Characteristics of heavy metals in surface sediments of the Van Don-Tra Co coast, northeast Vietnam

Abstract

Eighteen surface sediment samples were collected from the Van Don-Tra Co coast, northwestern Gulf of Tonkin, for analyzing the concentration of heavy metals (Zn, Cr, As, Cu, Ni, Pb, Co, and Cd) and grain size. The statistical and contamination indices of heavy metals were calculated to evaluate the extent of pollution caused due to heavy metals and their potential harm to the environment. According to the analysis results, the contamination of heavy metals in the study area were higher than the background concentrations, except for Pb. The heavy metal concentrations in the study area followed the descending order of Zn > Cr > As > Cu > Ni > Pb > Co > Cd. The concentrations of heavy metals do not correlate with clay content, and almost heavy metals were non-correlated with silt and sand contents, except for Cr, implying that the grain size does not control heavy metals concentration in surface sediments in the region. The results of pollution indices imply that the contamination in the environment was due to excess accumulation of Cd, in contrast to that of Zn. The ecological pollution risk shows an increased risk of heavy metal pollution. According to the statistical index, the contamination of heavy metals in surface sediments in the study area could come from the same sources under the same environmental conditions and is related to the source of sedimentary material from the mainland near the study area.