Assessment and source identification of pollution risk for touristic ports: Heavy metals and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in sediments of 4 marinas of the Apulia region (Italy). Issue 2 (30th January 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Mali, Matilda; Dell'Anna, Maria Michela; Mastrorilli, Piero; Damiani, Leonardo; Piccinni, Alberto Ferruccio
• Is Part Of: Marine pollution bulletin. Volume 114:Issue 2(2017:Jan.)
• Page Start: 768
• Page End: 777
• Publication Date: 2017-01-30
• Subjects: Hazard degree -- Port sediment -- Touristic port -- Heavy metals -- PAHs -- Cumulative indices; Marine pollution -- Periodicals; Marine Biology -- Periodicals; Water Pollution -- Periodicals; Mer -- Pollution -- Périodiques; Publications périodiques; Pollution des mers; Lutte antipollution; Electronic journals; 363.7394
• DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2016.10.063
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0025-326X

Abstract

Abstract: The Apulia region in Italy has the longest Adriatic coastline; thus, maritime tourism is the driving force for its economic development. Pollution risk for four representative touristic ports of the region was assessed by determining the concentrations of 10 metals, 16 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) congeners, and the main nutrients. The cumulative mean Effects Range–Median quotient (mERMq) was used to assess the hazard degree, while the distribution patterns and content ratios of different PAH sediment concentrations were investigated to identify the pollution sources. Principal component analyses indicated an anomalous pollution trend for one of the small touristic ports assessed; this trend emerged from contamination by heavy metals and PAHs to a larger extent than expected, considering the main activity in this port, especially in its inner basin. The reason of this anomaly is thought to be the hydrodynamic and/or other stress factors. Graphical abstract: Highlights: Touristic ports are driving force for the local development of coastal regions. Touristic port activity can affect the quality of port area and the nearby coast. Cumulative indexes and PAH content ratio were used to assess port pollution sources. The inner basin of the ports resulted unusually more affected than the outer one. Hydrodynamic or other factors need to be studied for a spot-on risk assessment.