Trace Metals in Suspended Particulates, Biota, and Sediments of the St. Croix, Narraguagus, and Union Estuaries and the Goose Cove Region of Penobscot Bay

摘要

Samples from four Maine estuaries were analyzed to determine the concentrations, distributions, and sources of heavy metals (Ag, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Hg, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Zn) in their suspended particulates, sediments, and biota. The four estuaries studied and their dominant impacting anthropogenic activity are: the St. Croix River, pulp and paper processing; the Narraguagus River, agricultural activity; the Union River, untreated town sewage; and Goose Cove (Penobscot River), mining activity. Sampling sites for each estuary were located both above and below the principal pollution injection sources.