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Abstract
Trace metals (Cd, Pb, Cu, Cr, Ni, Co, Zn, Hg, As, Mn, Al, Fe, and Li) and organic compounds (PCBs, PAHs, lindanes, and DDT and its degradation products) were measured in coastal sediment samples from 27 sites in lagoons and along coastal areas of Corsica. An oyster embryo bioassay evaluated the toxicity of sediments from sites in three coastal lagoons (Urbino, Diane, and Biguglia) and the west coast of Cape Corsica. Despite contamination levels generally lower than those in other Mediterranean coastal areas, contamination is found in specific sites in Corsica and includes natural arsenic contamination on the east coast, insecticide pollution (persistent lindane and DDT) in many areas, both cadmium and lead contamination around Sagone, general contamination of both main harbours (Bastia and Ajaccio) and their surrounding areas, and asbestos mining residues in western Cape Corsica. Monitoring development of Crassostrea gigas embryos showed toxic effects at sites near a factory on Cape Corsica, with up to 100% mortality of larvae, and lower levels of toxicity at Sagone (44% mortality) and in the three coastal lagoons (up to 28% mortality). Results of this regional study show the need for further monitoring to understand the environmental issues facing the Corsican coast.
Acknowledgements
This work was partly supported by l'agence de l’eau RMC and the Office of Environment from Corsica, both of which we thank sincerely. We also thank the captain and crew of the RV L’Europe for logistic support, Jo Ann Cahn for editing, and those who assisted with sampling and analysis, especially C. Ravel, G. Herve, and E. His.