Distribution and pollution assessment of trace elements in marine sediments in the Quintero Bay (Chile)

Sonnia Parra, Manuel A. Bravo, Waldo Quiroz, Xavier Querol, Carolina Paipa

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34 Scopus citations

Abstract

The aim of this study was to assess the levels of heavy metal pollution in the clay/silt fraction (<63. μm fraction) of marine sediments from Quintero Bay, Chile. For this, sediment samples were collected from 14 sites from the bay and analyzed for major and minor element determination. The metal concentrations found suggest an anthropogenic origin related with Cu, Se, Mo, As, Sb and Pb. The mineralogical characteristics of the samples were determined by XRD and selected samples were examined by SEM to determine morphological differences. The results showed heavy metal-bearing particles such as Cu, Zn, As and Pb, which are most likely associated with by the copper smelter.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)256-263
Number of pages8
JournalMarine Pollution Bulletin
Volume99
Issue number1-2
DOIs
StatePublished - 15 Oct 2015

Keywords

  • Enrichment factor
  • Environmental assessment
  • Heavy metal
  • Quintero Bay
  • Sediments analysis

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