آب و فاضلاب (Sep 2009)
Study of the Physicochemical Characteristics and Heavy Metal of Concentrations Sediments of the Karoon River for their Application in Agriculture
Abstract
River sediments are a mixture of eroded soils washed in from the upstream areas that can be put to reuse. Depending on the particle size, heavy metals concentration, and the physical and chemical characteristics of the dredged sediments, they can be used for a variety of applications such as wild habitant development, agricultural soil enrichment, or for manufacturing constructional materials. The objective of this study was to determine the physico-chemical characteristics of theKaroonRiversediments at different depths and in different seasons at 4 gauging stations along the river in the city ofAhvaz. Samples were collected from 4 depths (0-25, 25-50, 50-75, and 75-100 cm) by a pistonic sampler in the spring and summer seasons (Feb. 2008 and Sep. 2008). The sediment samples were analyzed to determine concentration of heavy metals (Cr, Co, Cu, Zn, Pb, Cd, and Ni), OM%, CEC, TN, P, and soluble cation and anion concentrations .The results showed that the concentration of heavy metals, EC, pH, OM%, TN, and P in the shallower sediments were higher than those of the deeper samples. The results also showed that copper concentration was at its upper limit but TN%, P, andOM% in the sediments were low. However, EC, pH, and potassium concentration in sediments were at their normal levels. It was concluded that the sediments could be recommended for reuse in farms where farm products are not used as food or for direct human use.
