Tracing heavy metal contamination sources in stream sediments using Pb and Cu isotopes from a highly polluted industrial area

Abstract

Heavy metals in stream sediments around industrial complex were studied in order to assess the contamination degree and to identify the potential source of metals. The concentrations of the heavy metals in sediments decreased in the order of Zn>Cu>Cr>Pb>Ni>As>Cd>Hg, with mean of 4404, 1225, 383.5, 361.1, 329.1, 14.0, 3.4, 0.3 mg/kg, respectively. Mean of metal concentrations in sediments showed the highest values at Shingil stream compared with the other streams. Industrial wastes and effluents, having high concentrations of most metals originated from the manufacture and use of metal products in this region, might be discharged into the stream through sewer outlet. The streams receive significant amounts of industrial waste from the industrial facilities which is characterized light industrial complexes of approximately 17,000 facilities. Thus, the transports of metal loads through streams are important sources for metal pollution in Shihwa Lake.