Metal pollutants and radionuclides in the Baltic Sea - an overview

Oceanologia

关键词: Metals;    Metalloids;    Radionuclides;    Baltic Sea;    Biomonitors;    Chemical balance;   

DOI  :  

来源: DOAJ

【 摘 要 】

This overview presents in detail the state of knowledge of the abilities of various components of the Baltic Sea environmentto accumulate trace elements and radionuclides. Particular components of the Baltic ecosystem (abiotic and biotic)are considered as potential monitors of pollutants. The use of seaweeds, e.g.Fucus vesiculosusor Zostera marina is recommended, also molluscs, e.g. Mytilus edulis,for biomonitoring surveys of metal pollutants and radionuclides in the BalticSea. However, several requirements need to be met if results are to be reliable.Since metal levels and radionuclide activities in the growing tips of F. vesiculosusreflect exclusively the levels of their dissolved species in the ambientseawater, this alga is very useful for monitoring dissolved species of metalpollutants and radioisotopes in the Baltic ecosystem. In contrast, M. edulis, a filter feeder is an appropriate tool for monitoring trace elements occurringin both chemical forms, i.e. dissolved and suspended species. Therefore,full information on the bioavailability and toxicity of heavy metals (dependingon their chemical speciation) as pollutants of the Baltic Sea can be obtainedif at least two biomonitoring organisms are applied simultaneously, e.g.F. vesiculosus and M. edulis.Moreover, the data matrix can be interpreted more accurately if not onlytrace element but also macroelement concentrations (Ca, Mg, Na, K) in thesetwo representatives of Baltic phyto- and zoobenthos are taken into consideration;this point requires special attention. Two coastal species of fish, i.e.Zoarces viviparus and Perca fluviatilis, are good biomonitorsof metallic contaminants, so their use as sentinels is recommended. The budgetsof chemical elements and the ecological status of the Baltic Sea are presented. Several "black spots", e.g. large estuaries and seaport towns, heavily pollutedby trace elements, are identified in the Baltic Sea and other enclosed seassuch the Mediterranean and the Black Seas. Ofthese seas, the Baltic isthe most heavily loaded with trace elements and organic pollutants. The overviewidentifies gaps in our environmental knowledge of the Baltic Sea, and setsout possible priorities, key areas or strategies for future research.

【 授权许可】

Unknown