Abstract
Tam Giang - Cau Hai lagoon plays an important role in coastal ecosystems of Thua Thien Hue Province. The present study aims to determine three toxic elements (Pb, As, Hg) in the surface sediment and to assess the ecological risk of the selected metal in this area. Sediment samples and water quality were collected at 9 stations in rainy and dry seasons. Toxic metals were determined following the USEPA methods 3050A for measuring by atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Concentrations of Hg, Pb and As in the study area were in the range of 0-2.64 mg/kg, 4.83-22.13 mg/kg and 1.18-6.24 mg/kg, respectively. The results showed that concentration of Hg in sediment of most sampling sites were exceeded the National Technical Regulation on Sediment Quality (QCVN 43:2012/BTNMT), while Pb and As were below the regulated level. Ecological risk assessment presented that investigated metals posed medium to high risk to ecology. The estimated ecological risk index (ERI) ranged from 43.9 to 582.9 with the order of Hg>As>Pb. The highest ecological risk was found at the stations closed to the Thuan An inlet and ship construction area.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
