LEAD CONTAMINATIONS IN THE CHANTHABURI RIVERAND VICINITY AREAS, CHANTHABURI PROVINCE, THAILAND

Abstract

ASTRACT           This research was conducted to investigate lead (Pb) contaminations in water and sediment in the Chanthaburi River and surface soil in the vicinity areas along the river. The samples were collected to estimate Pb concentrations found in river water and sediment and potential environmental risks by Hazard Quotient Equation (HQ). The results revealed that the distribution of Pb in surface soils from orchards located on the bank along the river in dry and wet seasons were in the ranges of 4.06 to 4.67 and 4.60 to 4.80 mg/kg, dry weight (dw), respectively, while the potential environmental risks of those surface soil were not at risks (HQ < 0.1). The Pb concentrations in the water of the Chanthaburi River from upstream down to estuaries in both seasons were ranged from not detectable (ND) to 0.002 and ND to 0.005 mg/l, respectively. Likewise, the potential environmental risks of water were not at risks. Also, the concentrations of Pb in sediment collected in dry and wet seasons were in the ranges of 2.20 to 4.24 and 2.46 to 4.34 mg/kg, dw, respectively. The potential environmental risks of sediment were not at risks as well. It could be concluded that this project area was still not at risks.