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Additional sampling of bottom sediments completed by Klaipeda University in Lithuanian territorial waters of the Baltic Sea

On 10-11th of June 2014 scientific staff from Klaipeda University carried detailed sediment sampling in Lithuanian Baltic Sea waters. 31 sampling stations were distributed in 4 profiles from the nearshore zone toward the deepest part of the Gdansk basin, including the existing offshore dumping sites.

This initiative implemented jointly by Lithuanian and Polish scientists and sponsored  by South Baltic Programme aims at implementing the recommendations mentioned in the HELCOM Baltic Sea Action Plan, EU Water Framework Directive and Stockholm Convention by completing first regional (South Baltic) mapping of dioxins in bottom sediments of Gdansk Basin.

Results of the investigations will add additional value and knowledge by assessing the state on the dioxin contamination following natural patterns of sediment accumulation and taking into consideration possible impact of the dumping activities.

Scheme of the sediment sampling stations

Entering the open sea

Collection of bottom sediments using Van Veen grab

Visual analysis of lithological sediment composition

Collected sediment samples