Monitoring and Risk Analysis of Heavy Metals in Sediment and Fish from South Taihu Lake

South Taihu Lake used to get less attention in terms of environmental pollution study in the past. Sediment and fish samples were collected from South Taihu Lake in 2009. Heavy metals were measured for both types of samples and potential health risks were evaluated. Concentration of Cu, Zn, Cr and Ni were determined for sediments samples, and Cu, Zn, Ni, Fe and Mn were determined for fish samples. It was found that the metal levels in sediment were lower than the limits proposed by China National Environmental Quality Standard for Soils (GB 15618-95), but higher than the sediment background of Bohai Bay. Levels of determined metals varied significantly between male fish and female fish. Compared to Cu and Ni, Zn could accumulate easier in fish than in sediment. The determined metal levels in fish were safe for human consumption.