Distribution of coprostanol, petroleum hydrocarbons, and chlorinated hydrocarbons in sediments from canals and coastal waters of Venice, Italy
1988; Elsevier BV; Volume: 13; Issue: 4-6 Linguagem: Inglês
10.1016/0146-6380(88)90098-8
ISSN1873-5290
AutoresEdward S. Van Vleet, V.U. Fossato, M.R. Sherwin, H.B. Lovett, F. Dolci,
Tópico(s)Environmental Chemistry and Analysis
ResumoIn order to evaluate the degree of organic pollution in canals and surrounding coastal waters of Venice, Italy, fecal sterols, petroleum hydrocarbons and chlorinated hydrocarbons were analyzed in twenty-five sediment samples collected from Venetian canals, the surrounding Veneto Lagoon, the industrialized area of Porto Marghera, and the Northern Adriatic Sea. Although the main Venetian canals are at least partially flushed by tides, most canals still have mud bottoms which are ideal for preservation of chemical pollutants. The fecal sterol, coprostanol, was analyzed to evaluate the accumulation and dispersal of untreated waste from the city of Venice. Coprostanol “hotspots” gave indications of where health hazards may exist for local populations. Petroleum hydrocarbon contamination was observed in essentially all areas except the Northern Adriatic. Highest hydrocarbon concentrations were found near Porto Marghera followed by decreasing concentrations in the Venetian Canals and Veneto Lagoon. Based upon alkylated homolog distributions of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, fossil fuel combustion appears to be the major source of these hydrocarbons. Chlorinated hydrocarbons were present in a wide range of concentrations. The spatial distribution of these compounds (HCB, HCH, DDT, and PCB) could be clearly correlated with local inputs.
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