Pb, Cd and Cu distribution and mobility in marine sediments from two ports in Lebanon: Beirut army navel port and Tripoli fishing port

Abstract

Lead, cadmium and copper distribution and mobility in superficial sediments collected from the Beirut army navel port and Tripoli fishing port in Lebanon were studied. Results showed relatively high concentrations of Pb (181.4-518.9μg.g-1), Cd (1.33-6.7μg.g-1), and Cu (141-246.8μg.g-1) in sediments inside the port of Beirut. In Tripoli fishing port, Pb and Cd concentrations in sampled sediments were lower. However, higher Cu concentrations (up to 524.5 µg.g-1) were detected in Tripoli sediments. The extractability of Cd, Pb and Cu from the sediments of Beirut and Tripoli port were studied by applying EDTA 0.05M and CaCl2 0.01M extractions for two extraction times: 1h and 24h. These extractions showed that Cd and Pb were highly mobilized by EDTA. However, only Pb was mobilized by CaCl2 from sediments collected in Beirut military port.