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Fractionation and Bioavailability of Arsenic in the Bed Sediments of the Anllóns River (NW Spain)

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Abstract

The arsenic bioavailability in the bed sediments from the Anllóns River (NW Spain) has been assessed by using several analytical approaches. A six-step sequential fractionation was compared to three general availability tests: the Toxicity Characteristic Leaching Procedure (TCLP) extraction, which estimates the leaching potential of As and its effect on the survival of microorganisms (Vibrio fischeri), an extraction with 1 M HCl extraction, which estimates the bioavailability to higher plants, and a physiologically based extraction test (PBET), which estimates the bioavailability to superior animals. Arsenic was found to be mainly associated to the least mobile fractions: bound to Fe-Al oxides and in the residual phase. Among the three single extractants considered, the PBET extracted the highest As concentrations (1–11% of the total As). The TCLP extracts showed toxicity to Vibrio fischeri whereas for the plants evaluated, aqueous extracts did not show adverse effects.

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Acknowledgments

The present study was financed by the Science and Education Ministry of Spain (MEC, REN 2003-08673/BES-2004-5894). Rosa Devesa-Rey was granted with a FPI grant. Remigio Paradelo was granted with a “María Barbeito” grant.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Departamento Edafología y Química Agrícola, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad de Santiago de Compostela, 15782, Santiago de Compostela, Spain

    R. Devesa-Rey, R. Paradelo, F. Díaz-Fierros & M. T. Barral

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  1. R. Devesa-Rey
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  2. R. Paradelo
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  3. F. Díaz-Fierros
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  4. M. T. Barral
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Correspondence to R. Devesa-Rey.

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Devesa-Rey, R., Paradelo, R., Díaz-Fierros, F. et al. Fractionation and Bioavailability of Arsenic in the Bed Sediments of the Anllóns River (NW Spain). Water Air Soil Pollut 195, 189–199 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11270-008-9739-3

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11270-008-9739-3

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