The build-up dynamic and chemical fractionation of Cu, Zn and Cd in road-deposited sediment

Abstract

This study investigates the build-up dynamics of heavy metals on impervious urban surfaces with different antecedent dry-weather periods (ADPs) and land-use types. Solid-phase concentration (mg/kg), surface load (mg/m2), and chemical fractionation of Zn, Cu and Cd in bulk- and size-fractionated road-deposited sediment were determined. The inherent correlations among particle size distribution, ADP, land use, and chemical fractionation were analysed by hierarchical cluster analysis. Results show a clear build-up phenomenon of Cu and Zn at a city commercial centre and a highway area. Cd had complex build-up patterns. With regard to chemical fractionation, Zn and Cd could pose higher risks than Cu to aquatic biota after a longer ADP. Special attention should be paid to the significant risk in a rural area because of the high proportion of exchangeable chemical fractionation in terms of the unstable Cd component. Hierarchical cluster analysis indicates that ADP had a strong influence on build-up processes of sediments and associated metals. The metal contents were very dependent on the particle size distribution. However, the chemical fractionation of metals was dependent to a lesser extent on the land-use type.