Magnitude and distribution of contaminants in salt marsh sediments of the Essex coast, UK. I. Topographical, physical and chemical characteristics

The loss of salt marsh environments along the Essex coast of the United Kingdom is of great concern as these complex ecosystems are of both environmental and economic importance. The occurrence and problems generated by salt marsh erosion are clearly understood, but the specific factors causing the...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:The Science of the total environment 1994-09, Vol.155 (1), p.31-45
Main Authors: Fletcher, C.A., Bubb, J.M., Lester, J.N.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Applied sciences
Exact sciences and technology
Halophytes
Pollution
Pollution sources. Measurement results
Redox potential
Salt marsh
Sediment
Soil and sediments pollution
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Summary:The loss of salt marsh environments along the Essex coast of the United Kingdom is of great concern as these complex ecosystems are of both environmental and economic importance. The occurrence and problems generated by salt marsh erosion are clearly understood, but the specific factors causing the decline are largely unknown. In an attempt to address the potential contribution of anthropogenic contaminants to the decline of salt marsh ecosystems, a comprehensive sediment sampling program has been undertaken. The magnitude, spatial distribution and vertical extent of a range of metallic and organic contaminants, together with physico-chemical parameters, have been determined in the sediments of five salt marshes along the Essex coast. This paper provides site descriptions of each of these salt marsh sites, their vegetation status, marsh topography, predominant sediment type and physico-chemical characteristics, together with an assessment of the local contaminant inputs.
ISSN:0048-9697
1879-1026
DOI:10.1016/0048-9697(94)90359-X