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Using bioassays for testing seawater quality in Greece.
A Kungolos1, P Samaras, E Koutseris
1Department of Planning and Regional Development, University of Thessaly, Pedion Areos, Volos, Greece.
Summary
Seawater quality in the Northern Aegean Sea was assessed using bioassays. While Thermaikos Gulf showed improvement, Pagassitikos Gulf quality varied, with the Microtox test proving most sensitive to seawater toxicity.
Area of Science:
- Marine Biology
- Environmental Science
- Ecotoxicology
Background:
- Physical and chemical water quality tests alone are insufficient for evaluating aquatic organism impacts.
- Bioassays are crucial for integrated water pollution assessment.
- Marine organisms serve as sensitive indicators of seawater quality.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess seawater quality in Thermaikos Gulf, Pagassitikos Gulf, and Skiathos island.
- To compare the effectiveness of two bioassays in detecting seawater toxicity.
- To evaluate changes in coastal water quality over time.
Main Methods:
- Utilized two bioassays: invertebrate Artemia franciscana and marine bioluminescent bacterium Vibrio fischeri (Microtox test).
- Applied bioassays to assess seawater quality in selected Northern Aegean Sea locations.
- Monitored water quality across different time points between September 1997 and April-May 2000.
Main Results:
- Coastal water quality in Thermaikos Gulf improved from September 1997 to April-May 2000.
- Pagassitikos Gulf's water quality fluctuated, being poor in October 1999 and good in April-May 2000.
- The Microtox test using Vibrio fischeri demonstrated higher sensitivity in detecting seawater toxicity compared to the Artemia franciscana bioassay.
Conclusions:
- Bioassays provide essential data for comprehensive seawater quality assessment.
- Vibrio fischeri (Microtox test) is a more sensitive bioassay for detecting marine environmental toxicity.
- Thermaikos Gulf shows positive water quality trends, while Pagassitikos Gulf requires continued monitoring.