Determination of marine pollution by comparative analysis of metal pollution indices

Abstract

Due to the specific geographical and hydrological structure of Boka Kotorska Bay, that is characterized by a low flow of water through the bay, the anthropogenic impact is pronounced, exerting direct effects on this unique ecosystem. Trace metal (Pb, Hg, Ni, Co and Cd) concentrations were measured in the winter, spring and fall of 2008 in two marine organisms (Posidonia oceanica and Mytilus galloprovincialis) selected as biomonitors of trace metals in the Boka Kotorska Bay. These marine organisms have the ability to accumulate trace metals from their environment. Metal pollution indexes (MPI) for both species were compared, confirming that the most polluted was Tivat bay and the least Kotor bay. [Projekat Ministarstva nauke Republike Srbije, br. III43009]

Keywords

• Mytilus galloprovincialis
• Posidonia oceanica
• trace metals
• MPI
• Adriatic Sea