Using stable lead isotopes to trace heavy metal contamination sources in sediments of Xiangjiang and Lishui Rivers in China

Lead isotopes and heavy metal concentrations were measured in two sediment cores sampled in estuaries of Xiangjiang and Lishui Rivers in Hunan province, China. The presence of anthropogenic contribution was observed in both sediments, especially in Xiangjiang sediment. In the Xiangjiang sediment, the lower Pb-206/Pb-207 and higher Pb-208/Pb-206 ratio, than natural Pb isotope signature (1.198 and 2.075 for Pb-206/Pb-207 and Pb-208/Pb-206, respectively), indicated a significant input of non-indigenous Pb with low Pb-206/Pb-207 and high Pb-208/Pb-206. The corresponding concentrations of heavy metals (As, Cd, Zn, Mn and Pb) were much higher than natural values, suggesting the contaminations of heavy metals from extensive ore-mining activities in the region. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.