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In the last decade, several initiatives have been taken at a European level to adopt the Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD) by promoting coordination and stimulating integrated actions leading to consistent views on its final goal: the achievement of good environmental status (GES). In its holistic approach, the MSFD fully acknowledges the complexity and variability of marine ecosystems and demands constant scientific support for its actual implementation. Recently, the Joint Programming Initiative on “Healthy and Productive Seas and Oceans” (JPI Oceans) launched the joint action “Science for Good Environmental Status” (Science4GES), building on the contribution of different scientific disciplines and communities to better fulfill the scope of the MSFD. In this paper we illustrate and discuss a few crucial aspects of endeavors to implement the MSFD specifically implied in the definition of the metrics for the 11 descriptors and GES in its complexity, as well as improving the strategy governing its implementation. This presentation also describes the challenges, aims and implementation plan for the JPI-O joint action, where a transdisciplinary approach may help in progressing from the comprehensive and far-reaching vision of the MSFD to the achievement of a durable GES.
Mario Sprovieri; Maurizio Ribera D’Alcalà; Patrick Roose; Aldo Drago; Karien De Cauwer; Federico Falcini; Inga Lips; Chiara Maggi; Aourell Mauffret; Jacek Tronczynski; Christina Zeri; Pier Moretti. Science for Good Environmental Status: A European Joint Action to Support Marine Policy. Sustainability 2021, 13, 8664 .
AMA StyleMario Sprovieri, Maurizio Ribera D’Alcalà, Patrick Roose, Aldo Drago, Karien De Cauwer, Federico Falcini, Inga Lips, Chiara Maggi, Aourell Mauffret, Jacek Tronczynski, Christina Zeri, Pier Moretti. Science for Good Environmental Status: A European Joint Action to Support Marine Policy. Sustainability. 2021; 13 (15):8664.
Chicago/Turabian StyleMario Sprovieri; Maurizio Ribera D’Alcalà; Patrick Roose; Aldo Drago; Karien De Cauwer; Federico Falcini; Inga Lips; Chiara Maggi; Aourell Mauffret; Jacek Tronczynski; Christina Zeri; Pier Moretti. 2021. "Science for Good Environmental Status: A European Joint Action to Support Marine Policy." Sustainability 13, no. 15: 8664.
The present work provides the first records on microplastic (MP) amounts and types in rivers and wastewater effluents entering the Aegean Sea, eastern Mediterranean. Two rivers were sampled using a manta net (mesh size, 0.33 mm): a small urban and a medium-sized river with a rural, semiurban catchment. MPs in wastewater samples were collected at two wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) within the Athens metropolitan area after secondary treatment and from a pilot biological membrane unit (MBR), using a series of sieves. MPs in the samples were identified using stereoscopic image analysis and spectroscopic techniques. MP concentrations in the rivers were found to be variable, with as high as 27.73 items m−3 in the urban river. Differences in MP shape types, sizes, and polymer types reflect catchment size and usage. MP concentration in wastewater effluents was found to be 100 times higher in the secondary treatment (213 items m−3) than that in the pilot MBR (2.29 items m−3), with filaments and polymers indicative of synthetic textiles and household use. Further research is needed in order to accurately determine variability in MP concentrations and fluxes from these two pathways in the eastern Mediterranean Sea and elucidate the role of rivers in MP retention.
Christina Zeri; Argyro Adamopoulou; Angeliki Koi; Nicholas Koutsikos; Efthymios Lytras; Elias Dimitriou. Rivers and Wastewater-Treatment Plants as Microplastic Pathways to Eastern Mediterranean Waters: First Records for the Aegean Sea, Greece. Sustainability 2021, 13, 5328 .
AMA StyleChristina Zeri, Argyro Adamopoulou, Angeliki Koi, Nicholas Koutsikos, Efthymios Lytras, Elias Dimitriou. Rivers and Wastewater-Treatment Plants as Microplastic Pathways to Eastern Mediterranean Waters: First Records for the Aegean Sea, Greece. Sustainability. 2021; 13 (10):5328.
Chicago/Turabian StyleChristina Zeri; Argyro Adamopoulou; Angeliki Koi; Nicholas Koutsikos; Efthymios Lytras; Elias Dimitriou. 2021. "Rivers and Wastewater-Treatment Plants as Microplastic Pathways to Eastern Mediterranean Waters: First Records for the Aegean Sea, Greece." Sustainability 13, no. 10: 5328.
Dissolved trace metal concentrations were determined in coastal and transitional waters during 6 years (2012 to 2015, 2018, 2019) of monitoring for the implementation of the EU Water Framework Directive (WFD) in Greece. In this work we provide an assessment of background concentrations for dissolved metals in saline water bodies at 3 geochemical-climatic zones of Greece and estimate the upper background concentrations (BAC) for each zone (z1, z2, z3), as follows: z1: 0.022 μg L−1, z2: 0.018 μg L−1, z3: 0.016 μg L−1 for Cd; z1: 0.072 μg L−1, z2: 0.081 μg L−1, z3: 0.057 μg L−1 for Co; z1: 0.420 μg L−1, z2: 0.591 μg L−1, z3: 0.531 μg L−1 for Cu; z1: 0.808 μg L−1, z2: 0.928 μg L−1, z3: 0.841 μg L−1 for Ni; z1: 0.415 μg L−1, z2: 0.383 μg L−1, z3: 0.421 μg L−1 for Pb; z1: 3.19 μg L−1, z2: 3.59 μg L−1, z3: 3.01 μg L−1 for Zn. Coastal and transitional water bodies are classified in relation to the BAC of each zone revealing a diminishing order Ni > Cu > Pb > Co > Cd > Zn for metals concentrations >BAC, showing clearly that Ni and Cu contamination affects the highest number of water bodies. Overall, transitional water bodies of estuaries and wetlands of high biodiversity were found more affected by metal contamination than coastal water bodies. Our work contributes to the assessment of background concentrations for metals and the development of Environmental Quality Standards (EQS) on the EU, regional or individual country level. Specifically, for Greece, it provides the first dataset towards this direction, and highlights Cu as a priority metal. Thus, our work contributes to the implementation of both the WFD and the Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD).
Eleni Tzempelikou; Christina Zeri; Stylianos Iliakis; Vassiliki Paraskevopoulou. Cd, Co, Cu, Ni, Pb, Zn in coastal and transitional waters of Greece and assessment of background concentrations: Results from 6 years implementation of the Water Framework Directive. Science of The Total Environment 2021, 774, 145177 .
AMA StyleEleni Tzempelikou, Christina Zeri, Stylianos Iliakis, Vassiliki Paraskevopoulou. Cd, Co, Cu, Ni, Pb, Zn in coastal and transitional waters of Greece and assessment of background concentrations: Results from 6 years implementation of the Water Framework Directive. Science of The Total Environment. 2021; 774 ():145177.
Chicago/Turabian StyleEleni Tzempelikou; Christina Zeri; Stylianos Iliakis; Vassiliki Paraskevopoulou. 2021. "Cd, Co, Cu, Ni, Pb, Zn in coastal and transitional waters of Greece and assessment of background concentrations: Results from 6 years implementation of the Water Framework Directive." Science of The Total Environment 774, no. : 145177.
A harmonized and integrated approach for monitoring and assessment of contamination, including hydrocarbon exploitation one, is required both by Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD) at EU level and by the Ecosystem Approach (EcAp) program of the Barcelona Convention at Mediterranean level. A broad review of protocols of environmental impact assessment (EIA) procedures, monitoring and decommissioning of offshore platforms adopted by EU and non-EU countries along the Adriatic-Ionian seas was carried out in the framework of the Interreg offshore platforms in Adriatic-Ionian (ADRION) project HarmoNIA (Harmonization and networking for contaminant assessment in the Ionian and Adriatic Seas). The comparison of information provided by six ADRION countries and the application of a harmonized and integrated approach has highlighted specific challenges for managing offshore platform impacts emerged at ADRION level: (i) need of the same legislative level (the Offshore Protocol of Barcelona Convention is not ratified by all countries); (ii) set up of a task force of ADRION experts for discussing critical issues related to impacts of offshore platforms; (iii) harmonization, at the regional level, of EIA procedures, monitoring and decommissioning; (iv) need of an agreed and common list of recommended parameters to monitor in water, sediment and biota for the assessment of impacts due to platform installations and PFW discharges.
Loredana Manfra; Claudia Virno Lamberti; Silvia Ceracchi; Giordano Giorgi; Daniela Berto; Marina Lipizer; Michele Giani; Oliver Bajt; Maja Fafanđel; Magdalena Cara; Slavica Matijević; Milena Mitric; Stefanos Papazisimou; Mateja Poje; Christina Zeri; Benedetta Trabucco. Challenges in Harmonized Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), Monitoring and Decommissioning Procedures of Offshore Platforms in Adriatic-Ionian (ADRION) Region. Water 2020, 12, 2460 .
AMA StyleLoredana Manfra, Claudia Virno Lamberti, Silvia Ceracchi, Giordano Giorgi, Daniela Berto, Marina Lipizer, Michele Giani, Oliver Bajt, Maja Fafanđel, Magdalena Cara, Slavica Matijević, Milena Mitric, Stefanos Papazisimou, Mateja Poje, Christina Zeri, Benedetta Trabucco. Challenges in Harmonized Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), Monitoring and Decommissioning Procedures of Offshore Platforms in Adriatic-Ionian (ADRION) Region. Water. 2020; 12 (9):2460.
Chicago/Turabian StyleLoredana Manfra; Claudia Virno Lamberti; Silvia Ceracchi; Giordano Giorgi; Daniela Berto; Marina Lipizer; Michele Giani; Oliver Bajt; Maja Fafanđel; Magdalena Cara; Slavica Matijević; Milena Mitric; Stefanos Papazisimou; Mateja Poje; Christina Zeri; Benedetta Trabucco. 2020. "Challenges in Harmonized Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), Monitoring and Decommissioning Procedures of Offshore Platforms in Adriatic-Ionian (ADRION) Region." Water 12, no. 9: 2460.
Marine microbial eukaryotes play crucial roles in water-column ecosystems; however, there are regional gaps in the investigation of natural microbial eukaryote communities, and uncertainties concerning their distribution persevere. This study combined 18S rRNA metabarcoding, biomass measurements and statistical analyses of multiple environmental variables to examine the distribution of planktonic microbial eukaryotes at different sites and water layers in the ultra-oligotrophic Eastern Mediterranean Sea (Western Levantine Basin). Our results showed that microbial eukaryotic communities were structured by depth. In surface waters, different sites shared high percentages of molecular operational taxonomic units (MOTUs), but this was not the case for deep-sea communities (≥1000 m). Plankton biomass was significantly different among sites, implying that communities of a similar composition may not support the same activity or population size. The deep-sea communities showed high percentages of unassigned MOTUs, highlighting the sparsity of the existing information on deep-sea plankton eukaryotes. Water temperature and dissolved organic matter significantly affected community distribution. Micro-eukaryotic distribution was additionally affected by the nitrogen to phosphorus ratio and viral abundance, while nano- and pico-communities were affected by zooplankton. The present study explores microbial plankton eukaryotes in their natural oligotrophic environment and highlights that, even within restricted oceanic areas, marine plankton may follow distribution patterns that are largely controlled by environmental variables.
Ioulia Santi; P Kasapidis; S Psarra; G Assimakopoulou; A Pavlidou; M Protopapa; A Tsiola; Christina Zeri; P Pitta. Composition and distribution patterns of eukaryotic microbial plankton in the ultra-oligotrophic Eastern Mediterranean Sea. Aquatic Microbial Ecology 2020, 84, 155 -173.
AMA StyleIoulia Santi, P Kasapidis, S Psarra, G Assimakopoulou, A Pavlidou, M Protopapa, A Tsiola, Christina Zeri, P Pitta. Composition and distribution patterns of eukaryotic microbial plankton in the ultra-oligotrophic Eastern Mediterranean Sea. Aquatic Microbial Ecology. 2020; 84 ():155-173.
Chicago/Turabian StyleIoulia Santi; P Kasapidis; S Psarra; G Assimakopoulou; A Pavlidou; M Protopapa; A Tsiola; Christina Zeri; P Pitta. 2020. "Composition and distribution patterns of eukaryotic microbial plankton in the ultra-oligotrophic Eastern Mediterranean Sea." Aquatic Microbial Ecology 84, no. : 155-173.
An intercalibration exercise on the characterisation of microplastics in marine sediment and water samples was carried out among five laboratories involved in the implementation of the Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD) in their country. The samples were prepared by mixing cleaned natural sediment and sea water with microplastics sets made of particles of various polymers, shapes and colours. Overall, the errors on total counts were under 25% in absolute value. The risk of non-detection and loss of particles is greater than the risk of contamination during sample analysis. Significant differences are observed among particle types. It appears difficult to obtain reliable and comparable data on the colour of microplastics. A comparison of the errors with regards to the protocols used led to recommend NaCl [1.2 g/cm3] density separation for sediment and one filtering step (200 μm). The operators' experience appears as a key factor for the quality of the results.
J.-F. Cadiou; O. Gerigny; Š. Koren; Christina Zeri; H. Kaberi; C. Alomar; C. Panti; M.C. Fossi; A. Adamopoulou; N. Digka; S. Deudero; M. Concato; A. Carbonell; M. Baini; M. Galli; Francois Galgani. Lessons learned from an intercalibration exercise on the quantification and characterisation of microplastic particles in sediment and water samples. Marine Pollution Bulletin 2020, 154, 111097 .
AMA StyleJ.-F. Cadiou, O. Gerigny, Š. Koren, Christina Zeri, H. Kaberi, C. Alomar, C. Panti, M.C. Fossi, A. Adamopoulou, N. Digka, S. Deudero, M. Concato, A. Carbonell, M. Baini, M. Galli, Francois Galgani. Lessons learned from an intercalibration exercise on the quantification and characterisation of microplastic particles in sediment and water samples. Marine Pollution Bulletin. 2020; 154 ():111097.
Chicago/Turabian StyleJ.-F. Cadiou; O. Gerigny; Š. Koren; Christina Zeri; H. Kaberi; C. Alomar; C. Panti; M.C. Fossi; A. Adamopoulou; N. Digka; S. Deudero; M. Concato; A. Carbonell; M. Baini; M. Galli; Francois Galgani. 2020. "Lessons learned from an intercalibration exercise on the quantification and characterisation of microplastic particles in sediment and water samples." Marine Pollution Bulletin 154, no. : 111097.
Microplastics are a major environmental challenge, being ubiquitous and persistent as to represent a new component in all marine environments. As any biogenic particle, microplastics provide surfaces for microbial growth and biofilm production, which largely consist of carbohydrates and proteins. Biofilms influence microbial activity and modify particle buoyancy, and therefore control the fate of microplastics at sea. In a simulated "plastic ocean", three mesocosms containing oligotrophic seawater were amended with polystyrene microbeads and compared to three control mesocosms. The evolution of organic matter, microbial communities and nutrient concentrations was monitored over 12 days. The results indicated that microplastics increased the production of organic carbon and its aggregation into gel particulates. The observed increase of gel-like organics has implications on the marine biological pump as well as the transport of microplastics in the ocean.
Luisa Galgani; Manolis Tsapakis; Paraskevi Pitta; Anastasia Tsiola; Eleni Tzempelikou; Ioanna Kalantzi; Chiara Esposito; Arturo Loiselle; Anastasia Tsotskou; Snezana Zivanovic; Eleni Dafnomili; Santi DiLiberto; Kyriaki Mylona; Iordanis Magiopoulos; Christina Zeri; Elli Pitta; Steven A Loiselle. Microplastics increase the marine production of particulate forms of organic matter. Environmental Research Letters 2019, 14, 124085 .
AMA StyleLuisa Galgani, Manolis Tsapakis, Paraskevi Pitta, Anastasia Tsiola, Eleni Tzempelikou, Ioanna Kalantzi, Chiara Esposito, Arturo Loiselle, Anastasia Tsotskou, Snezana Zivanovic, Eleni Dafnomili, Santi DiLiberto, Kyriaki Mylona, Iordanis Magiopoulos, Christina Zeri, Elli Pitta, Steven A Loiselle. Microplastics increase the marine production of particulate forms of organic matter. Environmental Research Letters. 2019; 14 (12):124085.
Chicago/Turabian StyleLuisa Galgani; Manolis Tsapakis; Paraskevi Pitta; Anastasia Tsiola; Eleni Tzempelikou; Ioanna Kalantzi; Chiara Esposito; Arturo Loiselle; Anastasia Tsotskou; Snezana Zivanovic; Eleni Dafnomili; Santi DiLiberto; Kyriaki Mylona; Iordanis Magiopoulos; Christina Zeri; Elli Pitta; Steven A Loiselle. 2019. "Microplastics increase the marine production of particulate forms of organic matter." Environmental Research Letters 14, no. 12: 124085.
We investigated the abundance and production of mesopelagic (150–650 m) and bathypelagic (>650 m) bacteria from the poorly-studied Levantine basin (Eastern Mediterranean Sea) during the summers of 2014–2017. We show that the mesopelagic and bathypelagic microbial populations have relatively high cell specific activity, amongst the highest worldwide, likely due to the relatively warm temperatures characterizing these depths in comparison to other oceanic regions. Furthermore, in order to investigate if mesopelagic and bathypelagic microbial populations are limited by the scarce organic carbon substrates in the area, we performed microcosm addition assays of pure glucose (Glu) and/or a mixture of dissolved free amino acids (DFAA). Both the mesopelagic and bathypelagic bacterial populations responded positively to the additions, with bacterial production rapidly increasing within a few hours following the Glu or DFAA amendments. Our results demonstrate that deep-water microbes in the Levantine Basin may be important nutrient recyclers, especially when labile organic carbon is introduced. Our observations may have implications on carbon cycling and sequestration in the oligotrophic Eastern Mediterranean Sea.
Eyal Rahav; Jacob Silverman; Ofrat Raveh; Or Hazan; Maxim Rubin-Blum; Christina Zeri; Alexandra Gogou; Martina Kralj; Alexandra Pavlidou; Nurit Kress. The deep water of Eastern Mediterranean Sea is a hotspot for bacterial activity. Deep Sea Research Part II: Topical Studies in Oceanography 2019, 164, 135 -143.
AMA StyleEyal Rahav, Jacob Silverman, Ofrat Raveh, Or Hazan, Maxim Rubin-Blum, Christina Zeri, Alexandra Gogou, Martina Kralj, Alexandra Pavlidou, Nurit Kress. The deep water of Eastern Mediterranean Sea is a hotspot for bacterial activity. Deep Sea Research Part II: Topical Studies in Oceanography. 2019; 164 ():135-143.
Chicago/Turabian StyleEyal Rahav; Jacob Silverman; Ofrat Raveh; Or Hazan; Maxim Rubin-Blum; Christina Zeri; Alexandra Gogou; Martina Kralj; Alexandra Pavlidou; Nurit Kress. 2019. "The deep water of Eastern Mediterranean Sea is a hotspot for bacterial activity." Deep Sea Research Part II: Topical Studies in Oceanography 164, no. : 135-143.
Marine litter is a threat to marine life and an economic burden for coastal communities, but efforts to address the issue are hampered by the lack of data for many countries. We performed the first harmonized assessment of seafloor litter (trawl and visual surveys) in six countries of the Adriatic-Ionian macroregion. Seafloor litter showed an uneven distribution throughout the area, with large differences in litter densities and composition among countries and locations. An emerging problem in the area resulted in short-term & single-use objects that represented the largest fraction of litter. Packaging was the economic sector contributing most to seafloor litter on the continental shelf and upper slope, while in some areas aquaculture (mussel farming) represented a key activity producing marine litter. In coastal areas and bays (e.g. Boka Kotorska bay, Montenegro), seafloor litter was mainly related to construction activities and electronic goods, which are a consequence of fly-tipping/illegal dumping.
Tomaso Fortibuoni; Francesca Ronchi; Vesna Mačić; Milica Mandić; Cristina Mazziotti; Monika Peterlin; Michael Prevenios; Mosor Prvan; Stelios Somarakis; Pero Tutman; Dubravka Bojanić Varezić; Manca Kovac Virsek; Thomais Vlachogianni; Christina Zeri. A harmonized and coordinated assessment of the abundance and composition of seafloor litter in the Adriatic-Ionian macroregion (Mediterranean Sea). Marine Pollution Bulletin 2019, 139, 412 -426.
AMA StyleTomaso Fortibuoni, Francesca Ronchi, Vesna Mačić, Milica Mandić, Cristina Mazziotti, Monika Peterlin, Michael Prevenios, Mosor Prvan, Stelios Somarakis, Pero Tutman, Dubravka Bojanić Varezić, Manca Kovac Virsek, Thomais Vlachogianni, Christina Zeri. A harmonized and coordinated assessment of the abundance and composition of seafloor litter in the Adriatic-Ionian macroregion (Mediterranean Sea). Marine Pollution Bulletin. 2019; 139 ():412-426.
Chicago/Turabian StyleTomaso Fortibuoni; Francesca Ronchi; Vesna Mačić; Milica Mandić; Cristina Mazziotti; Monika Peterlin; Michael Prevenios; Mosor Prvan; Stelios Somarakis; Pero Tutman; Dubravka Bojanić Varezić; Manca Kovac Virsek; Thomais Vlachogianni; Christina Zeri. 2019. "A harmonized and coordinated assessment of the abundance and composition of seafloor litter in the Adriatic-Ionian macroregion (Mediterranean Sea)." Marine Pollution Bulletin 139, no. : 412-426.
Macro- and microplastics abundances were determined in the Adriatic Sea following the MSFD TG10 protocol. The studied areas included populated gulfs, river outlets and offshore waters in five Adriatic countries. The use of small ships enabled us to detect small sized plastics (2.5–5 cm) and record average macroplastics densities of 251 ± 601 items km−2, one order of magnitude higher than previously considered. Results from manta net tows for microplastics revealed an average abundance of 315,009 ± 568,578 items km−2 (217 ± 575 g km−2). We found significantly higher microplastics abundances in nearshore (≤4 km) than in offshore waters (>4 km) and this trend seems to affect also the small sized macro plastic fragments (2.5–5 cm). The dominant polymers were polyethylene and polypropylene while the presence of some rare polymers and waxes used in food and dentistry indicated waste water treatment plants as potential sources of microplastics.
C. Zeri; A. Adamopoulou; Dubravka Bojanić Varezić; T. Fortibuoni; M. Kovač Viršek; A. Kržan; Milica Mandic; C. Mazziotti; A. Palatinus; M. Peterlin; M. Prvan; F. Ronchi; J. Siljic; P. Tutman; Th. Vlachogianni. Floating plastics in Adriatic waters (Mediterranean Sea): From the macro- to the micro-scale. Marine Pollution Bulletin 2018, 136, 341 -350.
AMA StyleC. Zeri, A. Adamopoulou, Dubravka Bojanić Varezić, T. Fortibuoni, M. Kovač Viršek, A. Kržan, Milica Mandic, C. Mazziotti, A. Palatinus, M. Peterlin, M. Prvan, F. Ronchi, J. Siljic, P. Tutman, Th. Vlachogianni. Floating plastics in Adriatic waters (Mediterranean Sea): From the macro- to the micro-scale. Marine Pollution Bulletin. 2018; 136 ():341-350.
Chicago/Turabian StyleC. Zeri; A. Adamopoulou; Dubravka Bojanić Varezić; T. Fortibuoni; M. Kovač Viršek; A. Kržan; Milica Mandic; C. Mazziotti; A. Palatinus; M. Peterlin; M. Prvan; F. Ronchi; J. Siljic; P. Tutman; Th. Vlachogianni. 2018. "Floating plastics in Adriatic waters (Mediterranean Sea): From the macro- to the micro-scale." Marine Pollution Bulletin 136, no. : 341-350.
The holistic Nested Environmental status Assessment Tool (NEAT), developed for the integrated assessment of the status of marine waters, was applied to Saronikos Gulf, in the Eastern Mediterranean. We used different spatial and decadal time series data covering 9 biological and chemical ecosystem components, 24 indicators and 8 descriptors of the Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD), to test its performance under different ecosystem approaches. The results were evaluated in relation to the anthropogenic pressures affecting the study area as well as the management measures taken, and compared to the results from previous studies. NEAT has shown clear spatial gradients differentiating the impacted and slightly-impacted areas, as well as the response of the ecosystem towards the management measures taken, demonstrating the most responsive and early warning ecosystem components. The application of NEAT to Saronikos Gulf classified the whole basin into good status, with the pelagic habitat components (fish, water column and phytoplankton ecosystem components) contributing strongly to the overall environmental status of the gulf. Sediment, benthic fauna and vegetation, mammals and alien species were the most impacted ecological components in Saronikos Gulf. The most affected areas, Elefsis Bay and Psittalia (wastewater submarine outfall), were assessed as in poor and moderate status, respectively. We conclude that: (i) it is possible to integrate data from different sources, spatial and temporal scales; (ii) this integration has permitted to undertake a real ecosystem assessment; (iii) there is no loss of information, allowing full tracking of problems and cases in no good status that should be addressed at lower levels (e.g. species or species groups); (iv) the results are related with the pressures identified; (v) the assessment demonstrates the recovery of the system and the time needed to recovery; and (vi) these results could be very useful for managers, policy makers and scientists when deciding the method to use in assessing the environmental status under the MSFD.
Alexandra Pavlidou; Nomiki Simboura; Κalliopi Pagou; Georgia Assimakopoulou; Vasilis Gerakaris; Ioannis Hatzianestis; Panayotis Panayotidis; Maria Pantazi; Nadia Papadopoulou; Sofia Reizopoulou; Chris Smith; Maria Triantaphyllou; Maria C. Uyarra; Ioanna Varkitzi; Vassiliki Vassilopoulou; Christina Zeri; Angel Borja. Using a holistic ecosystem-integrated approach to assess the environmental status of Saronikos Gulf, Eastern Mediterranean. Ecological Indicators 2018, 96, 336 -350.
AMA StyleAlexandra Pavlidou, Nomiki Simboura, Κalliopi Pagou, Georgia Assimakopoulou, Vasilis Gerakaris, Ioannis Hatzianestis, Panayotis Panayotidis, Maria Pantazi, Nadia Papadopoulou, Sofia Reizopoulou, Chris Smith, Maria Triantaphyllou, Maria C. Uyarra, Ioanna Varkitzi, Vassiliki Vassilopoulou, Christina Zeri, Angel Borja. Using a holistic ecosystem-integrated approach to assess the environmental status of Saronikos Gulf, Eastern Mediterranean. Ecological Indicators. 2018; 96 ():336-350.
Chicago/Turabian StyleAlexandra Pavlidou; Nomiki Simboura; Κalliopi Pagou; Georgia Assimakopoulou; Vasilis Gerakaris; Ioannis Hatzianestis; Panayotis Panayotidis; Maria Pantazi; Nadia Papadopoulou; Sofia Reizopoulou; Chris Smith; Maria Triantaphyllou; Maria C. Uyarra; Ioanna Varkitzi; Vassiliki Vassilopoulou; Christina Zeri; Angel Borja. 2018. "Using a holistic ecosystem-integrated approach to assess the environmental status of Saronikos Gulf, Eastern Mediterranean." Ecological Indicators 96, no. : 336-350.
The Marmara Sea is a semi-enclosed basin connecting the Black and the Mediterranean Seas through the Bosporus and Dardanelles Straits (Turkish Straits System- TSS). It is characterized by a permanent two layered counter-flow caused by the exchange of water masses between the Black and Mediterranean Seas. In this study we focus on the role of the Marmara Sea in altering the optical characteristics of dissolved organic matter (DOM) during its transport through the TSS. We use detailed absorbance and fluorescence measurements followed by parallel factor analysis (PARAFAC). PARAFAC identified four components: a primary terrestrial humic C1 (ex/em 255/448 nm), a marine humic C2 (ex/em 300/402 nm), a secondary terrestrial humic C3 (ex/em 280, 370/480 nm) and a protein like component C4 (ex/em 275/336 nm). The above halocline waters (≤25 m) of Black Sea origin are characterized by high DOC (114–181 μmol L−1); high CDOM absorption (aCDOM(300): 1.97–2.92 m−1), low absorption spectral slope (S275–295: 0.0280–0.0307 nm−1) and high humic content. In this water layer, interrelationships with salinity, DOC and optical parameters revealed that although bulk DOC is diluted towards the west, transformations of the DOM pool are related to several processes. In the sub-halocline waters (>25–1250 m) of Mediterranean origin, all measured parameters are significantly lower (DOC: 55–65 μmo L−1; aCDOM(300): 0.46–0.80 m−1; S275–295: 0.0241–0.0376 nm−1). No relationship of DOC with apparent oxygen utilization (AOU) could be established, likely due to the proliferation of particles. Nevertheless, qualitative changes of DOM could be traced by the negative relationship of S275–295 with AOU and the two fold increase of the intensities of the humic-like components towards the eastern part of the basin. This suggests that the optical signature of the Mediterranean DOM is altered in the deep Marmara Sea despite its constant DOC content.
Elli Pitta; Christina Zeri; Maria Tzortziou; Micha J.A. Rijkenberg. Transformations of dissolved organic matter in the Marmara Sea traced by its optical signature. Journal of Marine Systems 2018, 189, 1 -11.
AMA StyleElli Pitta, Christina Zeri, Maria Tzortziou, Micha J.A. Rijkenberg. Transformations of dissolved organic matter in the Marmara Sea traced by its optical signature. Journal of Marine Systems. 2018; 189 ():1-11.
Chicago/Turabian StyleElli Pitta; Christina Zeri; Maria Tzortziou; Micha J.A. Rijkenberg. 2018. "Transformations of dissolved organic matter in the Marmara Sea traced by its optical signature." Journal of Marine Systems 189, no. : 1-11.
Microplastic ingestion by marine organisms presents an emerging threat to marine ecosystems; microplastics in different marine species are currently reported worldwide. This study aims to assess microplastic ingestion in four, highly commercial, marine species from Greek waters in the Northern Ionian Sea (Mediterranean Sea). Microplastics were found in mussels (Mytilus galloprovincialis) and all three fish species (Sardina pilchardus, Pagellus erythrinus, Mullus barbatus) examined. The frequency of occurrence of ingested microplastics was 46.25% in mussels, while among fish species, S. pilchardus showed the highest frequency of microplastic ingestion (47.2%). Microplastic abundance ranged from 1.7–2 items/individual in mussels and from 1.5–1.9 items/individual in fish. The majority of ingested microplastics were fragments, while their color and size varied. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR) indicated polyethylene as the most common polymer type in mussels and fish. Results can be used to set baseline levels for the assessment of microplastic pollution in the Ionian Sea.
Nikoletta Digka; Catherine Tsangaris; Michele Torre; Aikaterini Anastasopoulou; Christina Zeri. Microplastics in mussels and fish from the Northern Ionian Sea. Marine Pollution Bulletin 2018, 135, 30 -40.
AMA StyleNikoletta Digka, Catherine Tsangaris, Michele Torre, Aikaterini Anastasopoulou, Christina Zeri. Microplastics in mussels and fish from the Northern Ionian Sea. Marine Pollution Bulletin. 2018; 135 ():30-40.
Chicago/Turabian StyleNikoletta Digka; Catherine Tsangaris; Michele Torre; Aikaterini Anastasopoulou; Christina Zeri. 2018. "Microplastics in mussels and fish from the Northern Ionian Sea." Marine Pollution Bulletin 135, no. : 30-40.
The abundance, composition and sources of marine litter were determined on beaches located in the seven countries of the Adriatic-Ionian macroregion, namely Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Greece, Italy, Montenegro and Slovenia. A total of 70,581 marine litter items were classified and recorded through one-year long surveys carried out in 31 sites. The average litter density of 0.67 items/m2 found within this study is considered to be relatively high. The beaches investigated differed in terms of human-induced pressures; their majority is classified either as semi-urban or semi-rural, while very few beaches could be characterized as urban or remote/natural. The majority of litter items were made of artificial/anthropogenic polymer materials accounting for 91.1% of all litter. Litter from shoreline sources accounted for 33.4% of all litter collected. The amount of litter from sea-based sources ranged in the different countries from 1.54% to 14.84%, with an average of 6.30% at regional level.
Thomais Vlachogianni; Tomaso Fortibuoni; Francesca Ronchi; Christina Zeri; Cristina Mazziotti; Pero Tutman; Dubravka Bojanić Varezić; Andreja Palatinus; Štefan Trdan; Monika Peterlin; Milica Mandic; Olivera Markovic; Mosor Prvan; Helen Kaberi; Michael Prevenios; Jerina Kolitari; Gulielm Kroqi; Marina Fusco; Evangelos Kalampokis; Michael Scoullos. Marine litter on the beaches of the Adriatic and Ionian Seas: An assessment of their abundance, composition and sources. Marine Pollution Bulletin 2018, 131, 745 -756.
AMA StyleThomais Vlachogianni, Tomaso Fortibuoni, Francesca Ronchi, Christina Zeri, Cristina Mazziotti, Pero Tutman, Dubravka Bojanić Varezić, Andreja Palatinus, Štefan Trdan, Monika Peterlin, Milica Mandic, Olivera Markovic, Mosor Prvan, Helen Kaberi, Michael Prevenios, Jerina Kolitari, Gulielm Kroqi, Marina Fusco, Evangelos Kalampokis, Michael Scoullos. Marine litter on the beaches of the Adriatic and Ionian Seas: An assessment of their abundance, composition and sources. Marine Pollution Bulletin. 2018; 131 ():745-756.
Chicago/Turabian StyleThomais Vlachogianni; Tomaso Fortibuoni; Francesca Ronchi; Christina Zeri; Cristina Mazziotti; Pero Tutman; Dubravka Bojanić Varezić; Andreja Palatinus; Štefan Trdan; Monika Peterlin; Milica Mandic; Olivera Markovic; Mosor Prvan; Helen Kaberi; Michael Prevenios; Jerina Kolitari; Gulielm Kroqi; Marina Fusco; Evangelos Kalampokis; Michael Scoullos. 2018. "Marine litter on the beaches of the Adriatic and Ionian Seas: An assessment of their abundance, composition and sources." Marine Pollution Bulletin 131, no. : 745-756.
We assessed amounts, composition and net accumulation rates every ~15days of beach macro litter (≥2.5cm) on 4 Mediterranean beaches, on Corfu island, N. Ionian Sea, taking into account natural and anthropogenic drivers. Average net accumulation rate on all beaches was found 142±115N/100m/15d. By applying a Generalized Linear Model (GzLM) it was shown that sea transport is the dominant pathway affecting the amount and variability in beach litter loadings. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) on compositional data and indicator items discerned two more pathways of beach litter, i.e. in situ litter from beach goers and wind and/or runoff transport of litter from land. By comparing the PCA results to those from a simple item to source attribution, it is shown that regardless their source litter items arrive at beaches from various pathways. Our data provide baseline knowledge for designing monitoring strategies and for setting management targets.
Michael Prevenios; Christina Zeri; Catherine Tsangaris; Svitlana Liubartseva; Elias Fakiris; George Papatheodorou. Beach litter dynamics on Mediterranean coasts: Distinguishing sources and pathways. Marine Pollution Bulletin 2018, 129, 448 -457.
AMA StyleMichael Prevenios, Christina Zeri, Catherine Tsangaris, Svitlana Liubartseva, Elias Fakiris, George Papatheodorou. Beach litter dynamics on Mediterranean coasts: Distinguishing sources and pathways. Marine Pollution Bulletin. 2018; 129 (2):448-457.
Chicago/Turabian StyleMichael Prevenios; Christina Zeri; Catherine Tsangaris; Svitlana Liubartseva; Elias Fakiris; George Papatheodorou. 2018. "Beach litter dynamics on Mediterranean coasts: Distinguishing sources and pathways." Marine Pollution Bulletin 129, no. 2: 448-457.
Elli Pitta; Christina Zeri; Maria Tzortziou; George Mousdis; Michael Scoullos. Seasonal variations in dissolved organic matter composition using absorbance and fluorescence spectroscopy in the Dardanelles Straits – North Aegean Sea mixing zone. Continental Shelf Research 2017, 149, 82 -95.
AMA StyleElli Pitta, Christina Zeri, Maria Tzortziou, George Mousdis, Michael Scoullos. Seasonal variations in dissolved organic matter composition using absorbance and fluorescence spectroscopy in the Dardanelles Straits – North Aegean Sea mixing zone. Continental Shelf Research. 2017; 149 ():82-95.
Chicago/Turabian StyleElli Pitta; Christina Zeri; Maria Tzortziou; George Mousdis; Michael Scoullos. 2017. "Seasonal variations in dissolved organic matter composition using absorbance and fluorescence spectroscopy in the Dardanelles Straits – North Aegean Sea mixing zone." Continental Shelf Research 149, no. : 82-95.
Ioanna Kalantzi; Christina Zeri; Vassiliki-Angelique Catsiki; Catherine Tsangaris; Evangelia Strogyloudi; Helen Kaberi; Nick Vergopoulos; Manolis Tsapakis. Assessment of the use of copper alloy aquaculture nets: Potential impacts on the marine environment and on the farmed fish. Aquaculture 2016, 465, 209 -222.
AMA StyleIoanna Kalantzi, Christina Zeri, Vassiliki-Angelique Catsiki, Catherine Tsangaris, Evangelia Strogyloudi, Helen Kaberi, Nick Vergopoulos, Manolis Tsapakis. Assessment of the use of copper alloy aquaculture nets: Potential impacts on the marine environment and on the farmed fish. Aquaculture. 2016; 465 ():209-222.
Chicago/Turabian StyleIoanna Kalantzi; Christina Zeri; Vassiliki-Angelique Catsiki; Catherine Tsangaris; Evangelia Strogyloudi; Helen Kaberi; Nick Vergopoulos; Manolis Tsapakis. 2016. "Assessment of the use of copper alloy aquaculture nets: Potential impacts on the marine environment and on the farmed fish." Aquaculture 465, no. : 209-222.
Nomiki Simboura; Alexandra Pavlidou; Juan Bald; M. Tsapakis; K. Pagou; Christina Zeri; A. Androni; P. Panayotidis. Response of ecological indices to nutrient and chemical contaminant stress factors in Eastern Mediterranean coastal waters. Ecological Indicators 2016, 70, 89 -105.
AMA StyleNomiki Simboura, Alexandra Pavlidou, Juan Bald, M. Tsapakis, K. Pagou, Christina Zeri, A. Androni, P. Panayotidis. Response of ecological indices to nutrient and chemical contaminant stress factors in Eastern Mediterranean coastal waters. Ecological Indicators. 2016; 70 ():89-105.
Chicago/Turabian StyleNomiki Simboura; Alexandra Pavlidou; Juan Bald; M. Tsapakis; K. Pagou; Christina Zeri; A. Androni; P. Panayotidis. 2016. "Response of ecological indices to nutrient and chemical contaminant stress factors in Eastern Mediterranean coastal waters." Ecological Indicators 70, no. : 89-105.
The dominance and persistence of plastic debris in the marine environment are well documented. No information exists in respect to their lifespan in the marine environment. Nevertheless, the degradation potential of plastic litter items remains a critical issue for marine litter research. In the present study, polyethylene terephthalate bottles (PETs) collected from the submarine environment were characterized using ATR-FTIR in respect to their degradation potential attributed to environmental conditions. A temporal indication was used as indicative to the years of presence of the PETs in the environment as debris. PETs seem to remain robust for approximately fifteen years. Afterwards, a significant decrease of the native functional groups was recorded; some even disappear; or new-not typical for PETs-are created. At a later stage, using the PET time series collected from the Saronikos Gulf (Aegean Sea–E. Mediterranean), it was possible to date bottles that were collected from the bottom of the Ionian Sea (W. Greece). It is the first time that such a study has been conducted with samples that were actually degraded in the marine environment.
C. Ioakeimidis; K. N. Fotopoulou; H. K. Karapanagioti; M. Geraga; Christina Zeri; E. Papathanassiou; Francois Galgani; G. Papatheodorou. The degradation potential of PET bottles in the marine environment: An ATR-FTIR based approach. Scientific Reports 2016, 6, 23501 .
AMA StyleC. Ioakeimidis, K. N. Fotopoulou, H. K. Karapanagioti, M. Geraga, Christina Zeri, E. Papathanassiou, Francois Galgani, G. Papatheodorou. The degradation potential of PET bottles in the marine environment: An ATR-FTIR based approach. Scientific Reports. 2016; 6 (1):23501.
Chicago/Turabian StyleC. Ioakeimidis; K. N. Fotopoulou; H. K. Karapanagioti; M. Geraga; Christina Zeri; E. Papathanassiou; Francois Galgani; G. Papatheodorou. 2016. "The degradation potential of PET bottles in the marine environment: An ATR-FTIR based approach." Scientific Reports 6, no. 1: 23501.
The present work investigates the impact of municipal solid waste mechanical separation and industrial composting on the metal content of composts and assesses the availability of Cu, Cd, Cr, Pb, and Zn at different maturation stages of compost produced at the largest mechanical biological treatment plant in Greece. Substantial metal contamination of composts was found to take place within the industrial facility, attributed to segmentation and sorption mechanisms during composting. In fresh compost, Zn is present in mobile fractions (41%), Cu is mostly held on the less mobile organic phases (57%), Cd is mostly present in bioavailable forms (51%), whereas Pb and Cr are associated with less mobile phases, such as Fe-Mn oxides and organic molecules. Cd, Cu, and Zn migrate to more inert phases during compost maturation, paralleled by the decrease of overall metal leachability. Cu and Pb concentrations (mg kg−1) exceeded the permissible limits in both composts (Fresh: Cu: 213 ± 48, Pb: 128 ± 69; Mature: Cu: 263 ± 1, Pb: 158 ± 29) and water leachates (Fresh: Cu: 106 ± 4, Zn: 126 ± 13; Mature: Cu: 50 ± 0.50, Zn: 118 ± 20). Nevertheless, toxic effects were not observed in monocot, dicot, or aquatic biosensor plants as indicated by radicle and shoot growth and visual quality ratings. Since metal availability in composts is related to their leaching potential, metal speciation studies should be conducted in leachates for the appropriate characterization of industrial composts.
Konstantina Giannopoulou; Christina Zeri; Panagiotis Nektarios; Aikaterini Sakellari; Eythimia Nydrioti; Michael Scoullos. Chemical Evaluation of Compost Produced at a Large Greek Mechanical Biological Treatment Plant: Metal Availability and Phytotoxicity. Compost Science & Utilization 2015, 23, 248 -266.
AMA StyleKonstantina Giannopoulou, Christina Zeri, Panagiotis Nektarios, Aikaterini Sakellari, Eythimia Nydrioti, Michael Scoullos. Chemical Evaluation of Compost Produced at a Large Greek Mechanical Biological Treatment Plant: Metal Availability and Phytotoxicity. Compost Science & Utilization. 2015; 23 (4):248-266.
Chicago/Turabian StyleKonstantina Giannopoulou; Christina Zeri; Panagiotis Nektarios; Aikaterini Sakellari; Eythimia Nydrioti; Michael Scoullos. 2015. "Chemical Evaluation of Compost Produced at a Large Greek Mechanical Biological Treatment Plant: Metal Availability and Phytotoxicity." Compost Science & Utilization 23, no. 4: 248-266.