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Metal accumulation in surface salt marsh sediments of the Bay of Fundy, Canada

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Abstract

We measured the amount of arsenic, chromium, copper, lead, nickel, vanadium, and zinc accumulated over a five-year period from 1997 to 2002 in surface sediments of seven salt marshes along the New Brunswick coast of the Bay of Fundy, Canada. Study sites extended from outer to inner Bay, spanning a gradient in tidal range (6–12 m) and mean sediment deposition rate (0.27–1.76 cm yr−1). In each study site, metal concentrations were measured in low and high marsh areas. Concentrations of chromium, nickel, and zinc appear to be within their natural range, while arsenic, lead, and vanadium are enriched in some sites. Calculated sediment metal loadings rates showed variability among marsh sites that closely followed sediment deposition patterns, suggesting sediment deposition rate is the driving factor of short-term metal accumulation in Fundy marshes. The value of salt marshes as a sink for metals may be enhanced by high sedimentation rates.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Geography and Global Environmental and Climate Change Centre, McGill University, 80 5Sherbrooke Street West, H3A 2K6, Montreal, QC, Canada

    Grace A. Hung & Gail L. Chmura

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  1. Grace A. Hung
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  2. Gail L. Chmura
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Correspondence to Gail L. Chmura.

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Hung, G.A., Chmura, G.L. Metal accumulation in surface salt marsh sediments of the Bay of Fundy, Canada. Estuaries and Coasts: J ERF 30, 725–734 (2007). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02841968

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