Chemical and environmental assessment of the bottom sediments in the Irtysh river (Tyumen region, Russian Federation)

The total concentration of Al, Co, Fe, Mn, Pb, Cu, Zn, Sr, As, Cr, Ni has been determined in the test portions of the bottom sediments (sand, loamy sand, sandy loam, silt and clay loam) in the lower reach of the Irtysh River. Atomic emission spectroscopy has been used. The established concentrations do not exceed background indicators, except for Pb and As. Their maximum values are 138 and 7.2 mg/kg, respectively. Gross concentrations of metals and metalloids are in close correlation with the content of various particle size fractions in the river sediments. Emission status of the bottom sediments has been analyzed with account of particle-size classification. As a result, multiple regression equations have been obtained. The equations reflect mathematical relationship between concentration of different elements and two regressors - the proportion of clay and silt particles in the bottom sediments of the Irtysh River. Based on these equations and determining the percentage of various particle-size fractions in soils, it is possible to predict the most probable amount of the metal concentration in the test portion...