Concentrations of organic and inorganic pollutants in four Iberian estuaries, North Eastern Atlantic. Study of benchmark values estimation

A wide selection of pollutants in several estuarine environments exposed to different types and grades of pollution were evaluated. The obtained data from the combination of both, a complete set of pollutants and a range of areas with different degrees of exposure to pollution, was used to analyze the pollutants presence, levels and sources, and finally to determine benchmark values of organic and inorganic pollutants that permit a detailed classification and interpretation of the environmental status of estuarine areas. The analysed pollutants include organic compounds: polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) metalloid (As) and metals: Li, Al, Cr, Mn, Fe, Ni, Cu, Zn, Cd, Hg and Pb. This set of pollutants was determined in sediments from estuarine areas with different pollution and industrialization grades. The treated data was used to identify benchmark stations and define benchmark values. Therefore this paper offers both, a critical evaluation of the environmental status of 4 estuarine regions of great economic importance and a tool to identify and perform a categorization of other areas based on their pollutants levels. So on, this paper conclude useful values that will allow an intercomparison with other environmental areas.