2025/01/23 by Michael Lintner, Charlotte Henkel, Ruoting Peng +5 · 1 voice · 1 citation
Environmental Science · #Microplastics and Plastic Pollution
paper · doi:10.1016/j.marpolbul.2025.117581
openalex publication_date 2025/01/23 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/22
Concerns about pollutants in the environment are increasing, with substances such as plastic additives drawing particular concern due to their potential harmful effects on organisms. This study investigates current levels of several contaminants in the Kiel Fjord. Some pose serious health risks to aquatic life. In September 2022, water and sediment samples were collected from fifteen stations across the inner and outer Kiel Fjord. The concentrations of selected phthalates, tire-derived compounds, and heavy metals were measured. Results indicate that the outer fjord has minimal contamination, while the inner fjord contains several hotspots with significant pollutant concentrations. For example, the highest levels of heavy metals were detected near Laboe and in deeper sediment layers (>6 cm) at Wik. The maximum concentrations of phthalates were observed near Laboe, with elevated levels also found near the city of Kiel and the Nord-Ostsee-Kanal. This study highlights the substantial anthropogenic impact on the region. • Anthropogenic pollution poses potential harmful effects on marine organisms. • Pollutants from car tires and heavy metals were measured in Kiel Fjord, Germany. • Minimal contamination of tire wear compounds was found in the outer fjord. • Significant pollutant hotspots were recorded in the inner fjord. • Maximum plastic and rubber additives found near Laboe, a popular beach resort.