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 pollution in two different lagoons in Italy using a multitrial biomarker approach in combination with residue analysis. It looks at levels of 2,3,7,8-chlorinated PCDDs and PCDFs in crabs and sediments from several locations in the Venice and Orbetello Lagoons, both affected by various types of pollution. The PCDD/F levels found in crabs and sediment from Venice and Orbetello Lagoons varied between sampling sites: the highest being from Porto Marghera harbor, a part of the Venice Lagoon characterized by high industrial impact. Principal Component Analysis was used to identify groups of similar sediment samples which can be correlated to possible sources of contamination. Four different sediment fingerprint patterns were recognized in the two-dimensional space formed by the two principal components which were mainly formed by a combination of highly chlorinated PCDDs and PCDFs.