Sediment texture and metal contamination in the Venice Lagoon (Italy): A snapshot before the installation of the MOSE system

摘要

Sediments of the Venice Lagoon down to 50 cm depth were investigated to assess sediment texture and metal contamination status, before the construction and activation of the MOSE system, which is intended to prevent the periodical flood events affecting the lagoon and the city of Venice. 380 cores were collected in shallow-water areas of the lagoon, and analysed along their vertical profile to determine grain-size distribution and concentrations of some major and trace elements (Al, As, Cr, Cu, Fe, Hg, Mn, Ni, Pb and Zn), total carbon and organic carbon. Radionuclide analyses (Cs-137, Pb-210) were performed on 15 cores in an attempt to establish sediment chronology and determine radionuclide inventories in erosional and depositional areas.