BCR-277R - Estuarine Sediment

The sampling and initial treatment of the material was carried out by the Joint  Research Centre – Institute for Environment and Sustainability (IES). 360 kg of  estuarine sediment was collected by grab sampler in the Po river estuary near Sacca  di Goro (IT). The wet sediment was sieved over 2 mm sieves to remove larger  particles. This wet material was air dried for 6 weeks. The dry lumps were then  broken down by a jawcrusher and the resulting material sieved over a 200 ìm sieve.  The fraction that passed the sieve (160 kg) was sent to the IRMM. It was further dried  in PTFE protected stainless steel trays at +60 °C for 10 h. This was followed by jetmilling  and ultra fine classification of the powders. Following homogenisation in a  Turbula mixer the material was bottled (40 g powder per bottle) under argon in 100  ml brown glass bottles with polyethylene inserts and plastic screw caps. 2294 units  have been produced. The water content was determined to be 2.3 ± 0.1 % (n = 8) by  volumetric Karl Fischer titration. The particle size analysis using a Sympatec particle  size analyser with a Helos measuring device showed a top particle size of 125 µm.

keywords:  Environmental material, Soil/Sediment, Trace elements,  Heavy metals