Heavy metals distribution and contamination in surface sediments of the coastal Shandong Peninsula (Yellow Sea).
Selected heavy metals (Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb and Zn) in surface sediments from the coastal Shandong Peninsula (Yellow Sea) have been determined to evaluate the spatial distribution and potential ecological risk. Results showed that heavy metal concentrations in the sediments generally met the criteria of China Marine Sediment Quality. However, both the enrichment factor (EF) and geoaccumulation index (Igeo) values suggested the elevation of Pb concentration in the region. Based on the effect-range classification (TEL-PEL SQGs), Cr, Cu and Ni were likely to pose environment risks. Spatial distribution of ecotoxicological index (mean-PEL-quotient) suggested that most of the surface sediments have a 21% probability of being toxic. Similar results were also obtained by pollution load index (PLI). The spatial distribution pattern of heavy metal in surface sediments is a basis for undertaking appropriate action to protect marine sediment quality.
Beihai Offshore Engineering Survey Institute of the State Oceanic Administration, Qingdao 266061, China.
Guogang
G
Li
Bangqi
B
Hu
Jianqiang
J
Bi
Qinuan
Q
Leng
Chunqiao
C
Xiao
Zhongcheng
Z
Yang
D002681:China; D004784:Environmental Monitoring; D019015:Geologic Sediments / Q000737:chemistry*; D019216:Metals, Heavy / Q000032:analysis*; D014874:Water Pollutants, Chemical / Q000032:analysis*; D014877:Water Pollution, Chemical / Q000706:statistics & numerical data
D019216:Metals, Heavy; D014874:Water Pollutants, Chemical
Environmental assessment; Heavy metals contamination; Sediment quality guidelines; Shandong Peninsula