Spatial variability of Arsenic Concentrations in Baltic Sea surface sediments in relation to Sea Dumped Chemical Munitions

Abstract

Arsenic concentration in marine areas are higher than in terrestrial environment, because most of its compounds are water soluble, and water bodies serve as a sink for this element. Arsenic compounds, though naturally present in the sediments, are considered a threat to the environment, due to possible transformation to its toxic species - As3+ and As5+. Natural background concentration of arsenic compounds is highly variable, as it differs both with the type of sediments, presence of ferromanganese nodules, iron sulphides or proximity to sources. In the Baltic Sea, majority of As originates from river runoff, while additional source of arsenic compounds in some areas of the Baltic are arsenic containing chemical warfare agents dumped into the sea after second world war.