Geochemical and Statistical Methods in the Evaluation of Trace Elements Contamination: an Application on Canal Sediments

Abstract

The contamination levels of V, Cr, Ni, Cu, Zn, Cd, and Pb in canal sediments (Danube alluvial formation) were assessed to evaluate environmental quality and potential contamination. Results indicate that silicates and oxides (Fe and Mn) are important for binding investigated elements (Cr, Zn, Cd, Ni, V Pb, and Cu). The values of calculated enrichment factors indicate that the investigated locations includes minor to moderate enrichment of sediment with Cr, V, Cu, Pb, Cd, Ni, and Zn, except for one location where sediment is severely enriched with Zn. Factor analysis shows two main anthropogenic sources: - Cr, Zn, Cd, Ni, V, and Pb are mainly derived from industrial sources and, - Cu and Pb are mainly derived from other local contamination sources combined with traffic sources. With increasing distance from the Refinery, the anthropogenic impacts of the metal content were lower and geochemical control of the contents of the element became dominat, which indicate the influence of the refinery on the metal pollution in the sediments.