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Passive sampling (PS) has proven

to be a reliable alternative to grab

water sampling as it allows high

volume sampling systems to ensure

significant results while maintaining

low detection limits [2]. Semi-

permeable membrane devices

(SPMDs) have been used extensively

for the screening and the source

identification of a variety of non-

polar organic contaminants. SPMDs Research & development

consist of a thin layer of a neutral lipid

(usually trioleine) enclosed within a FIGURE 1 Location of sampling points for 2012 monitoring campaign
thin-walled, flat-lying, low-density

polyethylene (LDPE) tubing. In the

aquatic environment, SPMDs allow

to measure not only the presence

but also the bioavailability and

potential bioconcentration of

organic lipophilic compounds with

octanol/water partition coefficients

logKOW >3.
In the last few years, the assessment

of anthropogenic pressure on

marine environment has led to

stronger protection efforts of marine

ecosystems. Marine protected areas

(MPAs),in particular,have become an FIGURE 2 Location of sampling points for 2013 monitoring campaign
extensively advocated form of marine

conservation and their number is

constantly increasing worldwide. It is generally recognized The goal of this research is therefore to estimate the

that MPAs are essential for conservation as they can provide pollution level by TBT and other antifouling biocides in the

unique protection for critical areas and spatial escape for 4 zones of the MPA through spot sampling for seawater.

overexploited species. MPAs safeguard populations or Organotin-compound sediments analysis and TBT

assemblages within their boundaries, but they are less seawater passive sampling have been carried out, due

effective for protection from some major threats to marine to TBT particular persistence in sediment and possible

environments [3].These threats include coastal modifications presence at very low concentration (<1 ng/l as Sn).

and subsequent changes in local hydrodynamic and

sedimentary regimes,the spreading of exotic species,disease
epidemics and, above all, contamination by chemicals that is Materials and methods

not possible to control directly.

Limited data and information are available on the 6WXG\DUHDV

environmental occurrence,fate,toxicity,and persistence The Egadi Islands’ Marine Protected Area includes

of antifouling biocides. In particular, to our knowledge, the islands of Favignana, Levanzo, Marettimo and the

no direct evaluation of these compounds is available for islets of Formica and Maraone. Figures 1 and 2 show

the Marine Protected Area of Egadi Islands. sites selected foryears 2012 and 2013 monitoring,

31EAI Energia, Ambiente e Innovazione 4/2015