Concentrations of 12 metals (Fe, Mn, Cr, Mo, Ni, Pb, Se, Sr, U, V, Zn, and Zr) in surface sediments of Karachi Coast, Pakistan were determined to evaluate their distribution and pollution assessment. The measured metals in the sediments were found to be in the range of Fe, 0.84-6.96 %; Mn, 300-1,300 μg/g; Cr, 12.0-319.84 μg/g; Mo, 0.49-2.03 μg/g; Ni, 1.53-58.86 μg/g; Pb, 9.0-49.46 μg/g; Se, 0.25-.86 μg/g; Sr, 192-1185 μg/g; U, 0.19-1.66 μg/g; V, 15.80-118.20 μg/g; Zn, 15.60-666.28 μg/g; and Zr, 44.02-175.26 μg/g. The mean contents of the metal studied were: Fe, 3.07 %, Mn, 0.05 %; Cr, 96.75 μg/g; Mo, 1.34 μg/g; Ni, 31.39 μg/g; Pb, 23.24 μg/g; Se, 0.61 μg/g; Sr, 374.83 μg/g; U, 0.64 μg/g; V, 61.75 μg/g; Zn, 204.75 μg/g; and Zr:76.27 μg/g, and arrangement of the metals from higher to lower mean content in this area is: Fe > Zn > Mn > Sr > Zn > Cr > Zr > V > Ni > Pb > Mo > U > Se. There is no significant correlation among most of these metals, indicating different anthropogenic and natural sources. To assess ecotoxic potential of marine sediments, Numerical Sediment Quality Guidelines were also applied. The concentration of Pb in all the sediments except one was lower than the threshold effect concentration (TECs) showing that there are no harmful effects to marine life from Pb. On the other hand, the concentrations of Cr, Ni, and Zn exceeded TEC in three stations, indicating their potential risk. The degree of pollution in sediments for metals was assessed by calculating enrichment factor (EF) and pollution load index (PLI). The results indicated that sediments of Layari River Mouth Area, Fish Harbour, and KPT Boat Building Area are highly enriched with Cr and Zn (EF > 5). Sediments of Layari River Outfall Zone were moderately enriched with Ni and Pb (EF > 2). The pollution load index was found in the range of 0.98 to 1.34. Lower values of PLI (≤ 1) at most of sampling locations imply no appreciable input from anthropogenic sources. However, relatively higher PLI values (>1) at Layari River Mouth Area, Fish Harbour, and KPT Boat Building Area are attributed to increased human activity in the area.
Heavy metals pollution is a worldwide problem that has grown during the past few decades because of their toxicity, extensive sources, non-biodegradable characteristics, and accumulative behaviors in aquatic environments [1][2][3]. These metals are identified as a significant indicator for degradation of aquatic environments. Enormous quantities of metals are being released into the environment both from anthropogenicrelated processes and natural sources through direct discharge into water or indirectly through stormwater runoff, domestic effluents, fossil fuel combustion, and atmospheric depositions [4]. Heavy metals ultimately Pol. J. Environ. Stud. Vol. 27, No. 2 (2018), 675-688 Original Research Heavy Metals Contamination and Ecological Risk AbstractHeavy metal concentrations were determined using inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) in surface sediments of Namal Lake, Pakistan. The metals content in sediment varied significantly and were in the order of Al>Fe>Mn>V>Zn>Cr>Ni>Cu>As>Co>Pb>Cd. Except for Al, the average concentrations of metals were higher than the average value of the upper continental crust (UCC). The significant positive correlations among heavy metals (p<0.01) suggested that these metals originated from the same sources. The pollution indices indicated severe contamination of sediments with As, Cd, and Ni. The sediment quality guidelines (SQGs) revealed that 19.2% of As, 11.5% of Cr, and 88.5% of Ni from all the sampling sites exceeded the probable effect level (PEL). The computed average risk index (RI) of single elements were in the following order Cd(411.9)>As(69.0)>Ni(15.4)>Cu(10.0)>Cr(4.3)> Pb(3.66)>Zn(1.7). Principle component analysis (PCA) extracted three components explaining (76.136%) of total variance of chemical data and were highly to moderately loaded with Fe, Mn, Co, Cu, Zn, Al, As, Cd, Ni, V, Cr, TOC, pH, CaCO 3 , and Pb in three principal components (PCs). The results obtained from cluster analysis, correlation of heavy metals, and principal component analysis suggested the origin of metals from both anthropogenic and natural sources.
Sediment core from Korangi Creek, one of the polluted coastal locations along the Karachi Coast Pakistan, was collected to trace the history of marine pollution and to determine the impact of industrial activity in the area. Down core variation of metals such as Ca, K, Mg, Al, S, Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Ni, Cu and Zn was studied in the 72.0 cm core. Nuclear analytical techniques, proton induced X-rays emission (PIXE), was employed to ascertain the chemical composition in sediment core. Grain size analysis and sediment composition of cored samples indicated that Korangi creek sediments are clayey in nature. Correlation matrix revealed a strong association of Ni, Cu, Cr and Zn with Fe and Mn. To infer anthropogenic input, enrichment factor (EF), degree of contamination and pollution load index were calculated. EF showed severe enrichment in surface sediment for Ni, Cu, Cr and Zn, indicating increased industrial effluents discharge in recent years. The study suggests that heavy metal discharge in the area should be regulated. If the present trend of enrichment is allowed to continue unabated, it is most likely that the local food web complexes in the creek might be at highest risk.
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