Analyses of trace metals and organic contaminants (PCBs, PAHs, and PBDEs) were carried out in soils and sediments collected in different areas from the North of Morocco, in the framework of several bilateral projects between the Moroccan CNRST and the Italian CNR. Results indicated a situation of absent or low contamination in lagoons and salt marshes, whereas sediments from the old port of Tangier (before the ongoing decontamination work) were more polluted, occasionally exceeding international guidelines. The necessity to pay particular attention when dealing with activities that may resuspend sediments in this area was then evidenced. Clear concentration gradients were showed by organic contaminants, as a function of type and distance from the source. Indeed, different land uses over the territory were found to control the level and composition of the analysed contaminants in lagoon sediments. The main goal of the bilateral project approved for the period 2012-2013 was the realization of a survey in the port of Larache by means of an autonomous surface vehicle, in order to obtain detailed bathymetry and reflectivity maps.
Study of coastal environments in the North of Morocco
Giuliani S;Bellucci LG;Piazza R;Frignani M;Romano S;Vecchiato M;Gasperini L;Turetta C;
2015
Abstract
Analyses of trace metals and organic contaminants (PCBs, PAHs, and PBDEs) were carried out in soils and sediments collected in different areas from the North of Morocco, in the framework of several bilateral projects between the Moroccan CNRST and the Italian CNR. Results indicated a situation of absent or low contamination in lagoons and salt marshes, whereas sediments from the old port of Tangier (before the ongoing decontamination work) were more polluted, occasionally exceeding international guidelines. The necessity to pay particular attention when dealing with activities that may resuspend sediments in this area was then evidenced. Clear concentration gradients were showed by organic contaminants, as a function of type and distance from the source. Indeed, different land uses over the territory were found to control the level and composition of the analysed contaminants in lagoon sediments. The main goal of the bilateral project approved for the period 2012-2013 was the realization of a survey in the port of Larache by means of an autonomous surface vehicle, in order to obtain detailed bathymetry and reflectivity maps.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
