Heavy metal concentrations in sediments from Manila Bay, Philippines and inflowing rivers

• Published in: Environmental pollution (1987) 1994, Vol.86 (1), p.83-88
• Main Authors: Prudente, Maricar S., Ichihashi, Hideki, Tatsukawa, Ryo
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Applied sciences; cadmium; cobalt; concentration; copper; estuaries; Exact sciences and technology; heavy metals; historical trend of pollution; iron; lead; magnesium; Manila Bay; Marine; marine sediment; monitoring; nickel; Pollution; Pollution sources. Measurement results; riverine sediment; rivers; sediments; Soil and sediments pollution; spatial distribution; water pollution; zinc
• ISSN: 0269-7491; 1873-6424
• DOI: 10.1016/0269-7491(94)90009-4

Concentrations of Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu, Pb, Ni, Cd and Co were determined in surface and core sediments collected from Manila Bay and in surface sediments from inflowing rivers. Core profiles revealed highly fluctuating and enriched Pb, Cd, Zn and Cu concentrations on the surface, suggestive of recent inputs coming from anthropogenic sources. Concentrations of Pb, Zn, and to a lesser extent Cu and Cd were higher in riverine sediments as compared with marine sediments, which may be attributed to the proximity of these riverine sites to pollutant sources. Comparison ofmetal concentration levels obtained with other areas in the world revealed elevated values for Pb and Cd, indicating a considerable amount of pollution in the area. Continuous monitoring and further studies of the area are recommended to ascertain long-term effects that may have not yet been reached.