Trace metal contamination in marine and riverine sediments around San Rossore Park (Italy)

Surficial sediments collected in 1984 and 1985 in the marine coastal belt and in the final stretch of rivers flowing in the San Rossore zone were analyzed for ten trace elements using atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Inter-element relationships as well as those with grain size and organic carbon contents were examined before interpreting the data obtained. The results indicate that rivers flowing in this area and especially the river Morto, are subject to anthropogenic input of Cr, Cd, Hg, Pb, Cu and Zn. The remobilization of several elements in the estuarine zone and their possible involvement in the deterioration processes of coastal vegetation of the San Rossore park, are discussed.peer-reviewe