POC and particulate 234Th export fluxes estimated using 234Th/238U disequilibrium in an enclosed Eastern Mediterranean region (Saronikos Gulf and Elefsis Bay, Greece) in seasonal scale

POC/AThp ratio profiles decreased versus depth showing a variety of marine processes, such as loss of POC due to dissolution after biological activity, impact of minerals in particle sinking and microbial remineralization. Average cumulative export fluxes of POC were 162 ± 18 mmol m−2 d−1 in summer, 107 ± 19 mmol m−2 d−1 in autumn and 157 ± 25 mmol m−2 d−1 in winter 2009. The seasonal data of POC fluxes certified the existence of phytoplankton bloom in winter for Saronikos Gulf. In addition, after evaluating the maxima of POC fluxes in Elefsis Bay (a small embayment in northern Saronikos Gulf) during summer, potential bloom of phytoplankton also concluded; this approach is in agreement with previous data of the same area. Finally, the elevated POC concentrations and fluxes in the region certify that the Gulf is still one of the most organic polluted in the Mediterranean Sea.