Chromium contamination in sediments of Anping Harbor, Taiwan

The distribution, enrichment, accumulation, and potential ecological risk of chromium (Cr) in the surface sediments of Anping Harbor, Taiwan, were investigated. Sediment samples from ten locations were collected and characterized for Cr, aluminum, water content, organic matter, and grain size. The results show that samples collected at all monitoring points contain 23.3-881.3 mg/kg of Cr with an average of 250.0 +/- 265.4 mg/kg. The spatial distribution of Cr reveals that the Cr concentration is relatively high in the Bamboo River mouth region, and gradually diminishes toward the harbor region. This indicates that upstream industrial and municipal wastewater discharges along the river bank are major sources of pollution. Results from the enrichment factor and geo-accumulation index analyses imply that the Bamboo River mouth sediments can be characterized as severe enrichment and moderate to strong accumulation of Cr, respectively. However, results of potential ecological risk index indicate that the sediment has low ecological potential risk. The results can provide valuable information to developing future strategies for the management of river mouth and harbor.