Contamination of bottom sediments by lead, zinc and cadmium in Rzeszow reservoir

Abstract The aim of the present study was to determine the level of contamination of the bottom sediments in the Rzeszow reservoir by the selected heavy metals Pb, Cd and Zn, and to identify the potential environmental risks of heavy metals content basing on available assessments and classification of bottom sediments. The Rzeszow reservoir is situated on the Wisłok River in the Podkarpackie Voivodeship, southeaster Poland, was constructed on 1974. Nowadays, as a result of silting, the reservoir reduced its surface and depth, which does not have a positive effect on the assumed functions it is to perform. The study was conducted in 2016. The samples of sediment were collected in five locations. Samples were taken twice: in June and in October. The following concentrations have been determined: cadmium - 0.01 ÷ 0.92 mg•kg–1, zinc - 54.39 ÷ 128 mg•kg–1, lead - 2.98 ÷ 25.42 mg•kg–1. The decline trend in the sediment is following: Zn > Pb > Cd. For the assessment of sediment contamination, following methods: aquatic sediment quality classification used by the Polish Geological Institute - I class, Regulation of the Minister of Environment of April 16 2002 on the types and concentrations of substances contaminating the excavated material – unpolluted and LAW sediment classification – Pb - I/I-II, Cd - I/I-II/II and Zn - I/I-II. The obtained results were compared with the results obtained by the other authors in earlier years, which led to the estimated changes in the concentration of the tested metals.