Ecological Consequences of Untreated Wastewater Discharge in the Saronikos Gulf, Greece

摘要: Prior to the operation of new major wastewater treatment and sea disposal system (Athens Sea Outfall) an assessment existing ecological state Saronikos Gulf constitutes a prerequisite, since it will provide background against which any changes that may occur following be evaluated. Main objective is evaluation extent eutrophication associated adverse water quality. The results showed intensified in vicinity present untreated sewage discharge, where occasionally low oxygen values occur, whereas nutrients, chlorophyll-α Zooplankton have high exhibit disturbed annual variability patterns. Also, benthic communities been modified dense concentrations subsurface deposit-feeding polychaetes predominate. Beyond this region impact discharge indirect; nutrient remain diatom-based phytoplankton ecosystem displays well defined cycles with maxima spring autumn; however, copepod-based shows some signs instability. conclusions reached indicated has detrimental effects on ecology Gulf, especially pronounced its innermost part, advocate urgent replacement scheme by Athens Outfall.