THE ASSESSMENT OF THE QUALITY OF THE MARINE ENVIRONMENT AND MARINE MOLLUSKS ACCORDING TO THE DIRECTIVE 2006/113 EC

The assessment of the quality of the marine environment and marine mollusks was carried-out in 2013 in the four designated areas for the growth and commercial exploitation in the Romanian Black Sea coast, according to the Directive 2006/113 EC. Physical, chemical and biological factors of the marine environment, water and sediment in living mollusks (water temperature, salinity, dissolved oxygen, total hydrocarbons, organohalogenated substances-pesticides, heavy metals, faecal coliforms) were analysed by the analytical methods set out in Annex to Directive No 2006/113/EC and Government Order No 201/2002. The main species monitored were the mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis and the rapa welk Rapana venosa. Total suspended solids had overall low values without impact on water quality. Water temperature was not influenced by point discharges. Salinity evinced values below the minimum recommended threshold of 12% in all areas. Dissolved oxygen filled well to the requirements in all areas (100%). The presence of petroleum hydrocarbons films was visually assessed, but was not reported within the investigated areas. Organohalogenated substances (pesticides) were identified both in water and sediments but within concentrations allowed by Ministerial Order No 1888/2007. Heavy metals concentration in seawater, except Ni (80% compliance) in area 3 and Cr in area 4 (90% compliance) was according to the requirements. Overall organohalogenated substances and heavy metals contamination was extremely low and their concentration in mollusks meat did not present a threat for human consumption. Faecal coliforms were present in mollusks at concentrations below the threshold.