Abstract
This study aims to investigate the geochemical characteristics of waters of the highly stratified Zrmanja River estuary (eastern Adriatic coast, Croatia). For that purpose, data on salinity and distribution of 16 elements in surface and bottom water of the Zrmanja River estuary was used to assess the spatial variation of trace elements in the estuary water and to identify the main processes governing these variations. The composition of the investigated water was found to be determined primarily by natural factors. Mass concentration levels of dissolved elements were relatively low and typical for unpolluted waters and are considered to primarily reflect the geological and hydrogeological background of the catchment area. The distribution of element mass concentrations along the water column was found to primarily reflect different water masses, the river on the surface and sea at the bottom. Deviation from conservative behaviour for some elements in the bottom water is due to adsorption and desorption processes from the particulate phases.
Highlights
E STUARIES represent unique water systems, a vital link between the land and the sea
The Zrmanja River estuary is a semi-enclosed bay embedded in a karstic landscape of the eastern Adriatic coast (Figure 1a)
The objectives of this study were threefold: 1) to assess the levels of trace elements in surface and bottom waters of the estuary; 2) to provide an overview of spatial variations in trace element mass concentrations; 3) to determine the major processes and factors controlling the mass concentration of these elements in the studied waters
Summary
E STUARIES represent unique water systems, a vital link between the land and the sea. Due to fresh- and seawater mixing, estuaries are characterized by a pronounced gradient of several parameters, namely salinity, temperature, pH, redox potential as well as particle composition They often act as a trap for material discharged by rivers, which, may include various contaminants and pollutants associated with anthropogenic activities.[1,2,3,4,5,6]. The Zrmanja River estuary is a semi-enclosed bay embedded in a karstic landscape of the eastern Adriatic coast (Figure 1a) It represents a highly indented system which includes part of the Zrmanja River, downstream from the Jankovića Buk to the Novigrad Sea, the Novigrad Sea and the Karin Sea, and the strait connecting the Novigrad
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