Origin and mobility of heavy metals in contaminated sediments from retention and infiltration ponds

The metal content of sediments from 4 ponds representative of contrasting environments and design was determined through speciation studies using both sequential chemical extraction and mineralogical observation. Surprisingly, the speciation for a given pond appears to be very homogenous, with the homogeneity being independent of total metal content, particle size or location within the pond. In contrast to what is commonly expected, no increase in metal content was found with decrease in size class. The proportion of metals in the different phases is distinct from one pond to another, reflecting distinct catchment areas. Contributions of alloys and atmospheric particles from industrial processes can be ascertained by SEM. Cadmium showed the highest availability in all 4 ponds with 40–60% extracted during the first step of the Community Bureau of Reference extraction scheme. Zinc, Pb and Cu, mostly sorbed on organic matter or oxides, may also become more mobile depending on physico-chemical changes. In France, an estimated volume of 5 million tons of sediment is extracted annually, and it is obvious that the risk, both environmental and human, associated with its heavy metal content and speciation cannot be totally ignored for the future use of this sediment.