Partitioning of Toxic Trace Metals between Solid and Liquid Phases in the Great Lakes

摘要

The interaction between particulate matter and trace metal species in the water column plays an important role in metals transport and fate throughout the Great Lakes environment. Where there is strong sorption of a metal by particulates and settling is involved, then the metal should not be regarded as a conservative substance in the water column. Dolan and Bierman (1982) modeled the transport of trace metals in Saginaw Bay, Lake Huron, and found that a large percentage of the cadmium, lead and zinc were lost to the sediments via metal association with particulates suspended in water. Enrichment of cadmium, lead, zinc and copper was found in surface sediments of Lakes Superior and Huron by Kemp et al. (1978) and of Lakes Ontario and Erie by Kemp and Thomas (1976). Dredging operations and water turbulence can resuspend these particulates and sorbed metals may be subsequently released again to the water column.