Biological Processes Affecting the Distribution of Pollutants in Marine Sediments. Part I. Accumulation, Trophic Transfer, Biodegradation and Migration

摘要

The seabed is the ultimate sink for virtually every class of marine pollutant. Chlorinated hydrocarbons, petroleum hydrocarbons, metals and radionuclides are deposited in sediments and may persist there long after original sources of contamination are eliminated. This chapter deals with the biological processes that affect the biogeochemical cycling of contaminants in benthic ecosystems. Six processes were selected for discussion: bioaccumulation, trophic transfer, migration, biodegradation, biodeposition and bioturbation.