Sediment-associated metals levels along the sewer-natural treatment wetland continuum, Phnom Penh, Cambodia. Issue 8 (16th November 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Sereyrath, Lim; Irvine, K.N.; Murphy, T.P.; Wilson, K.
• Is Part Of: Urban water journal. Volume 13:Issue 8(2016)
• Page Start: 819
• Page End: 829
• Publication Date: 2016-11-16
• Subjects: Phnom Penh -- wetlands treatment -- sewer sediment -- threshold effect concentration -- X-ray fluorescence; Municipal water supply -- Management -- Periodicals; Water-supply -- Planning -- Periodicals; 628.1
• DOI: 10.1080/1573062X.2015.1036088
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1573-062X

Abstract

Abstract : Sediment deposited within open sewers of Phnom Penh and the natural wetland that treats the waste was sampled and analyzed by X-ray fluorescence (XRF). Mean levels of Pb, Zn (P < 0.05), and Cu (P = 0.08) were greater in the sewer samples than the wetland, while As was not different (P>0.2), and Mn was greater (P < 0.06) in the wetland. Pb, Cu, and Zn levels generally were lower at the wetland outlet and in quiescent areas, suggesting deposition occurs along the sewer/wetland continuum. Background (natural) levels of Mn and As are higher in soils/sediments of this region and levels in the wetland likely reflect these background levels than enrichment from anthropogenic activity. Although 60% of all metals levels in the wetland samples exceeded USEPA threshold effect concentrations, results of recent studies that analyzed fish and vegetables from the wetland showed a small health risk associated with consumption. The XRF was a good tool for environmental analysis in a developing country.