Process of heavy metal accumulation in Ariake Bay and the assessment of heavy metal retention by sediment mud

点击翻译按钮获取中文摘要

We examined the heavy metal concentrations, physical and chemical properties of sediment mud in Ariake Bay and inflowing rivers, and also conducted batch tests on heavy metal sorption on the mud samples. Based on the data obtained, the factors that affect heavy metal retention for the mud were assessed. The heavy metal concentration in Ariake Bay mud was in the range of 0.04-1.02 mg/kg for Cd, 3.6-24.1 mg/kg for Pb, 10.2-63.0 mg/kg for Cu, and 31-157 mg/kg for Zn. A significant correlation was observed between the heavy metal concentrations and organic carbon in the Ariake Bay mud, which indicates that organic matter in the sediment mud is an important factor for heavy metal retention.