Rhone (S France) and Scheldt (Belgium) estuaries

Particulate inorganic carbon concentrations in the water column; Dissolved organic carbon concentration in the water column; Dissolved oxygen parameters in the water column; Salinity of the water column; Nutrient fluxes between the bed and the water column; Temperature of the water column; Radioactivity in water bodies; Alkalinity, acidity and pH of the water column; Dissolved trace metalloid and inorganic selenium concentrations in water bodies

The aim of this study is to evaluate the distribution of trace metals and natural or anthropogenic radionuclides between the dissolved and the particulate phases under natural conditions encountered in the estuarine waters. Two contrasting estuaries exhibiting different hydrodynamic regimes have been selected: the Rhone and the Scheldt. In addition, the rate of transfer of these elements will be examined during laboratory experiments at different time scales, taking into account: a) the importance of aging on the degree of trace element fixation; and b) its impact on the reversibility of transfer of trace element between the dissolved and particulate phase in the saline zone. Finally, the dynamic behaviours of particles in estuaries will be investigated in order to quantify these phenomena and to develop predictive models that will provide estimates of residence time, age, transit time and concentrations of particulate and dissolved matter.

Université Libre de Bruxelles, Laboratory of Chemical Oceanography and Water Geochemistry
Boulevard du Triomphe/Triomflaan, CP 208
Brussels

1050
Belgium