A conceptual approach to model sand–gravel extraction from rivers based on a game theory perspective

Sand–gravel mining is a significant parameter of economic development and social welfare function in modern societies. As demand for aggregate increases in construction industry, conflicts for the availability of the resource and environmental impacts become more intense. The present paper describes the contested status quo in riverbed sand–gravel mining activities with an example from Greece, as a case study. The scope is to propose a methodology about good governance of the mining sector that promotes a sustainable sharing of aggregate resource by securing environment and safekeeping revenues in the mining trade market.     

Water Quality Assessment by Ecotoxicological and Chemical Methods in Magnesia,Greece

The fresh- and seawater quality in Magnesia, Greece, was evaluated in this work, using a combination of bioassays and chemical analytical techniques. The crustacean and the invertebrate saline water shrimp Artemia franciscana were used as test species for monitoring the quality of fresh- and seawater samples respectively. Furthermore, chemical analysis was performed in the samples, for the assessment of pollutants loading. In general, both fresh- and seawater toxicity was low, indicating the good environmental conditions in the area. However, two seawater samples and one freshwater sample, presented high toxicity values, which is in agreement with the chemical measurements.