Behaviors of major and trace elements during single flood event in the Seine River, France

Abstract : This study examines for the first time the characteristics of suspended particulate matter (SPM) and geochemical behaviors of major and trace elements during one single flood event of the Seine River, France. Source contribution, dilution by silicates and carbonates are the main scenarios consecutively occurring during the flood event, as can be inferred from the geochemical behaviors for major and trace elements. This study confirms the importance of flood events for the flux of materials transported by rivers to the ocean and emphasizes the need of systematic studies on the chemical variability of elements transported during flood events.