Geochemical Characteristics of Surface Sediments in the Inter Tidal Flat of Tae-an, Korea

Abstract

In order to understand geochemical characteristics in constructed tidal flat, surface sediment samples were collected from a tidal flat located in Iwon-myon, Taean-gun, west coast of Korea. Organic carbon contents in the sediments during entire study period ranged from 0.05 to 1.00%. COD in the sediments ranged from 0.22 to 11.8mg/g in the line A, in the line B from 0.16 to 10.95mg/g and in the line C from 0.80 to 15.2mg/g. Total P contents ranged from 157 in the line C to 1153ug/g in the line A. Based on the correlation between total P and organic matters, the behavior of sedimentary P was not influenced by organic matters. Close relationships could be found among COD, organic C and IL in the sediments. Seasonal changes in COD, organic C and IL, particularly from spring to summer, were observed in the line B. The highest contents of SiO2, Fe2O3, TiO2 and P2O5 were observed at St. 14 in December. Although the ranges of major element contents were relatively small, good correlation coefficients among several elements were found.