Study on Pollution Sources and Degree of Sediments in Seven Rivers Flowing into Taihu Lake

[Objective] The study aimed to analyze the pollution sources and degree of sediments in seven rivers flowing into Taihu Lake.[Method] Based on a survey for the sediments in seven rivers flowing into the northwestern Taihu Lake from 2005 to 2007,the molar ratio of major elements was used to determine the main pollution sources of each channel,and the heavy metal pollution of sediments in the seven rivers was assessed by enrichment coefficient.[Result] Mashan River,Liangxi River and Xiwan River mainly suffered municipal pollution;Zhihu Port and Caoqiao River were chiefly subjected by to industrial pollution;Dapu River and Wujin River were mainly affected agricultural pollution.The pollution of the rivers by heavy metals mainly from industries was the most seriously,followed by the pollution caused by agricultural activities,while the pollution of the rivers resulting from municipal pollution sources was the minimum.[Conclusion] The research could provide scientific references for the control of river pollution by heavy metals along Taihu Lake basin.