Speciation of mercury in the strongly polluted sediments of the Deûle River (France)

The De?le River in Northern France experienced serious contamination from the metallurgical industry, especially from the smelter Metaleurop prior to 2003. In 2002 the surface sediments were collected from the bed of the river around 10 km above and 10 km below the smelter. Total mercury (HgT) and methylmercury (MeHg) concentrations exceeded the background value of 0.1 mg kg(-1). The average concentrations were 19.67 ± 1.02 mg kg(-1) and 10.88 ± 1.08 μg kg(-1), respectively. In 2003 the sediment core samples were collected at two different sites near the factory for survey depth profiles of Hg contamination. The concentrations of HgT and MeHg in sediment cores varied from 10.47 to 259.44 mg kg(-1) and from 3.24 to 82.61 μg kg(-1), respectively. The concentration of total mercury was significantly correlated with the methylmercury concentration in the sediment below a depth of 23.5 cm (R(2) = 0.81, p < 0.01). This may suggest that the production of MeHg is directly related to the HgT concentration. Nevertheless the MeHg/HgT ratio in the upper part of the sediment core was higher than that in the lower part. This suggests that HgT and MeHg may have been co-deposited together. However, the methylmercury production takes place in the surface sediment by microorganisms. The strong correlation observed between MeHg and acid volatile sulfides (AVS) suggests that MeHg variability is associated with the bacterial activity (presence of AVS).     

Water and sediment quality of dry season pools in a dryland river system: the upper Leichhardt River, Queensland, Australia

This article presents the geochemical characteristics and physicochemical properties of water and sediment from twelve semi-permanent, dryland pools in the upper Leichhardt River catchment, north-west Queensland, Australia. The pools were examined to better understand the quality of sediments and temporary waters in a dryland system with a well-established metal contamination problem. Water and sediment sampling was conducted at the beginning of the hydroperiod in May and September 2007. Water samples were analyzed for major solute compositions (Ca, Na, K, Mg, Cl, SO(4), HCO(3)) and water-soluble (operationally defined as the <0.45 μm fraction) metals (Cd, Cu, Pb, Zn). Sediment samples were analyzed for total extractable and bioaccessible metals (As, Cd, Cu, Pb, Zn), elemental composition and grain morphology. At the time of sampling a number of pools contained water and sediment with elevated concentrations, compared to Australian regulatory guidelines, of Cu (maximum: water 28 μg L(-1); sediment 770 mg kg(-1)), Pb (maximum: water 3.4 μg L(-1); sediment 630 mg kg(-1)) and Zn (maximum: water 150 μg L(-1); sediment 780 mg kg(-1)). Concentrations of Cd and As in pools were relatively low and generally within Australian regulatory guideline values. Localized factors, such as the interaction of waters with anthropogenic contaminants from modern and historic mine wastes (i.e. residual smelter and slag materials), exert influence on the quality of pool waters. Although the pools of the upper Leichhardt River catchment are contaminated, they do not appear to be the primary repository of water and sediment associated metals when compared to materials in the remainder channel and floodplain. Nevertheless, a precautionary approach should be adopted to mitigating human exposure to contaminated environments, which might include the installation of appropriate warning signs by local health and environmental authorities.     

Assessment of trace element contamination in sediment cores from the Pearl River and estuary,South China: geochemical and multivariate analysis approaches

Twenty-four major and trace elements and the mineralogical composition of four sediment cores along the Pearl River and estuary were analyzed using ICP-AES, ICP-MS, and X-ray diffraction (XRD) to evaluate contamination levels. The dominant minerals were quartz, kaolinite, and illite, followed by montmorillonite and feldspars, while small amounts of halite and calcite were also observed in a few samples. Cluster analysis (CA) and principal component analysis (PCA) were performed to identify the element sources. The highest metal concentrations were found at Huangpu, primarily due to wastewater treatment plant discharge and/or the surreptitious dumping of sludge, and these data differed from those of other sources. Excluding the data from Huangpu, the PCA showed that most elements could be considered as lithogenic; few elements are the combination of lithogenic and anthropogenic sources. An antagonistic relationship between the anthropogenic source metals (K, Ba, Zn, Pb, Cd, Ag, Tl, and U) and marine source metals (Na, Mg, Ti, V, and Ca) was observed. The resulting normalized Al enrichment factor (EF) indicated very high or significant pollution of Cd, Ag, Cu, Zn, Mo, and Pb at Huangpu, which may cause serious environmental effects. Conflicting results between the PCA and EF can be attributed to the background values used, indicating that background values must be selected carefully.     

Impact of poor solid waste management on ground water

Eight sediment cores recovered from Tamaki Estuary were analysed for Cu, Pb, Zn, and Cd using downward cored sub-samples. The results indicate a significant upward enrichment in heavy metals with the highest concentrations found in the uppermost 0–10 cm layer. Assessment of heavy metal pollution in marine sediments requires knowledge of pre-anthropogenic metal concentrations to act as a reference against which measured values can be compared. Pristine values for the cored sediments were determined from flat “base-line” metal trends evident in lower core samples. Various methods for calculating metal enrichment and contamination factors are reviewed in detail and a modified and more robust version of the procedure for calculating the degree of contamination is proposed. The revised procedure allows the incorporation of a flexible range of pollutants, including various organic species, and the degree of contamination is expressed as an average ratio rather than an absolute summation number. Comparative data for normalized enrichment factors and the modified degree of contamination show that Tamaki Estuary sediments have suffered significant systematic heavy metal contamination following catchment urbanization. Compared to baseline values the uppermost sediment layers show four-fold enrichment averaged across eight cores and four analysed metals.     

Historical contamination of the Anacostia River, Washington, D.C.

The tidal Anacostia River in Washington DC has long been impacted by various sources of chemical pollution over the past 200 years. To explore more recent inputs of various chemicals, six sediment cores were collected for dating and chemical analysis in the downstream section of the tidal Anacostia River. Profiles of contaminants in sediment cores can be useful in determining management direction and effectiveness of pollution controls over time. There were two main objectives for this investigation: (1) determine current sediment contaminant levels; (2) determine a historical perspective of the sediment changes in contamination using (137)Cs and (210)Pb dating. The determination of an age-depth relationship using (210)Pb and (137)Cs dating gave somewhat different results, suggesting that the assumptions of (210)Pb dating were not met. Using the (137)Cs horizon allowed an assignment of approximate sediment accumulation rates and hence an age-depth relationship to contaminant events in the upper portions of the cores. Total PAHs showed higher concentrations at depth and lower surface concentrations. In the upper sections, PAHs were a mixture of combustion and petrogenic sources, while at depth the signature appeared to be of natural origins. Total PCBs, DDTs and chlordane concentrations showed a maximum in recent sediments, decreasing towards the surface. PCBs had lower molecular weight congeners near the surface and higher molecular weights at depth. A phthalate ester, DEHP, appeared in the mid 1940-1950s, and decreased towards the surface. Trace elements fell roughly into three groups. Fe, Mn, and As were in approximately constant proportion to Al, except in some deeper, sandy sediments, where they showed enrichments linked to redox conditions. Ag, Cd, Cu, Hg, Pb, and Zn had low concentrations in the deepest sediments, high concentrations at mid-depths, and declines to intermediate levels at the surface. Ni and Cr followed neither of these patterns closely. We observed that many contaminants appeared in the Anacostia sediments at various times, and reached relatively high concentrations in the past, but are now showing declines in loadings. In some cases, such as PCBs, DDT, chlordane, and Pb from leaded gasoline, these declines can be clearly linked to the discontinuation of their use for environmental reasons. For other contaminants (e.g., PAHs, DEHP, selected metals) these declines are more likely the result of changes in production, usage and waste control.     

Chromatium species: an emerging bioindicator of crude oil pollution of tidal mud flats in the Niger Delta mangrove ecosystem, Nigeria

Establishing microbiological indices for the monitoring of environmental decay by crude oil pollution in the Niger Delta region has been a major concern of our current researches. Chromatium species, a purple, Gram positive pleomorphic, motile, microaerophlic sulfur bacterium offers a good potential for use in the assessment of the short term effects of oil pollution of tidal mud flats in the Niger Delta mangrove ecosystem. Its response to the November 22, 2003 spillage at the Qua Iboe Estuary and the adjoining Cross River Estuary was investigated. Our results have revealed that the sulphur bacterium is easily identified and widely distributed in the epipellic sediment of the mangrove ecosystem but very sensitive to hydrocarbon pollution. The bacterium was readily detected in the tidal mud flats containing as much as 2.0 mg kg(-1) but not detected in sediment with THC level of 3.65 mg kg(-1) and above. It is thus, suggestive that the threshold and lethal limits of effect of hydrocarbons against the sulfur bacterium lies between 2.04 and 3.65 mg kg(-1). These imply that in any case of crude oil pollution that Chromatium is not detected during monitoring the THC levels of the sediment may have been raised to a level close to or above 3.65 mg kg(-1). Statistical analysis of the relationship between THC level and density of Chromatium in sediment revealed a significant (p < 0.05) negative relationship (r = -0.85) in Qua Iboe mangrove ecosystem as against an insignificant (p > 0.05) relationship (r = -0.41) recorded for the Cross River mangrove ecosystem which served as the control. The result indicates that oil pollution affect the homeostatic status of Chromatium in tidal mud flats despite its even distribution (R2 = 71.4%). The finding though not definitive may contribute to the hierarchical process of oil pollution assessment in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria. However, its effective utilization will require not only the development of a selective medium for enumeration and isolation of the bacterium but also the establishment of a defined dose-response relationship under controlled conditions which requires further research.     

Distribution and contamination assessment of heavy metals in sediment of the Second Songhua River, China

The Second Songhua River was subjected to a large amount of raw or primary effluent from chemical industries in Jilin city in 1960s to 1970s, resulting in serious mercury pollution. However, an understanding of other trace metal pollution has remained unclear. The objective of this study was to investigate trace metal contamination in the sediment of the river. Bottom sediment samples were taken in the river between Jilin city and Haerbin city in 2005. An uncontaminated sediment profile was taken in the Nen River at the same time. Total concentrations of Al, Fe, Mg, Ca, K, Na, Ti, Mn, V, Sc, Co, Cu, Cr, Ni, Pb and Zn in the sediment samples were measured by ICP-MS or ICP-OES, following digestion with various acids. Concentrations of Co, Cu, Cr, Ni, Pb and Zn in the surface sediments were 5.1–14.7, 18.5–78.9, 2.4–75.4, 7.2–29.0, 13.5–124.4, and 21.8–403.1 mg/kg, respectively, generally decreasing along the course of the river from Jilin city to Haerbin city. Background concentrations of trace metals were reconstructed by geochemical normalization to a conservative element scandium. Results showed that concentrations of Co, Cr, and Ni in the sediment were generally only slightly higher than or equal to their background values, while concentrations of Cu, Pb, and Zn in the some sediment samples were significantly higher than their background values. In detail, the sediment at Jilin city was moderately contaminated by Cu, and the sediment of the Second Songhua River was moderately contaminated by Pb and Zn. The top layer (0–10 cm depth) and bottom layers (30–46 cm depth) of one sediment profile at Wukeshu town were generally moderately polluted by Pb and Zn. Synthetically, the surface sediment in the studied river section was classified as natural sediment without ecological risk by the sediment pollution index (SPI) of Cu, Cr, Ni, Pb and Zn. Only the 30–45 cm depth of the sediment profile at Wukeshu town was classified as low polluted sediment by the SPI of these metals, recording a historical contamination of the river in the 1960s to 1970s. This buried contamination of trace metals might pose a potential risk to water column under disturbance of sediment. Foundation item: The National Basic Research Priorities Program of China (2004CB418502)     

Anthropogenic pollution and variability of manganese in alluvial sediments of the Yellow River,Ningxia, northwest China

Heavy metal pollution of sediments is a global concern and can be a serious problem in heavily industrialized parts of the world. Pollution by manganese is particularly common due to its ubiquitous natural occurrence, ease of mobilization, and extensive association with industry. In Ningxia, China, manganese pollution of Yellow River alluvial sediments was assessed by comparing manganese concentrations in 35 sediment samples with background values derived from similar sediments obtained at sites considered remote from potential sources of contamination. Natural background values of manganese were found to range from 192 to 323 mg/kg for surface sediments, and from 220 to 325 and 283 to 394 mg/kg for subsurface sediments at depths of 45–50 and 95–100 cm, respectively. In the study area, manganese content ranged from 565 to 1,363 mg/kg, indicating anthropogenic pollution extending to a depth of at least 1 m in the study area. All 35 samples were found to exceed the threshold effect concentration (TEC) of 460 mg/kg, below which adverse effects on sediment-dwelling organisms are not expected to occur, and one sample (T12) was found to exceed the probable effect concentration (PEC) of 1,100 mg/kg. PEC defines the threshold above which adverse effects are likely to be observed. Variogram analysis of the surface sediment manganese data revealed adherence to a Gaussian model, and ordinary kriging was used to generate a manganese distribution map. Analysis of the high nugget effect ratio indicates high, small-scale variations that are consistent with potential emissions from an adjacent electrolytic manganese plant.     

A 300 year history of lead contamination in northern French Alps reconstructed from distant lake sediment records

Lead concentrations and isotopic ratios were measured along two well-dated sediment cores from two distant lakes: Anterne (2100 m a.s.l.) and Le Bourget (270 m a.s.l.), submitted to low and high direct human impact and covering the last 250 and 600 years, respectively. The measurement of lead in old sediment samples (>3000 BP) permits, in using mixing-models, the determination of lead concentration, flux and isotopic composition of purely anthropogenic origin. We thus show that since ca. 1800 AD the regional increase in lead contamination was mostly driven by coal consumption ((206)Pb/(207)Pb approximately 1.17-1.19; (206)Pb/(204)Pb approximately 18.3-18.6), which peaks around 1915 AD. The increasing usage of leaded gasoline, introduced in the 1920s, was recorded in both lakes by increasing Pb concentrations and decreasing Pb isotope ratios. A peak around 1970 ((206)Pb/(207)Pb approximately 1.13-1.16; (206)Pb/(204)Pb approximately 17.6-18.0) corresponds to the worldwide recorded leaded gasoline maximum of consumption. The 1973 oil crisis is characterised by a drastic drop of lead fluxes in both lakes (from approximately 35 to <20 mg cm(-2) yr(-1)). In the late 1980s, environmental policies made the Lake Anterne flux drop to pre-1900 values (<10 mg cm(-2) yr(-1)) while Lake Le Bourget is always submitted to an important flux (approximately 25 mg cm(-2) yr(-1)). The good match of our distant records, together and with a previously established series in an ice core from Mont Blanc, provides confidence in the use of sediments as archives of lead contamination. The integration of the Mont Blanc ice core results from Rosman et al. with our data highlights, from 1990 onward, a decoupling in lead sources between the high elevation sites (Lake Anterne and Mont Blanc ice core), submitted to a mixture of long-distance and regional contamination and the low elevation site (Lake Le Bourget), where regional contamination is predominant.     

Levels and distribution of PCDD/Fs, dl-PCBs, and organochlorine pesticides in sediments from the lower reaches of the Haihe River basin, China

The concentrations of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs), dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls (dl-PCBs), and organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) in surface sediments from the lower reaches of the Haihe River basin, northern China, were determined by high-resolution gas chromatograph–high-resolution mass spectrometer. The concentrations of 2,3,7,8-substituted PCDD/Fs, dl-PCBs, and total OCPs [sum of hexachlorobenzene, hexachlorocyclohexanes, and dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDTs)] in 17 sediment samples were in the ranges of 11.6–1,180,924 pg/g dry weight (dw), 18.7–50,017 pg/g dw, and 1.7–35,280 ng/g dw, respectively. The contamination levels in the samples varied significantly between the different sites. Abnormally high concentrations of PCDD/Fs, dl-PCBs, and some OCPs were found in sediments from the lower reaches of the main channel of the Haihe River and the Dagu Drainage River, which were attributed to the historical production of pentachlorophenol and other pesticides near these locations. High levels of DDTs were detected in the Yongding New River sediment, which were likely to have originated from the discharge of wastewater from a dicofol factory upstream. In samples taken from other sites, the concentrations of these pollutants were at levels comparable to those documented in other areas of China. This preliminary investigation suggests that historical pesticide production in the Haihe River basin has contributed significantly to the contamination of this aquatic ecosystem and that further attention to this issue is warranted.     

Metal pollution assessment of sediment and water in the Shur River

Intensified industrialization and human activities have resulted in the release of various contaminants into the environment. Among them, heavy metals are often present as a result of mining, milling and industrial manufacturing. In the present investigation, bulk concentrations Pb, Cd, Zn, Cu, Fe, Ca and Al in Shur River (Iran) bed sediments and water around the Sarcheshmeh copper mine were measured from several sample locations. In addition, partitioning was assessed to determine the proportions of metals in different forms. The degree of sediment contamination was evaluated using an Enrichment Factor (EF) and geo-accumulation index (I (geo)) and a newly developed pollution index (I (POLL)). Elevated metals in sediment and water were found to be correlated with areas of the river that were proximal to direct and indirect mining activities. Cadmium and Zn showed the highest pollution index. Cluster analysis was performed in order to assess heavy metal interactions between water and sediment. Chemical partitioning studies revealed that organic metallic bonds were not significantly present in the sediment of the Shur River.     

Distribution of heavy metals in water, particulate matter and sediments of Gediz River (Eastern Aegean)

The present paper is the first document of heavy metal levels in surficial sediment, water and particulate matter of the Gediz River collected from five different sites in August, October 1998, February, June 1999. The present work attempts to establish the status of distribution and environmental implications of metals in the sediment, water and particulate matter and their possible sources of derivation. The concentrations of mercury ranged 0.037–0.81, 120–430; lead 0.59–1.5, 190–8,100; copper 0.24–1.6, 30–180; zinc 0.19–2.9, 10–80; manganese 30–170, 20–490; nickel 0.39–9.0, 100–510; iron 1.3–687, 100–6,200 μg/l in water and particulate matter, respectively. The maximum values in water were generally obtained in summer periods due to industrial and agricultural activities at Muradiye. The particulate metal concentrations also generally showed increased levels from the upper Gediz to the mouth of the river. Calculation of metal partition coefficients shows that the relative importance of the particulate and the water phases varies in response to water hydrochemistry and suspended solid content, but that most elements achieve a conditional equilibrium in the Gediz River. The metals ranged between Hg: 0.25–0.49, Cr: 59–814, Pb: 38–198, Cu: 15–148, Zn: 34–196, Mn: 235–1,371, Ni: 35–175, and Fe: 10,629–72,387 mg/kg in sediment. The significant increase of metals found in Muradiye suggested a pollution effect, related to anthropogenic wastes. Also, relatively high concentrations of Ni and Mn occurred in sampling site upstream, due to geochemical composition of the sediments. Maximum values of contamination factor for metals were noticed for sediment of Muradiye. The sampling stations have very high degree of contamination indicating serious anthropogenic pollution.     

Distribution and baseline values of trace elements in the sediment of Var River catchment,southeast France

This study reports on the determination of trace element (TE)—Li, As, Co, Cs, Cu, Pb, U, and Zn—and major element (ME)—Si, Al, Fe, Mg, Ca, Mn, Na, and K—concentrations in 18 riverbed sediments and a sediment core from the Var River catchment using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). The results were compared with those of a reference sediment core, and the contribution of clay and organic carbon contents in the distribution of TE and ME in the sediment samples was investigated. The mean concentrations of the ME were comparable in both core and riverbed samples and were within the natural averages. In the case of TE, the concentrations were lower in riverbed sediment samples than those found in the sediment core. High mean concentration of As was observed (7.6 μg g^?1) in both core and riverbed sediments, relatively higher than the worldwide reported values. The obtained data indicated that the natural high level of arsenic might be originated from the parent rocks, especially metamorphic rocks surrounding granites and from Permian sediments. Statistical approach, viz., Pearson correlation matrix, was applied to better understand the correlation among TE in both riverbed and sediment core samples. No significant metallic contamination was detected in the low Var valley despite of the localization of several industrial facilities. Therefore, results confirm that the concentrations of the TE obtained in the riverbed sediments could be considered as a baseline guide for future pollution monitoring program.     

基于多元统计的宁夏典农河水质演替特征探究

宁夏典农河是黄河宁夏段的主要入黄排水沟之一,其水质状况对黄河宁夏-内蒙古段跨省流域水质安全至关重要。选取典农河2011—2020年10个监测点位的16项水质参数,采用综合污染指数(WPI)法,结合相关性分析、主成分分析、聚类分析等分析方法,综合分析该流域水污染特征,并对污染程度进行评估,对污染因子和污染原因进行解析,最终提出管控建议。研究结果表明：2011—2020年,影响典农河水质的主要污染因子为COD_Cr、NH₃-N、TP、TN,对应的年均浓度范围分别为22.3～71.5、0.64～9.09、0.173～0.662、2.89～21.52 mg/L,超标率分别为46%、8%、13%、85%。典农河2011—2020年WPI范围为0.59～1.74,重金属含量一直维持在较低水平。流域TN与TP年均浓度比值范围为20～84,整体呈下降趋势,且各监测点的差异性逐渐减小;BOD₅与COD_Cr浓度比值范围为0.02～0.19,反映出典农河流域水体可生化性较差。各监测断面污染物之间存在较强相关性,其中：流域C...     

Ecotoxicological impact assessment of some heavy metals and their distribution in some fractions of mangrove sediments from Red Sea, Egypt

The total and fraction concentrations of heavy metals (Mn, Cu, Ni, Pb, Co, and Cd) were analyzed in some sediment fractions (Φ2, Φ3, Φ4, Φ5) of selected mangrove ecosystems collected from the Egyptian Red Sea shoreline. The results revealed that manganese had the highest mean value (133?±?97 mg/kg) followed by copper (49.9?±?46.0 mg/kg), nickel (28.1?±?11.8 mg/kg), lead (19?±?13 mg/kg), cobalt (6.7?±?4.0 mg/kg), and cadmium (3.327?±?1.280 mg/kg). The concentrations of heavy metals in the different sediment fractions showed that there was a preferential accumulation of Cu, Co, Mn, and to a lesser degree Cd in the silt and clay fractions rather than in the sand-sized. The sediment quality was performed by using some sediment quality guidelines. Additionally, the contamination and the risk assessment of these heavy metals were achieved by different methods including, potential ecological risk index, contamination factor, pollution load index, and geoaccumulation index. According to the Sediment Quality Guidelines comparisons, the concentrations of Mn and Pb were low and showed no possibility of detrimental effects on the local environment. The levels of Cu and Ni were high, however, could not be considered to present serious threat to the mangrove ecosystem. The data showed that the mangrove ecosystems were affected by the Cd risk.     

Baseline of the spatial and temporal metal contamination in Dilek National Park, Turkey

Dilek National Park in Western Turkey is a protected habitat for several endangered and threatened species. In an attempt to protect the endangered species, the park was classified as a World Heritage Preserve. Even with this change, the animal and flora variety are still at risk from previous metal contamination. Water samples were collected 10 cm below the water surface and sediment from 0-30 and 30-60 cm depth. Inorganic elements were found in all sediment samples. Sodium had the highest aqueous concentration (10,312 mg/L), while Cu, Fe, Mn, and Zn were present at levels significantly lower than the chronic exposure criteria. Zn was the least prevalent (0.4 mg/kg) compound found in the sediment. The highest toxic contaminant concentration was Mg at an average of 1,100 mg/kg. The main contamination source of that seems to be Great Meandrous River. More studies are needed to develop a protection and remediation strategy for Dilek National Park.     

Biomonitoring of tin and arsenic in different compartments of a limnic ecosystem with emphasis on Corbicula fluminea and Dikerogammarus villosus

Asian clam Corbicula fluminea, the amphipod Dikerogammarus villosus and the macrophyte Nuphar lutea were tested for investigating spatial and temporal variability in the bioavailability of tin and arsenic in the River Lippe, Germany. Samples were collected from September 2002 to May 2003 at a tin polluted site (source pollution) and a reference site. Additional screening sampling was carried out twice in April 2003 to test the extent of As and Sn concentration in periphyton (aufwuchs) samples. Accumulated Sn and As concentrations were measured with ICP-MS after sample processing (dissection, cryo-milling) and digestion. Quality control was performed by parallel analysis of three certified reference materials. Measurable As and Sn contents in plant tissues were only detectable in roots (below 30 microg kg(-1) and 20 microg kg(-1) for As and Sn, respectively). Homogenates from C. fluminea and D. villosus tissues showed site-dependent trace metal contents. Elevated bioavailability of Sn is present downstream of the sewage discharge of the world's biggest producer of tributyltin (TBT) at Luenen (northern Ruhr region). In comparison to C. fluminea, D. villosus shows higher concentrations of tin in samples from both sites. Arsenic concentrations in C. fluminea remain constant with increasing shell size, whereas tin shows a size-dependent accumulation. The results indicate that Corbicula fluminea and Dikerogammarus villosus are suitable passive biomonitoring organisms for Sn, but As levels might be actively regulated. The concentration of tin in the periphyton (aufwuchs) samples was found to be much higher in samples from a contaminated site (428 +/- 63 vs. 1949 +/- 226 microg kg(-1)).     

Determination of toxic elements in waters and sediments from River Subin in the Ashanti Region of Ghana

Waters and sediments of Subin River, which flows through the industrial and commercial areas of Kumasi in the Ashanti region of Ghana, were geochemically investigated to ascertain heavy metal pollution levels due to anthropogenic activities. The study shows preoccupying pollution levels that constitute a threat to public and ecological systems. The waters of Subin River are neutral to slightly basic, inferred from pH values of 6.89–7.65). Electric conductivity (EC) of the waters ranges from 822 to 1,821 μs/cm and the range of total dissolved solids (TDS) is from 409 to 913 mg/l. Toxic elements contents of sediments and waters from 10 sites along the river were analysed by instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA), and Al, As, Cd, Cr, Cu and Zn were determined. The concentrations of Al, As, Cd, Cr, Cu and Zn in the waters range between 4.02–15.18, 0.007–0.16, 0.002–0.05, 0.001–0.019, 1.32–7.04 and 4.28–10.2 mg/l, respectively. The contamination factors (CF) computed for the elements indicate that with the exception of sampling site S10, the sediments are polluted with Cd. Chromium contamination in the sediments is observed at S6 and S7, where the CF values were 1.39 and 1.52, respectively. The pollution load indices (PLI) were low (<1) and ranged from 0.14 to 0.75, suggesting that the overall sediment column of the river is not polluted.     

Occurrence, distribution and bioaccumulation of antibiotics in the Haihe River in China

The occurrence, distribution and bioaccumulation of 22 antibiotics, including eight fluoroquinolones (FQs), nine sulfonamides (SAs) and five macrolides (MLs), in the Haihe River were investigated. Surface water, sediment and fish samples were analyzed by HPLC-MS/MS. Ofloxacin, sulfamethoxazole, sulfadiazine, erythromycin and roxithromycin were found in all surface water samples. SAs were the predominant antibiotics in surface water samples in the mainstream of Haihe River, with the maximum concentration of 201 ng L(-1) for sulfamethoxazole. Compared with Haihe River, higher concentrations of antibiotics were found in the surface water samples in the Dagu and Chentaizi Drainage Rivers. The antibiotics pollution in the mainstream of Haihe River may derive from its tributaries, whereas the wastewater from fish ponds was not the main source of FQs, SAs and MLs in the river water. In sediment samples, FQs were the most frequently detected antibiotics and their concentrations were much higher than SAs and MLs. The high concentrations and detection frequencies of FQs in sediments indicate that sediments are an important reservoir for FQs as they are strongly adsorbed onto sediments. Ciprofloxacin and erythromycin exhibited potential bioaccumulation in crucian carp, with mean bioaccumulation factors of 3262 L kg(-1) and 4492 L kg(-1), respectively.     

Surface water quality assessment of the Vatinsky Egan River catchment, West Siberia

Stream water chemistry were analyzed across Vatinsky Egan River Catchment (West Siberia). The objective of the study is to reveal the spatial and seasonal variations of the water quality and to assess the anthropogenic chemical inputs into the river system. Stream chemistry were monitored in 24 sampling sites for a period extended from January 2002 to December 2005. Spatial distribution of constituents in the Vatinsky Egan River basin indicated pollution from non-point sources associated with oil development. Data revealed that ion concentrations of river waters are usually negatively correlated with stream discharge. The major spatial variations of the hydrochemistry are related to the salinity. Chloride exhibited wide and high concentration range. A comparison with another rivers of West Siberia reveals that Vatinsky Egan River is the most saline and regional impacts further out in the watershed. The salinity of the river water increases substantially as it crosses Samotlor oil field. Many Cl(-) concentrations in the middle and lower parts of the catchment exceed the world average river values by one or more orders of magnitude. For 38% of sampling events, total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPH) concentrations were above the recommended water quality standards.