Seasonal variations in the heavy metal concentrations of sediments influenced by highways of different traffic volumes
The distribution of contaminating waste products, particularly heavy metals, to the roadside ecosystem is cause for considerable concern, due to both the documented toxicity of these metals at low concentrations and their accumulation by resident organisms. The elements of major concern are lead from gasoline engine exhsuts, nickel from both diesel fuel and lubricating oil, and cadmium and zinc from rubber tires. Lead has been correlated to traffic density in various components of the terrestrial ecosystem. Similar results were reported for nickel, cadmium, and zinc, as well as lead. Information concerning concentration of heavy metals in roadside aquatic ecosystems is very limited. To provide an initial assessment of contamination from this source, we determined seasonal concentrations of heavy metals in stream sediment as related to traffic density. Heavy metals entering the stream ecosystem in runoff are rapidly adsorbed to sediment, providing a stable indicator of local contamination. Analysis of seasonal change in the heavy metal load of the sediment provides insight concerning the importance of runoff relative to sediment-water interaction and uptake by other componenets of the system.
- Research Organization:
- Virginia Polytechnic Inst. and State Univ., Blacksburg
- OSTI ID:
- 5213471
- Journal Information:
- Bull. Environ. Contam. Toxicol.; (United States), Vol. 23:4/5
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Related Subjects
METALS
SEASONAL VARIATIONS
AQUATIC ECOSYSTEMS
AUTOMOBILES
BIOLOGICAL ACCUMULATION
CADMIUM
EXHAUST GASES
LEAD
NICKEL
POLLUTION
ROADS
SEDIMENTS
TERRESTRIAL ECOSYSTEMS
TOXICITY
ZINC
ECOSYSTEMS
ELEMENTS
GASEOUS WASTES
TRANSITION ELEMENTS
VARIATIONS
VEHICLES
WASTES
520200* - Environment
Aquatic- Chemicals Monitoring & Transport- (-1989)
510200 - Environment
Terrestrial- Chemicals Monitoring & Transport- (-1989)