engleski

Marine sediments characteristics of Kastela Bay

In this investigation distribution of organic matter, carbonates, and granulometric composition were represented in first 10 cm in the sediment. Samples were taken at three stations in semi-enclosed Kaštela Bay (Adriatic Sea, Croatia) one of the most densely urbanized and industrialized areas along the eastern coast of the Adriatic. One station is located in the central part of the Bay, the other is near town Vranjic, while the third is near the factory Inavinil. Organic matter is a component of a sediment, which depends on the grain size of particles as well as the mineral composition of sediments. Organic matter could be in origin autochthonous (from the sea as result of primary production), particularly in coastal regions with a high primary production, and allochtonous (from the land). An increase in organic matter content could be result from local wastewater input. Carbonate minerals are those minerals containing anion (CO3)2-. Most important are calcite, aragonite and dolomite. Carbonates are commonly deposited in the seas, a significant portion is composed of marine organisms shells remains. Particle size affects the accumulation of anthropogenic elements and organic contaminants. The average value of organic matter content in the sediment cores was 7.59 ± 0.98%, ranging from 4.90 to 9.86%. In the study area noncarbonate sediments prevailing with average value 45.14 ± 4.55% and range from 36.59 to 71.72%. In investigated stations the most common particle size are silt (4-63 μm), clay (<4 μm), than sand (63-2000 μm) and gravel (>2000 μm). According to obtained correlation coeficient organic matter accumulate in coarse grained particles (gravel and sand), while carbonate in silt fraction.

organic matter; carbonates; granulometric composition

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