Original scientific paper

https://doi.org/10.4154/GC.2015.06

Geochemical characterization and environmental status of Makirina Bay sediments (northern Dalmatia, Republic of Croatia)

Darja Komar ; University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Natural Sciences and Engineering, Department of Geology
Matej Dolenec
Živana Lambaša Belak
Sanja Slavica Matešić
Sonja Lojen
Goran Kniewald
Petra Vrhovnik
Tadej Dolenec
Nastja Rogan Šmuc

Abstract

This research focuses on determination of the mineralogical composition, geochemical characteristics and evaluationof pollution status of the Makirina Bay sediments. Calculated enrichment factor (EF) values show no enrichment (< 1) for Cd, Ni, and Zn, minor enrichment (< 3) for As, Cu, and Pb, and minor to moderate enrichment for Mo. The resultsof the sequential leaching procedure for the aforementioned potentially toxic elements (PTE) indicates that the mobilityand bioavailability characteristics of the PTE studied declined in the following order: Mo > Cd > Pb > Ni > Zn > Cu > As. Principal component analysis (PCA) and correlation analysis confirmed the PTE distribution depends mainly on thegeogenic mineral components and anthropogenic activities in the areas surrounding the bay. Calculated transfer factor(TF) values from sediment to seagrass Cymodocea nodosa (C. nodosa) were < 1, showing that despite the results of thesequential extraction procedure, PTE transfer from sediment to roots was not effective.

Keywords

Makirina Bay sediments (Republic of Croatia); Potentially toxic elements (PTE); Enrichment factor (EF); Sequential extraction procedure; Transfer factor (TF); seagrass Cymodocea nodosa

Hrčak ID:

141053

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/141053

Publication date:

27.2.2015.

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