Trace metals in fine grained sediments of the Kastela Bay, Adriatic Sea

The aim of the present work was to study the past and present contamination of the Kaštela bay using chemical analysis of selected trace metals (Cd, Pb, Zn, Cu, Cr, Mn and Ni) in fine grained sediment cores. Sediment samples were taken at three locations with silty sediments. The highest concentrations of Cd, Pb, Cu and Zn and the lowest concentration of Ni were found in the east, the most contaminated part of the Bay. The decrease of Cd, Pb, Cu and Zn concentrations with increased depth, indicates their anthropogenic origin. Homogeneous distribution of Cr, Mn and Ni in the sediment cores indicates their terrigenous origin. The correlation of Zn, Cu and Ni concentration with the organic matter content was determined.