6533b833fe1ef96bd129b8e2
RESEARCH PRODUCT
Highly contaminated areas as sources of pollution for adjoining ecosystems: The case of Augusta Bay (Central Mediterranean).
R. Di LeonardoCecilia Doriana TramatiAntonio MazzolaAntonino VaccaroSalvatrice Vizzinisubject
Settore BIO/07 - EcologiaPollutionMediterranean climateAquatic OrganismsGeologic Sedimentsmedia_common.quotation_subjectAquatic ScienceOceanographyMediterranean seaPolycyclic Aromatic HydrocarbonsEcosystemmedia_commoncomputer.programming_languageTrace elementSedimentBiotaPollutionSettore GEO/08 - Geochimica E VulcanologiaTrace ElementsOceanographyBaysItalyMediterranean Sea Pollution Sediments PAHs Trace elementsHarbourEnvironmental scienceBaycomputerWater Pollutants ChemicalEnvironmental Monitoringdescription
An assessment of trace element and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) contamination based on surface sediments collected in summer 2012 was carried out in Priolo Bay adjoining one of the most polluted areas of the Mediterranean Sea, the industrial Augusta harbour (Italy, Central Mediterranean). Inorganic and organic contaminants were generally not remarkable. Occasional elevated concentrations of Hg, Cd, Ni and PAHs exceeding sediment quality guidelines were detected in the northern sector of Priolo Bay, close to Augusta harbour, possibly as a result of water drainage of industrialised and urbanised areas and/or potential direct export of contaminated material from Augusta harbour, whose influence on the adjoining Priolo Bay ecosystem cannot be ruled out. By domino effect, Priolo sediments may therefore become a potential source of pollutants and may represent a threat to the biota.
| year | journal | country | edition | language |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2014-08-01 | Marine pollution bulletin |