Metals in the particulate matter from surf zone waters of a Southwestern Atlantic sandy beach (Monte Hermoso, Argentina)

Abstract

Cd, Cr, Cu and Pb were analyzed for the first time in the suspended particulate matter (SPM) in surf zone waters of a sandy beach located in the Southwestern Atlantic. The study area corresponds to a recreational sandy seashore beach (Monte Hermoso) where particulate metal levels showed large and irregular fluctuations throughout the study period. The study area is strongly influenced by a human-impacted estuary located nearby and it is believed that the levels of metals found in the particulate fraction are linked to this human impacted estuary. In particular Cd was found in high concentrations (2.63 μg g −1 dry weight) and therefore it was possible to characterize the SPM with some degree of Cd pollution through EF and I geo index. In addition, sediments were the main component of the SPM during most of the period of study. Finally, the present study provides new insights into the behavior of metals in the SPM in the surf zone, characterized as one of the most productive transitional areas between the continent and the sea, and poorly known from a pollution perspective.