engleski

Multi-elementar analisys of sediments from Bakar Bay area

Metals play an important role in aquatic environments. Some of them are biogenic (needed for biological processes in living organisms), while others are highly ecotoxic. In natural aquatic environments naturally increased concentrations of some metals could be expected (depending on the surrounding terrain composition), however they are often elevated due to human activities. A fundamental aspect of ecotoxic metals is their lack of biodegradability. Thus, heavy metals tend to accumulate in sediments, forming complexes with organic and inorganic materials. Bakar bay is located in the northern part of the Adriatic sea. Long-lasting port activities, industry and oil refinery contaminated surrounding aquatic environment with ecotoxic metals. Intention of this research was to identify present and past ecotoxic metals concentrations in first 15 cm of the sediment as a result of this contamination. Sediments were sampled at 7 locations with Uwitec corer (Ø 90mm). Each sediment column was sliced in three five-centimeters parts. Ecotoxic metals concentrations were analyzed in the bulk sediment. Concentration of the ecotoxic metals in sediment samples from the Bakar Bay was measured, showing a input of ecotoxic metals in the past period with diminishing in last decade corresponding with abandonment of industrial activity. According to values referred in “Sediment Quality Guidelines” issued by US Environmental Protection Agency, elevated metal concentrations in sediment from Bakar bay present mostly no any threat for benthic communities.

metals; sediment; Bakar Bay

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