Characterization of microparticles in raw, treated, and distributed waters by means of elemental and particle size analyses.

The elemental composition and particle size distribution of suspended particles in raw water, treated water, and distributed water were determined to understand the behavior of particles during the water treatment-distribution process. The weight of suspended particles collected on a 0.6-microm filter was 1.1 times (raw water), 1.4 times (treated water), and 1.5 times (distributed water) that collected on a 2.7-microm filter, suggesting that smaller particles may remain after conventional water treatment. Organic suspended particles were removed less efficiently than inorganic suspended particles. After sand filtration, the Al content in the fixed suspended solids (FSS) markedly increased, indicating that either a small percentage of aluminium floc passed through during sand filtration or dissolved aluminum precipitated after sand filtration. The Mn and Fe concentrations increased after chlorination. The percentages of carbon and nitrogen in the volatile suspended solids (VSS) were roughly the same in the raw, treated, and distributed waters. The carbon/nitrogen/phosphate/VSS ratios indicated that the VSS of the suspended particles consisted of organic matter originating from microorganisms. The major constituents of the FSS in the treated and distributed waters were compounds of Fe, Al, Ca, Mg, and Mn, but these compounds accounted for only 16% or less of the FSS in raw water, indicating the existence of Si compounds. In distribution pipes, the total suspended solids concentration, especially the FSS concentration, was higher than that of water just after treatment. The Fe concentration in distributed water increased, probably due to oxidation and rusting of iron pipes.     

Fate,Transport and Effects of Pollutants Originating from Acid Mine Drainage in the Olifants River,South Africa

Concentrations of pollutants were measured in water, sediment and algal samples collected along a longitudinal gradient from a stretch of the Olifants River, South Africa, that receives acid mine drainage (AMD) from the Klipspruit River. The effects of AMD were determined through macroinvertebrate biotic indices (SASS5) and multivariate analysis of macroinvertebrate communities. The acidic Klipspruit River caused increased concentrations of total Al, Fe and Mn in the Olifants River. Upon mixing of the Klipspruit with that from the alkaline Olifants River, Al and Fe precipitate rapidly, leading to lower concentrations in the dissolved phase and higher concentrations in the suspended phase and in sediment at sites in close proximity to the confluence. Similarly, filamentous algae accumulated high concentrations of Al, Fe and Zn immediately after the confluence. Mn remains in the dissolved phase, and sediment and algal concentrations increase with increasing distance downstream. Metal speciation analysis indicate that Al is rapidly converted from more toxic forms (e.g. Al³⁺ and Al(OH)²⁺) to less toxic forms (e.g. Al(OH)₃(aq) and Al(OH)^4?). In contrast, Mn remains in the soluble Mn²⁺ form. Macroinvertebrate metrics and community structure showed clear signs of deterioration in water quality in the Olifants River downstream of the point of AMD input. While total TDS concentrations at all sites fall within ranges likely to affect macroinvertebrates, the relative composition of major ions changes as a result of AMD input, which may also account for the observed changes in macroinvertebrate communities. Further downstream, the Wilge River discharges into the Olifants River and significantly improves water quality downstream of the confluence. Future mining and development activities in the Wilge catchment should be carefully managed and monitored so as to ensure sufficient flows of acceptable quality to prevent further deterioration of water quality in the Olifants River and downstream reservoirs. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Coagulation mechanisms--nano- and microprocesses.

Possible coagulation mechanisms were studied in relatively high alkalinity model systems and surface waters. On the basis of available information, original laboratory experiments and simple calculation were performed in order to show that the adsorption of Al3+ and Fe3+ ions is not the dominant process in decreasing the stability of suspended particles. The ions of the feeding coagulants hydrolyse within short time and form positively charged water soluble aluminium- or ferric hydroxides. Adsorption of these water soluble hydroxides onto the surface of colloids and quasi-colloid particles are restricted because of the quick completion of the hydrolysis process in relatively high alkalinity (>1.2 mmol/L) water. The result of complete hydrolysis of Al3+ or Fe3+ ions are slightly positively charged poorly water soluble aluminium or ferric hydroxide sols. The positively charged hydroxides and the associated water molecules are connected to each other by hydrogen bonds, providing a stabile structure. The hydrogen bonds provide the aggregation of slightly positively charged sol aggregation into flocs. Considering the repulsing forces among the sols, high numbers of individual sol particles (having nm sizes) are able adsorb onto the surface of suspended particles, changing their electrical charge and decreasing the stability of the colloids and quasi-colloid particles. This process is dominant in the destabilisation of suspended particles.     

Metal removal via particulate material in a lowland river system

Twelve month surveys of acid-soluble and dissolved trace metal concentrations in the lower Waikato River (in 1998/9 and 2005/6) showed abnormally low particulate Fe, Mn, Cu, Pb and Zn concentrations and mass flux in autumn, when the suspended particulate material (SPM) had a relatively high diatom and organic carbon content, and low Fe and Al content. Dissolved Mn, Cu and Zn concentrations also decreased in autumn, while dissolved Fe and Pb concentrations were unaffected. While SPM settlement under the low river flow conditions present in autumn can explain the removal of particulate metals, it does not explain dissolved metal removal. SPM-metal interaction was therefore investigated using seasonal monitoring data, experimental adsorption studies, sequential extraction and geochemical modelling. Pb binding to SPM occurred predominantly via Fe-oxide surfaces, and could be reliably predicted using surface complexation adsorption modelling. Dissolved Mn concentrations were controlled by the solubility of Mn oxide, but enhanced removal during autumn could be attributed to uptake by diatoms. Zn and Cu were also adsorbed on Fe-oxide in the SPM, but removal from the water column in autumn appeared augmented by Zn adsorption onto Mn-oxide, and Cu adsorption onto the organic extracellular surfaces of the diatoms.     

Chemistry,Mineralogy, and Morphology of Lake Erie Suspended Matter

Suspended matter was collected from different depths at three stations in spring and summer, 1978, in Lake Erie. Chemistry, mineralogy, and morphology of the suspended particles were measured to investigate spatial and temporal changes. The determined elements (Si, Fe, Ca, K, Mn, P, Al, Ti, and Mg) were partitioned between inorganic and biological material and the majority of these elements were present in at least two different chemical forms. Flocculates > 3 μm composed of organic material and mineral fragments were common at the water surface and the middle of the water column. Mineral fragments < 3 μm were the major constituent of suspended matter at the bottom at the deepest sampling station (62 m). The concentration of the major components of the suspended matter, organic material, alumino-silicates, and calcite, varied significantly from spring until later summer. The high concentration of organic material and the fluctuations of calcite concentration result from high rates of photosynthesis and respiration and temperature increases in spring and summer.     

Trace Elements in Air Over Lake Michigan Near Chicago During September, 1973

A high-volume sampler, located on the City of Chicago water intake crib (Dunne Crib) 3 km offshore in Lake Michigan, collected atmospheric particles over each 24-hour period from 12-30 September, 1973. Samples were analyzed via instrumental neutron activation analysis for 20 elements: Al, Br, Ca, Ce, Cl, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Hg, K, La, Mg, Mn, Na, Sb, Se, Th, V, Zn. Concentrations of many elements show order of magnitude variations with wind direction. For most elements highest levels occur when southern winds transport airborne material from local sources. Lowest levels, occurring for cross-lake wind trajectories, are still above concentrations observed in remote areas by others. Sources of atmospheric trace elements are identified on the basis of meteorological data, and comparison is made of their concentration in atmospheric paniculate matter with the composition of soils. The dependence of Br concentrations on wind direction indicates Chicago as a primary local source. In contrast, certain metals (Cr, Fe, Mn, and Zn) have peak atmospheric concentrations for winds from the Gary area. Residence times for background elements (Ce, K, Na, Th), calculated using a simple model in which concentrations decrease exponentially during transit of air parcels over the lake, are consistent with previous estimates of over-water residence times (5-20 hrs). Average concentrations in offshore air are generally compatible with particle-size corrected inventories of emissions from local sources.     

Enrichment and geoaccumulation of metals in the superficial sediments of Lake Chivero,Zimbabwe

Sediments act as a sink, being an integrator and an amplifier for metals in rivers, lakes and reservoirs. Thus, sediment quality has been recognized as an important indicator of aquatic pollution. The concentrations of aluminium (Al), calcium (Ca), iron (Fe), potassium (K), magnesium (Mg), manganese (Mn) and sodium (Na) were studied in the surface sediments of Lake Chivero, Zimbabwe, to determine metal accumulation, distribution, pollution status and to distinguish natural background metal levels from human pollution sources. Sediment samples were collected from 17 locations during a two‐year (2014–2015) monitoring period during the hot–dry, hot–wet and cool–dry seasons. The overall mean metal concentrations exhibited the following decreasing order: Fe > Al>Mn > Ca>K > Mg>Na. The Mn levels for all sites and seasons were above the severe effect level (SEL). The highest metal and enrichment factor (EF) values were observed for the hot–wet season, indicating the period when the reservoir received the highest metal pollution from its catchment. The Geochemical index (I_geo) values for Mn for all seasons indicated moderately to strong contamination in sediments. The pollution load index (PLI) for all seasons indicated low pollution levels. Sediment contamination was attributed to natural sources for Al, Na and K and anthropogenic sources for Fe, Ca, Mg and Mn. The levels of studied metals in the Lake Chivero sediments are comparable to other eutrophic lentic systems. The results of the present study provide baseline information necessary for developing future metal pollution control strategies for Lake Chivero and its catchment.     

顺义新城温榆河水资源利用工程受水区浅层地下水水质现状评价

工程受水区各含水层的地下水水质总体较好。在重点监测的34个指标中,只有铁、锰、铝、氨氮、挥发酚、高锰酸钾指数、总硬度、亚硝酸盐氮、氟化物和砷10项指标超标,其中铁、锰、铝、氨氮、挥发酚、高锰酸钾指数、总硬度等7项指标为感官性状及一般化学指标,只有氟化物、砷和亚硝酸盐氮为毒理性指标。10项超标的水质指标在平面、垂向上分别呈现出一定的分布规律。     

Study of the chemical composition of suspended particles in Lake Baikal

Samples of suspended material (solid particles) from Lake Baikal were analysed by using X‐ray fluorescence elemental analysis with the excitation of monochromatized synchrotron radiation (SRXFA, Novosibirsk, Russia) and electron probe X‐ray microanalysis (EPXMA, Antwerp, Belgium). The chemical composition of particles in different depths and basins of the lake is discussed. The chemical composition of the central parts of the lake are stable, but concentrations are higher in the southern basin, which is liable to pollution.     

Spatial and Temporal Distinction of Microelemental Signatures of Missouri River Tributaries

The microchemical composition of a fish's calcified structure, such as an otolith, fin ray, or scale, is a ‘biological tag’ that reflects the use of different habitats throughout its life history. Hard‐part microchemistry has the potential to address many fish conservation, management, and behavior questions. In order to use hard‐part microchemistry to address fisheries research questions, elemental signatures of water must be distinct at the spatial scale of interest and ideally temporally stable. The goal of this study was to assess whether spatial differences existed in the concentrations of five elements [barium (¹³⁷Ba), magnesium (²⁴Mg), manganese (⁵⁵Mn), sodium (²³Na), and strontium (⁸⁸Sr)] between and within eight Missouri River tributaries and whether those signatures were temporally stable. All elemental concentrations were converted to molar ratios (mmol mol^?1) using calcium (⁴³Ca) concentrations as the base. Canonical correspondence analysis showed distinct differences in Mg:Ca, Na:Ca, and Sr:Ca concentrations between the eight tributaries. Cochran–Mantel–Haenszel tests showed that sites within a tributary were distinguished using Mg:Ca and Na:Ca concentrations. However, only Mg:Ca concentrations were temporally stable. Results from this study demonstrate the potential for using hard‐part microchemistry to address various questions at multiple spatial scales in the Missouri River riverscape but also highlight the importance of evaluating water microelemental signatures prior or simultaneous to any hard‐part microchemistry study. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Geochemistry of the Detroit River Sediments

The objectives of the investigation were to provide information on the concentration and distribution of metals in bottom sediments of the Detroit River and to study the association of metals with various sediment components. Concentrations of major elements (Si, Al, Ca, Mg, Na, K, Fe, Mn, and P) and metals (Co, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, and Zn), particle size distribution, and mineralogical composition were determined in 20 surficial sediment samples collected along the Detroit River in 1983. Significantly higher concentrations of metals in the Detroit River sediments than those reported in Lake St. Clair and Lake Erie sediments indicated input from sources in the river's drainage basin. Poor relationships exist between the metals and organic C and the metals and the silt-clay size fraction (< 63 μm). The association of metals with sediment particles was investigated by a separation of sediment into seven size fractions ranging from < 13 to > 63 μm. Zn, Ni, Cr, and Pb were accumulated in the < 13 μm size fraction. However, Cu and Cr concentrations were highest in the < 13 and 48 to 63 μm fractions. Quartz, feldspars, and calcite were found in the > 63 μm fraction. Dolomite, feldspars, and quartz were in the 13 to 63 μm fraction and the clay minerals illite, chlorite, and kaolinite were in the < 13 μm fraction. Concentrations and relationships among major elements reflected the mineralogical composition of different particle size fractions.     

Calibration of turbidity meter and acoustic doppler velocimetry (Triton‐ADV) for sediment types present in drained peatland headwaters: Focus on particulate organic peat

Suspended sediments have a clear impact on fluvial water quality and aquatic habitats. As the concentrations are highly variable, continuous measurement offers a good way to provide accurate and precise values of sediment concentration and yield. However, there is a lack of information regarding the effect of organic peat particles, which typically appear in boreal fluvial systems. In the present study, the effect of different types of suspended sediments on calibration of a turbidity meter and an acoustic Doppler velocimetry (Triton‐ADV) was studied in laboratory conditions. The measurements were performed using particulate organic peat, clay and silt with several concentrations ranging from clear water to 3500 mg L^?1. The present study primarily provides organic peat sediment calibration data for used sensors. Regression equations were developed for the different sediment. The results indicate that particle size, shape, concentration and sediment type have an effect on calibration. When the turbidity and the ADV calibration were performed for different particle size groups, sediment types and concentrations, the calibration and suspended solids calculation error was reduced. For the turbidity sensor used, the reliable upper continuous measurement limit for clay, peat and silt sediments was found to be at 1000, 2500 and 3500 mg L^?1, respectively. The ADV‐sensor was noticed to be reliable only with fine particles. The results enable easy and first step calibration and error assessment for automatic turbidity and acoustic monitoring of the suspended sediment quality typically present in headwater fluvial systems. This study can be used to evaluate the effect of different sediments on turbidity and ADV‐measuring error and reliability during changing particles size distributions, characteristics and concentrations. The laboratory‐based approach used in this study indicates that the shape of organic peat particles has an influence on sensor calibration, especially when suspended sediment concentrations are high. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

非黏性沙级配对浊度法测量含沙量的影响

利用浊度仪测量水流含沙量时,泥沙颗粒级配和矿物成分是影响浊度仪标定结果的主要泥沙因素。采用黄河原型非黏性沙配制不同粒径、不同含沙量浑水水体,开展固定粒径、粗细沙、混合沙等多组次试验研究,对黄河天然沙粒径及级配对浊度仪输出浊度的影响进行定量分析和机制探讨。结果表明:固定含沙量条件下,非黏性泥沙粒径对水体浊度的影响特征符合Mie散射定律;含沙量变化对浊度仪输出浊度的影响数量级为10～10²,泥沙颗粒粒径变化对浊度仪输出浊度的影响数量级为10^-1～1;相同含沙量条件下,悬沙比表面积与浊度仪输出浊度符合线性分布。建立了考虑非黏性沙级配影响的含沙量与浊度关系模型,能够较准确地反映非黏性沙粒径及泥沙浓度对水体浊度的影响,可为浊度与含沙量关系的准确率定及测量结果的校准提供可靠依据。     

汉江中下游水体重金属时空分布及污染评价

为探明汉江中下游水体中重金属的污染状况,分别于2019年6月(丰水期)和2020年1月(枯水期)在汉江中下游选取20个监测断面采集水样,监测水体中Cu、Zn、Pb、Fe、Mn、As、Se和Cd 8种重金属的含量,分析汉江中下游水体中重金属污染的时空分布特征,并对水体重金属污染状况进行评价。结果表明:汉江中下游水体重金属污染以Fe、Mn为主,其他6种重金属浓度均满足地表水Ⅱ类水标准。汉江中下游水体中Fe和Mn含量沿程波动较大,二者变化规律基本一致。Fe和Mn含量最大值在支流竹皮河,其中Fe浓度超标4.63倍,Mn超标13%;此外,位于汉川市的S17断面Fe元素含量超标3.89倍。结合历史数据分析,发现近年来汉江中下游水体重金属含量总体呈上升趋势。评价结果表明,汉江中下游大部分水体水质良好,钟祥市和汉川市是汉江中下游重金属污染相对较重的两个城市,支流竹皮河的水体重金属污染问题需引起重视。     

Analysis of environmental particles by atomic force microscopy, scanning and transmission electron microscopy.

Due to their large specific surface and their abundance, micro and nano particles play an important role in the transport of micropollutants in the environment. Natural particles are usually composed of a mixture of inorganic amorphous or crystalline material (mainly FeOOH, Fe(x)Oy, Mn(x)Oy and clays) and organic material (humics and polysaccharides). They all tend to occur as very small particles (1-1,000 nm in diameter). Most natural amorphous particles are unstable and tend to transform with time towards more crystalline forms, either by aging or possibly, by dissolution and re-crystallization. Such transformations affect the fate of sorbed micropollutants and the scavenging properties are therefore changed. As these entities are sensitive to dehydration (aggregation, changes in the morphology), it is highly important to observe their morphology in their natural environment and understand their composition at the scale of the individual particles. Also for the understanding and optimization of water treatment technologies, the knowledge of the occurrence and behavior of nano-particles is of high importance. Some of the possible particle analysis methods are presented: aggregation processes, biomineralization, bacterial adhesion, biofilms in freshwaters, ferrihydrite as heavy metals remover from storm water. These examples demonstrate the capabilities and focus of the microscopes. Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) allows to analyze the particles in their own environment, meaning in air or in the water. Thus, native aspects of particles can be observed. As well, forces of interactions between particles or between particles and other surfaces such as membranes will be highly valuable data. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and for higher lateral resolution, Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) allow measurement of the morphology and composition. Especially, TEM coupled with Electron Energy Loss Spectroscopy (TEM-EELS) is a powerful technique for elemental analysis. Finally, general guidelines for the effective use of microscopic techniques are provided.     

再生水回灌条件下地下水重金属污染特征

为了探讨再生水回灌条件下的地下水中重金属Fe、Mn、Pb、Se、Sr、Zn含量变化情况,在郑州回灌试验场采集并分析了再生水、河水、土壤水和地下水样品(共106个),研究了土壤水和地下水中重金属在再生水回灌过程中的变化情况。结果表明:地下水中Fe、Mn、Sr背景含量较大;回灌1 a后,Fe、Sr含量有所减小,但Mn、Pb、Se、Zn含量有所增大;再生水回灌引起的重金属含量增大的范围为地面以下15.0～20.0 m;引起地下水中重金属含量变化的原因除再生水的回灌以外,还有场地土壤和地下水中较高的重金属背景。     

Biogeochemical characterization,phosphorus sources and intrinsic drivers to its speciation within the Nyanza Gulf of Lake Victoria

Lake Victoria, like many African great lakes, was formed through tectonic activity that formed East African Rift Valley. The lake's ecology has undergone dramatic reorganization dating back to the 1920s, before agricultural mechanization and high urban populations were observed, transforming from it from a desirable to less desirable state. The present study was conducted to better understand Nyanza Gulf's biogeochemical characteristics, phosphorus sources and the driving forces to their speciation. Five littoral‐limnetic‐littoral transects were sampled for water‐associated phosphorus (soluble reactive phosphorus, SRP; total phosphorus, TP_W); sediment‐associated phosphorus (non‐apatite inorganic phosphorus. NAIP); apatite phosphorus, AP; inorganic phosphorus, IP; organic phosphorus, OP; total phosphorus, TP_S); elemental compositions (calcium, Ca; iron, Fe; aluminium, Al; manganese, Mn); organic matter (OM); and organic carbon (OC) contents in the sediment. The SRP and TP_W concentrations ranged from 22.9 to 142.9 μg/L, and 57.1 to 277.1 μg/L, respectively. The littoral sampling sites exhibited relatively higher TP_W concentrations than the limnetic sites. Sheltered bays and sites located off sewerage discharge points had higher NAIP concentrations exceeding 400 mg/kg, compared with strong current areas. The AP and TP_S concentrations ranged from 136.7 to 1,511.3 mg/kg, and 512.5 to 2,254.4 mg/kg, respectively. The AP and TP_S concentrations were generally higher (>500 mg/kg) within the littoral zones compared to the limnetic zones; with the littoral sites located close to documented carbonatite rock substrates manifesting exceptionally high concentrations. Nyanza Gulf's eutrophic/hypertrophic status is derived highly from shoreline erosions of phosphorus‐enriched carbonatite rocks associated with rift valleys and from municipal sewerage discharges. Re‐afforestation, fringing wetland restorations and tertiary treatment of municipal waste waters are vital for its ecological restoration.     

Role of bottom sediments in the secondary pollution of aquatic environments by heavy-metal compounds

The results of long‐term investigations into the concentrations of some heavy metals (Fe, Mn, Cu, Zn, Pb, Cr, and Cd) in the bottom sediments of the Dnieper reservoirs and the Dnieper–Bug estuary are considered. Maximum quantities of the metals studied are characteristic of southern water bodies located within industrial zones (the Zaporozh’e and Kakhovka reservoirs as well as the Dnieper–Bug estuary). The highest concentrations of the metals studied occurred in the clay silts (Fe, 11 600–32 400; Mn, 1504–3450; Cu, 38.9–85.5; Zn, 89.8–186.5; Cr, 48.6–193.0; and Cd, 1.9–4.4 mg kg^‐1 dry weight). Accumulation of heavy metals in the bottom sediments is an important factor in the self‐purification of aquatic environments. However, this process is reversible and therefore provides a constant threat of secondary water pollution. Secondary water pollution is observed in summer and autumn when water consumption increases. The concentrations of heavy metals increase by a factor of 1.5–3 after the drawdown of the water level. The main reason for the rise in the concentrations of metals is exchange between the bottom sediments and the water column. The rate of heavy metal migration is connected with the forms of occurrence in solid substrates and pore solutions in the bottom sediments, as well as with physico‐chemical conditions arising at the sediment/water boundary. Therefore, our investigations concentrated on the study of the fractional distribution of heavy metals among solid substrates and their forms of occurrence in interstitial solutions. This distribution depends, most of all, on the chemical properties of metals as well as the chemical and mineralogical composition of the sediments and the chemical properties of pore solutions. Most of the supply of Mn, Zn, Fe, and Cd is associated with oxides and hydroxides of iron and manganese (Mn, 74–93%; Zn, 43–70%; Fe, 27–59%; and Cd, 28–41%). Most copper and chromium is bound to organic matter and to scarcely soluble minerals. In the interstitial solutions studied, metals (except manganese) are found mainly as complex compounds with dissolved organic matter of a different molecular weight. Nevertheless, the fraction of complexes with a relatively low molecular weight (500–5000 Da) prevailed (40–70%). Dissolved manganese in the pore solutions consists chiefly of free (hydrated) ions Mn²⁺ (80–95%). The results obtained were used for a comparative evaluation of heavy metal mobility and the exchange ability of their associated compounds in the bottom sediment–water system.     

Distribution of soluble heavy metals between ionic and complexed forms in a saturated sediment as affected by pH and redox conditions

Research was undertaken to determine the effects of pH and redox potential on heavy metal speciation and on the size distribution of the organo-metal complexes in the soluble fraction of sediment-water systems. A cation exchange technique was effective in separating free and complexed metal ions. Fe, Mn and Zn differed in the extent of complexation with soluble organic matter. Under reducing conditions approximately two thirds of the soluble Fe was in a complexed form that was not sorbed in passing through the cation exchange resin. Soluble Mn on the other hand, was almost completely ionic under reducing conditions, with only a trace amount passing through the resin column. Over 90 percent of the soluble Zn was complexed under reduced conditions, with only 9 percent sorbed onto the resin. The complexed Fe and Zn were bound to soluble organic matter particles with equivalent molecular weight greater than 25,000 while Mn passed through this size filter. There were marked differences in the size distribution of the various organo-metal complexes under different redox and pH conditions. The soluble Fe was associated with both the largest and smallest size ranges of soluble organic matter. The effect of pH was most evident in the smallest size range with much more complexed iron being present at low pHs. Mn, on the other hand, was associated with only the smallest size range under all pH and redox conditions, reflecting its ionic nature. The greater solubility and mobility of Mn probably accounts for it being depleted relative to iron in Gulf Coast sediments. Hg and Pb were associated with only the largest size soluble complexes and were little affected by pH and redox conditions.     

Distribution of Metals in Different Size Fractions of Sediment from the Niagara River

This study was carried out to demonstrate that the concentration of major and trace elements, determined in sediment samples separated mechanically into different size fractions, gives better information for assessing a potential hazard of in situ, dredged, or resuspended sediments than the bulk total concentration. The concentrations of major elements (Si, Al, Ca, Mg, Na, K, Fe, Ti, Mn, and P), trace elements (Cr, Co, Cu, Zn, V, Ni, and Pb), and organic and carbonate C were determined in six size fractions (< 13 μm, 13–19 μm, 19–27 μm, 27–40 μm, 40–54 μm, and 54–150 μm) of bottom sediments collected at eight stations along the Niagara River. Fine particles (< 13 μm) separated from the river sediments exposed to pollution sources accumulated greater metal quantities than particles in the other size fractions. The contribution of trace elements from specific size fractions was calculated from the particle size distribution and trace elements concentration. With the exception of Ni, significant differences were found between trace elements concentration in specif ic particle size fractions of Niagara River sediments and that from the nearshore zone of Lake Erie.