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Thesis
Assessment of Heavy Metal Concentration in Sediments from the Mobile River, Alabama
University of West Florida Libraries
Master of Science (MS), University of West Florida
2024
Abstract
ABSTRACTHeavy metals are prevalent pollutants and have been the subject of research around the world. Existing as persistent and non-biodegradable pollutants, heavy metals can be amplified along food chains posing direct or indirect threats to the ecosystem and increasing human health risks. The presence of the metals can indicate various sources, both natural and human-induced. The Mobile-Tensaw River system provides a vital economic and socio-cultural value for Southern Alabama. Large amounts of heavy metal contaminated sediment are transported through the watershed and may become deposited in the Mobile Bay, with potential sources of these heavy metals within the lower reach of the river attributed to industrial emissions and runoffs. Concentrations of lead, arsenic, cadmium, copper, nickel, zinc, and aluminum in the sediments were used to evaluate the ecological impact. Risk index (RI), index of geoaccumulation (Igeo), sediment quality guidelines (SQGs), mean ERM quotient and contamination severity index (CSI) were applied as diagnostic tools for understanding heavy metal impacts on the environment. Results showed enrichment of heavy metals in downstream sediments where the Land Use was intense. Al normalization of heavy metals showed that Cu and Cr were of a geogenic origin. The concentration of As, Pb, and Cd in the study area showed anthropogenic input. Ecological impacts on sediment dwelling biota were consistently recorded at Sites 5, 18, 19, and 21.
Details
- Title
- Assessment of Heavy Metal Concentration in Sediments from the Mobile River, Alabama
- Resource Type
- Thesis
- Contributors
- Johan Liebens (Committee Co-Chair)Jason Ortegren (Committee Co-Chair)Karen W Barnes (Committee Member) - University of West Florida, Hal Marcus College of Science and Engineering
- Publisher
- University of West Florida Libraries
- Format
- pdf
- Number of pages
- 121
- Copyright
- Permission granted to the University of West Florida Libraries by the author to digitize and/or display this information for non-profit research and educational purposes. Any reuse of this item in excess of fair use or other copyright exemptions requires the permission of the copyright holder.
- Identifiers
- 99380569797306600
- Academic Unit
- Earth and Environmental Sciences
- Language
- English
- Awarding Institution
- University of West Florida; Master of Science (MS)
- Theses and Dissertations
- Master of Science (MS), University of West Florida