Ecology, Environment and Conservation Paper

Vol 27, Feb Suppl. Issue, 2021; Page No.(376-380)

SEDIMENT ' EASILY, FREELY, LEACHABLE OR EXCHANGEABLE’ AS A POTENTIAL GEOCHEMICAL FRACTION OF COPPER BIOAVAILABILITY AND CONTAMINATION IN THE AQUATIC ENVIRONMENT: POTENTIALS AND SOME NOTES

Chee Kong Yap, Rosimah Nulit, Wan Hee Cheng, Shih Hao Tony Peng and Chee Wah Yap, Moslem Sharifinia5and Hideo Okamura

Abstract

The present study aimed to assess the potential of 'easily, freely, leachable or exchangeable' (EFLE) geochemical fraction in the surface sediments as a potential Cu bioavailability in the aquatic environment in relation to its total Cu concentration. Although the basis of this suggestion is merely based on the relationship between Cu EFLE and total concentrations of Cu in the surface sediments, it is still a potential indicator because the relationships are based on different aquatic ecosystems including offshore, intertidal, polluted urban lake, a polluted river and rivers and drainages. In addition, the use of a biomonitor (Snail Pomacea insularum) as an indicator of Cu bioavailability of the polluted site, agreeing with the higher EFLE geochemical fraction of Cu of the polluted sediment. Hence, Cu EFLE geochemical fraction in the surface can be suggested as a potential indicator of Cu bioavailability and contamination in the aquatic ecosystem, even though further studies are required.