CHLORINATED HYDROCARBONS IN MUSSELS AND SEDIMENTS FROM THE MIDDLE ADRIATIC COASTAL WATERS

Abstract Mussels and sediments from the Middle Adriatic coastal waters were analysed in order to assess the present level of contamination by chlorinated hydrocarbons. The concentrations of PCBs and DDTs were generally higher in mussels than in sediments at all locations. Moreover, higher PCBs concentration, both in mussels and sediments, reflected the prevailing influence of industrial sources of contamination over agricultural ones. In conclusion, the obtained data indicated a low level of contamination of the Middle Adriatic coastal area