Abstract
The spatial distribution of heavy metal pollution of canal sediments (City of Delft, The Netherlands) was investigated in the framework of a mass balance study. Heavy metal pollution in the accumulated dredged sediments showed marked spatial and vertical variations. In the sediment top layer of 10 to 15 cm thickness, copper levels varied from 45 to 281 mg Cu/kg, lead from 218 to 562 mg Pb/kg and zinc from 216 to 1400 mg Zn/kg. Values in the sediment bottom layer of 10 to 15 cm thickness were 20 to 50% higher, indicating a diminishing pollution load over the past years. Significant statistical correlations were found between the Cu, Pb and Zn contents, pointing at (a) common source(s) of pollution for these metals. Particle size analysis showed substantially enhanced levels of heavy metals in the fraction smaller than 106 μm. Results of preliminary mass balance calculations indicate that the quality of the surface water used for flushing the city canal system has a predominant effect on the inner-city sediment accumulation and pollution rates.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
