Levels of Metals Pb, Mn, Fe in the Period 2006–2007 in the Surface Water and Groundwater of Alfeios Catchment, Greece

The aim of the present paper was to evaluate the concentration of heavy metals (lead, manganese and iron) in surface water and groundwater in Alfeios River Basin in the period 2006–2007. Four seasonal sampling campaigns were conducted in 2006 and three campaigns in 2007. At least eleven sampling sites were selected across the main river and its major tributaries, Enipeus, Kladheos, Selinous, Erymanthos, Ladhon and Lousios. At each station, in situ measurements were performed and samples of water were taken for laboratory analysis. Furthermore, in situ measurements were conducted and samples of water were collected from wells and boreholes (drills) in the area near the river to assess the interaction between surface water and groundwater. The mean Pb concentrations in surface waters were found lower than the limit value of 7.2 μg/L in inland waters. The origin of the selected heavy metals is rather natural in the Alfeios River basin, with the exception of the anthropogenic contributions of Pb from the Lousios River catchment and of Fe from the Megalopolis’ mine. These data could be useful for the evaluation of the water quality, which is required by the implementation of the Alfeios River Basin Management Plan.