Speciation of heavy metals in Albanian coastal sediments

This article presents results on heavy metal (Fe, Mn, Cr, Ni, Cu, Cd, Pb and Zn) speciation in the coastal sediments of Albania. Sediment samples were collected within the framework of the activities of the Interreg Italia–Albania Project, carried out in the Southern Adriatic Sea in 2000–01. This study shows that Albanian coastal sediments are highly influenced by river input, as the decreasing concentrations from coast to offshore confirm. Pb represents an exception of the general trend; meteoric inputs are prevalent for this metal. Ni, Cr, Fe, Zn and Cu correlate significantly and positively in the entire area, indicating a common origin for these metals in the analyzed sediments. All metals result mostly associated to the most refractory phases, which constitute up to 80% of the total concentration. Nevertheless a recent input of Cr, Ni, Cu and Mn can be observed, as the result of mining and industrial activities, in some selected areas, such as the Drin Bay and Durres. Their high concentration in the bioavailable phase can determine toxic effect upon biota.