PMID: 11345449May 10, 2001Paper

Mobility and bioavailability of trace metals in sulfidic coastal sediments

Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry
Brita Sundelin, A K Eriksson

Abstract

High concentrations of Hg, Cd, Pb, Cu, and Zn were found in the euxinic sediment of the inner archipelago of Stockholm. In the sulfide-rich sediment, they are precipitated as metal sulfides with low dissolving capacity and bioavailability. In two experiments, the significance of acid-volatile sulfide (AVS) and dissolved sulfides for mobility, bioavailability, and toxicity of metals were studied by oxygenation of intact sediment cores. Influence of bioturbating deposit-feeding amphipods, that is, Monoporeia affinis, was examined on studied sediment processes. Results showed a low mobility of most metals except Cd and Zn. Bioturbation did not enhance mobility. Cd and Zn, released from the sediment, were not bioaccumulated in amphipods. In contrast, the less mobile metals Hg and Pb were bioaccumulated. A low toxicity of contaminated sediments, in terms of mortality and embryonic malformations of amphipods, was recorded. Results indicate that Cd, Zn, and Cu are comparatively unavailable after oxygenation of the metal sulfides. Similar results were recorded in contaminated sediments differing in redox potential, AVS, dissolved sulfides, and organic contents, suggesting that other metal ligands, in addition to AVS, are important for ...Continue Reading

Related Concepts

Related Feeds

Bioremediation (ASM)

Bioremediation is the treatment and removal of harmful pollutants or contaminants through the use of microorganisms. Discover the latest research here.