New data on organic pollutants in surface sediments in the harbour of Trieste

The harbour of Trieste, shallow and closed by three dams, is exposed to considerable accumulations of chemical pollutants in its sediments. The 16 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), which are considered by USEPA as priority pollutants, total polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and mineral oils and greases were determined in surface sediments sampled along a transect, going from the shore towards the dam-line. A comparison of the concentrations of these organic pollutants with those observed in sediments sampled in the same Gulf beyond the dam-line makes it possible to assess the recent worsening in quality of the benthic environment occurring in the harbour of Trieste.