Impact of flash flood events on the distribution of organic pollutants in surface sediments from a Mediterranean coastal lagoon (Mar Menor, SE Spain)

The influence of flash flood events on the input and distribution of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), and organochlorinated pesticides (OCPs) in surface sediments from the Mar Menor lagoon were characterized in this study. These contaminants were analyzed in surface water samples collected during two flash flood events in the main surface watercourse which flow into the Mar Menor lagoon. Surface sediments were sampled semiannually before and after flash flood events. The total input of PAHs, OCPs, and PCBs (sorbed + dissolved) during two flash flood events was estimated at 0.98, 1.32, and 0.34 kg, respectively, the main input corresponding to p, p'-DDE (1.00 kg). The distribution of organic contaminants in surface sediments was not homogeneous as a consequence of the presence of many simultaneous sources and different meteorological, hydrodynamic, and physicochemical conditions. As a consequence of flash flood events, p, p'-DDE concentrations in surface sediments increased significantly in the central and south zones of the lagoon. However, in the case of PCBs, a dilution effect was observed in the south zone after such events, reducing the environmental risk. These changes in the pollutant distribution persisted at least 1 year later (autumn 2010), showing that the impact of flood events in the distribution of persistent organic contaminants in Mediterranean coastal lagoons is of relevance according to the ecological risk assessment carried out. The impact of these events should be also considered in other coastal systems, especially in semiarid and semiconfined areas.

Data and Resources

Cite as

Leon V.M. Moreno-Gonzalez R. Garcia V. y Campillo J.A. Impact of flash flood events on the distribution of organic pollutants in surface sediments from a Mediterranean coastal lagoon (Mar Menor SE Spain). Springer Nature, 2017. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11356-015-4628-y

Clipboard Icon
Retrieved: 20 Jan 2025 10:20:08

Metadata

Basic information
Resource type Article
Date of creation 2024-11-05
Date of last revision 2025-01-20
Show changelog
Metadata identifier 1f9abef5-35fa-5b6d-9a00-36033a6f1292
Metadata language Spanish
Themes (NTI-RISP)
High-value dataset category Earth observation and environment
ISO 19115 topic category
Keyword URIs
Bibliographic information
Name of the dataset creator Leon, V.M., Moreno-Gonzalez, R., Garcia, V. y Campillo, J.A.
Name of the dataset editor Springer Nature
Other identifier DOI: 10.1007/s11356-015-4628-y
Identifier of the dataset creator
Email of the dataset creator victor.leon@ieo.csic.es
Website of the dataset creator
Provenance
Lineage statement
Metadata Standard
Version notes
Version