arA10.1002Fs10661-012-3008-z.pdfVIP

Environ Monit Assess (2013) 185:6077–6087 DOI 10.1007/s10661-012-3008-z Metal levels in sediments and transplanted mussels in Pagassitikos Gulf (Aegean Sea, Eastern Mediterranean) Catherine Tsangaris Helen Kaberi Vassiliki-Angelique Catsiki Received: 28 June 2012 / Accepted: 15 November 2012 /Published online: 7 December 2012 # Springer Science+Business Media Dordrecht 2012 Abstract Metal concentrations were determined in Introduction surface sediments and transplanted mussels in a shal- low semi-enclosed bay, Pagassitikos Gulf, Aegean Pollution by heavy metals causes considerable envi- Sea. Cu, Zn, Pb, Hg, and As levels in sediments were ronmental concern due to their persistence, toxicity, enriched close to point sources of pollution, i.e., Volos and potential to accumulate in biota (Ansari et al. Port and cement plant. Fe, Mn, Cr, and Ni spatial 2004). Heavy metals are continuously introduced in distributions in sediments were rather uniform with the coastal zone by land-based pollution sources pri- increasing concentrations towards deeper sites, sug- marily in areas near cities, ports, river mouths, and gesting natural enrichment, whereas levels found in industries. Once metals enter the marine environment, the port, although elevated, were not the highest in the they are settled and incorporated into sediments. Met- study area. Spatial variations in concentrations of most als in sediments are not permanently bound; some metals in mussels transplanted nearshore were gener- metals might be released in seawater through various ally in accordance to those in sediments, with the processes of remobilization. Since sediments act as the highest Fe, Mn, Cr, Ni, and Cu levels in the port and main sinks and sources of metals in the marine en