Spatial distribution of arsenic in the intertidal sediments of River Scheldt, Belgium
Chapagain, S.K.; Shrestha, S.; Du Laing, G.; Verloo, M.G.; Kazama, F. (2009). Spatial distribution of arsenic in the intertidal sediments of River Scheldt, Belgium. Environ. Int. 35(3): 461-465. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.envint.2008.07.019
In: Environment International. Pergamon: New York. ISSN 0160-4120; e-ISSN 1873-6750, more
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| Author keywords |
Arsenic; Sediments; Intertidal; River Scheldt |
| Authors | | Top |
- Chapagain, S.K.
- Shrestha, S.
- Du Laing, G., more
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- Verloo, M.G., more
- Kazama, F.
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| Abstract |
A study was carried out to assess the spatial distribution of arsenic in the intertidal sediments of the River Scheldt in Belgium. Sediment samples were collected from different locations along the River Scheldt up to 100 cm depth and analysed for the major physicochemical properties. The study reveals that the arsenic contents in the sediment samples vary in a wide range, from 2.3 to 140.2 mg kg- 1 dry weight. Moreover, the arsenic concentrations are generally below the background concentrations and remediation thresholds of arsenic in Flanders, Belgium. The occurrence of arsenic is found closely related to some physicochemical properties of the sediments. Arsenic has a strong positive correlation with organic matter and clay contents. On the contrary, a negative correlation exists between arsenic, sand and pH. It is recommended to develop and use organic matter control practices for lowering further accumulation of arsenic within the sediments. |
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