Trace metal distribution in sediments of northern continental shelf of Crete Island,Eastern Mediterranean |
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| Authors: | S E Poulos C G Dounas G Alexandrakis P Koulouri P Drakopoulos |
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| Institution: | (1) Department of Geography and Climatology, Faculty of Geology and Geoenvironment, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Panepistimioupoli, Zografou, 157 84 Attica, Greece;(2) Hellenic Centre for Marine Research, Institute of Marine Biology and Genetics, Gournes Pediados, P.O. Box 2214, 71003 Heraklion, Crete, Greece;(3) Department of Optics, Technological Education Institute of Athens, Athens, Greece |
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| Abstract: | The present study investigates the distribution of trace metals (Zn, Hg, Cd, Cu, and Pb), as indicators of pollution, in the
surficial offshore shelf sediments along the northern coast of Heraklion Prefecture (Crete, Mediterranean Sea). The concentrations
and the spatial distribution of the different trace metals, in relation to the sedimentological characteristics and the water
circulation pattern of the entire continental shelf, are associated with human inshore sources of pollutants located along
the coastline of the study area. Although the trace metal concentrations measured are higher than the background values, they
are not considered to be dangerous to human health, as they are lower than the standard values given by the World Health Organisation,
with only a few localised exceptions. Furthermore, results reveal the important role of local hydrodynamism that moves fine-grained
material and associated trace metals offshore (seawards to wave breaking zone) and then transports them eastwards by entrapping
them in the prevailing offshore shelf-water circulation. |
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| Keywords: | Trace metals Sediment Cretan shelf Pollution Human health Aegean Sea |
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