Journal of Tropical Oceanography ›› 2010, Vol. 29 ›› Issue (1): 85-90.doi: 10.11978/j.issn.1009-5470.2010.01.085cstr: 32234.14.j.issn.1009-5470.2010.01.085

• Marine Optics • Previous Articles     Next Articles

Evaluation of heavy-metal pollution in Shenzhen coastal sediments

DAI Ji-cui1, 2, GAO Xiao-wei1, NI Jin-ren1, YIN Kui-hao3   

  1. 1. Shenzhen Gradate School, Peking University, Shenzhen 518055, China; 2. Harbin Institute of Technology at Weihai, Weihai 264209, China; 3. Shenzhen Academy of Environmental Science, Shenzhen 518001, China
  • Received:2008-12-29 Revised:2009-04-23 Online:2010-01-15 Published:2001-01-08

Abstract:

Based on the field data of Shenzhen coastal surface sediments from 2000–2007, methods of geo-accumulation index and potential ecological risk index are employed to evaluate heavy-metal pollution status in the area. Results show that Shenzhen coastal sediments have been polluted by heavy metals. The quality degree of most coastal sediments are Class II except for the Gushu Coast. The severity of heavy-metal pollution is: the Gushu Coast, the middle of the Shenzhen Bay, the mouth of the Shenzhen Bay, followed by the mouth of the Shatoujiao Bay that is least polluted. Among heavy metals found in the sediments, Cu and Zn are the two most seriously-polluting elements. The average contents of Cu and Zn in Gushu coastal sediments are 128.96mg·kg−1 and 199.40mg·kg−1, belonging to Class III; other coastal areas of Shenzhen belong to Class II. The results also reveal that there are no potential ecological risks for Shenzhen coastal sediments. The order of potential ecological risks is, Hg>Cd>Cu>As>Pb>Cr>Zn.

Key words: Shenzhen Coast, sediment, heavy metal, geo-accumulation index, potential ecological risk index