Assessment Of Heavy Metal Pollution Research Articles

Pollution Assessment and Spatial Distribution of Heavy Metals in Surface Waters and Bottom Sediments of the Krzna River (Poland)

Due to their toxicity, lack of bioaccumulation and biodegradability, and ease of binding to sediments, heavy metals are considered the main pollutants of rivers. It is, therefore, necessary to control and monitor these pollutants. The present study analyzed the Krzna River, which flows in southeastern Poland and has an outlet to the Bug River. Over much of its length, the Bug River forms Poland’s border with Belarus, while its origin is in Ukraine. The main purpose of the conducted research was a qualitative and quantitative analysis of selected heavy metals, i.e., Ni, Pb, Zn, Cd, and Cu, in bottom sediments and surface waters of the Krzna River. The secondary objectives were to evaluate the level of contamination of the studied matrices and identify the sources of pollution. Eighty samples of water and bottom sediments from the Krzna River were collected for the analysis. Due to the varying distribution of metals under the influence of changes in temperature, precipitation, and humidity, the samples were collected in May and August 2023. The average cadmium content in the sediments studied was the same in both May and August, at 0.6 mg/kg. In contrast, the nickel content of the sediments ranged from 4.6 to 6.1 mg/kg in May and from 4.8 to 6.8 in August. Only nickel and cadmium of the five heavy metals tested were present in amounts exceeding the geochemical background value. Analysis of the results indicates that only a minimal amount of heavy metals remain dissolved in the surface waters, and the remainder contaminates the sediments. The average concentrations of metals in the studied bottom sediments and surface waters were as follows: zinc > lead > nickel > copper > cadmium. The content of metals in the studied sediments was not high, but at the same time, their presence above the geochemical background indicates anthropogenic human activity. Any changes in hydrodynamic conditions and various environmental factors may result in the re-release of heavy metals contained in sediments into surface waters.

Traceability Analysis and Environmental Quality Assessment of Soil Heavy Metal Pollution in West Hunan Province

In order to explore the status of soil heavy metal pollution and environmental quality in west Hunan, relevant areas of Phoenix County were selected as the study area. Using data from 440 soil samples collected in the study area from June to August 2022, the pH value of the soil and contents of eight heavy metal elements, namely, As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Hg, Ni, Pb, and Zn, were analyzed. The PMF model was used for traceability analysis and geochemical evaluation of soil environmental quality. The results showed that the average values of soil heavy metals ω(Zn), ω(Cr), ω(Pb), ω(Ni), ω(Cu), ω(As), ω(Cd), and ω(Hg) were 81.02, 64.67, 31.63, 29.27, 25.52, 9.93, 0.28, and 0.13 mg·kg-1, respectively. The soil in the study area was mainly weakly acidic, and the contents of the Cd and Hg elements were relatively high compared to the national soil background values and were highly variable. The contents of the Hg and Cd elements in forest land were higher than that in other land uses. The PMF model results showed that the contribution rates of heavy metal pollution sources in the study area were mining sources (37.4%), atmospheric sedimentation sources (7.7%), natural sources (41.1%), and agricultural activity sources (13.8%) and provided suggestions on pollution control measures according to the spatial distribution of the four types of pollution sources. Through the comprehensive assessment of soil environmental geochemistry, the study area was divided into three types of plots, namely, non-risk areas (94.27 km2), accounting for 76.38%; risk-controllable areas (27.45 km2), accounting for 22.24%; and high-risk areas (1.7 km2), accounting for 1.38%. This study provided data support for the prevention and control measures of land pollution in the research area, as well as the delineation of the prevention and control scope.

Characterization and Risk Assessment of Nutrient and Heavy Metal Pollution in Surface Sediments of Representative Lakes in Yangxin County, China

Increased urbanization and industrialization globally have led to the widespread pollution of water bodies (e.g., lakes) by heavy metals (HMs) and nutrients. These pollutants accumulate in water and surface sediments, posing risks to both aquatic organisms and human health. In November 2022, surface sediment samples from three lakes—Lianhua Lake, Mati Lake, and North Lake—were collected to assess nutrient (nitrogen and phosphorous) and HM content. Total N (TN), total P (TP), and HM concentrations were analyzed. The pollution status was evaluated using comprehensive pollution index (FF) methods and the potential ecological risk index (RI) (Eri). The results were as follows: (1) Variations in nutrient and HM contents were observed among the three lakes. Lianhua Lake exhibited the highest average TN content (1600 mg/kg), while North Lake had the highest average TP content (2230 mg/kg). The average concentrations of Cd, Hg, and As in the surface sediment surpassed the soil background values of Hubei Province, reaching 1.41, 2.74, and 1.76 times the background values, respectively. Notably, Hg exceeded the standard in Lianhua Lake by 3.39 times, followed by North Lake (2.52 times) and Mati Lake (2.24 times). (2) The FF and potential Eri revealed that the average RI values for Mati Lake, North Lake, and Lianhua Lake were 106.88, 126.63, and 162.18, respectively. These indices categorized the ecological risk levels as moderate, while nutrient salts in the surface water reached a severe pollution level. (3) Correlation and PCA indicated that Cu, Pb, Cd, and Ni were linked to mineral smelting, aquaculture feed, and agricultural fertilizers. Hg and nutrient salts originated from atmospheric deposition of surrounding domestic waste water and traffic exhaust gases. Agricultural activities seemed to contribute to As concentration in the lakes, while Cr has its main origin in the weathering of the rock matrix.

Health risk assessment of heavy metal pollution in groundwater of a karst basin, SW China

Health risk assessment of heavy metal pollution in groundwater of a karst basin, SW China

Assessment of Heavy Metal(loid) Pollution and Human Health Risks Associated with a Mineral (Zn, Cu, and Sn Ores) Processing Plant in Yunnan, Southwest China

Understanding the contamination and sources of heavy metal(loid)s (HMs) at historical sites is vital for safeguarding human health and the ecological environment. This study focused on As, Hg, Cd, Cu, Pb, Ni, and Cr concentrations in the residual soil, groundwater, and surface water around a mineral processing plant. The sources of these elements and the human health risks posed by them were evaluated using various indexes. Soil HM concentrations exceeded background values for Yunnan Province, ranked as As > Pb > Cd > Cu > Hg > Ni. The river water met China’s Class II waterbody standard; however, Cd, Cu, Pb, and pH exceeded the maximum permissible sewage discharge concentrations in the accumulated water. The groundwater showed severe HM pollution, meeting China’s Class III water quality standard. The average value of the Nemerow pollution index was consistent with that of the single-factor pollution index in the following order: As > Pb > Cd > Ni > Cu > Hg. Children face heightened risk through the oral ingestion of As, Cd, and Pb, particularly in high-value sampling points in the residue deposit area. The main sources of these pollutants are anthropogenic activities and the soil formation matrix.

Soil heavy metal pollution and ecological risk assessment in disturbed and undisturbed soil of Morigaon, Assam

Soil heavy metal pollution and ecological risk assessment in disturbed and undisturbed soil of Morigaon, Assam

Assessment and Review of Heavy Metals Pollution in Sediments of the Mediterranean Sea

The impact of marine sediment pollution is crucial for the health of the seas, particularly in densely populated coastal areas worldwide. This study assesses the concentration and distribution of heavy metals in the marine sediments of the main regions of the Mediterranean Sea. The results underscore high concentrations of mercury (Hg), nickel (Ni), and copper (Cu), whereas chromium (Cr), zinc (Zn), cadmium (Cd), barium (Ba), and vanadium (V) exhibit moderate values. To assess the heavy metal results, sediment quality guidelines and pollution indices (Igeo and Geochemical Signal Type-GST) were employed, revealing a consistent trend of decreasing concentrations from the coastal zone to the open sea. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) emphasizes the significant roles of Cu, Zn, Ba, and Cr in sediment chemistry. The study suggests that the distribution patterns of heavy metals are linked to wastewater discharges in coastal areas, requiring effective management strategies to ensure the health of the Mediterranean Sea.

Assessment of heavy metals pollution in surface soils in the industrial town of Urmia phase 1-2 and expansion

Assessment of heavy metals pollution in surface soils in the industrial town of Urmia phase 1-2 and expansion

Integrated Assessment of Heavy Metal Pollution and Human Health Risks in Waters from a Former Iron Mining Site: A Case Study of the Canton of Bangeli, Togo

Drinking water requires excellent physico-chemical quality. It must therefore not contain any substance which is harmful, or which may harm the health of the consumer. The drinking water supply of Bangeli canton (Togo) is provided by ground water and surface water which have been polluted by several industrial discharges as a result of Togo’s intensive industrialization in the last few decades. In order to contribute to the control of drinking water in this locality, our study focused on the state of metal pollution in the waters of this canton. To assess the spatiotemporal evolution of the metallic contamination in Bangeli waters, surface and groundwater samples were taken during dry and rainy seasons in the last three years. This comparative study will allow for a more in-depth assessment of the study area. These samples were analysed by ICP-MS for heavy metals such as Fe, Pb, Cr, Zn, Cu, Co, As, Mn, Sb, Ni, and Cd. The mean values obtained for these metals from groundwater are, respectively, 1144.87; 2.53; 3.42; 3.63; 6.49; 0.69; 143.76; 160.03; 5.67; and 0.036 µg/L. Except for Fe, Sb, and Mn, all the other metals have values below WHO guidelines. The heavy metal pollution index (HPI) applied to these waters gave values between 31.49 and 307.51, with 88.66% of samples below the limit value (100). Health risk assessment factors, including average daily doses, hazard quotient, carcinogenic risks, and hazard index indices, were computed for children and adults. Finally, the HPI index of Fe and Sb in both child and adult cases showed a value greater than the safe limits, which causes harmful health hazards and potential non-carcinogenic health risks to humans. However, carcinogenic risk for Cr, Cd, Pb, and As is less than the limit value (10−4), indicating that there is no risk of cancer. The interpretation of PCA results made it possible to understand that mining has contributed to the pollution of some water resources in Bangeli, and cluster analysis (CA) applied to the data showed that the sampling points can be grouped into four groups, which were primarily formed by extravagant concentrations of Fe, Mn, Cu, and Sr.

Assessment of Heavy Metal Pollution and Health Risks in a Government-Intervened Electronic Waste Dismantling Area in South China

ABSTRACT Efficient control of heavy metal pollution necessitates a comprehensive understanding of pollutant sources. In this study, we conducted a thorough investigation of 11 metals in the soil of an electronic waste (e-waste) recycling facility in South China. The sources of these metals were determined through a combination of statistical analysis and the UNMIX model. Despite government intervention, our findings reveal significant pollution of nickel, copper, zinc, cadmium, and lead in the study area. Primary contributors to heavy metal contamination in the soil were identified as demolition activities, transport emissions, and atmospheric deposition. Utilizing a source risk assessment model, we observed that children face higher noncarcinogenic and carcinogenic risks compared to adults. Remarkably, the total hazard index of the study area was found to be considerably lower than that of other e-waste dismantling cities. Moreover, the total carcinogenic risk was noted to be one order of magnitude lower than both other e-waste dismantling cities and industrial and mining cities. While acknowledging the government’s commendable achievements in the standardized management of e-waste dismantling activities, our study underscores the need for targeted measures to further reduce pollution and safeguard the health of residents. These results emphasize the importance of ongoing efforts to enhance environmental protection strategies and underscore the significance of tailored interventions for sustainable pollution control in e-waste recycling facilities.

Heavy metal distribution, fractionation, metal pollution and environmental risk assessment in surface sediment of Narmada River, India

ABSTRACT Owing to the rapid industrial and socioeconomic development, the heavy metal concentration in the river is gradually increasing, it has the potential to threaten the aquatic environment and mankind. The present investigation deals with the quantification and fractionation of heavy metals from the sediments of the Narmada River. The presence of these heavy metals can be toxic to human health and aquatic life, therefore different pollution indices were evaluated to identify the degree of threat that might be imposed by these contaminants in the surface water and sediment. In this context, risk assessment code (RAC), hazard quotient (HQ), hazard index (HI) and total cancer risk (TCR) were calculated to examine the risk of heavy metal contamination on the human being. The important heavy metals and their concentration (in mg/kg, dry weight) have followed the following order, Fe > Al > Mn > Cr > Cu > Ni > Zn > Pb > Cd. Pollution indices classified the surface sediments under the uncontaminated to moderately contaminated category; the major responsible heavy metals for different pollution levels were Cr, Mn, Cu and Pb. The RAC identified Mn and Cd as potential heavy metals which may cause a high risk to aquatic organisms. HQ, HI and TCR values confirmed no human health risk. However, the Cr concentration present in surface sediments might cause cancer via ingestion in children. The insights obtained from this study shall aware and encourage the competent legislative bodies to plan an appropriate regular monitoring campaign and take necessary measures to improve the health of the river.

Ecological Risk and Pollution Assessment of Heavy Metals in Farmland Soil Profile with Consideration of Atmosphere Deposition in Central China.

Heavy metals (HMs) in agricultural land have caused serious environmental problems, resulting in severe contamination of the food chain and posing potential health threats. This study aims to investigate the pollution levels and potential ecological risks of HMs in farmland soils in central China, taking into account atmospheric deposition. Several indices were used to assess the status of HMs and compare surface soil with deeper soil. Descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, and UMAP clustering methods were utilized to identify the characteristics of HMs. Additionally, stepwise linear regression models were employed to quantify the contributions of different variables to the potential ecological risks of HMs. The results showed that the average content of Zn in surface soil (289.41 ± 87.72 mg/kg) was higher than in the deeper soil (207.62 ± 37.81 mg/kg), and similar differences were observed in the mean values of related Igeo (1.622 ± 0.453 in surface soil and 1.183 ± 0.259 in deeper soil) and PEI (0.965 ± 0.292 in surface soil and 0.692 ± 0.126 in deeper soil) indices. This indicates that surface soil is more heavily polluted. The UMAP results confirmed the high variability of HMs in the surface soil, while PCA results suggested the importance of pollution and ecological risk indices. The stepwise linear model revealed that different variable structures contribute differently to the risk. In conclusion, Cr and Zn were found to be the major contaminants in the local farmland soil, with higher concentrations in the surface soil. The geoaccumulation and total potential ecological risk were classified as low risk. High variability of HMs was observed in the surface soil. Therefore, HM-related pollution indices and ecological risk indices are important for assessing the contamination status of local HMs. The local potential ecological risk can be attributed to specific heavy metals, each of which can have different effects on the local ecological risk.

Source Appointment and Assessment of Heavy Metal Pollution in Surface Dust in the Main District Bus Stops of Tianshui City

In this study, a PMF model was used to identify the sources and pollution level of heavy metals in the surface dust of a bus station. On the basis of the traditional heavy metal pollution evaluation methods, the Hakanson toxicity response coefficient was used to modify the traditional weight. The matter-element extension theory was introduced to reflect the toxicological properties and hazard degree of the heavy metals, and the matter-element extension model was established to evaluate the pollution level of heavy metals in the surface dust of the study area. The results were compared with Igeo, PN, and RI. ① Except for Co and V, the other heavy metals were higher than the Gansu soil background values by 1.29-9.30 times. The points of Cu and Pb exceeded the rate by 100%, and Cr, Ni, and As exceeded the rate by 96.15%, 94.23%, and 96.15%, respectively. ② PMF showed that source 1 was a natural source, and its contribution rate to V was 32.12%. Source 2 was natural-traffic pollution sources, contributing 51.50% and 33.37% to Cu and Co, respectively. Source 3 was a construction waste pollution source, with contribution rates of 45.06% and 44.70% for Cr and Ni, respectively, and source 4 was a coal-traffic mixed source, with contribution rates of 49.89% and 75.25% for As and Pb, respectively. ③ The matter-element evaluation results showed that the surface dust of the bus stops was mainly class IV (moderately polluted), and 13% of sample points were still clean, 37% were moderately polluted, and 25% were slightly and heavily polluted. The results of this method were quite different from the PN results and were more consistent with the RI results, indicating that its evaluation results were more sensitive and can be used for heavy metal pollution assessment.

Assessment of Heavy Metal Pollution in Water and Sediment of River Thiba, Kirinyaga County, Kenya

Traceelementsfind their way into humans throughingestion, directabsorptionorinhalation. All tracemetals are toxic to animals and plants when present in excess amounts. The harmfuleffects of trace heavymetals in mammals may manifest asgrowth retardation, decrease in longevity, changes in reproductive cycles, chronic diseases and tumourformation. River Thibacatchment isMt. Kenya forestand thenflowsthrough rocks, soil, farmlands, residential areas and towncentres. Due to geological factors and human activities,traceheavy metals maybegettingin riverThibaand since the water is used for domestic purposes and irrigation, it was necessary to determine the heavy metal concentrationinthe river. Sedimentand watersamples were collected along river Thibaduring rainyand dry seasons. The samples were digested thenconcentrationsof eight heavy metals determined using ICP-MS. The mean amountsof Cd, Cr, Ni, Pb, Zn, As, Mn and Se in sedimentwere0.0908, 39.8969, 85.1085, 10.3918, 42.5555, 2.3679, 1678.3876and 5.4907mg/kg respectively during rainyseason and 0.0628, 42.6319, 396.4692, 3.2669,58.7585, 2.8139, 1766.4009 and 6.1059mg/kg respectively during dry season. The mean concentration of the same metals in water was 0.0002, 0.0916, 1.0066, 0.0434, BDL, 0.0025, 1.8484and0.0038ppm respectively during wet season and BDL,BDL, BDL,0.0068,BDL,0.00002, 0.0070 andBDL ppm respectively during dry season. The mean amount of Cr, Ni and Mn in sediment were found to be above WHO and US EPA permissible limitsduring both seasons.During rainy season, the mean concentration of Cr, Ni, Pband Mn in water were above WHO and KEBS/WASREB permissible limitsbut the concentrations of Cd, Zn, As and Se were below the limits. However, during dry season, all the eight heavy metal concentrations in water were below WHO, KEBS/WASREB permissible limits. As far as the eight heavy metals are concerned, water from river Thibamay not be potable during rainyseason but is potable during dry season. However, further investigations should be carried out to determine other water parameters.

Assessment of Heavy Metal Pollution of the Soils in the Southwest of Aksaray City

Bu çalışma da Aksaray-Adana E-90 karayolunun çevresinde yerleşim yerleri, eğitim (üniversite), sanayi ve tarımsal faaliyetlerin sürdürüldüğü bölgede yer alan toprakların jeokimyasal olarak ağır metal içeriklerinin belirlenmesi ve ulusal-uluslararası belirlenmiş standartlarla karşılaştırılarak ağır metal kirliliğinin boyutlarının araştırılması amaçlanmıştır. Bu kapsamda 15 adet toprak örneği alınmış, bu örneklerin arsenik (As), kadmiyum (Cd), kobalt (Co), bakır (Cu), nikel (Ni) ve kurşun (Pb) içerikleri indüktif olarak eşleştirilmiş plazma-kütle spektrometresi (ICP-MS) cihazı kullanılarak belirlenmiştir. Elde edilen analiz sonuçlarına göre As içerikleri 2 ile 212,8 mg/kg, Cd içerikleri 0,1 ile 0,4 mg/kg, Co içerikleri 1,4 ile 19,1 mg/kg, Cu içerikleri 5,1 ile 39,6 mg/kg, Ni içerikleri 12,4 ile 110,7 mg/kg ve Pb içerikleri 7,6 ile 53,2 mg/kg arasında bulunmuştur. Analiz sonuçları çalışma alanındaki bazı toprak örneklerinin Avusturya, Belçika, Hollanda, İsviçre, Türkiye ve Dünya Sağlık Örgütüne ait toprakta belirlenen sınır değerlere göre As, Ni ve Pb açısından, üst kıtasal kabuk, dünya toprak ve şeyl gibi jeolojik ortalama değerlere göre ise As, Cd, Co, Cu, Ni ve Pb açısından zenginleştiğini göstermiştir. Bu karşılaştırmaların yanında jeo-birikim indeksi (Igeo) hesaplamalarına göre ise çalışma alanındaki topraklarda As, Cd, Ni ve Pb kirliliği olduğu belirlenmiştir. Igeo hesaplamalarında Co ve Cu açısından ise belirli alanlarda artış eğilimi olmasına rağmen önemli bir derecede kirlenme gözlenmemiştir.

Assessment of Heavy Metal Pollution from Granite Quarrying in Akure, Nigeria

This study investigated the heavy metals pollution of granite quarrying activities in Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria. Three quarries and a control site were selected for this study. Plants and soil samples were collected at 0, 50, 100, 150 and 200 m away from the crushing points, while samples were collected away from roadside for control. Water samples were collected at just a point. Concentration of heavy metals in collected samples was determined using Buck Scientific Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer model 210 VGP. The mean total heavy metal contents in C. odorata and P. purpurem collected within 0 to 200 m showed that Pb, Fe, Zn, Cr Co and Cd contents were above the WHO permissible limit while only Pb content (190.8, 299.20 and 208.80 ppm) and Fe (7559.50, 13386.50 and 19019.50 ppm for Dortmond, Ebenezer and Samchase quarries respectively) were above the permissible limit in soil samples. Elevated Pb, Fe, Cr, and Ni were recorded in water samples collected from quarry sites while values recorded for control sites falls within the permissible limit except for the lead concentration of 0.10 ppm as against the maximum concentration of 0.05 ppm set by WHO. Zn, Mn, Cd and and Cu were not detected in all water samples. Higher pH values were also recorded in soil and water samples from quarry sites. This study has shown that quarrying introduces toxic heavy metals into nearby environment.

Heavy Metals Pollution Assessment in Soil of Al-Zubair area, Southern Iraq

Heavy Metals Pollution Assessment in Soil of Al-Zubair area, Southern Iraq

Spatial Distribution and Pollution Assessment of Heavy Metals in Soils in the Jiefangzha Irrigation Area of the Hetao Irrigation District, China

To explore the characteristics of heavy metal pollution in farmland soils in the Jiefangzha Irrigation Area of the Hetao Irrigation District, Inner Mongolia, 60 samples of the surface soil (0–20 cm) were collected to detect and analyze the content of typical heavy metal elements, Cu, As, and Pb, in the soil. The methods utilized included the single factor index method, the Nemerow index method, the geological accumulation index method, and the potential ecological hazard index method to evaluate their pollution and ecological risks, and these were combined with geostatistical methods using GIS (Geographic Information System) technology to quantitatively analyze their spatial distribution characteristics. The results showed that the average contents of Cu, As, and Pb did not exceed the background values in the Hetao Irrigation Area, and the contents showed a moderate variation, with the order of variation as As > Cu > Pb. The multivariate statistical analysis results showed that the three elements, Cu, As, and Pb, had similar sources, i.e., primarily the use of agrochemicals, such as fertilizers and pesticides. The semi-variance function model fitting results showed that Pb followed a spherical model, and Cu and As followed Gaussian models. Kriging interpolation showed that the contents of As, Pb, and Cu, in general, showed a trend that was higher in the northwest and lower in the southeast, with a change of gradient increasing from the southeast to the northwest. Human activities were the primary factors causing the distribution difference.

Monolithic melamine foam@COF composite: Preparation, characterization and applications in ultrafast removal and on-site quick assessment of Cd2+ pollution

The assessment and treatment of heavy metal pollution are eternal subjects of environmental protection. Facile on-site assessment of heavy metal pollution and efficient, rapid removal of pollutes are still challenging. Covalent organic frameworks (COFs) hold great promise as absorbents for heavy metal pollution treatment. To overcome the application limits of COF powders, a COF-based monolithic composite is prepared by direct in-situ growth of an N/O-rich COF on the surface of a melamine foam (MF). The resultant MF@COF inherits the macro-porous channels of MF, the good crystallinity of COF, and integrates the attractive features of monolithic materials such as ease of operation, facile and highly efficient recovery, and good reusability. The abundant N/O groups endow MF@COF with powerful capture capability towards various heavy metal ions. Its maximum adsorption capacity for Cd2+ is 278.45 mg/g, and the adsorption equilibrium can be reached within 1–3 s. The adsorption kinetic of Cd2+ by MF@COF follows the pseudo-second-order kinetic model, and the adsorption isotherm conforms to Freundlich model. Rapid adsorption, together with the easy-to-operate feature of monolithic material, make the ultrafast water purification possible. Meanwhile, MF@COF works well for the highly efficient enrichment of Cd2+ to realize the naked-eye detection of Cd2+ pollution at low levels, thus may be developed as an important tool for both on-site assessment and rapid treatment of heavy metal pollution.

Heavy metal pollution assessment in marine sediments in the Northwest coast of Sabah, Malaysia

Heavy metal contents along the Northwest coast of Sabah were determined to interpret the pollution level in the marine sediment. The metal abundance is regulated by the physico-chemical properties such as the average sediment pH (7.82, 9.00 and 8.99), organic matter (0.62%, 1.60%, and 2.27%), moisture content (25.00%, 29.70%, and 15.00%) and sandy texture in Kota Belud, Kudat and Mantanani Island, respectively. The major elements show Ca>Fe>Mg>Al>Mn for all study sites, while the heavy metals show Ni>Cr>Zn>Cu>Co>Pb, Cr>Ni>Zn>Cu>Pb>Co and Zn>Pb>Cr>Ni, for Kota Belud, Kudat and Mantanani Island, respectively. The pollution degree of heavy metals was evaluated by using the Sediment Quality Assessment (SQA). The SQA parameters indicated none to moderate pollution in Kota Belud that shows Class 0, Class 1 and Class 2 pollution. The parameters also indicated none to low pollution in Kudat and Mantanani Island that show only Class 0 pollution. The enrichment factor (EF) suggested minor to moderately severe metal enrichment by anthropogenic sources in Kota Belud, whereas only minor enrichment in Kudat and Mantanani Island. The modified pollution degree (MCD<1.5) and pollution load index (0 ⩽ PLI<1) indicating only low pollution level in the marine sediments for all study sites. The objectives of this study are: (1) to determine the physico-chemical parameters of sediments, (2) interpret the heavy metal contents and (3) evaluate the sediment quality.©2023 China Geology Editorial Office.