Mobilization of porewater Pb and Zn in response to seasonal wetting and drying within contaminated floodplains.

ABSTRACT: The mobility and bioavailability of metal contaminants such as lead (Pb) and zinc (Zn) is impacted by their interactions with other sediment constituents such as iron (Fe), sulfur (S), and organic matter, which depend on sediment redox conditions. Understanding the role that water level fluctuations have on redox conditions and subsequent impacts on metal mobility is critical for predicting impacts of increased wetting and drying cycles resulting from climate-related changes or management actions. This study measured the sediment-porewater partitioning of Pb and Zn in the Coeur d'Alene River basin downstream of the Bunker Hill Superfund Site under both flooded and seasonally dry conditions. The results show that both time of year and hydrology are important when considering metal exposure

SUBMITTER: Wade AM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12013519 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature