a separate category. Among all heavy metals, Hg and Cd were the most significant contributors to the pollution. Therefore, the prevention of pollution should pay more attention to controlling the sources, especially Hg and Cd.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
K. Y. Lim ◽  
N. A. Zakaria ◽  
K. Y. Foo

Abstract The present work is aimed at assessing the aftermath effects of the 2014 flood tragedy on the distribution, pollution status and ecological risks of the heavy metals deposited in the surface river sediment. A series of environmental pollution indexes, specifically the enrichment factor (EF), geo-accumulation index (Igeo), contamination factor (CF), modified degree of contamination (mCd), pollution load index (PLI), potential ecological risk index (PERI) and sediment quality guidelines (SQGs) have been adopted. Results revealed that the freshly deposited sediments collected soon after the flood event were dominated by Cu, Fe, Pb, Ni, Zn, Cr and Cd, with the average concentrations of 38.74, 16,892, 17.71, 4.65, 29.22, 42.36 and 0.29 mg/kg, respectively. According to the heavy metal pollution indexes, Pahang River sediments were moderately to severely contaminated with Pb, Ni, Cu, Zn and Cr, while Cd with the highest risk of 91.09 was the predominant element that illustrated an aesthetic ecological risk to the water body after the tragic flood event. The findings highlighted a critical deterioration of the heavy metals content, driven by the catastrophic flood event, which has drastically altered their geochemical cycles, sedimentary pollution status and biochemical balance of the river's environment.


Water ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
pp. 431
Author(s):  
Liangliang Huang ◽  
Saeed Rad ◽  
Li Xu ◽  
Liangying Gui ◽  
Xiaohong Song ◽  
...  

This research has focused on the source identification, concentration, and ecological risk assessment of eight heavy metals in the largest karst wetland (Huixian) of south China. Numerous samples from superficial soil and sediment within ten representative landuse types were collected and examined, and the results were analyzed using multiple methods. Single pollution index (Pi) results were underpinned by the Geoaccumulation index (Igeo) method, in which Cd was observed as the priority pollutant with the highest contamination degree in this area. As for the most polluted landuse type, via applying Nemerow’s synthetical contamination index (PN) and Potential ecological risk index (RI), the river and rape field posed the highest ecological risks, while moderate for the rest. To quantify the drivers of the contaminants, a principal component analysis (PCA) was carried out and weathering of the watershed’s parent carbonate rocks was found to be the main possible origin, followed by anthropogenic sources induced by agricultural fertilizer. Considering the impacts of these potentially toxic elements on public health, the results of this study are essential to take preventive actions for environmental protection and sustainable development in the region.


2014 ◽  
Vol 651-653 ◽  
pp. 1402-1409
Author(s):  
Gui Ping Xu ◽  
Xiao Fei Wang ◽  
Li Jun Chen

Concentrations of heavy metals in sugarcane soil of Guangxi were determined and the potential ecological risk index was used simultaneously to evaluate the extent of heavy metals enrichment contamination. Results showed that the pollution extent of heavy metals in sugarcane soil by potential ecological risk followed the order: Cd>Pb>Cu>Zn, Cu and Zn were slightly polluted, with small potential ecological harm, while Pb and Cd were above moderately polluted, with heavy potential ecological harm. Principal component analysis was applied to estimate the sources of heavy metals contamination, the results indicated that the first two components accounted for 61.016% and 26.920% of the total variance respectively, 4 kinds of heavy metal elements had similar sources, tailing dam lead-zinc concentrator upstream along the coast was the main sources of heavy metal contamination.


2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 89 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kalimur Rahman ◽  
Saurav Barua ◽  
Fahim Ahammad ◽  
Md. Akramul Alam

The Shitalakya River, located near Dhaka City of Bangladesh, supplies water to the city dwellers and hence it is essential to determine pollu-tion condition, ecological risk and sources of heavy metals in the river sediments. Sediment works as the sink and source of heavy metals in the riverine ecosystem. The samples collected from the ten sites of the Shitalakhya River were investigated in the study. Average concentra-tion of different heavy metals in the sediments are Cu>Zn>Ni>Pb>Cr>Cd. Geo-accumulation index reveals moderately pollute Cu concen-tration, unpolluted to moderately pollute Ni concentration and unpolluted for the rest of the heavy metals. The order of geo-accumulation index are Cu>Ni>Pb>Cd>Zn>Cr. Overall, the heavy metals render low potential ecological risk and the order of potential ecological risk index are Cd>Cu>Ni>Pb>Cr>Zn. Though the concentration of Cd is low in sediment, it poses higher ecological risk. Positive matrix factor-ization (PMF) identifies two sources of pollution, S1 and S2. Where, S1 consists with Cu, Ni, Pb, Zn; which come from industrial wastewater. S2 consists with Cr, Cd, Pb, Zn; which originate from natural sources. The outcomes of the study provide as a reference to plan, control and manage heavy metal pollution and protect the water source of the Shitalakhya River.    


Author(s):  
Qiuming Chen ◽  
Faming Huang ◽  
Anran Cai

Heavy metals are extremely harmful materials to marine ecosystems and human health. To determine the anthropogenic contributions and ecological risks in Weitou Bay, China, the spatiotemporal variations in the concentrations of heavy metals in surface sediment were investigated during spring 2008 and 2017. The results indicated that high concentrations of pollutants were generally located near the river mouths and along the coast of industrial areas. Principal component analysis indicated that heavy metal contents were mainly affected by industrial waste drainage, urban development, natural weathering and erosion, and interactions between organic matter and sulfides. The potential ecological risk assessment demonstrated that, in 2008, 82% of the sampling sites were at low risk, while 18% were at moderate risk. The situation had deteriorated slightly by 2017, with 73%, 18%, and 9% of stations in Waytou Bay at low, moderate, and very high risk, respectively. Cd was the most harmful metal, followed by Hg. These two elements accounted for more than 80% of the potential ecological risk index (RI) value. The present work analyzed the source of heavy metals, identified the major pollution elements and high risk areas, and provides guidance for pollution control and ecological restoration in Weitou Bay.


Author(s):  
Fang Shen ◽  
Longjiang Mao ◽  
Runxia Sun ◽  
Jijing Du ◽  
Zhihai Tan ◽  
...  

Seven heavy metals (Cr, Mn, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Pb) were measured in surface sediments from the Lishui River watershed, an area with increased soil erosion in China. The mean concentrations of heavy metals were 61.20 mg/kg (Cr), 757.15 mg/kg (Mn), 9.39 mg/kg (Co), 25.31 mg/kg (Ni), 22.84 mg/kg (Cu), 91.66 mg/kg (Zn), and 40.19 mg/kg (Pb), respectively. The spatial distribution of heavy metals was site-specific, exhibiting a remarkably high level in the sampling stations with intense agricultural activities (Lixian) and industrial activities (Jinshi). Contamination indexes including contamination factor, pollution load index, nemerow multi-factor index, potential ecological risk index, and human health risk were used to assess the pollution degree of the river sediments. The results indicated the pollution degree of heavy metals decreased in the order of Mn>Pb>Zn>Cr>Cu>Ni>Co. Heavy metals resulted in non-pollution to moderate pollution, with low ecological risk and an acceptable carcinogenic risk caused by Cr and Ni for children and adults. Person’s correlation analysis and principal component analysis, coupled with cluster analysis, revealed that the sediments from the Lishui River were mainly influenced by two sources. Cr, Co, Ni, and Cu were mainly derived from natural sources, while Mn, Zn, and Pb originated from agricultural and industrial activities, mining, and vehicular traffic.


Toxics ◽  
2022 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 16
Author(s):  
Xiaomei Su ◽  
Hong Ling ◽  
Dan Wu ◽  
Qingju Xue ◽  
Liqiang Xie

The contamination of heavy metals (Pb, Cr, Hg, Cd, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, and Sb) in the sediments were investigated in Lake Yangcheng, a eutrophic lake in China. Results showed that the average concentrations of each metal in the surface sediments generally exceeded their corresponding background values. Higher values were observed in deeper zones, supporting the retention and accumulation of heavy metals in the core sediments. The spatial distributions of metal averages, pollution load index (PLI), and combined ecological risk index (RI) revealed that ecological risks were highest in the west lake, followed by middle lake, and were lowest in the east section. For the temporal variations of metal contents, the highest concentration was usually observed in the winter. However, the seasonal dynamics of Hg showed a different pattern with higher values in the autumn and lower values in the winter. According to contamination factor (CF), the Hg and Sb contaminations were considerable, while the other metals were moderate contamination. In terms of geoaccumulation index (Igeo) values, sediments were moderately–heavily polluted by Sb and moderately polluted by Hg, Cd, and Ni. Meanwhile, Hg exhibited a considerable health risk, while Cd and Sb were moderate risks, based on single ecological risk index (Er) values. Significant positive correlations among heavy metals and principal component analysis (PCA) indicated that anthropogenic activities were major sources. The source of Sb might be different from other metals, with industrial discharge as the main loading. This study highlighted the urgency of taking measures to prevent Hg, Sb, and Cd pollutions in Lake Yangcheng, especially the west region of this lake.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xin Ke ◽  
Xun Sun ◽  
Zheng Yan

Abstract Distributions and compositions of six phthalic acid esters (PAEs), eight phenol compounds and seven heavy metals in riverbed sediments of the Xihe River in Shenyang, China. The ecological risks of these typical pollutants were investigated and evaluated based on the risk quotient (RQ) and potential ecological risk index (PERI) methods. The concentrations of total ∑6PAEs, ∑8phenols and ∑7heavy metals in sediments varied from 92.83 to 293.66 μg/g dw, 8.87 to 83.73 μg/g dw and 0.46 to 419μg/g dw. The main pollutants in Xihe River sediments are DEHP, DIBP, phenol, P-methylphenol and Cd. More than half target PAEs and phenol compounds in sediment of the Xihe River exhibited medium or high ecological risk. Cd poses a very high ecological risk to the Xihe River Basin. It is imperative to take some effective measures to reduce the pollution of those contaminants.


2021 ◽  
Vol 50 (4) ◽  
pp. 411-420
Author(s):  
Banu Kutlu ◽  
Tahir Özcan ◽  
Gülnaz Özcan

Abstract The ecological risk resulting from the accumulation of some heavy metals in the sediments of Iskenderun Bay was assessed using the following measures: enrichment and contamination factor, pollution load index (PLI), and potential ecological risk index (RI). The concentrations of the studied heavy metals were in the following order: Fe > Ni > Mn > Cr > Zn > Cu > As > Pb > Cd > Hg. Ni and As had the highest EF values. This situation is most likely due to the presence of iron, pesticide, and fertilizer plants in the region. According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, Ni, As, Mn, and Cr may have harmful effects on faunal communities in sediments. According to the RI, Site 4 was more contaminated and toxic than the other seven study sites, with “moderate” ecological risk. Pearson’s correlation coefficient was determined by multivariate methods – cluster and principal component analysis. As can be inferred from the RI values, the potential toxic effect of As and Ni in the sediments is moderate.


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