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| Heavy metals contamination and potential ecological risk in the sediment of the sea areas around south subtropical islands, China |
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Abstract According to the ecological characteristics and geographical distribution of south subtropical islands, 9 representative islands were selected in southern China. The method of Hankanson index was applied to assess quality status and potential ecological risk of heavy metals (Cu, Pb, Zn, Cd, Cr, As, Hg) in the sediments of the sea areas around these islands. The sediments quality of the study area was generally good, but the contents of Hg and As was slightly higher than reference values in some sea areas. Hg had medium potential ecological risk in the sea area of Zini Island. Pearson correlation analysis showed significantly negative correlation between values of RI and evenness index (J’) as well as biomass of macrobenthic community, indicating the ecological response to heavy metals pollution.
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Received: 04 June 2010
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