The temporal and spatial monitoring of water and sediment physical-chemical quality from Saint George Branch in the period February 2009-February 2011

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to do a temporal and spatial monitoring of water and sediment quality in seven different locations from Saint George branch, the southern branch of the Danube Delta. In water and sediment samples, the levels of metals, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) and mineral oil were investigated to evaluate their potential pollution risks. Taking into account the previous results, sampling was monthly performed in the period February 2009 - February 2011. The values obtained for the quality indicators were compared with the quality standards stipulated in the Romanian Order No.161/2006. The monitoring activity indicated a significant organic load (BOD, COD) at all the sampling points in most parts of the investigated period. In sediments, only at the sampling point situated in Murighiol upright to the pontoon of ship supply (S6), higher concentrations of PAHs, DDTs and PCBs were detected comparing with the maximum allowed values for the second quality class.