No abstract

Mediterranean temporary ponds (MTPs) is a priority habitat according to the Natura 2000 network of the European Union (Natura code 3170, Habitats Directive 92/43/ EEC) and is located in various Mediterranean countries. Priority habitats are those habitattypes or elements with a unique or important significance to a diverse group of species. They consist of a unique flora composition, succession stage and/or structural factor. Increased urbanisation and agriculture in addition to climate change, in the Mediterranean region, has led to the extinction of a very large number of temporary ponds. This paper is a review of the value and the numerous threats, concerning MTPs. Protection and conservation of the ponds is very important and appropriate managerial measures should be immediately taken, to save such a vulnerable ecosystem.

No abstract

The Institute of Inland Waters in Greece has investigated the physical, chemical and biological characteristics of major Greek lakes, with regard to water use, quality and trophic status. Based on this and other limnological investigations, Greek lakes can be divided into three categories: warm monomictic deep lakes, warm monomictic shallow lakes, and dimictic shallow lakes. The water quality of some Greek lakes demonstrates the presence of high concentrations of nutrients and heavy metals, with reduced concentrations of diluted oxygen. High concentrations of ammonia, nitrate and phosphate are found in many lakes, while anaerobic hypolimnia are usually found in shallow lakes. Phosphorus is the main nutrient responsible for eutrophication because it is the limiting factor in most of the lakes that were investigated.

Passive sampling by POCIS provides a useful tool for the monitoring of pesticides in aquatic systems since integrative sampling at rates sufficient for analytical quantitation of ambient levels was observed. Calibration data are in demand for a greater number of compounds in order to extend the use in environmental monitoring.