Spatial distribution and sources of heavy metals and petroleum hydrocarbon in the sand flats of Shuangtaizi Estuary, Bohai Sea of China

Mar Pollut Bull. 2015 Jun 15;95(1):503-12. doi: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2015.02.042. Epub 2015 Mar 16.

Abstract

The concentrations of heavy metals and petroleum hydrocarbons (PHCs) in surface sediments were investigated in the sand flats of Shuangtaizi Estuary, Bohai Sea of China in May, 2013. Ecological risk assessment indicated that most heavy metals cause low ecological risk to the estuarine environment, with the exception of Cd and Hg (considerable and moderate risk, respectively). Principal component analysis in combination with correlation analysis among heavy metals, PHCs and geological factors (e.g., granularity) was used to identify possible sources of pollutants in Shuangtaizi Estuary. Results showed that the main pollution sources of the area come from anthropogenic factors, such as sewage discharge and oil exploitation.

Keywords: Distribution; Ecological risk assessment; Heavy metals; Petroleum hydrocarbon; Shuangtaizi Estuary; Source.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • China
  • Environmental Monitoring
  • Estuaries*
  • Geologic Sediments / chemistry
  • Hydrocarbons / analysis
  • Metals, Heavy / analysis*
  • Petroleum / analysis*
  • Principal Component Analysis
  • Risk Assessment
  • Water Pollutants, Chemical / analysis*

Substances

  • Hydrocarbons
  • Metals, Heavy
  • Petroleum
  • Water Pollutants, Chemical