Assessment of heavy metals in sediments of the river Ravi, Pakistan

Abstract

The extent of heavy metal contamination viz. cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), cobalt (Co) and copper (Cu) in the sediments of the river Ravi has been assessed. Sediment samples were taken from nineteen sampling stations. Metal concentrations in the sediments ranged from 0.99 to 3.17 for Cd, 4.60 to 57.40 for Cr, 2.22 to 18.53 for Co and 3.38 to 159.79 μg g-1 for Cu on dry matter basis. The highest concentration of Cu was found in Taj Company nulla, while minimum concentration of Cd was observed at Lahore Siphon. The results show that the metal concentrations in the sediments decreased in the order: Cu > Cr > Cd > Co. These contaminated sediments, accumulated over the years in the river bed sediments could act as secondary source of pollution to the overlying water column in the river.