ASSESSMENT OF HEAVY METALS CONTENT IN BOTTOM SEDIMENTS AND THEIR INTERSTITIAL WATER OF THE RIVER PRUT (MOLDOVA)

Abstract

Assessment of heavy metals content in bottom sediments and their interstitial water of the River Prut (Moldova) Composition and quality of natural waters, determined by several factors depending on environmental conditions, is influenced also by the equilibrium of mobilization-immobilization processes of pollutants at the interface of the various phases, in particular, water-particulate materials-bottom sediments system. The peculiarities of spatial, seasonal and multi-annual dynamics of heavy metals content (Cu, Ni, Cr, Zn, Pb, Cd) in aquatic sediments and their interstitial water along the Prut River were established. In order to determinate total content of heavy metals in bottom sediments the procedure recommended by the Geological Agency of USA was used. Obtained results revealed the accumulation of most metals in bottom sediments on the lower course of the Prut River. Maximal content of Zn was recorded on the middle course of the river.

Keywords

• heavy metals
• bottom sediments
• interstitial water