Concentrations Of Elements In Sediments Research Articles

Spatial mapping of Pearl River Estuary surface sediment geochemistry: Influence of data analysis on environmental interpretation

Distinguishing between natural and human-induced sources of estuarine sedimentary elemental concentrations often relies on mathematical normalisation (using geochemical or granulometric variables) and multivariate statistical techniques (e.g. Principle Component Analysis (PCA)). However, the extent to which these mathematical treatments can influence the interpretation of the data is not well constrained.We report here the highest resolution mapping of surface sediment elemental concentrations in the Pearl River Estuary (PRE) to date (n = 77) and detail an investigation on the effect of “pre-defining” elements of interest before statistical analysis, a comparison of common normalisation techniques and discuss implications for the identification and interpretation of sediment elemental concentrations enriched by human activities.Our analysis indentifies 4 distinct patterns of distribution in the PRE: North River, Western Shoal, Macau and Coastal Water distribution patterns. Mapping of these raw distribution patterns underpins a conceptual understanding of the interacting processes driving these patterns of deposition in the PRE, aiding the implementation of PCA and mathematical normalisation. However, we find evidence that (i) different normalisation elements/parameters can significantly alter the distribution patterns in elemental concentrations when applied across the entire PRE and may not reflect the true distribution (i.e. an artefact), and (ii) developing a reduced dataset for PCA can also alter the underlying trends in the spatial data; both of which significantly impact upon the subsequent environmental interpretation of source and human-induced pollution effects.However, we demonstrate that through interpolation and mapping of raw geochemical data, zonation of the PRE can allow for much more accurate normalisation within discrete regions using the most appropriate conservative tracer element for each specific region identified.

Trace Elements Mobilization in Sediments of the Eagle Wash, Nelson, Nevada (USA)

This study examines the mobilization of cyanide (CN-) and trace elements from the Eagle Milling Site situated in the Eagle Wash of Nelson, Nevada. Contaminants (CN- and mercury [Hg]) utilized for the extraction of precious metals from ores are subject to environmental release, but concentrations of other trace elements in sediments and their enrichment ratios indicate that mobilization of trace elements lead (Pb), arsenic (As), selenium (Se), and barium (Ba) has also occurred. Storage of milling wastes in Eagle Wash and subsequent storm water mobilization and transport has resulted in increases in CN-, Hg, Pb, As, Se, and Ba in wash sediments some 6,000 m from the source area. On the basis of enrichment ratios, the Eagle Wash was found to contain CN-, Hg, Pb, As, and Ba above background levels in wash sediments. Selenium increased slightly in concentration; chromium (Cr) decreased consistently; and silver (Ag) and cadmium (Cd) were not detected. Cyanide, Hg, Pb, Ba, Se, and As enrichment ratios were > 1.5, indicating anthropogenic enrichment in sediments, whereas Cr enrichment ratios were <1.5, indicating no anthropogenic enrichment.

가막간 표층퇴적물 중의 금속 및 비금속 원소의 생지화확적 분포특성

In order to evaluate die geochemical characteristics of sediment in a semi-enclosed bay used as shellfish and fish farming area, the concentrations of metallic(V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co. Ni, Cu, Zn, Ag, Cd, Hg, Ph, As) and non-metallic(P, Se) elements and uranium were measured in the surface sediment samples collected from 19 stations of Gamak Bay in April 2010. Metal contamination status in the sediments were also evaluated using the sediment quality guidelines(SQGs) proposed by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration(NOAA) and the enrichment factor(EF). The concentrations of elements in sediment were mainly controlled by quartz-dilution effect(V, Cr, Fe, Co and Ni), the dilution effect of organic matter(Cd and U), and metal redistribution by the decomposition of organic matter(Mn, Ag, As, and Se). The concentrations of metals, except As and Ni, in sediments from all sampling stations were lower than ERL values of NOAA. Conclusively, the surface sediment of Gamak Bay was slightly polluted with Ni, Ag, Cd, and Cd but was not polluted with other elements on the basis of EF results. Our results suggest that the surface sediment in Gamak Bay is not polluted by metallic elements.

Reconstruction of past anthropogenic impact intensity in Lake Engure using sedimentary record analysis

Reconstruction of past anthropogenic impact intensity in Lake Engure using sedimentary record analysis Environmental pollution with trace elements is considered as one of the most important environmental problems. Analysis of trace element accumulation in sedimentary phases of lakes may reflect the overall regional pollution level, and analysis of trace element accumulation patterns in sediment profiles can help to reconstruct the history of anthropogenic impact. The aim of this study was to analyse trace element concentrations in sediments of Lake Engure in Latvia and to determine factors influencing their availability. The metal concentrations in sediments of Lake Engure are at background levels, especially compared with metal concentrations in West European countries. However, the change in element concentration in sedimentary profiles provides information about trends of recent accumulation (within the last 100 years) and on the balance between natural and human-induced accumulation processes.

Distribution, partitioning, bioaccumulation of trace elements in water, sediment and fish from sewage fed fish ponds in eastern Kolkata, India

Concentrations of trace elements were measured in water (Cu, Zn, Fe, Pb, Mn, and Al), sediment (Cr, Cu, Mn, Pb, Ni, Al, Zn, Fe, and Co), and muscle tissue of nine selected fish species (Cu, Zn, Fe, and Mn) collected from eastern Kolkata (India) estuarine-sewage fed fish ponds. In water, trace elements existed in particulate phase (60–80%) with Fe as the predominant element followed by Al > Mn > Zn > Pb > Cu. The partitioning coefficients (Kd ) of the trace elements are low and fairly stable. The Pearson product moment correlation among the elements in the particulate and dissolved phase of the water column was calculated and most of the elements are correlated well (p ≤ 0.005). The trace element concentrations in sediments were in the following order: Al ≥ Fe > Mn > Zn > Cu > Ni > Cr > Pb > Co. Contamination factors (CFs) of trace elements in sediments were in the order of Pb ≥ Cu > Zn > Fe > Mn ≥ Ni ≥ Co > Al > Cr and Pollution Load Index ranges were 0.33–0.56. The CFs for Pb, Cu, and Zn are 0.92, 0.88, and 0.73, respectively, shows natural as well as anthropogenic inputs of these elements into the Kolkata sewage fed fish ponds. Accumulation of trace elements in muscle tissue of nine selected fish species were, Fe > Zn ≫ Cu > Mn Silver carp contained high Cu and Fe, American rohu contained high Zn concentration while Nylontica species contained high Mn concentration. Bio-concentration factor and bio-accumulation factor of elements, (Fe, Zn, Cu, and Mn) in fish, showed positive and negative accumulation factors when calculated against elements in the dissolved and suspended particulate matter phase of water, respectively. Iron (Fe), Mn, and Zn concentration in fish tissue were greater than WHO/FAO certified values; therefore, regular monitoring of trace elements is warranted for fish tissue collected from these estuarine-sewage fed fish ponds.

Statistical evaluation of stream sediment geochemistry in interpreting the river catchment of high-grade metamorphic terrains

Stream sediment geochemistry is extensively used in mineral exploration and environmental studies. However, quantitative assessments of the effectiveness of stream sediment geochemistry for describing upstream lithologies are rare, especially in high-grade metamorphic terrains. This study statistically evaluates whether stream sediment geochemistry can aid in recognizing variations in upstream geology in several high-grade metamorphic lithotectonic units having different metamorphic and tectonic histories, including the Highland Complex, Vijayan Complex, Wanni Complex, and Kadugannawa Complex of Sri Lanka. For this study, concentrations of 21 elements were measured in 2080 stream sediment samples collected from the Walawe River, Maha Oya, Gala Oya basins located on above lithotectonic units and Uma Oya, Belihul Oya, Badulu Oya basins situated adjacent to each other on the Highland Complex. These rivers flow across dry, intermediate and wet zones of Sri Lanka, with river courses having both slope (> 20°) and flat (< 20°) areas. Elemental concentrations, averaged over each river basin, show patterns of enrichment and depletion which may relate to localized mineralization conditions, local lithological changes, anthropogenic activities and environmental factors such as local variations in climate and morphology among river basins. Comparison of element concentrations in sediments from the four different lithotectonic units shows that enrichment – depletion patterns can be partly related to rock geochemistry of the associated lithotectonic unit. However, climate and basin morphology also seem to play an important role. Results of Kruskal–Wallis H tests show that both major and trace element levels in sediments from the four different lithotectonic units, as well as from adjacent Uma Oya, Badulu Oya and Belihul Oya basins, are significantly different. Discriminant function analysis appropriately classifies sediments into the four different lithotectonic units with an accuracy of 91.9%. This method also classifies sediments into river basins which share common lithology being situated adjacent to each other in the same lithotectonic unit with an accuracy of 89.5%. This strongly suggests that stream sediment geochemistry is capable of describing the upstream regional scale as well as local scale lithological changes at a great accuracy in complex high-grade metamorphic terrains. In both cases use of channel slope and basin climatic zone as additional variables does not significantly increase overall or individual accuracy in classification.

Assessment of element distribution and heavy metal contamination in Chilika Lake sediments (India)

AbstractChilika Lake is situated on the Indian east coast. It is one of the largest lagoons in the world, with a unique assemblage of marine, brackish water and freshwater species. Due to the opening of new connections to the sea in the years 2000 and 2008, an environmental change is expected in the lagoon. The study gives an assessment of sediment contamination by heavy metals on the verge of this change (sampling campaign in 2000). Sediment samples from two surface levels (0–5 and 30–35 cm), and from depth profiles, were analysed for mineralogical composition, main and trace element concentrations, and element bonding forms. Background concentrations from a depth profile were also examined. The profile spans a time of ≈13 500 years. Age determinations by radiocarbon dating and the 137Cs‐ and 210Pb‐method were carried out. The composition of the surface sediments is generally uniform. The heavy metals exhibit slightly decreasing concentrations from NE to SW, thus indicating the supply of contaminants from the Mahanadi River. The anthropogenic portion of the heavy metal supply is mainly bound to Fe‐oxide‐hydroxides. Phosphorus is enriched in the sediments of the southern lake sector. Changes in element concentrations in the last 13 500 years have occurred mainly in two steps. The long‐term variations exceed the anthropogenic changes caused by the Mahanadi River inputs. The very sensitive response of coastal area fabrics on climate changes also causes fast geogenic changes in element concentrations in sediments (similar grain sizes). This prevents the use of element concentrations from deep sediment horizons to define contaminations in those areas.

Distribution of Trace Elements in Sediments and Biota of Songkhla Lake, Southern Thailand

The concentrations of Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Cd, Pb, As, Fe, Mn, and Al were determined in sediments and biota of Songkhla Lake, a shallow coastal lagoon located in southern Thailand. In June 2006, surface sediments were sampled in 44 stations in the three sections of the lake (inner-, middle-, and outer sections). Sediment cores were also sampled in 13 stations in three cross-sections of the lake. In surface sediments, trace and major elements, organic matter, sediment grain size analysis, and sulfides were determined, and in the sediment cores, redox profiles were made. Soil samples were also collected at garbage dumping sites in the vicinity of the lake. In addition, the metal accumulation in two catfish species (Arius maculatus and Osteogeneiosus militaris) and the crustacean (Apseudes sapensis) was also investigated. Trace element concentrations in sediments of Songkhla Lake show that, especially the Outer section of the lake, in particular the sediments at the mouths of the Phawong, U-Taphao, and Samrong Canals are significantly enriched with trace elements due to municipal, agricultural, and industrial discharges entering the lake through the canals. Aluminum-normalized enrichment factors throughout the lake vary from 0.4 to 1.7 for Ni, 0.3 to 3.3 for Cu, 0.2 to 7 for Zn, 0.1 to 14 for As, 1 to 24 for Cd, 0.7 to 6.8 for Pb, and 0.1 to 7.8 for Mn. Correlations between the elements and sediment characteristics show that Cu, Zn, Cd, and Pb are essentially associated with the sulfide fraction; that Ni and Co are predominantly bound to the clay minerals and iron oxy-hydroxides, and that As is principally bound to iron oxy-hydroxides. The accumulation of trace elements between muscle tissue and liver and eggs of A. maculatus and O. militaris is element-specific, but concentrations of trace elements in fish muscle tissue are well within the limits for human consumption.

Qualidade dos sedimentos no rio Uberabinha (Uberlândia, MG) e implicações ambientais

Sediments are constituted of mineral particles (sand, silt and clay) and organic matter transported or deposited in the water bodies. Anthropogenic activities as industrialization and urbanization are responsible for the input of high amounts of toxic metals to the surface water of a River Basin and can negatively impact sediment quality. The sediments can storage hazardous substances or act as a secondary pollution source by transfering contaminants to the system. The objective of this study was to evaluate the concentration of toxic elements in sediments of Uberabinha River (Uberlândia, MG) which may represent a risk for the environment and human health. The Chemical analysis of sediments at different localities indicated elevated concentration of some metals, e.g., Co, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb and Zn compared to guiding values for sediment quality established by the National Environment Council (CONAMA, Brazil). and could be related to the direct discharge of untreated urban (industrial and domestic) effluents into the water stream

Qualidade dos sedimentos no rio Uberabinha (Uberlândia, MG) e implicações ambientais

Sediments are constituted of mineral particles (sand, silt and clay) and organic matter transported or deposited in the water bodies. Anthropogenic activities as industrialization and urbanization are responsible for the input of high amounts of toxic metals to the surface water of a River Basin and can negatively impact sediment quality. The sediments can storage hazardous substances or act as a secondary pollution source by transfering contaminants to the system. The objective of this study was to evaluate the concentration of toxic elements in sediments of Uberabinha River (Uberlândia, MG) which may represent a risk for the environment and human health. The Chemical analysis of sediments at different localities indicated elevated concentration of some metals, e.g., Co, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb and Zn compared to guiding values for sediment quality established by the National Environment Council (CONAMA, Brazil). and could be related to the direct discharge of untreated urban (industrial and domestic) effluents into the water stream

Trace element concentrations in sediments from Kadavu passage, Fiji

Grab sediments, collected from 11 locations from the Pacific Ocean floor in the region between Suva Peninsula and Kadavu Island, Fiji, were investigated for concentrations of 20 elements using neutron activation and high-resolution gamma ray spectroscopy techniques. The sediments were collected at distances between 5-35 km from the mainland and at ocean depths ranging from 500 to 2000 m. A comparison of the elemental abundances of these sediments with those of the Suva lagoon and other nearby locations indicates that the ocean sediments are likely to be derived from sediments washed out to sea from the mainland. The sediments also show no evidence of any metal contamination from the industrial activity in the Suva metropolitan area.

Reconstructing Nutrient and Energy Flows Through Terrestrial Ecosystems Of the Holocene

Lacustrine sediment records contain a wealth of paleoenvironmental information. The main source of information on terrestrial vegetation change during the Holocene has been detailed regional analyses of pollen from terrestrial plants preserved in lacustrine sediments (Whitmore et al., 2005). The quantification and interpretation of pollen preserved in sediment has yielded valuable insights, such as the dynamic nature of the prairie-forest border in North America (Umbanhowar et al., 2006), the individualistic migration paths of tree species following deglaciation (Davis, 1981), and the potential responses of plant communities to future climate change (Williams et al., 2007). In recent decades, interpretation of lacustrine sediment records has become increasingly sophisticated, utilizing a multiproxy approach with several types of paleorecords to reconstruct environmental change. These paleorecords often include pollen, macrofossils, charcoal, diatom assemblages, and concentrations of elements in sediments. The multiproxy approach is most successful when independent records of climate and biological change can be obtained and deciphered. Despite the widespread availability of paleoecological information, vegetation change during the Holocene is still seen as primarily determined by climate change (e.g., Clark et al., 2001; Booth et al., 2005; Brown et al., 2005). Thus, the endogenous dynamics of terrestrial ecosystems are obscured because of the focus on exogenous factors such as climate. Additionally, although we have independent records of climate and biota, robust proxy records for ecosystem properties are almost completely undeveloped. The construction of a theoretical framework now allows for the advent of the field of paleoecosystem ecology, which reconstructs the form and function of past ecosystems. Two major themes have dominated modern ecosystem ecology since its inception: (1) flows of material and (2) flows of energy (Chapin et al., 2003). Research on material flows has focused on nutrient cycles, particularly limiting nutrients such as nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P). A particular nutrient …

Assessment of sediment contamination in Casco Bay, Maine, USA

The current status of contaminant concentrations in Casco Bay, decadal trends of these contaminants and changes in their geographical distribution are assessed using sediment samples collected approximately 10 years apart. In general, regulated contaminants appeared to be decreasing in concentration. Total PAH and dioxins/furans concentrations did not significantly change over this period. Total organochlorine pesticides, 4,4-DDE, 4,4-DDD, total DDT, PCB, tributyltin and total butyltin decreased in concentration. Trace element concentrations in sediments decreased at the majority of the sampling sites for chromium, nickel, and selenium while arsenic, cadmium, copper, lead, mercury, silver, and zinc remained relatively constant. None of the contaminants measured has increased by more than a factor of 2. Selected sites located in the Inner Bay, where concentrations are higher and new inputs were more likely, showed increased concentrations of contaminants. Most contaminants were not found at concentrations expected to adversely affect sediment biota based on ERL/ERM guidelines.

Assessment of Contaminant Retention in Constructed Wetland Sediments

The A-01 wetland treatment system (WTS) was designed to remove metals from an industrial effluent at the Savannah River Site, Aiken, SC. Sequential extraction data were used to evaluate remobilization and retention of Cu, Pb, Zn, Mn, and Fe in the wetland sediment. Remobilization of metals was determined by the Potentially Mobile Fraction (PMF) and metal retention by the Recalcitrant Factor (RF). The PMF, which includes water soluble, exchangeable, and amorphous oxides fractions, is the contaminant fraction that has the potential to enter into the mobile aqueous phase under fluctuating environmental conditions. PMF values were low for Cu, Zn, and Pb (13–27 %) and high for Fe and Mn (62–70 %). The RF, which includes crystalline oxides, sulfides or silicates and aluminosilicates, is the ratio of strongly bound fractions to the total concentration of elements in sediment. RF values ranged from 73–87 % for Cu, Zn, and Pb, indicating high retention in the sediment and from 30–38 % for Fe and Mn, indicating low retention. Contaminant retention, which is determined by solid phase metal speciation, determines the potential mobility and bioavailability of captured metals in wetland sediments; hence, their likelihood of being released if chemical, physical, or biological conditions within the wetland change.

Trace Element Concentrations in Fish, Surficial Sediments and Water from Northern Part of the Persian Gulf

Concentrations of cadmium, lead, nickel and vanadium were determined in water, surficial sediments and the muscle of three demersal fish species (Epinephelus coioides, Psettodes erumei and Solea elongate) from 15 sampling sites in the northern part of Persian Gulf. Concentrations of the elements were determined using Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometer. There were no significant differences among the sampling sites in Cd and Pb levels in the sediments. The highest concentrations of Ni and V in sediments were found near the southern coast of Qeshm Iland and Bandar Lengeh. Concentrations of Cd, Pb and Ni in the sediments were notably higher than global baseline values. Nearly in all cases the element concentrations in the sediments were considerably greater than RSA (ROPME Sea Area) and the ERL (Effects Range Low) guidelines. Significant differences among the sampling sites could be found for concentrations of all the four metals in water. The mean Ni, Pb and Cd levels in the water samples were relatively higher than those in some other regions of the Persian Gulf. Except few cases, the mean concentrations of the elements in muscle of the selected fish species were markedly below the international guidelines for human consumption.

Temporal and geographic trends in trace element concentrations in moose from Yukon, Canada

The Yukon Contaminants Committee has conducted a hunter survey since 1994, annually requesting tissue samples from successful moose hunters in the Yukon. Moose kidney, liver and muscle tissue were analyzed for arsenic, cadmium, chromium, cobalt, copper, lead, mercury, molybdenum, selenium and zinc. Levels of most trace elements measured were not of concern toxicologically or in terms of deficiencies. Although hepatic selenium concentrations in Yukon moose were high compared to moose from other locations, and to domestic cattle, no indications of selenium toxicity have been observed. Renal and hepatic concentrations of cadmium in Yukon moose were also high when compared with moose from other locations. Results from this study suggest that 1) some moose in this area may be suffering from sublethal effects of Cd toxicity, 2) moose in this area may have evolved a high level of natural cadmium tolerance, 3) moose in this area may have developed a high level of cadmium tolerance over their lifetimes, or 4) moose, as a species, have a high level of Cd tolerance. Health Canada has recommended limiting consumption of Yukon moose kidneys and livers to one/year/person. Cadmium concentrations were positively correlated with age in moose kidneys, while arsenic, copper, molybdenum and selenium showed a negative correlation. Renal chromium and zinc showed an increasing trend from 1994–2001, while copper showed a decreasing trend, although in all three cases the r-values and the changes over time were low. None of the other elements tested exhibited a significant change over time. Analysis of moose renal element concentrations with stream sediment element concentrations was carried out on an ecoregion basis, a game management zone basis and a moose home range basis. Results suggest that, at least to some degree, renal element concentrations in moose are affected by the geology of their environment, particularly for cadmium, arsenic and lead. The results of these analyses are consistent with the hypothesis that the high levels of cadmium found in Yukon moose are coming from naturally occurring geological sources, likely via hyperaccumulating plants such as willows.

Setup and optimization of a PLS regression model for predicting element contents in river sediments

A partial least-squares (PLS) regression model was used to predict element contents in sediments of the river Elbe from measured contents in the particulate suspended matter (SPM). This paper shows how to preprocess the data and to find the most suitable prediction variables for this problem by means of a simulated annealing-based optimization algorithm. Special emphasis is also laid on data postprocessing and verifying the quality of the predictions. Thus, a regression model could be proposed to predict the contents of at least 12 selected elements in the sediment with the aid of 30 measured element contents in the suspended matter with a good predictive quality.

Elements in size-fractionated bottom sediments of the Elbe River in its Czech part

The concentrations of 45 elements, and the content of organic substances, amorphous inorganic substances and minerals were determined in 26 samples of Elbe River bottom sediments to determine the correlation between the element composition and the grain size in the $ \le $ 4, 4—8, 8—16, 16—32, 32—63 μm and bulk samples $ \le $ 63 μm fractions. The purpose of this study was to obtain information about the role of particle size and their mineral composition as a control of element concentrations in sediments, the potential remobilization of elements under changing environmental conditions, and the chemical speciation of the large excess concentrations of elements in this system.¶About 22—56% of the estimated element yield was associated with sediments with a grain size of less than 4 μm and 82—97% of the element yield was found in the fraction smaller than 32 μm. Sequential extraction carried out for 20 potentially reactive elements in the $ \le $ 63 μm bulk samples and the $ \le $ 4 μm fraction showed the increased importance of exchangeable ions in the order Mn = Ni < Mg < Sr < Cu < Zn < Ca < K < Cd < Na < Mo, reducible fractions Zn < Sr < Mo < Co < Cu < Ni < Pb < Mn < Cr < Be < V = Fe < As < Ag, oxidizable chemical phases As = Ca < Cd < K < Sr < Fe = Mn < Zn = Mg < Mo < Co = Ag < Pb < Li < Cu = V < Ni < Cr = Na < Be with small concentrations from lithogenic phases Mn < As < Pb < Sr < Zn = Cu = Na < Be < V < Ni < Cr < Fe < K < Mg < Li. The major accumulative phases were identified for the individual elements.

A combined experimental-modelling method for the detection and analysis of pollution in coastal zones

Pollution of coastal seas with toxic substances can be efficiently detected by examining toxic materials in sediment samples. These samples contain information on the overall pollution from surrounding sources such as yacht anchorages, nearby industries, sewage systems, etc. In an efficient analysis of pollution one must determine the contribution from each individual source. In this work it is demonstrated that a modelling method can be utilized for solving this latter problem. The modelling method is based on a unique interpretation of concentrations in sediments from all sampling stations. The proposed method is a synthesis consisting of the utilization of PIXE as an efficient method of pollution concentration determination and the code ANCOPOL (N. Limic and R. Benis, The computer code ANCOPOL, SimTel/msdos/geology, 1994 [1]) for the calculation of contributions from the main polluters. The efficiency and limits of the proposed method are demonstrated by discussing trace element concentrations in sediments of Punat Bay on the island of Krk in Croatia.

The background values of rare-earth and radioactive elements in water system of source area of the Changjiang River

Using neutron activation analysis method we determined contents of rare-earth and radioactive elements (La, Ce, Nd, Sm, Eu, Tb, Yb, Lu, Cs, Rb, Sb, Sc, Sr, Ba, U, Th) in source water system of the Changjiang (Yangtze) River, which is mainly composed of the Tuotuo River, the Chumaer River, and the Buqu River. The contents of these elements in the unfiltered water have a great variation and a close correlation with the water turbidity. The contents of these elements in filtered water only have a little variation and are lower than those in the unfiltered water. The variations in contents of these elements in sediments are also very little. These elements in the unifiltered water are in geometric distribution, except Sc. Most of the elements in sediments are in arithmetic distribution, but Cs, Sb, Th, are in deviation distribution. The contents of most of these elements in the river source area correspond to the contents of fresh water of the earth. Most of these elements have a little variation in their contents in sediments. The variation coefficients of most of these elements are less than 30%. There are remarkable correlations between the contents of rare elements in sediments.