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Spatial distribution and environmental characterization of sediment-associated metals from middle-downstream of Xiangjiang River, southern China

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Abstract

The contamination and environmental risk assessment of the toxic elements in sediments from the middle-downstream (Zhuzhou—Changsha section) of the Xiangjiang River in Hunan Province of China were studied. The results show that As, Cd, Pb and Zn are major contaminants in sediments, and average concentrations of these elements significantly exceed both the Control Standards for Pollutants in Sludge of China (GB4284-84) for agricultural use in acidic soils and the effect range median (ERM) values. The average concentrations of As, Cd and Pb in the river water slightly exceed the limit of Surface Water Environment Quality Standard (GB3838—2002). The concentrations of As and Cr in depth profiles extensively change, but slight changes are observed in Pb and Zn. Cd and Zn in most sediment samples can easily enter the food-chain and bring possible ecotoxicological risk to organisms living in sediments according to the risk assessment code.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Key Laboratory of Environmental Remediation and Ecological Health, Ministry of Education, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310029, China

    Zhao-hui Guo  (郭朝晖)

  2. College of Natural Resources and Environmental Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310029, China

    Zhao-hui Guo  (郭朝晖)

  3. School of Metallurgical Science and Engineering, Central South University, Changsha, 410083, China

    Zhao-hui Guo  (郭朝晖), Jie Song  (宋杰), Xi-yuan Xiao  (肖细元), Xu-feng Miao  (苗旭锋) & Feng-yong Wang  (王凤永)

  4. Centre for Environmental Risk Assessment and Remediation, Mawson Lakes Campus, University of South Australia, Adelaide and Whyalla, SA, 5095, Australia

    Hui Ming  (明辉)

Authors
  1. Zhao-hui Guo  (郭朝晖)
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  2. Jie Song  (宋杰)
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  3. Xi-yuan Xiao  (肖细元)
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  4. Hui Ming  (明辉)
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  5. Xu-feng Miao  (苗旭锋)
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  6. Feng-yong Wang  (王凤永)
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Correspondence to Zhao-hui Guo  (郭朝晖).

Additional information

Foundation item: Project (20507022) supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China; Project (EREH050303) supported by the Foundation of Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Environmental Remediation and Ecosystem Health

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Guo, Zh., Song, J., Xiao, Xy. et al. Spatial distribution and environmental characterization of sediment-associated metals from middle-downstream of Xiangjiang River, southern China. J. Cent. South Univ. Technol. 17, 68–78 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11771-010-0013-7

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11771-010-0013-7

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