Assessment of Metal Pollution and Its Environmental Impact on Spanish Mediterranean Coastal Ecosystems

Abstract

This study evaluated the presence and significance of the concentrations and spatial distribution of seven metals (Cr, Fe, Ni, Cu, Zn, Cd, Hg, and Pb) along the Spanish Mediterranean coast. The concentrations were determined in surface sediments (taken at a mean depth of 8.6 m) and biota (wild mussels (Mytilus galloprovincialys) and clams (Donax trunculus)). The results show different metal pollution patterns in the sediments of the northern and southern water bodies along 476 km of the Valencia Community coastline. The lithogenic sedimentary concentrations are higher in the northern area. According to the sediment quality guidelines, most of the metal contents along the coast do not constitute a potential risk to aquatic organisms, and only the Hg in the sediments of the two water bodies and the Ni in the sediments of one of the water bodies studied could have low-level effects. Due to their metabolism, mussels’ metal content was always higher than that of clams (taken at the same location) and thus were better indicator organisms of this type of pollution. Despite the low concentrations found, the results show overall sediment and bivalve pollution by metals. Periodic sampling campaigns are recommended to monitor the long-term tendency of these persistent toxic pollutants.