Abstract
The major mechanisms involved in the transport, distribution, and transformation of element species in estuaries are summarized. The importance of transport and mixing characteristics of water and particulates and their effects on master variables (such as pH, 02 ) is emphasized. The interpretation of observed distribution patterns of non-conservative traceelement species in estuaries is in most cases complicated because of lack of chemical equilibrium conditions. A rather unique situation is found in the Scheldt Estuary, where (quasi-)equilibrium conditions may exist for several trace-element species. The behavior of operationally defined species of Cd, Zn, Mn, Ni, As, and V is described in terms of the various chemical properties and the water and sediment transport characteristics. This may assist the understanding of species distribution patterns of these elements under different conditions, i.e., in other estuaries.
Published Version
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