ECOLOGICAL AND GEOCHEMICAL ASSESSMENT OF BOTTOM SEDIMENTS UNDER ANTHROPOGENIC LOAD

the example of the Kaliningrad Bay of the Baltic Sea

  • V. A. Chechko Shirshov Institute of Oceanology, Russian Academy of Sciences
  • V. Yu. Topchaya Shirshov Institute of Oceanology, Russian Academy of Sciences
DOI 10.29006/1564-2291.JOR-2025.53(1).8
Keywords bottom sediments, sedimentation, heavy metals, pollution level, Kaliningrad Bay

Abstract

Based on data on the content of heavy metals (Pb, Cu, Ni and Co) the level of pollution of bottom sediments of the Kaliningrad Bay were assessed. For this purpose, indicators were used: pollution factors (Cf) and pollution degree (Cd), modified total pollution index (Zу), geoaccumulation index (Igeo) and anthropogenic load index (PLI). The results of calculations of various indicators turned out to be quite comparable, and the level of pollution of the bottom sediments of the bay can, in general, be characterized as low. At the same time, if we consider the pollution levels of bottom sediments in individual sedimentation areas of the bay, identified by morphological, hydrodynamic and lithological characteristics, then some differences are observed between them. According to all indicators, the lowest level of pollution is found in the bottom sediments of the central area, which is explained by the peculiarities of lithodynamics and the granulometric composition of sediments. Bottom sediments of the estuarine and southwestern areas are also assessed as slightly polluted, but in some places they correspond to a moderate level of pollution. The results of the study indicate the absence of anthropogenic components of heavy metals in the bottom sediments of the bay, which is due, in particular, to the action of the natural self– purification mechanism.

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Published
2025-03-25
Issue
Vol 53 No 1 (2025): Journal of Oceanological Research
Section
Ecology of seas and oceans

Transfer of copyrights occurs on the basis of a license agreement between the Author and Shirshov Institute of Oceanology, RAS