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Occurrence and spatial distribution of metals in intertidal sediments of a temperate estuarine system (Bahía Blanca, Argentina)

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Abstract

Intertidal sediments of the inner and middle zone from the Bahía Blanca estuary were sampled for geochemical and environmental assessment of metals (Cd, Cu, Pb, Zn, Mn, Ni, Cr and Fe). Results indicate that both the organic matter content and the sediment grain size plays an important role in controlling the differential concentrations of the metals found in sediments from both zones. For most of the elements (except Mn), sediment metal concentrations were greater in the middle zone, although the concentrations did not exceed the maximums for quality of marine sediments. In this sense, anthropogenic impact (i.e., sewage drain) appears to be a key factor in the distribution of metals within the estuarine system. Comparing the levels obtained with quality levels (LEL and SEL), except Cu that showed levels slightly above the LEL, the rest of the concentrations of metals were lower to those levels. The low metal concentrations obtained within this highly impacted estuarine system suggest that the great volume of water that flooding the extensive flats in each tidal cycle has much importance. Although the potential risks of metals to the estuarine environment were low, taking into account the toxicity of some of these metals, continuity of monitoring is highly recommended.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Área de Oceanografía Química, Instituto Argentino de Oceanografía (IADO), CCT-CONICET, Camino La Carrindanga, km 7.5, B8000FWB, Bahía Blanca, Pcia. de Bs. As., Argentina

    Pía Simonetti, Sandra Elizabeth Botté & Jorge Eduardo Marcovecchio

  2. Área de Oceanografía Biológica, Instituto Argentino de Oceanografía (IADO), CCT-CONICET, Camino La Carrindanga, km 7.5, B8000FWB, Bahía Blanca, Pcia. de Bs. As., Argentina

    Pía Simonetti

  3. Dpto. de Biología, Bioquímica y Farmacia, Universidad Nacional del Sur (UNS), San Juan 670, B8000ICN, Bahía Blanca, Pcia. de Bs. As., Argentina

    Sandra Elizabeth Botté

  4. Universidad Tecnológica Nacional-Fac. Regional Bahía Blanca (UTN- FRBB), 11 de Abril 461, B8000LMI, Bahía Blanca, Pcia. de Bs. As., Argentina

    Jorge Eduardo Marcovecchio

  5. Universidad FASTA, Gascón 3145, B7600FNK, Mar del Plata, Pcia. de Bs. As., Argentina

    Jorge Eduardo Marcovecchio

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  1. Pía Simonetti
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  2. Sandra Elizabeth Botté
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Simonetti, P., Botté, S.E. & Marcovecchio, J.E. Occurrence and spatial distribution of metals in intertidal sediments of a temperate estuarine system (Bahía Blanca, Argentina). Environ Earth Sci 76, 636 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12665-017-6975-0

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