Factors controlling the accumulation of metals within fluvial systems

The magnitude and distribution of European Community (EC) regulated List I and List II metals and metalloids have been investigated in two lowland river systems in East Anglia, U.K. A combination of sediment and water quality data identified municipal sewage treatment work discharges as the main metal input sources to the river systems and identified two main areas of metal contamination: the Pix Brook, downstream of Letchworth STW on the River Ivel, and a 14 km enrichment zone adjacent to Whitlingham STW on the River Yare. The basement geology, flow dynamics, distance from point sources and sediment type were identified as important controls upon the magnitude and spatial distribution of metal contaminants.