Publication Abstract

The distribution of dissolved cadmium, lead and copper in the Bristol Channel and outer Severn Estuary

D. Harper

In October 1987, 63 samples were taken from 50 stations in the Bristol Channel and outer Severn estuary on the west coast of England. The distributions of dissolved cadmium, lead and copper are reported together with their relationships to salinity. The concentration ranges are 11-140 ng/l for cadmium, 20-10,000 ng/l for lead and 1.7-4.7 µg/l for copper. In high-salinity areas, higher cadmium and copper concentrations were found to be associated with local inputs, but the situation with respect to lead was found to be more complicated. At lower salinities, lead and copper distributions show several anomalies as a result of processes other than dilution. The data obtained at low salinities may not be typical, because the survey was carried out after a period of unusually high winds and rainfall.

Reference:

D. Harper, 1991. The distribution of dissolved cadmium, lead and copper in the Bristol Channel and outer Severn Estuary. Marine Chemistry, 33: 131-143.