Metal pollution chronology and ecological risk assessment in marine sediments of Perama - Salamina strait, Saronikos gulf, Greece

Three marine sediment cores were studied in terms of lithlogy, organic carbon content and heavy metal concentrations, aiming to address potential pollution loads in the area between Perama (Attica) and the island of Salamina (Saronikos gulf), which has been subjected for many decades to multisource environmental stress. Statistical analysis, combined with 210Pb sediment dating, was used to investigate pollution sources through time. Ecological risk assessment was based on the Enrichment Factor, Geoaccumulation Index, Pollution Loading Index, mean Effect Range Median quotient and potential ecological Risk Index indices. Results revealed that the upper 40 cm sediment layer experience contamination in the following metals: Ag, As, Cd, Cu, Ni, Pb, Sn and Zn, deposited during the past 65 years approximately, under high sedimentation rates and from different metal sources. A slight reduction trend of the heavy metal accumulation into the study area is noted for the most recent years.