Resumen

AVILA, Hendrik et al. Heavy metals distribution in superficial sediments of Maracaibo Lake (Venezuela). Rev. Téc. Ing. Univ. Zulia [online]. 2010, vol.33, n.2, pp.122-129. ISSN 0254-0770.

Ni, V, Cr, Cd, Cu and Pb were determined in superficial sediment samples from System Maracaibo Lake. Thirteen sampling points were sampled in Tablazo bay, Maracaibo Strait and Maracaibo Lake, four times during 2 years as follows: October 1999 (rainy season), March 2000 (dry season), November 2000 (rainy season) and May 2001 (low rainy period). Mean values (minimum-maximum) of heavy metals were: Cu: 27,07 (2,31-75,46), Cd: 3,37 (0,46-7,9), Cr: 39,50 (3,98-98,28), Pb: 60,59 (17,8-143,9), V: 50,44 (1,29-121,2) y Ni: 65,31 (16,76-177,62) mg.Kg^-1. The metal concentrations present in sediments were in the following order: Ni>Pb>V>Cr>Cu>Cd. Metal concentration in sediments of Maracaibo Lake system, are similar to the aquatic systems with a high oil activity. Samples showed a clear tendency to higher values in the eastern area of Maracaibo Lake and lower value in the western zone.

Palabras clave : Metals; Maracaibo Lake; sediment.