![\"\u03a6\u03af\u03bb\u03c4\u03c1\u03bf](\"https:\/\/cw.wpdev247.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/nero_dilitirio-502x1024.jpg\" "\\"\u03a6\u03af\u03bb\u03c4\u03c1\u03bf")
<\/figure>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Toxic heavy metals in drinking water, rivers, lakes, and groundwater, in concentrations that far exceed the maximum permissible limits set by the EU or at potentially dangerous levels for human health, are detected in many areas of the country. Scientists express fears that “poison” water in Attica, Boeotia, Evia, Ptolemaida, the Northern Aegean Islands, Pindus, and elsewhere affects agricultural production and consider it imperative to conduct sampling, mainly in target foods such as tubers, in order to investigate potential risks from their consumption.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A study conducted by an interdisciplinary committee from the Agricultural University and the University of Athens on behalf of EFET and delivered in September 2009 to the political leadership of the Ministry of Rural Development and Food reveals shocking findings: Nickel was detected in the drinking water of Kalamata at borderline levels (20.00 \u03bcg\/l). In the municipality of Asopos in Laconia, a concentration of lead (30.00 \u03bcg\/l) was found to be three times the borderline value. Poison is also present in the water of Chios, where analyses detected borderline (1.00 \u03bcg\/l) but nonetheless high levels of mercury concentration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A characteristic feature of the drinking water in the municipal districts of Thiva is not only the presence of hexavalent chromium (from 3.00\u03bcg\/l to 12.80\u03bcg\/l) but also the extremely high levels of mercury.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
From the available data, it emerged that the presence of toxic heavy metals is felt in almost all examined drinking waters. Although most samples show concentration values that are below the parametric value defined by Directive 98\/83\/EC, scientists are sounding the alarm: “While the concentrations may be low and do not exceed the limits, heavy metals act cumulatively when they enter the body,” they emphasize.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
*In Patras, nickel, total chromium, lead, and arsenic were detected (in N. Souli) at levels within limits. The same cocktail of heavy metals, also within limits, was detected in the drinking water of Orestiada, N. Vissa, and Arda.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
*Low concentrations are found in the lakes of Marathon, Yliki, and Mornos. The waters are deemed suitable for drinking and irrigation. Iron and manganese in high concentrations – in some cases above the limits – were found in the water of the Evros region. In Orestiada, arsenic levels range from 6.03 \u03bcg\/l to 9.69 \u03bcg\/l. Although the values do not exceed the parametric limit (10 \u03bcg\/l), they are considered high. Particularly in the community of Baki, values are sometimes double the permissible limit, resulting in the water being deemed unsuitable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
*The groundwater in Lavrio is heavily contaminated with lead (83.30 \u03bcg\/l), nickel (77 \u03bcg\/l), cadmium (28.30 \u03bcg\/l), and various other elements whose concentrations far exceed the maximum allowable limits. Researchers emphasize that the use of this water is prohibited at least for human consumption.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
*Another case of water being poison is the groundwater in the Mesogia region. In some places, the pollution is so intense that it is deemed unsuitable even for irrigation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In the area between Koropi-Markopoulo-Paiania, total chromium is detected, exceeding 100 \u03bcg\/l in places (with a limit of 50 \u03bcg\/l). As researchers emphasize, “the largest percentage of this concentration is obviously in the hexavalent form.” Lead and cadmium are recorded above the limits.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
*In Oropos and Oinofyta, in addition to the well-known problem with arsenic found at levels up to 80 \u03bcg\/l, all toxic heavy metals exceed the limits. *The aquifer of Ptolemaida is also problematic, mainly due to the intense exploitation of lignite, combustion, and suspended ash.*<\/p>\n\n\n\n
High concentrations of arsenic (20.00 \u03bcg\/l), mercury (5.00 \u03bcg\/l), lead (20.00 \u03bcg\/l), and cadmium (5.00 \u03bcg\/l) are observed. Equally extensive pollution characterizes the aquifers in Aliveri and Megalopolis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
*The toxicity in the groundwater of Orestiada, Komotini, Xanthi, and Pyrgos Ilia is intense, where a cocktail of metallic trace elements is detected. Specifically, in Pyrgos, the water contains manganese 50 times above the limit and iron nearly three times the permissible level. The groundwater is unsuitable for human use and, in some cases, unsuitable for irrigation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
*Regarding rivers, the expected “lead” in pollution is held by Asopos, as all metallic trace elements exceed the limits. Chromium 65 \u03bcg\/l (limit 50), hexavalent chromium up to 148 \u03bcg\/l, lead 20 times above, cadmium 12 times the allowable. Pindus shows high concentrations of nickel and chromium. Evros has the highest value concerning mercury. Less burdened are Voiotikos Kifisos and Alfeios. *In the “red” is mercury in Lake Petron of Florina. With a limit of 1 \u03bcg\/l, the average value reaches …112 \u03bcg\/l! The lake receives waste from the factories of Ptolemaida. Doirani and Koronia show high arsenic levels. In general, all lake systems in Northern Greece show burdens in arsenic, lead, and nickel.*<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Scientists conclude that in areas with intense industrial pollution, the produced foods are clearly more contaminated with heavy metals. They focus their attention on tubers (carrots, potatoes, onions) as well as leafy vegetables (cabbage, lettuce, spinach). However, the research from the two universities was completed with difficulties. “We sent more than 30 requests for data to the relevant authorities, but none responded,” complains G. Zampetakis, assistant professor of Food Chemistry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Average Concentration Prices of Heavy Metals<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/figure>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"