Heavy Metal Pollution Assessment in Stream Sediments from Urban and Different Types of Industrial Areas in South Korea

Abstract

Stream sediments from heavily industrialized areas, including urban areas (SS), industrial complexes (US), petrochemical industries (PS), and the Onsan industrial complex (OS) in Korea, were studied to identify 19 heavy metals pollution status and the metal sources. The concentration of heavy metals, except for Li, Be, and Cs in the stream sediments from the Onsan industrial complex near the largest Cu/Zn/Pb smelting facilities, was 3 to 1,302 times higher than that in urban and other industrial areas. Moreover, owing to the smelting activity in the Onsan area, the degree of pollution by major metal products (e.g., Cu, Zn, Pb, Sn, Cd, Sb, Ag) and raw or additive materials (Cr, Ni, Mo, As, Hg) was significantly higher than that in other areas. Heavy metals in stream sediments near smelters greatly exceeded the screening levels (SEL), which could have adverse effects on the health of biota. These values also exceeded the cleanup screening levels of freshwater sediments in the USA. The highest pollution load index value of 47.8 was observed in the vicinity of the smelter (OS) and decreased in the following order: heavy industry (3.6, US) > petrochemical industry (2.4, PS) > urban streams (1.2, SS). Our results suggest that metal pollution in stream sediments might be caused by atmospheric dust generated during the smelting process, as well as sediment particles that accumulate and are washed off from impervious layers such as industrial facilities, raw material storage yards, and road surfaces.