D. Voutsa

Toxicity and heavy metal contamination of surficial sediments from the Bay of Thessaloniki (Northwestern Aegean Sea) Greece.

Surficial sediments (the fraction < 2000 microm) from the Bay of Thessaloniki, in the Northwestern Aegean Sea, Greece were examined for heavy metal and organic carbon contents, as well as for acute LUMIStox toxicity of pore waters (PWs), wet sediment elutriates (WSEs) and dry sediment elutriates (DSEs) obtained from the solid material remaining after PW extraction. WSEs where not toxic. EC20/50 values could be measured in some DSE and PW samples. In all sediment samples, the DSE toxicity was greater than the corresponding PW toxicity. Sediment concentrations of total and labile Cd, Pb, Cu, Cr, Zn, Mn, Ni and Fe were determined and evaluated in relation to sediment quality guidelines. Pollution levels ranged from low to high for certain metals. A misfit between sediment toxicities calculated from heavy metal concentrations and those biologically measured was observed. Toxicity values were in general poorly correlated with sediments heavy metal or organic carbon content. As significant correlation was however found between the DSE toxicity with total Ni and labile Fe, as well as for the PW toxicity with total Ni, labile Fe and labile Cr.

Characterization of airborne particulate matter in thessaloniki, Greece: Part I: Source related heavy metal concentrations within TSP

TSP samples, collected at two stations in the area of Thessaloniki during the period July 1987‐June 1988, were analysed for heavy metals (Fe, Pb, Zn, Cu, Mn, Cr, Co, Ni and V). Flame and flameless atomic absorption spectrophotometry was used for metal determinations. Metals determined were characterized with respect to their origin from natural or man‐made emission sources. Source identification was attempted by relation of metal concentrations to wind direction, and interelement correlations. Results obtained showed that Pb, Zn and Cu are emitted from man‐made sources (traffic, domestic heating, industry), V, Ni and Co are derived partially from natural and man‐made sources, while Cr is mainly soil‐derived.

Groundwater quality in the major industrial area of Thessaloniki, Greece part 2: Heavy metal distribution‐source identification

The distribution of some heavy metals and toxic elements (Pb, Cd, Cu, Cr, Mn, Fe and As) in groundwaters of the major area of Thessaloniki, northern Greece, was investigated. Trace elements were generally found at low concentration levels, although some extreme values were observed, particularly for Mn, Cd and As. Correlation and Principal Component Analysis showed that two major factors affected heavy metals content in groundwaters: salinity and redox conditions. Salinity had a strong influence on Pb, Cd and Cu probably due to adsorption — desorption processes. Redox conditions affected mainly the As content that was higher under reducing conditions. Based on statistical analysis of experimental data, isotopic analysis of groundwaters and local hydrogeologic conditions the origin of As was attributed to geogenic factors.

Evaluation of chemical parameters in aliakmon river northern greece. Part III. Pesticides

Abstract A two‐year survey on the water quality characteristics of Aliakmon river in northern Greece is described. Pesticides were determined and their concentration levels were related to the flow characteristics of the river and the influence from agricultural activities. Eight herbicides, alachlor, atrazine, 2,4‐D, EPTC, MCPA, metolachlor, simazine and trifluralin were identified in river waters at eight sampling stations. Four insecticides, diazinon, fenthion, lindane and methyl parathion were also detected in the same places. Peak concentrations of some pesticides were observed corresponding to their application in the fields. Episodic peaks in concentrations occur during the period from May to August. Highest concentrations were determined for the pesticides: alachlor (0.21 μg/L), atrazine (2.16 μg/L), MCPA (1.56 μg/L), methyl parathion (0.21 μgL), metolachlor (0.34 μg/L), simazine (0.34 μg/L) and trifluralin (0.55 μg/L).

Groundwater quality in the major industrial area of Thessaloniki, Greece part 1: Chemical composition‐geochemical processes

The chemical characteristics of groundwaters of the area located N‐NW of Thessaloniki, Greece, are presented. Groundwater samples were collected from 22 wells, during the period Spring 1989‐Autumn 1990. Temperature, pH, alkalinity and dissolved oxygen measurements were conducted in the field, while determinations of Ca2+, Mg2+, Na+,K+, Cl−, NO3‐, NO2 −, PO4 3−, HCO3 −, SO4 2−, were performed in the laboratory. Significant variation in groundwater composition was found among the wells examined. Equilibrium studies of groundwater chemistry indicated that waters are mainly of “bicarbonate”; and “chloride”; type. All groundwater samples examined were found to be saturated or oversaturated with respect to calcite or dolomite. Ionic ratios showed possible inflow of saline water.

Heavy Metal Distribution In The Area OfThessaloniki, Greece

In order to evaluate the presence of heavy and other metals in the area of Thessaloniki, air particulate matter and roadside dust samples were obtained at various sampling points located in the urban and industrial area of the city. The samples were analyzed by instrumental neutron activation and atomic absorption spectroscopy. Metals determined in TSP and inhalable particles were characterized with respect to their origin from natural or man-made emission sources. A receptor modeling approach was applied to identify and apportion sources of air particulate matter and heavy metals. Regarding the presence of heavy metals in roadside dust results showed elevated concentrations of Pb, Zn and Sb in the urban area, whereas in the industrial area found increased concentrations of As, Cd, Cr and Pb.