Distribution and Assessment of Trace Elements Contamination in Sediments of Conceição River Basin, Brazil

The Conceição river basin, in Quadrilátero Ferrífero (Iron Quadrangle), Brazil, has a long mining history which dates back to the late 17th century, with large gold and iron mines. These activities may be associated sediment contamination by trace elements, were evaluated this paper enrichment factor (EF) (CF). Potential ecological risks, assessed combining quality control guidelines (SQCG) potential risk indexes (Er RI), are presented. Anomalous values for As (92.5 mg·kg−1), Cd (22.49 Cr (2582 Cu (65.9 Pb (58.6 mg·kg−1) Zn (133.4 observed. EF CF indicate Cd, Cr, Fe, Mn, Ni at least one site, highest Fe Mn downstream of mines, close According SQGC Er, As, most probable result adverse effects on sediment-dwelling organisms study. results principal component analysis (PCA) distinct lithological units as sources analyzed which, indexes, made it possible first time delimit classify high concentrations some elements basin.