Arsenic, Toxic Heavy Metals, and C–N–P in Peaty Sediments in Samta Village, Southwestern Bangladesh

Concentration of Arsenic (As), other toxic heavy metals, and C, N, P of the peaty sediments collected from Samta Village, Bangladesh were analyzed. The sediment layers were located in 6.5–9.0 m in depth from ground surface. According to the results, As, N (total), NH₄–N and C (total) concentrations were larger in peat than peaty clay layers. As is, therefore, may be related to N (total), NH₄–N and C (total) in concentrations. There were significant amount of ash, which was inorganic residue (minerals), in the sediments. P₂O₅ in the sediments may be sourced from phosphate fertilizers. The concentration of Fe, Al and Mn were high, while the concentrations of Cr, Cu, Zn, Pb were low. Based on the correlation analysis, the higher As may be related to higher C, N, H in concentrations. Thus, organic substances may be related to the higher As concentration. P₂O₅ and NH₄–N were not closely related to the As concentrations. Positive correlations of As with Cu, Zn, Cd, and Pb in concentrations were observed, while any correlation of As with Fe and Mn was not observed.