Correlations between Selected Trace Elements and Organic Matter and Texture in Sedimentsof Northern Prairie Wetlands

Abstract

Abstract Total concentrations of arsenic, cadmium, lead, mercury, and selenium previously determined in wetland sediments were grouped according to habitat type and geologic location and related to sediment organic matter and particle size by stepwise multiple regression analysis. Cadmium and Se were significantly correlated with the measured sediment properties in every geologic and hydrologic category. Arsenic and Pb were consistently correlated with sediment properties in riverine habitats but not in potholes. In contrast, good correlations were found with Hg in potholes but not riverine wetlands. Organic matter concentration was the most consistent overall predictor of trace element concentrations, but texture was also a good indicator in some instances. The lack of correlation observed for some of the elements within given geologic categories suggests that other factors, such as external loading or deposition rates, were responsible for the observed variation