SREL Reprint #3496

Removal of low levels of Cu from ongoing sources in the presence of other elements - Implications for remediated contaminated sediments

Anna Sophia Knox1, Michael H. Paller1, and John C. Seaman2

1Savannah River National Laboratory, Aiken, SC 29808, United States
2Savannah River Ecology Laboratory, University of Georgia, Aiken, SC 29802, United States

Abstract: Mesocosms were used to investigate the effects of Cu influx, alone and in the presence of other elements, on sediments remediated by active caps, passive caps, and in situ treatment. Competitive interactions between Cu and other elements were investigated because contaminants often co-occur. Elements in surface water remained at significantly lower concentrations in mesocosms with apatite and mixed amendment caps than in mesocosms with passive sand caps or uncapped sediment. Element concentrations in Lumbriculus variegatus were significantly higher in untreated sediment than in active caps and significantly related to element concentrations in sediment measured by DGT probes. The cumulative toxicity of Cu mixed with other elements was greater than the toxicity of Cu alone in treatments without active caps, but the ability of active caps to control Cu was not affected by the presence of other elements. Active caps can protect remediated sediments by reducing bioavailable elements in ongoing contamination.

Keywords: Copper; Element interaction; Passive caps; Active caps; Remediated sediment; Recontamination

SREL Reprint #3496

Knox, A. S., M. H. Paller, and J. C. Seaman. 2019. Removal of low levels of Cu from ongoing sources in the presence of other elements - Implications for remediated contaminated sediments. Science of the Total Environment 668(2019): 645-657.

This information was provided by the University of Georgia's Savannah River Ecology Laboratory (srel.uga.edu).