Abstract
The broader Philippi area (NE Macedonia, Northern Greece), which was chosen for the present study, is characterized by the presence of various metals. An approach to the correlation of selected parameters (grain-size distribution, Al2O3, CaO, Fe2O3, MnO, SiO2 content, environmentally available concentrations of Cu and Zn) was carried out in samples collected downstream of Palea Kavala River and Kryoneri and Philippi streams. The abundance of Cu, Fe, Mn, and Zn in relation to four binding fractions (exchangeable, bound to carbonates, Fe–Mn oxides, organic matter complexes) was also investigated. The enrichment of the studied metals was determined by evaluating the enrichment factor (EF) and geo-accumulation index (Igeo). Considering the results, Si was the most abundant major element oxide in sediments, followed by Al, Ca, Fe, and Mn. The sediments are dominated by sand and reveal minor Cu and Fe enrichment and moderate Mn and Zn enrichment. Statistical analyses revealed a significant correlation between Cu, Fe, Mn, and Zn, suggesting their common sources. They probably originate naturally, since the weathering of metal assemblages occurring in the broader Philippi area, comprising minerals such as chalcopyrite, pyrite, goethite, pyrolusite and sphalerite, may contribute to the concentrations of these elements in the sediments.
Highlights
IntroductionThe origin of metals in the environment can be attributed either to natural sources (soil erosion, rock weathering, and forest fires) or to anthropogenic ones (agriculture, irrigation, mining and industrial activities, and waste discharge)
The origin of metals in the environment can be attributed either to natural sources or to anthropogenic ones
According to the textural classification of the gravel bearing sediments introduced by Folk [54], the samples S1, S4 and S5 are classified as gravelly muddy sands, S2 as sandy gravel, S3 as a gravelly sand and S6 as muddy sandy gravel
Summary
The origin of metals in the environment can be attributed either to natural sources (soil erosion, rock weathering, and forest fires) or to anthropogenic ones (agriculture, irrigation, mining and industrial activities, and waste discharge). Due to their significant mobility, reactivity and bioavailability, metals can pose a potential threat to both ecosystems and human health. In oxidized environments the metals are released from the mineral compounds, remobilize and so contaminate the water [5,6,7] The variety of their physical and chemical properties makes sediments capable of acting both as carriers and potential sources of contaminants. Contaminants can be bound to these phases by processes like adsorption, precipitation
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary 
Published Version (
Free)
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 call