Arsenic and antimony release from sediments in a Mediterranean estuary

Abstract

An ancient realgar mine is responsible for the contamination of a riverine system in central Corsica. Nearby the mine, high As and Sb concentrations are found (up to 2–3 mg l^-1 and 2–3 μg l^-1 respectively). A significant increase of the As and Sb concentrations in water is found in the water of the mixing zone of river and sea (Bravona estuary; chlorinity 7000–7800). In the same area, a decrease of As and Sb concentrations in sediments is observed. Fe and Mn exhibit the same behaviour. The possible involvement of redox processes is discussed. However, owing to insufficient reducing capacity and insignificant variation of redox potential values along the various estuarine sites (from 320 down to 280 mV), this scenario is rather doubtful. Desorption from FeOOH particles is the most likely process in the Bravona estuary. The impact of these contaminated waters on the marine environment is discussed. Owing to decrease by dilution, as well as the reduced water flow of the estuary, the net supply of As and Sb to the Tyrrhenian Sea is approximately 5 and 1.5 t y^-1 for As and Sb respectively. The possible harmful influence of the Bravona river should be of local concern only, and the emphasis of this study is, therefore, on a better knowledge of in situ processes.