A methodology for Good Environmental Status assessment for mercury in the Mediterranean

Abstract

This study presents results from an integrated assessment of mercury pollution aimed at characterizing the primary gaps in our knowledge of the monitoring of the Mediterranean Sea. To conduct this study, we compared measurements of mercury in water and biota with the Environmental Quality Standards laid down by the Environmental Quality Standards Directive (2008/105/EC). This methodological approach is based on the DPSWR (Driver-Pressure-State-Welfare change-Response).

Keywords

• Environmental Quality Standards
• marine waters
• pollutants
• heavy metals
• polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons