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A discussion of chemical equilibria and transport at the sediment‐water interface
Author(s) -
Reuber Barbara,
Mackay Donald,
Paterson Sally,
Stokes Pamela
Publication year - 1987
Publication title -
environmental toxicology and chemistry
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.1
H-Index - 171
eISSN - 1552-8618
pISSN - 0730-7268
DOI - 10.1002/etc.5620061002
Subject(s) - bioturbation , sediment , sediment–water interface , deposition (geology) , environmental science , environmental chemistry , biota , sorption , chemistry , ecology , geology , adsorption , biology , paleontology , organic chemistry
The kinetic and equilibrium processes influencing the behavior of organic contaminants in the vicinity of the sediment‐water interface are discussed. These processes include sorption, sediment deposition and resuspension, diffusive and convective movement of contaminants in pore water, and bioturbation. A series of relatively simple mathematical models is presented to illustrate some expected relationships between water and sediment and biota (fish) concentrations. Some implications of these relationships for chemical behavior and bioavailability in aquatic systems are discussed.