Quantification and analytical detection of heavy metals and total hydrocarbons, in marine sediment from four coastal areas in the province of Manabi
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.57188/manglar.2025.048Keywords:
Sedimentos marinos, metales pesados, absorción atómica, contaminaciónAbstract
Port activity in Ecuador generates environmental pollution, a topic that is poorly studied in the country. The concentration of total hydrocarbons (TPH), trace metals (antimony, arsenic, cadmium, manganese, mercury, lead, molybdenum), and pH were determined in sediments from four fishing ports in Manabí with different coastal activities. Four sampling events were carried out (A1-B1 during the rainy season and A2-B2 during the dry season) at the ports of Jaramijó, Manta, San Mateo, and Ligüiqui. Sediment samples were collected from a depth of 10-15 cm and analyzed using atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Results showed similar levels of lead, TPH, cadmium, and molybdenum (<10 mg/kg, <40 mg/kg, <0.50 mg/kg, and <25 mg/kg, respectively) across all ports in both periods. Manta had the highest concentrations of antimony (0.34 mg/kg), manganese (142.27 mg/kg), and mercury (4.53 mg/kg), while San Mateo showed the highest concentration of arsenic (6.53 mg/kg). Ligüiqui had the lowest concentrations of antimony, arsenic, manganese, and mercury. pH values ranged from 8.95 to 9.48. Heavy metal concentrations exceeded the reference values (0.17 mg/kg) in period 1, according to the Canadian Sediment Quality Guidelines for the Protection of Aquatic Life.
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Copyright (c) 2025 Jaime Sanchez-Moreira, Jesus Briones-Mendoza, Luis Zambrano-Santana, Kléver Mendoza-Nieto, Javier Cañarte-Pin, Arturo Zavala-Murillo, Fabricio Zavala-Giler
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