Anthropogenic heavy metal signatures for the fast growing urban area of Natal (NE-Brazil) |
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Authors: | S Sindern R F S Lima J Schwarzbauer R A Petta |
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Institution: | 1. Institut für Mineralogie und Lagerst?ttenlehre, RWTH Aachen University, Wuellnerstr. 2, 52062, Aachen, Germany 2. Departamento de Geologia, Campus Universitário, Natal/RN, CEP: 59072-970, Brazil 3. Lehrstuhl für Geologie, Geochemie und Lagerst?tten des Erd?ls und der Kohle, RWTH Aachen University, Lochnerstr. 4-20, 52056, Aachen, Germany
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Abstract: | In this study the effect of anthropogenic discharges on the heavy metal content in the Potengi–Jundiai river system near the
fast growing city of Natal, NE-Brazil, is investigated. Due to the multiple anthropogenic source character without any predominating
anthropogenic heavy metal discharge the area of Natal may serve as a characteristic place for the study of the impact of the
fast growing Brazilian cities on the environment. In general the sediments of the Rio Potengi–Jundiai river system in the
studied area are not severely polluted. However, close to waste water drain pipes a characteristic anthropogenic heavy metal
signature is visible in enhanced Zn, Pb, Cu and Cd values relative to reference elements such as Al and Fe. Sources are domestic
and animal waste, combustion products and hydrocarbons. These heavy metals are probably mainly bound to organic matter. The
elements Sn, Hg and Ag in part also belong to the anthropogenic heavy metal signature. The elements Cr, Ni and V are characteristic
of weathering heavy minerals in crystalline rocks exposed in the catchment area of the river system and are not significantly
added from anthropogenic sources. These heavy metals are most likely predominantly bound to oxides and represent the pristine
geogenic background of the system. They can thus be used as reference elements to monitor incipient accumulation of Zn, Pb,
Cu and Cd due to anthropogenic input. The element characteristics found here match with those found in other fast growing
urban areas such as the Sao Paulo metropolitan area. |
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Keywords: | Heavy metals Anthropogenic enrichment Potengi river Brazil |
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