Trace metals: Inputs, sedimentation and accumulation in San Vicente Bay, Chile

Abstract

The present study deals with sediment dynamics affecting sediment-associated metal distributions in an embayment system experiencing pollution from coastal industries. Sedimentary metal content may originate from diagenetic processes of foundation rock on the bottom, allochthonous minerals from natural sources, and metals from industrial effluents along the coast. The study presents experimental estimations of quantities of metals entering the bay in industrial waste-water, measurements of metal content in particulate material captured in sediment traps, and metals distribution in surface sediments. Quantitative estimations of metals entering the system in industrial effluent showed the relation Pb > or = Zn > Cu > Cr > or = Ni > Cd. That of metals associated with particulate material from traps was Zn > Cr approximately equal to Cu > or = Pb > Ni > Cd and the abundance of metals in sediments was Zn > Cr > Cu > Pb > Ni > Cd. Finally, rates of bottom sediment accumulation are estimated in relation to the time of residence of water in the bay. The experimental data on sedimentation and sediment abundance were consistent with field observations on distribution and accumulation at sites of major sedimentation in this bay.

Butyltin compounds and their relation with organic matter in marine sediments from San Vicente Bay—Chile

“…(Ahumada 1992;Ahumada and Vargas 2005). According to these authors, in the NE zone of the bay sedimentation velocity and organic matter content are greater than in other zone of the bay.…”

“…Rudolph et al (2002) reported levels between 1.3 and 12.6% for sediments from the NE zone; Mudge and Seguel (1999) reported levels in the interval 6.5-23.3%; and Ahumada and Vargas (2005) between 0.3 and 0.8% for sediments from the south-central zone. The lower % TOC obtained in this study may be explained by the mitigating activities carried out in the area in recent years.…”

Techniques and technologies available for quantification of heavy metals found in water and sediment

“…They concluded that the roadside sediments were heavily polluted with heavy metals. Ahumada and Vargas, 2005, studied trace metal inputs, sedimentation and accumulation in San Vicente Bay, Chile and showed that the metals associated with particulate material from trap was Zn > Cr  Cu  Pb > Ni > Cd and the abundance of metals in sediments was Zn > Cr > Cu > Pb > Ni >Cd. Papadopoulos, et al, 1997, examined Cr, Cu, Fe, Ni, Pb and Zn in marine sediment and found the level of contamination very high.…”

Effects of Flooding on Lead and Cadmium Speciation in Sediments from a Drinking Water Reservoir

“…Lead and cadmium contamination of bottom, lake and river sediments has been studied by many authors (Ahumada and Vargas, 2005;Ikem et al, 2003;Fytianos and Lourantou, 2004;Lima et al, 2001;Ho and Egashira, 2000). A long term monitoring of heavy metal concentration in sediments from drinking water reservoirs is important for an evaluation of the potential risks concerning drinking water quality.…”