FACTORS INFLUENCING THE CONTAMINATION OF URBAN SEDIMENTS IN THE BARIGÜI RIVER, SOUTHERN BRAZIL
Abstract
Due to their storage characteristics and the distribution of chemical elements, sediments can influence the dynamics of aquatic ecosystems, exchange species with the water column, and affect water quality. Assessing the behavior of sediments in relation to potential environmental stressors is essential for the management of urban water systems. In this study, we analyzed sediments from the Barigüi River, which flows through the third-largest industrial region in Brazil. We determined trace concentrations of Cu (47.3 to 55.7 mg·kg⁻¹), Zn (60.6 to 92.0 mg·kg⁻¹), Mn (195.6 to 538.1 mg·kg⁻¹), and Zr (414.0 to 958.1 mg·kg⁻¹), as well as major mineral oxide concentrations of Al₂O₃ (3.6 to 4.4%), Fe₂O₃ (1.3 to 3.2%), TiO₂ (0.2 to 28.5%), K₂O (0.5 to 0.8%), and CaO (0.4 to 0.8%) in the fine fractions (< 63 µm) of bottom sediment samples. Analyses were conducted using the Energy Dispersive X-Ray Fluorescence Spectrometry (ED-XRF) technique. We also characterized environmental quality indexes, including the Contamination Factor, Pollution Load Index, Enrichment Factor, and Geo-accumulation Index. These indexes suggest possible sediment contamination, particularly by TiO₂ and K₂O. Spatial variations in sediment quality along the Barigüi River were evident, indicating that the presence of these elements may contribute to episodic toxicity and deleterious effects on the ecosystem.
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