Saronikos Gulf (Aegean Sea, Eastern Mediterranean). 3 sites during the period 1977-79; 9 sites during the period 1980-81; and, 2 sites during 1982 to present

Ammonium and ammonia concentration parameters in water bodies; Dissolved oxygen parameters in the water column; Nitrate concentration parameters in the water column; Phosphate concentration parameters in the water column; Light absorption in the water column; Salinity of the water column; Silicate concentration parameters in the water column; Temperature of the water column; Nitrite concentration parameters in the water column; Phytoplankton taxonomic abundance in water bodies; Phytoplankton taxonomic biomass in water bodies

The main objective of the Hydrobiology Laboratory is to investigate and define the possible ecological perturbations caused by pollution in the marine ecosystem of the Aegean Sea. For this purpose, the phytoplanktonic ecosystem is used as an estimator and indicator of pollution. Thus, a permanent monitoring of the phytoplanktonic populations and the related physical and chemical environmental factors is performed in western Saronikos Gulf which is heavily polluted by domestic sewage derived from the greater area of Athens. The data are compared with similar information received from clean Aegean Sea waters. The following parameters have been investigated: (a) Physical and Chemical Parameters: Temperature, salinity, light penetration, oxygen, nutrients (P-PO4, N-NH3, N-NO3, N-NO2, Si-SiO4). (b) Ecological Phytoplanktonic Parameters: Annual cycles of chlorophyll-a, cell concentration, primary production and species composition. Species diversity, succession, vertical and spatial distribution, species associations and surface microlayer populations.

National Centre for Scientific Research 'Demokritos', Institute of Biology, Hydrobiology Laboratory
Aghia Paraskevi P.O. Box 60228
Athens

153 10
Greece