Heavy metal binding fractions in the sediments of the Godavari estuary,East Coast of India

Sequential chemical extraction was used to study the operationally determined chemical forms of five heavy metals (Pb, Cu, Zn, Co and Ni) and their spatial distribution in the sediments. The binding behaviour of heavy metals associating with Fe–Mn oxides showed a good correlation towards Cu, Zn and Co, but moderate linear dependence with Ni and Pb. Among the five metals, correlation between Fe–Mn oxide bound Cu and Fe–Mn oxides (r = 0.95) is highest. The coefficient of determination (r ²) in organically bound heavy metals versus organic matter (OM) ranges from 0.772 to 0.952, which indicates a good linear dependence. The OM fraction in the sediments is more accessible to heavy metals and is the major ligand available for complexation. In particular, Zn and Cu are preferentially bound to OM. In general, Zn co-precipitation with carbonates is the dominant chemical form when Fe–Mn oxide and OM are less abundant. In this study, however, carbonates were less abundant, hence Zn bound to carbonates was less pronounced. Based on the results, even if the excessive binding sites are contained in the sediments, competition of various complexation reactions between sediment phases and heavy metals could dominate metal association.     

Distribution and accumulation of heavy metals in the sediments of Akkaya Dam,Nigde, Turkey

Twenty-one surface sediment samples were collected from Akkaya Dam. Heavy metal concentrations (Mo, Cu, Pb, Zn, Ni, Co, Mn, Fe, Cr, As, V and Cd), grain size, organic carbon and carbonate contents were studied in order to assess the extent of environmental pollution and to discuss the origin of these contaminants in sediments of dam. The sediments in the study area are mostly very fine sands. However, mud was observed in the northeast of the dam. Sediment pollution assessment was carried out using enrichment factor. The calculation of enrichment factors showed that Mo is depleted by 1.0 whereas Cu, Pb, Zn, Ni, Co, Mn, As, V, Cr and Cd are enriched by 3, 5.4, 7, 2.7, 2.2, 3.4, 42.3, 2.1, 1.8 and 7.2, respectively. Relatively high concentrations heavy metals occurred in north (textile industry area) and east (Karasu River) due to enrichment controlled by anthropogenic wastes. The results of correlation analysis show low–medium positive and negative correlations among metals, grain size, carbonate contents and organic carbon and indicate that heavy metals in sediments of the Akkaya Dam have different anthropogenic sources.     

Spatial and temporal variability of metals in inter-tidal beach sediment of Mumbai, India

Nine metals were monitored in the beach sediment in Mumbai from May 2011 to March 2012 to evaluate the spatial and temporal distributions. The average heavy metal concentrations exhibited the following order: Fe > Mn > Cr > Co > Ni > Pb > Zn > Cu > Cd for the four sampling sites. The mean concentrations (± SD) of Fe, Mn, Cr, Co, Ni, Pb, Zn, Cu and Cd were estimated to be 31.15?±?10.02 g kg^?1, 535.04?±?76.42, 151.98?±?97.90, 92.76?±?14.18, 67.52?±?11.32, 59.57?±?15.19, 54.65?±?15.01, 32.24?±?8.07 and 18.75?±?1.76 mg kg^?1, respectively. The results indicated that the sediments were polluted with Cd, Cr, Co and Pb due to high anthropogenic influences. Spatial variation of metals revealed that most of the metals were high in Dadar beach and low in Aksa beach. Cd was the highest contaminant metal studied with a mean contamination factor of 93.75. The pollution load indices of the studied beaches ranged from 1.63 (Aksa) to 1.91 (Dadar) and indicated that the beach sediments were polluted with heavy metals. The heavy metal contents increased in relation to monsoon, and most of the heavy metals showed significantly high concentrations in November during the post-monsoon. The statistical analysis revealed significant effect of study site on all the metals studied. Further, there was a significant difference on metal accumulation on bimonthly basis in relation to weather pattern in Mumbai beaches.     

Heavy metal in surface sediments of the Liaodong Bay, Bohai Sea: distribution, contamination, and sources

In an effort to assess the potential contamination and determine the environmental risks associated with heavy metals, the surface sediments in Liaodong Bay, northeast China, were systematically sampled and analyzed for the concentrations of Cu, Pb, Zn, Cr, Ni, As, and Hg. The metal enrichment factor (EF) and geoaccumulation index (I _geo) were calculated to assess the anthropogenic contamination in the region. Results showed that heavy metal concentrations in the sediments generally met the criteria of China Marine Sediment Quality (GB18668-2002); however, both EF and I _geo values suggested the elevation of Pb concentration in the region. Based on the effect-range classification (TEL-PEL SQGs), Cu, Pb, Ni, and As were likely to pose environment risks, and the toxic units decreased in the order: Ni?>?Pb?>?Cr?>?Zn?>?As?>?Cu?>?Hg. The spatial distribution of ecotoxicological index (mean-ERM-quotient) suggested that most of the surface sediments were “low–medium” priority zone. Multivariate analysis indicated that the sources of Cr, Ni, Zn, Cu, and Hg resulted primarily from parent rocks, and Pb or As were mainly attributed to anthropogenic sources. The results of this study would provide a useful aid for sustainable marine management in the region.     

Assessment of heavy metal concentration in the Khoshk River water and sediment, Shiraz, Southwest Iran

Heavy metal contents and contamination characteristics of the water and sediment of the Khoshk River, Shiraz, Southwest Iran were investigated. The abundance of heavy metals decreases as Zn > Mn > Cr > Ni >Pb > Cu > Cd in water samples and Mn > Cr > Pb > Ni > Zn > Cu > Cd in sediments, respectively. Based on the enrichment factor and geoaccumulation index values, sediments were loaded with Cr, Zn, Pb, Cu, and Cd. Pearson correlation matrix as well as cluster and principal components analyses and analysis of variance were implemented on data from sampling sites. Based on the locations of sampling sites in clusters and variable concentrations at these stations, it was concluded that municipal, industrial, and domestic discharges in the Shiraz urban area strongly affected heavy metals concentrations in the Khoshk River water and sediment. Results obtained from principal components analysis of sediment samples showed that the high concentration of Ni was mainly from natural origin, related to the composition of parent rocks, while the elevated values of Cr, Zn, Pb, Cd, and Cu were due to anthropogenic activities.     

Total and Leachable Heavy Metals in Muddy and Sandy Sediments of Egyptian Coast Along Mediterranean Sea

The assessment of marine pollution due to metals was made for surficial sediments sampled from 20 sites along Mediterranean coast of Egypt. The samples were dried, acid digested and analyzed for leachable and total heavy metal contents (Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Zn) by flame atomic absorption spectrophotometer (air–acetylene) with deuterium background correction. Evaluation of the heavy metals pollution status was carried out using enrichment factors (EFs), the effect range-low (ERL) and the effect range-median (ERM). The study showed high concentrations of Cd, Co, Pb, Ni and moderate concentrations of Cr, Cu and Mn were contaminated in the sediments of studied sites. The results of Spearman correlation, factor and cluster analysis of the heavy metals analyzed in the collected sediment were discussed. The main source of contamination is the offshore oil field and industrial wastes, which arise due to the ineffective and inefficient operation equipments, illegal discharge and lack of supervision and prosecution of offenders.     

Assessment of heavy metal contamination in Candarli Gulf sediment, Eastern Aegean Sea

Concentrations of selected heavy metals (Fe, Mn, Ni, Cu, Zn, Pb, Hg, Cr, Al, and As) in surface sediments from 18 stations in the Candarli Gulf were studied in order to understand current metal contamination due to urbanization and economic development in Candarli region, Turkey. The sediment samples were collected by box corer in Candarli Gulf in 2009 to assess heavy metal pollution. Heavy metal concentrations in surface sediment varied from 1.62% to 3.60% for Fe, 0.38?C2.53% for Al, 173?C1,423 for Mn, 8?C100 for Ni, 3?C46 for Cu, 55?C119 for Zn, 16?C138 for Pb, 0.2?C6.3 for Hg, 16?C71 for Cr, and 11?C37 mg kg^???1 for As. This study showed that the concentrations of Mn, Ni, Zn, Pb, Hg, and Cr in the surface sediment layers were elevated when compared with the subsurface layers. Both metal enrichment and contamination factors show that Hg, Zn, and Pb contamination exists in the entire study area and contamination of other metals is also present in some locations depending on the sources.     

Spatial, temporal, and speciation variations of heavy metals in sediments of Nan'ao Island, a representative mariculture base in Guangdong coast, China

Heavy metals in sediments from Baisha Bay, Nan'ao Island, one of Guangdong Province's largest mariculture bases in Southern China, were investigated. The results display that the concentrations of 6 heavy metals from surface sediments were 0.040-0.220 (Cd), 24.22-39.61 (Pb), 25.30-42.66 (Cr), 10.83-19.54 (Ni), 15.06-39.24 (Cu) and 55.12-141.73 mg kg(-1) (Zn), respectively. The highest concentrations and the greatest increasing rates of heavy metals were found in a sediment core in a fish cage culture area due to receiving sewage discharge, uneaten fish bait, and boat gasoline combustion. Cd was preferentially associated with the acid-soluble fraction and Pb mainly with the reducible fraction in surface sediments. Meanwhile, Cd and Pb displayed greatest labile fractions, indicating anthropogenic origin. A principal component analysis (PCA) revealed three groupings (Cd; Cr, Ni and Cu; Pb and Zn) that mainly result from different distributions of the metals in the various fractions. The ecological risk of the polluted sediments stemmed mainly from Cd, and from Pb and Cu to a lesser degree. It is suggested that the density of fish-stocking be controlled, periodic movement of rafts (cages) be introduced, and the total numbers of net-cages and human activities in the mariculture zones be restricted. in order to facilitate the recovery of the polluted sediment.     

Heavy Metal Levels in Biota and Sediments in the Northern Coast of the Marmara Sea

Concentration of Cd, Co, Cr, Ni, Zn, Fe, Mn, Pb and Cu were determinedin biota and sediment samples collected from the Marmara Sea in Turkey. The levels of Zn, Fe, Mn, Pb and Cu in the macroalgae are higher than previous studies in the Marmara Sea. Moreover, Cu and Zn concentrations at the present study are significantly high than Bosphorus and Black Sea algae. The order heavy metal concentrations in the mussel samples was: Fe > Zn > Ni > Mn > Cu > Pb > Cr > Cd > Co. The metal concentrations are generally lower when compared with the Black Sea mussels except Pb. At the same time, concentrations of Pb, Cu and Zn in the mussel species are lower when compared with the results in the Aegean Sea. The ranges of Mn and Cu in the tested fish samples are higher than Black Sea fish. On the other hand, Cd, Co, Cr, Zn and Pb concentrations are lower. The northern coast of the Marmara Sea having the highest metal concentrations in sediments as follows: Co, Cr, Ni, Fe at ?arköy ; Pb, Cu at M. Ere?li; Cd, Zn, Mn at Menek?e. The heavy metal levels in the sediment samples are lower than other areas in the Marmara Sea.     

Speciation and ecological risk of heavy metals in intertidal sediments of Quanzhou Bay, China

The chemical speciation of nine heavy metals in intertidal sediments from Quanzhou Bay was determined using a modified sequential extraction procedure, proposed by the Commission of the European Community Bureau of Reference. The results show that Mn presents the highest percentage in the acid-soluble fraction, and Pb and Cu present the highest percentages in the reducible fraction. The highest percentages of Fe, V, Cr, Ni, Zn, and Co were found in the residual fraction. The mobility order of the heavy metals studied on the basis of the nonresidual content of the elements is Mn > Pb > Cu > Co > Zn > Ni > Cr > V > Fe. The assessment on potential ecological risk indices of some heavy metals indicates that Zn, Ni, and Cr show moderate contamination, while Cu and Pb show slighter contamination. On the whole, the comprehensive potential ecological risk index of Cu, Zn, Ni, Cr, and Pb in the sediments presents moderate degree.     

Assessment of heavy metals in sediments from a typical catchment of the Yangtze River, China

An intensive investigation was conducted to study the accumulation, speciation, and distribution of various heavy metals (As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Hg, Ni, Pb, and Zn) in sediments from the Yangtze River catchment of Wuhan, China. The potential ecological risks posed by these heavy metals also were estimated. The median concentrations of most heavy metals (As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, and Zn) were higher than the background values of soils in Wuhan and were beyond the threshold effect level (TEL), implying heavy metal contamination of the sediments. Carbonate-bound Cd and exchangeable Cd, both of which had high bioavailability, were 40.2% and 30.5% of the total for Cd, respectively, demonstrating that Cd poses a high ecological risk in the sediments. The coefficients of the relationship among Pb, Hg, and Cu were greater than 0.797 using correlation analysis, indicating the highly positive correlation among these three elements. Besides, total organic carbon content played an important role in determining the behaviors of heavy metals in sediments. Principal component analysis was used to study the distribution and potential origin of heavy metals. The result suggested three principal components controlling their variability in sediments, which accounted for 36.72% (factor 1: Hg, Cu, and Pb), 28.69% (factor 2: Cr, Zn, and Ni), and 19.45% (factor 3: As and Cd) of the total variance. Overall, 75% of the studied sediment samples afforded relatively low potential ecological risk despite the fact that generally higher concentrations of heavy metals relative to TEL were detected in the sediments.     

Contamination assessment of arsenic and heavy metals in a typical abandoned estuary wetland—a case study of the Yellow River Delta Natural Reserve

Coastal and estuarine areas are often polluted by heavy metals that result from industrial production and agricultural activities. In this study, we investigated the concentration trait and vertical pattern of trace elements, such as As, Cd, Ni, Zn, Pb, Cu, and Cr, and the relationship between those trace elements and the soil properties in coastal wetlands using 28 profiles that were surveyed across the Diaokouhe Nature Reserve (DKHNR). The goal of this study is to investigate profile distribution characteristics of heavy metals in different wetland types and their variations with the soil depth to assess heavy metal pollution using pollution indices and to identify the pollution sources using multivariate analysis and sediment quality guidelines. Principal component analysis, cluster analysis, and pollution level indices were applied to evaluate the contamination conditions due to wetland degradation. The findings indicated that the concentration of trace elements decreased with the soil depth, while Cd increases with soil depth. The As concentrations in reed swamps and Suaeda heteroptera surface layers were slightly higher than those in other land use types. All six heavy metals, i.e., Ni, Cu, As, Zn, Cr, and Pb, were strongly associated with PC1 (positive loading) and could reflect the contribution of natural geological sources of metals into the coastal sediments. PC2 is highly associated with Cd and could represent anthropogenic sources of metal pollution. Most of the heavy metals exhibited significant positive correlations with total concentrations; however, no significant correlations were observed between them and the soil salt and soil organic carbon. Soil organic carbon exhibited a positive linear relationship with Cu, Pb, and Zn in the first soil layer (0–20 cm); As, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, and Zn in the second layer (20–40 cm); and As, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, and Zn in the third layer (40–60 cm). Soil organic carbon exhibited only a negative correlation with Cd (P?I _geo values), which averaged less than 0 in the three soil layers, this finding indicates that the soils have remained unpolluted by these heavy metals. The mean concentrations of these trace elements were lower than Class I criteria. The degradation wetland restoration suggestions have also been provided in such a way as to restore the reserved flow path of the Yellow River. The results that are associated with trace element contamination would be helpful in providing scientific directions to restore wetlands across the world.     

Spatial distribution and potential ecologic risk assessment of heavy metals in the sediments of the Nansi Lake in China

The contamination levels and ecological risks of heavy metals in the sediments of the Nansi Lake were investigated. The contents of Cd, Cr, Cu, Pb, Zn, Ni, and Co in the surface sediments collected at 20 sites ranged from 0.08 to 1.12, 58.92 to 135.62, 38.09 to 78.65, 24.51 to 53.95, 110.51 to 235.36, 11.30 to 65.40, and 4.12 to 20.14 mg/kg, respectively. The results of partitioning analysis revealed that the proportions of soluble and exchangeable fraction were less than 1 %, the proportions of carbonate, amorphous oxides, organic matter, and crystalline oxides fraction were less than 10 %, and 10.52 % of Cd was associated with carbonate. The average proportions in the residual fraction ranged from 48.62 % for Cu to 73.76 % for Ni, indicating low mobility and bioavailability. The geoaccumulation index (I _geo), relative enrichment factor (REF), sediment pollution index (SPI), and potential effect concentration quotient (PECQ) values of the heavy metals in the sediments were not in agreement with each another. The average REF values of Cd and Zn were higher than those of other metals. However, the average PECQ values were higher for Cr and Ni than those of other metals, indicating that these two metals would cause higher adverse biological effects. Therefore, it is suggested that future management and pollution control might focus on Cd, Zn, Cr, and Ni in the sediments of the Nansi Lake.     

Vertical distribution of heavy metals in soil profile in a seasonally waterlogging agriculture field in Eastern Ganges Basin

The accumulation of heavy metals in soil and water is a serious concern due to their persistence and toxicity. This study investigated the vertical distribution of heavy metals, possible sources and their relation with soil texture in a soil profile from seasonally waterlogged agriculture fields of Eastern Ganges basin. Fifteen samples were collected at ～0.90-m interval during drilling of 13.11 mbgl and analysed for physical parameters (moisture content and grain size parameters: sand, silt, clay ratio) and heavy metals (Fe, Mn, Cr, Cu, Pb, Zn, Co, Ni and Cd). The average metal content was in the decreasing order of Fe?>?Mn?>?Cr?>?Zn?>?Ni?>?Cu?>?Co?>?Pb?>?Cd. Vertical distribution of Fe, Mn, Zn and Ni shows more or less similar trends, and clay zone records high concentration of heavy metals. The enrichment of heavy metals in clay zone with alkaline pH strongly implies that the heavy metal distributions in the study site are effectively regulated by soil texture and reductive dissolution of Fe and Mn oxy-hydroxides. Correlation coefficient analysis indicates that most of the metals correlate with Fe, Mn and soil texture (clay and silt). Soil quality assessment was carried out using geoaccumulation index (I _geo), enrichment factor (EF) and contamination factor (CF). The enrichment factor values were ranged between 0.66 (Mn) and 2.34 (Co) for the studied metals, and the contamination factor values varied between 0.79 (Mn) and 2.55 (Co). Results suggest that the elements such as Cu and Co are categorized as moderate to moderately severe contamination, which are further confirmed by I _geo values (0.69 for Cu and 0.78 for Co). The concentration of Ni exceeded the effects-range median values, and the biological adverse effect of this metal is 87 %. The average concentration of heavy metals was compared with published data such as concentration of heavy metals in Ganga River sediments, Ganga Delta sediments and upper continental crust (UCC), which apparently revealed that heavy metals such as Fe, Mn, Cr, Pb, Zn and Cd are influenced by the dynamic nature of flood plain deposits. Agricultural practice and domestic sewage are also influenced on the heavy metal content in the study area.     

Speciation and assessment of heavy metals in surface sediments of Jinjiang River tidal reach, southeast of China

The concentration and speciation of heavy metals (Cr, Ni, Cu, Zn, Cd, Pb) in surface sediments (??≤ 63 μm) of Jinjiang River tidal reach are determined to evaluate the metal behavior. A modified BCR three-step sequential extraction procedure is carried out, and the residual fraction is undertaken by microwave-assisted acid digestion. The index of geo-accumulation indicates that Cd appeared highest among all these heavy metals in surface sediments, Cr, Cu, Zn lower, and Ni, Pb the least. The percentage of Zn, Cd is comparatively higher in the acid soluble fraction, Pb and Cu higher in the reductive fraction, indicating larger potential danger to the environment. So it is essential for developing the future remediation plans and pollution control strategies.     

Source discrimination of heavy metals in sediment and water of To Lich River in Hanoi City using multivariate statistical approaches

The concentrations of Mn, Fe, Ni, Cr, Cu, Pb, Zn, As, and Cd were determined to evaluate the level of contamination of To Lich River in Hanoi City. All metal concentrations in 0–10-cm water samples, except Mn, were lower than the maximum permitted concentration for irrigation water standard. Meanwhile, concentrations of As, Cd, and Zn in 0–30-cm sediments were likely to have adverse effects on agriculture and aquatic life. Sediment pollution assessment was undertaken using enrichment factor and geoaccumulation index (I _geo). The I _geo results indicated that the sediment was not polluted with Cr, Mn, Fe, and Ni, and the pollution level increased in the order of Cu < Pb < Zn < As < Cd. Meanwhile, significant enrichment was shown for Cd, As, Zn, and Pb. Cluster and principal component analyses suggest that As and Mn in sediment were derived from both lithogenic and anthropogenic sources, while Cu, Pb, Zn, Cr, Cd, and Ni originated from anthropogenic sources such as vehicular fumes for Pb and metallic discharge from industrial sources and fertilizer application for other metals.     

Assessment of heavy metal levels in sediment samples of Kapulukaya Dam Lake (Kirikkale) and lower catchment area

In this study, the concentrations of 13 elements (Al, Fe, Mn, Cr, Ni, Zn, Co, As, Pb, Cu, Mo, Hg, and Cd) were determined in the sediments of three different sites in the Kapulukaya Dam Lake between May 2007 and November 2008. They ranged from 1.47 to 4.64 for Al, 0.92 to 3.48 for Fe (in percent), 326.60 to 1053.00 for Mn, 98.00 to 1,116.00 for Cr, 24.70 to 127.10 for Ni, 14.80 to 124.20 for Zn, 11.0 to 43.20 for Co, 5.00 to 29.30 for Cu, 9.10 to 69.70 for As, 8.60 to 34.00 for Pb, 2.50 to 5.20 for Mo, 1.00 to 1.60 for Hg, and 0.50 to1.80 for Cd in microgram per gram dry weight sediment. The contamination degree of the sediment was assessed on the basis of enrichment factor and corresponding sediment quality guideline. The calculated enrichment factors (EF, measured metal vs. background concentrations) indicated that the effect of man-made activities on the occurrence of concentrations could be accounted for the majority of heavy metals namely Mn, As, Ni, Cu, Zn, Cr, Co, Mo, and Cd, whereas such affect was not detected for Hg and Pb. The maximum values of the EF were represented by As, minimum values by Hg at all sites. Mean EF values were 36.60 and 0.70 for As and Hg, respectively. This study has clearly assessed a certain level of heavy metal pollution in the region, based particularly on the findings from sediment.     

Longitudinal distribution of heavy metals in sediments of a canyon reservoir in Southwest China due to dam construction

In this study, the longitudinal distribution of heavy metals (including As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, and Zn) from sediment of a 70-km long canyon reservoir in Yunnan Province was investigated and their potential ecological risks were assessed. The results indicated that the concentration of all the detected metals in the sediments that was sampled near the dam was much higher than that sampled from upstream far from the dam. The geoaccumulation index (I _geo) and contamination factors (CF) suggested that Cd was the most important contamination factor, followed by As and Zn, while the concentration of Cr, Cu, Ni, and Pb was at uncontaminated levels. Cd posed a high potential ecological risk in the sediment. Furthermore, potential ecological risk is significantly correlated with the distance from the dam.     

Metal Pollution Assessment of Sediment and Water in the River Hindon, India

The metal pollution in water and sediment of the River Hindon in western Uttar Pradesh (India) was assessed for Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb and Zn. The metal concentrations in water showed wide temporal variation compared with bed sediment because of variability in water discharge and variations in suspended solid loadings. Metal concentrations in bed sediments provided a better evaluation of the degree and the extent of contamination in the aquatic environment, Santagarh and Atali being the most polluted sites of the river. The ratio of heavy metals to conservative elements (Fe, Al, etc.) may reveal the geochemical imbalances due to the elevated metal concentrations normally attributed to anthropogenic sources. Metal/Al ratios for the bed sediments of the river Hindon were used to determine the relative mobility and general trend of relative mobility occurred Fe > Mn > Zn > Cr > Ni > Pb > Cu > Cd.     

Distribution and contamination assessment of heavy metals in sediment of the Second Songhua River, China

The Second Songhua River was subjected to a large amount of raw or primary effluent from chemical industries in Jilin city in 1960s to 1970s, resulting in serious mercury pollution. However, an understanding of other trace metal pollution has remained unclear. The objective of this study was to investigate trace metal contamination in the sediment of the river. Bottom sediment samples were taken in the river between Jilin city and Haerbin city in 2005. An uncontaminated sediment profile was taken in the Nen River at the same time. Total concentrations of Al, Fe, Mg, Ca, K, Na, Ti, Mn, V, Sc, Co, Cu, Cr, Ni, Pb and Zn in the sediment samples were measured by ICP-MS or ICP-OES, following digestion with various acids. Concentrations of Co, Cu, Cr, Ni, Pb and Zn in the surface sediments were 5.1–14.7, 18.5–78.9, 2.4–75.4, 7.2–29.0, 13.5–124.4, and 21.8–403.1 mg/kg, respectively, generally decreasing along the course of the river from Jilin city to Haerbin city. Background concentrations of trace metals were reconstructed by geochemical normalization to a conservative element scandium. Results showed that concentrations of Co, Cr, and Ni in the sediment were generally only slightly higher than or equal to their background values, while concentrations of Cu, Pb, and Zn in the some sediment samples were significantly higher than their background values. In detail, the sediment at Jilin city was moderately contaminated by Cu, and the sediment of the Second Songhua River was moderately contaminated by Pb and Zn. The top layer (0–10 cm depth) and bottom layers (30–46 cm depth) of one sediment profile at Wukeshu town were generally moderately polluted by Pb and Zn. Synthetically, the surface sediment in the studied river section was classified as natural sediment without ecological risk by the sediment pollution index (SPI) of Cu, Cr, Ni, Pb and Zn. Only the 30–45 cm depth of the sediment profile at Wukeshu town was classified as low polluted sediment by the SPI of these metals, recording a historical contamination of the river in the 1960s to 1970s. This buried contamination of trace metals might pose a potential risk to water column under disturbance of sediment. Foundation item: The National Basic Research Priorities Program of China (2004CB418502)