CHROMIUM DISTRIBUTION IN BENTHIC SPECIES FROM A GULF RECEIVING TANNERY WASTES (GULF OF GERAS LESBOS ISLAND, GREECE)

This study deals with the distribution and bioaccumulation of chromium in benthic biota (Posidonia oceanica, Paracentrotus lividus, Ostrea edulis, Pinna nobilis and Pinnotheres pinotheres) collected from the semi-enclosed Geras Gulf (Lesbos island) receiving tannery wastes that contain chromium in order to investigate the chromium levels as well as the effect of tannery wastes on the geographical distribution of chromium around the Gulf. Chromium concentrations, obtained by atomic absorption spectrophotometry, showed that the effect of the tannery on the ambient levels of chromium in the biota was restricted and limited to a distance of 2-3 km. A great variability in chromium concentrations in individuals of the same species was recorded mainly in samples collected in the contaminated stations near the tannery. Chromium concentrations in biota from Geras and Kalloni Gulfs (the second semi-enclosed gulf of Lesbos island) were associated with naturally occurring chromium due to the erosion of surrounding rocks. P. nobilis was selected as an indicator species to study chromium contamination.