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 pr oduced a rapid and relatively inexpensive method for the determination of m etal concentrations in a wide variety of samples. One such application is i n the determination of metal concentrations in soils and sediments. Soils a nd sediments represent concentrated reservoirs for these metals that serve as sinks for introduced trace metals or can become environmental sources. T he coastal zone of Louisiana provides a 'living laboratory' to investigate the mechanisms of transport, deposition, and dissolution of trace metals in to this fragile environment. investigations done in the coastal zone have f ound trace metals tend to concentrate near pollution inputs and sources and have not migrated to or significantly impacted the coastal zone of Louisia na. Common trace metals determined and their range of concentrations in coa stal 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), an d zinc (30-55 ppm). (C) 2000 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.