Environmental regeneration processes in the Anthropocene: The Bilbao estuary case (northern Spain). (October 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Irabien, María Jesús; Cearreta, Alejandro; Serrano, Humberto; Villasante-Marcos, Víctor
• Is Part Of: Marine pollution bulletin. Volume 135(2018)
• Page Start: 977
• Page End: 987
• Publication Date: 2018-10
• Subjects: Metals -- Magnetic susceptibility -- Benthic foraminifera -- Sedimentary record -- Environmental management -- Bilbao estuary; 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.2018.08.022
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0025-326X

Abstract

Abstract: This work tackles a multidisciplinary study on the recent sedimentary record of the Bilbao estuary (northern Spain), which is the backbone of a city that was primarily industrial and now is widely recognized as a successful example of urban transformation. Although hotspots of heavily polluted materials still remain at the mouth of the two main tributaries (Galindo and Gobelas), the data obtained confirm the ongoing formation of a new layer of sediments (here called "postindustrial zone") covering historically polluted and azoic deposits. It is characterized by largely variable levels of metals and magnetic susceptibility and moderate-to-high abundances of benthic foraminifera. Monitoring of the evolution of this layer appears a key factor to assess environmental improvement and decision-making in polluted estuaries. Graphical abstract: Highlights: Hotspots of pollution persist in the Bilbao estuary A post-industrial layer of sediments covers historically polluted afaunal sediments This layer's evolution determines environmental improvement and management options