Title: Organic matter biodegradation and metal behaviour in contaminated freshwater sediments

Authors: Socorro Pedroza-Benitez, Anne-Laure Bussy, Icela D. Barcelo-Quintal, Edgar Lopez-Galvan, Pedro Avila-Perez

Addresses: Departamento de Estudios de Posgrado, Instituto Tecnologico de Toluca, Av. Instituto Tecnologico S/N, Fracc. Ex Rancho La Virgen, Metepec, 52140 Mexico, Mexico. ' Departamento de Ciencias Basicas, Universidad Autonoma Metropolitana, Av. San Pablo no. 180, Col. Reynosa-Tamaulipas, Del. Azcapotzalco, 02200 DF, Mexico. ' Departamento de Ciencias Basicas, Universidad Autonoma Metropolitana, Av. San Pablo no. 180, Col. Reynosa-Tamaulipas, Del. Azcapotzalco, 02200 DF, Mexico. ' Departamento de Ciencias Basicas, Universidad Autonoma Metropolitana, Av. San Pablo no. 180, Col. Reynosa-Tamaulipas, Del. Azcapotzalco, 02200 DF, Mexico. ' Gerencia de Ciencias Ambientales, Instituto Nacional de Investigaciones Nucleares, Apartado Postal 18-1027, 11801 DF, Mexico

Abstract: Purpose. The interaction of biodegradable organic matter with metals was studied in sediments of a highly contaminated river of Mexico. Design/methodology/approach. A six fraction speciation procedure was performed on surface sediments, before and after two weeks of microbial activity, to determine metal-sediment association modifications. Findings. Associations of Cd, Cu and Pb evolved toward less available forms. Fe showed an opposite behaviour. The redox conditions showed more impact than the biodegradability of organic compounds on the results. Research limitations/implications. Longer experiments may generate additional metal movements. Originality/value. The results should serve to improve water quality of multi-contaminated rivers.

Keywords: speciation; heavy metals; freshwater sediments; organic matter biodegradation; metal behaviour; sediment contamination; water pollution; cadmium; copper; lead; iron; water quality.

DOI: 10.1504/IJETM.2010.029982

International Journal of Environmental Technology and Management, 2010 Vol.12 No.1, pp.85 - 94

Published online: 03 Dec 2009 *

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