Mineral composition and seasonal dynamics of the content of heavy metals in bed loads of ravines and small rivers in the city of Kamyshin (Volgograd oblast, Russia)

Abstract

The article presents the study of the mineral composition and content of heavy metals (Ni, Cu, Cd, Cr, Pb, Zn) in bed loads (0–1 cm layer) of ravines and small rivers in the city of Kamyshin (Volgograd oblast, Russia). We established that quartz is the most widespread rock-forming mineral found all-over the place. In areas, where proportion of quartz decreases, the content of hydromica and feldspars increases. We discovered that the content of heavy metals in the bed loads increases in 61.1% of cases in spring compared to summer due to the inflow of pollutants from the urban watersheds with snowmelt runoff. Bed loads with a high content of heavy metals should be considered as an object of accumulated environmental damage. Reclamation of the beds of small rivers and ravines is required in order to create a comfortable urban environment and reduce the negative impact on the Volgograd Reservoir.