Spatio‐Temporal Variability and Pollution Assessment of Selected Metals in Freshwater Sediments, Pakistan

Abstract

This study, describes the temporal and spatial variability of selected metals (Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Li, Mn, Ni, Pb, Sr, and Zn) and their origins in surface sediments collected from ten sites of Mangla Dam, Pakistan, during pre‐ and post‐monsoon seasons. The metal contents were determined using atomic absorption spectrometry. Contamination factor (CF), pollution load index (PLI), enrichment factor (EF), and geoaccumulation index were calculated for the assessment of sediment pollution. Among the metals, Cd, Co, Pb, and Zn revealed higher CF values in the sediments from sites S7–S10 where the PLI also indicated heavy pollution. The EFs for Cd, Co, Ni, Pb, and Zn were >10, suggesting major anthropogenic contributions. In comparison with sediment quality guidelines, the measured concentrations of Cd, Ni, and Pb showed a probability of frequent adverse effects on sediment dwelling biota. Cluster analysis indicated that Cd, Co, Ni, Pb, and Zn were mostly contributed by human activities. The results of this study would drive urgent attention to develop preventive actions and remediation processes to stop the degradation to improve the quality of the reservoir.

Elucidating the effects of heavy metals contamination on vital organ of fish and migratory birds found at fresh water ecosystem

“…When compared to water with a high pH, which can breakdown metal complexes and releases gratis metallic ions into the water [ 46 ]. Mean BOD levels in Mangla water were recorded as high as given in another study of Mangla Mangla water reservoir [ 7 ]. The dissolved oxygen levels were lower than those measured in Pandoh Lake, Bharat [ 47 ] and Lake Beysehir, Turkey [ 48 ].…”

“…As a result, the water quality of the Mangla water reservoir is at risk. Disposing of industrial and domestic wastewater in the Mangla water reservoir is causing water quality poisonous heavy metals [ 6 , 7 ]. This metal pollution always poses a risk of adverse effects on fauna and flora of aquatic ecosystems and human health, water, soil quality, and crops, both directly and indirectly.…”

Pollution Assessment of Toxic Metals in Representative Limnetic Ecosystem Sediments in the Southeastern Black Sea, Turkey

“…In this study, the metal concentrations measured in the sediment of three Southeaster Black Sea lakes were compared with suitable reference values, such as worldwide average shale value, continental crust values, toxicity reference values, and SQGs (Table ). Comparing metal concentrations using these guidelines is very useful for determining the level and quality of sediment contamination . Numerical SQGs that include sediment quality criteria, sediment quality objectives, and sediment quality standards have been developed by various federal, state, and provincial agencies in North America for both freshwater and marine ecosystems.…”

Ecological Assessment of Heavy metals in Sediments of the Farahabad Region (Iran)

“…Human exposure to heavy metals is a concern for public health that has attracted the attention of researchers and health experts all over the world [25]. The multiple industrial, domestic, agricultural, medical, and technological applications have led to wide distribution of metals in the environment, raising concerns over their potential effects on human health and the environment [26]. Their toxicity depends on several factors, including the dose, route of exposure, and chemical species, as well as the age, gender, genetics, and nutritional status of exposed individuals [27,28].…”