Coastline Levels of Dissolved Heavy Metals in the Estuarine Water–System of Vigo

Benita Pérez-Cid, Elena Falqué and Jesus Simal-Gandara
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Benita Pérez-Cid: Analytical Chemistry Group, Department of Analytical and Food Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Vigo–Vigo Campus, E36310 Vigo, Spain
Elena Falqué: Analytical Chemistry Group, Department of Analytical and Food Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Vigo–Ourense Campus, E32004 Ourense, Spain
Jesus Simal-Gandara: Nutrition and Bromatology Group, Department of Analytical and Food Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Vigo–Ourense Campus, E32004 Ourense, Spain

IJERPH, 2021, vol. 18, issue 4, 1-11

Abstract: Limited attention has been directed toward the effects of maritime traffic on heavy metals and metalloids in seawater. Water samples were collected from the estuary of Vigo Ría in the summer of 2018. The chemical distribution of ten dissolved trace metals and metalloids (Cr, Mn, Fe, Cu, Zn, As, Se, Cd, Hg, and Pb) in water was determined from north to south (where the biggest city in the region is) and from east to west (where the maritime traffic is higher). Metal concentration in waters showed that most metals were below recommended water quality criteria by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). One of the samples had a Cu concentration higher at the entrance of the Vigo estuary, where maritime traffic is very important. Cu and Zn concentrations were highly correlated between them, showing a similar pollution origin, probably due to anti-fouling paints. Mn and Fe are elements influenced by river sources.

Keywords: maritime traffic; dissolved trace metals and metalloids; estuarine-coastal water-system; river influence; Vigo Ría; summer (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
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