Bottom Sediment Concentration Research Articles

Copper and cadmium in bottom sediments dredged from Wyścigi Pond, Warsaw, Poland--contamination and bioaccumulation study.

This research covered an evaluation of the copper and cadmium concentrations in bottom sediments dredged from one of the ponds in Warsaw. The samples of sediments, soil, and plants were analyzed in terms of Cu and Cd content. The research concerned the heap of dredged bottom sediments from Wyścigi Pond, Warsaw, Poland. Two boreholes were made to obtain sediment cores with depths of A 162.5 cm and B 190.0 cm. The cores were divided into 10 sub-samples with a thickness of about 15–20 cm. A control sample of soil was taken from the horse racecourse several hundred meters away from the heap. The vegetation was sampled directly from the heap. The predominating plants were tested: Urtica dioica, Glechoma hederacea, Euonymus verrucosus, and Drepanocladus aduncus. A control sample of U. dioica taken outside of the heap was also tested. The commercial PHYTOTOXKIT microbiotest was applied to evaluate the influence of heavy metal-contaminated sediments (used as soil) on germination and growth of the chosen test plants. The analyses of cadmium and copper concentrations revealed that the metal concentration in sediments was diverse at different depths of sampling, probably reflecting their concentration in stored layers of sediments. Moreover, the metal content in core A was four to five times lower than that in core B, which reveals heterogeneity of the sediments in the tested heap. In core A, the copper concentration ranged from 4.7 to 13.4 mg/kg d.w. (average 8.06 ± 0.71 mg/kg d.w.), while in core B, it ranged from 9.2 to 82.1 mg/kg d.w. (average 38.56 ± 2.6 mg/kg d.w.). One of the results of the heavy metal presence in soils is their bioaccumulation in plants. Comparing plant growth, more intensive growth of roots was observed in the case of plants growing on the control (reference) soil than those growing on sediments. The intensive development of both primary and lateral roots was noticed. During this early growth, metal accumulation in plants occurred.

The Content of Heavy Metals in Bottom Sediments of the Streams of the Sikhote-Alin Biosphere Reserve and the Streams Draining Mines of the Transit Zone of the Reserve

The concentrations of heavy metals in the bottom sediments (fraction <0.1mm) of streams of the Sikhote-Alin Nature Reserve and streams draining the mines of the protective and transit zone of the reserve, as well as in the tailing material, was examined. The background ranges of the Fe, Cu, Ni, Zn, and Cd concentrations in bottom sediments of streams of the eastern and central Sikhote-Alin were defined. The concentrations of Zn are elevated, and the concentrations of Cd are comparable in the bottom sediments of the reserve compared to the approximate permissible concentration in the soil. Elevated concentrations of Zn, Cu, Cd, Mn, Pb, and Ni compared to the background were found in the bottom sediments of the streams draining the territory of the tin mines. The concentrations of Zn and Cd in these bottom sediments exceeded the approximate permissible concentration. Elevated concentrations of Cu were observed in the bottom sediments of the streams, even at a distance of 10km from the mine. The content of metals in the bottom sediments in the stream draining the gold and silver mine did not exceed the approximate permissible concentration, whereas the concentrations of Cu, Mn and Pb were increased compared to the background. The surface layer of the sediments of the tin mines tailing ponds was enriched in Cu and Pb and starved of Cd, Ni, and Zn compared to the bottom sediments and the approximate permissible concentrations in the soil.

Norm setting for oil and petroleum products in bottom sediments and their quality assessment according to Russian hydro chemical parameters

Norm setting for oil and petroleum products concentration in bottom sediments of water bodies in the Russian Federation is very important for the protection of fishery water bodies. The lack of specified content standards for petroleum products in different types of bottom sediments in oil extraction regions impedes projects to rehabilitate water bodies, polluted by oil. The paper discusses regional regulations of the Russian Federation on the norm setting for petroleum products in bottom sediments of water bodies.

Anthropogenic radionuclide fluxes and distribution in bottom sediments of the cooling basin of the Ignalina Nuclear Power Plant

Based on γ-ray emitting artificial radionuclide spectrometric measurements, an assessment of areal and vertical distribution of 137Cs, 60Co and 54Mn activity concentrations in bottom sediments of Lake Drūkšiai was performed. Samples of bottom sediments from seven monitoring stations within the cooling basin were collected in 1988–1996 and 2007–2010 (in July–August). For radionuclide areal distribution analysis, samples from the surface 0–5 cm layer were used. Multi sample cores sliced 2 cm, 3 cm or 5 cm thick were used to study the vertical distribution of radionuclides. The lowest 137Cs activity concentrations were obtained for two stations that were situated close to channels with radionuclide discharges, but with sediments that had a significantly smaller fraction of organic matter related to finest particles and consequently smaller radionuclide retention potential. The 137Cs activity concentration was distributed quite evenly in the bottom sediments from other investigated monitoring stations. The highest 137Cs activity concentrations in the bottom sediments of Lake Drūkšiai were measured in the period of 1988–1989; in 1990, the 137Cs activity concentrations slightly decreased and they varied insignificantly over the investigation period. The obtained 238Pu/239,240Pu activity ratio values in the bottom sediments of Lake Drūkšiai represented radioactive pollution with plutonium from nuclear weapon tests. Higher 60Co and 54Mn activity concentrations were observed in the monitoring stations that were close to the impact zones of the technical water outlet channel and industrial rain drainage system channel. 60Co and 54Mn activity concentrations in the bottom sediments of Lake Drūkšiai significantly decreased when operations at both INPP reactor units were stopped.The vertical distribution of radionuclides in bottom sediments revealed complicated sedimentation features, which may have been affected by a number of natural and anthropogenic factors resulting in mixing, resuspension and remobilization of sediments and radionuclides.The associated with particles 137Cs flux was 129 Bq/(m2 year). The 137Cs transfer rate from water into bottom sediments was 14.3 year−1 (or, the removal time was 25 days). The Kd value for 137Cs in situ estimated from trap material was 80 m3/kg. The associated with particles 60Co flux was 21 Bq/(m2 year), when 60Co activity concentration in sediment trap particles was 15.7 ± 5 Bq/kg. 60Co activity concentration in soluble form was less than the minimum detectable activity (MDA = 1.3 Bq/m3). Then, the conservatively derived Kd value for 60Co was >90 m3/kg.

Mercury contamination of bottom sediments in water reservoirs of southern Poland

The aim of this study was to assess the mercury concentration in bottom sediments, collected from eight reservoirs located in south-eastern Poland. A DMA-80 Mercury Analyser was used for the analysis of the concentration of mercury in bottom sediments. Concentration of mercury in sediments was between 0.01-0.18 mg∙kg −1 . The research results show that 13 samples are above the Polish Hg background level. Only 9 samples are below the background level. Generally, the sediments belonged to class I and II (unpolluted and moderately polluted sediments). The concentration of mercury in bottom sediments follows the order: Ryb- nik (highest) > Bagna Rzeszowskie > Rzeszow > Ozanna > Brzoza Stadnicka > Brzoza Krolewska > Gluchow > Narozniki (lowest). The low mercury content in sediments is related to absent or limited anthropogenic sources of this metal. Elevated concentrations of Hg in bottom sediments of the reservoirs in Rybnik and Bagna Rzeszow- skie are related to their proximity to large agglomerations and industrial plants. Organic matter was likely to be the most important factors controlling the concentration and distribution of mercury in the studied sediments.

Thermodynamic Model of Uranium and Arsenic Accumulation in Saline Lakes

The attractiveness of Shaazgai-Nuur Soda Lake (pH 9.2 9.4) as an alternative metal source is explained by the high concentration of dissolved uranium (~1 mg/l) due to the location of water drainage territory within the TsaganShibetinskaya uranium-ore zone [Isupov et al., hereinafter]. Alkaline soda waters favor accumulation of uranium as uranyl-carbonate species, but uranium is accumulated in the Shaazgai-Nuur bottom sediments too. The total U concentration in bottom sediments is up to 10.4×10-2 g per kg of sediment, which is higher than the bulk concentration in water by two orders of magnitude. According to sequential extraction procedure, the most significant uranium solid species are ion-exchangeable and sorbed by iron (hydr)oxides. Besides uranium, the lake water contains rather high concentrations of B, Li and Sr. Noteworthy is the concentration of As as high as 250 μg/l. The concentration of uranium correlates positively with HCO3, As, B and Si. The purpose of this work was to simulate by means of thermodynamic calculations the main uranium and arsenic species in solutions and bottom sediments of Shaazgay-Nuur lake, and to offer a possible way of As removal as an undesirable impurity in commercial products.

Mercury in bottom sediments of marginal seas of northeast Asia

The analysis of the concentrations and distribution of mercury in bottom sediments of marginal seas in northeastern Asia revealed that its maximum contents are characteristic of areas with an active geodynamic regime and some areas of the Amur Bay in the Sea of Japan subjected to anthropogenic impact. The geochemical associations of mercury with other chemical elements and its background concentrations in bottom sediments of these sea basins are defined.

Heavy metal concentrations in Bottom Sediments of Ikpoba River, Edo State, Nigeria

The concentrations of Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu, Pb, Cr, Ni and V were investigated.Samples were collected fortnightly from five (5) stations for four months (July to September, 2009) using Ekman grab operated by hand in shallow water. Station 1 is upstream (Old capitol bridge) and stations 2, 3, 4 and 5 are downstream. The main concentrations (ppm) in stations 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 are: 931, 117, 812, 679 and 619.7 (Fe); 12.11, 21.08, 9.58, 8.64 and 7.89 (Mn); 9.90, 12.5, 9.64, 7.07 and 6.62 (Zn); 7.88, 8.04, 5.81, 4.34 and 3.88 (Cu); 0.48, 0.61, 0.36, 0.26, and 0.28 (Pb); 0.19, 0.26, 0.13, 0.12 and 0.11 (Cr); 0.12, 0.16, 0.08, 0.08 and 0.08 (Cd); 0.13, 0.19, 0.13, 0.11 and 0.11 (Ni) and 0.10, 0.15, 0.10, 0.09 and 0.09 (V). Analysis of variance (ANOVA) showed that Fe (Stations 1 and 2), Cr (Stations 1 and 2) and Cd (Station 2) were significantly different (p&lt;0.05) between stations. All parameters studied were below FEPA limits. The heavy metal concentrations in bottom sediments of Ikpoba River showed a seasonalpattern of variation. This investigation in comparison with earlier study based on data from Jimoh, 2006; show that Fe and Mn concentration increased overtime while Cd, Pb, and Cu did not.

Microelements in fractions of bottom sediments of the Amur River

The grain size distribution and fraction composition of bottom sediments (BS) in the Amur River are studied. The total composition of sediments, their clay subfractions—water-peptizable (WPC) and aggregated (AC) clays—and residue after clay elutriation were analyzed. It has been established that contents of Fe, Mn, Zn, and Cu in the clay subfractions are 2–4 times higher than in common bottom sediments and their residue left after the extraction of clay subfractions, confirming a significant role of clay minerals in the accumulation of elements mentioned above. It is shown that diatom algae participate in the accumulation and transport of Fe, Mn, Zn, and Cu in the river water-suspended matter-bottom sediments (clay minerals) system. It has been established that high Zr concentrations in bottom sediments are related to the presence of zircon therein.

Spatial distribution and reduction of PCDD/PCDF Toxic Equivalents along three shallow lowland reservoirs

Reservoirs situated along a river continuum are ecosystems where rates of transfer of suspended matter and associated micropollutants are reduced due to sedimentation, accumulation, and biological and physical transformation processes. Among the micropollutants, PCDDs and PCDFs are substances that are highly toxic and carcinogenic for humans and animals. They are emitted and dispersed in the environment throughout the whole catchment area and may accumulate in aquatic and terrestrial food chains, creating a risk for human health. A wealth of data exists indicating the increase in the concentrations of pollutants along a river continuum. A comparative analysis of total, individual, and TEQ PCDD/PCDF concentrations in large lowland, shallow reservoirs located in different catchments (“I”—industrial/urban/agricultural, “U”—urban/agricultural, and “A”—agricultural/rural) showed decreases of the TEQ concentrations in bottom sediments along a gradient from the middle sections to the dam walls. Moreover, penta-, hexa-, and heptachlorinated CDD/CDF congeners were reduced from 28.8 up to 93.6 % in all three types of reservoirs. A further analysis of water samples from the inlets and outlets of the “A” reservoir confirmed this tendency.

Seasonal variations in methane concentrations and diffusive fluxes in the Curonian and Vistula lagoons, Baltic Sea

Expected seasonal variations in methane concentrations and diffusive fluxes from surficial sediments into near-bottom waters were investigated in autumn 2012 and winter 2013 in the Curonian and Vistula lagoons of the Baltic Sea, expanding on earlier findings for summer 2011. Methane concentrations in bottom sediments (upper ca. 2 cm) generally ranged from ca. 1 to 1,000 μmol/dm3, and in near-bottom waters from ca. 0 to 1 μmol/l. Highest concentrations were found in the Curonian Lagoon, plausibly explained by the influence of freshwater conditions and finer-grained, organic-rich sediments. Vistula Lagoon methane concentrations and fluxes are dampened by periodic saline water inflow from the open sea, intensifying sulphate reduction. Calculated diffusive methane fluxes from the upper sediment layer (usually 0–5 cm, i.e. excluding any fluffy layer) into near-bottom waters were highest—2.48 mmol/(m2 day)—in clayey silts of the Curonian Lagoon in autumn (September) 2012, contrasting strongly with the minimum value of 0.002 mmol/(m2 day) observed there in February 2013 under ice-covered conditions. Seasonal and even weekly variations in methane dynamics can be largely explained by two main drivers, i.e. wind and temperature, operating at various spatiotemporal scales via, for example, wind wave-induced resuspension of bottom sediments, and involving regional weather patterns including autumnal low-pressure zones over the Gulf of Gdansk.

Assessment of elemental contamination in the bottom sediments from a dam reservoir using a sequential extraction technique and chemometric analysis

Abstract The concentration of elements in sediments is an important aspect of the quality of water ecosystems. The element concentrations in bottom sediments from Goczalkowice Reservoir, Poland, were investigated to determine the levels, accumulation and distribution of elements; to understand the contamination and potential toxicity of elements; and to trace the possible source of pollution. Sediments were collected from 8 sampling points. The functional speciation, mobility and bioavailability of elements were evaluated by means of modified Tessier sequential extraction. The element contents were measured by optical emission spectrometry with inductively coupled plasma. The experimental results were analyzed using chemometric methods such as principal component analysis and cluster analysis to elucidate the metal distributions, correlations and associations. The highest concentrations of most elements were found at the center of the reservoir. The distribution of metals in the individual fractions was varied. To assess the extent of anthropogenic impact indices, contamination factor, degree of contamination, metal pollution index and risk assessment code were applied. The calculated factors showed the highest contamination factor and the ability of chromium to be released from sediments. The degree of contamination showed that the area is characterized by a very high contamination. Strontium and manganese showed high potential ecological risk for sediments.

Study on Characteristics of Flow and Sediment for Xiaomiaohong Tide Inlet in Radial Sand Ridges

Based on the measured hydrological data and the established mathematical model of Xiaomiaohong channel, the current and sediment distribution characteristics are researched and analysed. Some conclusions are drawn as follows: (1) The maximum velocity and mean velocity of the measuring points in the groove were generally greater than those at points in the open waters; spring tide and neap tide strength difference is apparent, spring tide should play a major role in the beach evolution. (2) Suspended sediment concentration in the open sea is significantly lower than that in the tidal channel; the bottom sediment concentration is generally greater than surface, bottom surface sediment concentration is 1.12 ~ 1.66 times (3) Median particle diameter of suspension sediment is 0.005 ~ 0.017, mainly for fine silt and very fine sand.

부산 연근해의 해양오염퇴적물과 식용 어류 체내의 PCBs와 유기염소계 농약의 분포 및 잠재적인 인체 위해성평가

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) contents in marine sediment and edible fish (4 species) from the estuary near the Yongho wharf in Busan were determined to assess their presence and their potential health risk to the local population through fish consumption was also assessed. Levels of ΣPCBs and ΣDDTs in marine sediment were 3.22~ 197.65 and 1.77~20.27 ng/g dw, respectively. HCHs and endosulfan sulfate concentrations in bottom sediment were 1.42~6.08, 0.56~ 13.89 ng/g dw, respectively. The bottom sediment in the offshore of the Yongho wharf may be characterized as semi-polluted status with potential adverse marine biological effects in terms of sediment quality guidelines of US NOAA. The mean concentrations of ΣPCBs in the tissues of olive flounder (Paralichthys olivaceus), Korean rockfish (Sebastes schlegelii), file fish (Stephanolepis cirrhifer) and abbysal searobin (Lepidotrigla abyssalis) were 67.37, 10.20, 48.26, 22.81 ng/g lw, respectively. DDTs and HCHs were also detected in all fish samples. Lifetime cancer risk and target hazard quotient to local residents due to those fish consumption were found to pose negligible cancer and non-cancer risk.

TAPHONOMIC CONTROLS ON THE DISTRIBUTION OF PALYNOMORPHS IN TIDALLY INFLUENCED COASTAL DELTAIC SETTINGS

Palynomorph concentrations for water-column and sediment-water interface samples are presented for two coastal deltaic systems influenced by the range of tidal regimes to assess whether any taphonomic bias exists in pollen assemblages. The localities are the microtidally influenced Mobile-Tensaw River Delta, Alabama, United States, and the meso- to macrotidally influenced Rajang River Delta, Sarawak, East Malaysia. Mobile-Tensaw Delta data represent collections over a 13-month period; Rajang River Delta data represent sampling during the 1992 dry season. Results are reported for: (1) pollen concentration in suspended sediment loads and bottom sediments of distributary channels, and (2) selected spore-and-pollen frequencies in channels influenced by meso- and macrotidal processes. An increase in pollen concentration/liter occurs in all delta distributaries at water-column depth, and a positive relationship exists between pollen concentration and suspension load. Concentrations at the sediment-water interface are highest in tidally influenced areas where Heterogenous Aggregate Organic Matter (OM) clasts (floccules) dominate palynofacies assemblages, and statistically significant for Mobile-Tensaw lower delta plain sites. Hence, microtidal influence at the interface between fresh and brackish waters affects palynomorph concentration in bottom sediment and may be a function of flocculation induced by salinity flux. In contrast, concentrations are highest in bottom sediments of Rajang River distributaries where little active sediment transport occurs and tidal range is highest, and is due to several factors including a high proportion of Heterogenous Aggregate OM clasts. Additionally, the magnitude of tidal displacement impacts palynomorph distribution in the Rajang Delta, with mangrove pollen found in alluvial plain samples, a distance of

Variation in patterns of metal accumulation in thallus parts of Lessonia trabeculata (Laminariales; Phaeophyceae): implications for biomonitoring.

Seaweeds are well known to concentrate metals from seawater and have been employed as monitors of metal pollution in coastal waters and estuaries. However, research showing that various intrinsic and extrinsic factors can influence metal accumulation, raises doubts about the basis for using seaweeds in biomonitoring programmes. The thallus of brown seaweeds of the order Laminariales (kelps) is morphologically complex but there is limited information about the variation in metal accumulation between the different parts, which might result in erroneous conclusions being drawn if not accounted for in the biomonitoring protocol. To assess patterns of individual metals in the differentiated parts of the thallus (blade, stipe, holdfast), concentrations of a wide range of essential and non-essential metals (Fe, Cr, Cu, Zn, Mn, Pb, Cd, Ni and Al) were measured in the kelp Lessonia trabeculata. Seaweeds were collected from three sampling stations located at 5, 30 and 60 m from an illegal sewage outfall close to Ventanas, Chile and from a pristine location at Faro Curaumilla. For the majority of metals the highest concentrations in bottom sediment and seaweed samples were found at the site closest to the outfall, with concentrations decreasing with distance from the outfall and at control stations; the exception was Cd, concentrations of which were higher at control stations. The patterns of metal concentrations in different thallus parts were metal specific and independent of sampling station. These results and the available literature suggest that biomonitoring of metals using seaweeds must take account of differences in the accumulation of metals in thallus parts of complex seaweeds.

Establishing and validation of a standard for oil content of bottom sediments in surface water bodies

Model experiments with oil-polluted bottom sediments and aquatic organisms (bacteria, protozoa, rooted plants, worms, maggots insects, mollusks, crustaceans, benthos-eating fish), whose life cycle is associated with the bed of water bodies, where used to establish the lethal, sublethal, and threshold concentrations, as well as the maximal allowable oil concentration in bottom sediments as a standard established basing on the response of most sensitive test-organisms. The established standard—0.02 g/kg absolutely dry bottom sediment—was validated in rivers of the Ob basin and approved as a regional standard for water bodies of Khanty-Mansi Autonomous Area (Yugra).

Methane in water columns and sediments of the north western Sea of Japan

This paper presents the results of methane measurements in water and sediments, first performed along the north western continental slope and abyssal plain of the Sea of Japan. Methane concentrations in the study area were very low. However, some features of its distribution are revealed. The highest dissolved methane concentrations (10–14nmolkg−1) are characteristic of the pycnocline layer at a depth of 30–50m in the northern shallow stations. With increasing depth, the methane is reduced to minimum values (0.5–1.0nmolkg−1). The greatest variability in methane concentrations was observed in the layers at 0–500m, which can be explained by the hydrodynamic conditions of the environment on the slope. Methane plumes (1.7 and 1.3nmolkg−1) on the northern section were recorded at the depth of 1250 and 1495m, respectively. Plumes (1.2nmolkg−1) are also observed on near bottom layers at the deepest (more than 3000m) stations.CH4 concentration in bottom sediments is also low (from 1nmolkg−1 at 7cm level to 752nmolkg−1 at the 53cm level of the core sediment in the northern part). Reduced sediments in the southern part of the study region have maximal methane concentration for sediment (2549nmolkg−1) at the horizon 44cm bsf (below sea floor) with a smell of H2S. These results assume a close relation of CH4 with sediment properties. A few stations with maximum methane (86–101nmolkg−1) in the surface sediment layer are at the foot of a steep slope. Herewith, the highest abundance of some pericarid species was observed at the points with the highest values of methane concentrations in the surface sediment layer. Weak methane seepage can cause anoxic marine waters.Methane emission from water to the atmosphere is low because its concentration is close to equilibrium in surface water. An improved formula for calculating the methane flux of water into the atmosphere, taking into account high wind speeds, is presented in the paper.

Arsenic mobility in two mine tailings drainage systems and its removal from solution by natural geochemical barriers

Abstract Sulfide-mineral-bearing mill wastes are sources of high concentrations of acid, soluble metals, and As. These are serious problems for ore mining areas such as the Kemerovo and Cheljabinsk regions in Russia. This study evaluated the distribution of the mill wastes, the mobility of As from the wastes, and the potential of natural materials to attenuate As dispersion in the broader environment. Arsenic contents in wastes of the Belovo Zn-processing (Kemerovo) and the Karabash Cu-smelting plants (Cheljabinsk) are 2–3 orders of magnitude higher than the content of continental crust. Main mineral forms of As in these wastes are arsenopyrite (FeAsS) and scorodite (FeAsO 4 ·2H 2 O). High dissolved As concentrations are found in water draining the wastes and in rivers adjacent to the mill sites. The water concentrations commonly exceed drinking water standards. High As concentrations in bottom sediments of the affected rivers extend a 100 m downstream of the waste drainage input. These sediments are also a source of river water contamination. Experiments were conducted to evaluate the ability of natural water to mobilize As from the wastes. The Belovo tailings released 86% of their contained As to the infiltrating water, whereas the less reactive Karabash tailings released only 22% of total As. The experimental leachates were used as influent to columns that tested the ability of limestone and natural clay to reduce the concentration of dissolved As and associated metals. Some dissolved As was precipitated with Fe, Pb and Sb initially in the limestone column. The decrease in dissolved As is consistent with the accumulation of As in yellow ferriferous sediments in the Belovo settling pond. In the pond and wetland sediments, As mobility is also decreased by the formation of sulfides and arsenides. Cubanite (CuFe 2 S 3 ), klaprothite (Cu 3 BiS 3 ) , rammelsbergite (NiAs 2 ), maucherite (Ni 11 As 8 ), semseyite (Cu 9 Sb 8 S 21 ), and skutterudite (CoAs 3 ) were found in the chemically reducing lower sediments of the Belovo settling pond.

Statistical Analysis of Heavy Metals in Bottom Sediments from the Tuo River in Suzhou City, China and its Implications for Source Identification

Heavy metal (Zn, V, Cr, Co, Cu and Pb) concentrations in bottom sediments from Tuo River in Suzhou City have been analyzed for determing their average levels and distribution concentrations, and statistical analysis (correlation, cluster and principle component) have been taken place for evaluating their lithogenic and/or anthropogenic sources. The results imply that the concentration of metals following the order Co&gt;Zn&gt;V&gt;Cr&gt;Cu&gt;Pb with homogeneous distribution. The lithogenic metals (V, Cr and Co) are enriched out of the city, whereas the anthropogenic (industry and vehicle related) metals (Zn, V, Cu and Pb) are enriched in the city.