Abstract
Contamination associated with metals is a critical concern related to their toxicity, persistence, and bio-accumulation. Trace elements are partitioned into several chemical forms, which some are more labile during fluctuations in the environment. Studying the distribution of metals between the different chemical fractions contributes to assess their bioavailability and to identify their potential risk of contamination to surrounding environments. This study concerns the speciation of metals (Pb, Cr, Ni, Zn and Fe) from sediments coming out from Malmfjärden bay, Sweden. The aim was to assess the potential risk of metal pollution during present and future dredging as well as while using dredged sediments in beneficial uses. The Tessier speciation procedure was chosen, and the results showed that low concentrations of metals were associated with the exchangeable fraction. In contrast, the major concentrations were linked to the residual part. The risk indexes (contamination factor and risk assessment code) showed that, during dredging activities, there is a low concern of pollution for Cr, Ni and Fe and a medium risk for Pb and Zn. Additionally, in all elements, the sum of non-residual concentrations was below the Swedish limits for using dredged sediments in sensitive lands. The findings suggested that the investigated metals in Malmfjärden sediments are related to low risks of spreading during using in beneficial uses.
Highlights
Metals have received high importance due to the environmental pollution caused by their toxicity, abundance, non-biodegradable characteristics, persistence and accumulation (Bastami et al, 2017)
The aim of this study is to evaluate the speciation of metals in sediments from Malmfja€rden bay, Sweden to preliminary assess the potential ecological risk of releasing metals during dredging activities as well as input towards using the dredged sediments in beneficial uses
The results revealed that the organic content of the sediments had an average value of 12.9 ± 0.6%, highlighting a medium value according to SS-EN ISO 14688e2:2018
Summary
Metals have received high importance due to the environmental pollution caused by their toxicity, abundance, non-biodegradable characteristics, persistence and accumulation (Bastami et al, 2017). Ferrans et al / Chemosphere 263 (2021) 128105 concentration, it can potentially be toxic (Mackie et al, 2012) This metal exists in nature, and its emissions to the environment are highly related to antifouling paints (Srinivasan and Swain, 2007) and corrosion from metal structures and electrical devices and cables (Barceloux, 1999). Zinc is an essential trace element for humans, plants and organisms, but in excessive concentrations, it becomes toxic. This metal is naturally present in soils and biomass, and it is mainly released to the environment by anthropogenic sources such as agricultural residues and industrial or solid waste (Plum et al, 2010). The mobilisation of the metal is mainly linked to human activities such as removal of ores, combustion of fuel fossils and metallurgical production (Wang et al, 2007)
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