TRACE-METALS IN SUSPENDED PARTICLES, SEDIMENTS AND ASIATIC CLAMS (CORBICULA-FLUMINEA) OF THE RIO DE LA PLATA ESTUARY, ARGENTINA

Suspended particulate matter (SPM), sandy sediments and Asiatic clams were collected at seven sites along 150 km of the Rio de la Plata coas t to assess the magnitude of trace metal pollution in the area. Metal concentrations in SPM (Cu: 7.4-109; Cr: 75-408; Mn: 525-1341 mu g(-1)) , sediments (Cr: 16-27; Zn: 26-99; Mn: 221-489 mu g(-1)) and bivalves (Cd: 0.5-1.9; Ni: 1.36.4; Cr: 1.3-11; Mn: 15-81; Cu: 28-89; Zn: 118-31 6 mu g g(-1)) are comparable to those reported for other moderately po lluted world rivers. Cu levels in Asiatic clams are among the highest, similar to those reported for heavily polluted sites. SPM Cu and Cr c oncentrations displayed a clear geographical trend with values increas ing with proximity to major urban centers. Sediments showed a less cle ar pattern possibly due to their coarse nature (> 98% sand) and higher proportion of mineral-associated residual metals. The clams showed a complex pattern due to the variability introduced by size-related fact ors and the natural dynamics of SPM in the estuary. Cr and Mn showed a n apparent reverse industrial trend with higher concentrations in clam s collected at distant stations near the turbidity maximum zone, possi bly reflecting enhanced particle retention. Cu, Cd and Ni showed no cl ear geographical pattern, whereas Zn increased in the clams collected in the most industrialized area. A significant relationship with clam size was observed for Cu (positive) and Zn (negative) suggesting diffe rent physiological requirements for both metals with age. A principal component analysis confirmed these geographical and size-related trend s. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.