Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
Trace Metals in Stockholm Sediments
Sebastien Rauch, Malin Kylander, Maryam Khosravi, and Arne Jamtrot
Introduction
Trace elements typically occur at low concentrations (£0.1%) in the environment.
However, many trace elements are found at elevated concentrations as a result of
human activities. Contaminated areas include cities where populations are exposed
to contaminants. Stockholm is Sweden's largest city with a population of approxi-
mately 770,000 and a total of 1,200,000 inhabitants in the metropolitan area. As in
most cities, anthropogenic activities are causing environmental contamination,
including the contamination of aquatic systems
[1, 2]
.
The project described here aims at determining the level of relevant trace metals
in Stockholm sediments, that is Ag, Cd, Cu, Pb, Pt, Rh, Sb, Sn, W and Zn. Pt and
Rh are emitted from automobile catalysts into the environment
[3]
and transport in
stormwater has resulted in the contamination of aquatic systems
[4]
. Although little
is known about the toxicity of these metals, uptake by benthic organisms has been
reported
[5]
, raising concern over potential chronic effects. Other relevant trace
metals include W (used in tyre studs) and Sb (emitted from fossil fuel combustion,
waste incineration and automotive parts, listed as priority pollutant by the European
Union) as well as more commonly studied metals including Cd, Cu, Pb and Zn.
