Organochlorine, Organophosphoric and Organotin Contaminants, Aromatic and Aliphatic Hydrocarbons and Heavy Metals in Sediments of the Ports from the Polish Part of the Vistula Lagoon (Baltic Sea)

The concentrations of polycyclic aromatic and petroleum hydrocarbons, polychlorinated biphenyls, dioxins, organochlorine and organophosphoric pesticides, tributyltin and metals were determined in sediments of the approach fairways to the main ports in the Polish part of the Vistula Lagoon and of the Elblag River. Analyzed sediments contained low concentrations of all contaminants, except petroleum hydrocarbons. The average petroleum hydrocarbons (PHCs) concentration was 630mg kg-1, indicating significant pollution with petroleum hydrocarbons. The highest concentrations of analyzed contaminants were identified in the vicinity of Elblag, part of the Vistula Lagoon under the most anthropogenic pressure.