Evaluation of Trace Metal Contamination in Ise Bay, Mie Prefecture, Central Japan, Based on Geochemical Analysis of Tidal Flat Sediments

Ibrahima Mbemba Diallo,Hiroaki Ishiga

doi:10.5539/ep.v5n1p92

Ibrahima Mbemba Diallo, Hiroaki Ishiga

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.5539/ep.v5n1p92

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Abstract

<span lang="EN-US">Geochemical analysis of tidal flat sediments was conducted to evaluate the environment of Ise Bay, Mie, central Japan. The sediment samples were analyzed using XRF to determine the geochemical compositions of sediments in the Ise and Matsusaka estuaries and their foreshores. Enrichment Factor (EF) and the Anthropogenic Contribution (AC) parameters were used to examine the potential effect of human activity. Furthermore, the Coastal Ocean Sediment Database, lowest and severe effect levels and Canadian Sediment Quality Guidelines were applied as benchmarks to assess the sediment quality. The results show that the highest average concentrations of metals occur in the Ise estuary, mainly due to the presence of higher proportions of silt and clay in samples at that site. The EFs of Pb in the Matsusaka foreshore, and that of As in the Ise foreshore reflect minimal pollution. The average AC ranged from 1 to 30%, implying that the lithology is the primary control of any enrichment in trace metals within the bay. The sediment quality guidelines indicate that the metal levels in the study areas do not constitute a major threat to biota.</span>

Highlights

Environmental pollution related to the release of trace metals from industries is a worldwide issue
The Coastal Ocean Sediment Database, lowest and severe effect levels and Canadian Sediment Quality Guidelines were applied as benchmarks to assess the sediment quality
The results show that the highest average concentrations of metals occur in the Ise estuary, mainly due to the presence of higher proportions of silt and clay in samples at that site

Summary

Introduction

Environmental pollution related to the release of trace metals from industries is a worldwide issue. Heavy metals may originate from various sources, early studies have correlated elevated concentrations of certain inorganic elements in sediments of rivers, estuaries, and coastal regions with increased anthropogenic activities, including agricultural operations, land use, and industrial expansion. The latter activity is potentially a major contributor of inorganic contaminants. The occurrence of trace metal contamination in soils at industrial sites varies with the type of industry, and can arise from dusts and spillages of raw materials, wastes, final product, and fuel ash, as well as emissions from high temperature processes, accidents and fires (Alloway, 2013). Some industrial associations of trace elements (among others) include As, Cu, Pb, Ni, and Zn from sulphuric acid works; As, Cr, Cu, Ni, and Zn from nitric acid works; Cu, Zn, Pb, and Cr in electrical component industries; As, Cr, Pb, Ni, and Zn for steel works; Pb, Cr, As, and Zn for pigments and paints, and As, Cu, Cr, and Zn from non-ferrous metal smelting (Alloway, 2013)

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