An evaluation on the bioavailability of heavy metals in the sediments from a restored mangrove forest in the Jinjiang Estuary, Fujian, China

The bioavailability of heavy metals in restored mangrove wetland sediments at the Jinjiang Estuary was assessed through acid-volatile sulfide (AVS) and simultaneously extracted metals (SEM). The results indicated that the SEM distributions were more even than the AVS in the restored regions, and the AVS acted as an important carrier for SEM. SEM-(Zn) was a major part (61.4-70.6%) of Sigma SEM, whereas the most toxic metal, Cd, accounted for approximately 0.2%. The possible adverse effects increased in the surface and subsurface sediments (0-20 cm), with no potential bioavailability in deeper layers. This was probably due to the higher AVSs binding to heavy metal ions in the restored regions compared to the mudflat (control group). The conclusions were also similar when taking TOC concentrations into account. Mangrove wetland restoration has significant effects on the bioavailability of heavy metals in sediments. According to the thresholds for metal toxicity on benthic organisms in sediments, Pb, Cu and Ni had potential adverse effects on benthic organisms in this restored wetland.