This journal article examines the major sources of pollution in the Rio Tinto estuary of southern Spain. The introduction includes a historical perspective of the region, description of the Rio Tinto system, and results of previous studies. The authors describe a database of surface sediment samples, take a look at the distribution of pollutant species in surface sediments, and analyze the recent influence of the local phosphate industry including the rates of sediment accumulation. The study shows that pollution extended back (about 5000 years) well before modern day large-scale mining. The article includes a map of the Rio Tinto system, illustrations of hydrologic and tidal data, chemical analyses of surface sediment samples, and plots of the downstream distribution of selected pollutants.
This resource is referenced here:Subject:
Biology:Ecology:Symbiotic Relations:Mutualism,
Biology:Ecology:Metabolism,
Biology:Biogeochemistry,
Microbiology:Methods of Microbiology :Field Methods ,
Biology:Microbiology
Resource Type:
Scientific Resources:Research Results
Grade Level: Graduate/Professional, College Upper (15-16), College Lower (13-14)
Extreme Environments: Altered by Humans, Acidic
Theme:
Teach the Earth:Course Topics:Biogeoscience
