Ecotoxicological characterization of marine sediment in Kostrena coastal area

Samples of marine sediment were taken on 4 selected sites close to the shipyard industry in Kostrena coastal area. Concentration of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and heavy metals (Cu, Pb, Zn, Hg, Fe) were analyzed from chemical-analytical and toxicological aspect. For toxicity detection, the bacterial bioluminescence test (Vibrio fisheri) was used. Concentration of total PAHs varied in the range from 697 to 7807 microg/kg dry weight in marine sediments. The concentration of PCBs in sediment was 1.1 mg/kg dry weight. The highest concentrations of heavy metals were found at the station within the shipyard. PAH toxicity was not correlated with the toxic potential of sediments. The obtained results indicate a high degree of environmental risk, especially at stations within the shipyard, with the 54% possibility of toxic effects. Chemical determination of the concentration of conventional pollutants is not sufficient for assessing the quality of the marine environment and it is necessary to use other approaches in order to evaluate the biological impact.