Environmental effects of potentially toxic elements and the magnetic susceptibility distribution in the surface bottom sediments in the Vistula estuary (Gulf of Gdańsk, Poland)

Purpose This study is aimed at analyzing the spatial distribution of magnetic susceptibility and the content of potentially toxic elements (PTEs) in the surface layer of bottom sediments in the Vistula estuary (Gulf of Gdańsk, Poland) in relation to local sedimentary conditions. We also assessed the usefulness of magnetic susceptibility measurements to identify changes in sediment properties caused by anthropogenic factors. Materials and methods Bottom sediments were collected along three transects using the Van Veen grab sampler. The following properties were determined: granulometric composition, organic matter and carbonate content, pH, electrical conductivity, and heavy metal content (Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Ni, Pb, and Zn). Specific (mass) magnetic susceptibility ( χ ) was measured using the MS2 Bartington ® laboratory magnetic susceptibility meter. To characterize the conditions of the sedimentary environment in the study area, statistical analysis was performed on selected parameters of grain size distribution, such as mean grain diameter ( M z ) and sorting ( σ 1) indices. Results and discussion The research showed significant differences in the sedimentary environment (erosion vs. deposition processes) along the studied transects which were controlled by the wave regime, sea currents, and river water inflow. Open-water sediments were richer in organic matter and more saline than deltaic sediments, which in turn were characterized by higher pH and higher carbonate content. The highest mean total content of Pb, Cu, Ni, and Zn and the highest magnetic susceptibility ( χ ) were determined in open-water sediments, while the highest Fe and Cr values were obtained for deltaic sediments. Statistically significant differences between these sediments were found only for organic matter (LoI), Pb, Cu, and Cd content. Magnetic susceptibility showed a moderate correlation with Pb, Cu, Cd, and Zn ( r s 0.4–0.6). Conclusion PTE content and magnetic susceptibility of sediments showed a very high heterogeneity within the study area, depending mainly on the location (delta vs. open waters), grain size composition, and organic matter content. Our results demonstrated that magnetic susceptibility analysis is an easy method that can be used to complement the identification of technogenic changes in the marine environment.