Contamination assessment and the risk associated with the accumulation of trace metals in sediments of the Mitidja plain, Algeria

Abstract

This study was carried out to assess the degree of contamination by trace metals in sediments of the main rivers of the eastern Mitidja plain. In order to achieve this objective, the enrichment factor, the geoaccumulation index and the potential ecological risk were calculated. Possible sources of trace metals in sediments were performed using a multivariate statistical analysis. The concentrations of the studied metals decreased in the order of Fe ≫ Zn > Cr > Pb > Ni > Cu> Cd. The results showed that Cd had a higher enrichment factor than the other metals. The geoaccumulation index results of trace metals revealed that the studied sediment were strongly contaminated with Cd, moderately contaminated with Zn and Pb and not contaminated with Cr, Cu, Fe, and Ni. Among the studied trace metals, only the Cd may present an ecological potential risk to the ecosystem. Furthermore, the results indicated a geochemical association of the elements Cr, Fe and Ni, suggesting natural source of these metals. In addition, Cd, Cu, Pb, and Zn appear to have originated from different sources. The results of this study are important for the development of any future strategies to protect the aquatic environment. © 2017 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 36: 1650–1657, 2017