Accumulation of trace metals in sediments in a Mediterranean Lagoon: Usefulness of metal sediment fractionation and elutriate toxicity assessment. (December 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Zaaboub, Noureddine; Martins, Maria Virgínia Alves; Dhib, Amel; Béjaoui, Béchir; Galgani, François; El Bour, Monia; Aleya, Lotfi
• Is Part Of: Environmental pollution. Volume 207(2015)
• Page Start: 226
• Page End: 237
• Publication Date: 2015-12
• Subjects: Coastal lagoons -- Trace metals -- Toxicity -- Bioassays -- Pollution effects; Pollution -- Periodicals; Pollution -- Environmental aspects -- Periodicals; Environmental Pollution -- Periodicals; Pollution -- Périodiques; Pollution -- Aspect de l'environnement -- Périodiques; Pollution -- Effets physiologiques -- Périodiques; Pollution; Pollution -- Environmental aspects; Periodicals; Electronic journals; 363.73
• DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2015.09.033
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0269-7491

Abstract

Abstract: The authors investigated sediment quality in Bizerte Lagoon (Tunisia) focusing on geochemical characteristics, metal sediment fractionation and elutriate toxicity assessment. Nickel, Cu, Zn, Pb, Cr and Cd partitioning in sediments was studied; accumulation and bioavailability were elucidated using enrichment factors, sequential extractions, redox potential, acid volatile sulfide and biotest procedures in toxicity evaluation. Results revealed an accumulation for Pb and Zn, reaching 99 and 460 mg kg −1 respectively. In addition, the acid volatile sulfide values were high in both eastern and western lagoon areas, thus affecting metal availability. Mean enrichment factor values for Pb and Zn were 4.8 and 4.9, respectively, with these elements as the main contributors to the lagoon's moderate enrichment level. Toxicity levels were influenced by accumulation of Zn in different surface sediment areas. Core sediments were investigated in areas with the highest metal concentrations; metal fractionation and biotest confirmed that Zn contributes to sediment toxicity. Graphical abstract: Highlights: Geochemical analysis and toxicity were determined in surface sediment. Moderate enrichment of Zn in surface sediment. Sediment profiles of oxic and suboxic to anoxic environment were investigated. Sediment bound fraction and toxicity in elutriate were evaluated. Zn present in labile fraction toxicity was determined for the first time. Abstract : Geochemical analysis of surface sediments in Bizerte Lagoon (Tunisia), showed, for the first time, presence and toxicity of Zn in the labile fraction.