Environmental Geochemical Characteristics of the Sediments in the Yangtze River and Its Ecological Risk Assessmen

Abstract

Abstract:

In order to study and discuss the ecological risk of the sediments in the Yangtze River, sediment samples were collected at 62 sites along the Yangtze River from the main stream and main tributaries. First the characteristics of element composition and heavy metal accumulation were analyzed and the results showed that the differences of macro element content in space were caused by the content change of mineral elements carried by the river. We also found the enrichment degrees of the five elements (Cu, Pb, Cd, As, Hg) were relatively high and abnormal. Ecological risk assessment for Cr, Mn, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Pb, Cd, As and Hg was also given by means of potential ecological risk index. The evaluation results showed, according to the potential pollution level by heavy metals along the Yangtze River basin, that it is most serious in Xiang River region of Hunan Province and Tongling region of Anhui Province. The second most seriously contaminated zones consist of Sichuan, Chongqing and Jiangxi. Pollutions have certain relations with mining explorations and distribution of industry, largely caused by human factors. According to the pollution levels of different elements, Cd, As, and Hg turned out to be the worst, followed by Cu, Zn, Pb, while Cr, Mn, Co and Ni were basically not contaminated in the Yangtze River basin. Our research on sediments in the Yangtze River provides a scientific basis and theoretical reference for further studying about sediments geochemistry process and environmental protection.

Key words: geochemical characteristics, ecological risk assessment, sediment, Yangtze River

LI Juan, YANG Zhong-Fang, JIA Hua-Ji, HOU Jing-Xie, FU Shu-Sai. Environmental Geochemical Characteristics of the Sediments in the Yangtze River and Its Ecological Risk Assessmen[J]. Geoscience, 2012, 26(5): 939-946.

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