Authors: Cheng Di Dong, Chih Feng Chen, Chiu Wen Chen
Abstract: This study was conducted using the data collected at the estuary of Jen-Gen River to investigate and analyze Lead (Pb) contained in the sediments, and to evaluate the accumulation of Pb and the degree of its potential effect. The results show that samples collected at all monitoring stations near the mouth of Jen-Gen River contain 31–87 mg/kg of Pb with a mean of 65±17 mg/kg. The spatial distribution of Pb reveals that the Pb concentration is relatively high in the river estuary region. This indicates that upstream industrial and municipal wastewater discharges along the river bank are major sources of pollution. Results from the enrichment factor (EF) analysis imply that the sediments can be characterized as moderately severe to severe degree of Pb enrichment. Results of geo-accumulation index (Igeo) analysis indicate that the sediments can be characterized as moderate to moderately strong degree of Pb accumulation. Base on the comparison with sediment quality guidelines (SQGs), the concentrations of Pb in the sediments of Jen-Gen River estuary may cause acute biological damage.
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Authors: Cheng Di Dong, Yao Ting Tu, Chiu Wen Chen, Chih Ming Kao, Chih Feng Chen
Abstract: Major objectives of this study are to evaluation the enrichment, accumulation, and potential biological effects of copper (Cu) in the surface sediments of Jen-Gen River estuary, Taiwan. Eleven sampling locations were installed near the mouth of Jen-Gen River to collect sediment samples for analyzing Cu. Results of laboratory analyses show that concentrations of Cu in the sediments are between 67 and 278 mg/kg with an average of 181±61 mg/kg. The spatial distribution of Cu reveals that the Cu concentration is relatively high in the boundary of the river estuary. This indicates that upstream industrial and municipal wastewater discharges along the river bank are major sources of pollution. Results from the enrichment factor (EF) analysis imply that the sediments can be characterized as minor to moderately severe degree of Cu enrichment. Results of geo-accumulation index (Igeo) analysis indicate that the sediments can be characterized as none to moderate degree of Cu accumulation. Base on the comparison with sediment quality guidelines (SQGs), the concentrations of Cu in Jen-Gen River mouth sediments may cause acute biological damage.
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Authors: Cheng Di Dong, Chih Feng Chen, Chiu Wen Chen
Abstract: Total mercury (T-Hg) concentration was determined to evaluation the distribution, enrichment, accumulation and potential ecological risk of mercury contamination in the surface sediments of southern Kaohsiung Harbor, Taiwan. Sediment samples from 12 locations located between the river mouths (i.e., Jen-Gen River and Salt River) and harbor entrance of southern Kaohsiung Harbor were collected and characterized for T-Hg, aluminum, water content, organic matter, and grain size. Results showed that the T-Hg concentrations varied from 0.190.45 mg/kg with an average of 0.28±0.09 mg/kg. The spatial distribution of T-Hg reveals is relatively high in the river mouth region, and gradually diminishes toward the harbor entrance region. This indicates that upstream industrial and municipal wastewater discharges along the river bank are major sources of Hg pollution; and Hg may drift with sea current to be dispersed into open sea. Results from the enrichment factor (EF) and geo-accumulation index (Igeo) analyses imply that the sediments can be characterized between moderate and moderately severe degree enrichment and between none to medium and moderate accumulation of Hg, respectively. Results of potential ecological risk index indicate that the sediment has higher to high ecological potential risk.
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