Screening-level ecological risk assessment of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans in sediments and aquatic biota from the Venice Lagoon, Italy

Recent monitoring data indicate that portions of Italy’s Venice Lagoon ecosystem have been degraded due to biological and chemical pollution from a variety of potential sources. Using polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxin (PCDD) and dibenzofuran (PCDF) data collected from sediment, fish and shellfish in the Lagoon, a screening-level ecological risk assessment (ERA) was performed to evaluate the risks to representative aquatic biota and wildlife receptors. Risks to aquatic invertebrates posed by PCDD/Fs in sediment were evaluated by comparing measured tissue concentrations in fish and shellfish to appropriate ecotoxicological reference values. For mammalian and avian receptors, risks posed by theoretical exposures to PCDD/Fs through the food chain were calculated using conservative wildlife exposure models. Results of the screening-level approach indicate that the potential for adverse effects to fish and aquatic invertebrate receptors from PCDD/Fs in surficial sediments are unlikely. Adverse effects to wildlife are possible but highly uncertain, and warrants further investigation in a more comprehensive ERA.