Cation-exchange properties of sediments in the Central depression of the Barents Sea

The article presents data on the study of cation exchange properties of sediments in the Central depression of the Barents Sea relative to heavy metals. The experiments were carried out both on sediments of natural moisture and on sediments after removal of sludge water. The maximum values of the equilibrium exchange capacity of sediments containing and not containing silt water practically coincide and are (in mg-eqv/g) in Mn, Ni, Zn, Cd – 0.20-0.28; Pb – 0.28-0.40; Cu – 0.36-0.66. According to the obtained values of the exchange capacity of precipitation belong to the class of adsorbents. The influence of sediments size and concentration of metal salt solutions on the exchange capacity of precipitation was studied. It is concluded that, on the one hand, precipitation contributes to the circulation of heavy metal cations in the marine environment, on the other hand, sediments can be considered as cleaners and pollutants of marine waters.