Heavy metal contamination in the sediments of the Llobregat basin

This work studies heavy metal contamination in the sediments of the Llobregat basin, and the Llobregat and Cardener rivers (Barcelona) at twelve representative sample points. The study carried out involves the specification of majority components, carbonates, silicates and organic matter for the purpose of characterising the lithogenic composition of the sediments. At the same time, determinations are made of the following heavy metals: cadmium, copper, chrome, nickel, lead and zinc, at two characteristic points in time, 1987 and 1997, between which dates significant alterations occurred in the spills dumped in the Llobregat basin. Firstly, there was a significant reduction of industrial activity related to potassium mining, and secondly, major infrastructural works have been set up throughout the basin, including waste water treatment plants and a brine collector which picks up mining waste water and transports it to a section close to the Mediterranean Sea.