An Assessment of Cadmium and Zinc in Stream Contaminated by Mining Activities using Aquatic Insects

Abstract

Metal accumulation in the sediments results in serious environmental problems to
the surrounding areas, affecting water quality and resulting in bioaccumulation of metals
by the aquatic organisms. The aim in this study was analyzed the cadmium (Cd) and zinc
(Zn) in stream sediments and aquatic insects in five sampling sites (MT1-MT5) at Mae Tao
Creek, Mae Sot District, Tak Province in October and December 2011. The concentration of
heavy metals in stream sediments and aquatic insects near mining area were higher than
area that far from mining area. The physicochemical water quality variable, water
temperature, dissolved oxygen, pH, turbidity, nitrate-nitrogen, orthophosphate and
ammonia-nitrogen were not significantly related among sampling sites (P>0.05). The
concentration of cadmium and zinc in stream sediment was positive significantly related to
sulfate (P<0.01, P<0.05). The concentration of cadmium in Hemiptera was negative
significantly related to nitrate-nitrogen (P<0.05).