Distribution of Heavy Metals in Korean Coastal Areas Correlated to Emission from Industrial Operations

Abstract

Seawater from along the coast of the Korean Peninsula was analyzed for heavy metal concentrations three times over a period of 8 years. Samples showed that Cu concentrations increased during the testing period, whereas Cd, Cr, Pb, and Zn concentrations decreased between 2006 and 2009 before increasing or holding constant between 2009 and 2013. To understand this pattern, the annual amounts of heavy metal discharge from industrial sources were compared with the heavy metal concentrations in the seawater. In the case of Cu, Zn, and Cr, measured concentrations corresponded to discharged amounts. Furthermore, Cu and Zn concentrations exceeded acceptable standards established by the South Korean government in 70% and 67% of the sampling points in 2013, respectively. The effect of waste emission on the concentration of heavy metals in seawater was larger than that of industrial or nonindustrial complex areas. Principal component analysis results revealed that between 2006 and 2009, same heavy metals were formed as components, while 2013 produced different results, suggesting a change to the marine environment. Compared to adjacent countries, Korean ocean waters consisted of relatively higher Cu and Zn concentrations, which suggests a need for continuous monitoring of heavy metal concentrations.