THE REMOVAL OF Zn,Cd,Pb,AND Cu IN THE CHANGJIANG ESTUARY

The waters with salinity from 10 to 23 comprise the main removal region of ion and particulateforms of heavy metals in the Changjiang estuary.The positive correlationships between Zn,Cd,Pb,Cuand the reciprocal of transparency,COD and chlorophyll-a showed that the removal of heavy metalsclosely correlate with the distribution of suspensions,the adsorption of organic materials and theassimilation by organisms.The removal of heavy metals in the Changjiang estuary water were consistentwith the sedimentation rate of the sediments in these waters,sediment types and the distributions ofheavy metals contents in the sediments.     

RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN FRACTIONATIONS OF Pb, Cd, Cu, Zn AND Ni AND SOIL PROPERTIES IN URBAN SOILS OF CHANGCHUN, CHINA

1IN T R O D U C T IO N With therapiddevelopment of urbanizatio,nurban land was exploitedand utilizetdoform differendtomains be- ing subjectto many potentialpollutionsourcessuch as vehicleemission, industrialactivitieasnd household garbage.Particularl, yur…     

农用地土壤中7种重金属可提取态的测定

该文以氯化钙溶液进行提取,采用电感耦合等离子体质谱法和原子荧光光谱法,测定农用地土壤中Cd,As,Pb,Cr,Cu,Zn,Ni等7种重金属可提取态,检出限在0.003~0.06 mg/kg之间。该方法用于4个可提取态质控样品的测定,测定值与推荐值基本相符,测定的相对标准偏差(n=8)在3.3%~9.1%之间。基于800余件农用地土壤样品的测定数据,对7种重金属可提取态与土壤pH值及重金属总量之间的关系进行了初步考察。结果表明,7个重金属可提取态和总量关系无明显相关性,仅在土壤酸性条件下可提取态Cd与总量Cd呈正相关性。7种重金属提取率大小顺序为Cd>Zn>Ni>Cu,As>Pb>Cr,其中Cd,Zn,Ni,Cu,Pb的提取率随土壤pH值的增大而迅速下降,而As,Cr在土壤碱性条件下的提取率略高于中酸性条件下的提取率。     

舟山西蟹峙海洋倾倒区及邻近海域表层沉积物重金属污染及其生态风险评价

根据2011年7月浙江舟山西蟹峙海洋倾倒区及邻近海域表层沉积物重金属的监测结果,采用单因子指数法和Hakanson生态危害指数法分析表层沉积物重金属的污染特征,并评价其潜在生态风险。结果表明:沉积物重金属元素Cu、Zn、Pb、Cd、Cr、Hg、As含量均符合国家海洋沉积物质量一类标准;重金属元素污染程度由高到低依次为Zn、Cr、Pb、Cu、As、Cd、Hg,其中Cu、Pb、Cd、Hg和As 5种重金属元素为低污染水平,Zn和Cr 2种重金属元素为中等污染程度水平;7种重金属元素单个和综合潜在生态危害程度均为低风险水平,由高到低依次为Cd、Hg、As、Pb、Cu、Cr、Zn。     

Geochemical characteristics of heavy metals in riparian sediment pore water of Songhua River,Northeast China

This study reports the geochemical characteristics of zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), lead (Pb), nickel (Ni), mercury (Hg), iron (Fe), and manganese (Mn) in the riparian sediment pore water of the Songhua River, Northeast China. In total, 36 pore water samples and 18 surface water samples from three typical sections were collected and analyzed in June 2009. Cluster analysis of heavy metals was performed to analyze the pollution sources of the metals. Results showed that Hg concentrations in the pore water were greater than those in the surface water, indicating a potential ability of Hg release from riparian sediment system to river water. However, concentrations of Fe and Mn in the surface water were greater than those in the pore water, demonstrating that the microenvironments of riparian and riverbed sediment systems were quite different. Variations of Zn, Cu, Pb and Ni between the surface and the pore water were different in each section. Most metals had similar horizontal and profile distribution characteristics in the three sections except for Zn and Ni. Hg, Fe and Mn concentrations in the pore water increased gradually with the increase in horizontal distance from water body, in contrast to this, Cu decreased, and Pb presented a fluctuating trend. With the increase in depth, Pb and Fe, Cu and Mn showed the same trends, and Hg showed a variable trend. The above distribution characteristics could mainly be attributed to the properties and the interactions of metals, pH and oxidation-reduction conditions, and the complex pollution sources and hydrologic regime in history. The probable sources of metals include the historical and ongoing discharge of industrial wastewater, mining activities, sewage irrigation for agricultural production, and atmospheric deposition from coal-fired plants.     

Assessment of heavy metal pollution in estuarine surface sediments of Tangxi River in Chaohu Lake Basin

A total of 30 surface sediments samples from the estuary wetland of the Tangxi River, Chaohu Lake Basin were obtained and tested. Enrichment factor (EF) and geoaccumulation index (I_(geo)) as well as multivariate statistical analysis methods including Factor Analysis (FA) and Hierarchical Cluster Analysis (HCA) were applied for the assessment of heavy metal pollution in surface sediments. The results of EF values show that the pollution of copper (Cu) and cadmium (Cd) occurs in the estuarine sediments, and that zinc (Zn), lead (Pb) and chrome (Cr) may originate from crustal materials or natural weathering process. The mean EF values of the five heavy metals are in the decreasing order: Cu>Cd>Zn>Pb>Cr. Based on the I_(geo) of target heavy metals, the surface sediments collected from the study area can be approximately categorized as unpolluted with Zn, Pb and Cr, and moderately polluted with Cu and Cd. The degree of heavy metal pollution decreases in the order of Cu>Cd>Zn>Pb>Cr. Three groups of pollution factors are presented from FA: Zn-TOC, Cu-Cd and Cr-Pb, which respectively accounte for 27.22%, 25.20% and 21.05% of variance. By means of HCA, a total number of seven groups are distinguished from 30 sampling sites. Results indicate that Cu and Cd are the prior controlled pollutants in the estuarine sediments of the Tangxi River.     

GEOCHEMICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF SEDIMENTS AND ANALYSIS OF THE CHANGJIANG ESTUARY ENVIRONMENT

Analysis of material from three 55- cm long cores collected with box corer m summer of 1988 in the Changjiang Estuary region yielded data on the sedimentation rate, granulometric composition and contents of carbonates, organic matter, Al, Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu and Pb there. Subsequent study of the data led to the conclusion that there is no obvious pollution in the region based on the absolute value of the content of heavy metals, but the region is in potential danger of being polluted as seen by the obvious increase of sedimentation flux of heavy metals to and the enrichment of them on the surface sediment during the last several years, e.g. Pb increased by 10-20μg/g, Zn by about 30μg/g, Cu by 5-10μg/g and Mn by 150μg/g.A ferromanganese redox interface was found at about 40 cm depth of sediments where Fe and Mn and associated trace metals are enriched. The trace metals such as Zn, Cu have (but Pb does not) the same source, forms, displacement mechanism and geochemical behaviours as those of Fe and Mn in t     

Spatial distribution and seasonal variations of heavy metal contamination in surface waters of Liaohe River,Northeast China

Heavy metal pollutants are a worldwide concern due to slow decomposition, biocondensation, and negative effects on human health. We investigated seasonal and spatial variations of the five heavy metals and evaluated their health risk in the Liaohe River, Northeast China. A total of 324 surface water samples collected from 2009 to 2010 were analyzed. Levels (high to low) of heavy metals in the Liaohe River were: zinc (Zn) > chromium (Cr) > copper (Cu) > cadmium (Cd) > mercury (Hg). Spatial and seasonal changes impacting concentrations of Cu and Zn were significant, but not significant for Cr, Cd and Hg. The highest concentrations of heavy metals were: Hg at Liuheqiao, Cu at Fudedian, Zn at Tongjiangkou, Cr at Mahushan, and Cd at Shenglitang. The highest concentrations of Hg and Cr were found in the wet period, Cu and Cd in the level period, and Zn in the dry period. The surface water of a tributary was an important accumulation site for heavy metals. Health risks from carcinogens and non-carcinogens increased from upstream to downstream in the mainstream of the Liaohe River. The total health risk for one person in the Liaohe River exceeded acceptable levels. The total health risk was the greatest during the wet period and least in the dry period. Among the five heavy metals in the Liaohe River, Cr posed the greatest single health risk.     

Potential Effects of Episodic Deposition on Nutrients and Heavy Metals in Decomposing Litters of Suaeda glauca in Salt Marsh of the Yellow River Estuary,China

Episodic deposition has been recognized as a major factor affecting the decomposition rate of detrital material in salt marshes. In this paper, three one-off burial treatments, no burial treatment(0 cm, NBT), current burial treatment(10 cm, CBT) and strong burial treatment(20 cm, SBT), were designed in intertidal zone of the Yellow River Estuary to determine the potential influences of episodic deposition on nutrient(C, N) and heavy metal(Pb, Cr, Cu, Zn, Ni, Mn, Cd, V and Co) variations in decomposing litters of Suaeda glauca. Results showed that although various burial treatments showed no statistical difference in decomposition rate of S. glauca, the values generally followed the sequence of CBT(0.002 403/d) SBT(0.002 195/d) NBT(0.002 060/d). The nutrients and heavy metals in decomposing litters of the three burial treatments exhibited different variations except for N, Cu, Cr, Ni and Co. Except for Mn, no significant differences in C, N, Pb, Cr, Cu, Zn, Ni, V and Co concentrations occurred among the three treatments(P 0.05). With increasing burial depth, Cr and Cd levels generally increased while Cu, Ni and Mn concentrations decreased. Although episodic deposition was generally favorable for C and N release from S. glauca, its influence on release was insignificant. In the three burial treatments, Pb, Cr, Zn, Ni, Mn, V and Co stocks in S. glauca generally evidenced the export of metals from litter to environment, and, with increasing burial depth, the export amounts increased greatly. The S. glauca were particular efficient in binding Cd and releasing Pb, Cr, Zn, Ni, Mn, V and Co, and, with increasing burial depth, stocks of Cu in decomposing litters generally shifted from release to accumulation. The experiment indicated that the potential eco-toxic risk of Pb, Cr, Zn, Ni, Mn, V and Co exposure would be serious as the strong burial episodes occurred in S. glauca marsh.     

The origin,historical variations,and distribution of heavy metals in the Qiongzhou Strait and nearby marine areas

We analyzed heavy metal concentrations in a number of surface sediments and cores from the Qiongzhou Strait and surrounding marine areas.The areas of high concentrations are primarily outside the eastern mouth of the Qiongzhou Strait and on the west side of the Leizhou Peninsula,whereas the areas of low concentrations are located primarily in the eastern Qiongzhou Strait.The maximum Cd,Pb and Zn concentrations in the samples collected in our study do not exceed the official standards for marine sediments,whereas the concentrations of Cr and Cu slightly exceed the standards.Correlations exist between the concentrations of Cu,Pb,Zn,Cr and Cd,and the concentrations of these metals are positively correlated with the mean particle size(φ value),indicating that the finer sediments have adsorbed greater amounts of heavy metal elements than the coarser sediments.An evaluation of the potential environmental risks demonstrates that certain indices of heavy metal pollution and environmental risks are relatively low and may be assigned low risk levels,thereby indicating that,in terms of heavy metals,the marine sedimentary environment in this region is only mildly impacted.Our analysis of the contaminant origins shows that the heavy metals in this region primarily originate in the Pearl River Estuary and that a small amount of them is derived from local runoff.The elevated heavy metal concentrations from the upper sections of the cores started 130 years ago,which indicats that heavy metals in the surface sediments are primarily due to human activities associated with industrialization.     

Spatial Variation and Risk Assessment of Arsenic and Heavy Metals in Surface Water and Suspended Particulate Matter in Tail Reaches of the Yellow River,China

To determine the pollution levels and potential toxic risks of arsenic(As) and heavy metals(Cr, Ni, Cu, Zn, Pb and Cd) in water and suspended particulate matter(SPM) in tail reaches(including freshwater reach and low-salinity reach) of the Yellow River as the Flow-Sediment Regulation Project(FSRP) has been carried out for approximately 15 yr, the surface water and SPM were sampled at pre-flood(April) and post-flood seasons(October). Results showed that similar changes of As and metal levels in water and SPM were observed along the tail reaches at pre-flood or post-flood season. Compared to pre-flood season, the levels of As, Cu, Cr and Ni in freshwater reach and the concentrations of Cr and Ni in low-salinity reach rose greatly at post-flood season. The levels of As and metals in SPM of freshwater reach or low-salinity reach at pre-flood season were significantly higher than those at post-flood season(P < 0.01).The pollutions of As and metals in surface water of tail reaches at pre-flood or post-flood season were not serious. The SPM in freshwater reach at pre-flood season were polluted by Cd, As, Cr, Cu and Ni while those in low-salinity reach were polluted by Cd and Cr. The SPM in freshwater reach at post-flood season were polluted by Cd and Pb while those in low-salinity reach were polluted by Cd and Cr.Cd was identified as heavy metal of primary concern at both pre-flood and post-flood seasons. Combined with the existed data reported in present research, this study found that the toxic risk of As and metals in SPM of tail reaches at pre-flood season was higher than that at post-flood season, implying that the implementation of FSRP during flooding season, to a great extent, reduced the toxic risk of these elements. With the long-term implementation of FSRP, the pollution levels of As and metals(particularly for Cd) in SPM of tail reaches might be elevated and the potential toxic risk primarily produced by Cr, Ni and As might be increased if effective measures were not taken in future.     

Geochemical Characteristics and Sources of Some Chemical Components in Sediments of Zhuiiang（Pearl） River Estuary

Sediment cores with length of 25 - 45cm at 12 stations in Zhujiang(Pearl) River Estuary were sampled in summer of 1999. Chemical components (Al2O3 , Fe2O3, CaO, TiO2, Cu, Pb, Cr, Zn, Co, Ni, V, Ba, Sr and Y) and grain sizes were analyzed. Sediments in Zhujiang River Estuary are characterized by relatively coarse grain size. The grain sizes of the sediments in the area outside the estuary are relatively finer than those in the north part of the estuary but coarser than those in the middle of Lingdingyang and have a trend similar to the spatial distribution trend of some chemical components such as Fe2O3, Al2O3, TiO2, V, Cu, Ni, Zn and Y. This showed that grain size is an important factor that controls the spatial distribution and depth profile of chemical elements in the Zhujiang River Estuary. Frequent re-suspension, re-transportation and redistribution of settled sediment on estuary floor could be deduced from the spatial distributions and depth profiles of chemical components. Except for CaO and Sr, the chemical components always enrich at the west side of, in the middle of, and at the north side of, the estuary. Fe2O3, Al2O3, Ti, V, Cr, Ni, Zn, Cu and Y in Zhujiang River Estuary sediments mainly result from rock and soil weathering except that parts of Cr, Ni, Zn Cu and Y are anthropogenic. CaO and Sr in sediments originate from marine source. Although Co as well as Pb derives from anthropogenic sources, human activities related to Co might differ from the activities related to Pb.     

武汉市东西湖区主要湖泊表层沉积物重金属污染特征与生态风险评价

人类活动对水环境影响巨大,同时水环境影响着人类的生产生活。采用地质累积指数法及潜在生态危害指数法对武汉市东西湖区主要湖泊表层沉积物重金属情况展开评价发现东西湖主要湖泊表层沉积物平均污染程度处于相对较低水平。地累积指数法评价结果表明,东大湖和金湖中Cd元素处于中度污染水平累积,墨水湖和上金湖中Cd元素为偏中度污染累积水平,其他湖泊沉积物中重金属均处于轻度或无污染水平。潜在生态危害指数法评价结果表明金湖和东大湖沉积物中重金属的潜在风险处于重度生态风险水平,墨水湖、上金湖、下银湖处于中度风险水平,其余湖泊沉积物中重金属的潜在风险均处于低风险水平。主成分分析表明,Hg、Cr、Ni、Cu、Zn、Cd、Pb可能来自于工业和交通源的排放,而As可能与农药的使用有关。后期金湖、东大湖、墨水湖、上金湖和下银湖的内源污染治理过程中需考虑重金属的生态风险问题。      

Distribution and accumulation characteristics of heavy metals in sediments in southern sea area of Huludao City, China

The southern sea area of the Huludao City, Liaoning Province might be polluted by heavy metals because it is close to the Jinzhou Bay, one of the heaviest sea area polluted by heavy metals in China. The undisturbed modern sediment core can be used to analyze the accumulation and source of the pollutants using 137 Cs and 210 Pb ex . Thirty-five samples of surface sediment and two core sediments were collected from the southern sea area of Huludao City. The concentrations of copper (Cu), lead (Pb), chrome (Cr), zinc (Zn), arsenic (As) and mercury (Hg) in the surface sediments as well as Cu, Pb, Zn, Cr, 137 Cs and 210 Pb ex in the core sediments were determined to research the spatial distribution and accumulation characteristics, and to analyze the sources and the potential risks of heavy metals. The results show that the pollution levels of Zn and Hg are serious, and 26 stations are at moderate or heavy ecological risks. The concentrations of the heavy metals increase from east to west, as well as from open sea to offshore marine area. The concentrations of heavy metals are not high in the sediments adjacent to the Jinzhou Bay, and the influence caused by the seawater exchange with the Jinzhou Bay is little. The concentrations of the heavy metals in the core sediments show low-high-low characteristic, and it coincides with the pollution history of Huludao City. The atmospheric deposition of heavy metals from the Huludao Zinc Plant is likely to be the main source of pollution without direct discharge of wastewater. The high concentrations of heavy metals appear on the upper sediment of 20 cm. The shallow sediment with high heavy metal contents might be exposed to surface when it was disturbed by the ocean engineering and big storm surge, then cause risk to the safety of aquaculture and human healthy.     

Heavy metal distribution in sediments of Muthupettai mangroves, south east coast of India

Core sediments from the Muthupettai mangroves on the southeast coast of India were analyzed for soil texture,total nitrogen,organic carbon,phosphorus and heavy metals(Fe,Mn,Cr,Cu,Ni,Pb,Zn and Cd).The distinct seasonal variation in the distribution of metals in the sediments was observed.The minimum concentration was recorded in river mouth and the maximum was in lagoon.High metal concentration in sediment was observed during monsoon and low concentration in summer.The total nu-trient in lagoon and river mouth was recorded in the range of 4.528 to 8.526 mg g-1 for organic carbon,2.213 to 10.5 mg g-1 for nitro-gen and 0.824 to 7.22 mg g-1.     

THE RESEARCH ON THE DISTRIBUTION AND FORMS OF HEAVY METALS IN THE XIANGJIANG RIVER SEDIMENTS

In this paper, the contents and various forms of Cd, Cu, Zn and Pb in the sediments of the Xiangjiang River have been investigated. The presentation of this paper focuses on the various forms and characteristics of the heavy metals in the column sediments at Xiawan Port of Zhuzhou, which has been severely polluted by a metallurgical plant.The forms of the heavy metals discussed in this paper are: The concentration of the exchangeable forms of Cd, Cu, Zn and Pb, in the forms of carbonates and Fe/ Mn oxide in water, the combination of Cu with organic matter and form, and the proportion of the residue form at each section have been studied.     

柞水银铅矿地表径流沉积物中污染物相态分析

采自柞水银铅矿地表径流６个沉积物样品,用连续提取法提取了金属元素的５种化学相态（可交换相、碳酸盐相,铁锰氧化物结合相,有机质－硫化物结合相及残渣相）,测定了各相中铜铅锌含量,分析了其分布特征。结果表明,在河流沉积物中,铜主要以残渣相和有机质相存在,铅、锌主要为铁锰水合氧化物相和碳酸盐相。在此基础上,对矿山开采中环境影响进行了讨论。     

Impact of Drain Effluent on Surficial Sediments in the Mediterranean Coastal Wetland: Sedimentological Characteristics and Metal Pollution Status at Lake Manzala,Egypt

Surface sediments were collected from Lake Manzala, the Mediterranean coastal wetland located to the east of the Nile Delta, Egypt, to assess the effect of drain effluent on the spatial variations of sedimentary characteristics and heavy metal pollution. Grain-size compositions, textures, and heavy metal distribution patterns in sediments are presented using GIS technique. Results of the analysis of the sediment showed a clear effect of drain effluent, with an increase in fine fractions and homogeneous suspensions in transportation mode. Lake sediments were dominated by sandy mud textures, and mode of transportation was homogeneous suspension and rolling. Spatial distribution of heavy metals(Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu, Ni, Cr, and Pb) was studied in the lake's surficial sediments, along with their relationship to drain effluent and their contamination status in the ecological system. Heavy metal pollution status was assessed by means of accepted sediment quality guidelines and contamination assessment methods(contamination factor, contamination degree, modified contamination degree, geo-accumulation, and enrichment factor). Among the determined heavy metals, Pb had the most ecological risk. Generally, the heavy metals in the surface sediments indicated pollution risk ranging from moderate to considerable, particularly, in those sites facing drains and inlets that had the highest toxic effluent. The results were interpreted by statistical means. A cluster analysis defined areas facing drain discharge and inlets as separated groups. ANOVA indicated that most of the sedimentation and studied metals directed this clustering.     

Spatial Distribution and Risk Assessment of Heavy Metals in Paddy Soils of Yongshuyu Irrigation Area from Songhua River Basin,Northeast China

There is an increasing concern for potentially hazardous metals pollution, which can threaten crops production and human health. In this study, the spatial distribution and environmental risks of eight heavy metals in surface soil samples collected from the paddy fields in Yongshuyu irrigation area, Northeast China were investigated. The mean concentrations of Pb, Cr, Cu, Ni, Zn, Cd, Hg and As were 34.6 ± 4.67, 82.8 ± 9.51, 17.3 ± 4.09, 21.2 ± 12.0, 88.6 ± 17.9, 0.18 ± 0.15, 0.22 ± 0.07 and 8.77 ± 2.47 mg/kg, respectively, which were slightly higher than their corresponding background values of Jilin Province, indicating enrichment of these metals in the paddy soils, especially for Ni, Cd and Hg. The spatial distribution of heavy metals was closely correlated with local anthropogenic activities, such as agricultural production, mining and transportation. The hot-spot areas of As and Cd were mainly concentrated in the up-midstream where were associated with agricultural activities. Cr and Cu showed similar spatial distributions with hot-spot areas distributed the whole irrigation area uniformly. Ni was mainly distributed in the downstream where Ni quarries concentrated, while the spatial distribution patterns of Hg was mainly located in the upstream and downstream where the soil was significantly influenced by irrigation and coal mining emission. The spatial distributions of Pb and Zn were mainly concentrated along the highway side. The pollution levels of Yongshuyu irrigation area were estimated through index of geo-accumulation(Igeo), Nemerow integrated pollution index(NIPI) and potential ecological risk index(PERI). The results showed that Cd and Hg were the main pollutants in the study area. Health risk assessment results indicated that children were in higher non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risks than adults with the carcinogenic metal of As. Ingestion was the main exposure pathway to non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risk for both adults and children. Principal component analysis(PCA) indicated that Cr and Cu were mainly from parent materials, while Cd and As were mainly affected by agricultural activities. Pb and Zn were controlled by traffic activities, and the accumulations of Ni and Hg were associated with mining activities. This study would be valuable for preventing heavy metals inputs and safety in rice production of the Songhua river basin.     

Ecological risk assessment of heavy metals in surface seawater and sediment near the outlet of a zinc factory in Huludao City,Liaoning Province,China

At present, the methods widely applied to assess ecological risk of heavy metals are essentially single-point estimates in which exposure and toxicity data cannot be fully used and probabilities of adverse biological eff ects cannot be achieved. In this study, based on investigation of concentrations of six heavy metals (As, Hg, Pb, Cd, Cu, and Zn) in the surface seawater and sediment near the outlet of a zinc factory, located in Huludao City, Liaoning Province, China, a tiered approach consisting of several probabilistic options was used to refine ecological risk assessment for the individuals. A mixture of various heavy metals was detected in the surface seawater, and potential ecological risk index (PERI) was adopted to assess the potential ecological risk of heavy metals in the surface sediment. The results from all levels of aquatic ecological risk assessment in the tiered framework, ranging from comparison of single eff ects and exposure values to the use of distribution-based Hazard Quotient obtained through Monte Carlo simulation, are consistent with each other. Briefly, aquatic Zn and Cu posed a clear ecological risk, while Cd, Pb, Hg, and As in the water column posed potential risk. As expected, combined ecological risk of heavy metal mixture in the surface seawater was proved significantly higher than the risk caused by any individual heavy metal, calculated using the concept of total equivalent concentration. According to PERI, the severity of pollution by the six heavy metals in the surface sediment decreased in the following sequence: Cd>Hg>As>Pb>Cu>Zn, and the total heavy metals in the sediment posed a very high risk to the marine environment. This study provides a useful mathematical framework for ecological risk assessment of heavy metals.