Heavy metals distribution in the sediments of Ganges and Brahmaputra Rivers

Journal Article · Thu Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1987 · Environmental Geology and Water Sciences; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02449940· OSTI ID:5595397

Subramanian, V ^[1]; Van Grieken, R; Van't Dack, L ^[2]

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1. Jawaharial Nehru Univ., New Delhi (India)
2. Univ. of Antwep, Wilrijk (Belgium)

Bed sediments were collected from the entire region of the Ganges basin and some parts of the Brahmaputra. In addition, selected stations were sampled for suspended sediments as well. The samples were analyzed for a number of heavy metals (Fe, Mn, Ni, Cr, Cu, and Zn) by the thin-film energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence technique. There are pronounced temporal and spatial variations in the heavy metals distributions. Suspended sediments are 5-10 times richer than the bed sediments. None of the tributaries contribute significant heavy metal load, but around urban areas in Yamuna (tributary of Ganges), very high levels due to the distribution from the drainage network are observed. Compared to the Brahmaputra, the distribution and fractionation of heavy metals in the Ganges sediments are more erratic and highly variable. All the metals considered show high correlation among themselves. Given the high flux of suspended sediments from the Himalayan rivers (nearly 20% of the global flux), the worldwide budget for heavy metal transport may need to be suitable revised.

• OSTI ID: 5595397
• Journal Information: Environmental Geology and Water Sciences; (United States), Journal Name: Environmental Geology and Water Sciences; (United States) Vol. 9:2; ISSN 0177-5146; ISSN EGWSE
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
540320 -- Environment
Aquatic-- Chemicals Monitoring & Transport-- (1990-)
58 GEOSCIENCES
580000* -- Geosciences
ASIA
CHEMICAL ANALYSIS
CHEMICAL COMPOSITION
CHEMISTRY
DEVELOPING COUNTRIES
ENVIRONMENTAL TRANSPORT
GANGA RIVER
GEOCHEMISTRY
INDIA
MASS TRANSFER
NONDESTRUCTIVE ANALYSIS
RIVERS
SEDIMENTS
STREAMS
SURFACE WATERS
WATER CHEMISTRY
X-RAY EMISSION ANALYSIS
X-RAY FLUORESCENCE ANALYSIS