Sediments samples were collected at Busan South harbor where dredging has been initiated since 2010 to clean up the bottom of harbor. In this study, we tried to determine physico-chemical properties and heavy metal contents of sediments for the purpose of deciding contamination levels of the sediments. From the total organic carbon, XRD, and XRF analyses, all samples showed similar elements, oxides, and minerals. In general, moderately high concentrations of Cu, Pb, and Zn were found in the samples. Heavy metal contents of sediments were compared with USEPA sediment quality standards and ontario sediment quality guidelines. Ignition losses of the samples were greater than 8%, which is a value indicating whether the sample is heavily polluted or moderately polluted. All the samples were classified as heavily polluted. Therefore, sediments obtained from dredging should be carefully treated to avoid other adverse environmental effects.

• 이태윤(부경대학교 환경공학과) | Tae-yoon Lee Corresponding author