Global NEST Journal

https://doi.org/10.30955/gnj.000193

Abstract

The levels and the distribution of metals, hydrocarbons and organochlorine compounds were studied
in mussels (Mytilus galloprovincialis) and surface sediments collected from Thermaikos gulf in March
1999. Hydrocarbon values were indicative of moderate pollution, whereas in some cases clear evidence
for the presence of petroleum residues was found. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon, DDTs, PCBs and
metal concentrations were low, but clearly higher than those measured in the same area during the previous
years. Different spatial distribution patterns were observed between organic and inorganic contaminants
bioaccumulated in mussels and between sediment and mussel values. In all cases the contaminant
concentrations in mussels were well below the permissible limits for consuming seafood.

The ways to prevent formation of water-soluble fluorine compounds when producing phosphate fertilizers

Molchanov P.A., Denanov G.A., Podobna Y.Y. and Korniychuk T.K., Pages:185-188

DOI:

Paper Topic:

General

Issue:

https://doi.org/10.30955/gnj.000282

Abstract

Natural phosphate raw materials contain up to 3.5% of fluorine. In reprocessing natural phosphate raw
material 30 - 100 % of fluorine emits into the environment as toxic compounds. The acid is used for
decomposing the carbon dioxides that are contained in raw materials. The way and technology of
obtaining the phosphate fertilizer has been offered. This technology provides for using the carbonic
acid instead of strong acids. Thus, it is possible to exclude formation of water - soluble fluorine toxic
compounds and use of the acid for decomposing carbon dioxide.

The Distribution of Copper in Saronicos Gulf after the Operation of the Wastewater Treatment Plant of Psitalia

Dassenakis Μ., Scoullos Μ., Rapti K., Pavlidou A., Tsorova D. and Paraskevopoulou V., Pages:135-145

DOI:

Paper Topic:

General

Issue:

https://doi.org/10.30955/gnj.000198

Abstract

The establishment of the Wastewater Treatment Plant of Athens is considered as the main factor contributing
to the improvement of water quality and recovery of the marine ecosystem in Saronicos gulf
as it removes significant percentage of pollutants entering the gulf, including heavy metals.
The comparison of concentrations of dissolved and particulate copper during 1993, 1994 (before the
operation of the plant) and 1998, 1999 and 2000 (after the beginning of the operation) revealed that
some changes in the distribution of copper occurred because of this major change concerning the pollution
sources of the gulf.
The effects are both direct, like the increased concentrations in the sediments near Psitalia and the
slight decrease of mean values of dissolved copper and indirect, associated with the decrease of dissolved
oxygen in the deep water of the western basin, i.e. the decrease of dissolved copper in this layer
and the increase of copper concentrations in surface sediments.
The general conclusion of this study is that the overall picture of copper pollution of the gulf has differentiated
but not radically changed.

Using GAC to Control THMs in drinking water, an experimental study at the Athens Water Works and an economic evaluation of the method

Koumenides K., Lekkas D.F. and Xylourgidis N., Pages:189-197

DOI:

Paper Topic:

General

Issue:

https://doi.org/10.30955/gnj.000227

Abstract

An experimental study has been carried out in an attempt to verify the efficiency of GAC (granular
activated carbon) in removing THMs (trihalomethanes), and in particular CHCl3, CHCl2Br, CHClBr2
and CHBr3 from drinking water.
The experiments have been conducted at a pilot scale filtering plant that was set up for the purpose, at
the Athens Water Authority, at Galatsi.
This paper reports on the experimental procedure, the sampling technique, the analytical method used,
the overall efficiency of the approach and finally also draws some first conclusions as to the economic
justification of the method, in order to provide some insight on the additional costs of a possible fullscale
use of the method.

Water demand and supply analysis using a spatial decision support system

Manoli E., Arampatzis G., Pissias Ev., Xenos D. and Assimacopoulos D., Pages:199-209

DOI:

Paper Topic:

General

Issue:

https://doi.org/10.30955/gnj.000229

Abstract

A prototype Spatial Decision Support System for the evaluation of water demand and supply management
schemes is presented. The water basin is topologically mapped to a network of spatial objects representing
the physical entities and their connections. Several GIS functions, which include data
input/update, network derivation from the basin map and network building/modification are incorporated.
The tool integrates suitable models for demand site requirements calculation and water allocation.
Alternative scenarios can be constructed, trends and interactions of the complex water system can
be analysed, strategies to solve water allocation conflicts can be evaluated and necessary infrastructure
interventions can be planned in advance in order to meet water needs. The tool is demonstrated
through a case study, involving the current situation and future policies for a typical Greek island.

An environmental database for the status of freshwater in Greece

Tsouni A., Zervos N., Hadjibiros K. and Andreadakis A., Pages:1-14

DOI:

Paper Topic:

General

Issue:

https://doi.org/10.30955/gnj.000208

Abstract

An environmental database has been created, recording water bodies at a national level and assembling
relevant data collected by various public services and institutions in charge of water resources
management and research in Greece. Data consists of physico-chemical parameters, geomorphological
descriptions, inventories of fauna and flora species, environmental pressures, vulnerability evaluation
and other information useful for the assessment of current and future ecological status. Data
gathering has proven to be a challenging task, due to the large number and the generally small size of
the surface freshwater bodies as well as the numerous competent services and institutions and the
multiple and sometimes conflicting responsibilities that therefore result. The latter is also partly the
cause of lack of continuity of data, gaps or sometimes questionable reliability. Performing a global
data overview, we note that (a) ecological status can be characterized as good for the majority of the
sites, especially for small mountain streams, and (b) the general trend in most cases is degradation of
current conditions, related either to anthropogenic pressures or to human activity combined with
natural factors. This database, in a more completed and enriched form, could assist in the implementation
of 2000/60/EC Directive in Greece and the establishment of reference conditions of surface
freshwater systems.

ENVIRON: Environmental Impacts from Advanced Communications - Evidence from an Input-Output Theory

Bonazountas M., Panethimitakis A. and Kallidromitou D., Pages:15-28

DOI:

Paper Topic:

General

Issue:

https://doi.org/10.30955/gnj.000226

Abstract

The ENVIRON model estimates environmental impacts (positive, negative) from the introduction and
use of Advanced Communications (AC); Information Society Technologies (IST) in industrial, commercial
and business sectors in Greece. The model estimates effects on output, employment, income,
environment and energy requirements. It is based on the: (i) Leontief Input-Output theory-analysis,
(ii) Introduction of AC/IST and in particular of the Telematics as a new sector into the economic system
of a country, and (iii) Incorporation of pollution emission factors into the system.
The types of AC represented are grouped into six categories: access to information systems, electronic
transactions, robotics and tele-action, tele-working, mobile communications and video facilities.
Industry sectors considered are transport, business and services, public and domestic.
The application of ENVIRON indicates that the introduction of AC into the production process will
result into a 15.8% decrease of energy consumption, a reduction of 14.32-10.14% in SO2, and it will
have strong positive effects on the economic system of Greece especially on profits related to environmental
protection. The model demonstrates the use of the Leontief Input-Output analysis in environmental
impacts analysis matters and policy.

Hydrochemical and Ecological Quality Assessment of a Mediterranean River System

Skoulikidis N.Th., Gritzalis K. and Kauvarda Th., Pages:29-40

DOI:

Paper Topic:

General

Issue:

https://doi.org/10.30955/gnj.000223

Abstract

In order to explore the complex interrelations among the factors and processes that determine a rivers’
hydrochemical and biological quality, statistical techniques were applied to a variety of hydrochemical,
petrologic, biological, habitat, hydrological and morphologic data from 16 sites of the upper-part of the
Aliakmon river. Catchment morphology and geology control both, aquatic and biological quality, the latter
is mainly governed by substrate composition. The principal processes that control aquatic quality are:
a) baseflow contribution in river flow b) in-stream biological activity and pollution c) weathering of mafic
silicates. Using a Nutrient Pollution Metric (which has been developed), a hydrochemical quality classification
has been performed. Furthermore, a methodology, based on benthic macroinvertebrates and
aquatic quality, for the assessment of the ecological quality of running waters is presented.

Spatial prediction of two soil properties using topographic information

Kalivas D.P., Triantakonstantis D.P. and Kollias V.J., Pages:41-49

DOI:

Paper Topic:

General

Issue: