Spatial variations in polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons concentrations at surface sediments from the Cyprus (Eastern Mediterranean): relation to ecological risk assessment.

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the distribution, sources, origins, and environmental risk assessment of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (16 US EPA priority pollutants) pollution in 23 surface sediments from Cyprus coast. The mean total polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) concentrations in the sediments from Gemi Konagi, Girne and Gazi Magusa areas were found 47, 52 and 50 ng/g, respectively. Molecular ratios and principle component analysis indicated that PAH pollution originated mainly from fossil sources, with higher pyrolytic contributions. The 2-3 ring PAHs were dominant in Cyprus sediments. Concentrations of PAHs observed in this study were compared with available soil quality guidelines and the concentrations were lower than the guideline values. The guideline values suggested that the Cyprus sediments were likely to be not contaminated by toxic PAH compounds.

A biomonitoring study: Heavy metals in macroalgae from eastern Aegean coastal areas.

The concentrations of metals were measured in macroalgae species seasonally at eight coastal stations along the eastern Aegean coast. Sediment and seawater samples were also collected to detect their metal contents in order to gain more information on the environmental conditions of the area and possible bioaccumulation patterns. The aim of this study is, to gather more information on the use of selected species as cosmopolitan biomonitors for the eastern Aegean; to provide information on the marine environmental quality by the use of macroalgae and to determine which algae species are suitable as biomonitoring species for the study area. The relative abundance of metals in macroalgae decreases in the order: Fe-Zn-Cu-Cr-Cd-Hg-Pb and seawater: Fe-Zn-Pb-Cu-Cr-Cd-Hg. In sediment the distribution order from higher to lower was Fe-Cr-Zn-Pb-Cu-Hg-Cd. The brown algae Cystoseira sp., the green algae Ulva sp. and Enteromorpha sp. possess high potential as cosmopolitan biomonitors for trace metals in the Aegean Sea.