Multivariate statistical and GIS-based approach to identify source of anthropogenic impacts on metallic elements in sediments from the mid Guangdong coasts, China

• Published in: Environmental pollution (1987) 2012-04, Vol.163, p.248-255
• Main Authors: Gu, Yang-Guang, Wang, Zhao-Hui, Lu, Song-Hui, Jiang, Shi-Jun, Mu, De-Hai, Shu, Yong-Hong
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Aluminum; anthropogenic activities; Applied sciences; China; coal; Coasts; cobalt; copper; Earth sciences; Earth, ocean, space; Economics; Engineering and environment geology. Geothermics; environmental impact; Environmental Monitoring - instrumentation; Environmental Monitoring - methods; Exact sciences and technology; Geographic information system (GIS); Geographic Information Systems; Geologic Sediments - chemistry; Heavy metal; Human influences; humans; industrialization; industry; Iron; lead; Lead (metal); mercury; Mercury (metal); Metals - analysis; Mid Guangdong Coasts; Multivariate Analysis; Nickel; nuclear power; Nuclear power generation; Pollution; Pollution sources. Measurement results; Pollution, environment geology; power plants; principal component analysis; radioactive waste; Seawater - chemistry; sediments; sewage; shipping; Soil and sediments pollution; strontium; Surface sediment; Water Pollutants, Chemical - analysis; Water Pollution, Chemical - statistics & numerical data; weathering; zinc
• ISSN: 0269-7491; 1873-6424
• DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2011.12.041

Growing concerns surround the mid Guangdong coasts, one of China’s fastest and developing economical regions. To study the environmental impacts of economic and industrial development, we measured ten metallic elements (Hg, Pb, Cu, Zn, Fe, Al, Ni, Sr, Li, and Co) in surface sediments from nineteen stations in three bays. All these metals showed concentrations substantially higher than their background values, suggesting possible anthropogenic pollution. Highest metal levels were close to the nuclear power plants likely as a result of nuclear waste discharges. Results revealed that Hg, Pb, and Sr largely originated from human activities, while Cu, Ni, Co, Al, and Fe mainly from natural rock weathering. Two types of anthropogenic sources were identified through a principal component analysis, one from shipping industry, port transport service and nuclear power plants, and the other from municipal sewage and coal power plant. ► Ten metallic elements in surface sediments from mid Guangdong coasts were measured. ► High metal levels occurred close to the nuclear power plants. ► Hg, Pb and Sr mainly originated from human activities. ► Two types of anthropogenic metallic sources were identified in this region. Hot spots of metallic elements were close to the nuclear power plants. Industrial and municipal discharges were the main anthropogenic metallic source.