Investigation of petroleum hydrocarbon pollution along the coastline of South Attica, Greece, after the sinking of the Agia Zoni ΙΙ oil tanker

Abstract Oil spills at sea pose risks to the marine environment and economy of many nations. Marine ecosystems are very vulnerable precious as producers oxygen regulators climate. Therefore, their protection preservation necessary. In event an oil spill, anthropogenic clean-up activities natural weathering processes can minimize negative effects on organisms, in general. The target this study was investigate status along coastline Saronic Gulf, Greece, a year after sinking Agia Zoni II tanker. Seawater samples from 15 sampling locations Phlisvos coast Anavissos, area easily approached by bathers with recreational interest, were collected analysed for total petroleum hydrocarbons. Concentrations up maximum 56.6 μg/L detected. Despite large extent initial hydrocarbon pollution, immediate operations and/or sorption have reduced impact spill surface waters.