Geographical distribution of metals and metalloids along the estuary of the Oka River in the biosphere reserve of Urdaibai, Spain
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Date
2024-02Author
Alberdi Igartua, Xabier
Rodríguez Iruretagoiena, Azibar
Gredilla Altonaga, Ainara
Fernández Ortiz de Vallejuelo, Silvia
Arana Momoitio, Gorka
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Marine Pollution Bulletin 199 : (2024) // Article ID 116010
Abstract
Sediments sampled at the estuary of the Oka River in the biosphere reserve of Urdaibai, Spain were analyzed for trace elements. Sediments were collected at 45 points of the estuary and the concentration of 14 elements was measured. The geoaccumulation indexes (Igeo), Normalized Average Weighted Concentrations (NAWC) and mean Effect Range-Median quotients (mERMq) were calculated. The results obtained were complementary and allowed intra- and inter-estuary comparison. According to the present findings, the estuary was classified as healthy, since the anthropogenic contribution of metals and metalloids was generally small. However, shipping and fishing activities at the ports of Bermeo and Mundaka and urban and industrial wastes from Gernika were regarded as the major pollution sources. Nevertheless, only slightly contaminated and toxic sediments, especially related to Ni and Cu, were found in the towns of Gernika and Mundaka.