Geochemical phases of metals in Hudson River estuary sediments

Journal Article · Thu Aug 01 04:00:00 EDT 1996 · Environment International

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/0160-4120(96)00004-9· OSTI ID:258653

Stamoulis, S; Gibbs, R J; Menon, M G ^[1]

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1. Univ. of Delaware, Newark, DE (United States)

Bottom sediment samples were collected from six location along a section of the Hudson River Estuary, 5.3 to 82.7 km from the ocean. These samples were analyzed for particle and, due to the bimodal distribution of the sediment, were seperated into two size fractions, fine (<7.8 um) and coarse (7.8-62 um). These fractions were subject to a sequential chemical phase extraction procedure to differenciate the ion exchangeable, carbonate, metallic oxide coating, and organic phases. The extracted phases were analyzed with an inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrophotometer for Cd, Co, Cc, Cu, Fe, Ni, Pb, and Zn. Metals were found to be associated largely with fine particle-size fraction. The concentration of fine particles (especially the <2 um size mode within the fine fraction) is a crucial in influencing overall metal content. This is evidenced by strong correlations between the <2 {mu}m or clay mode and concentrations in the metallic-oxide coating phase. Various metal/metal relationships exist among the phases and fractions studied and are highlighted by strong correlations, such as Ni and Zn, and Cu and Cd. The trends associated among the metal and mud concentrations are significant in terms of assessing the bioavailability of heavy metals within the river and estuary system, and as a result, provide valuable insight into the ultimate fate of pollutants which are introduced to this unique environment. 24 refs., 5 figs., 2 tabs.

• OSTI ID: 258653
• Journal Information: Environment International, Journal Name: Environment International Journal Issue: 2 Vol. 22; ISSN ENVIDV; ISSN 0160-4120
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
CONTAMINATION
ESTUARIES
GEOCHEMISTRY
HUDSON RIVER
METALS
SEDIMENTS