A comparative study of chemical contamination in sediments of East River (Dongjiang) and selected reservoirs in Hong Kong

Abstract

The levels of TKN, orthophosphate, heavy metals and trace organics including total PCBs and PAHs in the sediments of the East River (Dongjiang) and various reservoirs in Hong Kong were chemically analyzed. It was found that the sediments of various sections of Dongjing and the Shenzhen Reservoir were contaminated by heavy metals at slight to medium levels. Generally speaking, the highest levels of Cd, Cu, Ni, Pb and Zn were recorded in the middle and lower tributaries of Dongjaing, particularly those near Tangxia and Guanlan. Slight amount of PCBs, PAHs were also detected in the lower sections of Dongjiang, indicating industrial contamination due to economic growth in the 1980–90s. Comparatively, only slight amounts of heavy metals were detected in the sediments of some Hong Kong reservoirs that store imported Dongjiang water. Moreover, trace organics including PCBs and PAHs were rarely detected in the reservoirs of Hong Kong. Nevertheless, the high acidity in the sediments of Hong Kong reservoirs is noteworthy. Results revealed that the Dongjiang waters were purified to a certain extent before being imported to and stored at the Hong Kong reservoirs. At present, health risks from the drinking water of Hong Kong are not apparent. However, the long-term trend of organic and inorganic contamination in Dongjiang should not be overlooked and remedial actions should be taken as early as possible. Collaboration between the governments of Hong Kong and Mainland China in tackling chemical pollution in drinking water is an example of cross-border cooperation and control measures should be stepped up as soon as possible.