Cd and Pb extractability with EDTA in sediments of three contrasted sites of the Lebanese coast

ABSTRACT

Cd and Pb extractability with EDTA were measured from sediment samples collected at three contrasted sites along the Lebanese coastal zones Akkar, Dora and Selaata. Akkar is located away from any direct source of contamination, while Dora and Selaata receive respectively urban and industrial wastes. The extractability of Cd and Pb from sediments of the aforementioned sites was studied by applying kinetic and equilibrium extractions with EDTA 0.05M. The adjustment of Pb kinetic extractions curves to a two-first order reactions model permitted to kinetically fractionate Pb in the studied sediments into three fractions [readily extractable, less extractable and non extractable] and allowed to conclude that Pb in Selaata represents the highest environmental risk