New paper: Trace elements in the shoreline and seabed sediments of the southern Caspian Sea

CBA PhD student Mohammad Javad Nematollahi and colleagues just published a new study in Environmental Science and Pollution Research.

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The new study assesses the occurrence of trace elements (Zn, V, Cr, Ni etc.) in sediments of the southern Caspian Sea, the world largest inland water body. The scientists used sixteen shoreline sediment samples and fifteen seabed sediment samples along five coastal transects from northern Iran, a densely populated area.

Levels of individual trace elements within the seabed sediment transects were higher where their shoreline sites had higher concentrations, reflecting that the coastal sites play an important role in diffusing the contaminants towards the sea. 

The main anthropogenic source of trace elements is likely the many discharge points of greywater entering the sea. In addition, dominant fishing industry, tourism, intense agriculture, and textile and paper industry, contribute significantly to the overall loading.

CBA professor Rolf D. Vogt is a co-author of the paper. The study can be read here (link to Environmental Science and Pollution Research).

 

Published June 28, 2021 9:53 AM - Last modified June 29, 2022 12:07 PM