Sediment Geochemistry –
SEDIMENT GEOCHEMISTRY – A CASE STUDY APPROACH Ralf Hübner August 2009 A thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements of Bournemouth University for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy Bournemouth University, School of Conservation Sciences Talbot Campus, Fern Barrow, Poole, Dorset, BH12 5BB, United Kingdom Ralf Hübner This copy of the thesis has been supplied on condition that anyone who consults it is understood to recognise that its copyright rests with its author and due acknowledgement must always be made of the use of any material contained in, or derived from, this thesis. - 2 - Ralf Hübner, 2009: Sediment Geochemistry – A Case Study Approach Abstract Abstract The geochemistry of sediments is a very wide field and several important aspects must be taken into account, including, but not limited to, various methodological questions, the analysis of distribution patterns, determination of origins and the assessment of risks. Therefore, this research project adapted a case study approach and analysed several important aspects of contamination in sediments at a time. In case study 1, the distribution of metals in the sediments was analysed in Bigge and Olpe, two small and fast running watercourses in Germany. The metal/ metalloid concentrations showed very different distribution patterns. Mobile elements like zinc showed a very homogenous and predictable pattern, while elements with low mobility stick to the sediment and do not migrate much, leading to areas with different concentrations. In addition, it was found that the local monitoring tools in force, which are largely based on analyses of the water, are not sufficient for a reliable assessment of the environmental quality.
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