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Updated: May 30, 2026

Measuring Carbon-based Contaminant Mineralization Using Combined CO2 Flux and Radiocarbon Analyses
Published on: October 21, 2016
Following the Aznalcóllar toxic spill
Victoria Tornero1, Alberto M Arias, Julián Blasco
1Instituto de Ciencias Marinas de Andalucía, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Campus Universitario Río San Pedro, 11510 Puerto Real, Cádiz, Spain. mvictoria.tornero@icman.csic.es
Abstract:
Ten years after the Aznalcóllar mine spill, the decline in metal contamination in the area is evident. However, some elements are still found in elevated concentrations. In Scrobicularia plana, zinc, lead, and arsenic exceeded health advisory levels at several locations although there is no indication of risks associated with consumption of this mollusc. The estuary seems to have enhanced the bioavailability of arsenic and lead. Research should continue to understand the significance of this contamination.
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