II. International British Congress on Interdisciplinary Scientific Research & Practices
THE TREND OF POLLUTION ON THE WATERS OF THE PORT OF DURRES
Yazarlar:
Esmeralda Halo
Bledar Murtaj
Aurel Nuro
Yayıncı:
Liberty Publications
Elevated activities in port areas are the main cause of water pollution, including organic and inorganic pollutants. The Port of Durres is the main port in Albania, processed by more than 80% of maritime transport for trade and passengers. In this study, we determined the concentrations of organochlorine pesticides (OCPs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) in water samples from Durres Port, located in the Adriatic Sea, along the Albanian coastline. Water samples (12 stations inside and outside the port area) were analyzed for a three-year period (2022 – 2024) with a frequency of twice a year (March and July). Analyses of organic pollutants were performed using gas chromatography, GC/ECD/FID for qualitative/quantitative analysis, and GC/MS for qualitative data. Organochlorine pesticides and their degradation products were detected in all the water samples during each sampling period. Their presence may be related to their previous use in agricultural areas near the port, new arrivals from terrestrial waters (Shkumbin, Erzen, Ishem Rivers), and the impact of water currents and/or punctual sources inside the port area (storage in the port area). PCBs and PAHs were found in almost all the analyzed samples. Higher levels were found at stations inside port areas. Their presence was due to anthropogenic factors (intense activity and ship transport) in these areas. Generally, higher levels of organic pollutants were observed in July. This could be related to the increase in activity in the port during this period and the stronger impact of water currents in March. Although there was a trend of decreasing pollution levels from year to year, some individuals were found to have values that did not match this fact. This could be mainly related to point sources. The study indicated that organic pollutants are present in the waters of the Port of Durres, so authorities should continue monitoring in the coming years.
