Metal contamination and their distribution in different grain size fractions of sediments in an industrial development area

Bull Environ Contam Toxicol. 2013 Feb;90(2):170-5. doi: 10.1007/s00128-012-0900-8. Epub 2012 Dec 5.

Abstract

Assessment of metal contamination and their distribution in different grain size fractions of the surface sediments of a lake in Kazipalli industrial development area has been investigated. Since the persistent toxic metals pose serious health risks, this research concentrated on investigating the concentrations and spatial distribution of metals in and around the Kazipalli Lake. Ten sampling points were selected and approximately 500 g of surface sediments were obtained from 1ft depth. Samples were sieved and four grain size fractions (>250, 110-250, 61-110, <61 μm) from each sample were selected for the analysis of metals. The average concentration of ten points for individual metals (As, Co, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb and Zn) revealed data ranging from 9.6 to 131.4 mg/kg for As, 3.0-20.8 mg/kg for Co, 15.3-196 mg/kg for Cr, 13-40 mg/kg for Cu, 18-74 mg/kg for Ni, 51-328 mg/kg for Pb and 27-335.1 mg/kg for Zn. Enrichment factor and correlation analysis were also applied to the data set. The overall results indicate that sediment grain size played important role in controlling the distribution of heavy metals in surficial sediments of Kazipalli Lake.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Geologic Sediments / chemistry*
  • Industrial Waste*
  • Lakes
  • Metals, Heavy / analysis*
  • Water Pollutants, Chemical / analysis*

Substances

  • Industrial Waste
  • Metals, Heavy
  • Water Pollutants, Chemical