Enrichment and Accumulation of Zinc in the Sediment of Jen-Gen River Estuary, Taiwan

The spatial distribution, enrichment, and accumulation of zinc (Zn) in the surface sediments of Jen-Gen River estuary, Taiwan, were studied. Results show that samples collected from 11 stations near the estuary of Jen-Gen River contain 221–627 mg/kg of Zn with average of 502±114 mg/kg. The spatial distribution of Zn reveals 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. Enrichment factor analysis indicates that the sediments of Jen-Gen River estuary were severe enrichment with Zn. Geo-accumulation index analysis indicates that the sediments of Jen-Gen River estuary were moderately strong accumulated with Zn. Base on the comparison with sediment quality guidelines (SQGs), the concentrations of Zn in the sediments of Jen-Gen River estuary may cause acute biological damage.