Dependence of Cu, Pb and Zn remobilization on physicochemical properties of marine sediments

The resuspension of 65 marine sediments was simulated in the laboratory with elutriates from 30 different sites from the north coast of Spain. The partitioning of Cu, Pb and Zn between sediment and elutriate was studied as a function of different physicochemical characteristics of the sediment: organic matter (OM), fine fraction (FF), redox potential and acid volatile sulfides (AVS). Mean remobilization factors (RF) -calculated as metal concentration in the elutriate (μg/L) divided by metal concentration in the sediment (μg/g dry weight)- were 0.072 for Cu, 0.012 for Pb and 0.071 for Zn. Remobilization of Pb was significantly lower than that of Cu and Zn. Although AVS, OM and FF presented a strong intercorrelation, OM explained great part of the variability on Cu and Pb remobilization while AVS did it for Zn. A multiple regression model considering both OM and AVS explained slightly better the remobilization of Pb and Cu, but not that of Zn.

► Resuspension of sediments was studied as a function of sediment characteristics.
► Remobilization factors were calculated as metal in elutriate/metal in sediment.
► Remobilization factors were 0.072 for Cu, 0.012 for Pb and 0.071 for Zn.
► Remobilization of Pb was significantly lower than that of Cu and Zn.