Evaluation of sediments quality and geospatial distribution of heavy metals in aquatic sources in the Drini i Bardhë river basin.

Abstract

The purpose of this research study is to determine the concentrations of heavy metals in sediments (fraction <63 µm)  from the aquatic sources in the Drini i Bardhë river basin and such research work to be reflected through geospatial distribution maps of heavy metals in the study area. For better understanding of the geochemical consistence of aqua sediments, ICP-MS and CV-AAS techniques were used. Evaluation of the sediment quality was performed by using comparative sediment quality guidelines. The sampling sites were geographically positioned and geospatial distribution maps were created as contribution of the heavy metal pollution in sediments. The results has shown significant differences in the concentration of heavy metals at various sediment sample points. By comparing such concentrations of heavy metals in sediment with the existing criteria, it was found that sample points P1, P2, P4-P12, P16, P17, P22, P23, P25, P26, P30, P35, P40, P42 and P46 were significantly polluted and exceeded mass concentrations at certain studying sample points. In terms of statistical interpretations, the flow concentration of the studying elements has gone according to this ranking Fe>Mn>Zn>Ni>Cr>Cu>Pb>Co>As>Sn>Mo>Sb>Cd>Bi>Ag>Hg. Based on the findings from this study, studied area is directly impacted from the geological constitution of rocks (clastic, alluvium, proluvium, glacigene, calc tufa/travertine and lake sediments) and there is a minor influence by the human activity (in the case of iron concentration level).