Determination of background levels and pollution assessment for seven metals (Cd, Cu, Ni, Pb, Zn, Fe, Mn) in sediments of a Mediterranean coastal lagoon

Abstract

ElsevierHernández Crespo, C.; Martín Monerris, M. (2015). Determination of background levels and pollution assessment for seven metals (Cd, Cu, Ni, Pb, Zn, Fe, Mn) Abstract: The determination of background levels of trace metals in soils and sediments is a key point for the proper assessment of pollution degree. This study demonstrates the suitability of integrating geological and statistical methods for the reliable determination of background levels, applying it to the sediments of Lake Albufera, a wetland of international importance that is highly eutrophic. The procedure followed includes sampling of sediment cores at different points of the lake, including reference sites, and the subsequent statistical analysis of the data, comprising descriptive statistics, probabilistic plots and modal analysis. The final proposal of background levels considers the data subset separated by the statistical analysis and the spatial and age characteristics of sediments, proving the usefulness of jointly using geological and statistical methods. The upper limits of the (25.9), Pb (25.5), Zn (88.6), Fe (2.2%) and Mn (345.7). Background levels proposed for different parts of Spain, found in an extensive literature review, are also provided in this article. Once determined the background levels, the assessment of pollution degree of sediments using pollution indexes indicates that the top 25 to 30 cm of sediments has a pollution level between moderate and severe in the peripheral sites, which are nearest to the pathways of contamination, and that the north zone of the lake is the most polluted by the group of the five metals, including Cd, Cu, Ni, Pb and Zn. Graphical Abstract (for review)Highlights: We establish background levels for metals to sediments of Lake Albufera.  An integrated method of geological and statistical approaches has been used.  The depth to which sediments are contaminated is provided, the upper 30 cm. Abstract 10 The determination of background levels of trace metals in soils and sediments is a key point for the 11 proper assessment of pollution degree. This study demonstrates the suitability of integrating 12 geological and statistical methods for the reliable determination of background levels, applying it to 13 the sediments of Lake Albufera, a wetland of international importance that is highly eutrophic. The 14 procedure followed includes sampling of sediment cores at different points of the lake, including 15 reference sites, and the subsequent statistical analysis of the data, comprising descriptive statistics, 16 probabilistic plots and modal analysis. The final proposal of background levels considers the data 17 subset separated by the statistical analysis and the spatial and age characteristics of sediments, 18 proving the usefulness of jointly using geological and statistical methods. The upper limits of the 19 background populations, defined as the mean+2σ and expressed in mg/kg, are Cd (0.38), Cu (28.8), 20 Ni (25.9), Pb (25.5), Zn (88.6), Fe (2.2%) and Mn (345.7). Background levels p...

Distribution, Source Identification, and Assessment of Potentially Toxic Elements in the Sediment Core from the Estuarine Region of the Golmud River to the Qarhan Salt Lake, Qinghai, China

“…The absolute value of the slope after linear fitting is 1.3172 (coefficient of determination; R 2 = 0.8996) and the sedimentation rate can be calculated as 0.041 cm/y. Determination of the background levels of trace metals in soils and sediments is important for the proper assessment of the degree of pollution [50]. According to the sedimentation rate calculated in this study, the core reached the depth with little human disturbance, where, therefore, can be used as the reference concentration.…”

Spatial distribution, contamination and ecological risk assessment of heavy metals in surface sediments of Erhai Lake, a large eutrophic plateau lake in southwest China

“…The geochemical background is essential to distinguishing whether a metal present in the environment appears naturally or, on the contrary, has been influenced by anthropogenic activities Hernández-Crespo and Martín, 2015). Background values of metals in lake sediment may be lake-specific due to differences in bedrock, soil type and sediment texture.…”

Gap Analysis Targeting WFD Monitoring and Pressure Mapping: Lessons Learned from “EcoSUSTAIN”, Interreg-MED Project

“…The overall image was mediated by the almost complete knowledge on the water quality related parameters and the extended research. These areas are well-studied, and a large number of scientific papers is available forming a thorough knowledge database [13][14][15]. As an outcome, it would be favorable if Management Bodies of these PAs could focus on Water Quality and Pressures, a filed interconnected with monitoring practices for generating alert systems and the proper amount of information, extremely valuable for measures design towards pressures alleviation and water quality improvement.…”