DEPARTMENT OF GEOCHEMISTRY & ENVIRONMENT

The Department of Geochemistry and Environment (GEP) is part of the Directorate of Mineral Resources and Mining (DOPME) of H.S.G.M.E. Its main responsibilities include:

1. Geochemical surveys and studies using natural materials such as river and lake sediments, soils, annual and perennial plants, rocks, floodplain and overbank sediments, road dust, and airborne particulates,
2. Development of geochemical databases and the preparation of multi-element geochemical maps and atlases at various scales,
3. Supporting research projects for the identification and assessment of mineral raw materials (MRMs),
4. Environmental studies on soils and waters, waste management, pollution dispersion, and broader environmental protection initiatives.

Applied geochemistry investigates the spatial distribution of chemical elements and compounds in samples of stream sediment, surface and groundwater, soils, floodplain deposits, rocks, and more—for both ore deposit exploration and environmental purposes. H.S.G.M.E. implements applied geochemical research projects and studies aimed at protecting the environment, addressing complex geochemical and geoenvironmental challenges, and supporting mineral exploration. The Department proposes solutions to key issues affecting natural resource management and environmental sustainability. The most important areas of work include:

1. Geochemical environmental studies in areas of former mining and metallurgical activity, e.g., abandoned or inactive public mines,
2. Specialized investigations to identify and delimit pollution in soils, surface waters, and groundwater near former mining, metallurgical, and industrial sites. These include: • Characterization of mine and metallurgical wastes and other pollution sources, • Acid mine drainage studies, • Mapping geochemical anomalies, • Identification of pollution sources, transport pathways, and receptors, • Collaboration with local authorities to share findings, • Environmental impact assessments, • Investigations of mining heritage and reuse potential, • Rehabilitation and risk reduction methods.
3. Studies on the rehabilitation of abandoned or inactive mining and metallurgical sites,
4. Soil and water contamination assessments involving heavy metals and hazardous substances (e.g., PCBs), along with remediation proposals and effectiveness monitoring,
5. Soil geochemical investigations to support sustainable land use,
6. Geochemical and environmental studies of urban and peri-urban areas,
7. Quality control studies of soils and waters for protection and improvement,
8. Real-time field measurements to assess risks in contaminated sites,
9. Cross-border pollution assessments of rivers and sediments,
10. Evaluation of industrial minerals for water quality improvement in urban and agricultural use,
11. Studies on waste disposal methods and locations (solid and liquid),
12. Environmental impact assessments of small dams and water reservoirs,
13. Exploratory geochemical surveys to identify new areas of mineral potential,
14. Detailed soil and lithogeochemical surveys to delineate ore-bearing structures,
15. Compilation of the multi-element Geochemical Atlas of Greece,
16. Specialized geochemical studies,
17. Development of new field and laboratory geochemical methodologies,
18. Application of new statistical techniques in data processing and presentation,
19. Participation in the international Global Geochemical Mapping Project coordinated by the Association of European Geological Surveys and the International Union of Geological Sciences [http://www.globalgeochemicalbaselines.eu]. The geochemical mapping of Europe has already been completed, and all data are freely available at http://weppi.gtk.fi/publ/foregsatlas/.
20. Providing expert knowledge on soil protection and defining threshold values or action limits for harmful chemicals,
21. Participation in EU and national co-funded projects,
22. Involvement in international networks for contaminated site management, such as CARACAS, CLARINET, and NORISC.

Infrastructure

The Department of Geochemistry and Environment is equipped with modern instruments allowing real-time field measurements of water, soil, sediment, ore, and waste samples.

Projects

The Department carries out, coordinates, or contributes to projects funded by public investment programs, the European Union, national agencies, or private organizations. Examples include:

A. Public Investment Program Projects

• Hydrogeochemical and radiometric environmental study of Mykonos Island (2002),
• Geochemical study of Greek river basins (2004–2010),
• Contribution to the Global Geochemical Mapping Project (1999–2010),
• Soil geochemical mapping of agricultural and grazing lands in Greece (2008–2014),
• Archiving and analysis of geochemical samples for the Geochemical Atlas of Greece (2018–2021).

B. Projects with the Central Union of Municipalities and Communities (KEDKE)

• Site selection and environmental suitability studies for waste disposal across Greece (1993–2004),
• Environmental impact assessments of municipal waste sites in the Cyclades, Peloponnese, and Central Greece,
• Water quality assessments for local municipalities.

C. EU Co-funded Projects

• Studies on mercury dispersion for ore deposit exploration (1981–1985),
• New approaches to polymetallic ore deposit research in the Rhodope region (1983–1986),
• Soil restoration in Lavrio (LIFE Project, 1994–1999),
• Participation in CARACAS, CLARINET, NORISC, EUROCAT, NuPulse, and BioMine projects (1996–2012).

D. 2nd Community Support Framework Projects

• Soil and water geochemical studies in Kozani–Ptolemaida–Amyntaio, Aetolia-Acarnania, Achaia, Ilia, Corinth, and Peloponnese (1999–2002).

E. 3rd Community Support Framework Projects

• Innovative technologies for mining waste management and rehabilitation of abandoned public mines (2002–2006),
• Environmental impact studies of dams in Lasithi (2002–2006),
• Geochemical environmental studies of urban/peri-urban areas (Nafplio, Drama, Sparta, Thrakomakedones, 2002–2006).

F. ESPA Projects

• Geochemical environmental studies of urban/peri-urban areas (Igoumenitsa, Volos, 2007–2013),
• Sedimentological and geochemical surveys of the seabed in Igoumenitsa Port and surrounding marine areas (2007–2013).

G. Projects for Third Parties

• Environmental baseline studies (e.g., Nisyros for DEI, 1992),
• Impact assessments of geothermal exploitation (Sousaki, 1994),
• Soil and groundwater contamination assessments (1996–2016) for municipalities, state agencies, and private companies,
• Geochemical investigations in Cyprus in collaboration with the Geological Survey Department (2005–2009),
• Post-fire soil and waste analyses in Drama, Messapia, and Aspropyrgos (2010–2015).

International Collaborations

The Department represents H.S.G.M.E. in the Geochemistry Expert Group of EuroGeoSurveys and the International Union of Geological Sciences (IUGS). It also contributes data to EIONET and has participated in major EU networks (CARACAS, CLARINET, NORISC).

Read more about the other departments of the Directorate of Mineral Resources and Mining (DOPME) of H.S.G.M.E.:

Department of Ore Deposit and Mining Research (KOIME)

Department of Mineralogy and Petrography (TOP)

Department of Mineral Raw Materials Technology and Metallurgy (TEOPYM)

Department of Mining Opinions and Inspections (GNOMEM)