The evaluation of heavy metals (Chromium, nickel, and cobalt) in the aqueous sediment surrounding a coal burning generating plant

Abstract

The aqueous sediments of several lakes around Houston's first coal‐fired electrical plant have been analyzed for trace quantities (1–100 ppm) of chromium, nickel, and cobalt by atomic absorption spectroscopy. Variations of trace metal concentrations with respect to depth suggest a recent contribution to the aqueous sediment only where there is an increase in the top three centimeters of sediment. This study reveals that such additions of these metals to the aqueous sediment appear to have been minimal. Additionally, it is shown that iron and manganese influence the distribution of trace metals within the aqueous sediment. It 1s believed, however; that the low levels detected are due, primarily, to the plant having been operational for only one to two years during the course of this work. Nevertheless, this effort establishes invaluable baseline data for determining any future anthropogenic conditions due to either this coal‐fired electrical plant or other industrialization of southwest Houston.