Spatial distribution and pollution evaluation of heavy metals in Yangtze estuary sediment

To analyze the spatial distribution patterns and ecological risks of heavy metals, 30 sediment samples were taken in the Yangtze River Estuary (YRE) in May 2011. The content of Al, As, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni and Pb increased as follows: inner-region < river mouth < adjacent sea. According to Igeo and RI, As, Cr and Cd were the main pollutants. What is more, the greatest contaminated area appeared at the river mouth of the south branch of YRE. In Tucker 3, considering the fractions of metals, Mn turned to be the severest pollutant and As did not contribute too much to the contamination of the YRE. That was most probably because that Mn was closely related to the carbonate-associated (CARB) and As was related to organic-associated (OM) which is more stable than CARB. The fractions played an important role in the contamination assessment of heavy metals.