GEOCHEMICAL CHARACTERIZATION OF HEAVY METALS IN THE SEDIMENTS OF THE SINU' RIVER (COLOMBIA)

The presence of heavy metals in the superficial sediments of the Sinu River in Colombia was studied by analyzing soil samples taken along the course of the river at two different depths. Significant concentrations of severa! heavy metals were found in the samples as a function of the sample location and depth which may be related to the presence of intensive agricultural activities and mining plants in the region surrounding the sampling area. In particular, several sites showed high concentrations of nickel, cadmium and mercury, up to five times larger than the allowable safety limits.