Characteristics and sources of potentially toxic elements in road-deposited sediments at the Port of Busan, South Korea: A key contributor to port sediments pollution

Abstract

This study investigated the spatial distribution and chemical characteristics of potentially toxic elements (PTEs) in road-deposited sediments (RDS) at the Port of Busan by size fraction. Enrichment factor (EF) values for Zn, Cd, and Sb in fine RDS <250 μm were 52–69, 49–78, and 46–44, respectively, indicating ‘extremely high enrichment’. Various statistical analyses, including PCA and PMF models, revealed a strong correlation between pollution levels in RDS <250 μm and vehicle type, identifying non-exhaust emissions (NEE) of vehicles as a primary source of PTEs in RDS from the port. The risk index (RI) value of fine RDS ranged from 649 to 2238, indicating that the entire study area could be classified as having a ‘significant ecological risk,’ with higher values observed in heavy-duty vehicles (HDV) areas. The study underscores the need for effective NEE management to mitigate the environmental impact of ports on marine ecosystems.