Appraisal of contaminants in sediments of the Inner Bristol Channel and Severn Estuary

摘要: Abstract In the inner Bristol Channel and Severn Estuary, most contaminated stations were in muddy, depositional areas of estuary, particularly along Welsh coast between Rivers Taff Usk, also on English Avonmouth Beach. Some deeper areas, dominated by sand mixed sediments, showed contaminant concentrations excess those predicted from sediment texture, organic matter, aluminium or iron concentrations. Concentrations lead, copper, chromium, nickel zinc have decreased muddy sediments since 1970s, but only lead has sand. With exception zinc, which is high Severn, trace element comparable to other British estuaries. Landward proposed barrage, contaminants are associated with sub-estuaries at their confluence main estuary. Post-barrage effects will be focused these areas. However, fine deposition what now sandy would increase burden unless calcium build-up resulting molluscan fauna antagonistic effect dilution sediment.