The Impact of Marinas on Water Quality

Abstract

Four salt-water marinas were studied in an attempt to ascertain their impact on water quality. Analyses of water, sediment and biological samples showed no evidence of dissolved oxygen depletion or nutrient enrichment of the water column and no nutrient enrichment, organic pollution, toxic pollution or bacterial degradation of the sediments. Analyses of organotin compounds from antifouling residues were inconclusive due to problems in interpreting the results and comparing them with overseas results. The major impact was found to be the build-up of heavy metals (Pb, Cu, Zn, Hg) and petroleum hydrocarbons. The accumulated levels of these, however, were similar to those in other areas affected by human activity and were not indicative of significant water pollution. Nevertheless, water quality within marinas can be improved and guidelines for marina construction were developed based on the results of this study and a literature review.