Mercury characteristics of the riverine fringe of Huludao city in China

摘要

The forming of the riverine fringe of Wuli River in Huludao City, Northeast China and mercury concentrations in sediments and plants were investigated. Ecological Risk Index (ERI) was used to estimate the mercury of the sediments. Wuli River is a seasonal river and has typical characteristics of riverine fringe, where different plants developed in the corresponding ecological habitat. Mercury concentrations in vertical profile (0-5cm) ranged from 0.037 to 160.7mg/kg, with an average value of 9.24mg/kg. Mercury concentrations in plants were in the order of Rhizorna Cyperi>Echinochloa crusgalli (L.) Beauv>Phragmites communis Trim, and the mercury concentrations in the tissues of all plants were in the order of root>leaf>sterm. The calculated ERI indicates that mercury contamination in Wuli River is a serious problem and the ecological risk of the contaminated sediments is of great concern.