Dual filtration effect of geochemical and biogeochemical processes in the Changjiang Estuary

Dissolved nutrients (NO ₃ ⁻ , PO₄ ³⁻, SiO₃ ²⁻) and oxygen, chlorophyll- a, pH, and Eh were measured on board during a cruise in August 1988 in the Changjiang Estuary region. Heavy metals, organic matter and carbonate contents were analyzed in laboratory. The results show that geochemical processes in the Changjiang Estuary have dual filtration effect: on the one hand geochemical filtration effect, reflected by ferromanganese oxide flocculation and sedimentation, occurs near the turbidity maximum, and leads to enrichment of heavy metals in suspended matter and sediments; on the other hand biogeochemical filtration, reflected by nutrients consumption, organic matter and carbonate sedimentation and enrichment of trace elements in suspended matter, occurs outside the plume water front. The biogeochemical filtration affects the environmental conditions; the dissolved oxygen and pH increase, in surface water and decrease in bottom water. The biogeochemical filtration effect outside the plume front is more important than the geochemical filtration effect near the turbidity maximum.