Evaluation of anthropogenic impacts in sediments from an aquaculture influenced area: the San Pedro river (Spain)

Abstract

Concentrations of Al, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, Ti, and Zn in sediments from San Pedro River were determined to assess the anthropogenic effects. Temporal and spatial variation studies of metal concentrations allowed to identify aquaculture activities as the main metals source. Additionally, Mn was also related with a wastewater treatment plant and Pb with the use of leaded additives in gasolines and its banishment after 2001. Nevertheless, San Pedro River can be considered, in general, as a minor contaminated area, although sampling stations related with aquaculture activities showed a moderate pollution by Cu, Co and Ni. In spite of this, metal concentrations in sediments from San Pedro River presented a low risk for the biota. Only Ni and Cr concentrations were above the probable effect range within which adverse effects frequently occur. In fact, a poor chemical status of San Pedro River was observed for these elements.