Distribution and assessment of heavy metal concentrations in the East Sea-Byeong ocean dumping site, Korea

Abstract

Sediment cores were collected from three sites, the Control, Dumping, and Resting sites in the East Sea-Byeong ocean dumping site, Korea, and the enrichment and degree of accumulation of heavy metals were investigated. Further, to assess the level of heavy metal pollution and understand the potential effects of the ocean dumping activities that began in 1993, the results obtained corresponding to the different sampling sites were compared, and various criteria were employed. Indices, including the enrichment factor and the modified contamination degree, demonstrated that the sediments were contaminated with various heavy metals at different contamination levels. The results also indicated a significant upward enrichment in heavy metals, with the uppermost 0–10 cm sediment layer showing relatively high concentrations. Overall, this study confirmed that anthropogenic heavy metal contamination at the study sites, and the implementation of continuous monitoring, alongside the application of proper management tools, is recommended.