Geochemical beach sediments studies: a contribution to a standard definition useful for public health

Abstract

The purpose of this work is to define a regional background for the elements quantified to identified local anthropogenic contamination, particulary the contribution of Porto and Aveiro urban areas, and highlight the quality of beach and dune sediments. The results of geochemical analysis point to higher concentration of heavy metals (e.g. Pb, Co, Cr and Ni) than the concentration registered in the area used to define the geochemical background and in current sediments from the continental areas that drained to the coastal sector studied. The higher heavy metals content point to urban contaminations and put the focus in the future on the importance of coupling geochemical of sediments and standard water micro-biological studies to reach environmental quality standards required to obtain the European Blue Flag.