Assessing the heavy metals concentrations in the Dambovita River

Anthropogenic activities can lead to the contamination of freshwaters with heavy metals, which are some of the most persistent pollutants in waterbodies, due to their difficulty to degrade. These pollutants can be accumulated in sediments, aquatic macrophytes and other aquatic organisms, leading to ecological disturbances and potential human health risks. Thus, the present paper aims to determine the heavy metal concentrations along the Dambovita River. For each sampling point, 3 specimens were collected. The water specimens were analysed by using atomic absorption spectrophotometry to determine the Ni, Pb, Cd and Hg concentrations. The obtained results showed that the water specimens are aligned with the Romanian water quality standards for the foreseen indicators. The biota analysis showed the presence of aquatic macrophytes and algae.Anthropogenic activities can lead to the contamination of freshwaters with heavy metals, which are some of the most persistent pollutants in waterbodies, due to their difficulty to degrade. These pollutants can be accumulated in sediments, aquatic macrophytes and other aquatic organisms, leading to ecological disturbances and potential human health risks. Thus, the present paper aims to determine the heavy metal concentrations along the Dambovita River. For each sampling point, 3 specimens were collected. The water specimens were analysed by using atomic absorption spectrophotometry to determine the Ni, Pb, Cd and Hg concentrations. The obtained results showed that the water specimens are aligned with the Romanian water quality standards for the foreseen indicators. The biota analysis showed the presence of aquatic macrophytes and algae.