Sedimentary records of trace metal contamination in a coastal lagoon system (North Western Adriatic, Italy)

Trace metal contamination in a coastal lagoon system was documented through the analysis of sediment cores sampled at two different sites: in Pialassa Baiona lagoon, where industrial activity is predominant, and in Pialassa Piomboni lagoon, characterised by the presence of offshore and naval yards. Concentrations of Cu, Cr, Ni, Hg, and Zn are assessed against the Italian environmental quality standards. The maximum Hg pollution is registered in a sediment core downstream an industrial wastewater treatment plant. The two lagoon sites are compared, showing some specific signatures. Calculated enrichment factors (EFs) show a minimal to moderate anthropogenic signal for Cr and Ni, with a significant contamination of Cu in Pialassa Piomboni lagoon