Sediment Contamination by Heavy Metals and PAH in the Piombino Channel (Tyrrhenian Sea)

Abstract

Sediment contamination is of major concern in areas affected by heavy maritime traffic. The spatial variation and contamination of 11 trace elements and 17 PAHs in surface sediments were studied along a 31 km transect along the seaway from the port of Piombino (Tuscany) to the port of Portoferraio (Elba Island) in the Northern Tyrrhenian Sea. Heavy metal contamination was detected at sites near Piombino (Ni, Pb, Hg, Cu and Zn) and at sites near Portoferraio (Pb, Zn, Hg, Cr and Cd). Each of the 35 sampled sites showed PAH contamination, with the highest concentrations at sites near Portoferraio. The most abundant isomers detected were 2- and 4-ring PAHs. PAH ratio analysis showed a prevalence of PAHs of pyrolytic origin. High values of PAHs and heavy metals were related to high sediment water content, TOC, silt, and clay content. Arsenic increased with increasing depth. The correlation between concentrations of metals and PAHs suggests common anthropogenic sources and is of concern for possible synergistic adverse effects on the biota.

Echinoderm Larvae as Bioindicators for the Assessment of Marine Pollution: Sea Urchin and Sea Cucumber Responsiveness and Future Perspectives

“…This harbour is characterized by the presence of one of the largest European industrial metallurgy and steel complexes, carbon coke production, a thermoelectric energy plant and intensive maritime traffic related to industrial activities, commercial trade and tourism (Bocchetti et al, 2008). Previous investigations revealed the presence of pollutants deriving from steel processing, such as PAHs and trace metals (Valentina et al, 2021).…”

“…The harbour of Piombino is characterized by the presence of an industrial pole and by commercial and tourist traffic towards the islands (Elba, Sardinia, and Corsica). The pollutants found in the harbour include those deriving from steel processing coal and all the products derived from its distillation, namely PAHs, tars, as well as heavy metals contained in ferroalloy minerals that are added to steel (Valentina et al, 2021). Metals appear abundant especially in the southern area of the port, near the "Lucchini" steel plant, with the majority of PAHs observed in the northern area of the port, near the industrial plant and the pier for commercial vessels.…”