The sedimentology, mineralogy and metal contamination of sediments in the apex of the New York Bight, NY, USA: An integrated laboratory and field study of trace metal behavior in an urban estuary
Amaach, NH
| HERO ID | 345401 |
|---|---|
| In Press | No |
| Year | 2008 |
| Title | The sedimentology, mineralogy and metal contamination of sediments in the apex of the New York Bight, NY, USA: An integrated laboratory and field study of trace metal behavior in an urban estuary |
| Authors | Amaach, NH |
| Issue | 09 |
| Page Numbers | suppl. B |
| Abstract | <?Pub Inc> Owing to past and present discharge of industrial and chemical wastes in the New York Bight, sediments and biota of the NYB have been shown to contain elevated levels of enviro-toxic trace metals. These trace metals, produced by anthropogenic activities, persist at elevated levels and pose health risks to humans and the ecosystem. In this study, two sets of sediment samples collected over a period of 20 years have been studied to evaluate the health of the Bight system. The first series of samples were collected in summer of 1976 during the time of active dumping and the second series were collected in summer of 1997. The samples were analyzed by flame atomic absorption spectrophotometry (AAS) to determine sediment Pb, Cr, Cu, Zn, Cd and Ni concentrations. Estimated mineral composition of these samples was determined by powder X-ray diffractometry analysis (XRD). This study found greater Pb, Cr, Cu, Zn, Cd, and Ni concentrations in clay-silt fraction from sewage sludge, mud dumpsite and near shore mud-patches than their background values and greater than those of USEPA sediment quality guidelines. Zn had the highest concentration followed by Pb, Cr, Cu, Ni, and Cd. XRD analysis of the sediments showed that the dominant clay minerals were illite, chlorite, and kaolinite. The percentage of clays and trace metal levels showed the same trends, being highest within sewage sludge and mud dumpsites. These levels were slightly lower south and north of these dumpsites, and near shore environment. This indicates contaminants-laden clays on the floor of the NYB are being reworked by currents, transported, and scattered within the Bight. Statistical analysis showed weak correlation and nonnormal distribution of trace metals. This suggests that the geochemical behavior of these metals has been affected by pH, Eh, clay-metal cations selectivity, and hydrodynamics of the Bight. Therefore, result from this study may be useful in the development of management plans to clean up polluted sites and curtail sources of contamination. |
| Is Certified Translation | No |
| Dupe Override | No |
| Is Public | Yes |
| Language Text | English |
| Keyword | Article Subject Terms: Bights; Cadmium; Environment management; Heavy; metals; Lead; Mud; Pollution control; Sediment Contamination; Sediment; pollution; Sediments; Sewage; Sludge; Sorption; Trace Metals; Trace; metals; Zinc; Article Geographic Terms: ANW, USA, New York; ANW, USA,; New York Bight; Q2 02264 Sediments and sedimentation; SW 3040 Wastewater treatment; processes |
| Is Qa | No |