Geochemical characterization and environmental status of Makirina Bay sediments (northern Dalmatia, Republic of Croatia)

This research focuses on determination of the mineralogical composition, geochemical characteristics and evaluationof pollution status of the Makirina Bay sediments. Calculated enrichment factor (EF) values show no enrichment (< 1) for Cd, Ni, and Zn, minor enrichment (< 3) for As, Cu, and Pb, and minor to moderate enrichment for Mo. The resultsof the sequential leaching procedure for the aforementioned potentially toxic elements (PTE) indicates that the mobilityand bioavailability characteristics of the PTE studied declined in the following order: Mo > Cd > Pb > Ni > Zn > Cu > As. Principal component analysis (PCA) and correlation analysis confirmed the PTE distribution depends mainly on thegeogenic mineral components and anthropogenic activities in the areas surrounding the bay. Calculated transfer factor(TF) values from sediment to seagrass Cymodocea nodosa (C. nodosa) were < 1, showing that despite the results of thesequential extraction procedure, PTE transfer from sediment to roots was not effective.