Accumulation and translocation of heavy metals in soil and plants from fly ash contaminated area

The present investigation deals with the accumulation of heavy metals in fields contaminated with fly ash from a thermal power plant and subsequent uptake in different parts of naturally grown plants. Results revealed that in the contaminated site, the mean level of all the metals (Cd, Zn, Cr, Pb, Cu, Ni, Mn and Fe) in soil and different parts (root and shoots) of plant species were found to be significantly (p<0.01) higher than the uncontaminated site. The enrichment factor (EF) of these metals in contaminated soil was found to be in the sequence of Cd (2.33) > Fe (1.88) > Ni (1.58) > Pb (1.42) > Zn (1.31) > Mn (1.27) > Cr (1.11) > Cu (1.10). Whereas, enrichment factor of metals in root and shoot parts, were found to be in the order of Cd (7.56) > Fe (4.75) > Zn (2.79) > Ni (2.22) > Cu (1.69) > Mn (1.53) > Pb (1.31) > Cr (1.02) and Cd (6.06) approximately equal Fe (6.06) > Zn (2.65) > Ni (2.57) > Mn (2.19) > Cu (1.58) > Pb (1.37) > Cr (1.01) respectively. In contaminated site, translocation factor (TF) of metals from root to shoot was found to be in the order of Mn (1.38) > Fe (1.27) > Pb (1.03) > Ni (0.94) > Zn (0.85) > Cd (0.82) > Cr (0.73) and that of the metals Cd with Cr, Cu, Mn, Fe; Cr with Pb, Mn, Fe and Pb with Fe were found to be significantly correlated. The present findings provide us a clue for the selection of plant species, which show natural resistance against toxic metals and are efficient metal accumulators.     

High level of nickel tolerance and metal exclusion identified in silver maple (Acer saccharinum)

Nickel (Ni) and copper (Cu) are the most prevalent metals found in the Greater Sudbury Region ecosystems. The main objectives of this study are to (1) assess silver maple (Acer saccharinum) tolerance to different doses of Ni and (2) determine the translocation pattern of metals in A. sacharinum. This study revealed that A. sacharinum is highly tolerant to high doses of NI (1600 and 9200?mg/kg). Growth chamber screening trials revealed that Ni is stored in roots and does not translocate to other plant parts. Analysis of samples from A. sacharinum growing for >30 years in soil contaminated with metals also showed that the levels of iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), Ni, and zinc (Zn) were significantly higher in roots compared with soils and aerial parts. On the other hand, the amount of Cu was higher in soil compared with roots and other plant parts. In fact, the bioaccumulation factors (BFs) were 0.29, 2.00, 3.6, 1.9, and 4.0 for Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, and Zn, respectively. The translocation from roots to aerial parts showed an insignificant level of movement of Cu, Fe, and Ni. Hence, A. saccharinum is classified as excluder for Fe, Mn, Ni, and Zn, and avoider for Cu.     

Heavy metal accumulation in lichens growing in north side of Lucknow city, India

Accumulation of Pb, Fe, Cr, Zn, Cd, Ni, Cu and Hg metals in six common lichen species growing on Mangifera indica trees in mango orchard surrounding the north side of the Lucknow city, were analyzed. The study revealed the higher concentration of Pb (3.3 - 15.6 microgg(-1)), Cr (25.6 - 137.5 microgg(-1)), Zn (49.4 - 219.7 microgg(-1)), Cu (10.2 - 66.6 microgg(-1)) and Fe (1748 - 19374 microgg(-1)).     

Mobilization of different metals between Tamarix parts and their crystal salts – soil system at the banks of river Nile,Aswan, Egypt

In order to study the relation of the mobility and distribution of metals between Tamarix parts and their crystal salts – soil system, different experiments were conducted with plant-rich and plant-free soils at the banks of river Nile, Aswan, Egypt. For these purposes, Tamarix top and subsoil samples near and far from the plant were collected from six different locations at the banks of river Nile. Elemental analysis of Fe, Mn, Ca, Mg, Cr, Cu, Ni, Zn, Cd and Pb in soil, and in different parts of Tamarix and their crystal salt samples was carried out by atomic absorption spectrometry, whereas Na and K were measured by atomic emission spectrophotometry. The bioavailability of metals in the soil samples was evaluated by determining their contents using sequential extraction single-step, providing higher metal concentrations in occluded Fe/Mn oxide fraction. The ratio of heavy metal concentrations in topsoil to that in subsoil enhancement (RTE) ranged from 0.67 to 4.4 and 0.22 to 4.61 for soil Tamarix and soil free from plant, respectively for all measured total element concentrations. Data indicate that the mobility expressed as transfer factor (TF) was obtained as Fe?>?Mg?>?Cr?>?Mn?>?Ca?>?K?>?Na, for Tamarix leaves. The major part of accumulated Na in Tamarix is retained in the plant leaves, while roots accumulated high concentration of Co.     

Determination of heavy metal levels in medicinal plant Hemerocallis minor Miller by X-ray fluorescence spectrometry

Contamination of edible plants by toxic metals is a threat for human health. We applied for the first time applied the non-destructive X-ray fluorescence spectrometry (XRF) to determine concentrations of heavy metals, i.e., Fe, Ti, Mn, Cr, Cu, Ni, Zn, Sr and Ba in plant Hemerocallis minor Miller and soils. Because this plant is used in folk medicine, the metal content assessment is important for specifying relevance of application to produce drugs. This paper considers the distribution of elements between different parts of plant (rhizome, stalk, leaves and flowers). The contents of metals were determined as varying in flowers and leaves depending on the time of sampling. The acquired concentrations of elements have been compared with toxic levels provided in literature.     

Heavy metals in fish species from lotic freshwater ecosystem at Afikpo, Nigeria

A study was conducted between March 2006 and February 2007 to assess the concentration of Fe, Zn, Cu, Mn, Pb, and Cr in the gills and muscles of six fish species (Chrysichthys nigrodigitatus, Clarias anguillaris, Tillapia zillii, Mormyrus rume rume, Mormyrus macrophthalmus and Mormyrus tapirus) from lotic freshwater ecosystem at Afikpo South- East Nigeria using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer. In all the fish species studied the concentration of metals in the gills was significantly higher than that of the muscles (p<0.05). While the highest concentration (mg l(-1)) of Fe (702.20 +/- 0.04), Zn (34.40 +/- 0.02), Cu (2.10 +/- 0.01), Mn (4.91 +/- 0.08) Pb (0.50 +/- 0.02) and Cr (1.12 +/- 0.07) were recorded in the gills of C. nigrodigitatus, that in the muscles were recorded in T. zillii (443.20 +/- 0.08, 23.30 +/- 0.06, 1.33 +/- 0.06, 3.09 +/- 0.02, 0.31 +/- 0.01 and 0.66 +/- 0.04 for Fe, Zn, Cu, Mn, Pb and Cr respectively). The lowest concentration of all the heavy metals in the gills was recorded in M. tapirus (309.00 +/- 0.07, 16.45 +/- 0.03, 0.92 +/- 0.04, 2.15 +/- 0.04, 0.21 +/- 0.01 and 0.50 +/- 0.06 mg l(-1)for Fe, Zn, Cu Mn, Pb and Cr respectively) while the lowest in the muscles was recorded in C. anguillaris [Fe (186.00 +/- 0.07), Zn (14.20 +/- 0.08), Cu (0.56 +/- 0.03), Mn (1.30 +/- 0.02), Pb (0.10 +/- 0.01) and Cr (0.28 +/- 0.04)]. The order of heavy metals concentrations in both the gills and muscles was Fe>Zn>Mn>Cu>Cr>Pb. While the concentration of Zn, Cu and Pb both in the muscles and gills of all the six fish species studied were within the WHO and FEPA prescribed limits, that of Fe(except in the muscles), Mn and Cr were above the prescribed limits thus indicating contamination of the fish species by these metals. Fe has the highest bio-concentration factor (BCF) in both tissues while the least was Cu. Periodic monitoring of these metals in both fishes and river to ensure safety is advocated.     

宝山堇菜多金属吸收特征和耐性策略

宝山堇菜Viola baoshanensis Shu,Liu et Lan是一种Cd超富集植物,但它对不同重金属的吸收和转运能力有待进一步研究。从湖南桂阳宝山多金属矿区中筛选4个宝山堇菜优势分布的小生境,分析这些生境中宝山堇菜及其根区土壤的重金属质量分数。化学分析结果显示,宝山堇菜优势分布土壤中Cd、Pb、Zn、Cu、Mn和Fe的平均质量分数（mg/kg）分别为471、15 044、8 273、1 776、4 702和69 054。宝山堇菜地上部Cd、Pb、Zn、Cu、Mn和Fe的平均质量分数（mg/kg）分别为387、1 077、1 037、99、379和1 812,其中Cd、Pb超过超富集植物标准,Zn、Cu的平均质量分数大约是Zn、Cu超富集植物标准的10%,Mn的平均质量分数低于Mn超富集植物标准的5%,Fe的平均质量分数高于1 000 mg/kg。上述结果表明,宝山堇菜可以超富集Cd和Pb,富集Zn、Cu和Fe以及低积累Mn。此外,宝山堇菜对不同重金属差别化吸收模式可能也代表了超富集植物适应重金属复合污染土壤的一种策略。     

Phytoremediation of landfill leachate using Pennisetum clandestinum

Landfills are still the most widely used solid waste disposal method used across the world. Leachate generated from landfill areas exerts environmental risks mostly on surface and groundwater, with its high pollutant content, most notably metals, which cause an unbearable lower water quality. During dumping or after the capacity of the landfill has been reached, a decontamination and remediation program should be taken for the area. This study was conducted to assess the capacity and efficiency of Pennisetum clandestinum, a prostrate perennial plant, to accumulate chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), nickel (Ni), zinc (Zn) and lead (Pb). Leachate, taken from the Sofulu Landfill Site, was given to Pennisetum clandestinum for 180 days, in 3 dilution sets as 1/1, 1/2 and 1/4, in batch configuration. An additional control set was also installed for comparison. Results showed that, even though the metal content of soil had risen, plants accumulated 2 to 8.5 times higher concentrations than the control set. It is important to see, the plant showed almost no stress symptoms even if the set was fed by pure leachate. Pennisetum clandestinum was observed to accumulate metals mostly in the upper bodies, excluding Fe and Cu. 76% of accumulated Cr, 85% of Ni, 66% of Zn and 100% of Pb was observed to accumulate in above-ground parts, where only 20% of Cu and 4% of Fe was accumulated. Due to the high pollution tolerance of Pennisetum clandestinum, makes this plant suitable for decontamination and remediation of landfill sites.     

Physicochemical characteristics and distribution of some metals in the ecosystem of Lake Nasser,Egypt

To know the interrelationship between some metals in different ecosystem components (water, sediment, aquatic plant and fish), many samples from these components were collected from four bights at the Nasser Lake, Egypt, and analyzed for Fe, Mn, Zn, Ca, Mg, Pb, Cd, Ni, Co, Cu and Cr using atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Different distribution factors (bioaccumulation factor – BF, discrimination factor – DF and enrichment factor – EF) were applied on the results of analysis. Data showed that the relatively high concentration of measured metals in water samples are derived from fish farms, and discharge of tourism and trade ships. Applying single leaching sequential technique on sediment samples, using different extracting solutions, revealed a strong ability of trace metals to adsorb on or co-precipitate with amorphous Fe/Mn oxides. High concentrations of Fe, Mn, Co and Ni were measured in the intestine while high Cd and Cr concentrations were recorded in the stomach in both Tilapia (nilotica and galilea). Tilapia galilea accumulated high Pb, Cu and Zn concentrations in their stomach, while in nilotica high concentrations of Pb, Cu and Zn were measured in the intestine, liver and muscles, respectively. Myriophyllum spicatum (an aquatic plant) in the lake recorded high concentrations of Fe, Mn and Zn. Bioaccumulation factors of studied elements in the different bights components indicate that the elevated concentration of measured elements in the aquatic plant and Tilapia (nilotica and galilea) are derived from water, reflecting the increase of human activities in Nasser Lake in recent years. However, the present study concluded that all the elements studied were still below the natural back-ground levels, except Zn and Cu.     

Concentration of heavy metals in water and chub, Leuciscus cephalus (Linn.) from the river Yildiz, Turkey

The concentration of heavy metals (Cu, Fe and Zn) were determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometry in the river water and the edible muscle tissues of chub, Leuciscus cephalus, from river Yildiz, Turkey, and in the waste water The following results were found in the water of the river Yildiz: Cu 0.03-0.53, Fe 0.91-1.96 and Zn, 053-1.49 microgl(-1), in the waste water Cu 0.20-0.52, Fe 1.22-2.29 and Zn 0.92-1.46 microgl(-1) and in the edible muscle of chub: Cu 1.00-3.79, Fe 7.21-17.04 and Zn 4.12-18.33 microg g(-1) wet weight respectively. Among the heavy metals studied Pb, Cd, Co, Cr, Ni and Mn were not detected in the river water, waste water and chub samples. Heavy metal contents in these samples were evaluated and the highest concentrations of Cu, Fe and Zn were found in the muscle tissue. The levels of the heavy metals were detected in decreasing order as iron> zinc> copper. All the samples contained comparatively lower amounts of metals as suggested by international and national regulatory bodies. Thus, we recommend periodic monitoring of these metals in the fish consumed by local people.     

复合污染下Cu、Cr、Ni和Cd在水稻植株中的富集特征

掌握水稻对污染土壤中重金属的吸收和富集特征,为科学认识水稻中重金属的残留问题、健康风险提供理论依据。采用田间试验,研究了4个不同处理量Cu、Cr、Ni、Cd复合污染下水稻的富集特征及其随生育期的变化规律。结果表明,重金属在水稻植株各部位中吸收富集系数的大小依次为：Cd〉Cu〉Ni〉Cr,根部重金属吸收富集系数是地上各部位的吸收富集系数的2~100倍。各重金属在水稻植株不同部位的积累分布明显不同,成熟期水稻植株中Cu在水稻不同部位的质量分数为根〉茎≥叶〉米粒〉谷壳,Ni的分布规律为根〉叶〉茎〉米粒〉谷壳,Cr的分布规律为根〉叶〉谷壳≥茎〉米粒,Cd的分布规律为根〉茎〉叶〉米粒〉谷壳;且随着重金属处理量的增加,水稻植株不同部位的重金属质量分数也呈上升趋势。成熟期米粒中Cu、Ni、Cr和Cd的质量分数范围分别为：4.50~6.19、1.86~4.63、0.72~0.76和0.08~0.39 mg·kg-1,与无公害食品标准（GB15199-94、GBT2762-2005）相比,米粒中Cu和Cr的质量分数均未超标,而Ni和Cd（Cd高剂量处理时）的质量分数均超标,存在食用安全风险。重金属在水稻植株不同部位的质量分数随生育期均呈现先升后降的趋势,灌浆中期达到最大,而到成熟期又明显降低。不同重金属在水稻植株中的富集能力和分布规律均呈现明显差异,不同生育期水稻植株中重金属的质量分数明显不同但其质量分数变化呈明显规律性。     

Tessaria absinthioides: a possible bio‐monitor for Cd,Pb, and Cu,in the middle and lower basin of the loa river,North Chile

Some ecotoxic metals such as Cd, Pb, and Cu in Tessaria absinthioides were quantified to study its possible use as a bio‐indicator and/or bio‐monitor of these metals. This plant was chosen for its abundance in the area under study, along Chile and even in southern Latin America. For Cd, Pb, and Cu in all three parts of the plant (leaves, stems and roots) a different concentration pattern in each sampling areas was observed. In sampling areas Coya Sur and La Cascada copper and cadmium concentration decrease in order: leaves > roots > stems. In samples collected in Xalquincha the lowest concentrations of Cd and Pb were observed in stems. A maximum of cadmium concentration (9ug/gd.w. in leaves) was found in samples from La Cascada, a inflow to river Loa in Calama. High concentrations of lead were found in roots and leaves. Collected data demonstrate that the main pathway for cadmium is from ground water via roots into the plant. Some data obtained for lead and copper indicate that the influence of dust particles adsorbed on leaves and stems can be higher than uptake from ground water.     

Metals in Cancer irroratus (Crustacea: Decapoda): Concentrations,concentration factors,discrimination factors,correlations

Nine metals were analysed in whole specimens of the decapod crustancean Cancer irroratus, and three in the exoskeleton of Carcinus maenas. In terms of concentrations (expressed as parts per millions) and concentration factors, 2 groups of metals could be distinguished in Cancer irroratus: Zn, Cu, Fe and Mn in one group, Ca, Mg, Sr, Na and K in the other group. Na excepted, all the metals had concentration factors significantly higher (P<0.01) than 1. The concentration factor of Na was significantly lower (P<0.01) than 1, demonstrating the existence in C. irroratus of a barrier to the movement of Na into the crustacean from its environment. Studies of coefficients of discrimination (D), in C. irroratus, for metals considered in pairs, showed, in each case that D was significantly different (Plt;0.01) from 1. Only the discrimination factor between, Zn and Mn was less significantly different (0.05lt;Plt;0.1) from 1. Correlations were made between the concentrations of metals and other parameters: water content, size, and ash content. Significant correlations were found, especially in the cases of the pairs Ca?Sr, Na?K, Cu?Zn, and Mn-animal size.     

Uptake of seven metals by two macrophytes species: potential for phytoaccumulation and phytoremediation

Aquatic macrophytes can be used in the studies of quality of water ecosystems and in monitoring of metals and other pollutants. The aim of this study was to assess concentration levels, accumulation and distribution of seven metals in selected plant parts of Typha angustifolia L. and Iris pseudacorus L., in comparison with sediment and water samples of a reservoir. Metal content in the samples was determined by optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES iCAP 6500). The concentrations of all examined metals were higher in the sediment than in the water samples. In plants, metal concentrations depended on plant species and organs. The roots/rhizomes were primary organs for metal concentration and accumulation. T. angustifolia L. accumulated Mn and Cu, and I. pseudacorus L. accumulated Cd and Cu in the fruits. T. angustifolia L. hyperaccumulated As. The values of enrichment coefficients and translocation factors were: 0 to 3.31 and 0 to 2.39, respectively. The plant species investigated absorb, translocate and accumulate metals in their organs differently, which provides advantages in combining them for remediation of wasted aquatic ecosystems.     

大坞河流域重金属污染与五节芒光谱效应关系研究

以大坞河流域五节芒（Miscanthus floridulus）可见一近红外光谱以及叶片样本Cu、Zn、Fe元素质量分数监测数据为基础，对研究区内五节芒中重金属质量分数特征、光谱特征及两者的相关性进行了探讨。结果表明：五节芒叶片中3种金属元素的质量分数都较高；从上游到下游，五节芒叶片中Cu质量分数整体呈逐渐降低的趋势，五节芒光谱反射率在可见光区和近红外区均增加，红边“红移”（向长波方向飘移）强度逐渐减小；同时，五节芒叶片中Cu质量分数与五节芒可见光区、近红外区光谱反射率积分值呈负相关性，与红边“红移”强度、土壤中Cu质量分数呈正相关。并由此得出五节芒光谱特征中A1、A2、S等3项指标能够较好反映土壤的Cu污染程度，经进一步深入研究，可以将五节芒作为监测矿区土壤Cu污染的指示植物。     

电镀污染区植物对复合重金属的富集、转移和对污染土壤的修复潜力

采用野外采样室内分析方法,对重庆市3个电镀厂污染区自然定居的23种优势植物和相应土壤中Cu、Zn、Cr和Ni 4种重金属含量进行测定,揭示了优势植物对复合污染重金属的富集和转移特征。结果表明,电镀污染区土壤中Cu、Zn、Cr和Ni平均含量分别为560.0、722.6、1 364.3和735.7 mg·kg-1,分别为GB 15618—1995《土壤环境质量标准》中三级标准限值的1.40、1.45、3.90和3.68倍。植物对重金属的吸收、富集和转移特性因植物种类、植株部位、污染地及重金属种类的不同而不同,污染地植物吸收的重金属富集滞留在根部较多,扁穗牛鞭草(Hemarthria compressa)和野薄荷(Mentha haplocalyx)表现出超富集Cr的潜力,其地上部分Cr平均含量分别为1 559.2和1 914.6 mg.kg-1,生物转运系数分别为1.29和1.58,生物富集系数分别为1.58和1.79,其他植物地上部分Cr含量超过正常植物百倍以上的有14种,平均富集量为376.4 mg·kg-1,变化范围为121.2～694.3 mg·kg-1,地上部分Ni含量超过正常植物百倍以上的有8种,平均富集量为344.1 mg·kg-1,变化范围为220.3～532.1 mg·kg-1。它们是修复电镀重金属Cr和Ni复合污染土壤的理想植物。     

Accumulation of heavy metals in soil and paddy crop (Oryza sativa), irrigated with water of Ramgarh Lake,Gorakhpur, UP,India

Heavy metals, a highly polluting group of constituents known to exert adverse effects, tend to accumulate in living organisms. The objective of this study was to determine the accumulation and translocation of heavy metals in soil and in paddy crop irrigated with lake water compared to soil and paddy crop irrigated with bore-well water. The quantities of heavy metals (Cd, Cr, Cu, Pb, Zn, As, Mn, and Hg) were determined in different parts of rice plants (Oryza sativa). Results revealed that the mean levels of soil Cd, Cr, Pb, Zn, As, Mn, and Hg in experimental soil and in different parts of rice plant (root, straw, and grain) were higher than the control except for Cu. The content of eight toxic metals was significantly higher in root than in aerial parts of the rice (straw and grains). Rice roots were enriched in Cd, As, Hg, and Pb from the soil, while Cr, Cu, Zn, and Mn were hardly taken by the roots. Bioaccumulation factor for Hg was significantly higher than other heavy metals. Metal transfer factors from soil to rice plants were significant for Cd, Cr, Cu, Pb, Zn, As, Mn, and Hg. The concentrations of metals in lake water were found to be within the permissible limit of Indian standard prescribed by Central Pollution Control Board (2000), except for Hg and As, which were higher than the limit of Indian standard. However, the concentrations of heavy metals in soil and rice grains were still below the maximal levels, as stipulated by Indian Prevention of Food Adulteration Act (PFA, 1954) and World Health Organization (WHO, 1993) guidelines.     

太湖、巢湖沉积物中重金属污染的总量特征及其区域性差异

选取太湖、巢湖污染较为严重的区域为研究对象,采集季节性沉积物柱状样,以0.5cm的间距高精度分割样品,分析其中的Fe,Mn,Cu,Zn等重金属元素的含量,对沉积物中重金属的总量特征及季节性变化特征进行了分析,得出以下结论:太湖、巢湖沉积物中重金属的总量均呈现出Fe>Mn>Zn>Cu的特征,季节性变化幅度为Mn>Fe>Zn>Cu,重金属元素的地球化学性质对其季节性变化有很大的影响.同时,不同的区域背景差异(如元素丰度、污染状况等)导致了太湖、巢湖采样点沉积物中重金属元素季节性特征的差异.     

天津市路面雨水径流重金属污染特征

对天津市3条典型主要交通干线雨水径流中的Cr、Cd、Fe、Cu、Hg 5种重金属进行了取样监测,重点探讨了路面径流重金属的平均质量浓度、冲洗特征、重金属之间以及重金属与悬浮物之间的相关关系,并用聚类分析方法对降雨特征对重金属污染的影响进行了研究。结果表明,天津市路面雨水径流重金属污染严重,Fe、Cr和Cd质量浓度较高,污染贡献率大,为径流主要重金属污染物;重金属污染水平高于国内外城市研究结果,反映出天津市在道路路面环境维护和管理上与其他城市的差距。路面径流的重金属具有明显的径流初期冲洗效应,在径流的初始阶段,重金属质量浓度达到最大值,随着降雨和径流的延续,污染物质量浓度呈波浪性锯齿状下降,至降雨结束,重金属质量浓度最终趋于稳定。径流中不同种类重金属具有同源性,且与径流中的悬浮固体具有明显的相互依存关系,重金属主要以悬浮固体吸附的形式或重金属颗粒形式存在。通过聚类分析可知,重金属污染受降雨强度和前期晴天积累影响显著,其次是降雨量和降雨历时。     

Metal partitioning in sediment pore water from the Ondo coastal region,Nigeria

Distribution and equilibrium partitioning of metals (Cd, Cu, Cr, Fe, Ni, Pb, Mn, and Zn) between pore water and surface sediments at the Ilaje coast of Ondo State, Nigeria, were studied. The Ilaje River can be one of the interesting research locations because of its economic nature and history of oil pollution. Seasonal variations were observed to investigate possible variations in the availability of metals for organisms throughout the year. The concentrations in both sediments and pore water during the dry and wet seasons were as follows: Cu?>?Fe???Mn?>?Pb?>?Ni?>?Cr?>?Cd?>?Zn. The pore water–sediment partition coefficient (K _p) showed that Zn and Cd were highly mobile while Fe and Cu have restricted mobility. Dissolved organic carbon (DOC) in pore water had a strong influence on mobility and bioavailability of all the metals (p?K _oc), increased levels of Fe and Cu were linked to lithological origin. Concentrations of Pb and Ni were associated with petroleum-related sources. The significance of the field-based techniques for ecotoxicological purposes is discussed.