Impacts of Fishing Vessels on the Heavy Metal Contamination in Sediments: A Case Study of Qianzhen Fishing Port in Southern Taiwan

Routine maintenance of fishing vessels and wastewater discharges are primary sources heavy metals in ports. Sediment pollution assessment is necessary port management, including sediment dredging disposal, sewage treatment facility construction, source control. In this study, metal contents Qianzhen Fishing Port, the largest pelagic fishery Taiwan, were investigated to assess contamination levels related potential ecological risks using multiple indices. Normalization methods applied identify sediments. Results showed that Cu, Zn, Pb, Cr sediments inner (averages 276, 742, 113, 221 mg/kg, respectively) 3–5 times greater compared those along entrance outside, indicating strong impacts anthropogenic (EFCu: 5.6–12.5; EFZn: 2.8–4.3; EFPb: 2.4–5.4; EFCr: 1.1–3.2). Copper was more severe, with high maxima factor (CFCu: 15.1–24.8), probably contributed by copper-based antifouling paints used vessels. The categorized as having considerable risk toxicity (mERMq: 0.61–0.91; ?TU: 7.5–11.7) can potentially cause adverse effects on benthic organisms. Port be characterized Cu/Fe Pb/Fe, moderate Zn/Fe, total grease content, primarily oil spills from This study provides valuable data for control, remediation, environmental management