Distribution and baseline values of trace elements in the sediment of Var River catchment, southeast France

Abstract

This study reports on the determination of trace element (TE)-Li, As, Co, Cs, Cu, Pb, U, and Zn-and major element (ME)-Si, Al, Fe, Mg, Ca, Mn, Na, and K-concentrations in 18 riverbed sediments and a sediment core from the Var River catchment using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). The results were compared with those of a reference sediment core, and the contribution of clay and organic carbon contents in the distribution of TE and ME in the sediment samples was investigated. The mean concentrations of the ME were comparable in both core and riverbed samples and were within the natural averages. In the case of TE, the concentrations were lower in riverbed sediment samples than those found in the sediment core. High mean concentration of As was observed (7.6 μg g(-1)) in both core and riverbed sediments, relatively higher than the worldwide reported values. The obtained data indicated that the natural high level of arsenic might be originated from the parent rocks, especially metamorphic rocks surrounding granites and from Permian sediments. Statistical approach, viz., Pearson correlation matrix, was applied to better understand the correlation among TE in both riverbed and sediment core samples. No significant metallic contamination was detected in the low Var valley despite of the localization of several industrial facilities. Therefore, results confirm that the concentrations of the TE obtained in the riverbed sediments could be considered as a baseline guide for future pollution monitoring program.

Physical and Metals Impact of Traditional Gold Mining on Soils in Kombo-Laka Area (Meiganga, Cameroon)

“…Pearson's correlation matrix has proven to be useful in offering reliable classification of the metals and physicochemical properties of soils and sediments. This approach has been used widely in the classification of sites under investigation in geochemical and water quality analysis [39]- [41]. In non-exploited soils of Fel, strong to very strong positive correlations were record- In this study, Pearson's correlation highlighted the high bond between As and Sb in the studied area confirming the association of these elements in gold mineralization areas.…”

“…The elements were more inter correlated in non-exploited soils than in the exploited ones, this could be explained by possible pollution due to some anthropogenic activities in the areas because when pollution occurred, the concentration of pollutants could not be in correlation with other trace element concentrations due to the relative high input of these pollutants [41].…”

Geochemical Signatures of Water Bodies and Sources in the Qinghai Lake Area, China

“…Major and trace elements are added to an aquatic ecosystem through different pathways, including geological erosion, atmospheric deposition, or anthropogenic sources (Vystavna et al, 2012;Al Abdullah et al, 2014;Shakeri et al, 2014;Xu, 2018). Under natural conditions, the chemical composition of aquatic ecosystems is determined by the weathering of terrigenous minerals, evaporation and crystallization, and precipitation (Négrel et al, 1993;Liang and Wenshun, 2019).…”