Distribution and enrichment evaluation of heavy metals in Mejillones Bay (23°S), Northern Chile: Geochemical and statistical approach

A suite of 36 surface sediment samples, taken between 10 and 100 m water depth in Mejillones Bay (Northern Chile), were analyzed for mineralogy, grain size, total organic carbon, Al, and heavy metal content (Cd, Zn, Ni, Mn, V, Mo). Quartz and feldspars were the main lithogenic minerals and carbonate the predominant biogenic mineral. Sediments were fine sands in the shallow zone and organic silt in the deeper zone.

Enrichment Factor and Factor Analysis approach showed that the presence of Mn in the marine sediment of Mejillones is due to a partial influence of continental input, while all other metals are not supported by lithogenic debris. Although all metals showed high concentrations in the marine sediment of Mejillones Bay, comparison between metal concentration in surface sediments and preindustrial levels in this bay, show that present values agree with natural levels.     

Evaluation of redox-sensitive metals in marine surface sediments influenced by the oxygen minimum zone of the Humboldt Current System,Northern Chile

Upwelling coastal systems can be used to understand how dissolved oxygen and biological productivity control the accumulation of redox-sensitive metals in marine sediments. The aluminium (Al), cadmium (Cd), iron (Fe), nickel (Ni), molybdenum (Mo), vanadium (V), total organic carbon (TOC), total nitrogen (TN) and total sulfur (TS) contents in surficial sediment collected from different water depths (30, 70, and 120?m) in three northern Chilean bays influenced by coastal upwelling and oxygen minimum zones (OMZs) were measured. Principal component analysis (PCA), cluster analysis, and Spearman?s rank correlation were used to identify the mechanisms responsible for the redox-sensitive metal accumulation. The content of redox-sensitive metals and organic components in sediment increased with increasing water column depth, whereas lithogenic metals decreased. In the Mejillones del Sur and Caldera bays, the enrichment factors of the redox-sensitive metals showed enrichment for all metals with depth. The Cd and V enrichments are mainly the product of biogenic flow to the seabed, and the Mo and Ni enrichments are due to preservation under low subsurface oxygen conditions. Sulfate reduction is not an important mechanism in the accumulation of redox-sensitive metals in the sediment of the three bays. The PCA showed that the behaviors of the redox-sensitive metals and organic components reflect differences in the effects of the OMZ in sediment along the coast of northern Chile, with a more intense OMZ in Mejillones del Sur bay and weaker OMZs in Caldera and Inglesa bays. However, the high degree of enrichment in redox-sensitive metals in Caldera Bay can be attributed to the intense activity of the mining industry near the bay, a situation that produces geochemical behavior similar to that observed in Mejillones del Sur Bay.     

Heavy metal contamination in coastal sediments and soils near the Brazilian Antarctic Station, King George Island

This paper investigates the natural and anthropogenic processes controlling sediment chemistry in Admiralty Bay, King George Island, Antarctica, emphasizing the area affected by the Brazilian Antarctic Station Comandante Ferraz (Ferraz). Total and bioavailable concentrations of sixteen elements were determined in 32 sediment and 14 soils samples. Factor analysis allowed us to distinguish three groups of samples: (1) Ferraz sediments, with higher content of total trace metals and organic matter; (2) control sediments, with intermediate characteristics; (3) Ferraz soils, with higher bioavailability of most metals due to its oxidizing condition and low organic matter content. Major elements such as Fe, Al, Ca and Ti presented similar levels in all three groups. Enrichment factor calculations showed that paints, sewage and petroleum contamination enhanced metal concentrations in Ferraz surface sediments as follows: B, Mo, and Pb (>90%); V and Zn (70-80%); Ni, Cu, Mg, and Mn (30-40%). Despite evidence of contamination in these sediments, the low bioavailability, probably caused by iron-sulfide, indicates small environmental risks.     

Textural and geochemical characteristics of off shore sediment of North Bay of Bengal:A statistical approach for marine metal pollution

Metal pollution study on sediments of North Bay of Bengal sediments presented in this paper is based on existing Lithostratigraphy of upstream,mineralogy and geochemical analysis of 42 sediment samples.The statistical analysis identifies the metal pollution as well as its apparent source in the off shore regions.Samples were analyzed for grain size,organic content and heavy metals(Fe,Mn,Cr,Cu,Ni,Pb,Cd,Zn and Co) using the sequential extraction method to evaluate geochemical processes and pollution load.In an effort to surmise anthropogenic input,several approaches including classification by quantitative indexes such as enrichment factor,contamination factor,degree of pollution,pollution load index and geo accumulation index,were attempted.Metal speciation results indicate high%of Cd in exchangeable fraction of Mahanadi transect sediments where as a considerable amount of oxidizable fraction of Cr was detected at Dhamra.Quantitative indexes place North Bay of Bengal under moderately polluted zone due to high level of Cd.Normalization of metals to Fe indicated relatively high enrichment factors for Cd and Cr.Factor analysis identified seven possible types of geochemical associations where sediment pH plays a major role for the heavy metal mobility.The higher Cd concentration in exchangeable fraction as well as the higher EF for Cd and Cr present in sediment may pose a risk of secondary water pollution under slightest disturbance in the geo-chemistry of sediments.Comparison study with available data of near costal zones and upstream stratigraphy revealed that open cast mining,overburden dumping,mineral based industrial effluents were the major source of pollution for catchment area contamination.Bay of Bengal is likely to face a serious threat of metal pollution with the present deposition rates unless rigorous pollution control norms are applied.     

Distribution and fate of metals in the Montenegrin part of Lake Skadar

Skadar Lake,the largest lake on the Balkan Peninsula,is famous for a wide range of endemic and rare,or even endangered plant and animal species.Different anthropogenic pressures have,however,influenced the fragile equilibria of the lake ecosystem,with metal pollution as one of the primary concerns.Therefore,this study investigated spatial distribution of metal pollutants in the water and sediment phase of Skadar Lake,and anthropogenic and environmental factors affecting this distribution.A sieving analysis showed that sediment in Skadar Lake is mainly distributed in the three smallest fractions（colloid,clay and silt）.Eleven metals were analyzed in the lake surface and bottom water,and only six of them were detected：potassium,magnesium,calcium,nickel,aluminum and manganese.They were all present at low concentrations.In contrast,sediments contained elevated levels of some metals with concentrations between 28.1-126.8 mg kg~（-1） for Ni,23.6-79.2 mg kg~（-1） for Cr,9.2-36.9 mg kg~（-1） for Cu,199-878 mg kg~（-1） for Mn and 9.6-23.1 g kg~（-1） for Fe.Nickel exceeded consensus-based guidelines for safety towards freshwater dwelling organisms.The organic matter content of the sediment fluctuated between 4.7 and 21.5%.No correlations were found between metal concentrations,organic matter and sediment particle size fractions,suggesting that the latter are not the main factors controlling metal accumulation in Skadar Lake.     

Heavy metals contamination levels at the Coast of Aliağa (Turkey) ship recycling zone

Alia?a Bay is one of the most important maritime zones of Turkey where shipping activity, shipbreaking industry, steel works and petrochemical complexes exist together. Concentrations of heavy metals and organic carbon in sediment of the Alia?a Bay were investigated to evaluate an environmental risk assessment from metals contamination in 2009-2010. Comparison of the metal concentrations with average shale and Mediterranean background levels revealed that most of the samples from the Alia?a were polluted with Hg, Cd, Pb, Cr, Cu, Zn, Mn and Ni. It was found that Hg, Pb, Cu, Zn and Ni levels in Alia?a Bay exceeded the PEL values. Sediments, contaminated with Pb, Cr, Cu, Zn and Ni were considered as heavily polluted per the SQG.     

Evaluation of metal contamination in coastal sediments of the Bay of Bengal, India: geochemical and statistical approaches

Surface sediment samples collected from the inner shelf region of the Bay of Bengal, were analysed for the major elements and total and acetic acid available trace elements (Al, Ca, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, Na, Ni, P, Pb, Si, Zn) to evaluate geochemical processes influencing their distribution. Major elemental analysis showed that the sediments had high concentrations of Si and relatively low concentrations of Al and Fe. Both major elemental and trace metal concentrations indicated that the sediments represent weathered products of granite and charnockite. Normalization of metals to Al indicated relatively high enrichment factors for Pb, Cd, Zn and Cr. The higher proportions of nondetrital Pb (66%), Cd (41%) and Co (28%) reveal metal contamination due to anthropogenic inputs. Factor analysis (FA) identified six possible types of sedimentological and geochemical associations. The dominant factor accounting for 26.9% of the total variance identifies an anthropogenic input and accumulation of nondetrital Cd, Co, Cr, Ni and Pb. Association of these metals with CaCO3 reveals that shell fragments in the surface sediments are likely act as a carrier phase for nondetrital metals. The results are discussed in the context of the sources and pathways of elements in the Bay of Bengal.     

The distribution and sources of heavy metals in Izmit Bay surface sediments affected by a polluted stream

Dil Deresi stream is a highly contaminated stream passing through the most heavily industrialized area of Izmit Bay. In this research, surface sediments in the <63-microm fraction collected from 34 sites at western part of Izmit Bay, Northeastern Marmara Sea, Turkey were analyzed by ICP-AES for Al, As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mg, Mn, Ni, Pb, Sn and Zn. Metal concentrations were compared with the marine sediment quality standards (SQS) and literature data to assess the pollution status of the sediments. Enrichment factors (EFs) were calculated to assess whether the concentrations observed represent background or contaminated levels. The analysis revealed three groups of elements: (1) Sn is the most enriched element; (2) As, Cd, Pb and Zn are minor enriched elements; and (3) Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mg, Mn and Ni are at background concentrations. The distribution maps of the concentrations and enrichment factors for all heavy metals were also produced as a contour plot based on Geographic Information System (GIS) technology.     

A simple model accounting for the uptake,transport, and deposition of wind‐eroded mineral particles in the hyperarid coastal Atacama Desert of northern Chile

As previously observed in marine sediments collected downwind of African or South American continental sources, recent studies of sediment cores collected at the bottom of Mejillones Bay in north Chile (23°S) show a laminated structure in which the amount of particles of aeolian origin and their size create significant differences between the layers. This suggests inter‐annual to inter‐decadal variations in the strength of the local southerly winds responsible for (1) the erosion of the adjacent hyperarid surface of the Mejillones Pampa, and (2) the subsequent transport of the eroded particles towards the bay. A simple model accounting for the vertical uptake, transport, and deposition of the particles initially set into motion by wind at the surface of the pampa is proposed. This model, which could be adapted to other locations, assumes that the initial rate of (vertical) uptake is proportional to the (horizontal) saltation flux quantified by means of White's equation, that particles are lifted to a height (H), increasing with the magnitude of turbulence, and that sedimentation progressively removes the coarsest particles from the air column as it moves towards the bay. In this model, the proportionality constant (A) linking the vertical flux of particles with the horizontal flux, and the injection height (H) control the magnitude and size distribution of the deposition flux in the bay. Their values are determined using the wind speed measured over the pampa and the size distribution of particles collected in sediment traps deployed in the bay as constraints. After calibration, the model is used to assess the sensitivity of the deposition flux to the wind intensity variations. The possibility of performing such quantitative studies is necessary for interpreting precisely the variability of the aeolian material in the sediment cores collected at the bottom of Mejillones Bay. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Heavy metals in surface sediments from nine estuaries along the coast of Bohai Bay,Northern China

Concentrations of heavy metals in river water and sediment were investigated in nine estuaries along the coast of Bohai Bay, Northern China. Multivariate statistical techniques such as principal component analysis and cluster analysis, in combination with metal concentration analysis and correlation analysis, were used to identify the possible sources of the metals and the pollution pattern in nine estuaries along the coast of Bohai Bay. The environmental risks of metals, evaluated by sediment quality guidelines and background values, revealed Hg contamination in the estuaries. However, levels of Cd in estuarine sediments were low, and they were less than those levels in river sediments, partly due to the high mobility and dilution of river or seawater. Cd did not contribute to sediment deposits in estuaries. High organic matter from effluents from large municipal sewage treatment plants was predominantly responsible for restricting Hg mobility from the river to Bohai Bay.     

A regression model using sediment chemistry for the evaluation of marine environmental impacts associated with salmon aquaculture cage wastes

This study was undertaken to develop an approach for modelling changes of sediment chemistry related to the accumulation of aquaculture waste. Metal composition of sediment Al, Cu, Fe, Li, Mn, and Zn; organic carbon and < 63 microm particles were used to determine the extent of detectable effects around the cage. This study showed marked differences in the sediment chemistry between aquaculture sites and the natural background: (1) negative correlations between sediment Cu and Zn with Al, (2) poor correlations between metals and Li, and (3) concentrations of Fe and Mn decreased with increased accumulation of organic carbon. There is a trend among normalised metals, organic carbon and particles related to normal, hypoxic and anoxic sediment conditions. The trends are useful for detecting and assessing the cumulative effects from aquaculture wastes to the marine environment. Lithium is less interactive with other metals in aquaculture sediments compared with the natural background sediments. Principal components analysis (PCA) was carried out on the metals, organic carbon, and particles to cluster the similarities of the variables so as to establish the predicted or adjusted environmental monitoring program (EMP) ratings. This approach, using the adjusted EMP rating based on sediment chemistry, yields a regression model with R2 = 0.945 compared to R2= 0.653 for the regression model using unadjusted EMP for assessing the environmental conditions.     

Speciation of heavy metals on suspended sediment under high flow conditions in the River Aire,West Yorkshire,UK

Concentrations of heavy metals (Cd, Cu, Pb and Zn) on suspended sediments during a flood event at Thwaite Mills, River Aire, were analysed using a five step sequential extraction technique to determine their major chemical associations (exchangeable, surface oxide and carbonate, Fe and Mn oxides, organic and residual metal ions). Total metal concentrations were lowest at higher discharges, resulting from dilution by clean sediment. The major transport fractions are the Fe and Mn oxides, which carry 29% of the total metals. Knowledge of the chemical forms of heavy metals on suspended sediment is essential for estimating their biological availability and physicochemical reactivity. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Aquaculture-related trace metals in sediments and lobsters and relevance to environmental monitoring program ratings for near-field effects

The study was undertaken to assess the marine environmental effects from feed and waste associated with aquaculture activities. Metal compositions of sediment, lobster, and feed were used to evaluate the extent of detectable effects at 0 m (under the cage) and 50 m distance. Sediments that were collected under the cages and were characterised as hypoxic or anoxic, showed elevated levels of Cu, Zn, organic carbon, and % <63 microm particles, and low Mn and Fe. At 50 m there was a major reduction in waste chemical impact. Using lobster, a bioindicator species, as a tool for detecting near-field impacts, showed accumulations of high Cu associated with active aquaculture sites. Chemical compositions and metal ratios normalised with organic carbon, were used to assess the sediment conditions associated with environmental monitoring program ratings (EMP--normal, hypoxic, and anoxic). Principal component analysis (PCA) was used to explore chemical data at all sites for differentiating normal, hypoxic and anoxic sediment conditions. Selected variables (Cu, Zn, Fe, Mn, organic carbon, and particles <63 microm) were sufficient for the PCA approach with >90% explainable variance of first two components. The groupings based on PCA and cluster analysis were similar to EMP classifications with some exceptions of mis-identification by EMP. The sediment chemistry components were valid indicators for evaluating marine environmental conditions and for assessing aquaculture operating sites. The developed techniques, using chemical variables in combination with EMP and the statistical approach should be useful to predict the effects of aquaculture practices and the suitability of aquaculture operations.     

Assessment of Metal Contamination in Surface Sediments of Jiaozhou Bay,Qingdao, China

An assessment of metal contamination in surface sediments of the Jiaozhou Bay, Qingdao, one of the rapidly developing coastal economic zones in China, is provided. Sediments were collected from 10 stations and a total of 15 heavy metals were analyzed. Concentrations of metals show significant variability and range from 210 to 620 ppm for Ti, 2.7 to 23 ppm for Ni, 4.2 to 28 ppm for Cu, 5.2 to 18 ppm for Pb, 12 to 58 ppm for Zn, 0.03 to 0.11 ppm for Cd, 5 to 51 ppm for Cr, 1.5 to 9.9 ppm for Co, 5.3 to 19 ppm for As, 12 to 32 ppm for Se, and 19 to 97 ppm for Sr. Based on concentration relationships and enrichment factor (EF) analyses, the results indicate that sediment grain size and organic matter played important roles in controlling the distribution of the heavy metals in surface sediments of the Jiaozhou Bay. The study shows that the sediment of the Jiaozhou Bay has been contaminated by heavy metals to various degrees, with prominent arsenic contributing the most to the contamination. The analysis suggests that the major sources of metal contamination in the Jiaozhou Bay are land‐based anthropogenic ones, such as discharge of industrial waste water and municipal sewage and run‐off. Notably, the elevated heavy metal concentrations of the Jiaozhou Bay sediments could have a significant impact on the bay's ecosystem. With the rapid economic development and urbanization around the Jiaozhou Bay, coastal management and pollution control should focus on these contaminant sources, as well as provide ongoing monitoring studies of heavy metal contamination within the bay.     

The distribution of trace metals in Florida Bay sediments

The distribution of trace metals based on surface sediments collected at 40 stations across Florida Bay was done in June, November and February 2000-2001. Concentrations of Sc, V, Ba, Cd, Cr, Co, Cu, Pb, Mn, Ni, Zn, Al and Mg were determined by ICP-MS, and the total Fe was determined by spectrophotometry. Organic carbon (OC), nitrogen (N), and calcium carbonate (CaCO3) were also measured. Eleven of 13 metals showed a similar distribution pattern for the various months studied. Maximum concentrations of metals were lower than those found in most estuarine systems and were concentrated in the north-central and western zones of the Bay. The Mn and Fe concentrations, unlike the other metals, gradually decreased from north (Everglades) to south (Florida Keys). Some metals (Ni, Zn, Cu, Cr, Pb and Ba) associated with petroleum use showed high concentrations at stations near the Tavernier marina. Florida Bay sediments are predominately CaCO3 (65.9-92.5%). The greatest value for OC (5.5%) and the lowest value of CaCO3 (65.9%) were found in the western zone. Trace metal distribution patterns are similar to the OC and N in the sediments. There was a strong correlation between most metals (V>Cu>Ni>Cr>Al>Co>Ba>Zn>Pb>Mg) and the percentage of OC. The maximum C/N values (9-12) were observed at the stations with the highest OC, where dense colonies of seagrass are found and most of the metals are concentrated. All metals except Mg, Mn and Co showed a strong correlation with Al and the fine fraction of the sediments (aluminosilicates) associated with continental input and river runoff.     

Assessment of heavy metal pollution from the sediment of Tupilipalem Coast,southeast coast of India

Sediment from twelve stations was sampled from the Tupilipalem Coast, southeast coast of India, and the presence of a set of heavy metals was established including iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), nickel (Ni), lead (Pb), zinc (Zn) and cadmium (Cd). The heavy metals were assessed by factor analysis, the results of which showed positive and/or negative correlations among Fe, Mn, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, Zn, and Cd. Factor analysis also indicated that heavy metals in the sediments of the study area have different natural and anthropogenic sources. Similarly, a sediment pollution assessment was done using the Geoaccumulation Index (Igeo), Enrichment Factor (EF), and Pollution Load Index (PLI). The Geoaccumulation Index indicated that the surface sediment of the Tupilipalem Coast was extremely contaminated with Fe, Mn, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, and Zn. The calculation of enrichment factors showed a significant enrichment with respect to Pb, Zn, and Cd and a moderate enrichment with Cr, Cu, and Ni. The falling trend of average contents’ enrichment factors is Cd> Pb> Zn> Cu> Cr> Ni> Mn> Fe. The PLI values of the Cd show higher (>1) values due to the influence of distinct external sources like agricultural runoff, industrial activities, and other anthropogenic inputs. Ninety two percent of heavy metals under study showed the highest concentrations at station TP-5 where the Buckingham Canal and other agricultural and aquacultural effluents connect with the Bay of Bengal. This location is the second inlet which is periodically closed and it seemed that these parts of the study area are heavily affected by anthropogenic pollution.     

Distribution and ecological risk assessment of some heavy metals in coastal surface sediments along the Red Sea,Egypt

The ecological risk assessment for Al,Zn,Cu,Ni,V,Pb,Cd,and Hg in surface sediment collected from the Egyptian Red Sea coast was evaluated using the Geo-accumulation Index(I_(geo)).Sediment Enrichment Factor(SEF) and Potential Ecological Risk Index(PERI) methods.The predominant heavy metal,aluminum,showed high concentrations along both of Aqaba Gulf(4378.8 ± 2554.1 μg/g) and southern part of the Red Sea(2972.8 + 1527.5 μg/g).while it recorded the lowest concentration in Suez Gulf(829.7 ± 398.2 μg/g).The determined heavy metal concentrations had the order of Al Zn -Ni V Pb Cu Cd Hg.The statistical analyses showed some correlations among the heavy metals contents.Several international sediment quality guidelines were used to estimate the quality of the collected sediments.Interestingly,the recorded average heavy metals concentrations were lower than those of the permissible contents for sediment quality guidelines.The Geo-accumulation index calculations(I_(geo)) proved that the investigated region could be classified as an unpolluted area.Sediment Enrichment Factor(K_(SEF)) study showed high values in Suez Gulf region.The single pollution index analysis of heavy metals in the sediments(C~i_f) indicated that Al,Zn,V,and Pb were of natural origin,while Ni,Cd and Hg were seriously affected by human activities.Interestingly,amongst,all the determined heavy metals,Cd and Hg gave moderate ecological risk indicators.     

The degree of trace metal pyritization in subtidal sediments of a mariculture area: application to the assessment of toxic risk

Four 2–3 m sediment cores were taken at the sites on the periphery of mussel raft concentrations in the subtidal zone of the inner Ría de Vigo (Galicia, NW Spain) with a view to evaluate the potential risk to mariculture from sediment-borne trace elements (As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb and Zn). The distribution of each of these elements in reactive, organic, pyrite and silicate-bound fractions was determined at 64 samples, and these data were used to calculate the degree of trace metal pyritization (DTMP) of each metal/metalloid. In the top 10–20 cm, relatively oxic conditions led to As, Cd, Cu, Pb and Zn having large reactive fractions due to their association with Fe and Mn oxyhydroxides. At lower levels, anoxic conditions favoured by intense diagenesis led to the precipitation of trace metals and metalloids as sulphides, with or without association with pyrite. Particularly large pyrite fractions in the 20–100 cm layer are attributed to the organic matter of this layer being more marine in origin than that of deeper sediments. DTMP was greatest for Cu and As, and least for Pb, Zn and Cr. The risk of trace element toxicity in the event of disturbances instituting oxic conditions in these sediments is discussed.     

巢湖蓝藻聚集对重金属迁移释放的影响

以巢湖蓝藻水华聚集地西半湖表层沉积物与蓝藻为对象,研究了表层沉积物重金属(Cd、Cr、Cu、Zn、Pb、Ni和Mn)总量的分布特征.同时,利用BCR连续提取法对沉积物中重金属Cd和Mn的形态进行分析,模拟探究蓝藻腐殖化过程中重金属含量的变化,探讨了蓝藻腐殖化对重金属吸附-释放的影响.结果表明,各采样点表层沉积物重金属含量均不同程度超出背景值,且距离南淝河越近越突出.潜在迁移指数表明整个西半湖沉积物中重金属Cd比Mn更易形成二次污染.相关性分析显示重金属Cd和Mn各形态含量和总量之间均表现出极显著正相关.巢湖西半湖属于典型的藻型湖,Cd和Mn的来源和分布均与蓝藻聚集密切相关,结合实验室模拟蓝藻腐殖化过程对重金属的吸附-释放规律,认为蓝藻腐殖化过程会对Cd和Mn的迁移释放产生影响.     

Heavy Metals in Bottom Sediment in the Upper and Lower Volga

Heavy metal concentrations in bottom sediment in some reaches of the Upper (the Ivankovo Reservoir) and Lower Volga (from Volgograd to the mouth offshore area). The bottom sediment in the Ivankovo Reservoir are shown to be heavily polluted by Cu and Zn and to a lesser extent, by Co and Ni; heavy pollution with Ni and Cr and moderate pollution with Zn and Mn were recorded in the Lower Volga. Principal component procedure was used to assess bottom sediment pollution. The role of organic matter in the formation of the Ivankovo Reservoir bottom sediment pollution with heavy metals is shown to be moderate because of the weak correlation between heavy metal concentration and organic matter content of bottom sediment. The same is true for the Lower Volga because of low organic matter content of bottom sediment. The major role in the redox cycle of elements is shown to belong to Fe in the Ivankovo Reservoir and Mn in the Lower Volga.