Seasonal Dynamics of Heavy Metal and Arsenic Content of Water and Sediments of the Srepok River (Vietnam)

Abstract: Accumulation of heavy metals (Fe, Cu, Zn, Cd, Pb) and arsenic in water andbottom sediments of the Srepok River in rainy and dry seasons has been assessed.Significant seasonal variations in the concentration of elements in water havebeen found. The Fe, Cu, Zn, As, and Pb content of sediments did not depend onthe season, and the concentration of Cd was higher in the rainy season. Atcertain periods of time, the concentrations of these elements in river waterexceeded those recommended by the national technical regulations of Vietnam: Fe,2.3–9.5 times; Cu, 1.2–2.8 times; Zn, 1.2–4.5 times; Cd, 1.7–6.8 times; Pb,1.1–17 times; and As, 1.1–3.7 times. The concentrations of all heavy metals andarsenic in the river water and bottom sediments of industrial zones tended toincrease. The results showed, the examined elements can be divided into groupswhere their concentrations are closely interrelated. These groups are composedof Fe, Cu, Zn, and Pb in the river water, and of Cu, Zn, As, and Pb insediments. The obtained data prove the necessity of monitoring the levels ofheavy metals and arsenic in river water and bottom sediments of industrialzones. © 2020, Pleiades Publishing, Ltd.