Trace element contamination status of surface marine sediments of Greece: an assessment based on two decades (2001-2021) of data

This study is a first attempt to assess the trace element contamination status in the surface sediments of the Hellenic Seas since the first environmental studies in the country commenced in the mid-1970s. All available trace element data from the last 20 years have been collected and assessed using sediment quality guidelines and application of single- and multielement pollution indices. Although Hellenic marine sediments initially appear as anthropogenically enriched in Cr and As, this enrichment is attributed to the natural background. Central Greece appears more polluted, followed by Northern Greece and lastly Southern Greece. The element pollution indices featured the influence of industrial activities such as mining, steel industry and chemical factories, shipyards, and secondarily the influence of port activities.

Automated summary

This study is the first attempt to assess the trace element contamination in the surface sediments of the Hellenic Seas. It found that central Greece is more polluted, mainly due to industrial activities.