Northwestern Greece Research Articles

Length–weight relations of seven native fish species (Actinopterygii) from the Louros River, Greece

Length–weight relations were estimated for 7 native fish species of the Louros River in north-western Greece, 6 of them being endemic to the Ionian Sea ecoregion. The b values ranged from 3.05 to 3.21. Five species, namely Cobitis hellenica Economidis et Nalbant, 1996; Pelasgus thesproticus (Stephanidis, 1939); Gasterosteus gymnurus Cuvier, 1829; Economidichthys pygmaeus (Holly, 1929); and Valencia letourneuxi (Sauvage, 1880) displayed an isometric growth pattern (b = 3) while the remaining two species—Salmo lourosensis Delling, 2011 and Telestes pleurobipunctatus (Stephanidis, 1939)—showed a positive allometric growth (b > 3). New maximum lengths are given for three species. Moreover, this study constitutes the first world report on the length–weight relations for 5 species and the first report for the Ionian Sea ecoregion for two other species.

Residues of Selected Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCB) and Organochlorine Pesticides (OCP) in Postmortem Lungs From Epirus, Northwestern Greece

Organochlorine (OC) pesticides and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB) are compounds characterized as persistent organic pollutants (POP) in the environment. These compounds are monitored globally since they enter the human body and accumulate in tissues, resulting in consequent adverse effects. In this study concentrations of selected OC compounds were determined in human autopsy lungs from Epirus, a relatively restricted region in northwestern Greece. This is the first epidemiologic study from Greece reporting on monitoring of environmental pollutants in human autopsy material. Thirty lungs collected from that number of autopsy cases were analyzed: 19 males and 11 females. The age range was 14–91 yr (mean ± SD = 61.8 ± 22.5 yr). Twenty-two cases (73%) were positive for at least one pollutant and eight cases were negative (27%). PCB were the most abundant class of contaminants, detected in 15 out of the 30 cases (50%). Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) and hexachlorocyclohexanes (HCH) were second and third in abundance with 9 (30%) and 8 (27%) positive cases, respectively. The frequency of detection showed a tendency to increase with age of individuals. The patterns of OC found in human autopsy lungs were similar to those reported previously for other human specimens. Our results demonstrated a similar trend in contamination sources and distribution has occurred in western Greece as noted globally.

Erratum to: Development and validation of a novel-based combination operational air quality forecasting system in Greece

In the present work, a model combination is developed in order to provide the public, in north-western Greece, with the next day air quality forecast. Generally, the development and deployment of a real-time numerical air quality prediction system is technically challenging while even more in complex terrain. The Air Pollution Model (TAPM) ( http://www.cmar.csiro.au/research/tapm ) is a hydrostatic prognostic mesoscale model. It has been calibrated for the area in recent studies and used in air quality assessments. In 2007, TAPM has started operating in a real-time operational mode for the prediction of next day’s weather forecast, particulate matter (PM10 with an aerodynamic diameter <10 μm) daily average concentration and Air Pollution Indexes. The model setup is a link up between TAPM and SKIRON modeling system ( http://forecast.uoa.gr ).

Assessment of the typology and the trophic status of two Mediterranean lake ecosystems in Northwestern Greece

The objective of this study is the assessment of the typology and the trophic relevant water quality parameters in two Mediterranean lakes (Lake Ziros and Lake Kastoria) under the view of the WFD. Lake types were identified based on characteristics specified in Annex II of the WFD, while trophic indexes (OECD, TSI Carlson) were used in order to assess their trophic status. A modified TSI index appropriate for warmer lakes was also applied. According to our results, Lake Kastoria is classified as eutrophic lake with a tendency to hypertrophication while Lake Ziros is a mesotrophic ecosystem with clear signals of eutrophication. Both ecosystems are considered “at risk” of not fulfilling the WFD environmental objectives due to the existence of certain anthropogenic pressures.

Association of the (TAAAA)n repeat polymorphism of SHBG gene with the age at menopause in Greek postmenopausal women

ObjectiveTo assess the potential association of the pentanucleotide (TAAAA)n repeat polymorphism in the promoter of SHBG gene with the age at menopause in a Greek female population. Study designCross-sectional study. Two hundred and ten postmenopausal women aged 46–63 years were enrolled. The age at the last menstrual period and anthropometric parameters were recorded in all participants. Blood sampling for genotyping of the (TAAAA)n polymorphism of SHBG gene was performed. Main outcome measure(s)Frequency and association of the (TAAAA)n alleles with age at menopause. ResultsThe alleles with seven and eight TAAAA repeats were associated with the age at menopause. The age at menopause was higher in carriers than in non-carriers of the (TAAAA)7 allele (50.2±3.1 years vs. 48.0±4.8 years, p=0.026). Furthermore, the age at menopause was lower in women carrying the (TAAAA)8 allele (47.5±4.8 years) than in women not carrying this allele (48.8±4.4 years, p=0.048). ConclusionsThe (TAAAA)7 and (TAAAA)8 alleles of the SHBG (TAAAA)n polymorphism may contribute to variation in the timing of natural menopause in postmenopausal women of Northwestern Greece.

Vertical slip rates of active faults of southern Albania inferred from river terraces

Fluvial terraces of Shkumbin, Devoll, Osum and Vjosa rivers (southern Albania and northwestern Greece) are studied in order to quantify the vertical slip rates of the large active faults of the Dinaric-Albanic-Hellenic Alpine fold belt. The spatial and temporal variations of the incision rates along these rivers were estimated from the geomorphological mapping of the Quaternary sediments, the geometry and the dating of the terraces. Eleven terraces levels were identified in Albania from 68 geochronological ages already published or acquired for this work. The five lower terraces of the four studied rivers are well dated (10 new and 23 already published ages). These terraces are younger than 30 ka and their remnants are numerous. Their restoration allows estimating the regional trend of incision rate and the identification of local shifts. We argue that these shifts are linked to the active tectonics when they coincide with the faults already mapped by previous authors. Vertical slip rates for eight active faults in southern Albania are thus estimated for the last 19 ka and vary from ~0.1 to ~2 mm/a. The Lushnje Tepelene Thrust, that extends more than 120 kilometers, has a throw rate that varies from 0.2 to 0.8 mm/a, whereas the active faults of the extensional domain are segmented but are very active, with throw rates reaching locally 2 mm/a.

The Chironomidae (Diptera) fauna of Greece: ecological distributions and patterns, taxalist and new records

For the first time, a faunistic list of the Chironomidae fauna of Greece is presented along with its ecological distribution. Chironomidae larvae and pupal exuviae were collected from 61 locations in mainland Greece during 2006–2008. 76 taxa (genera to species) were recorded. The genera Potthastia , Brillia , Euorthocladius , Synorthocladius , Tvetenia and Xenochironomus are recorded for the first time from Greece. Furthermore, 12 species are new for Greece and five are new for mainland Greece. Chironomidae collected from running waters were analysed with ordination techniques. The results revealed that Chironomidae assemblages were distinguished into three ecoregions with distinct climatic, geological and hydrochemical features. Running waters in Northwestern Greece were generally dominated by species tolerant to water acidification. Chironomids typical of eastern uplands preferred relatively slow current and soft bottom sediments. Assemblages of the southern Peloponnese Peninsula were represented by species of relatively fast flowing, warm streams. However, these are only preliminary results and many more data are needed to justify this ecological distinction of Chironomidae assemblages. This is the first study contributing to the knowledge of a rather neglected insect group of the Greek fauna. It is expected that more species remain to be identified and recorded and future works will contribute to this initial faunal list.

CCS Ready Innovative Technologies in Coal-fired Power Plants as an Effective Tool for a Greek Low Carbon Energy Policy

This paper provides a preliminary assessment on how CCS-Ready technology can contribute to reduce CO2 emissions from new fossil fuels coal fired power plants and to describe what is its current status in the region of Western Macedonia in Northwestern Greece. The development of the new Unit V of Ptolemais plant is discussed in order to decide if the investment costs of retrofitting at some later point in time depend on the initial design phase of the coal fired power plant and can be reduced by a CCS-Ready installation. Another critical item is whether it is preferable to install CCS Ready technology right away or to wait when the full privatization of the Greek Public Power Corporation will proceed. This study analyses the Greek prospects to store significant quantities of CO2 emissions from the local coal fired power plants in the Prinos depleted offshore oil-field deep saline aquifers

Three new species of Euscorpius (Scorpiones: Euscorpiidae) from Greece

Three new species of the genus Euscorpius Thorell, 1876 are described from Greece: E. stahlavskyi sp.n. from Epirus in the northwestern Greece; E. kinzelbachi sp.n. from Mt. Olympus at the eastern border between Thessaly and Central Macedonia, and E. vignai sp.n. from Karpathos and Kasos Islands (eastern Aegean Sea). Species-level divergence of these taxa is also confirmed by multiple DNA markers in Parmakelis et al. (2013).

Euscorpius yagmuri sp. n., a new scorpion species from Epirus, northwestern Greece (Scorpiones: Euscorpiidae)

A new species Euscorpius yagmuri sp. n., is described from coastal Epirus in northwestern Greece based on morphological evidence. With this new species, the fauna of Euscorpius of Greece now includes 19 species.

Occurrence, food habits, and activity patterns of Eurasian otters Lutra lutra in northwestern Greece: implications for research and conservation

AbstractEurasian otters (

Origin of mantle peridotites from the Vourinos Ophiolite Complex, Greece, as deduced from Cr-spinel morphological and chemical variations

The Vourinos Ophiolite Complex in north-western Greece represents a fragment of oceanic lithosphere emplaced after the Late Jurassic closure of the Neotethyan Pindos Ocean. This Ophiolite Complex consists mainly of a well-preserved mantle sequence dominated by peridotite and chromitite. Based on petrographic features, four distinct peridotite varieties can be distinguished in the Vourinos mantle suite: i) normal harzburgite (Opx ≥ 15 vol. %), ii) transitional harzburgite (Opx 0.40). The Cr# [Cr/(Cr + Al)] in chromian spinel increases from normal harzburgite to coarse-grained dunite, varying between 0.47 and 0.84. Such a variation in chromian spinel composition indicates a multi-stage melting evolution for the Vourinos mantle suite. Chromian spinel from the fine-grained dunite bears similarities in terms of Cr# and Mg# [Mg/(Mg + Fe 2+ )] with chromian spinel from the neighboring chromitites, which implies a common origin for both lithologies. Chromian spinel morphological and compositional data indicate that after chromitite and fine-grained dunite formation a remnant boninite melt could have invaded the adjacent peridotites, modifying their accessory chromian spinels or even crystallizing new chromian spinel grains. Further evidence for that episode of melt percolation is provided by a few harzburgitic rock samples, which may be locally enriched in LREE exhibiting U-shaped chondrite-normalized REE patterns. Such patterns are characteristic of interaction between the depleted mantle peridotite and hydrous boninitic melt. The studied peridotites are interpreted as refractory residues whose initial composition was locally modified by mantle metasomatism in the fore-arc region of a supra-subduction zone.

Analyzing the basic meteorological aspects of a particulate air pollution episode over the industrial area of Northwestern Greece during the November of 2009

The complex terrain basin of Amyntaio – Ptolemais – Kozani in Western Macedonia of Greece is an area characterized by increased industrial activity and therefore it demands continuous and assiduous environmental monitoring. A prolonged particulate matter air pollution episode was recorded in the area during November 2009. Basic meteorological aspects are analyzed, during the episode period. Daily and hourly PM10 and PM2.5 concentration measurements were used along with surface and lower atmosphere hourly meteorological parameters from 13 measuring stations. The observational data were supported by data produced by the meteorological component of an air pollution model. The overall analysis showed that the episode was primarily the result of the synoptic setting of the middle and lower troposphere. An Omega blocking pattern which gradually transformed to a high-over-low pattern prevailed over central and southern Europe during the episode’s period. The examination of the vertical wind field in the lower troposphere and appropriate stability indices, revealed a continuous absence of significant convection. The weak horizontal wind field near the surface and the reduced mixing height combined with the lack of synoptic forcing resulted in the trapping of the pollutants in the lower troposphere and the recording of increased airborne particulate matter concentrations. The radical change of the synoptic setting in the first days of December marked the end of the episode.

The anthropogenic influence on wildfire regimes: charcoal records from the Holocene and Last Interglacial at Ioannina, Greece

AbstractAimTo characterize the changing fire regime of a Mediterranean landscape during the Holocene and the Last Interglacial and, by comparing the two periods, to improve our understanding of the extent and timing of human alteration of natural fire regimes.LocationLake Ioannina, north‐western Greece (39°45′ N, 20°51′ E).MethodsUsing a long sequence of lake sediments, we measured the charcoal content of the sediment over the course of the Holocene and the Last Interglacial. We compared the charcoal data with pollen data for the same periods.ResultsCharcoal was present in all samples analysed. Charcoal influx was greater during interglacials, which at Ioannina were forested, than during glacials, when tree populations were small. Charcoal influx was greater and more variable during the Holocene than during the Last Interglacial.Main conclusionsFire was a persistent feature throughout the periods studied, under both glacial and interglacial conditions. Overall, more biomass was burned during interglacials than during glacials, and peak burning occurred at intermediate values of moisture availability. There is little evidence that the composition of forests significantly affected burning regimes. Enhanced burning during the Holocene relative to the Last Interglacial may reflect human impact, as well as climatic or vegetational differences between the two periods.

The influence of Mesozoic Palaeogeography on the variations in structural style along the front of the Albanide thrust-and-fold belt

The front of the W-verging Albanide fold-and-thrust belt and its adjacent foreland have been investigated using a grid of seismic reflection profiles, purposely acquired in the Southern Adriatic Sea.This convergent margin is part of the continental collision that extends from former Yugoslavia to North-Western Greece. At the front of the Albanides, both the structural style of the external part of the fold-and-thrust belt, and the evolution of the related foredeep basin, are strongly controlled by the nature of the Mesozoic units that are progressively accreted to the belt, namely the Apulian Platform and its adjacent deep-water basins. Where a thick carbonate platform is accreted (souther Albania) the frontal mountain range presents a high topography, whereas the foredeep basin is relatively shallow. On the other hand, where the basinal domain is accreted (northern Albania), the topography of the fold-and-thrust belt is subdue, whereas the foredeep basin is very deep.

Subgeneric division of the genus Orcula Held 1837 with remarks on Romanian orculid data (Gastropoda, Pulmonata, Orculidae)

The genital anatomy of Orcula jetschini (Romania), Orcula zilchi (Bulgaria), and Orcula wagneri (Albania) is described. Based on anatomical features (morphology of the penial caecum) shell characters (sculpture and shape) and unpublished molecular data the genus Orcula is subdivided into three subgenera. Orcula zilchi was classified within the monotypic subgenus Orcula (Hausdorfia) subgen. n.; Orcula jetschini, Orcula wagneri, and Orcula schmidtii were classified to Orcula (Illyriobanatica) subgen. n. (type species: Pupa schmidtii) whereas the other Orcula species remain in the nominotypical subgenus. Orcula (Hausdorfia) is known from South-Eastern Bulgaria and North-Western Turkey, Orcula (Illyriobanatica) inhabits Western Romania, North-Western Greece, Albania, Macedonia, Kosovo, and Montenegro. The nine species of Orcula (Orcula) are known mainly from the Alps and the Western Carpathians (from Eastern France to Eastern Hungary and Slovakia).The occurrence of only one Orcula species namely Orcula jetschini is verified from Romania. Available information suggests that data on the Romanian occurrence of Orcula dolium and Orcula gularis were based on wrongly identified specimens. Sphyradium dobrogicum (=Orcula dobrogica) is considered as a synonym of Sphyradium doliolum.

Environmental radioactivity measurements in north–western Greece following the Fukushima nuclear accident

The impact of the Fukushima nuclear accident in north–western Greece was assessed through an environmental monitoring programme activated by the Nuclear Physics Laboratory of the University of Ioannina. Measurements of 131I were carried out in atmospheric particulate, ovine milk and grass samples. In daily aerosol samplings, radioiodine was first detected on March 25–26, 2011 and reached maximum levels, up to 294 μBq m−3, between April 2 and April 4, 2011. In ovine milk samples, 131I concentrations ranged from 2.0 to 2.7 Bq L−1 between April 2 and April 6, 2011, while an average activity of 2.7 Bq kg−1 was measured in grass samples on April 4, 2011. The 134,137Cs isotopes were below detection limits in all samples and could only be determined in the air, by analysis of multiple daily filters. A maximum average activity concentration of 137Cs amounting to 24 μBq m−3 was measured during the period from April 5 to April 9, 2011, with the 134Cs/137Cs activity ratio being close to unity. Activity concentrations were consistent with measurements conducted in other parts of the country and were well below those reported in May 1986 after the Chernobyl accident. The committed effective dose to the whole body and to the thyroid gland from inhalation of 131I was estimated for the adult and infant population and was found to be of no concern for the public health.

Development of a regional model for hydropower potential in western Greece

A regional model was developed in the present study for the determination of the flow duration curve at ungaged catchments, in western and northwestern Greece, which is a hydrologically homogenous region. A flow duration curve indicates the water availability at a site and is important for the estimation of the hydropower potential. A flow duration curve was generated for each of seven available stations at different rivers and then the parameters of the flow duration curves were correlated with geomorphological and climatic characteristics of the drainage basins for the derivation of the equations of the regional model. The model was verified using three hold out stations, in which the error ranged from 0.3 to 1.1%.

DOAS measurements above an urban street canyon in a medium sized city

The concentrations of ozone, NO2 and SO2 measured by a Differential Optical Absorption Spectroscopy (DOAS) system in the city of Kozani in Northwestern Greece are presented and compared against data from a conventional ground station. This was made in order to assess DOAS performance in a complicated area in terms of sources variety, terrain complexity and meteorological conditions. Measurements of aromatic hydrocarbon substances (benzene, toluene, styrene and xylene) are also presented for air quality purposes. Results between the conventional station and the DOAS system indicated the existence of significant correlations among some of the monitored trace gases, confirming this way the strong compatibility between the two systems. The low values of sulfur dioxide especially during the winter were attributed to the absence of central heating in the most of the buildings due to the use of district heating provided by the Greek Public Power Corporation. The averaged annual benzene and daily toluene concentrations exceeded their legislated limits. Meteorological parameters remain vital in the development of a clear understanding in DOAS performance due to its ability to cover a wide spatial scale over the open path length.

Genesis of chromitites from Korydallos, Pindos Ophiolite Complex, Greece, based on spinel chemistry and PGE-mineralogy

The Pindos Ophiolite Complex, located in northwestern Greece, hosts various chromite deposits of both metallurgical (high-Cr) and refractory (high-Al) type. In Korydallos are encountered both types of chromitites. These are podiform chromitites that have small dimensions and occur sub-concordantly to the hosting peridotites. The Cr-rich chromitites contain magnesiochromite with high Cr# [Cr/(Cr + Al): 0.65–0.68] and low platinum-group element (PGE) contents (294.1 ppb), whereas the Al-rich ones host spinel with low Cr# (0.44–0.48) and elevated total PGE grades (28830 ppb). The former display a nearly flat C1-normalized PGE-pattern, whereas the latter show a positively sloped normalized PGE-pattern. The in situ mineralogical investigation of the Cr-rich chromitites revealed a platinum-group mineral (PGM) assemblage dominated by small (≤ 3 μm) sperrylite, laurite and erlichmanite grains (determined by recalculated qualitative analytical data). Textural relations suggest crystallization under conditions of high fS2 and fAs and/or low T. The in concentrates mineralogical study of the Al-rich chromitites showed that the PGM assemblage that they host is dominated by Pd–Cu and Pd–Au–Cu alloys. The vast majority of these alloys is associated with abundant secondary BMS (base-metal sulfides) and BMA (base-metal alloys), thus confirming that a sulfide melt scavenged the PGE + Au of the silicate magma from which chromian spinel had already started to crystallize. Both assemblages were affected by an invasion of an oxidizing aqueous fluid in the investigated chromitites. Combined data indicate that the chromitites from the Korydallos area crystallized from a progressively differentiating MORB/IAT melt, produced in a small backarc basin in a supra-subduction zone setting.