Distribution and Enrichment Evaluation of Cadmium in the Sediments of Canon River Mouth, Taiwan

The distribution, enrichment, and potential risk of cadmium (Cd) in the sediments of Canon River mouth, Taiwan were investigated. Sediment samples from 12 stations in the Canon River mouth were collected and characterized for Cd, aluminum, organic matter, and grain size. The results show that samples collected at all monitoring stations near the mouth of Canon River contain 0.20–3.85 mg/kg of Cd with average of 1.74±1.08 mg/kg. The spatial distribution of Cd reveals that the Cd concentration is relatively high in the river mouth region, and gradually diminishes toward the harbor region. This indicates that upstream industrial and municipal wastewater discharges along the river bank are major sources of pollution. The accumulation factor and potential ecological risk index indicate that the sediments at Canon River mouth have the most serious degree of Cd accumulation and the serious ecological potential risk.