Heavy Metal Concentrations In Sediments Research Articles

The Three Gorges Reservoir, serving as a crucial ecological barrier for the middle-lower Yangtze River basin, faces substantial threats to watershed ecosystems from sediment-associated heavy metal, threatening aquatic ecosystems and human health via bioaccumulation. Leveraging the legislative framework of the Yangtze River Protection Law, this study analyzed sediment cores (0–65 cm) collected from 12 representative sites in the Three Gorges Reservoir using 2020 Air–Space–Ground integrated monitoring data from the Changjiang Water Resources Commission. Concentrations of nine heavy metals (Cd, Cu, Pb, Fe, Mn, Cr, As, Hg, and Zn) were quantified to characterize spatial and vertical distribution patterns. Source apportionment was conducted through correlation analysis and principal component analysis (PCA). Contamination severity and ecological risks were assessed via geo-accumulation index (Igeo), potential ecological risk index (RI), and acute toxicity metrics. The findings indicated substantial spatial heterogeneity in sediment heavy-metal concentrations, with the coefficients of variation (CV) for Hg and Cd reaching 214.46% and 116.76%, respectively. Cu and Pb showed surface enrichment, while Cd exhibited distinct vertical accumulation. Source apportionment indicated geogenic dominance for most metals, with anthropogenic contributions specifically linked to Cd and Hg enrichment. Among the metals assessed, Cd emerged as the primary ecological risk driver, with localized strong risk levels (Ei > 320), particularly at FP and SS sites. These findings establish a scientific foundation for precision pollution control and ecological restoration strategies targeting reservoir sediments.

This study aimed to investigate the seasonal variations in the concentrations of some heavy metals (cadmium, lead, copper, manganese, nickel, and zinc) in the surface sediments of Fatwa lagoon. Six different stations were selected as sampling points. Samples were taken over three seasons, and seasonal and annual average element concentrations were determined. It was observed that the seasonal concentrations of heavy metals (lead, copper, manganese, nickel, and zinc) during summer, autumn, and winter were within the normal range in the surface sediments and that the lagoon was not contaminated with these metals. However, cadmium concentrations in the surface lagoon sediments were found to exceed the permissible limits during the rainy season.

Environmental conditions in aquatic ecosystems could change due to the entry of additional materials, such as heavy metals and magnetic minerals. These materials, referred to as anthropogenic materials, could be derived from human activities. The presence of the materials could affect the magnetic properties and heavy metals content of river water and sediments. We have analyzed magnetic susceptibility and heavy metal concentration in sediments collected from Cisanti Lake. Cisanti Lake is known as “zero kilometers” of the Citarum River. Using the level of heavy metals in sediments, we calculated and evaluated pollution indices in the form of Contamination Factor (CF), Geoaccumulation Index (Igeo), and Pollution Load Index (PLI). The results showed that the magnetic susceptibility of sediments (𝜒𝐿𝐹) was in the range of 317.2 - 2274.9 (× 10-8) m3kg-1, inferring the dominance of ferrimagnetic minerals in sediments. Based on bivariate analysis of 𝜒𝐿𝐹 and the calculated frequency-dependent magnetic susceptibility or cFD (%), domain states of magnetic minerals are clustered at stable single domain (SSD)/multidomain (MD). Pollution indices of CF and Igeo showed that all sample points were contaminated by Cu at a considerable level. Moderate to significant contamination occurred in the studied area according to the PLI analysis. The positive strong correlation between 𝜒𝐿𝐹 and PLI suggests that magnetic susceptibility serves as a proxy indicator of contamination.

This study investigates the influence of pH and organic matter (OM) on the concentrations of potential toxic elements, that is, Fe, Mn, Cd, Cu, Cr, Ni, Pb, and Zn metals in the surface sediments of the Ganga River. The research explores the interaction between sediment properties and metal contamination in a 225-km stretch of the river in Uttar Pradesh, India, where industrial, agricultural, and domestic pollution contribute to heavy metal accumulation. Surface sediments act as reservoirs for these metals, influencing their mobility, bioavailability, and toxicity. Sediment samples from 10 sites were analyzed using Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS), revealing metal concentrations in the decreasing order: Fe > Mn > Cr > Zn > Ni > Pb > Cu > Cd. OM content ranged from 4.73% to 6.57% (mean: 5.79% ± 0.60%), whereas pH values (7.31-7.63) indicated slightly alkaline conditions. Correlation analysis identified significant relationships between metals and sediment properties. Strong positive correlations were observed for Mn-Pb and Fe-Cr, suggesting similar sources or geochemical behavior. Mn, Pb, Ni, and Cd correlated positively with OM, indicating its role in metal binding, whereas Fe, Cr, Zn, and Cu showed negative correlations. Furthermore, Mn, Zn, Pb, Ni, Cu, and Cd correlated positively with pH, suggesting reduced mobility in alkaline conditions, whereas Fe and Cr exhibited increased solubility. These findings underscore the importance of sediment characteristics in assessing heavy metal contamination and ecological risks. Understanding these interactions is vital for targeted pollution mitigation and sustainable river health management.

Essential metals such as Cu and Cr are needed in trace amounts, and their absence may cause serious problems, while non-essential metals such as Cd and Pb have no biological function, and their presence, even in very small quantities, may be toxic. This study aims to assess the level of some heavy metals in sediments of some intertidal creeks around Port Harcourt in the upper Bonny Estuary. The concentrations of heavy metals (Cr, Cd, Pb and Cu) in the sediments of five (5) intertidal creeks (Elelenwo, Choba, Eagle Island, Ogbunabali and Amadi-ama) around Port Harcourt metropolis, Nigeria, for a period of six (6) months, were investigated. Heavy metal concentrations were determined using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry. A General linear model of ANOVA was used to test for significant variations in space and time between study areas. The software packages – MS Excel and Minitab R16 were used. There were notable spatial and temporal variations of heavy metal concentrations in sediment across the study areas. Maximum concentrations (mg/kg) of Cr, Cd, Pb and Cu in sediments were 9.75, 3.56, 72.80 and 11.50, respectively. Heavy metal concentrations were discovered to exceed threshold effect values at several stations, with cadmium (0.44-3.56 mg/kg) and lead (72.80 mg/kg) being of particular concern. The study confirmed that areas like Ogbunabali and Choba were hotspots of contamination with regard to heavy metals due to solid waste disposal and discharges in those areas. The study, therefore, concluded that there was heavy metal pollution in the sediments of the intertidal areas studied.

Heavy-metal pollution of surface water, sediment and fish is recognized as a significant global issue, particularly affecting developing countries like Bangladesh. Water quality is drastically diminished due to industrial discharge of heavy metals. The present study aimed to explore different physico-chemical water quality parameters and the level of heavy metal concentration in sediment, water and muscle of fish species near a coal mine industry. Water and sediment samples were taken from three separate locations over two distinct seasons (wet and dry) to compare the seasonal variations of five heavy metals (Cr, Co, Cd, As, and Pb) using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICPMS). The average concentrations of the heavy metals under investigation showed a downward sequence of Cr > Pb > Co > As > Cd in both wet and dry seasons. Furthermore, the mean concentration of heavy metals was higher in the Gangetic leaffish (Nandus nandus) than in the striped dwarf catfish (Mystus vittatus) and the ticto barb (Puntius ticto). Additionally, the enrichment factor values of the heavy metals in the sediments were in the following sequence: Cd > Co > Cr > As. The wetland sediment under investigation was not designated as significantly polluted by the pollution load index (PLI < 1). Moreover, the water from these rivers is not fit for human consumption or cooking as the levels of metals tested were higher than what is considered safe. This study highlights the importance of thoroughly evaluating the risks associated with heavy metals in the river. However, the research recommends that relevant authorities implement necessary measures to prevent further contamination, thereby preserving aquatic life in freshwater ecosystems.

In order to evaluate spatial pollution patterns of the Shaying River and assess human health risk, thirty-three sampling points were established in different reaches of the upper, middle, and lower reaches of the Shaying River. According to the difference in human activities and land use types, the sampling points were artificially divided into three areas: mountainous area, urban area, and agricultural area. Water samples and sediments were collected at each sampling site, and the physicochemical parameters of the water at each site were measured simultaneously. The nutrient content of water samples and the heavy metal content of sediments were measured in the laboratory. The water pollution status of the Shaying River, as well as the status of heavy metal pollution and its associated risk to human health, were assessed and analyzed using the Water Quality Index (WQI) method, principal component analysis (PCA) method, potential ecological risk index method, and health risk assessment method, respectively. The results of the Water Quality Index indicated that the water quality of the Shaying River was moderate, with the reaches in the urban area being more polluted, the agricultural area being the second most polluted, and the mountainous area being in better condition. The results of the principal component analysis showed that soluble ions, organic matter, and nutrients were the main factors contributing to water pollution in the Shaying River, and there was significant variability in the factors contributing to water pollution in different regions, with human activities being the main cause of this variation. The results of a potential ecological risk assessment of heavy metals in sediments showed that heavy metal pollution in the water bodies of the Shaying River was serious and had significant spatial variability. Mountain reaches were the most polluted, followed by agricultural reaches, and urban reaches were the least polluted. The results of the health risk assessment showed that non-carcinogenic risks of heavy metals in different reaches of the Shaying River were within acceptable limits, while carcinogenic risks in agricultural areas exceeded thresholds. Among them, agricultural areas had the highest health risk, with Cr being the most carcinogenic heavy metal and Pb and Cr being the most non-carcinogenic heavy metals. The assessment also found that children’s carcinogenic risk was 8.4 times higher than adult males and 7.3 times higher than adult females. This study involves the typical diverse areas where the Shaying River passes, in order to provide data support and a theoretical basis for environmental protection of the Shaying River Basin.

Heavy metal accumulation and transfer from sediments to edible mud crab organs (Scylla serrata) pose major ecological and health risks to consumers. The bioaccumulation of these metals are detrimental if they are extremely toxic. The objectives of this study were to analyze heavy metal concentrations in sediments and crab organs and determine the transfer of heavy metals in Scylla serrata from sediments in Mida Creek, Kilifi. The crab samples were collected by simple random sampling whereas sediment samples were collected by purposive sampling. The transfer factor of heavy metals from sediments to the organs of edible mud crabs (Scylla serrata) was evaluated in both the wet and dry seasons. The measurements and examinations of heavy metals, samples of crab organs, and sediments were obtained from three sampled sites. The concentration of metals in the samples was determined using an X-ray fluorescence (XRF) spectrometer. The results showed that the majority of the components are accumulated by the crabs from sediments. The order in which the metal transfer factor to crabs from station 1 sediments increased was Fe > Zn > Ni > Cu > Cd > Hg. In station 2, the transfer factor increased in the following order: Fe > Zn> Cu>Ni>Cd> Hg, while in station 3, it increased in the following order: Fe > Ni> Zn>Hg>Cd>Cu. The study concluded that mud crabs in Mida Creek actively absorb most of the elements from the sediments. The study recommends a routine monitoring of heavy-metal levels in other crustacean marine biota, and fish is necessary.

Heavy metal contamination from parent material and/or anthropogenic activities is a major environmental health challenge and is potentially dangerous because of bioaccumulation through the food chain. The main objectives of this study are to estimate heavy metals pollution levels in water, sediment, soils and vegetables and also to estimate the dietary intakes and health risks of heavy metals to the consumers of the vegetables in Pankshin communities. Heavy metals in vegetable samples were analyzed by Inductively coupled plasma (ICP), water and the available fractions by Microwave Plasma Atomic Emission Spectroscopy (MP-AES) while sediment and soil by Energy Dispersive X – Ray Florescence (ED-XRF). The soil and sediment were slightly acidic, none saline, low organic and carbon organic matter. Most of the concentrations of the metals in water were higher than the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Nigerian Agency for Food, Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) permissive levels. The heavy metals concentrations in sediment are mostly above threshold effect level (TEL) allowable limits. The study recoded high concentrations of metals (except As and Cd) increasing from surface soil to 21 – 30cm depth. The contamination factor (CF), degree of contamination (CD), pollution load indices (PLI) of all the soils and sediment indicated a state of deterioration with respect to the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) 2002 background. Ecological risks Factors, Enrichment factors and Geo Accumulation indices indicated moderate risks to biodiversity from soil contamination with metals. The ingestion pathway recoded the highest non-carcinogenic toxicity for soil and sediment in children while dermal and inhalation for the adults. The cancer risk was ranked in the order of As > Cr > Pb> Cd>Ni. The concentrations of most metals in the vegetables samples were within the FAO/WHO limits in edible parts. The HI ranges for adults and children through vegetable consumption were below one indicating no potential health risk consuming the vegetables. As and Cr were major contributors of contracting cancer from the vegetables. The obtained data can be a basis for implementing scientific and environmental pollution control measures in the irrigational areas.

The mangrove area in Wonorejo is quite large and water sources from various areas have the potential to be sources of chromium. One of the mangrove species in this area is Avicennia marina. Avicennia marina plays an important role in reducing pollution. Based on this, a study was conducted to analyze the chromium content in sediment and roots of mangrove A. marina in the Wonorejo area. This study was descriptive with the stages of exploration, observation, and analysis, namely exploring and observing A. marina, taking samples in the field and analyzing samples in the laboratory. The subjects of this study were the roots and sediments of A. marina taken from two stations with three different points by determining the location using purposive random sampling. The chromium levels in the roots and sediments were tested using the Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS) method. The data on Cr levels in roots and sediments were analyzed using quantitative descriptive statistics and analyzing the quality of sediments and roots of A. marina in the mangrove ecosystem with safe limit values. The results of this study are: 1) The Cr content in the sediment in the Jagir River was the highest at 1 mg/kg, while in the Afur River the highest was 0.82 mg/kg, 2) The Cr content in the roots of A. marina in the Jagir River is the highest at 2.8 mg/kg, while in the Afur River the highest is 2.5 mg/kg, and 3) The Cr content in the sediment has exceeded the safe threshold of 2.5 mg/kg and the Cr content in the roots has also exceeded the safe threshold of 0.05 mg/kg.

Exploring the causal relationships between environmental factors and benthos distributions in an intertidal algal reef ecosystem via a structural equation model

Anthropogenic activities have significantly contributed to soil and sediment pollution. Heavy metals are among the most common soil/sediment pollutants, owing to the fact that they easily get adsorbed on sediment surfaces and get carried from one ecosystem to another. This study examines the pollution effect of heavy metals in sediments from River Ndambuk, Busia County, Kenya. A total of eight heavy metals (Co, Cu, Fe, Cr, Ni, Cd, Pb and Zn) were examined during dry and wet seasons. The levels of Cd, Ni and Pb were above the World Health Organization (WHO) recommended limits for heavy metals in sediments. However, Pb levels were only above the WHO limit during the dry season, with the wet season registering concentrations way below WHO limits. Co, Cu, Fe, Cr and Zn recorded concentrations below WHO limits during the dry and wet seasons. Pollution indices were used to determine the extent of sediment pollution. Geoaccumulation index, pollution load index, contamination factor and enrichment factor were calculated from the heavy metal concentrations in sediments. Fe, Cr and Zn recorded negative I geo values during both seasons, signifying no pollution by these metals. Ni recorded moderately polluted to strongly polluted status whereas Pb recorded strongly polluted status only during the dry season. Points 1 – 4 recorded lack of pollution due to anthropogenic activities, while points 5 – 7 recorded pollution due to anthropogenic activities as per the PLI values. The study recommends proper land use and dumping of wastes and controlled mining activities to keep soil pollution at bay. Pollution by heavy metals can be controlled by embracing circular economy, which advocates for the reuse and reduction of waste to a minimum. Waste reduction will go a long way in reducing water and sediment pollution as the volume of pollutants discharged into water bodies will significantly reduce. The other principles of circular economy that will aid in mitigating water and sediment pollution include: regeneration of reagents, close water loops, integration of materials and waste flows, safe disposal of harmful elements, use of benign chemicals (which are less harmful to the environment) and reduction of chemical diversity.

The coastal waters of Palu Bay are vulnerable to pollution from various activities of the surrounding population. This study aimed to determine the content of heavy metals Pb, Cd, and Cu in the water and sediment of the coastal waters of Palu Bay. The analysis of heavy metal content (Pb, Cd, and Cu) in water and sediment was conducted using an Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS). Based on the research, the results showed that the heavy metal content in the water ranged from undetected to 0.04 mg/L for Pb, undetected for Cd and Cu. The heavy metals content in the sediment ranged from 2.17 to 13.8 mg/kg for Pb, undetected to 0.17 mg/kg for Cd, and 5.02 to 37.67 mg/kg for Cu. The Pb content in the water has significantly exceeded the quality standard as stipulated in the Minister of Environment Decree No. 51 of 2004. The Pb content in the sediment is still within safe limits according to Canadian quality standards. The Cd content in the sediment exceeded the quality standard at station 6, while for the other 9 stations, it was not detected. The Cu content in the sediment at 5 stations (2, 3, 4, 5, and 10) has exceeded the Canadian quality standard of 18.7 mg/kg.

Sand mining significantly impacts heavy metal pollution in aquatic ecosystems. However, uncertainties in measured heavy metal concentrations in sediments caused by sand mining activities are unavoidable. To address this, a fuzzy potential ecological risk index (PERI) model was developed based on the triangular fuzzy number (TFN) theory. The model incorporates the ecological risk TFN of individual heavy metals, a comprehensive ecological risk TFN, and a transitional PERI model. This approach was applied to sand mining regions of Poyang Lake, with the following results: (i) In the Jiujiang region, the ecological risk TFNs of Cu, Pb, and Cd before sand mining were {11.84, 16.61, 19.45}, {8.58, 11.73, 14.46}, and {32.80, 34.80, 37.20}, respectively, all categorized as “low” grade. (ii) Before sand mining, the comprehensive PERI vectors for the Jiujiang and Shangrao regions were {0.000, 1.000, 0.000, 0.000} and {0.000, 0.344, 0.656, 0.000}, respectively, whereas after sand mining, they changed to {0.184, 0.816, 0.000, 0.000} and {0.000, 0.195, 0.805, 0.000}, respectively. (iii) After sand mining, the probabilities of the transitional TFN for Cu, Pb, and Cd exceeding 0 were 0.566, 0.549, and 0.952, respectively, with the comprehensive transitional TFN of heavy metals showing a probability of 0.626 of exceeding 0 in the Shangrao region. (iv) Compared to the conventional PERI model, the fuzzy PERI model more effectively evaluates ecological risks, including uncertainties and cumulative effects. It reflects variations in ecological risk induced by sand mining and offers insights for heavy metal pollution assessment in sand mining regions and other ecologically sensitive areas.

A research on heavy metals in fish and sediment samples collected from Ikpoba River, Benin City, Nigeria, was analyzed and compared during the months of June and November, 2023. Heavy metals accumulations in fish is a concern as they absorbed essential and non-essential metals, storing them in their muscles, gills and liver. Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS) analysis showed the presence of all ten selected heavy metals (Iron (Fe), Chromium (Cr), Manganese (Mn), Zinc (Zn), Lead (Pb), Copper (Cu), Arsenic (As), Cobalt (Co), Nickel (Ni), and Cadmium (Cd)) in both the fish species Coptodon zilli and sediment samples. However, sediment samples showed higher concentrations of heavy metals compared to the fish. Sediments exhibited higher levels of iron (Fe) and nickel (Ni) in June, and lower levels of cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb) in November. The order of heavy metal concentration in sediments was as follows: June: Fe>Ni >Zn >Cr >Co >Mn>Pb> As >Cu >Cd; November: Fe >Ni >Cr >Co >Zn >Cd >As > Mg >Cu >Pb. Analysis of heavy metals in gill, liver, and muscle revealed that iron (Fe) had the highest concentration of heavy metals in the muscle, gill, and liver for both months, while copper (Cu) had the lowest concentration in these tissues, except for muscle, June, and liver, November. This analysis exceeded the maximum limits set by the World Health Organization (WHO), Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) and National Environmental Standard and Regulation Enforcement Agency (NESREA) in both sediment and fish samples during June and November, except for Zinc (Zn) and Copper (Cu) in fish samples. Contaminated fish could cause potential damages to human. Therefore, precautionary measures and continuous monitoring of Ikpoba River is necessary.

This case study reports a dataset enabling the analysis of heavy metal concentrations in sediments collected in the Oława River basin. The focus is on the ecological risk associated with six metals: copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), lead (Pb), chromium (Cr), nickel (Ni), and cadmium (Cd). The key information on the pollution status of the aquatic environment is provided by the single- (EF, Igeo, and PI) and the multi-elemental (PLI, PINem, RI, and MERMQ) pollution indices, and statistical techniques such as Spearman’s correlation, the principal component analysis, and the cluster analysis. The sediments indicate the presence of Cu, Zn, Pb, and Ni, a smaller input of Cr, and the absence of Cd, according to criteria from the State Working Group on Water in Germany (the LAWA’s guidelines) and pollution indices. As assessed by the RI index and the sediment quality guidelines (the SQGs), the potential ecological risk is possible to occur at some sampling points as a result of uncontrolled emission of pollutants. This resource supports environmental monitoring, risk management, and comparative research of aquatic environments.

The article explores the agronomic potential of bottom sediments as a promising resource for sustainable agriculture and the restoration of degraded lands. Over the past decades, interest has grown in utilizing sediments from water bodies to enhance soil fertility and improve their physicochemical properties. Sediments are rich in minerals and trace elements, making them a valuable resource for enriching nutrient-depleted soils. The potential for phytoremediation, where plants are used to remove or neutralize toxic substances from the soil, is also examined. A study based on the analysis of scientific publications confirmed that the use of bottom sediments can increase the yield of major agricultural crops, such as maize and wheat, compared to traditional fertilizers. A bibliometric analysis of publications using the Scopus database and the VOSviewer program identified leading research centers and key research directions in this field. Significant attention is given to environmental safety issues, particularly the assessment of heavy metal content in sediments, which is crucial for mitigating potential risks to ecosystems and human health. Furthermore, the article examines the prospects for using bottom sediments to reduce soil degradation and erosion and to retain moisture, which is critically important for arid regions. Research indicates that sediments can improve soil structure by increasing its porosity and aeration, thereby promoting root system development and enhancing plant resilience to stress conditions. Thus, bottom sediments are a promising component of closed-loop agroecosystems, where waste materials can be utilized to boost productivity.

This study aims to assess the concentrations of these heavy metals in water, crab, and sediment samples from oil-producing and non-oil-producing communities during low and high tides in Akulga Local Government Area, Rivers State. Samples were collected at both low and high tide regimes to assess the concentrations of heavy metals, including Fe, Pb, Ni, Mn, Zn, Cu, Cd, and Cr. The analyses were conducted using flame atomic absorption spectrophotometry. The results revealed that Kula sediments has significantly higher Fe levels (3844.80 mg/kg at low tide, 3663.30 mg/kg at high tide) compared to Abonnema (3622.10 mg/kg and 3117.50 mg/kg, respectively), with Mn and Cu also elevated. These concentrations exceed safe limits, indicating severe pollution. In crab samples, Kula showed higher Pb levels (38.28 mg/kg at low tide, 16.55 mg/kg at high tide) than Abonnema, exceeding WHO/FEPA safety limits and posing health risks. The elevated Mn and Cu levels also indicate bioaccumulation, raising concerns for the local ecosystem. Water samples showed minimal contamination, with most metal concentrations below detection limits and pH levels ranging from 5.55 to 6.49. Fe levels in Kula water remained within WHO permissible limits. Also, the analysis of variance findings on samples collected at low and high tides from Abonnema (ABO) and Kula (KUL) communities indicate significant differences (p< 0.05) in heavy metal concentrations in sediment, crab, and water samples. In conclusion, the results reveal significant heavy metal pollution in Kula, especially in sediment and crab samples, posing potential health risks to local communities. There is therefore the need for continuous environmental monitoring and remediation to mitigate the adverse effects of industrial activities in the study area.

Heavy metal concentration (Cu, Zn, Fe, Mn, Ni) was evaluated in sediment samples of Rupingazi river during the wet and dry seasons. In this study, the sediment samples were collected from twenty sampling points along the river. The heavy metal levels were evaluated using Atomic Absorption Spectrphotometer.The obtained data was analyzed using one-way analysis of variance. The range of the concentration of copper was found to be 4.68- 12.69 mg/kg for the wet season and 0.98-24.10mg/kg for the dry season. The mean values of the concentration of iron was found to be 1422-6145.33 mg/kg for the wet season and 1254-5866.67 mg/kg for the dry season. The range of the concentration of Nickel was found to be 0.72- 30.73 mg/kg for the wet season and 2.63-12.48 mg/kg for the dry season. Concentration of manganese was found to be 48.03-411.20 mg/kg for the wet season and 6.15-248.35 mg/kg for the dry season Zinc concentration was found to be 26.29-167.10 mg/kg for the wet season and 4.82-28.39 mg/kg for the dry season. The Zinc, Manganese, Nickel Iron and Copper levels were not beyond the USEPA recommended limits.

Contamination, fraction, and source apportionment of heavy metals in sediment of an industrialized urban river in China