Trace metal speciation and contamination in an intertidal estuary.
An analysis of the geochemical distribution of selected trace metals among various geochemical phases of the sediments in the Tees estuary was carried out using a sequential extraction technique and Differential Stripping Voltammetry. The sediments of the estuary are mainly organic rich clay silts and metal concentrations exceed those in the water column. Speciation results show that contamination of the estuary is mainly from anthropogenic sources. Pb and Zn are associated with the reducible, residual and oxidisable fractions. The speciation pattern of Cd was similar to those of lead and zinc. However there were also some exchangeable and bound to carbonate fractions although these were less significant. Cu is largely associated with the oxidisable and residual fractions, with insignificant bound to carbonate, exchangeable and reducible fractions. The most bioavailable forms of the metals are the free inorganic ions. Total metal concentrations in the estuary display a downward trend since the 1970s.
Hull Environment Research Institute and Centre for Coastal Studies, Faculty of Science and the Environment, University of Hull, Scarborough Campus, Filey Road, Scarborough, YO11 3AZ, England.
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Ibhadon
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Wright
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Daniels
D000327:Adsorption; D004784:Environmental Monitoring / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D019015:Geologic Sediments / Q000737:chemistry*; D007202:Indicators and Reagents; D019216:Metals, Heavy / Q000032:analysis* / Q000737:chemistry*; D010084:Oxidation-Reduction; D010316:Particle Size; D012623:Seawater / Q000737:chemistry*; D006113:United Kingdom; D014874:Water Pollutants, Chemical / Q000032:analysis*; D014876:Water Pollution / Q000706:statistics & numerical data
D007202:Indicators and Reagents; D019216:Metals, Heavy; D014874:Water Pollutants, Chemical