engleski

Distribution of phosphorus in sediments at the areas of different environmental status (Adriatic Sea, Croatia

In this paper we investigated the organic and inorganic P in sediments collected during the 2004-2014 period at fish farms, bays, estuaries, open sea areas, military harbors and nautical marinas to evaluate the environmental status impact on the P distribution in sediments. Granulometric composition, organic matter content and carbonate content as geochemical characteristic were also obtained. Environmental status indexes (CARLIT, that presents the state of coastal biocenosis of macroalgae ; TRIX, that is description of trophic state in the water column and LUSI index, that presents group of anthropogenic pressures in some area) were determined for certain locations. Total P determined for all investigated sediments was 16.0±12.8 μmol g-1 with highest concentrations obtained at fish farm sites. Higher portion of inorganic P (66%) in relation to organic P (34%) was found. Positive correlation was established between total P and sediment organic matter content as well as between organic P and organic matter. Negative correlation was obtained between organic P and carbonate content. These associations were in accordance to previous investigations of P and geochemical parameters in sediment. In sediments at fish farm sites, beside the organic P, inorganic P forms were examined (P in biogenic, authigenic and detrital apatite and P bound to iron oxides and hydroxides). Under the fish farm cages elevated portion of P in biogenic apatite and P bound to iron oxides and hydroxides was found. Obtained portions were attributed to fish farm impact. Association between total P in sediment and environmental indexes (CARLIT, TRIX and LUSI) was established that confirm thesis of the environmental state impact on P in sediment. These results present the basis of the potential implementation of P from the sediment, together with environmental indexes, in assessment of the ecological status of some marine environment.

phosphorus, sediment, Adriatic Sea, environmental status

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