TRACE-METAL DISTRIBUTION IN COASTAL SEDIMENT FROM THE ADRIATIC SEA

The spatial distribution of Cd, Cu, Pb and Zn has been studied in surf ace sediments of the eastern Adriatic coastal region. Ln addition, Pb concentration has been determined in long sediment cores dating back t o preindustrial time. The results indicate that trace metal concentrat ions in surface sediment layer depend both on pollution sources, and o n local characteristics of the marine and terrestrial environment. Gen erally most of the concentrations are not high revealing that the coas tal area is not heavily polluted. Granulometric and geochemical data i ndicate the existence of some differences between sediments formed in the vicinity of fresh water input and sediments from areas without fre sh water input.