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Natural heavy metal and metalloid concentrations in sediments of the Minho River estuary (Portugal): baseline values for environmental studies

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Abstract

Forty-nine surface sediment samples from the Minho estuary sector between Tui and Caminha were analyzed for grain-size contents, Al, As, Cr, Cu, Hg, Li, Pb, Sn, and Zn concentrations. Selected heavy metal (Cu, Cr, Hg, and Zn) and metalloid (As and Sn) distributions were normalized against Al and Li with the main goal of compensating for natural grain-size variability and to separate natural from anthropogenic contributions, by using a combination of normalization techniques (definition of regional geochemical baselines (RGB) and determination of enrichment factors (EF)). Lead did not reveal a significant relationship with Al and Li. Aluminum explained more variance than Li for As, Cu, Hg, and Zn. Assuming the general non-impacted metal character of the Minho River estuary sediments, RGBs are defined for differentiating between natural and anthropogenic contributions. Based on RGB defined for each heavy metal/metalloid, the degree of enrichment is estimated through the determination of EF. Despite the relatively low total heavy metal and metalloid concentrations, the defined RGB identifies a set of samples characterized by presenting As, Cu, Cr, Hg, and Zn enrichments relatively to expected natural levels. Mercury is the element showing the highest level of enrichment relative to the baseline values being spread through all the study area. Tin present enrichments relatively to Al and or Li always lower than 1.5 suggesting natural contributions.

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Acknowledgments

This work was financially support by the Natura Miño-Minho Project (0234 NATURA MIÑO_MINHO_1_E, North Portugal-Galiza Spain Territorial Cooperation program (POCTEP) 2007–2013). Sediment samples were recovered on board of RV Leopard Atlantic so we would like to express our gratitude to its crew who made an efficient work. We also would like to thank Carlos Antunes for Aquamuseu laboratory facilities (storage and sampling of surface sediments during the Minho09 cruise). Special thanks to all UGM-LNEG collaborators (Ana Aranda, Andreia Rebotim, Catarina Cavaleiro, Célia Santos, Cremilde Monteiro, Daniel Ferreira, Fátima Abrantes, Henrique Duarte, Rúben Borges, Sandra Mateus, Teresa Rodrigues, Warley Soares), who participated in the Minho09 cruise and helped in laboratorial work. The manuscript benefited from helpful comments and suggestions by two anonymous reviewers.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Instituto Português do Mar e da Atmosfera, I.P., Av. Brasília, 1449-006, Lisbon, Portugal

    M. Mil-Homens & C. Lopes

  2. Unidade de Geologia Marinha, Laboratório Nacional de Energia e Geologia, I.P., Estrada da Portela, Apartado 7586, 2721-866, Alfragide, Portugal

    M. Mil-Homens, A. M. Costa & C. Lopes

  3. Arqueociências, IGESPAR, I.P. and LARC, CIBIO/InBIO, Rua da Bica do Marquês. No. 2, 1300-087, Lisbon, Portugal

    A. M. Costa

  4. Laboratório de Referência do Ambiente, Núcleo Operacional de Química Inorgânica, Agência Portuguesa do Ambiente, I.P., Rua da Murgueira, 9-9A, Zambujal, Apartado 7585, 2611-865, Amadora, Portugal

    S. Fonseca & R. Serrano

  5. Laboratório de Biocombustíveis e Ambiente, Laboratório Nacional de Energia e Geologia, I.P., Azinhaga dos Lameiros, 1649-038, Lisbon, Portugal

    M. A. Trancoso & R. Sousa

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  1. M. Mil-Homens
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  2. A. M. Costa
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  3. S. Fonseca
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  4. M. A. Trancoso
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  6. R. Serrano
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  7. R. Sousa
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Correspondence to M. Mil-Homens.

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Mil-Homens, M., Costa, A.M., Fonseca, S. et al. Natural heavy metal and metalloid concentrations in sediments of the Minho River estuary (Portugal): baseline values for environmental studies. Environ Monit Assess 185, 5937–5950 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10661-012-2996-z

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