Using modified sediment quality guidelines and pollution indices to evaluate water quality degradation
摘要
The modified sediment quality guidelines and pollution indices highlighted deviations in water quality in this study. Ten composite sediment samples (each composed of four sub‑samples) and ten water samples were collected from the Drini Bardhe River. Chromium, cadmium, lead, nickel, iron, manganese, and copper were analyzed in both water and sediment using Flame Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy. In sediment, cadmium and nickel concentrations exceeded the New Dutch list thresholds (0.839/0.800 mg/kg and 63.47/35.00 mg/kg). Also, cadmium and nickel exceeded the limits set by the modified guidelines, including the Threshold Effect concentration and the lowest effect level. In the analyzed water samples and compared to the maximum allowable limits established by Directives 75/440/EEC and 2008/105/EC, the concentrations of some elements exceeded these limits (chromium 0.110 mg/dm3/0.050 mg/dm3, nickel 0.250 mg/dm3/0.200 mg/dm3, manganese 0.064 mg/dm3/0.050 mg/dm3, copper 0.200 mg/dm3/0.050 mg/dm3, and iron 0.732 mg/dm3/0.300 mg/dm3). Assessment through pollution indices revealed a moderate degree of sediment contamination. The contamination factor ranged from 0.11 to 1.80, the geo-accumulation index from 0.020 to 0.360, and the enrichment factor from 0.11 to 0.44, indicating minimal pollution. The pollution load index indicated a baseline pollution value of 0.0018. Overall, the assessment of metal concentrations and their association with pollution indices demonstrates their adverse impact on water quality. Recommend ongoing monitoring of both sediment and water quality to reduce anthropogenic impact.