Using various guidelines and approaches for the assessment of marine sediment qualityUsing various guidelines and approaches for the assessment of marine sediment quality Peer-Reviewed Journal Publication Δημοσίευση σε Περιοδικό με Κριτές 2015-11-022015enThe aim of the present study is to explore the implications of using different quality guidelines and approaches for marine sediment characterization. As a case study, the sediments of Souda Port, Crete, Greece, were examined in order to assess heavy metal contamination and to estimate anthropogenic contribution and potential adverse effects to aquatic environment, as well as to indicate feasible future management options. The concentration of six heavy metals (Co, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, and Zn) was determined and compared with different sediment quality guidelines (SQGs) and regional/national criteria established for dredged material characterization and management. In addition, the geo-accumulation index (Igeo) was calculated and the sediments toxicity and heavy metals bioavailability were determined. Based on the experimental data, it is deduced that Souda sediments are characterized as moderately polluted only in terms of Co, Ni, and Pb.Δημοσίευση σε επιστημονικό περιοδικό http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Environmental Forensics116109-116 Komnitsas Konstantinos Κομνιτσας Κωνσταντινος Pyliotis Ioannis Πυλιωτης Ιωαννης Zaharaki Dimitra Manoutsoglou Emmanouil Μανουτσογλου Εμμανουηλ Taylor & Francis sediments heavy metals toxicity contamination quality guidelines