First Attempt to Study Sedimentological Characteristics and Contamination Levels of Bottom Sediments in the Faanu Mudugau Blue Hole (Ari Atoll, Maldives)

• DOI: 10.3390/environments12040100
• Publication Date: 2025-03-25T14:53:54Z
• Authors: Laura Cutroneo; Sarah Vercelli; Monica Montefalcone; Marco Capello
• Keywords: Atoll

Environmental contamination is ubiquitous and even in the ocean, signs of different types (chemical, biological, or plastic) are detected all kinds environments. In this study, a sediment core was sampled at bottom Blue Hole Maldives (Ari Atoll) to make first characterization terms its grain size organic–inorganic matter composition assess levels trace elements (by ICP-MS analysis) eventual presence microplastics optical classification microRaman analysis items). High concentrations Hg (a maximum value 0.145 ppm layer core), Cd 0.65 surface layer), As (9.4 top core) were highlighted layers core. Plastic polymers not core, but 51 fibers characterized by artificial dyes additives found mean 5.7 for each slice). The results confirmed Maldivian Hole, supporting hypothesis due ineffective waste management within archipelago mass tourism affecting atolls.