Abstract:
Different criteria to evaluate bioavailability of heavy metals in sediments of Upper Tietê River Basin were used from acid volatile sulfide (AVS) and simultaneously extracted metals (SEM) methods. Among the criteria, SEM-AVS, normalized by organic matter, was more appropriate for bioavailability determination of heavy metals showing a non-bioavailability at Ponte Nova, Biritiba, Mogi das Cruzes and Pirapora sampling points. However, the sediment quality guidelines (TEL and PEL) showed toxicity effects along the basin, due to the guideline values do not take into account the local natural background level, demonstrating that TEL and PEL criteria overestimate the bioavailability of heavy metals in bottom sediments.
Keywords:
Bioavailability; Criteria; Heavy metals; Tietê River; Sediments