Distribution, source and pollution assessment of heavy metals in the surface sediments of the Yangtze River Estuary and its adjacent East China Sea

Zhuang, Wen; Zhou, Fengxia

Distribution, source and pollution assessment of heavy metals in the surface sediments of the Yangtze River Estuary and its adjacent East China Sea

2021

Zhuang, Wen | Zhou, Fengxia

The geochemical characteristics of heavy metals (Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Ti, Zn) in 61 surface sediments from the Yangtze River Estuary and its adjacent East China Sea were studied. The high values of Cu, Co and Zn are distributed near the mouth of Hangzhou Bay. The high values of Cr appear near Zhoushan Archipelago. The high values of Cd appear in the Yangtze River Estuary, while Ti and Cd have high values in the open sea eastward. The order of pollution degree is Cr > Cd > Co > Zn > Ti > Cu. The enrichment degree is Cd > Cr > Zn > Co > Ti > Cu. Except for some sites, Cd is moderately enriched, but there is no severe enrichment. The main sources of human activities of the six metals include industry and shipping. Agricultural production may be another important source of human activities for Cd.

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