Analysis of trace elements in surface sediments, mussels, seagrass and seawater along the southeastern Adriatic coast – a chemometric approach

Abstract

Surface sediments, mussels, seagrass, surface and bottom seawater samples were collected from the costal area of the southeastern Adriatic Sea and analyzed in order to determine the concentration and origin of the following elements: Fe, Mn, Zn, Ni, Cu, Ni, Co, As, Cd, Cr and Hg. The complexity of the obtained data was reduced by principal component analysis (PCA) and cluster analysis (CA), methods well known and accepted for the identification of the quality of marine environments. Both PCA and CA analysis were used to discriminate groups of samples according to the similarity of their chemical composition. The results revealed good diversity between the various samples, expressed by their distinctive positions of points in factor space. PCA indicated that the first two PC components explained about 73, 48, 43, 48, and 50 % of the total variance of the data for sediments, mussels, seagrass, and surface and bottom water, respectively. The results showed good discrimination capabilities between the samples taken from different locations, and also different seasons, which was especially evident in the surface and bottom water samples. Simultaneously, PCA/CA analysis of the amounts of trace elements found in the marine organisms could explain the manner of their bioaccumulation.

The recycling of demolition roof tile waste as a resource in the manufacturing of fired bricks: A scale-up to the industry

“…Because o this, the utilization o RTW in the production o burnt bricks results in an eco-riendly product containing non-hazardous waste. However, it must be noted that the concentrations ound in leachate were signicantly higher than those in natural waters that are considered contaminated [55]. The levels o heavy metals were ar below those in soil sediment leachates [56].…”

Dissolved Potentially Toxic Elements (PTEs) in Relation to Depuration Plant Outflows in Adriatic Coastal Waters: A Two Year Monitoring Survey

“…Croatia is known for the high arsenic content in the aquifers coming from natural geological sources present in the eastern area [54][55][56][57]. Lazo et al [58] evidenced that anthropogenic activities can influence PTE levels both in sediments and seawater in the Adriatic eastern coast, and a chemometric approach in the area of Montenegro [59] has associated As with both natural and anthropogenic sources. However, As values were consistent with our results, with a slightly higher range of concentrations than that of Split, which could explain the growing trend of As from north to south.…”

Negative impacts of petroleum coke as an energy source in the brick-making industry

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