Sequential extraction studies on the river Tisa sediments for the assessment of the metal pollution

Abstract

The sequential extraction procedure was applied for partitioning of metals in river sediments collected along the course of the river Tisa (Serbia). Eight elements (Sb, Sn, As, Cd, Cu, Hg, Pb and Zn) from twenty-one sampling site were analyzed using the modified BCR sequential extraction procedure in combination with ICP-OES. The results of sequential extraction, statistical analyses and calculation of EF and lithogenic and anthro?pogenic ratio of metals are similar. In the river Tisa sediments Sn, Cd, Hg, Pb and Zn are of anthropogenic origin, while As, Cu and Sb are of lithogenic and anthropogenic origin. The sediments from the river Tisa show high risk for Cd, medium risk for Hg and Zn, low risk for Sn, As, Cu and Pb, whereas Sb does not show the risk for the aquatic environment.