UNESCO Chair

The webpage presents the structure activities and initiatives of UNESCO Chair & Network on Sustainable Development Management and Education in the Mediterranean and the Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA or UoA).

Contents

UNESCO Chair and Network on Sustainable Development Management and Education in the Mediterranean:

CHARTER of Greek Universities for Sustainable Development
Mediterranean Strategy on ESD (MSESD)
Global processes on ESD
UNESCO Global Action Programme (GAP) on Education for Sustainable Development (ESD)
Mediterranean Youth Responses towards sustainable development and the current crisis

Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry [and Chemical Oceanography] (LEC)

MIO-ECSDE

MEdIES

GWP-Med

Horizon2020 CB/MEP

PRESENTATIONS / ARTICLES / SELECTED RESOURCES

UNESCO Chair and Network on Sustainable Development Management and Education in the Mediterranean

UNESCO Chairs and UNITWIN Networks undertake training, research, information sharing and outreach activities in UNESCO major programme areas: education, natural sciences, social and human sciences, culture, and communication & information. Read more here.

The UNESCO Chair and Network at the UoA is a cluster bringing together and catalyzing the synergies of a series of components, organisations and bodies under the direct leadership of the Director of the Chair Prof. Michael Scoullos (for CV see here). The flow-diagramme / structure of the UNESCO Chair and network is given in the below diagram.

The UNESCO Chair and Network at the UoA was formally established in December 2012 with the objectives:

contribute to strengthening capacities in sustainable development and education for sustainable development in the Mediterranean region;
promote undergraduate and postgraduate teaching and training in sustainable development and education for sustainable development targeting students, educators, academics, professionals and managers; (with particular attention to those with science/chemistry background)
promote the development of a framework for competencies and standards on education for sustainable development in the Mediterranean, and contribute to the development of the Mediterranean Strategy on Education for Sustainable Development (MS ESD);
create opportunities for synergy, coordination and enhanced cooperation in research on sustainable development and education for sustainable development among higher education institutions and other key stakeholders (civil society, NGOs, the private sector etc.); and,
cooperate closely with other UNESCO on relevant programmes and activities.

Major achievements of the Chair (till the end of 2015) include:

the drafting and communication for wider acceptance of the charter of Greek University for Sustainable Development.
the drafting, finalising and promotion of the Mediterranean Strategy on ESD (MS ESD, see below) and preparation of its follow up Action Plan.
the organization of a series of very important capacity building workshops throughout the Mediterranean, under H2020 (see below),
the publication of the Guidebook “Education for Sustainable Development in Biosphere Reserves and other Designated Areas: A resource Book for Educators in South- Eastern Europe and the Mediterranean” jointly with UNESCO (read more here and download the publication in PDF here )
the organization of several trainings to promote the Above mentioned Guidebook including the EU LLP Grundtvig Seminar “Creating Bridges - ESD in Designated Areas” (Amfissa 2012, read more here), and the ERASMUS Intensive Programme on Education for Sustainable Development in Protected Areas and Biosphere Reserves (Amfissa, 2014, read more here)
the preparation and running of a Survey for Youth entitled "Mediterranean Youth Responses towards sustainable development and current crisis" (June – December 2015, read below or find out more here)
the successful selection by the EC for the continuation of H2020 2016-2019.

These initiatives are presented below following:

CHARTER of Greek Universities for Sustainable Development
The charter has been signed in 2012. Download the charter in English language here and in Greek language here.

Mediterranean Strategy on ESD (MS ESD)
The Mediterranean Strategy on ESD (MSESD) was formally and unanimously endorsed by the 43 Ministers of Environment and Climate Change of the Union for the Mediterranean in their meeting in Athens on 13 May. The Strategy was annexed to the Ministerial Declaration. This is the first Regional Strategy after the UNECE one (and is actually its "child" as it is largely based on it). The aim of this Strategy is to encourage countries of the Mediterranean region to develop and incorporate ESD into all relevant subjects of their formal, non-formal and informal educational systems. The Strategy was developed through a participatory process involving formal and informal educational institutions and relevant government officials. The scientific support was provided by the UNESCO Chair and Network on Sustainable Development Management and Education in the Mediterranean, held by the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens and the Mediterranean Information Office (MIO-ECSDE)/MEdIES. The final preparatory process of drafting the Strategy was supported by the European Commission under the Horizon 2020 Capacity Building/Mediterranean Environment Programme (CB/MEP). Under the Horizon 2020 CB/MEP project a tri-lingual publication on the Strategy which also includes the history, the process and the Strategy itself in English, French and Arabic was also produced. The publication was widely disseminated at Nagoya by Prof. Scoullos and shipped to Ministers of Education and Environment, members, and other major relevant institutions in the region. You can read more here.

Global processes on ESD
The Director was invited by UNESCO as an international expert on ESD/UNESCO Chair holder and participated in the World Conference on ESD in Nagoya (associated events: 8-9 November and 10-12 November: the main Conference). Prof Scoullos played a very active role in various sessions of the Conference, being speaker/panellist, moderator and rapporteur in various Workshops and Side Events. He also handed the publication on the MSESD to UNESCO's Director General Irina Bokova and HSH Princess Lalla Hasnaa of Morocco - the President of the Mohammed VI Foundation for the Protection of the Environment at the opening session of the Conference. The Conference marked the end of the UN Decade on ESD- DESD (2005-2014) and produced/presented the following land-mark documents:

The Final Report of the DESD: "Shaping the future we want" in which the ESD/UNESCO Chair’s partners MIO-ECSDE, the Network of the Mediterranean Universities on ESD and the MEdIES Network of educators have been reported as “good practices of building competences” and “exemplary cases of networking” (Report available here)
The Aichi-Nagoya Declaration, for which Prof. Scoullos had made comments elaborated and sent by the Greek Ministry of Education.
Last but not least, during the Conference the Global Action Programme (GAP) on ESD was launched. The MEdIES Network activities, the Action Plan of the Mediterranean Strategy on ESD as well as the Network of the Mediterranean Universities on SD/ESD have been included there as "Launching Commitments for the GAP". All Launching Commitments for the GAP on ESD are presented here.

The UNESCO Roadmap for implementing the GAP is available here.

UNESCO Global Action Programme (GAP) on Education for Sustainable Development (ESD)
Prof. Scoullos co-chairs the UNESCO GAP Partner Network /Priority Area 1: “Advancing Policy”

The UNESCO Global Action Programme (GAP) on ESD was launched at the end conference of the UN DESD in Nagoya (November 2014) seeking to generate and scale-up ESD action. It is intended to make a substantial contribution to the post-2015 agenda. The overall goal of the GAP is to generate and scale up action in all levels and areas of education and learning to accelerate progress towards sustainable development.

The GAP has two main objectives:

to reorient education and learning so that everyone has the opportunity to acquire the knowledge, skills, values and attitudes that empower them to contribute to sustainable development – and make a difference;
to strengthen education and learning in all agendas, programmes and activities that promote sustainable development.

The GAP focuses on five priority action areas:

Advancing policy
Transforming learning/training environments (whole-institution approaches);
Building capacities of educators/trainers
Empowering and mobilizing youth
Accelerating sustainable solutions at the local level through community-based ESD programmes.

During the 1st UNESCO GAP Partner Network meeting (Paris, May 2015), Prof. Michael Scoullos was appointed as the Co-Chair of the GAP Partner Network (1) on “Advancing Policy”. All Partner Networks undertake a plethora of activities that feed in a general Work Plan. Some of these activities are considered as champions (flagships) and are recommended as best practices to be up-scaled, or implemented in other regions.

The UNESCO Roadmap for Implementing the GAP on ESD can be found here.

Mediterranean Youth Responses towards sustainable development and the current crisis
This survey targets young persons aged 15-35 years from anywhere in the Mediterranean region to share their thoughts about sustainability issues (environmental, social and economic), the current economic and sociopolitical crisis in many parts of the region as well as your vision for the future. The collected data will be used for scientific purposes and to inform policies and strategies at different levels (National, Mediterranean, Global).

More specifically, this Mediterranean Survey will provide input to the Action Plan of the Mediterranean Strategy on Education for Sustainable Development; the UNESCO Global Action Programme (GAP) 2015-2019; The 10 year Framework for Programmes on Sustainable Consumptions and Production (UNEP); The Mediterranean Strategy for Sustainable Development (UNEP/MAP).

The survey runs from June to December 2015. The online questionnaire can be accessed in: English, Greek, and French language.

Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry [and Chemical Oceanography] (LEC)

Profile - Introduction

The research entity of the Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens was created in 1982 as part of the Inorganic and Environmental Chemistry and Technology Division (III) of the Chemistry Department. Professor Michael Scoullos was the founder of the Laboratory as well as a founding member of the first Greek post-graduate course on Ocean Studies established in the University of Athens in 1974. The Environment Chemistry and Chemical Oceanography Research Group was established already in 1982.The Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry has been an independent entity since 2003.

Contact info:
National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Department of Chemistry Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry, Panepistimiopolis, Zografou
157 84, Athens, Greece
Tel: +30 210 7274 274 (Prof. M. Scoullos, Director, scoullos@chem.uoa.gr)
+30 210 7274 269 (Prof. M. Dassenakis, edasenak@chem.uoa.gr)
Fax: +30 210 7274 945

People

The permanent staff of LEC-NKUA comprises of:
Dr. Michael J. Scoullos (Prof. - Director)
Dr. Dimitrios Nikolelis (Prof.)
Dr. Manos Dassenakis (Prof.)
Ms. Vassiliki Mantzara (M.Sc., Technical Research and Administration)
Dr. Fotini Botsou (Researcher)
Dr. Sotirios Karavoltsos (Researcher)
Dr. Vassiliki Paraskevopoulou (Researcher)
Dr. Aikaterini Sakellari (Researcher)
Dr. Eleni Stathopoulou (Researcher)

Associated staff:
Dr Georgios Katsouras (Researcher)
Ms Maria Riga (Researcher)
Ms Theodora Paramana (Researcher)

Furthermore LEC maintains a permanent collaboration in research activities with the following staff of the Department of Chemistry:
Dr. Evangelos Bakeas (Assist. Prof. – Dept. of Chemistry/NKUA, Analytical Chemistry)
Dr. Nikolaos Thomaidis (Assoc. Prof. – Dept. of Chemistry/NKUA, Analytical Chemistry)
Dr. Athanasios Valavanidis (Past Prof.)
Dr P.A. Siskos (Past Prof.)

Members of Departments of the School of Sciences (NKUA), members of Faculty of other Greek Universities and staff of Greek Research Centres:
Dr. Vassilios Roussis (Prof. – Dept. of Pharmacy/NKUA, Pharmacognosy)
Dr. Serafim Poulos (Assoc. Prof. – Dept. of Geology/NKUA, Geomorphology)
Dr. Artemis Nikolaidou (Prof. – Dept. of Biology/NKUA, Zoology)
Dr. Ariadne Argyraki (Associate. Prof. – Dept. Of Geology/NKUA, Economic Geology & Geochemistry)
Dr. Efstratios Kelepertzis (Researcher - Dept. of Geology/NKUA, Econ. Geology & Geochemistry)
Dr. Christina Zeri (Researcher at HCMR)
Dr. Helen Kaberi (Researcher at HCMR)
Dr. Aleka Pavlidou (Researcher at HCMR)
Dr. Eva Krasakopoulou (Assoc. Prof. – Dept. of Marine Sciences/University of the Aegean)

At this point 7 PhD and 20 MSc students are part of LEC-NKUA. (Oct 2015)

LEC-NKUA scientific and technical potential is based on the high expertise of the staff in certain domains of research and technology as well as on equipment facilities of advanced technology providing opportunities for several research activities of different fields. Focusing on environmental chemistry the perspective of the Laboratory includes an integrated and holistic approach of the environment, which has contributed to its very high reputation and the efficient handling of a large number of various types of programs and projects of nearly all aspects of environmental science, technology, management and education.
The Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry has a long-term experience in environmental matters and environmental analytical techniques and is accredited according to ISO/EN 17025. Its research activity and programs are related to the following major directions:

Investigation of the chemistry of aqueous systems, including surface and ground waters, as well as coastal and generally marine waters and sediments. This research tasks focuses on the circulation, chemical behaviour and distribution of heavy metals, nutrients and organic pollutants. Of particular importance is also the study of the different forms (speciation) under which various elements occur in natural systems and which are responsible for their biological activity and impact, as well as the study of the transfer of pollutants from land to sea (e.g. estuaries)
Research related to the chemistry of the atmospheric environment, including the determination of the concentrations and the distributions of various pollutants in aerosols
Research on the isolation, determination-characterization and/or study of properties of various chemical substances originating from aquatic organisms
Environmental management studies for aqueous and marine ecosystems
Application of anti-polluting technologies, study of sewage treatment plant and solid wastes recycling facilities and their products, studies of environmental impact and determination of environmental limitations in industrial sectors
Ecotoxicological studies related to the toxicity of free radicals in ecosystems as well as bioaccumulation studies in organisms and foodstuffs
Investigation of the environmental impacts of coastal aquaculture in eastern Mediterranean coasts
Study – validation on environmental analytical techniques

Research activities are carried out in the framework of environmental programs both at national and international levels. Progress elaborated is characteristically reflected in LEC-NKUA statistics: the number of PhDs (>30), MScs (>150), peer-reviewed research publications (>200), University publications/books (24), Environmental education publications (>70), Monographs/books (>15), Publications in Conference Proceedings (>250), produced since the beginning of LEC-NKUA research activities. Significant is the contribution of the cooperation, in which the laboratory participates, with several local and international institutes. Through these collaborations effective transfer of know-how is achieved. The major research programs of the laboratory are based on the following scientific topics:

Marine pollution in waters and sediments and particularly in coastal areas of limited circulation
Chemical oceanography in pelagic areas
Aquaculture-marine environment
Study of specific “microenvironments”
Determination of heavy metals in environmental matrices
Determination of PAHs and PCBs in various environmental samples

Affiliations - Collaborations

National Institutes Most of the Greek Universities Hellenic Centre for Marine Research (H.C.M.R.) General State Chemical Laboratory “Democritus” Research Centre National Agricultural Research Foundation (N.AG.RE.F.) UNEP/ MAP and its RACs	International Institutes Ruder Boskovic Institute of Zagreb European Environment Agency (EEA) Univ. of Dresden Univ. of Liverpool Agricultural University of Carthagena, Marine Environmental Laboratory of Monaco (IAEA) UNESCO/IHE Bulgarian Academy of Science, Institute of Inorganic Chemistry
	International Organizations IUPAC GWP-MED Bulgarian Academy of Science, Institute of Inorganic Chemistry MIO-ECSDE GUPES/UNEP UNESCO /GAP

Educational Activities

A major part of the work of the Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry is devoted to its educational activities focused both on undergraduate and post graduate courses offered within the Chemistry Department and the School of Sciences of the University of Athens.

Undergraduate Course - Chemistry Department
Courses offered: Environmental Chemistry (6th Semester - obligatory)
Atmospheric Chemistry (7th Semester – by choice)
Chemical Oceanography (7th Semester – by choice)
Toxicology - Ecotoxicology (8th Semester – by choice)
Environmental Management and Technology (8th Semester – by choice)

Post Graduate Courses

Α) Inter-Departmental Post-Graduate Course on Oceanography (established 1974)
The Laboratory is responsible for the section of Chemical Oceanography

Courses offered:

General Chemical Oceanography
Marine Chemical Pollution
Analytical Chemical Oceanography
Special Chapters of Chemical Oceanography
Ecotoxicology
Management of the Marine Environment
Marine Resources and Marine Chemical Technology
Methodology, Elaboration and Results of Research Programs of Chemical Oceanography

Β) Post-Graduate Course of Chemistry Department: Chemistry and Technology of the Environment (established 1994)

Courses offered:

Chemistry - Pollution of Aquatic Systems
Atmospheric Chemistry - Pollution
Technology of Protection and Environmental Management
Environmental Management and Sustainable Development
Analytical Chemistry – Environmental Applications
Chemical Oceanography
Renewable Energy Sources
Environmental Archaiometry
Ecotoxicology
Consultation methods of environmental matters

C) Post-Graduate Course on Education for Environment and Sustainable Development within the Inter-University Post Graduate course on Chemistry (Science) Education (established 1998)

Courses offered:

Education for Environment and Sustainable Development I
Education for Environment and Sustainable Development II
Non Formal and Informal Education for Sustainable Development
Environmental Management

The post graduate courses aim at the training of young scientists in order to become specialized in the study, management and protection of the environment, in order to be capable of contributing to the development of the environmental science and of covering the demand both locally and internationally.

Equipment & Infrastructure

Rooms – Laboratories

Students Laboratory with 48 working places 200 m2
4 rooms specially designed for specific analytical determinations and installation of the appropriate instrumentation exceeding 200 m
Office space for the permanent staff and post graduate Students
Storing rooms
Clean room with positive pressure for handling extra clean chemical operations (e.g. for offshore and deep water samples).
Teaching room (48 seats, with ceiling based projector system)

Scientific Equipment

ICP-MS Thermo Scientific ICAP-Qc
Varian, SpectrAA-200 Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrometer with Vapour Generator Accessory 77.
Varian, SectrAA-640Z Graphite Furnace Atomic Absorption Spectrometer with GTA-100 Furnace and Zeeman background correction
Polarographer Ecochemie μ-AUTOLAB
Total mercury analyzer (based on oxidation, purge and trap, and cold vapour Atomic Fluorescence Spectrometry)
Methyl mercury analyzer CV – GC - AFS (based on distillation, ethylation, purge and trap desorption and n with Cold Vapour Atomic Fluorescence Spectrometry)
Module for in situ determination of Hg fluxes (Dissolved Gaseous Mercury DGM) at the air-water interface
HPLC 600 Controller, Waters with PDA 996 detector and fluorescence 474 detector
Bartington Magnetic Susceptibility Meter and MS B type dual frequency sensor, core scanning sensor and MS G type sensors for powders and liquids.
Fluxgate magnetometer Minispin, Molspin LTD
Molspin pulse magnetizer
Anhysteretic magnetizer
Shimadzu TOC-5000 carbon analyzer with an SSM-5000 sampler
VELP, UDK-30 automatic distillator
Yellow Springs Instruments, Model 63 portable submersible conductivity meter
Yellow Springs Instruments Model 550 Α oxygen meter
ORION-231 pH meter
CEM MARS-5X microwave digester
Varian, Cary-1E double beam spectrophotometer
Infiltrex-100 sampling system, in situ pump
Water and sediment sampler of various kinds (Ηydro bios, Makereth, Go Flo)
AQUA 16, system for CTD and D.O. measurements
Lyophilizator Lab Congo
Soxhlet extraction devices
Ultra-sound bath
Purification and isolation systems for semi-volatile organic compounds with columns of liquid/ solid chromatography

LEC's available equipment

Inductively coupled mass spectrometer (ICM-MS, Thermo ICAP-Qc)
Electrochemical Analyser (Ecochemie)
Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrometer (Varian SpectrAA 200)
Graphite Furnace Atomic Absorption Spectrometer (Varian SpectrAA 640Ζ)
Microwave digester (MARS 240/50, CEM, Matthews)
Equipment for mesocosm experiments
TOC Analyser (Schimadjou 5000A)
Freeze Dry System (Freezone / LABCONCO)

Research Programmes

SWIM/Horizon 2020 (2016-2019)
ARISTEIA I Project 640, Integrated Study of Trace metals biogeochemistry in the coastal marine environment (ISMET-COMAREN), 2012-2015, Team Leader –Co-ordinator Prof. M. Scoullos)
Horizon 2020 Capacity Building Mediterranean Environment Programme (2009-2014), Team Leader –Co-ordinator Prof. M. Scoullos)
THALIS project (DAPHNE), Investigation of the impact of climate change on river deltas: case study the Delta of PInios River (Thessaly, Greece), (2012-2014) Participant Prof. M. Dassenakis
Combination of chemical analytical measurements and remote sensing techniques for coastal water monitoring. The cases of Eastern Mediterranean and Black Sea (2007-2009, Funding: IUPAC, Co-ordinator Assoc. Prof. M. Dassenakis)
Investigation of the environmental state of the gulf of Souda (2007-2008, Funding: Municipality of Souda, Team leaders: Assoc. Prof M. Dassenakis collaboration with Assoc. Prof. M. Thessalou, Dept. Of Biology)
Study of the transport and chemical behavior of toxic pollutants in a marine area affected by industrial activities. Application of mild catalytic antipolluting technologies (2005-2008, Funding: General Secretariat of Research and Technology and MOTOR-OIL, Co-ordinator Assoc. Prof. M. Dassenakis)
Researchers’ nights: A night on the beach with oceanography researchers (ANOBOR) – Researchers against degrading environment (RADE) – Research web in the society (REWEBIS) (2006-2007-2008, Funding: Ε.U. Specific Support Action projects, Human resources, Marie Curie actions and mobility FP6 –FP7, Co-ordinator Assoc. Prof. M. Dassenakis)
Integrated study of coastal organosedimentary forms, plan for protection – management (, 2005-2007, Pythagoras II, Funding: Ministry of Education-EU, Co-ordinator Assoc. Prof. M. Dassenakis)
Quality characteristics of the municipal solid wastes of the region of Epirus (2008, Funding: Periphery of Epirus, Co-ordinator Prof. M. Scoullos)
Chemical characterisation of the dehydrated and dried sludge of the Athens/Psittalia Sewage Treatment Plant in order to be used as alternative fuel in the cement factory. Examination of the air emissions before and after the use of the sludge as a fuel (F4nd5ng- TITAN cement factory, Co-ordinator Prof. M. Scoullos)
Examining pollutant leaching from the fly and bottom ashes obtained from the Hospital Waste Incinerator in Attica, in order to propose their safe disposal (Funding: ACMAR, Co-ordinator Prof. M. Scoullos)
General coordination of the program for determination of physicochemical parameters and qualitative composition of wastes of Attica (2006-08, Funding: Association of Communities and Municipalities in the Attica Region – ACMAR, Co-ordinator Prof. M. Scoullos)
Model making of river estuaries endangered by eutrophication phenomena (2005-2007, Funding: Min. of Educ.-EU, Co-ordinator Prof. M. Scoullos)
Nitrogen and phosphorus cycles in the Maliakos gulf (2004-07, Funding: Min. of Educ.-EU, Co-ordinator Assoc. Prof. M. Dassenakis)
Biogeochemical study of heavy metals (2004-07, Min. of Educ.-EU, Co-ordinator Assoc. Prof. M. Dassenakis)
General coordination of the Network of Laboratories for the monitoring of environmental quality of Greek seas (2004-6, (Min. of Environment-EU, Co-ordinator Prof. M. Scoullos)
Monitoring of ground water quality of lake Koumoundourou and the nearby marine area in relation to the Waste Treatment Plant of western Attica (2003-04, Funding: Association of Communities and Municipalities in the Attica Region – A.C.M.A.R., Team Leader: Assoc. Prof.M. Dassenakis)
·Study of water pollution by hydrocarbons and heavy metals in strata of the Thriasio field (2003-06, Funding: General Secretariat of Research and Technology, EU, Co-ordinator Prof. M. Scoullos)
Activities of monitoring and information in the delta of Sperchios river and Maliakos gulf (2002-3, Funding: Min. of Environment, Team leader: Assoc. Prof. M. Dassenakis)
Study of pollutants’ transport to the sea by land based sources (2000-02, Cooperation with Georgia, Funding: General Secretariat of Research and Technology, Co-ordinator: Assoc. Prof. M. Dassenakis)
Network of scientific and professional sectors focusing on the marine environment (2000-01, Funding: General Secretariat of Research and Technology, Co-ordinator: Assoc. Prof. M. Dassenakis)
Study of toxic chemical substances circulation in the drainage basin of river Asopos and the coastal zone of south Evoikos (1999-2001, Funding: General Secretariat of Research and Technology, Co-ordinator: Assoc. Prof. M. Dassenakis)
Actions of information- activation and education of citizens and students for the greek marine environment (1999-2003, Funding: Min. of Environment, Co-ordinator: Prof. M. Scoullos)
Pollutants’ transport to the sea by small polluted rivers. (1999-2000 Funding: INTAS –EC, Cooperation with Georgia and Spain, Co-ordinator: Assoc. Prof. M. Dassenakis)
General coordination of the EUPHEMET Project of the European Union in collaboration with the Imperial College-England and the IEEP-Belgium for the study of the environmental impact of heavy metals (Hg, Cd, Pb) (1998-2000, Funding: EU, Co-ordinator: Prof. M. Scoullos)
Metal Pollution monitoring program of the Saronikos gulf by heavy metals (1986-2000, Funding: Min. of Environment, Co-ordinator: Prof. M. Scoullos)
Metal Pollution monitoring of the Elefsis gulf by land based sources (1995-1999, Funding Min. of Environment, Co-ordinator: Prof. M. Scoullos)
Pollution study of the Elefsis gulf, study of Prespes lakes (Funding: Elliniki Etaireia/National Trust for Greece/WWF, Co-ordinator: Prof. M. Scoullos)
Assessment of the state of pollution of the Mediterranean Sea by zinc, copper and their compounds and proposed measures (1996, Funding, UNEP/FAO/WHO, Co-ordinator: Prof. M. Scoullos)
Study of the biochemical mechanism of heavy metal transport from the dissolved phase to sediment through the green alga Ulva lactuca and determination of secondary metabolism products (1994-95, Funding: General Secretariat of Research and Technology, Co-ordinator: Assoc. Prof. M. Dassenakis)
Elimination of industrial pollution of small rivers passing through cities (1993-94, Funding: EC, Co-ordinator: Prof. M. Scoullos)
Pollution of the Mediterranean Sea (1993, Funding: European Parliament/STOA, Co-ordinator: Prof. M. Scoullos)
Study of environmental legislation enforcement in Greece. Environmental politics proposals (Funding: Institute of European Environmental Policy, Co-ordinator: Prof. M. Scoullos)

Research Interests - Activities

The research scientific activities of the Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry are focusing on the following subjects:

Biogeochemical studies of metals in the coastal zone
LEC-NKUA studies deal with the distribution, speciation and transport of heavy metals in aquatic systems, including surface and underground fresh water, coastal and marine waters, sediments and biota. The study of trace metals’ chemical speciation in seawater has been carried out with the application of schemes featuring electrochemical measurements in the mode of Differential Pulse Anodic Stripping Voltammetry (DPASV). In parallel, the fractionation of dissolved organic matter interacting with metals and providing active complexing sites for metal binding has also been studied. Mercury determinations in LEC have been conducted since 1998 by means of Varian CVAAS and since 2004 by dual Au trap CVAFS instrumentation. A large sample variety are analyzed including groundwater and seawater, biota, sediments and soils, as well as sludge, wastewater, coal from emission abatement technology of incinerators, bauxite. Mercury species studied in water (coastal and open sea) are total mercury (THg), particulate and dissolved, dissolved gaseous mercury (DGM), reactive mercury (RHg). In addition, LEC’s staff has experience in handling, pretreatment and analysis of monomethylmercury (MMHg), and dimethylmercury (DMHg). In collaboration with Department of Biology of University of Athens a large population of shark tissues is studied (flesh, liver, gonads, branchia) for total mercury and recently some OrgHg by extraction and CVAFS determination are tested along with Se measurements. In sediments, various experimental protocols have been applied, including single step and sequential extraction schemes. Research work on biogeochemical processes concerning trace elements (Cd, Hg, Pb, Fe, Mn) at the sediment–water interface is also conducted, in order to estimate the benthic fluxes of metals and the role of sediments to act as sources or sinks of pollutants, under various anthropogenic pressures. This is done through chemical analyses of metal concentrations, in overlying waters, porewaters and sediments supported by appropriately designed microcosms that allow further monitoring of the water – sediment systems in specific time intervals and under controlled conditions. Metal analysis has been also assessed with the employment of Diffusive Gradients in Thin Films (DGT). With this in situ procedure high resolution metal profiles in pore water are obtained together with information on the potential re-supply of the pore water in metals from the solid phase. The potential fluxes of metals at the sediment-water interface are also calculated. In coastal marine environments with shallow, warm and calm waters organosedimentary cyanobacterial - algal mats have been studied in order to assess the bioaccumulation of metals by cyanobacteria isolated from the mats in an attempt to understand their behaviour in polluted marine environments, their ability for metal biosortpion and the possibility of using them for bioremediation purposes.
Studies of chemical substances in the food chain and various marine organisms and on chemical changes in coastal waters where biota is involved
Indicative specific research themes on which work has been carried out include: Bioaccumulation of metals in macroalgae and the role of the latter in transferring metals to the sediment under various oxidative conditions employing mesocosms and benthic chambers, determination of metals, PCBs etc., along the food chain; also in foodstuffs for human consumption and in drinking waters; study of oxidative stress on marine biota; impact of aquacultures in the marine environment (employing “chambers”, laboratory simulations etc.); extraction of natural products of potential interest from marine organisms, calculation of fluxes and budgets (including through biota) of various substances (e.g. Cd) for specific regions.
Management studies for wetlands and marine eco-systems and processes
Research activities related to this topic are run under the perspective of a holistic approach towards the sustainable development of the coastal zone and furthermore the relationship between ICZM and IWRM (Integrated Water Resources Management) since the two, in many cases, cannot and should not be separated. It is noteworthy that the first and till now most complete survey on the “Quality of Coastal waters of Greece” was commissioned by the European Commission to our team already in 1980. Management studies of LEC-NKUA address two major aspects: a) to recognize environmental pressures on the coastal marine environment and transitional waters arising from Land–Based Sources (LBS), b) to formulate plans and propose strategies in order to reduce the negative impact of LBS and related processes on the coastal zone. Specific contributions of LEC-NKUA in this topic include translation of scientific results into policies for the protection of the coastal and further marine environment from pollution deriving from LBSs; reduction of adverse impacts of intensive aquacultures; maintenance of biodiversity/ protection of habitats of threatened species; sustainability of the tourism sector; planning of awareness- raising activities and educational programs in cooperation with local Authorities, NGO’s and International Organizations and Institutes.
Atmospheric pollution studies focussing on heavy metals
Major pollution inputs to the coastal zone are the atmospheric wet and dry depositions. In a study carried out by LEC/ NKUA, on behalf of MED/POL-UNEP-MAP it was found that the atmospheric inputs of Zn and Cu in coastal waters of the Mediterranean exceed considerably the riverine and runoff inputs. Moreover, in heavily urbanised or industrialised areas the investigated by LEC atmospheric emissions from stable and mobile sources were very important and could affect significantly the chemistry of certain substances in the aquatic environment and the food chain. In LEC-NKUA a large number of substances and properties have been studied in both gaseous and particulate phases, employing a great variety of sampling and analytical methods.
Studies of pollution dispersion from solid waste management schemes and the use of non-conventional resources
Solid waste management, particularly in the coastal zone, is a matter of increasing concern in Greece during the last five years. Municipal solid waste recycling is expanding in order to conform to the relevant European Directives. The LEC/ NKUA is already active in the field and covers critical society needs. As today, we move from a disposal-based system (which directly and indirectly pollutes surface, ground and transitional water), to that based on a combination of recovery options, it is important to know the physical and chemical characteristics of the wastes and of their recycling products. Four major contracts have been obtained by LEC-NKUA during the last three years concerning the physico-chemical characterisation of wastes and recycling products, control of the quality and composition of the compost and RDF deriving from recycling of urban solid wastes, selection of the proper waste disposal process based on our analysis and safe disposal of toxic industrial wastes, use of stabilised dry sewage sludge as alternative fuel in the cement production.
Studies and work on Environmental Education (EE) and Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) and Capacity Building
LEC-NKUA has developed a very comprehensive educational programme addressing EE, awareness raising and ESD at various levels. In this field and in order to disseminate results of its research, but also in order to facilitate the formulation of environmentally friendly activities, the Laboratory collaborates closely with major NGOs e.g. MIO-ECSDE (the Mediterranean Information Office for Environment, Culture and Sustainable Development). The LEC NKUA is an integral part of the UNESCO Chair on Sustainable Development Management and Education in the Mediterranean. It cooperates closely with all other units of the Network as well as with other cooperatively bodies and stakeholders such as the EEB (European Environmental Bureau), RAED (Arab Network for Environment and Development), the GWP-Med (Global Water Partnership Mediterranean), WWF, the Hellenic Society for the Environment and Culture and local authorities, schools, the press etc on EE/ESD and awareness issues approaching them as essential components of any integrated management policy, strategy or action. It also contributes substantially in ESD educational publications and interactions within higher education interventions and beyond. LEC-NKUA coordinates the Scientific group of MEDIES, the Mediterranean Educational Initiative for Education for Sustainability a Type II Initiative formally announced in Johannesburg (led by Greece) and within the framework of MEDIES has produced a widely used (translated and produced already in 7 languages) educational package on water and another one (reproduced in Greek and English) on urban wastes, Mediterranean Food (available in Arabic, Greek, Italian), Non Conventional Water Resources (available in English, Greek, Maltese), Rain Water Harvesting, Handbook on Methods used in Environmental Education and Education for Sustainable Development.

MIO-ECSDE
The Mediterranean Information Office for Environment, Culture and Sustainable Development (www.mio-ecsde.org) is the largest non-profit Federation in the Mediterranean with over 128 member NGOs working in the fields of Environment and Development in 25 countries of the Euro-Mediterranean area. Its mission is to protect the Natural Environment and Cultural Heritage and promote Sustainable Development in a peaceful Mediterranean by bringing together the efforts of environmental and developmental NGOs.

In co-operation with governments, international organisations, other socio-economic partners and networks, MIO-ECSDE plays an active role furthering synergies and strengthening public participation in the Mediterranean Region and its countries. MIO-ECSDE acts as a technical and political platform for the intervention of NGOs in the Euro-Mediterranean scene on themes such as natural resources, wastes, biodiversity and cultural diversity, climate change, etc.

Specific activities of MIO-ECSDE systematically carried out include monitoring and influencing EU and regional Mediterranean policies; presenting common NGO positions; promoting Education for Sustainable Development (ESD); Capacity building of specific audiences; Networking, etc.

READ MORE on MIO-ECSDE and its activities here: www.mio-ecsde.org.

MEdIES
The Mediterranean Education Initiative for Environment and Sustainability (MEdIES, www.medies.net) is the major educational and training tool of MIO-ECSDE. It is an initiative on Education for Sustainable Development (ESD), launched in Johannesburg during the World Summit on Sustainable Development (WSSD, 2002). It is in line with the principles of the UN Decade on ESD (2005-2014) and is being implemented through various educational activities in the Mediterranean countries.

MEdIES aims to facilitate the educational community at large to contribute apply in practice the principles of Agenda 21, the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) replaced by the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the UN Decade for ESD (2005-2014) and the Global Action Plan (GAP) that succeeded it, through the application of innovative educational programmes in all countries around the Mediterranean basin.

The educational programmes developed by MEdIES are based on cross-cutting themes in the existing school-curricula such as themes freshwater, solid wastes, marine litter, diet, etc.

MEdIES activities include, mainly, but not exclusively:

Preparing multilingual Educational materials
Organising teacher trainings and conferences
Facilitating the network through its webpage www.medies.net and www.facebook.com/MEdIES.net

Special emphasis is placed on the ESD learner centered methodologies and to the role of learners as "messengers for sustainability" to their families and local communities. The exchange and close collaboration of countries of north and south in the Mediterranean allows the development of a methodological framework that could be further implemented in other regions of the world.

Read more on MEdIES and its activities here: www.medies.net

GWP-Med
The Global Water Partnership Mediterranean (GWP-Med) was established in 2002 as the Mediterranean component of the Global Water Partnership (GWP). Aiming for a water-secure Mediterranean, GWP-Med promotes action, demo application and knowledge exchange on Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) and the sustainable use of water resources in the region. GWP-Med facilitates a multi-stakeholder platform that brings together 10 major regional networks of different water disciplines (government, river basins, local authorities, professionals, NGOs, research institutes, irrigators, etc) and over 80 other institutions and organisations from both EU and non-EU countries.

Working at regional, national, local and transboundary level, GWP-Med provides technical support to policy making; facilitates dialogue on water security and IWRM issues; and implements demonstration actions. Themes addressed include a range of aspects of governance for IWRM; water financing including private sector participation; adaptation to climate vulnerability and change; river basin/transboundary water management; joint IWRM/Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM) planning; Non Conventional Water Resources Management - including at urban level; water demand management; water-food-energy-environment nexus; integrated groundwater management; stakeholders participation; education; capacity building; and networking of targeted groups including decision makers, parliamentarians and the media. Furthermore, GWP-Med addresses gender, equity, youth and poverty as cross-cutting issues.

The GWP-Med Secretariat extends its human resources in Athens, Beirut and Tunis.

Read more n GWP-Med its mission and activities here: www.gwp.org/en/GWP-Mediterranean

Horizon2020 CB/MEP
The EU funded “Horizon 2020 to depollute the Mediterranean” Capacity Building/Mediterranean Environment Programme (H2020 CB/MEP) was implemented from late 2009 until 2014 by the the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens (NKUA) in consortium with several organisations, centres, agencies, and associations. The programme of 140 capacity building and environmental mainstreaming activities supported the implementation of the Horizon 2020 Initiative Road Map and Work Plan through capacity building and awareness raising activities, especially with respect to promoting environmental integration and mainstreaming into other sectoral policies. These activities included trainings, study visits, ad hoc consultations and other activities as appropriate.

Within the framework of the project, Prof. Scoullos developed an e-learning course on innovative Waste Water Treatment. To register and complete the course for free visit: www.envirolearning.net/h2020/index.php

PRESENTATIONS / ARTICLES / SELECTED RESOURCES
Presentation at the UfM http://ufmsecretariat.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/The-Mediterranean-Strategy-on-Education-for-Sustainable-Development-MSESD.pdf

Relevant links / publications

Shaping the Future We Want: UN Decade of Education for Sustainable Development (2005-2014) – Final Report full text (PDF)

Learning for the future: Competences in Education for Sustainable Development – full text (PDF)

Strengthening Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) policies in the Mediterranean – Course Evaluation Report – full text

Selected publications and resources (multilingual)

UNIVERITY publications (Link pending)

MIO – ECSDE Resources

MEdIES publications

GWP Med publications

IMF publication (in press)

Mediterranean mosaic (PDF file)

"Orontes" (UNESCO – GWP-Med) (PDF file)

Inventory of Shared Water Resources in Western Asia (ESCWA publication) (PDF file)