The early diagenesis of Cd and Hg has been studied in different coastal areas (vasière Ouest-Gironde, Pertuis d'Antioche, baie de Marennes-Oléron). For these two metals, the fluxes at the sediment-water interface have been calculated. Considering only molecular diffusion, the diffusionnal fluxes of Cd and Hg to the colurnn water are negligible with regard to both the particular fluxes to the sediments and the inputs of the "Gironde" and "Charente" ·,estuaries. The take into account of the different processes which affect the ex changes at the interface (erosion, bioturbation) permits more realistic an estimation of the role of sediments in the geochemical cycle of Cd and Hg. The results show that up to 50% of particular Cd and Hg which are integrated into... |