Water quality and contamination of sediment is a growing concern in the Iksan stream of Korea. Heavy metal contamination and changes in the physicochemical properties of the stream were evaluated. Water and sediment samples were collected from six sites during the dry and rainy seasons; pH, DO, EC, ORP, turbidity,
$PO_4$-P,
$NO_3$-N and selected heavy metals (Cu, Pb, Ni, As, Zn, Cd, Hg) were measured. Results showed almost no change in pH between seasons. DO was highest at site 2 (~2.63 mg/L) in the dry season; EC (1,540 ms/m) was greatest at site 1 in both seasons. The ORP gradually increased from the dry to rainy season at most of the sites and was highest at site 5. Turbidity was highest at site 1 and gradually decreased from the dry to rainy season at all sites except site 3.
$PO_4$-P ranged from a high of 1,193mg/L at site 1 to in the dry season to a low of ~1.2 mg/L at site 4. In contrast,
$NO_3$-N was highest at site 3 in the rainy season (12,531 mg/L). Among the heavy metals measured, Cu and Zn concentrations were highest at all sediment sites. Cu and Zn are added to livestock feed to improve reproductive rates and can be carried to the stream with manure. Transport of sediment and heavy metals during the rainy season is the major source of stream contamination and it is important to continue monitoring and take necessary action in these areas.
Keywords: Sediment;Livestock manure;Nitrogen;Phosphorus;Heavy metal;