Distribution and Contamination of Chromium in the Surface Sediments of Salt River Estuary, Taiwan
Major objectives of this study are to evaluation the pollution and potential ecological risk of chromium (Cr) in the sediments of Salt River estuary, Taiwan. Nine monitoring stations were installed near the estuary of Salt River to collect sediment samples for analyzing Cr. Results of laboratory analyses show that contents of Cr in the sediments are between 32 and 79 mg/kg with an average of 58±17 mg/kg. The spatial distribution of Cr reveals that the Cr concentration is relatively high near the boundary of the river estuary, and gradually diminishes toward the harbor region. This indicates that upstream industrial and municipal wastewater discharges along the river bank are major sources of pollution. Results from the enrichment factor analysis imply that the sediments can be characterized as minor to moderately severe degree of Cr enrichment. Results of geo-accumulation index analysis indicate that the sediments can be characterized as moderate degree of Cr accumulation. Results of potential ecological risk index indicate that the sediments at Salt River estuary have low ecological potential risk.