Water Testing Results
Each marker on this map of Aegina, Greece represents a beach that the group performed water testing on. Key below:
- Kolona Beach - red
- Avra Beach - blue
- Port of Aegina - black
- Panagitsa Beach - gray
- Agia Marina - green
Kolona Beach
Temp: 22.1 C pH: 7.5 Phosphate: 0.05 Phosphorus: 0.017 Nitrate: 0.005 Nitrite: 0.002 Alkalinity: 4 |
Avra Beach
Temp: 22 C pH: 7.5 Phosphate: 0.2 Phosphorus: 0.067 Nitrate: 0 Nitrite: 0.17 Alkalinity: 3.9 |
Port of Aegina
Temp: 21.1 C pH: 7.3 Phosphate: 0.1 Phosphorus: 0.033 Nitrate: 0 Nitrite: 0 Alkalinity: 5.63 |
Panagitsa Beach
Temp: 22.8 C pH: 7.5 Phosphate: 0.2 Phosphorus: 0.067 Nitrate: 0 Nitrite: 0 Alkalinity: 6.66 |
Agia Marina
Temp: 22.7 C pH: 7.43 Phosphate: 0.15 Phosphorus: 0.05 Nitrate: 0 Nitrite: 0 Alkalinity: 3.667 |
Good Marine Environment:
Temp: Dependent upon organism pH: 8.2-8.4 Phosphate: 0.01 mg/L - 0.3 mg/L Phosphorus: Same as phosphates Nitrate: < 20 mg/L Nitrite: < 20 mg/L Alkalinity: 2-3 meq/L |
Importance of measured items according to Important Water Quality Factors (http://www.h2ou.com/h2wtrqual.htm):
Alkalinity: This is important for marine life because it allows the environment to buffer against changes in pH as well as making the marine life less vulnerable to acid rain. Nitrates: These are a very common ingredient in farm fertilizer and, when raining, can be washed into the marine environment. Nitrates help to stimulate the growth of marine plants that provide food for fish. If they grow too wildly however, it can cause algae to grow wildly , oxygen levels to reduce, and fish to die. Nitrites: Converted to nitrates by bacteria in the water. Have the potential of causing serious illness in fish known as Brown Blood Disease. They can also affect humans by affecting the ability of blood cells to transport oxygen. pH: The normal pH value of the marine environment typically ranges from around 7.7 to 8.1. While fish are not heavily affected by it, shellfish and algae are much more sensitive so they need a more stable environment in regards to pH in order to survive. Phosphates: Phosphates typically wash from nearby farms into the water. Though phosphates stimulate the growth of plankton and algae which fish will eat, if too much is present, it can cause algae to grow wildly, oxygen levels to reduce, and fish to die. Temperature: Many fish are sensitive to changes in temperature (about 1-3 C) and will migrate if this happens. Changes in temperature can cause a multitude of physiological problems such as no growth, no spawning, and even death. |
Summary
The results above indicate that the waters surrounding Aegina are extremely cleanly and healthy. Along with the physical measurements, the cleanliness was also seen within the waters themselves through the groups sightings of multiple sea urchins and sea grass forests along the floor of the sea. The results above are consistent with the already present Blue Flag results that the beaches across Aegina are not only beautiful but extremely clean and healthy.