Abstract:
Additional input of dissolved metals into estuaries and nearshore zones was experimentally estimated. During the experiments, samples of sedimentary material of rivers with different pollution grades were treated by seawater for 1, 4, 24, 48, and 96 h, and the leachates thus obtained were analyzed for Zn, Cd, Pb, and Cu concentrations by inversion voltammetry. Significant mobilization of Zn and Pb into the seawater occurs only from the sedimentary material with an elevated content of these elements. Cd is readily mobilized even from the sedimentary material with background Cd content. Cu mobilization into the seawater strongly depends on organic matter content in the sedimentary material. The experimental data were used as a base for estimating the metal mobilization from the alluvial sedimentary material. Additional input of the dissolved Cd into estuaries and nearshore zones is most significant. Additional supply of Cu and Zn is significant under certain conditions.