Preliminary results of the analysis of dumping sites in SE Baltic region on example of Gdynia dumping site

The aim of the work was to investigate the place of deposit bottom sediments from ports in the Gdynia Dumpig Site. In this paper are presented preliminary results of analysis: geophysical, physical (density, grain size, loss on ignitation - LOI), chemical (metals, nitrogen total). In the framework of South Baltic Cross-border Co-operation Program is realized project "Application of ecosystem principles for the location and management of offshore dumping sites in SE Baltic region” (ECODUMP), conducting by Klaipeda University Coastal Research and Planning Institute (Lithuania), Maritime Institute in Gdansk (Poland) and other associated organizations form ports and government administrations from Poland, Lithuanian, and Russia. The project is planned to carry out geophysical surveys of sediments in areas of existing dumping sites. Made on the basis of investigations sonar maps of dumping sites will identify the actual deposit of excavated material. The study of physic-chemical and ecotoxicological parameters of dumping sites will be conducted on a large scale. The processes occurring during depositing and storage of dredged material will be identify. Recognition of these processes will be used to try to create a model of spreading of contaminants from the sediment into the water column.