Accumulation of Heavy Metals by Amur Bay Sediments (the Sea of Japan) under the Effect of Biochemical Factors

Abstract

The average concentrations of elements Fe, Mn, Zn, Pb, Cu, Cr, V, Co, Cd, Ni, As, and Mo in the subcolloidal fraction of bottom sediments were determined in the northern and central parts of the Amur Bay. The concentrations of metals Pb, Co, Ni, Zn, Cr, V, and As in bottom sediments subject to direct influence of the Razdol’naya River were shown to increase by 5–17% because of their sorption on Fe and Mn oxy hydroxides. The concentrations of some elements (As, Cu, and Mo) in the bottom sediments of the bay were found to be 21–55% above their average concentrations because of their accumulation by humic substances.