Distribution and enrichment evaluation of heavy metals in Mejillones Bay (23 degrees S), Northern Chile: Geochemical and statistical approach

Valdés J.; Vargas G.; Sifeddine, A.; Ortlieb, L.; Guiñez M

Abstract

A suite of 36 surface sediment samples, taken between 10 and 100 m water depth in Mejillones Bay (Northern Chile), were analyzed for mineralogy, grain size, total organic carbon, Al, and heavy metal content (Cd, Zn, Ni, Mn, V, Mo). Quartz and feldspars were the main lithogenic minerals and carbonate the predominant biogenic mineral. Sediments were fine sands in the shallow zone and organic silt in the deeper zone. Enrichment Factor and Factor Analysis approach showed that the presence of Mn in the marine sediment of Mejillones is due to a partial influence of continental input, while all other metals are not supported by lithogenic debris. Although all metals showed high concentrations in the marine sediment of Mejillones Bay, comparison between metal concentration in surface sediments and preindustrial levels in this bay, show that present values agree with natural levels. © 2005 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

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Título según WOS: Distribution and enrichment evaluation of heavy metals in Mejillones Bay (23 degrees S), Northern Chile: Geochemical and statistical approach
Título según SCOPUS: Distribution and enrichment evaluation of heavy metals in Mejillones Bay (23°S), Northern Chile: Geochemical and statistical approach
Título de la Revista: MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN
Volumen: 50
Número: 12
Editorial: PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD
Fecha de publicación: 2005
Página de inicio: 1558
Página final: 1568
Idioma: English
URL: http://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S0025326X05002717
DOI:

10.1016/j.marpolbul.2005.06.024

Notas: ISI, SCOPUS