Metal levels in sediments and transplanted mussels in Pagassitikos Gulf (Aegean Sea, Eastern Mediterranean)

Metal concentrations were determined in surface sediments and transplanted mussels in a shallow semi-enclosed bay, Pagassitikos Gulf, Aegean Sea. Cu, Zn, Pb, Hg, and As levels in sediments were enriched close to point sources of pollution, i.e., Volos Port and cement plant. Fe, Mn, Cr, and Ni spatial distributions in sediments were rather uniform with increasing concentrations towards deeper sites, suggesting natural enrichment, whereas levels found in the port, although elevated, were not the highest in the study area. Spatial variations in concentrations of most metals in mussels transplanted nearshore were generally in accordance to those in sediments, with the highest Fe, Mn, Cr, Ni, and Cu levels in the port and the highest Hg levels close to the cement plant. Concentrations of metals in sediments and transplanted mussels were comparable to those reported in Mediterranean areas. Results indicate that pollution point sources contribute to anthropogenic metal enrichment in the study area.