9. Other Mechanisms of Chemical Release From Sediments – Part 2
The chapter discusses various mechanisms through which chemicals are released from sediments into water bodies, focusing primarily on processes such as diffusion, resuspension, bioturbation, and advection. It explains how biological agents enhance the transport of contaminants, the complexities of sediment composition, and the resulting implications on environmental quality and water safety. Understanding these mechanisms is essential for modeling sediment transport and assessing ecological impacts.
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What we have learnt
- Chemical release from sediments occurs through diffusion, resuspension, bioturbation, and advection.
- Biological organisms play a crucial role in enhancing chemical transport in sediments.
- Sediments exhibit complex interactions with water quality that depend on their composition and local biological activity.
Key Concepts
- -- Diffusion
- The process by which substances move from an area of high concentration to an area of low concentration, impacting the transport of chemicals in sediment.
- -- Resuspension
- The process by which solid particles become suspended in water, leading to increased turbidity and potential desorption of contaminants from solids.
- -- Bioturbation
- The disturbance of sediment by living organisms, which enhances chemical transport by altering sediment structure and facilitating movement.
- -- Advection
- The bulk movement of water, which can transport dissolved substances, albeit minimally in saturated sediments.
- -- Colloids
- Small particles that can carry chemicals through water, facilitating transport when they detach from sediment.
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