Enrichment diagram (ED) a graphic approach for assessing inorganic enrichment and contamination in marine sediments of Sepetiba Bay (SE Brazil)

Abstract

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to validate and apply enrichment diagrams (EDs) to determine metal and as enrichment and contamination in the sediments of Sepetiba Bay. Design/methodology/approach – Through inducted coupled plasma – optical emission spectrophotometry, total element (As, Cd, Cu, Ni, Pb and Zn) concentrations were assessed for the construction of EDs and comparison with enrichment factors (EFs) in 65 samples collected in Sepetiba Bay. Findings – Based on the EDs, it was observed that the sediments around the urban area of Sepetiba and Itaguaı´Harbor were contaminated with Cd, Cu, Ni, Pb and Zn. These contaminants were expected due to the urban and industrial discharges into the bay and the activities at Itaguaı Harbor. Originality/value – The ED was successful regarding its ability to evaluate inorganic contamination in Sepetiba Bay. In addition, this method was able to define a proper background sample for calculating EFs.