Tin free antifouling paints as potential contamination source of metals in sediments and gastropods of the southern Venice lagoon

The southern Venice lagoon has been affected by an increase of several anthropogenic activities (dockyards, harbours and marina) which have contributed to enrich sediments with metals in the recent years. The contamination of metals in the surface sediments along with their accumulation in the gastropod Nassarius reticulatus were investigated. Highest metal concentrations of Cu, Zn, Pb and Cr found in the dockyards and marina sites suggest their possible past and recent use as biocides in the antifouling paints. The enrichment factor (EF) showed highest values (EF>10) near the dockyards, harbour and marina sediments for Cu, where the use of the antifouling tin free paints has been more relevant. High levels of metals were also found in the target gastropods. Biota-Sediment-Accumulation-Factor and correlation analyses pointed out a significant mobilization of metals, particularly Cu, from sediments and their accumulation in the gastropods.

► The aim was to investigate heavy metals in sediments and in gastropods in southern Venice lagoon.
► Highest metals concentrations in dockyards and marina suggest their use in the antifouling paints.
► The enrichment factor showed highest values in the dockyards, harbour and marina for Hg and Cu.
► Nassarius reticulatus, scavenger and benthic gastropod, showed high concentrations of metals.
► Cu showed a correlation with biota-sediment accumulation factor from the sediments to the snails.