Assessment of the state of pollution by heavy metals in the surficial sediments of Algiers Bay
RIS ID
36491
Abstract
Sediment samples were collected at 33 stations from Algiers Bay to determine potential sources of pollution. The analyses were made with X-ray ¯uorescence (XRF). The results give information about the level of concentrations for Cr, Mn, Fe, Cu, Zn and Pb. Except for Mn and Fe which present a particular distribution (unrelated to the sedimentary facies), the distribution of the different heavy metals is irregular and depends on the bay morphology. The level of pollution by heavy metals of the bottom sediments in Algiers Bay has been shown to be significant compared with that of Surkouf, considered to be a region with low anthropogenic activity. Comparison with previous studies shows: no dependence of the assignation of Mn and Fe on sedimentary facies; high concentration of Cu, Pb and Zn in the vases and high concentration of Cr in the sands with a fine fraction between 50% and 75%.
Publication Details
Benamar, M. A., Toumert, I., Tobbeche, S., Tchantchane, A. & Chalabi, A. 1999, 'Assessment of the state of pollution by heavy metals in the surficial sediments of Algiers Bay', Applied Radiation and Isotopes, vol. 50, no. 5, pp. 975-980.