Acta Ichthyologica et Piscatoria 21(S): 311-325, doi: 10.3750/AIP1991.21.S.33
The level of heavy metals in the ecosystem of the Baltic Sea
expand article infoZ. Seisuma, M. Legzdina

Corresponding author: Z. Seisuma

© Z. Seisuma, M. Legzdina.
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Citation: Seisuma Z, Legzdina M (1991) The level of heavy metals in the ecosystem of the Baltic Sea. Acta Ichthyologica et Piscatoria 21(S): 311-325. https://doi.org/10.3750/AIP1991.21.S.33
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Abstract
The following heavy metal levels were found in plankton of the Gulf of Riga and of the open Baltic Sea: 0.89-10.20 mg Cu/kg; 10.89-106.96 mg Zn/kg; 2.31-199.9 mg Mn/kg 0.19-0.85 mg Cd/kg; and 0.35-9.35 mg Pb/kg wet weight. Heavy metal accumulation in the plankton was found to depend on species composition of the community and on development stage of a species. Heavy metal contents in bottom sediments increase near densely populated coastal areas. Levels of lead, copper, and zinc depend on the season, increasing in spring in areas affected by river runoff. Maximum concentrations of the metals studied were found in 0.05-0.063 mm sediment fractions. Accumulation patterns of each metal exhibited their own respective peculiarities.