Tire-derived compounds, phthalates, and trace metals in the Kiel Fjord (Germany)
- Author(s)
- Michael Lintner, Charlotte Henkel, Ruoting Peng, Petra Heinz, Martin Stockhausen, Thilo Hofmann, Thorsten Hüffer, Nina Keul
- Abstract
Concerns about pollutants in the environment are increasing, with substances such as plastic additives drawing particular concern due to their potential harmful effects on organisms. This study investigates current levels of several contaminants in the Kiel Fjord. Some pose serious health risks to aquatic life. In September 2022, water and sediment samples were collected from fifteen stations across the inner and outer Kiel Fjord. The concentrations of selected phthalates, tire-derived compounds, and heavy metals were measured. Results indicate that the outer fjord has minimal contamination, while the inner fjord contains several hotspots with significant pollutant concentrations. For example, the highest levels of heavy metals were detected near Laboe and in deeper sediment layers (>6 cm) at Wik. The maximum concentrations of phthalates were observed near Laboe, with elevated levels also found near the city of Kiel and the Nord-Ostsee-Kanal. This study highlights the substantial anthropogenic impact on the region.
- Organisation(s)
- Department of Environmental Geosciences, Department of Palaeontology
- External organisation(s)
- Polish Academy of Sciences (PAS), McGill University, Christian-Albrechts-Universität zu Kiel
- Journal
- Marine Pollution Bulletin
- Volume
- 212
- No. of pages
- 10
- ISSN
- 0025-326X
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marpolbul.2025.117581
- Publication date
- 03-2025
- Peer reviewed
- Yes
- Austrian Fields of Science 2012
- 105906 Environmental geosciences, 106026 Ecosystem research, 106022 Microbiology
- Keywords
- ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Oceanography, Aquatic Science, Pollution
- Portal url
- https://ucrisportal.univie.ac.at/en/publications/61b7405d-0fc6-4146-a259-438785bedf60