title: A multi-criteria approach for the dumping of dredged material in the Thermaikos Gulf, Northern Greece.
abstract: A multi-criteria approach was applied for the disposal into the sea of ∼1,100,000 m(3) of sediment, dredged from a coastal area in the northeastern part of the Thermaikos Gulf. This sediment (classified as muddy) is distributed vertically into two distinct Layers (A and B) with the thickness of the surficial sedimentary unit ranging from 7 to 54 cm. Its geochemistry reveals increased Cr and Ni concentrations, which may be attributed to natural enrichment through the erosion of the adjacent igneous and metamorphic rocks. In addition, a low to moderate contamination from urban-originated heavy metals, like Cu, Pb and Zn as well as from aliphatic and polycyclic hydrocarbons was identified for the upper Layer A. However, the limited proportion (5.5%) of the polluted Layer A in the total volume of the dredged material could not affect the good quality (assessed by the Sediment Quality Guidelines) of the bulk sediment. The identification of the optimum marine dumping site was based on (a) the physicochemical similarity (detected by the application of a cluster analysis) of the dredged material with the surficial deposits of potential dumping sites in the Outer Thermaikos Gulf, and (b) the consideration, based on previous studies, of various criteria related to the disposal area such as deep-water circulation, influence on living resources, impact on economical (aquaculture, fishing, navigation), recreational (fishing) and military activities.
authors.affiliation: Hellenic Centre for Marine Research, Institute of Oceanography, 46.7th km Athens-Sounion Ave., 19013 Anavyssos, Attica, Greece. kapsim@ath.hcmr.gr
authors.forename: Vasilios
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Kapsimalis
authors.forename: Ioannis
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Panagiotopoulos
authors.forename: Theodore
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Kanellopoulos
authors.forename: Ioannis
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Hatzianestis
authors.forename: Panayota
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Antoniou
authors.forename: Christos
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Anagnostou
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D059001:Aquatic Organisms; D016000:Cluster Analysis; D003661:Decision Support Techniques; D019015:Geologic Sediments / Q000737:chemistry*; D006115:Greece; D015386:Hazardous Substances / Q000032:analysis*; D006802:Human Activities; D006801:Humans; D006838:Hydrocarbons / Q000032:analysis; D008522:Mediterranean Sea; D009791:Oceanography; D012037:Refuse Disposal; D014131:Trace Elements / Q000032:analysis
chemical_list: D015386:Hazardous Substances; D006838:Hydrocarbons; D014131:Trace Elements