Levels of some organic pollutants in water samples of Adriatic Sea: Case study: Hot-spot of Porto-Romano, Albania

Abstract

This paper presents concentrations of organochlorine pesticides (OCPs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in marine water samples of Porto-Romano area. Porto-Romano is situated in Adriatic Sea, near city of Durres, in central Albania. It was considered Hot-spot area because before 90' there was located chemical plant for Lindane production. Landfill near Porto-Romano and elevated activity for industrial development of this area can be the main sources of water pollution in recent years. Water samples were taken in December 2018 and April 2019 in nine stations of Porto-Romano. Liquid-liquid extraction was used for isolate organic pollutants from water samples. Clean-up procedure for chlorinated pollutants was realized in a Florisil column. Qualitative and quantitative analyzes of pesticides and PCBs were performed in HP 6890 Series II, gas chromatograph equipped with p-ECD detector. For separation of organochlorine pollutants was used Rtx-5 capillary column. Analyzes of PAH were realized in Varian 450 GC, gas chromatograph equipped with FID detector and VF-1ms capillary column. The most frequent organic pollutants in water samples of Porto-Romano were found organochlorine pesticides because of ex-chemical plants impact in this area. Note, that Lindane and its isomers weren't found in high concentration. PCB 28, volatile congener, was found in higher concentrations because of their atmospheric origin. Presence of PCB 138 show terrestrial origin of PCBs in this area. PAH were found in higher concentrations inside of hydrocarbon port. Their concentrations were due to industrial activity and ship transport in this area. Mismanagement of Lindane plant wastes, urban pollution and recent industrial activity are factors of continues pollution in Porto-Romano area. Presence of organic pollutants in water samples of Porto-Romano indicates that monitoring of this Hot-spot should be continuous.