Assessment of contamination by heavy metals and petroleum hydrocarbons in sediments of Montevideo Harbour (Uruguay)

As part of the first environmental assessment within Montevideo Harbour, in summer and winter of 1998, sediments samples were collected at eight locations to determine the spatial distribution of anthropogenic pollutants. Muddy sediments with high organic matter content dominate the study area. Heavy metal levels indicated that sediments were highly polluted with Zn (overall mean: 312+/-102 microg g(-1) dry sediment), Pb (85+/-31), Cu (89+/-25), Cr (162+/-62), and Hg (0.63+/-0.3) and moderately with Ni (30+/-2) and Ag (1.2+/-0.4). Depending on location and season, aliphatic hydrocarbons reached from 21 to 120 microg g(-1), while the unresolved complex mixture represented up to 76% of the total aliphatic fraction. Total PAH concentrations ranged from 1.56 to 90.44 microg g(-1); except at one location, petroleum derivatives were identified as main local source. The results pointed out that almost all the harbour area presented some substances that can cause adverse biological effects, especially in the inner region where all metals are above PEL levels. Principal components analysis confirmed that the inner harbour region is most severely affected by the pollutants and it was possible to differentiate three regions according to their environmental quality.     

Occurrence and distribution of organochlorine pesticides (HCH and DDT) in sediments collected from East China Sea

Sediments used in this study were collected from different depths of eight sites in East China Sea in November 2002. The levels and distribution patterns of the selected organochlorine pesticides (OCPs=p,p'-DDT, o,p'-DDT, p,p'-DDE, p,p'-DDD, alpha-, beta-, gamma- and delta-HCH) in samples were investigated by the technique of sonication extraction followed by the analysis of gas chromatography (GC) coupled with a micro-electron capture detector (muECD). The concentrations of SigmaHCH and SigmaDDT in the surface sediments were in the range of <0.05-1.45 ng/g (mean 0.76 ng/g), <0.06-6.04 ng/g (mean 3.05 ng/g) based on dry weight (dw), respectively. In the vertical distributions, the SigmaHCH and SigmaDDT were in the range of <0.05-2.52 ng/g, <0.06-10.94 ng/g dw, respectively. Residues of OCPs varied significantly with different sampling sites. SigmaDDT in the surface sediments was correlated well with total organic carbon (TOC) content (r2=0.71), while SigmaHCH showed no obvious correlation. The distribution showed that the sediments from the vicinity estuary or near shore had higher TOC contents, and higher OCPs concentrations. The contamination record indicated an extensive use of OCPs in the catchments from Yangtze River in the past might greatly affect the OCP residues.     

Short and medium chain length chlorinated paraffins in UK human milk fat

Chlorinated paraffins (also called polychlorinated n-alkanes -- PCAs) are a class of industrial chemicals comprising chlorinated straight chain hydrocarbons. They have a wide range of applications and are now found in a range of environmental compartments. We analysed a total of 25 human milk-fat samples, donated by 18 individuals from the urban London and more rural Lancaster areas in the UK, for short chain PCAs (C(10)-C(13) sPCAs) and medium chain PCAs (C(14)-C(17) mPCAs), using gas chromatography-ECNI high-resolution mass spectrometry. Our study confirms that trace quantities of PCAs can reach human milk-fat. sPCAs were detected in all but four samples, while mPCAs were detected in all samples. The median sPCA concentration was 180 ng/g fat (range of 49 to 820 ng/g fat -- detected values only) and the median mPCA concentration was 21 ng/g fat (range of 6.2 to 320 ng/g fat). No differences were noted in ranges of observed values for either sPCAs or mPCAs between samples from London and Lancaster. Most samples also exhibited similar patterns of sPCAs and mPCAs. One sample exhibited a different pattern for sPCAs and mPCAs, an observation that may be related to differences in exposure or biological factors for this individual.     

Distribution of persistent organic pollutants, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and trace elements in soil and vegetation following a large scale landfill fire in northern Greece

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), organochlorine pesticides (OCPs), including hexaclorocyclohexanes (HCHs) and DDTs, as well as trace elements were determined in soil and vegetation samples collected from the surrounding area of the landfill "Tagarades", the biggest in northern Greece, following a large scale fire involving approximately 50,000 tons of municipal waste. High concentrations of total PAHs, PCBs and heavy metals were found inside the landfill (1475 microg kg(-1) dw, 399 microg kg(-1) dw and 29.8 mg kg(-1) dw, respectively), whereas concentrations in the surrounding soils were by far lower ranging between 11.2-28.1 microg kg(-1) dw for PAHs, 4.02-11.2 microg kg(-1) dw for PCBs and 575-1207 mg kg(-1) dw for heavy metals. The distribution of HCHs and DDTs were quite different since certain soils exhibited equal or higher concentrations than the landfill. In vegetation, the concentrations of PAHs, PCBs, HCHs and DDTs ranged from 14.1-34.7, 3.64-25.9, 1.41-32.1 and 0.61-4.03 microg kg(-1) dw, respectively, while those of heavy metals from 81 to 159 mg kg(-1) dw. The results of the study indicated soil and vegetation pollution levels in the surroundings of the landfill comparable to those reported for other Greek locations. The impact from the landfill fire was not evident partially due to the presence of recent and past inputs from other activities (agriculture, vehicular transport, earlier landfill fires).     

崇明东滩盐沼表层沉积物有机碳空间分布特征及其来源示踪研究

沉积物有机碳空间分布特征及其来源是盐沼碳循环研究的一个关键问题。该研究分析了长江口崇明东滩盐沼表层沉积物样品总有机碳(TOC)、总氮(TN)和稳定碳同位素(δ13C)等参数。研究表明:东滩表层沉积物TOC和TN的平均值分别为7. 70±3. 74和0. 74±0. 32 g/kg,两者均表现为自北向南减少的分布趋势。沉积物δ13C平均值为-25. 05±1. 21‰,三元混合模型模拟计算结果表明东滩沉积物有机碳主要来源于悬浮颗粒物(43. 53±22. 44%)和植被(43. 29±24. 82%),底栖微藻贡献率较低(13. 20±8. 40%)。东滩北部沉积物表现为高悬沙贡献-低植被贡献-高有机碳含量特征,中南部表现高植被贡献-低悬沙贡献-低有机碳含量的特点。     

Concentrations of Cu and Pb in the offshore and intertidal sediments of the west coast of Peninsular Malaysia

Malaysia is now a developing country and on her way towards being an industrialised one by the year 2020. Most of her industries and urban areas are located on the west coast of Peninsular Malaysia. In addition, the offshore area of the west coast is now one of the busiest shipping lanes in the world. These two phenomena make the intertidal and offshore areas of the west coast of Peninsular Malaysia interesting for scientific studies. Therefore, this study focused on both the offshore and intertidal sediments of the west coast of Peninsular Malaysia. Sampling for sediment samples were done from the northern to the southern ends of the peninsula and these sediment samples were analysed for Cu and Pb. It was found that total Cu concentrations ranged from 0.25 to 13.8 and 0.40 to 315 microg/g dry weight (dw) for offshore and intertidal sediments, respectively. For Pb, it ranged from 3.59 to 25.4 and 0.96 to 69.8 microg/g dw for the offshore and intertidal sediments, respectively. The ranges of Cu and Pb found from the west coast of Peninsular Malaysia were low in comparison to regional data. However, some intertidal areas were identified as receiving anthropogenic Cu and Pb. Geochemical studies revealed that the 'nonresistant' fraction for Pb contributed about 70.0% to 75.0% and 54.0% of the total Pb concentration in the offshore and intertidal sediments, respectively. As for Cu, the 'nonresistant' fraction contributed about 46.2% to 60.4% and 46.3% of the total Cu concentration in the offshore and intertidal sediments, respectively. The 'nonresistant' fraction contained mostly of anthropogenic metals besides natural origins. These 'nonresistant' percentages indicated that both the offshore and intertidal areas could have received anthropogenic-derived metals, which could be influenced by physico-chemical properties of the sediments. Although the present data indicated that contamination due to Cu and Pb in the west coast of Peninsular Malaysia especially in the offshore areas were not serious, regular biomonitoring studies along the west coast of Peninsular Malaysia are recommended.     

Natural and anthropogenic hydrocarbon inputs to sediments of Patos Lagoon Estuary, Brazil

The Patos Lagoon Estuary, southern Brazil, is an area of environmental interest not only because of tourism, but also because of the presence of the second major port of Brazil, with the related industrial and shipping activities. Thus, potential hydrocarbon pollution was examined in this study. Sediment samples were collected at 10 sites in the estuary, extracted, and analyzed by GC-FID and GC-MS for composition and concentration of the following organic geochemical markers: normal and isoprenoid alkanes, petroleum biomarkers, linear alkylbenzenes (LABs), and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). The total concentrations varied from 1.1 to 129.6 microg g(-1) for aliphatic hydrocarbons, from 17.8 to 4510.6 ng g(-1) for petroleum biomarkers, from 3.2 to 1601.9 ng g(-1) for LABs, and from 37.7 to 11,779.9 ng g(-1) for PAHs. Natural hydrocarbons were mainly derived from planktonic inputs due to a usual development of blooms in the estuary. Terrestrial plant wax compounds prevailed at sites located far from Rio Grande City and subject to stronger currents. Anthropogenic hydrocarbons are related to combustion/pyrolysis processes of fossil fuel, release of unburned oil products and domestic/industrial waste outfalls. Anthropogenic hydrocarbon inputs were more apparent at sites associated with industrial discharges (petroleum distributor and refinery), shipping activities (dry docking), and sewage outfalls (sewage). The overall concentrations of anthropogenic hydrocarbons revealed moderate to high hydrocarbon pollution in the study area.     

Dioxin-like compounds in agricultural soils near e-waste recycling sites from Taizhou area, China: chemical and bioanalytical characterization

The crude recycling of electronic and electric waste (e-waste) is now creating a new set of environmental problems especially in developing countries such as China. The present study aimed to characterize the dioxin-like compounds in Taizhou area, one of the largest e-waste recycling centers in China, using both chemical analysis and in vitro bioassay. Agricultural soil samples were screened for aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) activity with EROD bioassay in H4IIE cells, and the concentrations of the target AhR agonists including polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were determined by instruments. The bioassay-derived TCDD equivalents (TEQ(bio)) and the chemical-calculated TCDD equivalents (TEQ(cal)) were then compared, and mass balance analysis was conducted to identify the contributors of the observed response. Raw soil extracts from all locations induced significant AhR activities, where the TEQ(bio) ranged from 5.3 to 210 pg/g dry weight soil (pg/g dw). The total concentrations of 17 PCDD/Fs, 36 PCBs and 16 PAHs varied from 210 to 850 pg/g dw, 11 to 100 ng/g dw, and 330 to 20,000 ng/g dw, respectively. Profile characterization of the target analytes revealed that there were similar sources originating from the crude dismantling of electric power equipments and the open burning of e-waste. There was a significant relationship between TEQ(cal) and TEQ(bio) (r=0.99, p<0.05). Based on the mass balance analysis, PCDD/Fs, PCBs and PAHs could account for the observed AhR responses in vitro elicited by soil extracts, though their respective contributions varied depending on sample location. In this study, the combination of chemical analysis and bioanalytical measurements proved valuable for screening, identifying and prioritizing the causative agents within complex environmental matrices.     

Butyltins in the sediments of Kochi and Mumbai harbours, west coast of India

Surface sediment samples were collected from various locations in the Mumbai and Kochi harbours, west coast of India, to assess the presence of butyltin compounds. Tributyltin (TBT) and dibutyltin (DBT) varied from 16 to 16,816 ng/g dry wt. and from undetected to 469 ng/g dry wt., respectively, of the sediment in Kochi harbour. In Mumbai harbour, the values of TBT and DBT ranged between 4.5 and 1193 ng/g dry wt. and from undetected to 131 ng/g dry wt. of the sediments, respectively. The concentrations of both TBT and DBT showed strong seasonal variation probably due to the effect of tides and currents. Nevertheless, the levels of butyltin compounds were generally higher at sites influenced by shipping activities such as navigation, dry dock and ship-building activities. The presence of DBT indicates the abiotic or microbiological degradation of TBT. Compared to TBT, DBT was relatively less abundant, suggesting either fresh inputs of TBT and/or less degradation of TBT. The concentrations of TBT showed significant positive relationships with organic carbon and lipid, implying that both lipophilic and ionic interactions were probably involved in controlling the abundance of TBT at these sediments. The observed levels of butyltin compounds are much higher than those required to induce toxic effects on marine organisms, suggesting that these sediments were contaminated with butyltin compounds.     

Distribution of PCBs, HCHs and DDTs, and their ecotoxicological implications in Bay of Bengal, India

Analyses of environmentally persistent pollutants like polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH) isomers, and dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) and its metabolites in seawater and sediment samples collected from six locations along the east coast of India were carried out using High-Resolution Gas Chromatograph with High-Resolution Mass Spectrometer (HRGC-HRMS). Sediment and water from Chennai harbour and Cuddalore fishing harbour contained higher concentration of all the compounds. The highest concentration (6570 pg/g dry weight) of total PCB was found in sediment from Chennai harbour followed by sediments sampled in Chennai (opposite to Cooum River mouth) (505 pg/g), Cuddalore fishing harbour (335 pg/g) and Mandapam (251 pg/g). Concentrations in other locations were two orders of magnitude lower than Chennai harbour. A distinct PCB distribution pattern in sediment was observed between harbours and other locations. Greater concentrations of tetra-, penta- and hexachlorobiphenyls were observed in sediments of harbours and opposite to Cooum river mouth, but in other locations lower chlorinated biphenyls (di, tri and tetra-) were more. In seawater, HCH concentration was greater than DDT, but it was quite opposite in sediments. Elevated levels of DDT in sediment were observed only at highly populated urban locations, reflecting the local usage and input of this pesticide. Based on sediment/water quality criteria/guidelines, some coastal locations of the Bay of Bengal could be designated as being polluted by DDTs and gamma-HCH (lindane), but not by PCBs. This investigation reveals the declining trend on the environmental burden of persistent pesticides in Indian marine environment. Data on the organochlorine concentrations found in this survey can be used as reference levels for future POPs monitoring programme.     

Distribution of U-Th nuclides in the riverine and coastal environments of the tropical southwest coast of India

A reconnaissance study has been made on the distribution of 238U, 234U, 232Th and 230Th in soils, water, suspended particulate matter (SPM) and bottom sediments in the Kali river basin around Kaiga, its estuarine region and the adjacent Arabian Sea to obtain the baseline data of U-Th series nuclides in view of the commissioning of nuclear power reactors at Kaiga, near Karwar, on the southwest coast of India. Drainage basin soils developed over greywackes (the dominant litho-unit upstream) are lower in 238U/Al and 232Th/Al ratios by factors of 3-5 in comparison with those developed over tonalitic gneisses (the dominant litho-unit downstream). The dominance of the former type of soils is reflected in the composition of river-bottom sediments derived from the upstream drainage basin during the monsoon. The 232Th in bottom sediments tends to increase towards the estuarine and coastal areas, presumably due to deposition of heavy minerals and onshore transport of coastal sediments into the estuary. The dissolved U in the Kali river is low (0.001-0.02 microg/l) when compared to the major Indian rivers as the Kali river flows through U-poor greywackes. Thus, the input of dissolved U to the Kali estuary is dominated by sea water. Although there is some evidence for the removal of dissolved U at low salinity during estuarine mixing, its behaviour is conservative in the lower estuary (at higher salinities). The removal rate of dissolved U from the Kali river basin is similar to that reported from other tropical river basins. The U flux from all the west-flowing rivers of Peninsular India is estimated at 26.3 x 10(6) g/yr to the Arabian Sea which is about 2% of the flux from the Himalayan rivers to the Bay of Bengal.     

Lead and cadmium levels in coastal benthic algae (seaweeds) of Tenerife,Canary Islands

Lead and cadmium levels of some species of brown-algae (Phaeophyta) from the mesolittoral (intertidal area) of the Island of Tenerife (central-eastern Atlantic) were determined by Atomic Absorption Spectrometry. The quality control was carried out using a standard "CRM 279 Ulva lactuca".The mean, minimum and maximum concentrations were 11.21, 2.090 and 81.795 microg/g/dw; and 1.13, 0.190 and 5.130 microg/g/dw for lead and cadmium, respectively. The fact that samples registering the highest cadmium concentrations were the same as those which showed the highest lead level corresponding to a sampling station nearby an urban water outlet could be relevant.     

Assessment of marine pollution in Izmir Bay: nutrient, heavy metal and total hydrocarbon concentrations

Izmir Bay (western Turkey) is one of the great natural bays of the Mediterranean. Izmir is an important industrial and commercial centre and a cultural focal point. The main industries in the region include food processing, oil, soap and paint production, chemical industries, paper and pulp factories, textile industries and metal processing. The mean concentrations showed ranges of 0.01-0.19 and 0.01-10 microM for phosphate, 0.10-1.8 and 0.12-27 microM for nitrate+nitrite, and 0.30-5.8 and 0.43-39 microM for silicate in the outer and middle-inner bays, respectively. The TNO(x)/PO(4) ratio is significantly lower than the Redfield's ratio and nitrogen is the limiting element in the middle-inner bays. Diatoms and dinoflagellates were observed all year around in the bay and are normally nitrogen limited. Metal concentrations ranged between Hg: 0.05-1.3, Cd: 0.005-0.82, Pb: 14-113 and Cr: 29-316 microg g(-1) in the sediments. The results showed significant enrichments during sampling periods from Inner Bay. Outer and middle bays show low levels of heavy metal enrichments except estuary of Gediz River. The concentrations of Hg, Cd and Pb in the outer bay were generally similar to the background levels from the Mediterranean. The levels gradually decreased over the sampling period. Total hydrocarbons concentrations range from 427 to 7800 ng g(-1) of sediments. The highest total hydrocarbon levels were found in the inner bay due to the anthropogenic activities, mainly combustion processes of traffic and industrial activities. The concentrations of heavy metals found in fish varied for Hg: 4.5-520, Cd: 0.10-10 and Pb: 0.10-491 microg kg(-1) in Izmir Bay. There was no significant seasonal variation in metal concentrations. An increase in Hg concentration with increasing length was noted for Mullus barbatus. A person can consume more than 2, 133 and 20 meals per week of fish in human diet would represent the tolerable weekly intake of mercury, cadmium and lead, respectively, in Izmir Bay. Heavy metal levels were lower than the results in fish tissues reported from polluted areas of the Mediterranean Sea.     

Human and crab exposure to mercury in the Caribbean coastal shoreline of Colombia: impact from an abandoned chlor-alkali plant

Human hair samples from male and female people aged 6-85 years, as well as muscle of crabs (Callinectes sapidus and Callinectes bocourti) were collected from different fishing places along the Caribbean coastal shoreline of Colombia and analyzed for total mercury (T-Hg) in order to establish the impact of mercury-polluted sediments in Cartagena bay on the ecosystem. Hair T-Hg in inhabitants varied between 0.1 and 21.8 microg/g, with average and median of 1.52 microg/g and 1.1 microg/g, respectively. Differences between sampling locations were significant (P<0.01) and median values decreased in the order: Ca?o del Oro (1.5 microg/g)相似文献   

A case study on identification of airborne organic compounds and time courses of their concentrations in the cabin of a new car for private use

The cabin of an automobile can be considered to be a part of the living environment because many people spend long periods of time during business, shopping, recreation or travel activities. However, little is known about the interior air contamination due to organic compounds diffusing from the interior materials used in the interior of automobiles. In the present study, the compounds in the interior air of a new car were identified, and the time courses of their concentrations were examined for over 3 years after the delivery (July, 1999). A total of 162 organic compounds, involving many aliphatic hydrocarbons and aromatic hydrocarbons, were identified. High concentrations of n-nonane (458 microg/m(3) on the day following delivery), n-decane (1301 microg/m(3)), n-undecane (1616 microg/m(3)), n-dodecane (716 microg/m(3)), n-tridecane (320 microg/m(3)), 1-hexadecene (768 microg/m(3)), ethylbenzene (361 microg/m(3)), xylene (4003 microg/m(3)) and 2,2'-azobis(isobutyronitrile) (429 microg/m(3)) were detected, and the sum of the concentrations determined for all compounds excluding formaldehyde (TVOC) was approximately 14 mg/m(3) on the day after the delivery. The concentrations of most compounds decreased with time, but increased with a rise of the interior temperature. The TVOC concentration in the next summer (July, 2000) was approximately one-tenth of the initial concentration. During the 3-year study period, the TVOC concentrations in summer exceeded the indoor guideline value (300 mug/m(3)) proposed by [Seifert B. Volatile organic compounds. In: Maroni M, Seifert B, Lindvall T, editors. Indoor air quality. A comprehensive reference book. Air quality monographs, vol. 3. Netherlands: Elsevier Science; 1995. p. 819-21]. The interior temperature and days lapsed after delivery were the main factors affecting the interior concentrations of most compounds according to multiple linear regression analysis. The results of this study offer useful fundamental data for investigations on air pollution in automotive cabins due to the organic compounds diffusing from the interior materials.     

Occurrence of phthalate esters in water and sediment of urban lakes in a subtropical city, Guangzhou, South China

Extensive use of phthalate esters (PAEs) in both industrial processes and consumer products has resulted in the ubiquitous presence of these chemicals in the environment. This study reports the first data on the concentrations of 16 phthalate esters (PAEs) in water and sediments of the urban lakes in Guangzhou City. PAEs were detected in all samples analyzed, mainly originating from urban stormwater runoff, atmospheric deposition, as well as untreated discharge of industrial wastewater and municipal sewage. The Sigma(16)PAEs concentrations in water and sediments ranged from 1.69 to 4.72 microg L(-1) and 2.27 to 74.94 microg g(-1)-dry weight (dw), with the mean concentrations of 2.91 microg L(-1) and 20.85 microg g(-1)-dw, respectively, which indicates that sediment is a significant sink for PAEs. Variability of the Sigma 16PAEs concentrations in water and sediment in the urban lakes was almost consistent. The spatial distribution of PAEs was site-specific. Of the 16 PAEs, DMP, DEP, DnBP, DiBP, DMPP, and DEHP were present in all water and sediment samples. DnBP was abundant in water (53.0-81.2%), while no single dominant congener was found in sediments. The abundances of DiBP were similar to those of DEHP, and DiBP and DEHP collectively accounted for 77.2-97.6% of the Sigma 16PAEs concentrations. Congener specific analysis confirmed that DnBP was a predictive indicator for the dissolved summation operator16 PAEs concentration (correlation coefficient r=0.968, p<0.01), and that DiBP was a predictive indicator for the sediment summation operator16 PAEs concentration (r=0.975, p<0.01). As compared to the results for other studies, the urban lakes of Guangzhou were moderately polluted by PAEs.     

Chemical characterization of naturally weathered oil residues in arid terrestrial environment in Al-Alamein, Egypt.

The main objective of this study was to investigate compositional changes in a range of source- and weathering-dependent molecular parameters in oil residues in the arid terrestrial environment of Al-Alamein, Egypt. The results of aromatic hydrocarbon analysis demonstrated the stability of several aromatic hydrocarbon ratios in oil residues over a wide range of weathering and hydrocarbon concentrations. The ratios of C2-dibenzothiophenes/C2-phenanthrenes (C2-DBTs/C2-PHENs), C3-dibenzothiophenes/C3-phenanthrenes (C3-DBTs/C3-PHENs), C2-chrysenes/C1-chrysenes (C2-CHRYs/C1-CHRYs), and C2-dibenzothiophenes/C1-dibenzothiophenes (C2-DBTs/C1-DBTs) were nearly constant in oil residues of varying degrees of weathering. Biomarker ratios of hopanes and steranes were useful for source identification even for severely weathered oil residues. The data confirmed previous observations that C29 20S/(20S + 20R) and C29 betabeta/(betabeta+ alphaalpha) sterane epimer ratios, and C29/C30, C30 alphabeta(alphabeta + 3alpha), C31 22S/(22S + 22R) hopane ratios correlate well even after extensive weathering of spilled oils, although some exceptions were encountered for an extensively weathered surface sample. The data provided clear evidence of correlation between samples of the weathered oil residues and the possible source oil. Moreover, the results of biomarker compositions were in good agreement with weathering classification based on alkanes and aromatic hydrocarbons. In general, samples with lowest pregnane indices (PI) and tricyclic terpane indices (TriTI) showed the lowest concentrations of n-alkanes and alkylated polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) homologues, the highest weathering ratios (WRs), the highest values of unresolved complex mixture (UCM)/total resolved peak (TRP) ratios, and the highest ratios of C2 and C3-alkylated CHRYs to their counterparts in the PHEN and DBT series.     

Comparative sediment quality assessment in different littoral ecosystems from Spain (Gulf of Cadiz) and Brazil (Santos and São Vicente estuarine system)

The goal of this work was to establish comparisons among environmental degradation in different areas from Southern Spain (Gulf of Cádiz) and Brazil (Santos and S?o Vicente estuary), by using principal component analyses (PCA) to integrate sediment toxicity (amphipods mortality) and chemical-physical data (Zn, Cd, Pb, Cu, Ni, Co, V, PCBs, PAHs concentrations, OC and fines contents). The results of PCA extraction of Spanish data showed that Bay of Cádiz, CA-1 did not present contamination or degradation; CA-2 exhibited contamination by PCBs, however it was not related to the amphipods mortality. Ría of Huelva was the most impacted site, showing contamination caused principally by hydrocarbons, in HV-1 and HV-2, but heavy metals were also important contaminants at HV-1, HV-2 and HV-3. Algeciras Bay was considered as not degraded in GR-3 and -4, but in GR-3' high contamination by PAHs was found. In the Brazilian area, the most degraded sediments were found in the stations situated at the inner parts of the estuary (SSV-2, SSV-3, and SSV-4), followed by SSV-6, which is close to the Submarine Sewage Outfall of Santos - SSOS. Sediments from SSV-1 and SSV-5 did not present chemical contamination, organic contamination or significant amphipod mortality. The results of this investigation showed that both countries present environmental degradation related to PAHs: in Spain, at Ría of Huelva and Gudarranque river's estuary areas; and in Brasil, in the internal portion of the Santos and S?o Vicente estuary. The same situation is found for heavy metals, since all of the identified metals are related to toxicity in the studied areas, with few exceptions (V for both Brazil and Spain, and Cd and Co for Brazilian areas). The contamination by PCBs is more serious for Santos and S?o Vicente estuary than for the investigated areas in Gulf of Cádiz, where such compound did not relate to the toxicity.     

Distribution of pesticides, PAHs and heavy metals in prawn ponds near Kolleru lake wetland, India

This paper discussed the distribution of pesticides, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and heavy metals in water, sediment and prawn from intensive prawn ponds (n=8) near the Kolleru lake wetland, India and assessed the quality of prawn for human consumption and also discussed the possible effects of these pollutants on pond environment and aquatic environment. The chemicals and other products used in prawn ponds near the Kolleru lake wetland were documented. The sediment, prawn and water samples were collected six times from selected prawn ponds during the production period of 3 months. Water samples were analyzed for selected physico-chemical parameters. The levels of pesticides, PAHs and heavy metals were found to decrease in the order sediment followed by prawn and water. The maximum concentrations of pesticides in sediment, prawn and water were alpha-BHC (174.2 microg g(-)(1)), gamma-BHC (234 microg g(-)(1)), malathion (256 microg g(-)(1)), chloripyrifos (198.5 microg g(-)(1)), endosulfan (238 microg g(-)(1)), dieldrin (19.6 microg g(-)(1)) and p,p'-DDT (128.6 microg g(-)(1)). Isodrin was found below detectable limit. The maximum concentrations of PAHs in sediment, prawn and water are anthracene (0.901 microg kg(-)(1)), fluranthene (0.601 microg kg(-)(1)), pyrene (0.786 microg kg(-)(1)), chrysene (0.192 microg kg(-)(1)), benzo(a)pyrene (0.181 microg kg(-)(1)) and benzo(ghi)perylene (227 microg kg(-)(1)). Benzo(e)pyrene, perylene, isomers of dibenzoanthracene and coronene were found below detectable limits. The maximum concentrations of heavy metals in sediment, prawn and water and also in prawn feed are Cu (791 microg g(-)(1)), Pb (270 microg g(-)(1)), Cd (1.07 microg g(-)(1)), Mn (4417 microg g(-)(1)), Ni (8.1 microg g(-)(1)), Co (5.8 microg g(-)(1)), Zn (1076 microg g(-)(1)), Cr (36.4 microg g(-)(1)), As (2.9 microg g(-)(1)), Se (6.3 microg g(-)(1)), Th (2.1 microg g(-)(1)) and Mo (0.762 microg g(-)(1)).     

Inputs and fates of petroleum hydrocarbons in a subtropical marine estuary

Inputs and fates of petroleum from a higly urbanized area to a subtropical marine estuary were investigated by measuring hydrocarbon concentrations in municipal wastewater treatment plants, urban stormwater drains, sediments, and benthic organisms in and around Tampa Bay, FL. The concentrations of petroleum hydrocarbons discharged from secondary and tertiary treatment plants in this area were lower than concentrations previously reported for other treatment plants in temperate regions. Samples collected from urban storm drains under base flow conditions were also low. The generally low levels of petroleum hydrocarbons in the sediments and organisms throughout Tampa Bay suggest that the bay is relatively pristine with respect to petroleum hydrocarbon contamination. Since it is unlikely that the anthropogenic input of hydrocarbons to this estuary is significantly lower than in other urbanized areas, we suggest that elevated annual temperatures in this subtropical system result in increased metabolic rates of microorganisms and more rapid degradation or metabolism of the petroleum hydrocarbons.