Tracing the sources of suspended sediment and particle-bound trace metal elements in an urban catchment coupling elemental and isotopic geochemistry, and fallout radionuclides

Research on the Orge River, part of the Seine basin in France, reveals that urban areas are a significant and consistent source of particle-bound trace metal contamination, particularly lead (Pb), with isotopic analysis confirming an 'urban' signature linked to road deposited sediments. The study found that while urban-derived particles dominate during low-flow periods, their contribution diminishes during seasonal floods due to increased input from less contaminated agricultural soils and riverbanks. Trace elements like Cu, Zn, Pb, and Sb show increasing contamination levels with higher urbanization, underscoring the need for better management of urban runoff to mitigate diffuse pollution in rivers draining urban catchments.

Froger, C., Ayrault, S., Evrard, O., Monvoisin, G., Bordier, L., Lefèvre, I., & Quantin, C. (2018). Tracing the sources of suspended sediment and particle-bound trace metal elements in an urban catchment coupling elemental and isotopic geochemistry, and fallout radionuclides. Environmental Science and Pollution Research, 25(28), 28667–28681. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-018-2892-3