Chromium Contamination in Sediments of Love River Mouth, Taiwan

Abstract

The distribution, enrichment, accumulation, and potential ecological risk of chromium (Cr) in the surface sediments of Love River mouth, Taiwan, were investigated. Sediment samples from ten locations located near the river mouth were collected and characterized for Cr. The results show that samples collected at all monitoring points near the Love River mouth contain 63–204 mg/kg of Cr with average of 128±50 mg/kg. The spatial distribution of Cr reveals that the Cr concentration is relatively high in the river mouth region, and gradually diminishes toward the harbor region. This indicates that upstream industrial and municipal wastewater discharges along the river bank are major sources of pollution. Results from the enrichment factor analysis imply that the sediments can be characterized as minor to moderate degree of Cr enrichment. Results of geo-accumulation index analysis indicate that the sediments can be characterized as none to moderate degree of Cr accumulation. Results of potential ecological risk index indicate that the sediments at Love River mouth have low ecological potential risk.