Spatial distribution and contamination assessments of heavy metals in sediments of Wenruitang River, Wenzhou, China

摘要

Sediments from 29 stations within Wenruitang River basin were sampled to investigate the spatial distribution patterns of heavy metals in sediments and to assess the pollution status of heavy metal elements (Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Zn and Pb). Heavy metal concentrations showed significant spatial variation in sediments from different areas. Enrichment factors (EF) indicated that the order of pollution level was as follows: Cd＞Cu＞Zn＞Ni＞Cr＞Pb. The major heavy metal contaminants were derived from human impacts. Correlation analysis suggested that Cu, Zn, Ni, Cd and Pb were significantly related to total organic carbon (TOC); Cu, Ni, Pb, Zn and Cr had a close association with each other; Cd was closely associated with Zn.