ORCID
- Gregory Price: 0000-0002-2461-7465
- Matthew Cleave: 0009-0000-1125-3503
Abstract
This investigation focusses on the geochemical properties of surficial sediments in the Camel Estuary, Cornwall, UK. Thegeochemistry of the samples were determined by XRF and data for Sn, As, Cu, Pb and Zn are presented. The data for Pb, Zn andAs shows a down estuary reduction, probably resulting from a combination of increasing distance from a presumed metalliferousmining source and mixing with marine sediments. The highest concentrations for As (48 ppm) and Zn (304 ppm) exceedsediment quality guidelines. Cu and Pb values are below the sediment quality guidelines. Although elevated Sn concentrations areseen in the middle part of the estuary, given that the Sn is likely to be associated predominantly with cassiterite, it is less likelyto be bioavailable. These pollutants have persisted long after the mining activity of the nineteenth century ceased. Compared toother estuaries in the southwest, the Camel Estuary is relatively unpolluted.
Publication Date
2025-03-07
Publication Title
Proceedings of the Ussher Society
Volume
15
Acceptance Date
2025-02-07
Deposit Date
2025-04-23
Funding
Funded by the University of Plymouth
Additional Links
Keywords
Geochemistry, Geology, Mining, Estuaries, XRF
First Page
131
Last Page
135
Recommended Citation
Price, G., & Cleave, M. (2025) 'Assessing the impact of historic mining on the geochemistry of sediments in the Camel Estuary, Cornwall, U.K.', Proceedings of the Ussher Society, 15, pp. 131-135. Retrieved from https://pearl.plymouth.ac.uk/gees-research/1482
