ZHU Qing-qing1, WANG Zhong-liang1, 2
(1. Tianjin Key Laboratory of Water Resources and Environment, Tianjin Normal University, Tianjin 300387, China;
2. State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang 550002, China)
Abstract: The distribution characteristics of heavy metals (Cd, As, Zn, Pb, Cu, Hg, Cr) in the sediments of the main river systems in China are described in this study. The authors detailed the influence of urban development on the water environment and the pollution characteristics of heavy metals and their sources, and the potential ecological risk index method in the evaluation of the main heavy metals in sediments from the potential ecological risk coefficient and index of harm. The results showed that the results of composite pollution evaluation for heavy metals in the surface sediments of China’s main river systems are: Cd＞Hg＞Pb＞As＞Zn＞Cr＞Cu. Among them, the Eir values of Cd range from 41.25 to 1755.00, indicative of mild to extremely strong ecological harm. The Eir values of Hg range from 115.29 to 470.83 , indicative of strong to extremely strong ecological harm. The water quality of the Haihe River and Pearl River is lowest and the Yangtze River pollution is lightest. The Haihe River and Pearl River are the main sources for industrial pollution, and the Yangtze River and Yellow River are the main factors leading to rock weathering and soil erosion.
Key words: sediment; heavy metal; distribution characteristic; potential ecological risk index;China
EARTH AND ENVIRONMENT Vol. 40, No.3, Tot No.289, 2012, Page 305-313
