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Characterization of the Danube River sediments using the PMF multivariate approach
Sara Comero1, Stefano Vaccaro, Giovanni Locoro
1Department of Earth Sciences "Ardito Desio", University of Milan, Via Botticelli 23, 20133 Milan, Italy; European Commission, Joint Research Centre, Institute for Environment and Sustainability, Via Enrico Fermi, 21020 Ispra, Italy.
Positive matrix factorization identified sediment sources in the Danube River. Natural carbonate and alumino-silicate components were found, alongside an anthropogenic source linked to heavy metals and agricultural pollutants.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Chemistry
- Geochemistry
- Pollution Analysis
Background:
- Sediment composition in large river systems reflects diverse geological and anthropogenic influences.
- Understanding sediment sources is crucial for effective water resource management and pollution control in the Danube Basin.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify and characterize natural and anthropogenic sources of sediment pollution in the Danube River and its tributaries.
- To utilize chemical composition data for source apportionment.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of 148 bottom sediment samples collected during the Joint Danube Survey 2 (JDS2).
- Elemental analysis using X-ray fluorescence (XRF) for multiple elements (e.g., Al, Si, Ca, Fe, Pb, Hg).
- Application of Positive Matrix Factorization (PMF) for source identification and apportionment.
Main Results:
- Three primary sediment sources were identified across the entire dataset: a carbonate component (Ca, Mg), an alumino-silicate component (Si, Al, natural metals), and an anthropogenic component (Hg, S, P, heavy metals).
- Analysis of the Danube River dataset alone revealed the same three factors.
- Tributary-specific analysis identified an additional factor dominated by S and P, likely linked to agricultural fertilizer use.
Conclusions:
- PMF is effective in distinguishing natural and anthropogenic sediment sources in the Danube Basin.
- Agricultural practices, particularly fertilizer application, significantly contribute to sediment pollution in Danube tributaries.
- Differentiated source identification is essential for targeted environmental management strategies in riverine ecosystems.
