Transport of particulate heavy metals towards the China Sea: a preliminary study and comparison

Chemical compositions of atmospheric fallout over the Huanghai (Yellow Sea) and of riverine sediments were examined. Concentrations of heavy metals in dust fallout are generally high compared with levels in rivers, presumably because of air pollution. Inspection of particulate heavy metal deposition to the Huanghai (Yellow Sea) reveals that rivers are the major source of crustally dominated elements (Fe, Mn, etc.); however, atmospheric inputs are predominant in the passage of some trace elements (Co, Cu, Ni, Pb, Zn, etc.) to the ocean.