Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon contamination in coastal sediments of the Izmit Bay (Marmara Sea): case studies before and after the Izmit Earthquake

Izmit Bay and its coastal environment was strongly affected by the August 17th, 1999 Izmit Earthquake. The changes in the Bay ecosystem and its chemical oceanography have been studied in detail previously [Okay, O.S., Tolun, L, Telli-Karako?, F., Tüfek?i, V., Tüfek?i, H. And Morko?, E. 2001. Yzmit Bay ecosystem after Marmara earthquake and subsequent fire: The long-term data. Marine Pollution Bulletin 42, 361-369; Balkys, N. 2003. The effect of Marmara (Izmit ) Earthquake on the chemical oceanography of Izmit Bay, Turkey. Marine Pollution Bulletin 46, 865-878.]. In this study surface sediments collected from the Izmit Bay before and after the earthquake have been analysed for total and individual (14 compounds) polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH). Analyses have been performed by high performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection (HPLC/FD). Before the earthquake, total PAH concentrations in the Bay sediments ranged from 120 to 8900 ng/g while after the earthquake PAH concentrations varied between 240 and 11,400 ng/g. Molecular indices based on isomeric PAH ratios used to differentiate the pollution sources, clearly indicate the differences in molecular distribution of PAHs before and after the earthquake. Sediment data obtained before the earthquake shows that most of the contamination originated from high temperature pyrolytic inputs while after the earthquake it originated from petrogenic sources. This difference emphasises the environmental impact of uncontrolled discharges from petroleum industries after the earthquake. The LMW/HMW ratio (sum of the low molecular weight PAHs / the sum of higher molecular weight PAHs) predominance also changed after the earthquake as a result of the strong water movements. According to the characteristics of aromatic rings distributed in the bay sediments, the soluble parts of the total PAH were probably transferred to the water column after the earthquake as a result of resuspension process. The TEL/PEL (Threshold Effect Level / Probable Effect Level) analysis suggests that the Izmit Bay sediments were likely contaminated by acutely toxic PAH compounds.     

The changes of T-PAH levels and health status of mussels in Izmit bay (Turkey) after Marmara earthquake and subsequent refinery fire

As is well known, a powerful earthquake along the North Anatolian Fault struck the eastern part of the Marmara region on August 17, 1999. Izmit Bay, which is known as one of the most polluted sites of Turkey, was also affected by the quake and the subsequent refinery fire. The measurements performed just before and after the earthquake showed that T-PAH levels increased significantly after the event [Okay OS, Tolun L, Telli-Karako? F, Tüfek?i V, Tüfek?i H, Morko? E. Izmit Bay (Turkey) ecosystem after Marmara earthquake and subsequent refinery fire: the long-term data. Marine Pollution Bulletin 2001;42:361-9]. In the framework of ecotoxicological studies, the Bay ecosystem was continuously monitored for T-PAH levels in seawater, sediments and mussels (Mytilus galloprovincialis) to find out whether change occurred during the 2-year period following the earthquake. For that purpose, after the earthquake, the samples were collected six times between the period of September 1999 and March 2001 at coastal stations of the Bay situated away from the mouth of main discharges. The responses of the mussels were also measured by means of the lysosomal stability of the blood cells and feeding rate biomarker techniques at two different sites of the bay. Although the T-PAH levels in all matrices generally showed a decreasing trend, they were found to be still high especially at stations near the refinery. Both biomarker results showed that the health status of the mussels is very poor in the Bay ecosystem, based on the results obtained from the two sites monitored.     

Assessment of marine pollution in Izmir Bay: nutrient, heavy metal and total hydrocarbon concentrations

Izmir Bay (western Turkey) is one of the great natural bays of the Mediterranean. Izmir is an important industrial and commercial centre and a cultural focal point. The main industries in the region include food processing, oil, soap and paint production, chemical industries, paper and pulp factories, textile industries and metal processing. The mean concentrations showed ranges of 0.01-0.19 and 0.01-10 microM for phosphate, 0.10-1.8 and 0.12-27 microM for nitrate+nitrite, and 0.30-5.8 and 0.43-39 microM for silicate in the outer and middle-inner bays, respectively. The TNO(x)/PO(4) ratio is significantly lower than the Redfield's ratio and nitrogen is the limiting element in the middle-inner bays. Diatoms and dinoflagellates were observed all year around in the bay and are normally nitrogen limited. Metal concentrations ranged between Hg: 0.05-1.3, Cd: 0.005-0.82, Pb: 14-113 and Cr: 29-316 microg g(-1) in the sediments. The results showed significant enrichments during sampling periods from Inner Bay. Outer and middle bays show low levels of heavy metal enrichments except estuary of Gediz River. The concentrations of Hg, Cd and Pb in the outer bay were generally similar to the background levels from the Mediterranean. The levels gradually decreased over the sampling period. Total hydrocarbons concentrations range from 427 to 7800 ng g(-1) of sediments. The highest total hydrocarbon levels were found in the inner bay due to the anthropogenic activities, mainly combustion processes of traffic and industrial activities. The concentrations of heavy metals found in fish varied for Hg: 4.5-520, Cd: 0.10-10 and Pb: 0.10-491 microg kg(-1) in Izmir Bay. There was no significant seasonal variation in metal concentrations. An increase in Hg concentration with increasing length was noted for Mullus barbatus. A person can consume more than 2, 133 and 20 meals per week of fish in human diet would represent the tolerable weekly intake of mercury, cadmium and lead, respectively, in Izmir Bay. Heavy metal levels were lower than the results in fish tissues reported from polluted areas of the Mediterranean Sea.     

Geochemistry and bioavailability of metals in sediments from northern San Francisco Bay

In this study, metals (Be, Cr, Mn, Fe, Ni, Cu, Zn, Ag, Cd, Pb and Hg) in the fine-grained fraction (<63 microm) from 12 sites at different locations in northern San Francisco Bay over a year period from March 2000 to March 2001 were analyzed after acid extraction. The results showed that metal concentrations in the sediments varied from site to site, whereas some of them were found elevated with respect to the sediment of Tomales Bay, CA, which has little contamination history, indicating an enrichment of the metals in the sediment samples analyzed. Sediment toxicity and bioaccumulation evaluation by a clam species, Macoma nasuta, exposed to the sediment samples collected from the six sampling sites was carried out. The results showed that the sediment samples tested significantly reduced clam survival. Toxicity of the sediments to the clam was, in part, related to elevated metal concentrations in the sediments. In order to examine geochemistry of the metals and to understand potential correlations between metal concentrations and geochemical matrix elements of the sediments, bioavailability and toxicity of the metals, detailed analysis of metal concentrations associated with total organic carbon and the Fe-oxy-hydroxides in the sediment samples was performed. The analysis showed that sediment geochemistry appeared to influence metal bioavailability and may have important impacts on the toxicity of these metals to the clam.     

Novel approach for assessing heavy metal pollution and ecotoxicological status of rivers by means of passive sampling methods

In order to study the pollution of fluvial ecosystems, it is necessary to analyze not only the levels of chemical contaminants in water, but also those accumulated in the sediment matrix, as well as to assess its ecotoxicological status. Eleven Catalan (Spain) river sections (one sampling point per river) located near urban and industrial areas were sampled during winter of 2009. Water pollutants were collected by using passive samplers as Diffusive Gradient in Thin-Films (DGTs) and Semi-Permeable Membrane Devices (SPMDs). Point water samples were also collected. The concentrations of potentially toxic elements (PTE) in water, filtered water, DGTs and sediment samples were analyzed. Aqueous and organic solvent extracts of sediments samples and organic extracts of SPMDs were performed to assess acute toxicity to Vibrio fischeri by Microtox(?), and chronic toxicity to the green alga Pseudokirschneriella subcapitata. Microtox(?) test was also performed with DGT extracts. The results show that metals content of Catalan river waters are below the freshwater screening US EPA benchmarks, excepting some industrial areas (for Hg, Pb, and Zn). In contrast, sediments levels of some rivers were far above freshwater sediment screening US EPA benchmarks (for Zn, As, Cr, Pb, Ni, Hg, and Mn), particularly in the most industrialized areas. A good correlation was found between toxicity values of extracts (from sediments and DGTs) and PTE levels in sediments. The current results support the suitability of using combined point and passive sampling methods for assessing the chemical and ecotoxicological status of aqueous environments.     

Towards a clean Izmit Bay

The elongated semi-enclosed Bay of Izmit, which receives both domestic and industrial wastes, has been monitored by measuring its physical and biochemical parameters for 2 years, 1994-1995. It is clear that there are two distinct water masses. The upper layer has been occupied by the less saline (22-26 ppt) waters of the Black Sea origin; whereas the lower layer contains saline (38.5 ppt) Mediterranean waters. The seasonal variations in the biochemical characteristics were dependent on the bay's two-layer flow system. If one considers the distribution of transparency in the upper bay waters, it has been observed that the Secchi disk depth (SDD) decreases from west to east. Furthermore, these depths are limited by the high primary productivity associated with the low concentrations of nutrients observed during the spring. Discharges of wastes into the surface waters significantly affect the biological production and oxygen consumption in the lower layer. Within the last 10 years, 80% of organic matter has been removed from industrial wastewater. However, organic loads from the domestic wastewaters have doubled because of the growth in the surrounding population. Fortunately, as a result, the total organic loads in the bay have not changed significantly within the last 10 years.     

玄武湖沉积物中重金属污染的潜在生物毒性风险评价

采用ICP－MS仪测定了玄武湖沉积物中Zn、Cd、Ni的含量,并应用沉积物质量基准法(SQGs)和地累积指数法（Igeo）对重金属的潜在生物毒性进行分析。结果表明：玄武湖沉积物中Zn、Cd和Ni的含量分别为7526~17911、517~898和4776~14728 mg/kg,分别是为南京土壤环境背景值的108~291、5170~8980和133~411倍,表明Zn的污染程度较轻,Cd和Ni的污染较重,且人为活动对重金属含量有重要影响。沉积物中重金属的分布具有明显的区域特征,Zn、Cd、Ni浓度的最大均值均出现于东南湖(SE L)的沉积物中。利用地累积指数法和生物数据库基准对玄武湖表层沉积物进行生物毒性风险评价得出的结论与此相似,潜在生物毒性风险的顺序依次为Cd＞Ni＞Zn。从采样点的布设来看,东南湖的潜在生物毒性风险最严重。     

滴水湖沉积物中重金属污染特征与评价

分析滴水湖及其周边沉积物中Hg、As、Cu、Cd、Pb、Zn和Cr等7种重金属含量特征,并用地累积指数法、潜在生态风险指数法和主成分分析法对沉积物中的重金属污染状况进行了评价和分析。结果表明,滴水湖沉积物中As和Pb低于上海市潮滩背景值,Hg、Cd、Zn和Cr均高于潮滩背景值,50%样点的Cu高于潮滩背景值;地累积指数法评价结果表明滴水湖沉积物中Cr的平均污染水平为偏中污染,Hg、Cd和Zn为轻度污染,As、Cu和Pb为清洁水平;潜在生态风险指数法评价结果表明滴水湖沉积物重金属为中等生态风险,Hg和Cd是潜在生态风险的主要贡献元素;主成分分析结果表明,滴水湖沉积物中Hg、Cu、Cd、Pb、Zn和Cr主要来自于人为源,As主要来自底质滩涂     

三峡库区香溪河库湾沉积物重金属污染特征

2010年3月在三峡水库香溪河库湾获取了无扰动沉积物柱状样,在香溪河口的长江干流(长江右岸)获取了表层沉积物样,现场进行了环境因子测量和室内粒度分析、矿物分析、重金属元素含量分析。沉积物矿物以绿泥石、伊利石和石英为主,占到全部矿物的65%左右。柱状沉积物pH值随深度增加呈现变小的趋势,Eh值也有随深度减少的趋势,反映了环境还原性加强。R-型因子分析结果表明:重金属元素的含量随粒径变细、绿泥石和伊利石含量增加而增加,而随石英、白云石含量增加而降低;且重金属元素含量变化与pH值密切相关,当pH值下降时部分重金属容易重新释放出来而进入环境中。库湾下游具有较中上游高得多的重金属含量,沉积物中重金属的污染程度为无污染到轻度污染,且轻度污染出现于下游至干流。三峡水库蓄水前香溪河沉积物中重金属含量顺序大致为Zn>Pb>Cu>As>Cd,而蓄水后香溪河及干流沉积物均表现为Cu含量高于Pb。     

应用平衡分配法建立长江水系沉积物金属相对质量基准

在不同的条件下,沉积物可成为环境中污染物的“源”或“汇”,而受污染的沉积物会对水生生物带来危害。因此,需要制定沉积物质量基准(SQC),以此作为评价沉积物污染及其生态效应的基础。在过去的几年中,对利用平衡分配法来建立SQC的方法进行了广泛的研究,并被认为是最有效的方法之一。采用平衡分配法,初步建立了长江水系8种重金属及类金属(Cu, Zn, Cd, Pb, Ni, Fe, Hg,As)的沉积物相对质量基准。结果表明,上述重金属及类金属的SQC在从长江上游到下游,总体趋势上呈降低的分布特征,并由于地域环境条件的不同,存在着高SQC值单元及低SQC值单元。得出的SQC与国内已有的SQC具有可比性,但高于美国国家环保局提出的SQC,主要是由于采用平衡分配法建立的SQC是一种数值型的基准值,缺乏生物效应的校正。因此,在将其应用到沉积物污染状况评价之前,还需要进行深入的研究工作,特别是毒理学试验。     

Trace element levels in foetus-mother pairs of short-beaked common dolphins (Delphinus delphis) stranded along the French coasts

Tissues of foetus-mother pairs of common dolphins (Delphinus delphis) stranded along the French coasts (Bay of Biscay and English Channel) were analysed for their Cd, Cu, Hg, Se and Zn contents. In the kidneys, foetal Cd levels were extremely low, and strong relationships between Cu and Zn suggested the involvement of metallothioneins since early foetal life. The results also indicated a limited maternal transfer of Hg during pregnancy since levels in the tissues of foetuses were below 1 microg g(-1) w.wt. However, hepatic Hg levels in foetuses increased with body length, and were also proportionate to maternal hepatic, renal and muscular Hg levels. Lastly, affinities between Hg and Se in tissues would participate in Hg neutralisation in both mothers--through tiemannite granules--and fetuses--through reduced glutathione--counteracting the toxic effects linked to the particularly high quantities of methyl-Hg to which marine mammals are naturally exposed.     

长江口洋山海域表层沉积物重金属的富积及其潜在生态风险评价

根据长江口洋山海域表层沉积物监测资料，利用变异系数法和富积系数法，对表层沉积物中重金属的空间波动程度及富积程度进行了分析，并采用Hakanson潜在生态危害指数法对其潜在生态危害程度进行了评价。结果表明：在表层沉积物所监测的重金属中，Pb元素的空间波动程度最高，其它重金属元素的空间波动程度较低，各重金属空间波动程度的顺序依次为Pb＞Cd＞Hg＞Cu＞Cr＞As＞Zn；沉积物中Cu元素的富积程度最高，Pb元素次之，其它重金属元素的富积程度较低，各重金属富积程度的顺序依次为Cu＞Pb＞Zn＞As＞Cr＞Cd＞Hg。潜在生态危害评价结果显示：洋山海域表层沉积物中的重金属对海洋生态系统的潜在生态危害较轻微，均属于轻微潜在生态危害程度，其轻微潜在生态危害程度顺序为Cu＞As＞Hg＞Pb＞Cd＞Cr＞Zn。     

江西德兴矿集区水系沉积物重金属污染分析

对矿山及其周边地区的环境进行现状调查和评价,可以为环境监测和环境保护提供客观依据,具有重要意义。以江西德兴铜多金属矿山及矿集区为研究区,开展区域水系沉积物的重金属污染研究。在德兴地区4 800 km2的范围内,系统采集水系沉积物样品330个。同时,采用X荧光光谱法、等离子原子发射光谱法等现代测试技术,分析了土壤和水系沉积物中重金属（As、Hg、Cd、Cr、Zn、Cu、Pb）的含量。样品中重金属As、Hg、Cd、Cr、Zn、Cu和Pb的含量变化范围分别为3070~1 109、0015~5430、 0035~135、7~236、22~1 770、5~4 390和15~1 685 mg/kg。通过对样品的重金属元素含量统计分析和绘制等值线图,发现该区域水系沉积物中存在不同程度的As、Hg、Cd、Zn、Cu和Pb重金属污染。污染区域主要分布在德兴铅锌和铜钼矿区德兴河下游至与乐安河交汇处、德兴河与大坞河周边地区、西北部分煤矿区.     

Composition, sources, and potential toxicological significance of PAHs in the surface sediments of the Meiliang Bay, Taihu Lake, China

Twenty-five surface sediment samples were collected from Meiliang Bay, Taihu Lake, China, in 2003. The concentrations of 16 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), identified as priority pollutants by the USEPA, were determined by gas chromatography equipped with a mass spectrometry detector (GC-MS). Total concentrations of the PAHs ranged from 1207 to 4754 ng/g dry weight. Sediment samples with the highest PAH concentrations were from the northern site of the bay, which is in proximity to the incoming PAH source; the PAH levels in the southern part were relatively low. The observed PAH levels were higher than those in river sediments in China but were lower than those found in sediments of urban areas and harbors. According to the observed molecular indices, PAHs originated largely from the high-temperature pyrolytic process, whereas the petrogenic process was more commonly responsible for PAH contamination in harbors. A good correlation existed between the benzo[a]pyrene level and the total PAH concentration (r=0.97), making benzo[a]pyrene a potential molecular marker for PAH pollution. According to the numerical effect-based sediment quality guideline (SQGs) of the United States, the levels of PAHs at most studied sites in Meiliang Bay, except some sites in the northern part of the bay, should not exert adverse biological effects. In the northern part of the bay, the PAH levels at sites 21 and 22 exceed the effects range low (ERL) and could thus cause acute biological impairments, in comparison with the sediment quality guidelines. The total PAH levels were expressed as the B[a]P toxicity equivalents (TEQs(carc)) and compared to the contaminated sediments from Guba Pechenga, Barents Sea, Russia.     

Factors controlling metal distributions in the surface sediments of the Erdek Bay, Sea of Marmara, Turkey

A geochemical study of the Erdek Bay sediments in the Sea of Marmara, Turkey, was carried out to investigate the heavy metal distributions and sources. The bay has an average depth of 34 m and a two-layer water column stratification, with a pycnocline at 20 m. The distribution of "total" metal (Fe, Mn, Pb, Cu, Ni, Cr, Zn and Hg) concentrations, together with sequential selective extraction analyses, shows that the relatively high metal concentrations are mainly due to land-based natural inputs from the erosion products of mineralized zones and mafic-ultramafic rocks delivered to the bay by two rivers from the south. However, some Pb, Zn and Cu occur in the Fe-Mn-oxyhydroxide and organic fractions, suggesting, in part, some anthropogenic inputs in addition to the predominantly natural inputs. The vertical distribution of metal/A1 ratios in a gravity core in the bay shows no significant change with depth, except for an early diagenetic enrichment at 0.7-1.6 m below sea floor (mbsf) above a 4750-3500-year-old sapropelic layer. This distribution is a further indication of the insignificant antropogenic metal pollution in the bay.     

Assessment of Godavari estuarine mangrove ecosystem through trace metal studies

Trace metals (Fe, Mn, Cu, Co, Ni. Pb, Cd and Cr) analyses in particulate matter and sediments were carried out at 16 different stations in the Godavari mangrove ecosystem covering the three regions viz., Kakinada (KKD) bay, Goutami-Godavari estuary (GGE) and Coringa and Gaderu mangrove environments (CGME). Higher concentrations of trace metals in particulate matter and in sediments were noticed in the mangrove environment compared to the KKD bay and GGE region. The significant correlations observed between several couples of metals in different regions as well as between numbers of heavy metals (Fe, Mn, Zn) with Total Suspended Matter (TSM) in particulate organic matter could be an indication of the role of the complexation with organic matter in the distribution pattern of these metals. Further significant correlations between organic carbon (OC) and Cr, Co, Pb, Cu and Mn in sediments of all the three regions indicate that organic matter acts as a metal carrier. The values of Pollution Load Index (PLI) were low and varied between 0.34 and 0.68 in KKD bay, 0.47 and 0.49 in GGE and, from 0.62 to 1.03 in CGME area, which indicate that the estuarine ecosystem is not of pollution concern under the present scenario.     

城市典型工业区土壤重金属污染状况研究

城市土壤既直接影响密集的城市人群,涉及众多的生命健康与安全,还通过水体、大气间接地影响城市环境的质量,因此对城市土壤污染的研究正逐渐受到人们的重视。为了解南京市典型工业企业对其所在地周围住宅区土壤中重金属含量的影响及其污染现状,选择南京梅山炼焦厂、南化磷肥厂、南京炼油厂、扬子芳烃厂、南京钢铁厂等5个典型工业区进行监测调查。结果表明,南京市典型工业区厂区土壤中Cu、Zn、Pb、Cd、Hg和As元素的含量都明显高于附近住宅区土壤中含量,Cr和Ni两种元素含量与其附近住宅区土壤中含量没有明显差异。分析各工业区土壤重金属污染特征发现,炼焦厂主要异常元素为锌;磷肥厂主要为铜、铅、镉、汞、砷;炼油厂主要为镍;扬子芳烃厂主要为铅;南京钢铁厂主要为铅、镉、汞。本次调查发现,对照南京市土壤背景值,典型工业用地土壤中除Cr元素外,其他7个重金属元素都存在一定程度的富集现象。     

Ecological footprints and shadows in an urban estuary, Narragansett Bay, RI (USA)

Because the rise of cities in North America was much later than in many other parts of the world, their connections to the hinterland were influenced early in their development by railroads and steam-powered water transport. These fossil fuel-based links made it possible to widely separate the ??upstream?? autotrophic supporting systems from the heterotrophic cities. Here, we take a different look at the connection between a city (Providence, RI, USA) and its supporting natural systems by focusing on the export of industrial and metabolic wastes from the city to the ??downstream?? coastal ecosystem in Narragansett Bay. In this way, we can track the history of a city by examining the concentrations of nutrients, metals, and hydrocarbons in the water and sediments of the estuary. In the greater Providence metropolitan area at the head of Narragansett Bay, there was rapid population and industrial expansion during the 1800s without the proper infrastructure to deal with water supply for public safety and health. On the other hand, the absence of a public water supply kept industrial and metabolic wastes largely on land. However, from the fall of 1871, on with the construction of a public water supply and sewer system, human wastes began flowing into the estuary. By reconstructing the historical record of metals and other pollutants, we illustrate clear temporal and spatial gradients of urban impact on the bay. Unfortunately, while numerous studies during the 1970s and 1980s focused on documenting metal and hydrocarbon pollution in the bay, there has been little effort to quantify the impact of mitigation efforts that have greatly reduced the input of metals and hydrocarbons to the system. Nutrient reductions are more recent and ongoing.     

长江口洋山海域表层沉积物重金属的富积及其潜在生态风险评价

根据长江口洋山海域表层沉积物监测资料,利用变异系数法和富积系数法,对表层沉积物中重金属的空间波动程度及富积程度进行了分析,并采用Hakanson潜在生态危害指数法对其潜在生态危害程度进行了评价.结果表明:在表层沉积物所监测的重金属中,Pb元素的空间波动程度最高,其它重金属元素的空间波动程度较低,各重金属空间波动程度的顺序依次为Pb＞Cd＞Hg＞Cu＞Cr＞As＞Zn;沉积物中Cu元素的富积程度最高,Pb元素次之,其它重金属元素的富积程度较低,各重金属富积程度的顺序依次为Cu＞Pb＞Zn＞As＞Cr＞Cd＞Hg.潜在生态危害评价结果显示:洋山海域表层沉积物中的重金属对海洋生态系统的潜在生态危害较轻微,均属于轻微潜在生态危害程度,其轻微潜在生态危害程度顺序为Cu＞As＞Hg＞Pb＞Cd＞Cr＞Zn.     

Physico-chemical and toxicological characterization of the historic estuarine sediments: a multidisciplinary approach

The accumulation rates, the geochronology of metals and PAH contamination, and the Microtox toxicity are studied in five sediment cores (50 cm length) covering different areas of the Santander Bay, Northern Spain. Chronology given by (210)Pb and (137)Cs reveals significant differences in accumulation rates between sites (0.2-1.1 cm/year), as well as a variable degree of anthropogenic enrichment factors for Fe, Mn, Cu, Pb, Zn, Ni (from 1 to 15) and concentrations of summation Sigma 16PAHs (from 0.01 to 23.84 mg/kg dw) in sediments over the last 90 years. The results indicate the increasing contamination pressure from industrial and urban activities along the Bay. No toxic results from the Microtox test are obtained either with pore water or with normalised sediment aqueous extracts (European Norm EN 12457), suggesting low water solubility and low availability of contaminants in the studied sediments. However, the EC50 values from the Microtox Basic Solid Phase Test (BSPT) ranged from 0.03% to 2.35%, showing vertical toxicity profiles in accordance with metal and PAHs behaviour. The correlation degrees of Microtox BSPT toxicity to chemical concentration in sediment profiles are widely variable showing a high site-dependent toxicity. The oligochaete Limnodrilus hoffmeisteri has been used as a chronic bioassay over surface sediments of two of the studied sites, showing results coherent with the Microtox BSPT acute test results. Global results of the present work provide regional geochemical baselines for metals and PAHs and toxicological data now make it possible to obtain a preliminary quality assessment of the Santander Bay sediment profiles.