Spatial Distribution, Ecological Risk Assessment, and Source Identification of Metals in Sediments of the Krka River Estuary (Croatia)

Cukrov, Nuša; Cindrić, Ana-Marija; Omanović, Dario; Cukrov, Neven (2024) Spatial Distribution, Ecological Risk Assessment, and Source Identification of Metals in Sediments of the Krka River Estuary (Croatia). Sustainability, 16 (5). ISSN 2071-1050

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Abstract

To evaluate the level of contamination and predict the potential toxicity risk, selected metal concentrations (Cd, Pb, Cr, Mn, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, and As) were determined in 40 surface sediment samples from the stratified karstic Krka River estuary (Croatia). In addition, diffusive gradients in thin films (DGT) probes were deployed in situ to understand the mobilization mechanisms and bioavailability of metals in the sediment. The results show significant spatial differences between the upper and lower estuary, with the latter being more affected by anthropogenic pollution. The pollution assessment using the enrichment factor (EF), the geoaccumulation index (Igeo), and the pollution load index (PLI) showed a strong enrichment of metals in the lower part of the estuary, especially of Mn, Cu, Zn, Pb, and As. The statistical analysis (PCA) revealed the former ferromanganese factory and the port as major sources of pollution in the area. Nickel, Co, and Cr, although slightly elevated, may be attributed to the natural origin. The metal mobility in the estuarine sediment was primarily governed by early diagenetic processes (aerobic organic matter mineralization, Fe and Mn oxyhydroxide reduction), which caused the release of metals from the sediment into the pore water and subsequently into the overlying water column.

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	metals; sediment; environmental contamination; pollution assessment; DGT; Adriatic Sea; Mediterranean
Subjects:	NATURAL SCIENCES > Interdisciplinary Natural Sciences > Marine Science
Divisions:	Division for Marine and Enviromental Research
Projects:	Project title Project leader Project code Project type Novi metodološki pristup biogeokemijskim istraživanjima specijacije metala u tragovima u obalnim vodenim ekosustavima-MEBTRACE Dario Omanović IP-2014-09-7530 HRZZ
Depositing User:	Nuša Cukrov
Date Deposited:	12 Nov 2024 12:34
URI:	http://fulir.irb.hr/id/eprint/9268
DOI:	10.3390/su16051800

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