Heavy metals in Sinú river, department of Córdoba, Colombia, South America

Abstract

Concentrations of Al, Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu, Ni, Cr, Hg, Pb and Cd in superficial sediments of river Sinú were studied. Samples were collected in 10 sampling stations downstream from Urrá 1 dam, taking into account two sampling periods, one during rainy season and the other during dry season. Metal concentrations were determined by spectrophotometry or by voltametry, they were normalized with regard to aluminum concentrations, which is a conservative element. It was observed that there was a high concentration of Cu, Ni, Cr and Zn for both sampling periods, which suggesting a common origin. Furthermore, a high level of heavy metal sediment concentrations was pointed out by the enrichment factor test for each of the evaluated elements,except Fe. Places receiving a high impact of floodplains exhibited a larger concentration of heavy metals in sediments, as compared to other basin areas, which is associated with sulfate decrease and sulfides formation and subsequent release and availability of heavy metals.