Interactions of Cd and Cu in anaerobic estuarine sediments. 1: Partitioning in geochemical fractions of sediments

Journal Article · Mon Apr 01 04:00:00 EST 1996 · Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1897/1551-5028(1996)015<0460:IOCACI>2.3.CO;2· OSTI ID:268027

Rule, J H ^[1]; Alden, III, R W ^[2]

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1. Old Dominion Univ., Norfolk, VA (United States)
2. Old Dominion Univ. Research Foundation, Norfolk, VA (United States). Applied Marine Research Lab.

Partitioning of Cd and Cu between geochemical fractions of an anaerobic estuarine sediment was determined after equilibrating fine-sandy sediment with different combinations of added Cd (0, 2.5, 5 mg/kg) and Cu(0, 12.5, 25 mg/kg). Sediments were placed in aquaria with 20 ppt seawater where bioassay test organisms were exposed for 14 d. At the start and conclusion of the experimental period, sediments were sequentially extracted to determine the elemental content of the exchangeable (EP), easily reducible (ERP), organic- sulfide (OSP), moderately reducible (MRP), and acid extractable (AEP) phases. Partitioning of the metals in both the native and treated sediments was, for Cd: OSP {much_gt} ERP > AEP > EP (MRP was below detection) and for Cu: OSP {much_gt} AEP > ERP > MRP > EP. Cadmium extracted in all phases and Cu in the EP, RP, and OSP were proportional to the respective treatments. The EP-Cd, ERP-Cd, and OSP-Cd were affected by the Cu treatment and significant interactions occurred between Cd and Cu for the EP-Cd, ERP-Cd, OSP-Cd, EP-Cu, and ERP-Cu. Increasing levels of applied Cd and Cu resulted in greater amounts of EP-Cd and ERP-Cd, fractions that are the most bioavailable and the most readily available for desorption into the water column. A significant conclusion is that the input of nontoxic metals may affect the geochemical phase distribution, potential bioavailability, and toxicity of native sediment metals.

• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE
• OSTI ID: 268027
• Journal Information: Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry, Journal Name: Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry Journal Issue: 4 Vol. 15; ISSN 0730-7268; ISSN ETOCDK
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
56 BIOLOGY AND MEDICINE
APPLIED STUDIES
ANAEROBIC CONDITIONS
AQUATIC ORGANISMS
BIOASSAY
BIOLOGICAL AVAILABILITY
CADMIUM
COPPER
ESTUARIES
GEOCHEMISTRY
SEDIMENTS
WATER CHEMISTRY
WATER POLLUTION