Factors influencing contaminant distribution in the Huron-Erie Corridor sediments

The study discusses the role of natural and anthropogenic factors influencing dispersal of both inorganic and organic pollutants in the sediments based on findings for different aquatic sub-systems (fluvial, deltaic, lacustrine) joined into one waterway (Huron-Erie Corridor, North America). Bottom current velocity, finest fraction (< 0.063 mm), Al, Corg, TN, and oil contents have been selected as the potential factors influencing contaminant distribution, most commonly used in the geochemical studies. It was found that studied sub-systems were heterogeneous not only in terms of hydrological and geochemical conditions, but also with respect to the spatial contaminants patterns. Both metals and organic contaminants revealed elevated concentrations in sites localized in proximity of anthropogenic sources. The fact that the finest fraction (< 0.063 mm), Al, Corg, and TN were mostly not effective as the contaminant scavengers in the studied area brings more attention to the other than geochemical factors responsible for the distribution of contaminants in sediments. These findings demonstrate that the common approach is not always suitable in describing the contaminants dispersal patterns.

Research Highlights► Research based on findings for Huron-Erie Corridor, North America. ► Natural and anthropogenic factors influencing spatial distribution studied in fluvial, deltaic, lacustrine systems. ► Studied systems were heterogeneous not only in terms of hydrological and geochemical conditions. ► Metals and organic contaminants revealed elevated concentrations in sites localized in proximity of anthropogenic sources. ► The < 0.063 mm fraction, Al, Corg, and TN are not effective as the contaminant scavengers in the studied area.