title: Bioavailable metals in tourist beaches of Richards Bay, Kwazulu-Natal, South Africa.
abstract: Acid Leachable Trace Metal (ALTMs) concentrations in tourist beaches of Richards Bay, Kwazulu-Natal, South Africa were assessed. 53 surface sediment samples were collected from five different beaches (Kwambonambi Long Beach; Nhlabane Beach; Five Mile Beach; Alkanstrand Beach and Port Durnford Beach). The results of ALTMs (Fe, Mn, Cr, Cu, Ni, Co, Pb, Cd, Zn, As, Hg) suggest that they are enriched naturally and with some local industrial sources for (avg. in μgg(-1)) Fe (3530-7219), Mn (46-107.11), Cd (0.43-1.00) and Zn (48-103.98). Statistical results indicate that metal concentrations were from natural origin attributed to leaching, weathering process and industrial sources. Comparative studies of metal concentrations with sediment quality guidelines and ecotoxicological values indicate that there is no adverse biological effect. Enrichment factor and geoaccumulation indices results indicate moderate enhancement of Fe (Igeo class 1 in FMB), Cd (EF>50; Igeo classes 2-4) and Zn (Igeo classes 1 & 2).
authors: Department of Hydrology, University Of Zululand, Private Bag x1001, Kwa Dlangezwa 3886, South Africa. Electronic address: evetrimurugan@yahoo.co.in.
authors: E
authors: E
authors: Vetrimurugan
authors: Centro Interdisciplinario de Investigaciones y Estudios sobre Medio Ambiente y Desarrollo (CIIEMAD), Instituto Politécnico Nacional (IPN), Calle 30 de Junio de 1520, Barrio la Laguna Ticomán, Del. Gustavo A. Madero, C.P. 07340, Mexico D.F., Mexico. Electronic address: mpjonathan7@yahoo.com.
authors: M P
authors: MP
authors: Jonathan
authors: Instituto de Geología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de Mexico (UNAM), Ciudad Universitaria, C.P. 04510 Coyoacan, Mexico D.F., Mexico.
authors: Priyadarsi D
authors: PD
authors: Roy
authors: Centro Interdisciplinario de Investigaciones y Estudios sobre Medio Ambiente y Desarrollo (CIIEMAD), Instituto Politécnico Nacional (IPN), Calle 30 de Junio de 1520, Barrio la Laguna Ticomán, Del. Gustavo A. Madero, C.P. 07340, Mexico D.F., Mexico.
authors: V C
authors: VC
authors: Shruti
authors: Department of Physics and Engineering, University Of Zululand, Private Bag x1001, Kwa Dlangezwa 3886, South Africa.
authors: O M
authors: OM
authors: Ndwandwe
mesh_terms: D000143:Acids; D061006:Bays / Q000737:chemistry; D004784:Environmental Monitoring; D019015:Geologic Sediments / Q000737:chemistry; D008628:Mercury; D008670:Metals / Q000032:analysis*; D019216:Metals, Heavy / Q000032:analysis; D013019:South Africa; D014874:Water Pollutants, Chemical / Q000032:analysis*
chemical_list: D000143:Acids; D008670:Metals; D019216:Metals, Heavy; D014874:Water Pollutants, Chemical; D008628:Mercury
keywords: Acid Leachable Trace Metals (ALTMs); Beach sediments; Enrichment factor; Geoaccumulation index; Richards Bay; South Africa