Ecological state of the inner Saronikos Gulf prior to the operation of the Athens sea outfall

Abstract

Prior to spring 1993, most domestic and industrial wastewater connected to and served by the sewerage systems with in the Greater Athens area were discharged untreated to the head of Saronikos Gulf, at Keratsini. This discharge, which had been in use for >30 yr, has had a major impact on the ecology of the Gulf. The new major Athens Sea Outfall became operational in spring 1993. To monitor ecological changes, monthly oceanographic surveys (physical, chemical, biological) took place in 1989-1990. This paper assesses the pre-operational ecological quality of the area in the vicinity of the discharge in order to establish baselines for future reference. -from Author