Author(s)

A. Kungolos, P. Samaras, E. Koutseris & G.P. Sakellaropoulos

Abstract

Using bioassays for testing seawater quality in Greece A. Kungolos*, P. Samaras^, E. Koutseris* & G.P. SakellaropouW * Department of Planning and Regional Development and Department of Civil Engineering, University of Thessaly, Volos, Greece ^Chemical Process Engineering Research Institute, Thessaloniki, Greece Abstract The purpose of this study is to show the seawater quality in the Thermaikos Gulf, the Pagassitikos Gulf and Skiathos island in the Northern Aegean Sea. The assessment of coastal water quality presented here is based on two bioassays that use marine organisms as indicators of seawater quality, the invertebrate Artemia franciscana and the marine bioluminescent bacterium Vibrio fischeri. Bioassays are necessary in water pollution evaluations as physical and chemical tests alone are not sufficient to assess potential effects on aquatic organisms. According to our results, there was an improvement in coastal water quality in the Thermaikos Gulf between September 1997 and April-

Keywords