Environmental Implications of Heavy Metals in Surface Sediments near Isla de Sacrificios, Mexico

摘要

Modification to the global flux of sediments causes one of the largest environmental impacts on coastal zones. Sediments are an important sink and source for heavy metals, and play an important role in the remobilization of metals to the aquatic environment. The transfer of metals from sediments to organisms has been reported as an important metal source for many species (Zoumis et al. 2001). "Isla de Sacrificios" is a coral island located offshore of Veracruz City, one of the most important Mexicanports in the Gulf of Mexico (Fig. 1). This area is characterized by a growing urban population and an increasing industrial development. Additionally, several rivers discharge very close to the reef ecosystem.