Pollution Characteristics of Heavy Metals in Surface Sediments of the Shuimo River in Urumqi, China

Abstract

Heavy metal pollution in the surface sediments of urban rivers has a significant influence on the safety of city residents. This study explores the features of heavy metal pollution in the surface sediments of the Shuimo River and provides a theoretical basis for decision makers regarding river management and restoration. This study uses principal component analysis and kriging interpolation to analyse the pH values and pollution characteristics of nine heavy metals (As, Pb, Zn, Cu, Ni, Fe, Mn, Cr, and V) in 23 surface sediments of the Shuimo River. The results showed that the pH value of the surface sediments along the direction of water flow had a quadratic curve trend. Kriging interpolation revealed consistency in the spatial distribution of heavy metals and Fe, and the peak value was from Qidaowan to Weihuliang. There were significant positive correlations (p < 0.05) between Fe and Pb; Mn, Cr, V, Cu, and Zn; and Mn, Cr, and V. The principal component analysis showed that the main heavy metals in the surface sediments of the Shuimo River were Fe, Zn, Cu, and As. The total amount of heavy metals was in the order of Fe > Mn > Zn > V > Cr > Ni > Cu > Pb > As, ranging from 11.27~18,760.97 mg·kg−1. The cluster analysis classified the nine heavy metals into four categories: Zn and Cu in the first category; Ni in the second; As and Pb in the third; and V, Cr, Mn, and Fe in the fourth.