Heavy metals in coastal sediments of the Ligurian sea off Vado Ligure

摘要: This paper combines data from a survey on heavy metal contamination of surficial sediments and the analysis short sediment core (30 cm) carried out in 1999 2001, respectively. Heavy metals (As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Hg, Ni, Pb, Zn) Al were analysed by AAS after complete dissolution samples. Surficial are particularly rich Hg which reach concentrations 322, 47.0, 5.85 145 mg/kg, While most show high close to built-up area, maximum values Cr characterise offshore samples, thus suggesting different origin. Sediment accumulation rates chronologies calculated basis both 137 Cs 210 Pb activity-depth profiles. The depth distribution is peculiar, showing several peaks (from ca. 17 106 mg/g) that not justified changes grain size mineralogical composition. Very recent inputs Ni accounted for peak values, whereas Cu at (before early 1960s) then decrease. shows also peak. as well organic carbon content do seem be correlated significantly influence distributions. exceed ERM guidelines all over study higher than top core. Only Cd always lower ERL guidelines.