Congener specific analysis of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans in crabs and sediments from the Venice and Orbetello Lagoons, Italy

This study is part of a more extensive research program to characterize pol lution in two different lagoons in Italy using a multitrial biomarker appro ach in combination with residue analysis. It looks at levels of 2,3,7,8-chl orinated PCDDs and PCDFs in crabs and sediments from several locations in t he Venice and Orbetello Lagoons, both affected by various types of pollutio n. The PCDD/F levels found in crabs and sediment from Venice and Orbetello Lagoons varied between sampling sites: the highest being from Porto Margher a harbor, a part of the Venice Lagoon characterized by high industrial impa ct. Principal Component Analysis was used to identify groups of similar sed iment samples which can be correlated to possible sources of contamination. Four different sediment fingerprint patterns were recognized in the two-di mensional space formed by the two principal components which were mainly fo rmed by a combination of highly chlorinated PCDDs and PCDFs.