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The chemistry of suspended particulate material in a highly contaminated embayment of Port Jackson (Australia) under quiescent, high-wind and heavy-rainfall conditions

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Environmental Geology

Abstract

This study investigated physico-chemical characteristics of the water column and chemistry of suspended particulate material (SPM) under quiescent, high-wind and high-wind/heavy-rainfall conditions in Homebush Bay, a highly contaminated embayment of Port Jackson (Australia) to distinguish source and possible adverse effects to benthic and pelagic animals. Mean concentrations in surficial sediment were <1, 14, 181, 141, 37, 290 and 685 μg g−1 for Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb and Zn, respectively. Sediment chemistry indicated these metals had multiple sources, i.e. the estuary, stormwater and industry. Mean total suspended solids (TSS) were 7, 17 and 20 mg L−1 during quiescent, high-rainfall and heavy rainfall/high wind conditions, respectively, whereas SPM Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb and Zn concentrations varied between 13–25, 166–259, 127–198, 38–82, 236–305 and 605–865 μg g−1, respectively under these conditions. TSS and total water metal concentrations were lowest during quiescent conditions. High TSS and metal loads in surface water characterised high-rainfall events. Wind-induced resuspension contributed the greatest mass of SPM and metals to the water column. Benthic animals may be adversely affected by Pb and Zn in sediment. Total water Cu and Zn concentrations may pose a risk to filter-feeding animals in the water column due to resuspension of contaminated sediment.

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Acknowledgments

The authors thank Chris Golding for advice and David Hobson, Bronwyn Buttlen and Marco Olmos for assistance with GIS. Dave Mitchell assisted with fieldwork and equipment and special thanks to Tom Savage who assisted in the laboratory and in the field. Dr. John Hunt and Mr. Jim Maniord of Thiess Environmental are thanked for their support. Reviewers of this manuscript are thanked for their useful comments.

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  1. Environmental Geology Group, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, 2006, Australia

    Gavin Birch & Laura O’Hea

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  1. Gavin Birch
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Correspondence to Gavin Birch.

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Birch, G., O’Hea, L. The chemistry of suspended particulate material in a highly contaminated embayment of Port Jackson (Australia) under quiescent, high-wind and heavy-rainfall conditions. Environ Geol 53, 501–516 (2007). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00254-007-0662-5

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