Temporal and spatial distribution of physico-chemical parameters in an anoxic lagoon, Aitoliko, Greece.

Temporal and spatial distribution of physico-chemical and water quality parameters and their correlation with meteorological and hydrological data, was investigated for anoxic lagoons, in Greece. Monthly variations of parameters like temperature, salinity, dissolved oxygen, chlorophyll-a, total phosphorus etc., along the Aitoliko lagoon water column, were recorded and studied at 14 stations. Throughout the sampling period, in lagoon’s water column three layers were determined: the surface low density layer (11.49-16.15), the layer with the steep density gradient and the deep dense (19.78-20.62) water below the depth of 20 m. The depth of the surface and pycnocline layers depends on seasonal surface salinity (20.53-22.43‰) and temperature (12.48-28.40oC) alterations. Lagoon’s monimolimnion was extended, below the depth of 20 m and had constant temperature and salinity equal to about 13oC and 27‰ respectively. Meteorological conditions control temperature (R2=0.845) and dissolved oxygen (R2=0.576) monthly changes, in lagoon’s epilimnion, while salinity seems to be related with the salt/fresh water budget into Aitoliko lagoon. Epilimnetic chlorophyll-a (3.29-14.89 μg l-1) and total phosphorus (13.33-36.31μg l-1) concentrations classify Aitoliko lagoon as a mesotrophic environment (40<TSI (Chl-a)<55, 40<TSI (TP)<60). The vertical distribution of dissolved oxygen in the water column was always of special interest. During the last decades the Aitoliko lagoon was reported as a permanent anoxic basin. The depth of the anoxic layer gradually decreased and reached 5 m depth during 2003-2004. In the present study, the anoxic layer was limited below the depth of 18 m during summer. The most interesting is the dissolved oxygen presence in lagoon’s monimolimnion during January and February, 2007. In this study, for the first time, Aitoliko lagoon was reported as seasonal anoxic basin.

Overview of temporary ponds in the Mediterranean region: threats, management and conservation issues.

Mediterranean temporary ponds (MTPs) comprise an endangered habitat with several endemic species that can be found in many countries, mainly in the Mediterranean region but are disappearing at a high rate. For designing optimal conservation and management strategies for the particular ecosystems, appropriate characterization and classification of these ponds is necessary based on the different type of habitats and on their varying environmental conditions. This paper presents the current ecological status and the threats of Mediterranean temporary ponds and summarizes some management and conservation issues based on the existing experience on a regional level. Emphasis is given in the Greek MTPs with respect to their characteristics and the pressures received mainly from human activities such as agriculture and water overexploitation. Restoration practices should be commenced immediately aiming at the reestablishment of the ponds' hydroperiod and water quality at the natural levels.