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Distribution and baseline values of trace elements in the sediment of Var River catchment, southeast France

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Abstract

This study reports on the determination of trace element (TE)—Li, As, Co, Cs, Cu, Pb, U, and Zn—and major element (ME)—Si, Al, Fe, Mg, Ca, Mn, Na, and K—concentrations in 18 riverbed sediments and a sediment core from the Var River catchment using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). The results were compared with those of a reference sediment core, and the contribution of clay and organic carbon contents in the distribution of TE and ME in the sediment samples was investigated. The mean concentrations of the ME were comparable in both core and riverbed samples and were within the natural averages. In the case of TE, the concentrations were lower in riverbed sediment samples than those found in the sediment core. High mean concentration of As was observed (7.6 μg g−1) in both core and riverbed sediments, relatively higher than the worldwide reported values. The obtained data indicated that the natural high level of arsenic might be originated from the parent rocks, especially metamorphic rocks surrounding granites and from Permian sediments. Statistical approach, viz., Pearson correlation matrix, was applied to better understand the correlation among TE in both riverbed and sediment core samples. No significant metallic contamination was detected in the low Var valley despite of the localization of several industrial facilities. Therefore, results confirm that the concentrations of the TE obtained in the riverbed sediments could be considered as a baseline guide for future pollution monitoring program.

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Acknowledgments

The first author would like to thank the Atomic Energy Commission of Syria for the financial support. Authors would like to thank Dr V. Barci and Dr. M. Dubar for technical supports and useful discussion, and the anonym reviewers for the helpful remarks. This study was sponsored by Conseil Général des Alpes Maritimes, Agence de l’Eau RMC, Conseil Régional PACA, Syndicat Mixte d’Etudes de la Basse Vallée du Var, PPF grant, and Véolia-eau.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Laboratoire de Radiochimie Sciences Analytiques et Environnement, Institut de Chimie de Nice, Université Nice Sophia Antipolis, EA1175, 06108, Nice cedex 2, France

    Jamal Al Abdullah, Hervé Michèl, Geneviève Barci Funel & Gilbert Féraud

  2. Department of Protection and Safety, Atomic Energy Commission, Damascus, P.O. Box 6091, Syrian Arab Republic

    Jamal Al Abdullah

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  1. Jamal Al Abdullah
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  2. Hervé Michèl
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  3. Geneviève Barci Funel
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  4. Gilbert Féraud
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Correspondence to Jamal Al Abdullah.

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Al Abdullah, J., Michèl, H., Funel, G.B. et al. Distribution and baseline values of trace elements in the sediment of Var River catchment, southeast France. Environ Monit Assess 186, 8175–8189 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10661-014-3996-y

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