Spatial and vertical distribution analysis of heavy metals in urban retention tanks sediments: a case study of Strzyza Stream

Concentrations of seven heavy metals (HMs): Zn, Cu, Pb, Cd, Ni, Cr, and Fe in core samples of bottom sediments from four retention tanks (RTs) located along the Strzyza Stream in northern Poland (Gdansk) were measured to obtain a general view of sediment quality. The recognition of contamination and potential environmental impacts is the main aim of this paper. A total of 96 sediment samples were collected from eight sampling sites at depths of 0–2 cm, 8–10 cm, 16–18 cm, 24–26 cm. Concentrations of Cu, Zn, Pb, Fe, Ni, and Cr were measured with AAS while Cd concentration was measured with ICP-MS. Granulometric analyses with normalized sieve apertures were carried out. Geochemical indices: enrichment factor, anthropogenic factor, and modified degree of contamination (mCd) were used to assess the contamination level. Concentrations of HMs in sediments changed in the range: Cu (3.24–119 mg/kg d.w.), Zn (12.5–584 mg/kg d.w.), Pb (4.91–309 mg/kg d.w.), Cd (0.003–0.716 mg/kg d.w.), Ni (1.57–25.8 mg/kg d.w.), Cr (2.45–74.5 mg/kg d.w.), and Fe (3993–63817 mg/kg d.w.). The sequential extraction verified the bonding of HMs with non-mobile fractions. Geochemical indices showed widespread pollution by Cu, Pb, Cd, and Zn. Cluster and factor analysis distinguished three related subgroups of HMs: Pb, Ni–Cr, and Fe–Cd–Cu–Zn, suggesting possible common source of each subgroup. Strongly contaminated sediments were distinguished in sediment cores in two middle stream RTs characterized by intense urbanization in their direct catchments. ELECTRONIC SUPPLEMENTARY MATERIAL: The online version of this article (10.1007/s10653-019-00439-8) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.