Investigation of petroleum hydrocarbon pollution along the coastline of South Attica, Greece, after the sinking of the Agia Zoni II oil tanker

Oil spills at sea pose risks to the marine environment and to the economy of many nations. Marine ecosystems are very vulnerable and precious as producers of oxygen and as regulators of climate. Therefore, their protection and preservation are necessary. In the event of an oil spill, anthropogenic clean-up activities and natural weathering processes can minimize the negative effects on marine organisms, and the marine environment in general. The target of this study was to investigate the status of the sea along the coastline of the Saronic Gulf, Greece, a year after the sinking of the Agia Zoni II oil tanker. Seawater samples from 15 sampling locations from Phlisvos coast to Anavissos, an area easily approached by bathers with recreational interest, were collected and analysed for total petroleum hydrocarbons. Concentrations up to a maximum of 56.6 mu g/L were detected. Despite the large extent of the initial hydrocarbon pollution, the immediate cleanup operations and natural weathering and/or sorption processes have reduced the impact of the spill on surface waters.

Automated summary

Oil spills at sea pose risks to marine ecosystems and economies, making protection of these systems crucial. A study on the Saronic Gulf coastline in Greece found significant petroleum hydrocarbon pollution, but cleanup efforts and natural processes have helped reduce the impact on surface waters.