Abstract
Lead (Pb) concentrations were measured in samples of peat soils, sediments and clams ( Rangia cuneata) collected from the Pungo River region of coastal North Carolina. In peat soils, mean Pb concentrations (dry weight ± 1 SD) were significantly higher ( p < 0·05) in surface samples (12·8 μg g −1 ± 7·6) than in samples from depths of 20 cm (2·7 μg g −1 ± 2·7) or 1 m (3·6 μg g −1 ± 3·6). Mean Pb concentrations in surface sediments from canals draining peatlands and from the Pungo River which receives this drainage ranged from 0·1 μg g −1 ± 0·1 to 7·0 μg g −1 ± 0·6. These Pb concentrations are similar to values reported in other studies for areas considered uncontaminated. Fractionation analysis revealed that the majority of the Pb in the peat and sediment samples was associated with the residual fraction, with lesser amounts in the organically-bound fraction, and generally negligible amounts in the water-soluble fraction. These results indicate that the bulk of the Pb in the soils and sediments of this area is relatively immobile and non-bioavailabe. This is supported by the relatively low concentrations of Pb (0·2–0·5 μg g −1, dry weight) observed in soft tissues of R. cuneata collected from the Pungo River.
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.
