Radiotracers as a Tool to Elucidate Trace Element Behaviour in the Water–Sediment Interface

  • Katia N. Suzuki
  • Edimar C. Machado
  • Wilson Machado
  • Luis F. Bellido
  • Alfredo V. B. Bellido
  • Ricardo T. Lopes
Chapter

Abstract

Behavioural trends of trace elements in the water–sediment interface of diverse aquatic systems have been elucidated by using radiotracer experiments. These experimental data have improved: (1) the comprehension on the biogeochemical mechanisms, (2) estimations of amounts and kinetics of the transfers across the interface and (3) the characterisation of the role of sediments as sinks for the studied elements. Many efforts have been found in the scientific literature through the use of radiotracers to evaluate the role of biological activity (mainly by bioturbation) in determining trace element behaviour, evidencing that this activity can be a major factor of influence on trace element exchanges across water–sediment interfaces. Moreover, biogeochemical studies with radiotracers definitely help in elucidating mechanisms, pathways, bioavailability and uptake by aquatic organisms. Furthermore, radiotracer percolation experiments within upper layers of sediments are strongly recommended for intertidal ecosystems, since vertical tidal variability must be taken into account, besides conventional diffusion-based approach. Nevertheless, there is still a lack of data on the role of chemical speciation in such studies. Such behavioural aspects of chemical speciation deserve further attention in order to improve: predictions on environmental risk assessment for toxic elements, evaluations of the applicability and suitability of potential biological monitors for trace element contamination and predictions on trace element speciation and bioavailability sensitivity due to global environmental changes.

Keywords

Radiotracer Kinetics Water–sediment interface Aquatic systems 
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Notes

Acknowledgements

The authors are grateful to Dr. João A. Osso Jr. and IPEN-CNEN/SP for kindly providing radiotracers to this research and the Rio de Janeiro State Research Foundation for financial support (FAPERJ Proc. No. E-26/112.072/2012). K.N. Suzuki thanks the Brazilian Ministry of Education (CAPES) for her postdoctoral grant.

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Copyright information

© Springer International Publishing Switzerland 2015

Authors and Affiliations

  • Katia N. Suzuki
    • 1
  • Edimar C. Machado
    • 2
  • Wilson Machado
    • 1
  • Luis F. Bellido
    • 3
  • Alfredo V. B. Bellido
    • 1
  • Ricardo T. Lopes
    • 4
  1. 1.Instituto de QuímicaUniversidade Federal FluminenseNiteróiBrazil
  2. 2.Instituto Federal de EducaçãoCiência e Tecnologia do Rio de JaneiroNilópolisBrazil
  3. 3.Instituto de Radioproteção e DosimetriaCNENRio de JaneiroBrazil
  4. 4.Laboratório de Instrumentação Nuclear, COPPEUniversidade Federal do Rio de JaneiroRio de JaneiroBrazil

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