Determination of Iron in Suspended Matter and Sediments of the Yarra River Estuary, and the Distribution of Copper, Lead, Zinc and Manganese in the Sediments

Abstract

Sediments from the Yarra River estuary were analysed for Cu, Pb, Zn, Mn, Fe and Ca extractable in hydroxylamine hydrochloride-acetic acid solution. Strong correlation of Pb and Zn with extractable Fe was observed. The behaviour of Cu indicated that it was not only controlled by the hydrated iron oxides, but that some may be organically bound. The effects of salinity on the suspended particulate matter were examined, and variations in the amount of extractable Fe in the particulate matter observed.