Evaluating the leachable metals in Kaohsiung Harbor sediment using the toxicity characteristic leaching procedure (TCLP)

Abstract

AbstractThe toxicity characteristic leaching procedure (TCLP) method was used to analyze the contaminants in the sediment materials of Kaohsiung Harbor as to evaluate the pollution potential associated with the Kaohsiung Harbor. A total of 80 sediment samples were collected at 20 locations and characterized for water content, organic matter (OM), total nitrogen (TN), total phosphorus (TP), and total grease (TG) as well as the leachable and total metals. The results indicated that the leachable metal concentrations were below the low detectable levels for mercury (Hg), lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), and silver (Ag), between 0.005 and 0.281 mg/L, 0.07 and 24.0 mg/L, and 0.013 and 0.221 mg/L for Cu, Zn, and Ni, respectively. The leachable metal concentration at the river mouth vicinity was higher than that at other locations indicating that upstream industrial and domestic wastewater discharges were the main pollutant sources. Results of correlation studies revealed that the OM concentration in the ...