Author(s)

S. N. Sin, H. Chua & W. Lo

Abstract

A survey on heavy metal pollution in Shing Mun River, Hong Kong S. N. sin1, H. ~ h u a ' & W. L,02 I Department of Civil and Structural Engineering, 2 Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Hong Kong, PRC Abstract The Shing Mun River is a major river in the northeastern part of Hong Kong. In this study, the extent of heavy metal pollution in the river system has been evaluated. Six heavy metal cations, namely copper, lead, zinc, chromium, aluminum, and cadmium from the sediment taken at different points along the river were analyzed. The results showed that the highest concentrations of copper, lead, zinc and chromium were found in the Fo Tan Nullah, a major tributary of the Shing Mun River, while the highest concentrations of aluminum and cadmium were found in the Shing Mun Main River Channel. These contaminated sediments, accumulated over the years on the river bed, could act as secondary sources of heavy metal pollution to the

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