The Distribution of Heavy Metals in the Sediment of Low Tidal Flat, Eastern Chongming Island, China

Abstract

The distribution of heavy metals in the tidal flat is of great significance on the estuary environment. This study aims to find the heavy metal distribution mechanism at low tidal flat in Yangtze Estuary, China. 4 sediment cores were collected at low tidal flat of eastern Chongming Island at four seasons spring, summer, autumn and winter. The concentrations of element Al, Cu, Cr, Fe, Mn, Pb, Rb, Zn, Zr in the sediment were analyzed. The vertical distribution of different element with depth were analyzed and the main factors that control the distribution of heavy metals in the sediments of low tidal flat were discussed. The results showed that the source of sediment and tidal hydrodynamics are the two main factors that controls the distribution of heavy metals in the sediment of low tidal flat. Zr in the sediments can be used as geochemical marker to reflect the erosion and deposition changes in tidal flat.