Removal of low levels of Cu from ongoing sources in the presence of other elements – Implications for remediated contaminated sediments

Anna Sophia Knox, Michael H. Paller, John C. Seaman

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

3 Scopus citations

Abstract

Mesocosms were used to investigate the effects of Cu influx, alone and in the presence of other elements, on sediments remediated by active caps, passive caps, and in situ treatment. Competitive interactions between Cu and other elements were investigated because contaminants often co-occur. Elements in surface water remained at significantly lower concentrations in mesocosms with apatite and mixed amendment caps than in mesocosms with passive sand caps or uncapped sediment. Element concentrations in Lumbriculus variegatus were significantly higher in untreated sediment than in active caps and significantly related to element concentrations in sediment measured by DGT probes. The cumulative toxicity of Cu mixed with other elements was greater than the toxicity of Cu alone in treatments without active caps, but the ability of active caps to control Cu was not affected by the presence of other elements. Active caps can protect remediated sediments by reducing bioavailable elements in ongoing contamination.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)645-657
Number of pages13
JournalScience of the Total Environment
Volume668
DOIs
StatePublished - Jun 10 2019
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Active caps
  • Copper
  • Element interaction
  • Passive caps
  • Recontamination
  • Remediated sediment

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Environmental Engineering
  • Environmental Chemistry
  • Waste Management and Disposal
  • Pollution

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