Analysis and estimation of trace metals in seawater and sediment in the South China Sea, Area IV: Vietnamese waters

Abstract

Water samples from off shore of Vietnam from latitude 6°N to 21°N and longitude 103°C to 112°E were collected on 30 April 1999 to 29 May 1999 and analyzed for copper (Cu), lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), zinc (Zn), nickel (Ni), chromium (Cr), arsenic (As) and mercury (Hg). The concentration of metals Cu, Pb, Cd, Zn, Ni and Cr was measure using flameless atomic absorption spectroscopy. The total concentration of all eight metals was in concentration ranges of unpolluted coastal water. The results indicated that the concentration of metals in bottom layer higher than in surface layer. Also, trace metal contents in the surface sediment were studied in off shore of Vietnam during this cruise. Total metals content were measured. The range of concentration of metals were 10.3 - 71.0 mg.g^-1 for Cu, 12.9 - 33.7 mg.g^-1 for Pb, 1.29 - 18.72 mg.g^-1 for Cd, 45.8 - 164.8 mg.g^-1 for Zn, 21.2 - 93.6 mg.g^-1 for Cr, 5.7 - 45.8 mg.g^-1 for Ni, 1.64 - 3.80 mg.g^-1 for As, and 0.104 - 0.493 mg.g^-1 for Hg. The levels found in the present study are similar to data from other marine.