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Concentrations of heavy metals and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in river sediments: geochemical background, man's influence and environmental impact

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Abstract

Sediment analysis is used for detecting pollution sources; in addition, sediments are increasingly investigated as a pollution proper and as a carrier and possible source of contaminants in aquatic systems.

Amongst the various groups of pollutants which possess a strong affinity to sedimentary materials, heavy metals and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons present the greatest environmental hazard.

A review is given of pre-civilisational concentrations (“background” values) of both heavy metals and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in fluviatile sediments, and their development during the past 100 years. The impact of sediment associated heavy metal pollution on both biota and water is discussed.

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  1. Institut für Sedimentforschung, Universität Heidelberg, Im Neuenheimer Feld 236, POB 10 30 20, Heidelberg, Germany

    Förstner U. Prof., Dr. & Müller G. Prof., Dr.

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Förstner, U., Müller, G. Concentrations of heavy metals and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in river sediments: geochemical background, man's influence and environmental impact. GeoJournal 5, 417–432 (1981). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02484715

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