Chemical and toxicological studies on water and sediment from a coastal volcanic lake near Naples

The results of chemical and ecotoxicological analysis on water and sediment from Lake Averno are reported. The data demonstrate the considerable antropic pressure on the lake because of the presence of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH), phenols, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB) and organic-chlorinated pesticides (OP) such as 4,4′-DDT. In the biological tests, the waters were of low or no toxicity for producers and consumers while sediments were characterized by a considerable toxicity. The EBI showed a polluted and deteriorated environment.