TRACE METAL CONTENTS IN SURFICIAL SEDIMENTS FROM THE WESTERN ADRIATIC SEA

Zn and Pb are well known for having a large anthropogenic component in the Adriatic Sea. These trace elements were measured along with OC and mud content in sediments to distinguish their trends among three sectors within the western Adriatic Sea (North, Central and South). The highest concentrations were found in the North within to the Po river prodelta. Discriminant analysis results showed the separation of the North from the Central and the South due to Zn, OC and mud content. Pb did not display a specific trend probably being more associated to the clay fraction of sediments.