H. Papaefthymiou - Academia.edu (original) (raw)
Papers by H. Papaefthymiou
Journal of African Earth Sciences, 2019
This is a PDF file of an article that has undergone enhancements after acceptance, such as the ad... more This is a PDF file of an article that has undergone enhancements after acceptance, such as the addition of a cover page and metadata, and formatting for readability, but it is not yet the definitive version of record. This version will undergo additional copyediting, typesetting and review before it is published in its final form, but we are providing this version to give early visibility of the article. Please note that, during the production process, errors may be discovered which could affect the content, and all legal disclaimers that apply to the journal pertain.
Journal of Radioanalytical and Nuclear Chemistry, 2006
ABSTRACT Four different bottled water brands sold in Greece in the winter of 2001-2002 were analy... more ABSTRACT Four different bottled water brands sold in Greece in the winter of 2001-2002 were analyzed for a wide range of chemical elements, using neutron activation analysis (NAA). The elements Na and Br were determined instrumentally (INAA), whereas the other metals and trace elements radiochemically (RNAA). The results indicated that the mean level of all the elements determined in the samples were well within the European Union (EU) directive on drinking water and accomplish the drinking water standards of the World Health Organisation (WHO) as well as of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Radiation Effects, 1985
ABSTRACT
Journal of Radioanalytical and Nuclear Chemistry, 2007
Measurements of indoor radon (Rn) concentrations were carried out by using LR-115 II solid state ... more Measurements of indoor radon (Rn) concentrations were carried out by using LR-115 II solid state nuclear track detectors (SSNTD). One hundred forty detectors were placed randomly in Patras houses for two periods of three months exposure, from December 1996 to November 1997. The observed mean radon values compared with the standard recommended values are low, while the maximum recorded value is found to be within the limits. The influence of seasonal variation as well the distance from the ground on radon level were also investigated.
Journal of Radioanalytical and Nuclear Chemistry
The levels and depth distributions of the natural radionuclides 238U, 232Th, 226Ra, 40K and the m... more The levels and depth distributions of the natural radionuclides 238U, 232Th, 226Ra, 40K and the man-made 137Cs were analyzed by γ-ray spectrometry, while the concentrations of 26 chemical elements were measured by INAA in sediment samples collected from the organic mud layer that covers the Keratsini–Psitalia strait, Saronikos gulf (Greece). The average activity concentration values of 226Ra, 232Th and 40K were lower when compared, whereas that of 238U was comparable to the average Greek and world values. The elemental contamination of the sediments was estimated on the basis of the calculated EF values. The results revealed high EF values of As, Br, Cr, Ni, Sb, Se, Zn ranging from 160 for Br to 10 for Cr, whose main sources are probable related to contaminated sewage outfall from the area of Athens and the Piraeus Harbour.
International Journal of …, 2009
The present study aims to elucidate the depositional environment of Seam I in the Megalopolis Bas... more The present study aims to elucidate the depositional environment of Seam I in the Megalopolis Basin, Southern Greece, using existing geological data supported by maceral and mineralogical analyses, as well as by natural radioactivity determinations. Very high pyrite and uranium ...
Radiation Effects
ABSTRACT
Bulletin of the Geological Society of Greece
The Corinth rift is counted among the most active tectonic grabens in the world, with extension r... more The Corinth rift is counted among the most active tectonic grabens in the world, with extension rates up to 15 mm/yr (Western part). These high extension rates are associated with very strong seismic events that are, occasionally, responsible for submarine mass movements. These movements, their consequential bottom currents, and the differential river-discharging sediment accumulation in the whole gulf, strongly affect the modern marine sedimentary processes. The definition and understanding of these processes is the main aim of this project. This is attempted through via sedimentological, mineral and geochemical analyses on sediment samples from two ~1.1 m long, sediment cores from a WE submarine canyon (10 km long, 3 km wide) that lies in the Western tip of the gulf. The general sedimentation motif reveals the presence of hemipelagic deposits which are occasionally interrupted by sandy turbidites. Occasionally, these turbidites seem to have seismic origin. The sedimentation rates ...
Radioprotection, 2005
An aluminum processing plant, which is located at the Antikyra Bay, at the northern margin of Cor... more An aluminum processing plant, which is located at the Antikyra Bay, at the northern margin of Corinth Gulf, is producing a high radioactive contamination in the marine environment, due to the discharge of bauxitic red mud tailings. The levels and the distribution of 238 U, 232 Th, 226 Ra, 40 K and 137 Cs in marine sediments of the area have been determined. The results indicate that the seafloor of Antikyra bay and the basin of Gulf of Corinth are highly contaminated with 238 U, 232 Th and 226 Ra. On the contrary, the red mud tailings induce depletion to the 40 K and 137 Cs concentrations in the area.
ABSTRACT Natural radionuclides and 137 Cs activity concentrations were measured in marine sedimen... more ABSTRACT Natural radionuclides and 137 Cs activity concentrations were measured in marine sediments collected from the most representative areas of Patras and Corinth Gulfs. Their regional distributions depend on geological, geochemical and anthropogenic (mining activities) factors. Introduction -The total amount of radionuclides and 137 Cs in the marine sediments depends on many geological, geochemical, biological and an-thropogenic factors and processes such as the geology of the surrounding land, mineral composition, content of organic matter, sedimentation rate, resuspension, texture of the sediment, etc. In this paper the 238 U, 232 Th, 226 Ra, 40 K and 137 Cs specific activities in the marine sediments of Pa-tras and Corinth Gulfs and their possible relation to the above mentioned factors and processes are presented. Study area -The Gulfs of Patras and Corinth represent a continuous system of WNW-ESE trending basins in the Central Greece. Sampling stations were chosen to cover the most representative areas of the two gulfs as detailed below: (i) Antikyra Bay (ANT): Located at the northern margin of the Gulf of Corinth. This region has been extensively sampled and investigated in previous years [1], as an aluminum processing plant (ALUMINIO HELLAS) discharges bauxitic red mud tailings into this Bay. The discharged red mud tailings have resulted in the formation of a surface layer which covers the seafloor. It should be noted that the baux-ites usually contain significant amounts of uranium and thorium as result of their formation. (ii) Galaxidi (GAL) and Kirra (KIR) coastal areas are located at the Itea Bay at the northern margin of the Gulf of Corinth. (iii) Eratini Bay (ERA) and Ag. Pantes (AGP) coastal areas are also situated at the northern margin of the Gulf of Corinth. ERA 5 and 6 sampling points are located in the vicinity of the submarine fan delta of the Eratini seasonal river. (iv) Basin of the Gulf of Corinth (CORBAS): a reference sampling point for background levels which is located at the central basin of the Gulf at a water depth of 850m. (v) Messolonghi Lagoon (MES) is located in the northern coast of the Patras Gulf and constitutes the southernmost part of the Messolonghi-Aetoliko lagoon complex, which is the most extended lagoon system in Greece. This complex is part of the same water course in the drainage basin of the Acheloos and Evinos rivers. The northern part of the drainage basin was heavily contaminated by the Chernobyl fallout. (vi) The Patras harbour (PATH) is located at (in) the southeastern coast of the Gulf of Patras. The Patras harbour due to its vicinity to Patras city (200.000 citizens), is contaminated with respect to harbour and urban activities. (vii) Basin of the Patras Gulf (PATBAS): a reference sampling point for background levels which is located at the basin of the Gulf in a water depth of 95m. Materials and Methods -Sediments were sampled using a 50x50x50cm box corer, a 3.0 m long gravity corer and a Day grab. The uppermost 2cm of all cores were subjected to a direct γ-ray spectrometry for specific activity measurements of 238 U, 232 Th, 226 Ra, 40 K and 137 Cs using a HPGe detector. Results and Discussion -The activities of 238 U, 232 Th, 226 Ra, 40 K and 137 Cs are shown in Table 1. The 238 U, 232 Th, 226 Ra and 40 K obtain
Radiation Measurements, 2010
This work presents indoor radon measurements in 42 dwellings in the city of Megalopolis, Southern... more This work presents indoor radon measurements in 42 dwellings in the city of Megalopolis, Southern Greece, located in the vicinity of 2 lignite-fired power plants and examines the effect of season, floor level and age of the dwellings on indoor radon concentration. The radon measurements have been carried out using the LR-115, type II and CR-39 alpha track detectors in "closed-can" geometry. The average annual indoor radon concentration (GM) was found to be 52 Bq m À3 , which is well below the recommended action level of the European Union. This value corresponds to an annual effective dose to the population of 1.3 AE 0.4 mSv. Season and age of the examined dwellings represent factors that affected significantly the indoor radon in Megalopolis, while the effect of floor level appeared to be not significant. Radium activity concentration values, measured by gray spectrometry in 20 sub-samples of six soil cores (60e135 cm depth), collected from the surrounding area of the city, were found to be consistent with the Greek and world average values. Based on the results of this study, it is concluded that the effect of the lignite-fired power plants on indoor radon concentration in Megalopolis' dwellings was not significant.
Radiation Protection Dosimetry, 2013
Twenty soil profile samples and fourteen surface soil samples collected from the vicinity of the ... more Twenty soil profile samples and fourteen surface soil samples collected from the vicinity of the lignite-fired power plants in the Megalopolis basin (Greece) were analysed for their natural radionuclide concentration and (137)Cs, since fossil fuels are associated with naturally occurring radioactive materials and hence with radiological impact. No significant enhancement of surface soil radioactivity levels in the vicinity of lignite-fired plants was observed. A downcore decreasing trend of (137)Cs was observed in a number of cores reflecting its atmospheric origin, whereas the uniform distribution observed in a number of other cores gave information on the mechanical alteration of the soil. The average dose rate value was found to be 63 ± 22 nGy h(-1), while the annual average effective dose from the terrestrial gamma radiation was found to be 0.08 ± 0.03 mSv.
Radiation Protection Dosimetry, 2008
Measurements of (226)Ra, (232)Th and (40)K activity concentrations in commercial granite tiles im... more Measurements of (226)Ra, (232)Th and (40)K activity concentrations in commercial granite tiles imported in Greece were performed using gamma-ray spectrometry. The activity concentration of (226)Ra, (232)Th and (40)K ranged from 1 to 434, 2 to 239 and 71 to 1576 Bq kg(-1), respectively. The calculated activity concentration index (I) values for all granite samples examined were found to be within the EC limit values for superficial and other materials with restricted use.
Radiation Protection Dosimetry, 2011
The activity concentrations of the natural radionuclides (238)U, (226)Ra, (232)Th and (40)K were ... more The activity concentrations of the natural radionuclides (238)U, (226)Ra, (232)Th and (40)K were measured in soil samples collected from the Patras-Rion sub-basins (Southern Greece) and were found to be 28, 27, 30 and 483 Bq kg(-1), respectively. These values compare well with the average Greek and worldwide values for crustal soil and sedimentary rocks. The mean (226)Ra/(238)U activity ratio was close to 1, implying secular radioactive equilibrium in the uranium series. All soil samples have Ra(eq) values lower than the limit of 370 Bq kg(-1), indicating their safe use in brick production. The average annual terrestrial absorbed dose rate in air was 51±14 nGy h(-1), and the average annual effective dose 0.06±0.02 mSv y(-1), which is consistent with the average worldwide exposure to external terrestrial radiation outdoors (0.07 mSv y(-1)). Non-significant differences between soils with different age and depositional environments were found, which could be attributed to a common source of sediments.
Radiation Effects and Defects in Solids, 1990
ABSTRACT
Microchemical Journal, 2010
Twenty marine sediment samples, selected downcore from six sediment cores, which were retrieved f... more Twenty marine sediment samples, selected downcore from six sediment cores, which were retrieved from the Patras Harbour, were studied for their elemental composition using three analytical techniques: INAA, ICP-MS and AAS. Standard reference materials were used to verify the accuracy of the analysis techniques. In total, the concentrations of 30 major, minor and trace elements were measured. The vertical distribution of most elements in the examined cores could be characterized as relatively uniform. The eastern part of the harbour seems to be more polluted in respect to some elements (Ag, Br, Cd, Cr, Cu, Pb and Zn) compared to the western one. The concentrations of a number of elements (As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb and Zn) determined in the sediment samples of the present work are discussed regarding to those obtained from other harbours in the world and compared against sediment quality guidelines (SQGs) to assess the ecotoxicological significance of the sediment contaminants to benthic biota.
Journal of Radioanalytical and Nuclear Chemistry, 2008
ABSTRACT Bulk deposition samples were collected on a monthly basis in Megalopolis city, located n... more ABSTRACT Bulk deposition samples were collected on a monthly basis in Megalopolis city, located near lignite power plants. A total of 23 elements (As, Br, Ca, Ce, Co, Cr, Cs, Eu, Fe, Hf, La, Mo, Na, Rb, Sb, Sc, Se, Ta, Tb, Th, U, Yb, Zn) were detected in the collected samples using INAA. The coal burning marker elements As and Se were found enriched in the collected samples together with Mo, Br, Sb, U and Zn. Factor analysis permitted the identification of four sources: re-suspended soil/road dust, lignite power plant, sea spray and traffic emissions. A wind direction effect on deposition rates of all elements (except rates of Na, Rb, Sb and Zn) was also found.
Journal of Radioanalytical and Nuclear Chemistry, 2011
Page 1. A comparison between INAA and ICP-MS for the determination of element concentrations in m... more Page 1. A comparison between INAA and ICP-MS for the determination of element concentrations in marine sediments H. Papaefthymiou G. Papatheodorou Received: 4 February 2011 Ó Akadémiai Kiadó, Budapest, Hungary 2011 ...
Journal of African Earth Sciences, 2019
This is a PDF file of an article that has undergone enhancements after acceptance, such as the ad... more This is a PDF file of an article that has undergone enhancements after acceptance, such as the addition of a cover page and metadata, and formatting for readability, but it is not yet the definitive version of record. This version will undergo additional copyediting, typesetting and review before it is published in its final form, but we are providing this version to give early visibility of the article. Please note that, during the production process, errors may be discovered which could affect the content, and all legal disclaimers that apply to the journal pertain.
Journal of Radioanalytical and Nuclear Chemistry, 2006
ABSTRACT Four different bottled water brands sold in Greece in the winter of 2001-2002 were analy... more ABSTRACT Four different bottled water brands sold in Greece in the winter of 2001-2002 were analyzed for a wide range of chemical elements, using neutron activation analysis (NAA). The elements Na and Br were determined instrumentally (INAA), whereas the other metals and trace elements radiochemically (RNAA). The results indicated that the mean level of all the elements determined in the samples were well within the European Union (EU) directive on drinking water and accomplish the drinking water standards of the World Health Organisation (WHO) as well as of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Radiation Effects, 1985
ABSTRACT
Journal of Radioanalytical and Nuclear Chemistry, 2007
Measurements of indoor radon (Rn) concentrations were carried out by using LR-115 II solid state ... more Measurements of indoor radon (Rn) concentrations were carried out by using LR-115 II solid state nuclear track detectors (SSNTD). One hundred forty detectors were placed randomly in Patras houses for two periods of three months exposure, from December 1996 to November 1997. The observed mean radon values compared with the standard recommended values are low, while the maximum recorded value is found to be within the limits. The influence of seasonal variation as well the distance from the ground on radon level were also investigated.
Journal of Radioanalytical and Nuclear Chemistry
The levels and depth distributions of the natural radionuclides 238U, 232Th, 226Ra, 40K and the m... more The levels and depth distributions of the natural radionuclides 238U, 232Th, 226Ra, 40K and the man-made 137Cs were analyzed by γ-ray spectrometry, while the concentrations of 26 chemical elements were measured by INAA in sediment samples collected from the organic mud layer that covers the Keratsini–Psitalia strait, Saronikos gulf (Greece). The average activity concentration values of 226Ra, 232Th and 40K were lower when compared, whereas that of 238U was comparable to the average Greek and world values. The elemental contamination of the sediments was estimated on the basis of the calculated EF values. The results revealed high EF values of As, Br, Cr, Ni, Sb, Se, Zn ranging from 160 for Br to 10 for Cr, whose main sources are probable related to contaminated sewage outfall from the area of Athens and the Piraeus Harbour.
International Journal of …, 2009
The present study aims to elucidate the depositional environment of Seam I in the Megalopolis Bas... more The present study aims to elucidate the depositional environment of Seam I in the Megalopolis Basin, Southern Greece, using existing geological data supported by maceral and mineralogical analyses, as well as by natural radioactivity determinations. Very high pyrite and uranium ...
Radiation Effects
ABSTRACT
Bulletin of the Geological Society of Greece
The Corinth rift is counted among the most active tectonic grabens in the world, with extension r... more The Corinth rift is counted among the most active tectonic grabens in the world, with extension rates up to 15 mm/yr (Western part). These high extension rates are associated with very strong seismic events that are, occasionally, responsible for submarine mass movements. These movements, their consequential bottom currents, and the differential river-discharging sediment accumulation in the whole gulf, strongly affect the modern marine sedimentary processes. The definition and understanding of these processes is the main aim of this project. This is attempted through via sedimentological, mineral and geochemical analyses on sediment samples from two ~1.1 m long, sediment cores from a WE submarine canyon (10 km long, 3 km wide) that lies in the Western tip of the gulf. The general sedimentation motif reveals the presence of hemipelagic deposits which are occasionally interrupted by sandy turbidites. Occasionally, these turbidites seem to have seismic origin. The sedimentation rates ...
Radioprotection, 2005
An aluminum processing plant, which is located at the Antikyra Bay, at the northern margin of Cor... more An aluminum processing plant, which is located at the Antikyra Bay, at the northern margin of Corinth Gulf, is producing a high radioactive contamination in the marine environment, due to the discharge of bauxitic red mud tailings. The levels and the distribution of 238 U, 232 Th, 226 Ra, 40 K and 137 Cs in marine sediments of the area have been determined. The results indicate that the seafloor of Antikyra bay and the basin of Gulf of Corinth are highly contaminated with 238 U, 232 Th and 226 Ra. On the contrary, the red mud tailings induce depletion to the 40 K and 137 Cs concentrations in the area.
ABSTRACT Natural radionuclides and 137 Cs activity concentrations were measured in marine sedimen... more ABSTRACT Natural radionuclides and 137 Cs activity concentrations were measured in marine sediments collected from the most representative areas of Patras and Corinth Gulfs. Their regional distributions depend on geological, geochemical and anthropogenic (mining activities) factors. Introduction -The total amount of radionuclides and 137 Cs in the marine sediments depends on many geological, geochemical, biological and an-thropogenic factors and processes such as the geology of the surrounding land, mineral composition, content of organic matter, sedimentation rate, resuspension, texture of the sediment, etc. In this paper the 238 U, 232 Th, 226 Ra, 40 K and 137 Cs specific activities in the marine sediments of Pa-tras and Corinth Gulfs and their possible relation to the above mentioned factors and processes are presented. Study area -The Gulfs of Patras and Corinth represent a continuous system of WNW-ESE trending basins in the Central Greece. Sampling stations were chosen to cover the most representative areas of the two gulfs as detailed below: (i) Antikyra Bay (ANT): Located at the northern margin of the Gulf of Corinth. This region has been extensively sampled and investigated in previous years [1], as an aluminum processing plant (ALUMINIO HELLAS) discharges bauxitic red mud tailings into this Bay. The discharged red mud tailings have resulted in the formation of a surface layer which covers the seafloor. It should be noted that the baux-ites usually contain significant amounts of uranium and thorium as result of their formation. (ii) Galaxidi (GAL) and Kirra (KIR) coastal areas are located at the Itea Bay at the northern margin of the Gulf of Corinth. (iii) Eratini Bay (ERA) and Ag. Pantes (AGP) coastal areas are also situated at the northern margin of the Gulf of Corinth. ERA 5 and 6 sampling points are located in the vicinity of the submarine fan delta of the Eratini seasonal river. (iv) Basin of the Gulf of Corinth (CORBAS): a reference sampling point for background levels which is located at the central basin of the Gulf at a water depth of 850m. (v) Messolonghi Lagoon (MES) is located in the northern coast of the Patras Gulf and constitutes the southernmost part of the Messolonghi-Aetoliko lagoon complex, which is the most extended lagoon system in Greece. This complex is part of the same water course in the drainage basin of the Acheloos and Evinos rivers. The northern part of the drainage basin was heavily contaminated by the Chernobyl fallout. (vi) The Patras harbour (PATH) is located at (in) the southeastern coast of the Gulf of Patras. The Patras harbour due to its vicinity to Patras city (200.000 citizens), is contaminated with respect to harbour and urban activities. (vii) Basin of the Patras Gulf (PATBAS): a reference sampling point for background levels which is located at the basin of the Gulf in a water depth of 95m. Materials and Methods -Sediments were sampled using a 50x50x50cm box corer, a 3.0 m long gravity corer and a Day grab. The uppermost 2cm of all cores were subjected to a direct γ-ray spectrometry for specific activity measurements of 238 U, 232 Th, 226 Ra, 40 K and 137 Cs using a HPGe detector. Results and Discussion -The activities of 238 U, 232 Th, 226 Ra, 40 K and 137 Cs are shown in Table 1. The 238 U, 232 Th, 226 Ra and 40 K obtain
Radiation Measurements, 2010
This work presents indoor radon measurements in 42 dwellings in the city of Megalopolis, Southern... more This work presents indoor radon measurements in 42 dwellings in the city of Megalopolis, Southern Greece, located in the vicinity of 2 lignite-fired power plants and examines the effect of season, floor level and age of the dwellings on indoor radon concentration. The radon measurements have been carried out using the LR-115, type II and CR-39 alpha track detectors in "closed-can" geometry. The average annual indoor radon concentration (GM) was found to be 52 Bq m À3 , which is well below the recommended action level of the European Union. This value corresponds to an annual effective dose to the population of 1.3 AE 0.4 mSv. Season and age of the examined dwellings represent factors that affected significantly the indoor radon in Megalopolis, while the effect of floor level appeared to be not significant. Radium activity concentration values, measured by gray spectrometry in 20 sub-samples of six soil cores (60e135 cm depth), collected from the surrounding area of the city, were found to be consistent with the Greek and world average values. Based on the results of this study, it is concluded that the effect of the lignite-fired power plants on indoor radon concentration in Megalopolis' dwellings was not significant.
Radiation Protection Dosimetry, 2013
Twenty soil profile samples and fourteen surface soil samples collected from the vicinity of the ... more Twenty soil profile samples and fourteen surface soil samples collected from the vicinity of the lignite-fired power plants in the Megalopolis basin (Greece) were analysed for their natural radionuclide concentration and (137)Cs, since fossil fuels are associated with naturally occurring radioactive materials and hence with radiological impact. No significant enhancement of surface soil radioactivity levels in the vicinity of lignite-fired plants was observed. A downcore decreasing trend of (137)Cs was observed in a number of cores reflecting its atmospheric origin, whereas the uniform distribution observed in a number of other cores gave information on the mechanical alteration of the soil. The average dose rate value was found to be 63 ± 22 nGy h(-1), while the annual average effective dose from the terrestrial gamma radiation was found to be 0.08 ± 0.03 mSv.
Radiation Protection Dosimetry, 2008
Measurements of (226)Ra, (232)Th and (40)K activity concentrations in commercial granite tiles im... more Measurements of (226)Ra, (232)Th and (40)K activity concentrations in commercial granite tiles imported in Greece were performed using gamma-ray spectrometry. The activity concentration of (226)Ra, (232)Th and (40)K ranged from 1 to 434, 2 to 239 and 71 to 1576 Bq kg(-1), respectively. The calculated activity concentration index (I) values for all granite samples examined were found to be within the EC limit values for superficial and other materials with restricted use.
Radiation Protection Dosimetry, 2011
The activity concentrations of the natural radionuclides (238)U, (226)Ra, (232)Th and (40)K were ... more The activity concentrations of the natural radionuclides (238)U, (226)Ra, (232)Th and (40)K were measured in soil samples collected from the Patras-Rion sub-basins (Southern Greece) and were found to be 28, 27, 30 and 483 Bq kg(-1), respectively. These values compare well with the average Greek and worldwide values for crustal soil and sedimentary rocks. The mean (226)Ra/(238)U activity ratio was close to 1, implying secular radioactive equilibrium in the uranium series. All soil samples have Ra(eq) values lower than the limit of 370 Bq kg(-1), indicating their safe use in brick production. The average annual terrestrial absorbed dose rate in air was 51±14 nGy h(-1), and the average annual effective dose 0.06±0.02 mSv y(-1), which is consistent with the average worldwide exposure to external terrestrial radiation outdoors (0.07 mSv y(-1)). Non-significant differences between soils with different age and depositional environments were found, which could be attributed to a common source of sediments.
Radiation Effects and Defects in Solids, 1990
ABSTRACT
Microchemical Journal, 2010
Twenty marine sediment samples, selected downcore from six sediment cores, which were retrieved f... more Twenty marine sediment samples, selected downcore from six sediment cores, which were retrieved from the Patras Harbour, were studied for their elemental composition using three analytical techniques: INAA, ICP-MS and AAS. Standard reference materials were used to verify the accuracy of the analysis techniques. In total, the concentrations of 30 major, minor and trace elements were measured. The vertical distribution of most elements in the examined cores could be characterized as relatively uniform. The eastern part of the harbour seems to be more polluted in respect to some elements (Ag, Br, Cd, Cr, Cu, Pb and Zn) compared to the western one. The concentrations of a number of elements (As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb and Zn) determined in the sediment samples of the present work are discussed regarding to those obtained from other harbours in the world and compared against sediment quality guidelines (SQGs) to assess the ecotoxicological significance of the sediment contaminants to benthic biota.
Journal of Radioanalytical and Nuclear Chemistry, 2008
ABSTRACT Bulk deposition samples were collected on a monthly basis in Megalopolis city, located n... more ABSTRACT Bulk deposition samples were collected on a monthly basis in Megalopolis city, located near lignite power plants. A total of 23 elements (As, Br, Ca, Ce, Co, Cr, Cs, Eu, Fe, Hf, La, Mo, Na, Rb, Sb, Sc, Se, Ta, Tb, Th, U, Yb, Zn) were detected in the collected samples using INAA. The coal burning marker elements As and Se were found enriched in the collected samples together with Mo, Br, Sb, U and Zn. Factor analysis permitted the identification of four sources: re-suspended soil/road dust, lignite power plant, sea spray and traffic emissions. A wind direction effect on deposition rates of all elements (except rates of Na, Rb, Sb and Zn) was also found.
Journal of Radioanalytical and Nuclear Chemistry, 2011
Page 1. A comparison between INAA and ICP-MS for the determination of element concentrations in m... more Page 1. A comparison between INAA and ICP-MS for the determination of element concentrations in marine sediments H. Papaefthymiou G. Papatheodorou Received: 4 February 2011 Ó Akadémiai Kiadó, Budapest, Hungary 2011 ...