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Total metal concentrations (Cu, Ni, Pb, Zn, Fe, and Mn) and their distribution in different chemical forms (speciation) were determined in sediments from the Adriatic Sea in order to evaluate contamination and mobility of metals. The study was carried out on marine sediments collected in two areas of the Adriatic Sea differently influenced by Po river waters. Metal distribution in the study area depends prevalently on water circulation and on organic matter distribution. Among metal levels, significant correlations between copper and zinc and between lead and nickel were found, suggesting common and specific sources. As regards metal speciation, the distribution of different chemical forms changes with the metal. The prevailing zinc phases, for example mobile forms, and sulphide together are greater than 50% of total metal. Nickel is mainly present in sediments as sulphide, and the preferential association of copper with organic matter is evident. Lead and manganese are preferentially found as mobile forms (more of 30% for lead, 40% or more for manganese). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The concentrations of Hg, Cd, Pb, Cu, Ni, V, and Sn were determined in marine sediments collected from Taranto Gulf (Ionian Sea, Southern Italy). The aim of this article is to study the methodological approach in order to evaluate total metal levels determined in marine sediments of a contaminated area (Taranto Gulf, Southern Italy), to identify contaminated areas and to predict adverse biological effects based on Sediment Quality Guidelines (SQGs). The results are discussed in relation to geological characteristics of sediments in order to define background levels and anthropogenic input. Experimental results were elaborated by multivariate statistical techniques and Geographical Information System (GIS) software. The geoaccumulation index Igeo and two sets of SQGs (in particular (a) the threshold effect level (TEL), the probable effect level (PEL) and (b) the effect range-low (ERL) and the effect range median (ERM)) have been used for environmental evaluation of metal concentrations. Results show that in Taranto coastal area, Mar Piccolo basin represents the most contaminated area. A comparison with results from other Mediterranean areas demonstrates that for some metals (such as Cd, Pb, and Hg) Taranto seas represent one of the most polluted areas in the Mediterranean Sea. A comparison of metal levels with SQGs also suggests an ecotoxicological risk for benthic organisms mainly in the first inlet of Mar Piccolo. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]