TY - JOUR
T1 - Distribution and enrichment of trace metals in marine sediments from the Eastern Equatorial Atlantic, off the Coast of Ghana in the Gulf of Guinea
AU - Mahu, Edem
AU - Nyarko, Elvis
AU - Hulme, Samuel
AU - Coale, Kenneth H.
N1 - Publisher Copyright:
© 2015 Elsevier Ltd.
PY - 2015/9/15
Y1 - 2015/9/15
N2 - We present results of a preliminary geochemical assessment of Cd, Pb, V, As, Ni, Cu, Zn, Mg, Al, K, Ca, and Fe in marine sediments from the Eastern Equatorial Atlantic, off the Coast of Ghana. Samples were taken along 4 regions G1, G2, G3 and G4 at approximately 25. m, 100. m, and 250. m, 500. m and 1000. m depths. Elemental compositions were assessed through the estimation of Al-normalized enrichment factors and geochemical accumulation indices, and the concentrations determined to produce any potential toxic effects to biota. Significant enrichment of the bottom sediments with Cd, Ni and As were observed at some locations with sediments showing signs of heavy pollution with As at region G4. Apart from Ni, V and As which were beyond threshold effects levels at most regions, all other metals were below probable effect levels. Both natural and anthropogenic processes controlled trace metal accumulation and distribution in the Ghanaian coastal environment.
AB - We present results of a preliminary geochemical assessment of Cd, Pb, V, As, Ni, Cu, Zn, Mg, Al, K, Ca, and Fe in marine sediments from the Eastern Equatorial Atlantic, off the Coast of Ghana. Samples were taken along 4 regions G1, G2, G3 and G4 at approximately 25. m, 100. m, and 250. m, 500. m and 1000. m depths. Elemental compositions were assessed through the estimation of Al-normalized enrichment factors and geochemical accumulation indices, and the concentrations determined to produce any potential toxic effects to biota. Significant enrichment of the bottom sediments with Cd, Ni and As were observed at some locations with sediments showing signs of heavy pollution with As at region G4. Apart from Ni, V and As which were beyond threshold effects levels at most regions, all other metals were below probable effect levels. Both natural and anthropogenic processes controlled trace metal accumulation and distribution in the Ghanaian coastal environment.
KW - Eastern Equatorial Atlantic
KW - Enrichment
KW - Ghana
KW - Sediments
KW - Trace metals
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=84941314788&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2015.06.044
DO - 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2015.06.044
M3 - Article
C2 - 26139460
AN - SCOPUS:84941314788
SN - 0025-326X
VL - 98
SP - 301
EP - 307
JO - Marine Pollution Bulletin
JF - Marine Pollution Bulletin
IS - 1-2
ER -