DISTRIBUTION OF TRACE ELEMENTS IN THE COASTAL SEA SEDIMENTS: PUNAT BAY IN THE NORTHERN ADRIATIC

ABSTRACT Distributions of trace elements in the coastal sea sediments of Punat Bay in the Northern Adriatic have been investigated. The concentrations of 16 elements (Ca, Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Br, Rb, Sr, Y, Zr and Pb) were measured by energy dispersive XRF. Two predominant types of sediments were observed: the first (sediment “A”), which consists of 87% pelitic fraction and the second (sediment “B”), where coarse-grained fraction (0.315–0.1 mm) prevails. Enrichment factors had elevated values in two upper-most segments for the elements Cu, Zn and Pb in sediment “A.” The highest percentage of exchangeable fraction with respect to the total composition was characteristic for Cr, Cu and Zn in both types of sediments. By means of the linear regression analysis it was established that metals present in the antifouling paints were dispersed all over the bay because of an inefficient cleaning mechanism, poor communication with the open sea, and the good mixing of water and suspended mater in the bay by tide and wind currents.