Selected areas of Saronikos Gulf

Bacteria environmental parameters; Air temperature; Dissolved oxygen parameters in the water column; Salinity of the water column; Temperature of the water column; Alkalinity, acidity and pH of the water column; Phytoplankton generic biomass in water bodies

Salinity sensor; pH sensors; spectrophotometers

Various sampling projects, as follows: During the period 1962-1971 coliforms and faecal coliforms data were collected from four bathing areas of Athens (Faliron, Alimos, Glyfada, Voula) to investigate near-shore water pollution of Saronikos Gulf. During the period 1983-1987 the microbe-indicators of sea water faecal pollution were studied in relation to physical, chemical and biological parameters of the sea. The bacteria counts in relation to sampling procedure and to the time lapse between sampling and analysis, were also investigated. Parameters measured during this period are: coliforms, faecal coliforms, chlorophyll-a, water temperature, air temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen. During the period 1985-1986, sea water and mussels were collected from mussel harvesting areas of Saronikos Gulf, within the framework of a research project funded by UNEP/WHO. The presence of dinoflagelate species and of faecal bacteria were correlated with the saxitoxin levels in mussels. Parameters measured are: saxitoxin in mussel flesh, coliforms, faecal coliforms, enterococci and Salmonella in sea water and mussel flesh, Gymnodinium breve and Gonyaulax spp in sea water. During the period 1985-1986, bacteria and yeasts were counted in sea water and sand samples of various swimming areas of Saronikos Gulf (with varying swimming frequency) within a research project funded by UNEP/WHO. The number of the swimmers in each bathing area was also counted. Bacteria counts were correlated to the number of swimmers in order to compare the reliability of the bacteria indicators of water pollution. Parameters measured are: coliforms, faecal coliforms, enterococci, staphylococci, yeasts in sea water and sand, number of swimmers on the beach. From January 1992 onwards the presence of Vibrios and Aeromonas in mussel and sea water from mussel harvesting areas of Saronikos Gulf is investigated, within the framework of a research project funded by UNEP/WHO. These are correlated with the presence of bacteria indicators of faecal pollution. Parameters measured are: coliforms, faecal coliforms, enterococci, Vibrios, Aeromonas.

Athens School of Hygiene, Microbiology Department
196 Alexandras Ave.
Athens

115 21
Greece