Priority substances in Adriatic Sea, Albanian coastline. Case study: Marine water for Durres and Vlore ports

Abstract

The intense activities in port areas are the main reasons for water pollution by different pollutants. In this study are shown data of priority substances, due to their persistence and potential toxicity to aquatic organisms and human health. Concentration of organochlorine pesticides (OCPs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) and BTEX (benzene, toluene, ethyl benzene and o-, m- p-xylenes) were determined in water samples of two main ports of Albania, Durres and Vlore ports. To assess the pollution status of these areas, water samples from inside/outside port areas of Durres and Vlore ports were collected in June 2022. Analyses of the organochlorine compounds and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons were performed using a gas chromatograph (Varian 450 GC) equipped with ECD and FID detectors. BTEX was analyzed using the HS/SPME technique, followed by the GC/FID technique for their qualification/quantification. Organochlorine pesticides and their degradation products were detected almost in all analyzed water samples. Their presence could be related to their previous use. PCBs, PAHs, and BTEX were found in more than 80% of analyzed samples. Higher levels were found at stations inside the port areas. Their presence was due to anthropogenic factors (intense activity and ship transport) in these areas. The reported levels of these priority substances in water samples from Durres and Vlore’s ports were higher/comparable with those reported levels of them from Adriatic Sea (Albania coast). Water currents and new arrivals from the Albanian rivers can be considered as an important factor for the levels and profiles of analyzed pollutants. Although the production and use of OCPs and PCBs have been banned for decades, their presence continues to be reported because of their high persistence in the environment. This study should encourage the responsible institutions for the continuous analysis of these substances in port areas.