Distribution of Cu fraction in sediments using Suaeda heteroptera - Nereis succinea combination: A greenhouse study

A knowledge of the total amount of heavy metals is not enough to assess the environmental impact of polluted soils. Therefore, the determination of Cu fractions in sediment is important to evaluate its behavior in the environment and its mobilization capacity. The distribution of Cu (II) fractions in the sediment was studied in a laboratory simulation experiment. The results indicated that the distribution of Cu fractions was related to the concentration of Cu in sediments. In the Suaeda heteroptera group, the content of exchangeable and carbonate-bound were reducing, while the Fe-Mn oxide- and organic matter-bound were basically raising. In the Nereis succinea group, the content of Fe-Mn oxide- and organic matter-bound were from raising to reducing, and the residual was basically reducing with the increasing Cu concentrations. Generally speaking, the existence of N. succinea could enhance the uptake of Cu in the coastal sediment planted with S. heteroptera. When S. heteroptera and N. succinea in combination, effect of S. heteroptera and N. succinea on Cu fractions in sediments was significantly higher than the two working singly.