Decoupling Sources of Anthropogenic Influences on Sediments of the Visovac Lake (Krka National Park, Croatia) Using Multiparametric Approach

Mikac, Iva; Bačić, Niko; Ujčić, Petar; Lučić, Mavro; Vdović, Neda; Ivanić, Maja; Ahel, Marijan; Mikac, Nevenka (2024) Decoupling Sources of Anthropogenic Influences on Sediments of the Visovac Lake (Krka National Park, Croatia) Using Multiparametric Approach. Archives of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology, 87 (3). pp. 335-352. ISSN 1432-0703

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Abstract

Historical changes of sediment characteristics and levels of inorganic and organic contaminants were studied in dated sediment cores from the Visovac Lake, situated in the Krka National Park, Croatia, to identify the main sources of anthropogenic pressures on this highly protected system. Depth distributions of lithogenic elements showed a steady decrease of terrigenous inputs due to the reduction in agricultural activities in the area, which was particularly pronounced during the 1991–1995 war in Croatia. Vertical and longitudinal distributions of Cd and Zn indicated that they are predominately of anthropogenic origin. The historical profiles of these toxic metals coincide well with the recorded production of metal industry in the upper reach of the Krka River with a sharp decrease reflecting the interruption by the war and slow recovery afterwards. By contrast, the recovery of the tourist industry in Krka NP after the war was accompanied by increasing contamination by elements characteristic of boat and car traffic (Sn, Cu, Pb) as well as oil pollution. The contamination with polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and polychlorinated biphenyls was only moderate. Although levels of metallic and organic contamination can be considered relatively low, the observed shift from industrial to tourism-related sources indicated that touristic activities should also be regarded as a possible threat for this vulnerable karst aquatic ecosystem.

Item Type:	Article
Additional Information:	This work was supported by the Krka National Park in the frame of project “Research of natural features and assessment of anthropogenic impact on the quality of the Krka River ecosystem in the area of the Visovac Lake”, 2012–2015.
Uncontrolled Keywords:	historical records; pristine sediments; toxic metals; organic contaminants; multiparametric analysis
Subjects:	NATURAL SCIENCES > Interdisciplinary Natural Sciences > Environmental Science
Divisions:	Division for Marine and Enviromental Research
Depositing User:	Maja Ivanić
Date Deposited:	12 Nov 2024 12:52
URI:	http://fulir.irb.hr/id/eprint/9272
DOI:	10.1007/s00244-024-01095-5

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