Title: Investigation of partitioning of contaminants between water and sediment
Author: A.M. Gunn
Author: H.R. Rogers
Author: S.D.W. Comber
Document Type: Monograph
Abstract:
The partitioning of contaminants between water and suspended, sediment exerts a major influence upon their transport and toxic effects. Sound physicochemical data for contaminant-particle interactions in aqueous systems are therefore essential for the development of effective environmental management models. WRc have carried out a three year NRA funded project to investigate the major factors influencing contaminant partitioning. This has involved a programme of research, concentrating initially on the Ouse/Aire/Trent/Humber system, and followed by the Mersey estuary. Work on the partitioning behaviour of organic contaminants has been focused on compounds selected from the UK Red List i.e. atrazine and gamma-hexachlorocyclohexane in estuarine waters. Particular emphasis has been placed on evaluating the importance of pesticide binding to naturally occurring colloids. The influence of physicochemical parameters such as salinity and suspended solids concentration on contaminant partitioning behaviour has also been established. Similar parameters have been investigated for trace metals, for which the importance of dissolved phase natural organic
ligands in controlling partitioning equilibria has also been evaluated. Marked differences have been found for the partitioning of cadmium and copper in the Humber and Mersey estuaries.
Publisher: National Rivers Authority
Publication Date: 1992
Publication Place: Bristol
Subject Keywords: Models; Environmental management; Contamination
Geographic Keywords: Ouse (Yorkshire); Aire (Yorkshire); Trent (England); Humber
Extent: 145
Permalink: http://www.environmentdata.org/archive/ealit:2223
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