Heavy metals in sediments of the Rio dos Sinos, as environmental hazard indicators

Abstract

The studied area is one of the most intensively populated ones of Rio Grande do Sul with intensive industrial activities. The heavy metals analysed were Cr, Pb, Cu, Zn, Ni and Cd. Pollution analysis was performed by comparing: metal total concentrations in sediments and local background; metal concentration in mobile phases and local background; total metal concentrations and metal levels reported in the literature and in the Geoaccumulation Index. The study reveals that the urbanization and industrialization processes are associated with higher concentrations of heavy metals. Cr, Cu and Zn have higher concentrations in the sediments of the region. To keep the Sinos River and tributaries clean for the future, it is strongly recommended that urban and industrial effluents should be treated before discharge into the river.