This study assessed the effect of metal pollution in the Lambro Creek (Southern Italy). Water, sediment and biota were collected at six sampling sites (June) for metal concentration assessment (Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb and Zn). Sequential extraction was performed to determine the distribution of metals in different geochemical sediment fractions. The influence of pH and leaching time on the release of metals from sediment to the water column was investigated via remobilization tests. A battery of toxicity tests (Vibrio fischeri, Raphidocelis subcapitata, Phaeodactylum tricornutum, and Daphnia magna) with multi-endpoints (bioluminescence, growth inhibition, and immobilization) was used to determine the overall toxicity in sediment water extracts. The results showed that metals did not exceed the probable effect concentration levels, with Cr concentration exceeding the threshold effect concentration level at all sampling points except for the one closer to the source of the creek, suggesting potential negative effect on the biota. Considering the cumulative criterion unit, sediment contamination was moderate at all sampling sites, except for L3 and L5 where biota was exposed to a very high risk. With respect to sequential analysis, the most readily available fraction of metal can be generalised as Ni > Cr > Cu > Zn > Pb. For better understanding the fate of metals in the water-sediment environment, their biogeochemical cycles should also be investigated in small creeks including both fresh (watercourse) and saltwater (river mouth) sediments.

Czech University of Life Sciences Prague Faculty of Environmental Sciences Department of Applied Ecology Kamýcka 129 165 00 Prague 6 Suchdol Czech Republic

University of Naples Federico 2 Department of Biology Via Cinthia 80126 Napoli Italy

University of Naples Federico 2 Department of Civil Architectural and Environmental Engineering Via Claudio 21 80125 Napoli Italy

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