A new methodological approach to assess the mobility of As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Ni and Pb in river sediments

► The simple methodology assessed in this work uses river water, in contact with the sediment, as the extractant agent. ► This methodology shows an important harmonisation in order to establish conclusions more realistic with the real systems. ► The trace metal mobilisation was directly depending on the total concentration in sediment, i.e. As, Co or Ni.