Investigations on mineralogical and chemical composition of suspended particulate matter (SPM) in the Odra estuary

In order to recognize lateral and seasonal variations in composition of sus pended particulate matter (SPM) in the Odra Estuary, samples were taken at four sites in the period July 1996 - July 1997 monthly if possible. The con tents of the elements Si, Ti, Al, Fe, Mn, Mg, Ca, Na, K, P, C, S as well as Ba, Cr, Sr, V; Zn, Cu, Zr, and of the minerals illite, chlorite, smectite, kaolinite and others have been determined. The decreasing influence of the river Odra towards the open sea could be realized with the help of the con tents of the minerals quartz, smectite, and of the elements Ba, Cr, It, P, Si and other. 60% of the seasonal and lateral variations can be explained b y changing contents of total carbon (TC), total organic carbon (TOC), Al, F e, Si, Ti, P, Mn, and Ba. They are mainly caused by differences in the prod uction of organic matter, resuspension, riverine input, and redox-sensitive processes.