Results of the Assessment of the Western Black Sea Contamination Status in the Frame of the MISIS Joint Cruise

Abstract

The MISIS Joint Cruise, the main activity of the WP2 of the project MISIS (MSFD GUIDING IMPROVEMENTS IN THE BLACK SEA INTEGRATED MONITORING SYSTEM), has aimed, among others, to collect additional data and produce homogeneous datasets based on a common sampling procedure and laboratory analysis of specific contaminants, as well as to provide useful information regarding the assessment of laboratories’ performances in the Western Black Sea region. In addition, the expected results of the cruise could contribute to the improvement and revision of national monitoring strategies in the region, as well as to bring new knowledge in order to prepare the Articles 11 and 13 of MSFD by the EU countries in the region. The cruise was carried out onboard R/V Akademik in the Western Black Sea, during 22-31 July 2013. The selected transects, Constanta, in the Romanian waters, Galata, in the Bulgarian waters, and Igneada, in the Turkish waters, were considered representative for the purposes of the projects. A total of 18 stations were performed (7 in RO waters, 6 in BG water, and 5 in the TR waters) covering the coastal, shelf and open waters. Wide range of contaminants: trace metals, and persistent organic pollutants (TPH, PAH, OCP, PCB) were analyzed in seawater (surface horizon) and sediments samples from all stations. Two intercomparison stations, one in the open waters and the second one in the coastal waters, were selected for contaminants in the sediments. With respect to Directive 2008/56/EC Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD)/ Descriptor 8, results from the MISIS Joint Cruise will promote further work toward 62 common understanding of good environmental status and will contribute to the development of Black Sea environmental targets in a harmonised approach.