Spatial distribution of contaminants in sediments of two rivers crossing Tangier (northern Morocco).
The distribution and accumulation of heavy metals in the sediments of two rivers which cross various agglomerations of Tangier city, Morocco, were investigated. Surficial sediment samples were collected during 2005 and characterized for metal content (Zn, Pb, Cd, Cu, Cr and Ni), organic matter, total nitrogen, and n-hexane extractable material (HEM). The organic components (organic carbon, total nitrogen and HEM) show a slightly increasing enrichment from the upstream to the downstream of the emissary. An evaluation of the heavy metal pollution status of both tributaries was carried out using the metal pollution index (MPI). The results revealed the importance of anthropic pressure and the zones influenced by industrial discharges, which keep the metals Pb, Cr and Ni at high levels. Comparison with international regulatory guidelines for sediments revealed serious contamination of Cr, Zn and Ni.
Rodríguez-Barroso
M R
MR
Department of Environmental Technologies, Faculty of Marine and Environmental Sciences, Univertisy of Cádiz, C.P. 11510, Puerto Real, Cádiz, Spain. rocio.rodriguez@uca.es
Benhamou
Y
Y
Coello
D
D
El Moumni
B
B
García-Morales
J L
JL
D019015:Geologic Sediments / Q000737:chemistry*; D019216:Metals, Heavy / Q000032:analysis / Q000737:chemistry*; D009018:Morocco; D045483:Rivers; D013054:Spectrophotometry, Atomic; D014874:Water Pollutants, Chemical / Q000737:chemistry*
D019216:Metals, Heavy; D014874:Water Pollutants, Chemical