The influence of long existing pollution on trace metal levels in a small tidal mediterranean bay

Trace metals were studied in seawater, particulate matter and sediments of the southern part of the Euripos Straits in Central Greece, a small gulf with a significant tidal current. The Straits have been polluted from urban wastes, industrial effluents, land washout and shipping since the early 1960s. Concentrations of metals measured in both seawater and sediments indicate that the area is seriously polluted. The tidal current affects the distributions of metals, which have their highest concentrations at the nearshore zone. The comparison of the values with others measured 13 years ago revealed a significant increasing trend, such that the continued pollution of the area with metals could be dangerous for the marine ecosystem.