[Distribution patterns of heavy metals in surface sediments of the Quanzhou Bay and environmental quality assessment].

The concentrations of 7 heavy metals were determined in 48 surface sediments in the Quanzhou Bay by an inductively coupled plasma mass spectroscopy (ICP-MS). The average contents of Cr, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Cd and Pb are 47.66, 52.2, 30.86, 111.6, 5.29, 0.399 and 50.3 microg x g(-1), respectively. The Cd, Pb, Zn and As were mainly discharged into the Quanzhou Bay by Jinjiang River, while the materials near the Bay might supply a considerable amount of Cr, Ni and Cu. The result of the multi-analysis ecological risk index analyses revealed that Cr, Ni, Cu, Zn, Pb and As were moderately contaminated and presented low potential ecological risk, while Cd was heavily contaminated and raised high potential ecological risk. In general, moderately contaminated and potential ecological risk were occurred in whole Quanzhou Bay with the dominated polluted metals were Ni and Cd. The heavily contaminated area was corresponded to the high potential ecological risk area, which located at the confluent area of Jinjiang River and Luoyangjiang River. From the results of this study, we conclude that the Quanzhou Bay has been heavily polluted by heavy metals, therefore much environmental control should be continued and strengthen to Quanzhou Bay and its adjacent areas.