Trace elements in biodeposits and sediments from mussel culture in the Ría de Arousa (Galicia, NW Spain)

The trace elements present at highest concentrations were Cr and Zn, which probably originated from the dumping of effluent from a tanning factory. High proportions of these two elements were associated with the residual fraction. Biodeposits and sediments showed high concentrations of Cd and Pb in the reactive fraction, with a high proportion of the concentration in the reactive fraction being associated with carbonates. Nickel showed a higher degree of pyritization than the previous elements, although most of the Ni was associated with the residual and reactive fractions. Arsenic, Hg and Cu showed high degrees of pyritization, particularly below a depth of 5 cm. The results demonstrate that those elements with a high degree of pyritization may be released into the water through oxidation of the metal sulphides that they form when in suspension in oxic sea water, with the subsequent risk of increased bioavailability to benthic fauna.