title: Trace metal variability, background levels and pollution status assessment in line with the water framework and Marine Strategy Framework EU Directives in the waters of a heavily impacted Mediterranean Gulf.
abstract: The aim of this work is to assess trace metal pollution status (Cd, Cu, Ni, Pb, Zn) in the waters of Saronikos Gulf, Greece, in line with the WFD and MSFD European Directives, based on data collected over a decade (2000-2010). Dissolved metal background levels are estimated for the first time for Greek marine waters and the upper limits are: Cd: 0.574 nmol L(-1); Cu: 8.26 nmol L(-1); Ni: 7.94 nmol L(-1); Pb: 2.60 nmol L(-1); Zn: 115 nmol L(-1). The variability of dissolved and particulate metals reflected the presence of several point sources and revealed the importance of natural mechanisms acting as non-point sources. The status of Saronikos Gulf is classified as 'High' for most metals studied. An exception to this is the enclosed Elefsis Bay where Cu, Ni and Zn concentrations are found above background. Our work will assist the implementation of WFD and MSFD directives in Greece.
authors.affiliation: Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Athens, Panepistimiopoli Zografou, 15784, Athens, Greece. Electronic address: vparask@chem.uoa.gr.
authors.forename: V
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Paraskevopoulou
authors.affiliation: Institute of Oceanography, Hellenic Centre for Marine Research (HCMR), 47 km Athinon-Souniou ave., 19013 Anavyssos, Greece.
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Zeri
authors.affiliation: Institute of Oceanography, Hellenic Centre for Marine Research (HCMR), 47 km Athinon-Souniou ave., 19013 Anavyssos, Greece.
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Kaberi
authors.affiliation: Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Athens, Panepistimiopoli Zografou, 15784, Athens, Greece.
authors.forename: O
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Chalkiadaki
authors.affiliation: Institute of Oceanography, Hellenic Centre for Marine Research (HCMR), 47 km Athinon-Souniou ave., 19013 Anavyssos, Greece.
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Krasakopoulou
authors.affiliation: Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Athens, Panepistimiopoli Zografou, 15784, Athens, Greece.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Dassenakis
authors.affiliation: Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Athens, Panepistimiopoli Zografou, 15784, Athens, Greece.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Scoullos
mesh_terms: D004784:Environmental Monitoring / Q000379:methods*; D008522:Mediterranean Sea; D008670:Metals / Q000737:chemistry*; D012623:Seawater; D014131:Trace Elements / Q000737:chemistry*; D014874:Water Pollutants, Chemical / Q000737:chemistry*
chemical_list: D008670:Metals; D014131:Trace Elements; D014874:Water Pollutants, Chemical
keywords: Background threshold; Pollution; Saronikos Gulf; Seawater; Trace metals