Distribution characteristic of Pb in sediments from the cage culture area of Dapeng’ao Cove in Daya Bay

The spatial and temporal distribution characteristics of Pb in sediments from the cage culture area of Dapeng'ao Cove was studied through four times of investigation. The spatial distribution characteristics showed that the contents of Pb in sediments from cage culture area were significantly higher than thatfrom shellfish culture area and control area. The vertical distribution characteristics showed that the disturbance in the layer from 0~15cm of hole sediments was more evident and the contents of Pb had decreased trend gradually in cage culture area, but the vertical variations was not obvious in control area. The seasonal variations showed the similar characteristics in cage culture area, shellfish culture area and control area, or the contents of Pb in sediments were higher in spring and summer and lower in autumn, but the contents in cage culture area were higher than other areas. According to the results above, it was concluded that the content of Pb in the sediment of cage culture area was affected mainly by the activities of cage culture.