Suzdalev, S., Gulbinskas S.
Total petroleum hydrocarbons in surface sediments of the
Lithuanian coastal area of the Baltic Sea
Operation of large oil import/export terminals and intensive
shipping activities together with input of hazardous substances from
terrestrial runoff and constantly developing cities makes the Lithuanian part
of the Baltic Sea especially sensitive to contamination with oil products. The
paper presents an overview of total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPH) distribution
in surface sediments at the Lithuanian near shore and within the Klaipėda State
Seaport area – transitional marine-lagoon system. The study is based on the
results of examination of surface sediment samples carried out in 2010–2012.
The variations of TPH content in bottom sediments are explained by differences
in grain size and the genesis of the investigated sediments as well as the
degree of organic material decomposition. Extreme values obtained in the
Klaipėda Strait area indicate presence of additional TPH contamination sources
possibly of anthropogenic origin.