Assessment of Trace Metals Contamination in the Suspended Matter and Sediments of a Semi-enclosed Mediterranean Gulf |
| |
Authors: | Georgios Sylaios Nikolaos Kamidis Nikolaos Stamatis |
| |
Institution: | 1. Laboratory of Ecological Engineering &2. Technology, Department of Environmental Engineering, Democritus University of Thrace , Xanthi , Greece;3. Technology, Department of Environmental Engineering, Democritus University of Thrace , Xanthi , Greece;4. National Agricultural Research Foundation, Fisheries Research Institute , Kavala , Greece;5. National Agricultural Research Foundation, Fisheries Research Institute , Kavala , Greece |
| |
Abstract: | This study investigates the distribution of heavy metals in the suspended particulate matter and the sediments of Kavala Gulf, located in Northern Greece. Particulate trace metals were determined in accordance to water column physicochemical parameters. Metals in sediments were related to the textural characteristics, the organic matter, and carbonate contents of surficial sediments. Results illustrated that the diverse human coastal activities influence the distribution of particulate and sediment metal concentrations, since lower trace metal levels were detected along the western (tourism) and eastern (aquaculture) coast, while increased values were observed at the central (urban and industrial). Overall, particulate metals show moderately low levels compared to other similar sites, with the exception of Ni and Cd depicting local peaks along the industrial coastal zone. Significantly increased levels for particulate lead (123.1 μg/g) and chromium (113.9 μg/g) were detected at the sites near the industrial zone. Direct effluents from a fertilizer plant appeared responsible for the increased Pb, Cr, and Cd levels, while the increased values in Zn, Cu, and Hg appear related to phosphogypsum leaching. Sediment contamination assessment indicated that the Kavala Gulf is characterized by clean to marginally polluted sediments, with moderately severe pollution levels along the urban coastline. |
| |
Keywords: | Heavy metals suspended particulate matter sediment enrichment factor pollution index Kavala Gulf |
|
|