Sedimentary metals in developing tropical watersheds in relation to their urbanization intensities

The spatial distribution of seven metals (Pb, Hg, Cd, Cr, Ni, Cu, and Zn) and As in the surface sediments from three major tributaries of a tropical urbanizing river network (i.e., Chao Phraya River, Thachin River, and Pasak River) was investigated. An obvious metal concentration gradient in response to the intensity of urbanization was found at inter-watershed and intra-watershed scales. Sediment Quality Guidelines (SQGs) exceedances of several metals (Pb, Cr, Ni, Cu, and Zn) and high ecological risk were primarily identified at the down streams of Chao Phraya and Thachin watersheds, where the social-economic center of the country with intensive industries is located. Stepwise multiple linear regression revealed significant correlations between studied metals and catchment land use pattern (with p < 0.0001 except for Ni and Cr). Particularly, urban land use showed remarkable effect on sedimentary Pb, Cd, Cu, and Zn loads with high coefficients over 0.65. The results of cluster analysis and principal component analysis indicated the dominated urban/industrial sources for Pb, Cd, Cu, and Zn, mixed natural and industrial sources for Cr and Ni, and diffuse sources for Hg and As in the watersheds, respectively.