| Spatial Distribution and Pollution Assessment of Metals in the Sediments of a Gap Stream, Korea |
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Yun-Mo Yang, Min-Hee Chae, Dae-Hee Lee, Gi-Beom Kil, Do-Hyeong Kim, Yoon-Hae Cho, Se-Ok Cheon |
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Geum River Environment Research Center, National Institute of Environmental Research |
| 갑천 표층 퇴적물의 금속류 분포 및 오염도 평가 |
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양윤모, 채민희, 이대희, 길기범, 김도형, 조윤해, 천세억 |
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국립환경과학원 금강물환경연구소 |
Correspondence:
Min-Hee Chae, Tel: 82-43-730-5641, Fax: 82-43-733-9408,
Email: minhiec@korea.kr
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Received: 9 April 2019 • Revised: 21 May 2019 • Accepted: 28 May 2019 |
| Abstract |
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The purpose of this study was to evaluate the sediment contamination levels of the midstream and downstream areas of the Gap Stream, a major tributary of the Geum River in Korea. Ten monitoring stations were selected to investigate metal contaminations in the sediment, with samples taken in May and October 2018, before and after rainy season respectively. Comprehensive evaluation was conducted according to both foreign and Korean standards for freshwater sediment contamination assessment as well as relevant test methodology. The analysis of sediment particle size, sediment contaminant distribution, the environmental effects on bodies of water, and the correlation between sediment variables were all included in the study. The evaluation of the results, using the mean PELkquotient(mPELkQ), demonstrated that five stations before and seven stations after the rainy season had high possibilities of toxicity in the benthos. Two positions were determined to be within the “very poor” range level of contamination stages prior to the rainy season. The Pollution Load Index (PLI), used to determine the existence or non-existence of man-made contaminants, indicated the presence of man- made contamination at every station. In the majority of stations, contamination levels of Hg, Cd, and Cu were determined to be class II or higher, according to South Korean standards. Enrichment Factor and Index of Geoaccumulation(Igeo) analyses showed that the contaminants with the highest levels present were Hg, Cd and Zn. In particular, Hg was found to be the most concerning metal present with a level III contamination, indicating heavy to extreme contamination in some stations. |
| Key Words:
Metals, Sediment, Gap Stream, Enrichment Factor, Index of Geoaccumulation, Geum River |
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