Impacts of an industrial and agricultural complex on organic matter and heavy metal dynamics in the sediment of the artificial Shihwa Lake, Korea

Abstract

This study assessed the impact of intensive human activities on organic matter and heavy metal cycles. Sediment oxygen demand (SOD), benthic nutrient flux (BNF), and benthic heavy metal flux were estimated using in situ benthic chambers. The vertical supply of organic matter was a major controlling factor for benthic respiration. The BNF accounted for 35–144% and 32–184% of the N and P requirements, respectively, for primary production (PP) in the water column. Benthic fluxes of Cr, As, Cd, Pb, Cu, and Zn were the highest near the industrial complex. The higher SOD may have also accelerated the release of Mn, Fe, Co, and Ni from the sediment.