On the distribution of particulate metals,chlorophyll and seston in the Baltic Sea

During the end of the phytoplankton spring bloom, about 100 water samples were taken at 23 stations in the Baltic Sea. The samples were analyzed for particulate Cu, Fe, Zn, Cd, and Pb by atomic absorption as well as for chlorophyll and seston. Further subsamples were counted with an inverted microscope, and phytoplankton carbon content was calculated. The hydrographical-biological state of the Baltic Sea during spring is described. Two different water masses could be differentiated and these were separated by the halocline. The concentrations of particulate metals are in accordance with those published by other authors. No significant differences could be calculated between mean values of particulate metal concentrations in the two water bodies. Correlations between particulate metal concentrations and chlorophyll, seston, phytoplankton carbon and cell-count were calculated for both photic layer and deeper waters. Significant correlations were found only in the photic layer. The importance of standing crop for metal accumulation in seston is discussed.     

Assessment of heavy metals among suspended particulates and dissolved phases in Suez Canal water

The concentrations and distribution of particulate and dissolved heavy metals, viz: Cu, Zn, Pb, Cd, Fe and Mn have been determined seasonally during 2003 in water samples collected from the Suez Canal. The presented data clarifies that the metals exhibited clear differences in their distribution between particulate and dissolved forms. The concentrations of particulate metals viz: Zn, Pb, Cd, Fe and Mn were high as compared to the dissolved form. Dissolved copper showed the highest percentage of total copper rather than particulate. The particulate forms of Pb, Cd, Fe and Mn had always-higher concentrations than the dissolved forms during the course of study except at summer season. The northern part of the Suez Canal at Port Said showed mean concentrations of particulate and dissolved Cu = 1.43 and 2.10, Zn = 8.61 and 3.17, Pb = 1.72 and 1.23, Cd = 0.35 and 0.35, Fe = 23.49 and 15.83 and Mn = 2.09 and 1.82 μg/L. These high concentrations may be attributed to the high activities, particularly, loading and unloading operations at Port Said harbour, industrial effluents and domestic drainage of Port Said city. On the other hand, Sinai side could be considered as reference site, as it is almost clean without harmful outfalls, where Cu = 0.16 and 0.56, Zn = 2.14 and 0.94, Pb = 6.29 and 3.44, Cd = 0.055 and 0.088, Fe = 6.29 and 3.44 and Mn = 0.56 and 0.26 μg/L for particulate and dissolved metals respectively.     

The common mussel Mytilus edulis as an indicator of trace metals in Scandinavian waters. I. Zinc and cadmium

Concentrations of zinc and cadmium in whole soft parts of mussels, Mytilus edulis (L.), collected from 54 locations in Scandinavian waters were determined. Local variations in concentrations of the two metals found in samples taken close to industrial sources of zinc and cadmium confirmed the ability of the mussel to act as an accurate indicator of pollution by these metals over the entire range of salinities in which this species can exist. In addition, offshore samples remote from industrial discharges revealed higher concentrations of zinc and cadmium in mussels from lowsalinity areas (Gulf of Finland, Southern Bothnian Sea, Baltic proper) than in those from high-salinity areas (Kattegat, Eastern Skagerrak). Major decreases in metal concentrations present in the mussel were apparent in the regions of the Sound and the Great Belt, which are areas of rapid salinity change due to mixing of Baltic water with water from Kattegat. Comparison of these results with those reported for zinc and cadmium in water throughout the study area suggested the existence of a higher biological availability of these metals in regions of low salinity; possible reasons for this are discussed. Data from the present survey are also compared to those reported for mussels taken elsewhere. This comparison reveals the Baltic area to be considerably polluted by trace metals; in contrast, the waters of Kattegat and skagerrak are considered to be relatively unpolluted.     

Concentration of heavy metals in the food web of Lake Egirdir, Turkey

The concentration of heavy metals (Cr, Cd, Hg and Pb,) was determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometry in sediment, water, plankton and fish samples from Lake Egirdir in South-Western Turkey. Lake Egirdir is an important bird nesting and visiting areas, and it is also used as irrigation and drinking water source. The heavy metal concentrations were in the order Cd > Pb > Cr > Hg in water, Cr > Pb > Cd > Hg in sediment, Pb > Cd > Cr > Hg in plankton, Cd > Cr > Pb > Hg in the muscle and Cd > Pb > Cr > Hg in the gills of Ctenophatyngodon idella. The significant differences of concentrations occurred in water, sediment, plankton and fish tissues (Chi square test, p < 0.05). The concentrations of the heavy metals in water and fish tissues of three years old, were above the maximum permissible level for human consumption.     

珠海近岸海域表层沉积物中的重金属及生态危害评价

为了研究珠江口近海海域重金属的污染状况,2009年8—12月对珠海珠江口4个站点的表层沉积物进行了6次采样,测定了表层沉积物中重金属Cd、Cr、Pb、Hg、Cu、Zn、Mn、Ni、Fe和金属Al的质量分数,分析了它们质量分数间的相关性,依据Lars Hakanson提出的沉积物中金属污染物评价方法,对Cd、Cr、Pb、Hg、Cu和Zn等6种典型重金属的潜在危害进行了评价。结果表明,Cd、Cu和Zn是该调查区域的主要重金属污染物,应该予以优先控制和治理。位于马骝洲水道入海口的S1位点上,金属元素（Cd除外）质量分数的季节特征是秋季（丰水期）〈冬季（枯水期）,重金属危害指数（RT）为轻微级,重金属潜在生态危害系数（Eir）顺序为Cd〉Hg〉Pb〉Cu〉Zn〉Cr;在S2位点,Cd、Cu、Hg、Ni和Fe的平均质量分数为秋季〉冬季,其它5种金属则为秋季〈冬季,RT为强级;在S3、S4位点上,8种金属元素（Hg、Mn除外）的质量分数呈现秋季〉冬季的现象,RT为很强级;S2、S3和S4站点的Eir均表现为Cd〉Hg〉Cu〉Pb〉Zn〉Cr的顺序。     

Enrichments of Trace Metals in Particulate Matter From the Southern East China Sea,North of Taiwan

Abstract

This study investigates the distributions and enrichments of trace metals in suspended and sinking particulate matter from southern East China Sea (ECS) north of Taiwan during the period April 1992 to April 1993. According to these results, concentration of suspended particulate matter in the inner shelf of southern China Sea, the upwellinginfluenced shelf break, and in Kuroshio water are 1.30 (surface)–4.2 (bottom) mg1^?1, ca. 0.4 mg1^?1 and 0.1–0.2 mg1^?1, respectively, reflecting various influences of terrestrial inputs. A benthic nepheloid layer (BNL), apparently owing to resuspension of local and/or remote bottom sediments, formed over the shelf region. Temporal variations in trace metal contents and enrichments in suspended matter from the shelf region reflect the variation of metal inputs from Chinese rivers, particularly from the Changjiang runoff. the enriched metals are more likely to be derived from anthropogenic input, rather than from biological accumulation. in addition, a decrease in metal contents and an increase in salinity confirm the transport of suspended particulate metals from the East China Sea shelf to the open ocean. the feature of metal plume in the intermediate layer (550–800m) of Kuroshio water also verifies this occurrence. Moreover, the sinking particles collected from a sediment trap on the upper slope are relatively enriched in lithogenic matter and trace metals, suggesting the deposit of anthropogenic metals in the slope area.     

Enrichments of Trace Metals in Particulate Matter From the Southern East China Sea, North of Taiwan

This study investigates the distributions and enrichments of trace metals in suspended and sinking particulate matter from southern East China Sea (ECS) north of Taiwan during the period April 1992 to April 1993. According to these results, concentration of suspended particulate matter in the inner shelf of southern China Sea, the upwellinginfluenced shelf break, and in Kuroshio water are 1.30 (surface)-4.2 (bottom) mg1^-1, ca. 0.4 mg1^-1 and 0.1-0.2 mg1^-1, respectively, reflecting various influences of terrestrial inputs. A benthic nepheloid layer (BNL), apparently owing to resuspension of local and/or remote bottom sediments, formed over the shelf region. Temporal variations in trace metal contents and enrichments in suspended matter from the shelf region reflect the variation of metal inputs from Chinese rivers, particularly from the Changjiang runoff. the enriched metals are more likely to be derived from anthropogenic input, rather than from biological accumulation. in addition, a decrease in metal contents and an increase in salinity confirm the transport of suspended particulate metals from the East China Sea shelf to the open ocean. the feature of metal plume in the intermediate layer (550-800m) of Kuroshio water also verifies this occurrence. Moreover, the sinking particles collected from a sediment trap on the upper slope are relatively enriched in lithogenic matter and trace metals, suggesting the deposit of anthropogenic metals in the slope area.     

Trace metals in fish,sediment and water from the south west coast of the Arabian sea,Pakistan

Concentrations of ten metals (As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, Zn and Hg) in the edible muscle of Arius maculatus captured from eight different near‐shore and off‐shore sites off the south west coast of the Arabian Sea, Pakistan, were determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Relevant water and sediment samples from the sites were also analysed for the metals. Zinc showed the highest metal concentration (6.763 μg/g, wet weight) in the muscle of the fish, while Mn and Hg showed lowest level (0.019 μg/g, wet weight). Of all the metals investigated, largest scatter (measured as σ) was observed for Zn (σ = 2.058 /μg/g) in fish muscle, for Fe and Mn in sediment (σ = 27481 and 44.50 μg/g) and for As in water (σ = 0.270 μg/L). The metal distribution data pertaining to water, fish and sediment were examined on the basis of simple metal correlations. The statistical study revealed that Ni, Cr, Pb and Cu had significant positive correlations (r > 0.830 at ρ = 0.01). The finding substantiated a trace metal concentration gradient in the area, thereby indicating that the local marine environment is contaminated by anthropogenic sources.     

西安市不同下垫面路面径流雨水中重金属的四季污染特征

重金属是雨水径流中的重要污染物质。为探究雨水径流中重金属的季节变化规律。地理位置因素和人为因素对重金属含量的影响。根据西安市城区内道路类型、路面材质、交通量、人流量等因素选择5个采样点,以2013年全年的降雨样品作为研究对象,利用电感耦合等离子质谱仪（ICP-MS）测定雨水径流中重金属Cd、Zn、Fe、Mn、Al、Pb的质量浓度。研究结果表明：Cd的质量浓度正常,低于地表水环境质量Ⅰ类标准,受地理位置、人为活动以及季节变化的影响极小。Zn的质量浓度正常,在地表水环境质量标准第Ⅰ类和第Ⅱ类标准之间;与地理位置、人为活动以及季节变化没有明显关系。Fe的含量因地理位置不同而异,交通繁忙、商业活动较多的小寨四季雨水径流中的Fe均较高,均为城市供水水质标准的3倍,商业活动的影响大于车辆交通的影响,校园秋季雨水中Fe为水质标准的2倍,其它3个季节水质正常,浓度的影响较小,人为因素对雨水中Fe含量的有一定的影响,人流量大的区域雨水中Fe的含量相对较高。冬季燃煤对雨水中Mn的含量影响较为明显。Mn 只在冬季雨水中的含量略高于城市供水水质标准,对环境影响很小;地理位置,人为活动,区域职能对 Mn的含量均没有明显的影响。Al 的含量在城市供水水质标准限值内,受人流量、区域职能、季节变化影响较小,受地理位置影响较大。Pb的含量受路面交通环境和冬季煤炭燃烧的影响较大,在车辆交通繁忙的地点,Pb的含量明显增高;Pb的含量受季节变化影响较为明显,冬季＞春季＞夏季＞秋季;人流量对 Pb 的含量影响不大;下垫面对 Pb 的含量影响明显,柏油路面上的雨水径流中Pb含量最高,石板路面上Pb的含量在其次,塑胶路面上Pb的含量最少。     

Dissolved trace-metal concentrations along the Mediterranean Sea, to the north of the Nile Delta Region, Egypt

This work focuses on four marine sites of the Mediterranean Sea, north of the Nile Delta, Egypt. Surface-water samples were collected seasonally during 2003. The aim of this study is to assess the levels of some dissolved trace metals (Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu, and Pb) in two environmental conditions. The metal concentrations in the coastal zone were in the following ranges: 11.92-30.45 μg l^-1 for Fe, 5.79-17.36 μg l^-1 for Mn, 0.87-7.80 μg l^-1 for Zn, 0.40-1.87 μg l^-1 for Cu, and 1.53-10.31 μg l^-1 for Pb. In the sites with continental water input (mixing zone), the metals were scattered in the following ranges: Fe (19.72-60.33 μg l^-1), Mn (12.63-35.60 μg l^-1), Zn (2.67-22.00), Cu (0.83-8.10 μg l^-1), and Pb (1.72-29.7 μg l^-1). The results for the metal concentrations showed a remarkable decrease in the levels of the different metals going from the estuaries and outlets into the coastal sea water. Generally, the levels of the metals in the two zones are higher than the background levels of the unpolluted area. A comparison of the trace-metal levels in the coastal zone of the Mediterranean Sea north of Nile Delta with the minimal risk concentration (reported by water-quality criteria, WQC) showed a significantly lower content at the coastal area of the Mediterranean sea of Egypt. The study also indicated that the impact of anthropogenic inputs was limited in the distribution of the metals, except that the Pb content was slightly higher in the area of the mixing zone than that reported for WQC. The relationships between the different trace-metal concentrations and the other parameters (salinity, chlorophyll a and suspended particulate matter) were discussed, and the simple regressions between them were evaluated.     

Trace Metal Distribution and Enrichment in Benthic, Estuarine Sediments: Southport Broadwater, Australia

The distribution and enrichment of selected trace metals (Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, Sn, Zn) in benthic sediments of the Southport Broadwater, a semi-enclosed coastal body of water adjacent to the Gold Coast city, south-eastern Queensland, Australia, was studied with the objective of assessing the extent and degree of sediment contamination. Sediment samples from the 0–10 cm and 10–20 cm depth intervals of 32 sites within the Southport Broadwater and surrounding residential canals were analysed for particle size distribution, pH, organic C and ‘near-total’ major (Al, Ca, Fe, Mn) and trace (Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, Sn, Zn) metal contents. Sediment contamination for each trace metal was assessed by (1) comparison with Australian sediment quality guidelines, (2) calculation of the index of geoaccumulation based on regional background values, and (3) geochemical normalisation against Al (i.e. the abundance of alumino-silicate clay minerals). Based on this approach, the results indicate that submerged sediments in the study area are not presently enriched with Cd, Cr or Ni, with the spatial distribution of these metals being very well explained by the abundance of alumino-silicate clay minerals. However, several sites were strongly enriched with Cu, Pb, Sn and Zn, arising from sources related to either urban runoff or vessel maintenance activities. The study indicates that several varying approaches are needed for a satisfactory assessment of contaminant enrichment in estuarine sediments.     

土壤中金属的生物可给性及其动态变化的研究

土壤中金属的生物可给性常应用于人体健康风险评价,如能准确地判定土壤中金属在胃肠阶段不同时间的溶出动态,研究者就可以更好地分析其对人体的健康风险。本文采集5种不同地区的重金属污染的土壤,利用改进的PBET方法,分别在胃阶段的20、40、60、80 min以及小肠阶段的1、2、3、4、5 h时取样并分析,探究土壤中8种金属元素（As、Al、Cd、Cr、Fe、Mn、Ni、Pb）的生物可给性和溶出动态,探讨造成金属溶出动态变化的影响因素,对其溶出机理进行初步探究。研究结果表明,Fe、Al的生物可给性较低,并且在胃肠阶段差异较小。与胃阶段相比,土壤中Pb、Cd的生物可给性在小肠阶段明显降低,而As、Mn、Cr、Ni的生物可给性在小肠阶段均升高。升幅最大的两个元素是Ni、Cr,其小肠阶段的平均生物可给性分别升高61.4%、29.9%。在溶出量随时间变化方面,在胃阶段,假定1 h时溶出率为100%。20 min时,土壤中Fe、Ni的平均溶出率较低,分别为59.3%、56.8%,其他6种金属元素的平均溶出率在71.2%~79.5%。As、Cd、Pb的溶出速率是先快后慢,Cr和Ni的溶出速率是先慢后快,而Fe、Mn、Al的溶出速率基本保持不变。在小肠阶段,假定4 h时溶出率为100%。Al、As、Cd、Mn的溶出率基本不变。1 h时,土壤中Cr（土壤A除外）、Ni的平均溶出率最低,分别为31.5%、32.7%,而5 h时,Fe、Cr、Ni的溶出率还在升高。由此可见,土壤中不同金属元素的生物可给性以及溶出动态是有明显差异的。     

Effects of rising temperature on pelagic biogeochemistry in mesocosm systems: a comparative analysis of the AQUASHIFT Kiel experiments

A comparative analysis of data, obtained during four indoor-mesocosm experiments with natural spring plankton communities from the Baltic Sea, was conducted to investigate whether biogeochemical cycling is affected by an increase in water temperature of up to 6?°C above present-day conditions. In all experiments, warming stimulated in particular heterotrophic bacterial processes and had an accelerating effect on the temporal development of phytoplankton blooms. This was also mirrored in the build-up and partitioning of organic matter between particulate and dissolved phases. Thus, warming increased both the magnitude and rate of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) build-up, whereas the accumulation of particulate organic carbon (POC) and phosphorus (POP) decreased with rising temperature. In concert, the observed temperature-mediated changes in biogeochemical components suggest strong shifts in the functioning of marine pelagic food webs and the ocean’s biological carbon pump, hence providing potential feedback mechanisms to Earth’s climate system.     

Uptake of seven metals by two macrophytes species: potential for phytoaccumulation and phytoremediation

Aquatic macrophytes can be used in the studies of quality of water ecosystems and in monitoring of metals and other pollutants. The aim of this study was to assess concentration levels, accumulation and distribution of seven metals in selected plant parts of Typha angustifolia L. and Iris pseudacorus L., in comparison with sediment and water samples of a reservoir. Metal content in the samples was determined by optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES iCAP 6500). The concentrations of all examined metals were higher in the sediment than in the water samples. In plants, metal concentrations depended on plant species and organs. The roots/rhizomes were primary organs for metal concentration and accumulation. T. angustifolia L. accumulated Mn and Cu, and I. pseudacorus L. accumulated Cd and Cu in the fruits. T. angustifolia L. hyperaccumulated As. The values of enrichment coefficients and translocation factors were: 0 to 3.31 and 0 to 2.39, respectively. The plant species investigated absorb, translocate and accumulate metals in their organs differently, which provides advantages in combining them for remediation of wasted aquatic ecosystems.     

Concentrations of cadmium,manganese, copper,zinc, and lead in the tissues of the oyster (Crassostrea iredalei) obtained from Setiu Lagoon,Terengganu, Malaysia

Heavy metals pollution in aquatic environments is a major problem contributing to human health issues. The study of these pollutants through bioindicators such as the oyster Crassostrea iredalei is important for (1) determining the levels and sources and (2) regulating the quantity of pollutants. The concentrations of cadmium (Cd), manganese (Mn), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), and lead (Pb) in tissues of C. iredalei, sediment and surrounding water was measured, and data was analyzed to determine the relationship between sampling periods and between oyster tissue, sediment, and water. The highest concentration of metals in oyster tissue was Zn, followed by Cu, Mn, Cd, and Pb. Concentrations of Cd, Cu, and Zn exceeded the maximum level allowed according to the Malaysian Food Act of 1983, which is equivalent to the WHO recommended levels of heavy metals in organisms used for consumption. The highest metal concentration in sediment was Mn followed by Zn, Pb, Cu, and Cd. Concentrations of heavy metals in surrounding water were Zn, Pb, Cu, Mn, and Cd. There was no correlation between metal concentration in oyster tissue and in sediment for all five metals.     

袁河水系溶解态痕量金属元素分布特征及来源分析

为研究袁河水系水体溶解态痕量金属元素污染来源与水质状况,分别于2018年7月和2019年1月在袁河干流和支流采集38个表层水样,检测了痕量金属元素Cr、Fe、Mn、As、Al、Cd、Ni和Tl的浓度.采用单因素方差分析分析袁河水系痕量金属元素的时空特征,基于痕量金属元素水质指数评价袁河痕量金属元素污染程度,采用相关分析、主成分分析探讨痕量金属元素污染的主要来源.结果表明,袁河部分金属元素时间或空间差异显著,Cr、Cd、As浓度在丰、枯水期之间差异显著,Fe、Cd、Tl浓度在干、支流之间差异显著.袁河丰、枯水期污染程度相似,主要污染河段位于宜春河段和新余河段,重度污染采样点基本上位于支流.痕量金属元素中Cr、Fe、As主要来源于城市废水,工业活动和采矿活动;Ni、Cd、Tl主要来源于生活污水和工业废水;Mn、Al主要来源于自然活动和采矿活动.本研究可以为袁河流域的痕量金属元素污染治理提供科学依据.     

Characteristics,sources and health risk assessment of toxic heavy metals in PM<Subscript>2.5</Subscript> at a megacity of southwest China

Twenty trace elements in fine particulate matters (i.e., PM_2.5) at urban Chengdu, a southwest megacity of China, were determined to study the characteristics, sources and human health risk of particulate toxic heavy metals. This work mainly focused on eight toxic heavy metal elements (As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb and Zn). The average concentration of PM_2.5 was 165.1 ± 84.7 µg m^?3 during the study period, significantly exceeding the National Ambient Air Quality Standard (35 µg m^?3 in annual average). The particulate heavy metal pollution was very serious in which Cd and As concentrations in PM_2.5 significantly surpassed the WHO standard. The enrichment factor values of heavy metals were typically higher than 10, suggesting that they were mainly influenced by anthropogenic sources. More specifically, the Cr, Mn and Ni were slightly enriched, Cu was highly enriched, while As, Cd, Pb and Zn were severely enriched. The results of correlation analysis showed that Cd may come from metallurgy and mechanical manufacturing emissions, and the other metals were predominately influenced by traffic emissions and coal combustion. The results of health risk assessment indicated that As, Mn and Cd would pose a significant non-carcinogenic health risk to both children and adults, while Cr would cause carcinogenic risk. Other toxic heavy metals were within a safe level.     

Sources and Distribution of Heavy Metals in East China Sea Surface Sediments

Box cores and surficial sediments collected from the shelf, slope and Okinawa Trough of the East China Sea were analyzed for loss on ignition, and concentration and speciation of Al, Fe, Mn, Pb, Cd, Cu and Zn. in general, concentrations of these metals are higher in the inner shelf and lower in the midshelf, but the highest LOI, Cd and Mn levels are found in the Okinawa Trough. Spatial distributions of these metals in surficial sediments indicate that the Yangtze River is the major source for materials deposited in the inner shelf. the results of a six-stage sequential leaching experiment indicate that the fluvial input includes natural (e.g., Al and Fe) and anthropogenic (e.g., Pb) materials. the depletion concentration of these metals in the midshelf sediments reflects the dominance (～ 70%) of coarse, relict sand, while the enrichments in the inner shelf and the Okinawa Trough sediments are due to the fine grained, organic-rich sediments. the speciation of Mn in the sediments of the Okinawa Trough indicates that its distribution is diagentically or hydrothermally controlled.     

Sources and Distribution of Heavy Metals in East China Sea Surface Sediments

Box cores and surficial sediments collected from the shelf, slope and Okinawa Trough of the East China Sea were analyzed for loss on ignition, and concentration and speciation of Al, Fe, Mn, Pb, Cd, Cu and Zn. in general, concentrations of these metals are higher in the inner shelf and lower in the midshelf, but the highest LOI, Cd and Mn levels are found in the Okinawa Trough. Spatial distributions of these metals in surficial sediments indicate that the Yangtze River is the major source for materials deposited in the inner shelf. the results of a six-stage sequential leaching experiment indicate that the fluvial input includes natural (e.g., Al and Fe) and anthropogenic (e.g., Pb) materials. the depletion concentration of these metals in the midshelf sediments reflects the dominance (∼ 70%) of coarse, relict sand, while the enrichments in the inner shelf and the Okinawa Trough sediments are due to the fine grained, organic-rich sediments. the speciation of Mn in the sediments of the Okinawa Trough indicates that its distribution is diagentically or hydrothermally controlled.     

Comparative study of the fate and mobility of metals discharged in mining and urban effluents using sequential extractions on suspended solids

The fate, bioavailability and environmental impacts of metals discharged in municipal and mining wastewater discharge will depend to a large extent on chemical speciation and distribution. Previous studies on metal bioaccumulation have shown that total metal concentrations are not a good predictor of bioavailability in the dispersion plumes of municipal effluents. The objective of this study was to determine the solid phase speciation of metals in surface waters receiving urban and mining effluents in order to assess their fate and relative mobility in the receiving environment. Suspended particulate matter was sampled using sediment traps at several sites downstream of effluent outfall plumes as well as at reference upstream sites. Particulate metal in operationally defined fractions—exchangeable/carbonates, reducible, oxidisable and residual—were determined in suspended particulate matter with a series of selective chemical extractions. Metal enrichment in suspended particles was generally observed in both mining and urban effluent discharges. When compared to its receiving environment, the mining effluent appeared to release more particulate metals (Cu, Fe, Zn) in the most reactive fractions (i.e. exchangeable/carbonates + reducible forms, 23–43%), while other released metals, such as Cd and Mn, were predominantly in the least reactive forms (i.e., oxidisable + residual, 73–97%). In contrast, the reactivity of all particulate metals, with the exception of Mn, from the urban effluent was much higher, with up to 65, 42, 30 and 43% for Cd, Cu, Fe and Zn, respectively, in the two most reactive fractions. As expected in effluent dispersion plumes, parameters such as the organic carbon, Fe oxide and carbonate contents have specific effects on the partitioning of several trace metals, particularly Cd, Cu and Zn. Our results indicated that the relative distributions of metals among geochemical fractions varied in the effluent receiving waters where organic carbon and Fe oxides appeared as the most important parameters. This could therefore decrease the exposure for aquatic organisms that are exposed to those contaminated sediments as well as the risk to human health.