Abstract
The levels of Cd, Pb, and Hg were determined in bed sediments and suspended particulate material collected in six Brazilian watersheds (Alto Paranapanema, Peixe, Aguapei, Sao Josh dos Dourados, Mogi-Gaucu, and Piracicaba) in the State of Sao Paulo (Southeast, Brazil), bimonthly from January to December, 2001. The levels of Cd and Pb in total and exchangeable fraction of the sediment were determined in the fraction lower than 63 μm by GFAAS. Cd and Pb in suspended particulate material were determined in the fraction lower than 0.45 pm by GFAAS. The levels of Hg were determined by AFS. The levels of metals did not show temporal variability. Pb concentrations were low in all basins. Exchangeable Pb did not represent a significant fraction of the sediment. Cd concentrations were higher in the Piracicaba River basin, as a result from anthropogenic activities in the basin, such as industrial and domestic effluents damped in the river. Exchangeable Cd was up to 60% of the total Cd in the sediments. Hg concentrations were higher in the Peixe basin. All metals analyzed did not show high values, but the sources of Cd to the Piracicaba River and Hg to the Peixe River have to be evaluated.
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.
