Geochemistry of Metallic Trace Elements in Superficial Sediments of the Gulf of Morbihan, Brittany, France

International audienceConcentration of selected Metallic Trace Elements (MTEs), chromium, manganese, iron, cobalt, copper, zinc, lead and cadmium in surpericial sediments from gulf of Morbihan were studied in order to understand the current MTEs contamination due to urbanization and mariculture economic development surrounding the gulf region. Therefore, the ditribution, enrichment and accumulation of MTEs in 101 surperficial sediments collected by Orange Peel grab were characterized for MTEs were 36.2±23.9 µg.g-1 dry weight (Cr), 278±140 µg.g-1 dry weight (Mn), 2.40±1.29% (Fe), 14.4±5.31 µg.g-1 dry weight (Co), 16.4±10.3µg.g-1 dry weight (Cu), 38.1±19.1 µg.g-1 dry weight (Zn), 34.6±13.9 µg.g-1 dry weight (Pb) and 0.11±0.06 µg.g-1 dry weight (Cd), respectively. Results from the analysis showed that MTEs studied have relatively uncontamined within the gulf. Overall, the geochemistry of the sediment of gulf of Morbihan was influenced by both natural and anthropogenic inputs to the catchment. However, direct comparison with upper continental crust indicated that natural processes were more dominant than anthropogenic input in concentrating metals