Heavy Metals and Trace Element Concentrations in Intertidal Soils of Four Estuaries of SW Iberian Peninsula

Abstract

Soils from four estuaries of SW Iberian Peninsula, affected by anthropogenic influence (urban, industrial and agricultural activities), were analyzed for the occurrence of a variety of metals and trace elements including Al, As, B, Ba, Ca, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, Na, Ni, P, Pb, S and Zn. The soils presented very high levels of salinity (high concentrations of Na, K and Mg), organic matter and, consequently, of C and N concentrations. In contrast, very low values of CaCO₃, Ca and P were found. In addition, it should be highlighted that in certain localities (Piedras 1 and 2 and Guadiana in Huelva, Spain, and Ria Formosa, Faro, Portugal) the concentrations of Pb, S and Zn were extremely high, reaching levels of pollution.

Keywords:

• Anthropogenic activities
• contamination
• marsh
• toxicity

Acknowledgements

We thank the Spanish Science and Technology and Environmental Ministries for their support (projects 04212007 and PCI2006-A7-0641, respectively).