Using Various Guidelines and Approaches for the Assessment of Marine Sediment Quality

Abstract

The aim of the present study is to explore the implications of using different quality guidelines and approaches for marine sediment characterization. As a case study, the sediments of Souda Port, Crete, Greece, were examined in order to assess heavy metal contamination and to estimate anthropogenic contribution and potential adverse effects to aquatic environment, as well as to indicate feasible future management options. The concentration of six heavy metals (Co, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, and Zn) was determined and compared with different sediment quality guidelines (SQGs) and regional/national criteria established for dredged material characterization and management. In addition, the geo-accumulation index (I_geo) was calculated and the sediments toxicity and heavy metals bioavailability were determined. Based on the experimental data, it is deduced that Souda sediments are characterized as moderately polluted only in terms of Co, Ni, and Pb.

Keywords:

• sediments
• heavy metals
• toxicity
• contamination
• quality guidelines

Acknowledgment

The authors thank Municipal Port Fund of Chania for the assistance in sediment sampling.

Funding

This research has been co-funded by the European Union (European Social Fund) and Greek National Resources through the Operational Program “Education and Lifelong Learning” of the National Strategic Reference Framework (NSRF)–Research Funding Program: THALES, Sub-project “Development of an integrated methodology for the management, treatment and valorisation of hazardous waste (WasteVal)” (code MIS 380038). Investing in knowledge society through the European Social Fund.