국내 남해 및 남서해안지역 해양퇴적물과 저서성 유공충 골격내 중금속함량

Heavy Metal Concentrations of Marine Surface Sediments and Benthic Foraminifera in Southern and Southwestern Coastal Areas of Korea

The skeletal chemistry of calcareous microfossils may contribute to the classification of various biological processes and be used as an environmental indicator for future pollution. In order to examine the degree of heavy metal pollutions in marine environments, samples of sediment and benthonic foraminifera were taken from 5 study areas from 3 different stations in coastal offshore regions of Korea. After sieving, cleaning and acid digestion, sample were analyzed for heavy metals by ICP-MS, ICP-AES and AAS. Concentrations of Cd, Cu, Pb and Zn in most of marine sediments from 5 study areas are not higher than those in sediments from unpolluted marine environment in the U.K.. However, pollution indices are up to 0.96~0.99 in the Gwangyang and Yulchon areas which are classified as the special control distric along the coast for pollution. The pollution indices decrease in order of Yulchon > Gwangyang > Mokpo > Gamak = Yoja > Yonggwang areas. Concentrations of Mg, Pb, Sr and Zn in Ammonia beccarii Pseudorotalia gaimardii, Quinqueloculina lamarckiana are reduced after pre-treatment of samples. From the result of bioconcentration index, Mg is easily accumulated in microfossils and Quinqueloculina lamarckiana may be used as the best indicator for future pollution.