Fractionation of Mn, Fe, Zn and Cu in Sediments of Khor Kalabsha, Lake Nasser, Egypt

Abstract

Abstract Khor Kalabsha is the second largest Khor in Lake Nasser, which is a freshwater side-branch of the main lake. Chemical analysis of the samples indicates that calcium carbonate and organic matter content in the surface sediments average 17.8 and 3.07%, respectively. Moreover, manganese, iron, zinc and copper concentrations are lower in Khor Kalabsha than in other lakes of Egypt. It has been found that both oxides and residual forms constitute the major part of the measured elements in the study area, while manganese and iron play an important role in building up clay minerals. It is noted that both zinc and copper fractions are controlled by biological and biochemical processes. Key Words: Chemical fractionationKhor Kalabshasurface sedimenttrace metals