Use of atomic absorption spectrometry for the determination of metals in sediments in south-west Louisiana

The relatively recent introduction of atomic absorption spectrometry has produced a rapid and relatively inexpensive method for the determination of metal concentrations in a wide variety of samples. One such application is in the determination of metal concentrations in soils and sediments. Soils and sediments represent concentrated reservoirs for these metals that serve as sinks for introduced trace metals or can become environmental sources. The coastal zone of Louisiana provides a 'living laboratory' to investigate the mechanisms of transport, deposition, and dissolution of trace metals into this fragile environment. investigations done in the coastal zone have found trace metals tend to concentrate near pollution inputs and sources and have not migrated to or significantly impacted the coastal zone of Louisiana. Common trace metals determined and their range of concentrations in coastal soil and sediments are chromium (10-30 ppm), copper (10-25 ppm), iron (0.6-2.1%), manganese (200-600 ppm), nickel (6-20 ppm), lead (8-20 ppm), and zinc (30-55 ppm). (C) 2000 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.