Influence of flow-related events on concentration and phase distribution of metals in the lower Fraser River and small tributary stream in British Columbia, Canada

Abstract

A substantial portion of the total copper, nickel and zinc in bottom sediments of the lower Fraser River and a tributary, Still Creek were in reactive forms. Particulate rather than dissolved components were responsible for the bulk of the metal interactions within all of the sediments examined. Increased flow generally resulted in a loss of reactive copper, nickel and zinc from sediments of Still Creek and of reactive copper and zinc from sediments of the Fraser River. Decreased flow was accompanied by an increase in the levels of the reactive copper, nickel and zinc fractions in both systems. Flow-related processes appeared to influence concentration and phase distribution of the metals in these lotic environments.