Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in Atmospheric Depositions around the Venice Lagoon

Studies have revealed the potential risks to which human health and ecosystems are exposed in the Venice Lagoon, due to the atmospheric deposition of persistent pollutants such as trace metals and organic compounds. A total of seventy-seven atmospheric bulk deposition samples were collected monthly from April 2002 to December 2004, from three sites located in the cities of Mestre and Venice, and inside the industrial area of Porto Marghera. Samples were analysed by HRGC/HRMS for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) content. Spatial variations of atmospheric fallout were investigated, and source identification was attempted using diagnostic ratios and multivariate statistical analysis. Different conditions were recorded, with three anthropic signatures: i) industrial, mainly affected by local industrial sources and diesel engine emissions, ii) urban, mostly influenced by high traffic density, especially petrol car emissions and iii) lagoonal, characterised by diesel emissions from boat engines and oil burning, with random transport of industrial emissions.