Water quality characterization in the Northern Florida everglades based on three different monitoring networks

The Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge (Refuge) is affected by inflows containing elevated contaminant concentrations originating from agricultural and urban areas. Water quality was determined using three networks: the Northern Refuge (NRN), the Southern Refuge (SRN), and the Consent Decree (CDN) monitoring networks. Within these networks, the Refuge was divided into four zones: (1) the canal zone surrounding the marsh, (2) the perimeter zone (0 to 2.5 km into the marsh), (3) the transition zone (2.5 to 4.5 km into the marsh), and (4) the interior zone (>4.5 km into the marsh). In the NRN, alkalinity (ALK) and conductivity (SpC) and dissolved organic carbon, total organic carbon, total dissolved solids (TDS), Ca, Cl, Si, and SO₄ concentrations were greater in the perimeter zone than in the transition or interior zone. ALK, SpC, and SO₄ concentrations were greater in the transition than in the interior zone. ALK, SpC, and TDS values, Ca, SO₄, and Cl had negative curvilinear relationships with distance from the canal toward the Refuge interior (r ²?=?0.78, 0.67, 0.61, 0.77, 0.62, and 0.57, respectively). ALK, TB and SpC, and Ca and SO₄ concentrations decreased in the canal and perimeter zones from 2005 to 2009. Important water quality assessments using the SRN and CDN cannot be made due to the sparseness and location of sampling sites in these networks. The number and placement monitoring sites in the Refuge requires optimization based on flow pattern, distance from contaminant source, and water volume to determine the effect of canal water intrusion on water quality.     

Nutrient baselines of Cerrado low-order streams: comparing natural and impacted sites in Central Brazil

The aquatic systems responsible for water supply in the Brazilian Federal District (FD) have been threatened by anthropogenic pressures, especially considering the expressive demographic increase in the region during the last decades. The purposes of this research were: (a) to assess the water quality in streams located in the FD by monitoring physical–chemical variables; (b) to define baselines for these variables among different ecological status categories. The 14 investigated streams were sampled between 2006 and 2009, in the dry (August–September, 2006, 2008, 2009) and rainy (March–April, 2008, 2009) seasons. All sampling sites were classified in four categories (“very impacted”, “impacted”, “in transition” and “natural”) using an adaptation of a rapid habitat assessment protocol. Differences in water quality among sites were generally well predicted in the four ecological status categories defined by the protocol, which showed a gradient in nutrient concentrations from reference sites classified as “natural” (medians: electrical conductivity?=?7.3 μS cm^?1; nitrate?=?0.040 mg L^?1; ammonium?=?0.039 mg L^?1; soluble reactive phosphorus (SRP)?=?<0.001 mg L^?1; total phosphorus (TP)?=?0.006 mg L^?1; ) to those classified as “very impacted” (medians: electrical conductivity?=?87.7 μS cm^?1; nitrate?=?0.247 mg L^?1; ammonium?=?0.219 mg L^?1; SRP?=?0.010 mg L^?1; TP?=?0.035 mg L^?1). Point sources inputs were the main factor for water quality deterioration. The nutrient baselines reported were relatively low when compared to data collected from reference areas in Brazil (e.g., São Paulo State) or temperate regions, especially for TP.     

Removing arsenic from groundwater in Cambodia using high performance iron adsorbent

In Cambodia, groundwater has been contaminated with arsenic, and purification of the water is an urgent issue. From 2010 to 2012, an international collaborative project between Japan and Cambodia for developing arsenic-removing technology from well water was conducted and supported by the foundation of New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization, Japan. Quality of well water was surveyed in Kandal, Prey Veng, and Kampong Cham Provinces, and a monitoring trial of the arsenic removal equipment using our patented amorphous iron (hydr)oxide adsorbent was performed. Of the 37 wells surveyed, arsenic concentration of 24 exceeded the Cambodian guideline value (50 μg L^?1), and those of 27 exceeded the WHO guideline for drinking water (10 μg L^?1). Levels of arsenic were extremely high in some wells (>1,000–6,000 μg L^?1), suggesting that arsenic pollution of groundwater is serious in these areas. Based on the survey results, 16 arsenic removal equipments were installed in six schools, three temples, two health centers, four private houses, and one commune office. Over 10 months of monitoring, the average arsenic concentrations of the treated water were between 0 and 10 μg L^?1 at four locations, 10–50 μg L^?1 at eight locations, and >50 μg L^?1 at four locations. The arsenic removal rate ranged in 83.1–99.7 %, with an average of 93.8 %, indicating that the arsenic removal equipment greatly lower the risk of arsenic exposure to the residents. Results of the field trial showed that As concentration of the treated water could be reduced to <10 µg L^?1 by managing the As removal equipment properly, suggesting that the amorphous iron (hydr)oxide adsorbent has high adsorbing capacity for As not only in the laboratory environment but also in the field condition. This is one of the succeeding As removal techniques that could reduce As concentration of water below the WHO guideline value for As in situ.     

Preliminary screening of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), hexabromocyclododecane (HBCDD) and tetrabromobisphenol A (TBBPA) flame retardants in landfill leachate

The occurrence of selected brominated flame retardants, including nine polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE) congeners, hexabromocyclododecane (HBCDD) and tetrabromobisphenol A (TBBPA) in leachate samples from eight landfill sites in South Africa, were investigated. In addition, the possible influences of dissolved organic carbon on their levels were also evaluated. Filtered leachate samples were subjected to solid-phase extraction to isolate the various target compounds. PBDEs with six bromine substituents and above, as well as α-HBCDD, β-HBCDD and TBBPA, were generally found below the detection limit. However, the mean value of the total lower PBDE congeners ranged between 0.04 and 0.48 μg L^?1, and the concentrations of γ-HBCDD ranged from not detectable (ND) to 0.05 μg L^?1. No significant correlation was observed between the target compounds and dissolved organic carbon, although weak to moderate correlations were mostly observed for the lower PBDEs.     

Pristine aquatic systems in a Long Term Ecological Research (LTER) site of the Brazilian Cerrado

The maintenance of limnological monitoring programs in the Cerrado Domain is crucial as a provision of useful information about temporal variations in land use and their respective water quality responses, considering its importance as water source for different Brazilian hydrographic basins. The purpose of this research was to describe limnological variables of low-order lotic systems located in the Cerrado Long Term Ecological Research (LTER) site (Environmental Protection Area (APA) Gama and Cabeça de Veado, Federal District of Brazil). Altogether, nine different streams were considered in this study. Samplings were conducted between 2010 and 2012, concentrated in the dry and rainy seasons. The sampling sites were generally characterized by low nutrient concentrations (e.g., medians, TP?=?14.8 μg L^?1, TN?=?20.0 μg L^?1, NO₃?=?13.8 μg L^?1) and slightly acidic waters (median, pH?=?5.3), with quite low electrical conductivity values (median?=?6.4 μS cm^?1). However, water quality degradation as a response to diffuse pollution was reported in some sampling points (e.g., Onça and Gama streams), expressed by relatively higher N and P concentrations, which were probably highlighted by the good water quality of the data set as whole. Although there was a trend to higher values of nitrogen forms during the dry season, significant statistical differences between the seasonal periods were reported only for the variables temperature and dissolved silica, which were higher in the dry and rainy season, respectively. The streams located in the preserved areas inside the ecological stations of APA Gama and Cabeça de Veado can still be considered good examples of reference lotic systems in the Cerrado Domain; notwithstanding, this study reported incipient signs of water quality degradation which cannot be overlooked in future limnological monitoring.     

Health risk assessment of mercury and arsenic associated with consumption of fish from the Persian Gulf

Concentrations of mercury and arsenic in fish from the Persian Gulf were determined by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry. Concentrations of the metals in muscle samples were 0.049–0.402 μg g^?1 for mercury and 0.168–0.479 μg g^?1 for arsenic, with means of 0.133 and 0.312 μg g^?1, respectively. The maximum daily consumption rate (grams per day) and meal consumption limit (meals per month) was calculated to estimate health risks associated with fish consumption. According to the results, the maximum allowable consumption rate varies between 8–56 and 15–96 g/day base on mercury and arsenic content, respectively. The results of this study indicate that the concentration of mercury and arsenic is well below the maximum permissible levels for mercury (0.5 μg g^?1) and arsenic (6 μg g^?1) according to international standards.     

Flow injection online spectrophotometric determination of uranium after preconcentration on XAD-4 resin impregnated with nalidixic acid

In this work, spectrophotometer was used as a detector for the determination of uranium from water, biological, and ore samples with a flow injection system coupled with solid phase extraction. In order to promote the online preconcentration of uranium, a minicolumn packed with XAD-4 resin impregnated with nalidixic acid was utilized. The system operation was based on U(VI) ion retention at pH 6 in the minicolumn at flow rate of 15.2 mL min^?1. The uranium complex was removed from the resin by 0.1 mol dm^?3 HCl at flow rate of 3.2 mL min^?1 and was mixed with arsenazo III solution (0.05 % solution in 0.1 mol dm^?3 HCl, 3.2 mL min^?1) and driven to flow through cell of spectrophotometer where its absorbance was measured at 651 nm. The influence of chemical (pH and HCl (as eluent and reagent medium) concentration) and flow (sample and eluent flow rate and preconcentration time) parameters that could affect the performance of the system as well as the possible interferents was investigated. At the optimum conditions for 60 s preconcentration time (15.2 mL of sample volume), the method presented a detection limit of 1.1 μg L^?1, a relative standard deviation (RSD) of 0.8 % at 100 μg L^?1, enrichment factor of 30, and a sample throughput of 42 h^?1, whereas for 300 s of the preconcentration time (76 mL of sample volume), a detection limit of 0.22 μg L^?1, a RSD of 1.32 % at 10 μg L^?1, enrichment factor of 150, and a sampling frequency of 11 h^?1 were reported.     

Comparative assessment of pesticide residues in grain, soil, and water from IPM and non-IPM trials of basmati rice

The integrated pest management (IPM) modules of pesticide schedule on Basmati rice were validated at field experiments conducted in Northern India for consecutive 3 years (2005–2008). The pesticide residues were found below the detectable limit (<0.01–0.001 mg/kg) in soil and irrigation water samples of Kaithal region. In Dehra Dun region of Uttrakhand, the residues of carbendazim in rice grains and soil were detected below <0.01 mg/kg level. In second year experiments (2006–2007), only four non-IPM soil samples indicated the presence of chlorpyrifos and endosulfan in the range of ND <0.001 to 0.07 mg/kg, out of 45 samples analyzed. Carbendazim applied as seed treatment at Dehradun and Kaithal field trials was found below detectable limit in both IPM and non-IPM rice grains (<0.01 mg/kg) and irrigation water (0.01 μl/ml). Chlorpyrifos was detected in five water samples from Kaithal and one from Pant Nagar in the range of 0.003–0.006 μl/L, α- and β-isomer of endosulfan in the range of 0.005–0.03, and 0.005–0.02 μl/ml, respectively, in one sample from Pant Nagar and two from Kaithal, out of a total of 22 samples. In the region of Uttrakhand and Uttar Pradesh during 2007–2008, four non-IPM samples of soil indicated trace levels of endosulfan, out of 16 samples analyzed. The residues were detected below detection limit for carbendazim (<0.01 mg/kg) in soil samples of Dehradun IPM fields and for endosulfan and carbendazim (0.001–0.01 μl/L) in water samples each from IPM and non-IPM fields of Uttar Pradesh. The results of 3-year trials of IPM module indicated basmati rice as safe and economical with pesticide residue-free rice grains.     

Voltammetric trace determination of mercury using plant refuse modified carbon paste electrodes

Citrus limon peel (kitchen waste) and Leucaena leucocephala seeds (agricultural waste) were used as a modifier for fabrication of modified carbon paste electrode for determination of mercury in aqueous sample using differential pulse anodic stripping voltammetry. Mercury was adsorbed on electrode surface at open circuit and anodic stripping voltammetric scan was run from ?0.5 to 0.5 V. Various electrochemical parameters including amount of modifier, supporting electrolyte, accumulating solvent, pH of the accumulating solvent, and accumulation time were investigated. The effect of presence of other metal ions and surfactants was also studied. In comparison C. limon peel proved to be a better modifier than L. leucocephala seed biomass. This was justified by electrode characterization using cyclic voltammetry that indicated decrease in resistance of electrode when C. limon peel was used as modifier and increase when modifier was L. leucocephala seeds. Maximum current response was obtained using 5 % C. limon peel biomass, hydrochloric acid as supporting electrolyte, acetate buffer of pH 6 as an accumulating solvent, 10-min accumulation time, and scan rate of 50 mV/s. Linear calibration curves were obtained in the concentration range 100 to 1,000 μg L^?1 of mercury for accumulation time of 10 min with limit of detection of 57.75 μg L^?1 and limit of quantification of 192.48 μg L^?1. This technique does not use mercury as electrode material and, therefore, has a positive environmental benefit.     

Rapid spectrophotometric determination of trace amounts of palladium in water samples after dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction

A simple, rapid, and efficient dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction method, followed by UV–Vis spectrophotometry was developed for the preconcentration and determination of Pd ions in water samples. Pd ions react with α-furildioxime (chelating agent) to form a hydrophobic complex. Various parameters were altered to study and optimize their effects on the extraction efficiency, such as pH, ligand concentration, the type and volume of extraction and dispersive solvents, extraction time, and salt concentration. Under optimized conditions, the method exhibited an enrichment factor (C _org/C _aq) of 25 and recovery more than 98 % within a very short extraction time. The linearity of the method ranged from 10 to 200 μg?L^?1. The limit of detection was 1.1 μg?L^?1. The relative standard deviation for the concentration of 100 μg?L^?1 of Pd was 2.3 % (n?=?10). Finally, the developed method was successfully applied to the extraction and determination of Pd in tap, river, mineral, and sea water samples.     

Single drop microextraction and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry for the determination of diflufenican, mepanipyrim, fipronil, and pretilachlor in water samples

An analytical method for the determination of diflufenican, mepanipyrim, pretilachlor, and fipronil in water samples was developed using single drop microextraction in the direct immersion mode and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. A factorial fractionated design of type 2^6–1 at two levels was performed, to study the influence of experimental variables such as ionic strength, pH, agitation speed, extraction time, drop volume, and sample volume. To establish the optimal conditions for the variables that were significant, a Doehlert design was performed. The optimum conditions of extraction were 1 μL of heptane immersed in 4.0 mL of sample with continuous agitation at 500 rpm for 30 min at room temperature. The developed method proved to have good linearity for the range studied. The detection limits were 0.07 μg L^?1 for diflufenican, 0.03 μg L^?1 for mepanipyrim, 0.08 μg L^?1 for pretilachlor, and 1.39 μg L^?1 for fipronil. The method was validated on river water samples, showing the absence of matrix effect and recoveries ranged from 90.1 to 107.8 %. The results show that the method developed is accurate, sensitive, rapid, simple, and low cost, so it is recommended for application in the analysis of these different classes of pesticides in water samples.     

Application of cold-induced aggregation microextraction as a fast,simple, and organic solvent-free method for the separation and preconcentration of Se(IV) in rice and various water samples

The developed method is based on cold-induced aggregation microextraction of Se(IV) using the 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate ionic liquid as an extractant followed by spectrophotometry determination. The extraction of Se(IV) was performed in the presence of dithizone as the complexing agent. In this method, a very small amount of 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate was added to the sample solution containing Se-dithizone complex. Then, the solution was kept in a thermostated bath at 50 °C for 4 min. Subsequently, the solution was cooled in an ice bath and a cloudy solution was formed. After centrifuging, the extractant phase was analyzed using a spectrophotometric detection method. Some important parameters that might affect the extraction efficiency were optimized (HCl, 0.6 mol L^?1; dithizone, 4.0?×?10^?6 mol L^?1; ionic liquid, 100 μL). Under the optimum conditions, good linear relationship, sensitivity, and reproducibility were obtained. The limit of detection (LOD) (3S_b/m) was 1.5 μg L^?1, and the relative standard deviation (RSD) was 1.2 % for 30 μg L^?1 of Se(IV). The linear range was obtained in the range of 5–60 μg L^?1. It was satisfactory to analyze rice and various water samples.     

Atmospheric aerosols at a regional background Himalayan site—Mukteshwar, India

Continuous aerosol measurements were made at a regional background station (Mukteshwar) located in a rural Himalayan mountain terrain from December 2005 to December 2008 for a period of 3 years. The average concentrations of particulate matter less than or equal to 10 μm (PM₁₀), particulate matter less than or equal to 2.5 μm (PM_2.5) and black carbon (BC) are 46.0, 26.6 and 0.85 μg/m³ during the study period. Majority of the PM₁₀ values lie below 100 μg/m³ while majority of the PM_2.5 values lie below 30 μg/m³. It is further seen that during the monsoon months, especially July and August, the average values are comparatively low. It is also noted that the PM_2.5/PM₁₀ ratios between 0.50 and 0.75 have the maximum frequency distribution in the data set. Furthermore, the monthly mean ratio of BC to PM_2.5 mass lies between 3.0 and 7.5 % during the study period. Though the average PM₁₀ and PM_2.5 concentrations during the study period are less than the respective Indian ambient air quality standards, however, they are still above the WHO guidelines and would have adverse health impacts. This shows that even in rural/background regions that are far away from major pollution sources or urban areas, the aerosol concentrations are significant and require long-term monitoring, source quantification and aerosol model simulations.     

Seasonal perspective of dietary arsenic consumption and urine arsenic in an endemic population

Exposure to arsenic in arsenic endemic areas is most remarkable environmental health challenges. Although effects of arsenic contamination are well established, reports are unavailable on probable seasonal variation due to changes of food habit depending on winter and summer seasons, especially for endemic regions of Nadia district, West Bengal. Complete 24-h diets, drinking–cooking water, first morning voided urine samples, and diet history were analyzed on 25 volunteers in arsenic endemic Chakdah block of Nadia district, once in summer followed by once in winter from the same participants. Results depicted no seasonal variation of body weight and body mass index. Arsenic concentration of source drinking and cooking water decreased (p?=?0.04) from 26 μg L^?1 in summer to 6 μg L^?1 in winter season. We recorded a seasonal decrease of water intake in male (3.8 and 2.5 L day ^?1) and female (2.6 and 1.2 L day^?1) participants from summer to winter. Arsenic intake through drinking water decreased (p?=?0.04) in winter (29 μg day^?1) than in summer (100 μg day^?1), and urinary arsenic concentration decreased (p?=?0.018) in winter (41 μg L^?1) than in summer (69 μg L^?1). Dietary arsenic intake remained unchanged (p?=?0.24) over the seasons. Hence, we can infer that human health risk assessment from arsenic needs an insight over temporal scale.     

Physicochemical characteristics of paper industry effluents��a case study of South India Paper Mill (SIPM)

Pulp and paper mills generate varieties of pollutants depending upon type of the pulping process being used. This paper presents the characteristics of wastewater from South India Paper Mill, Karnataka, India which is using recycled waste paper as a raw material. The raw wastewater consists of 80?C90 mg L^???1 suspended solid and 1,010?C1,015 mg L^???1 dissolved solid. However, pH varied from 5.5?C6.8. The biochemical oxygen demand and chemical oxygen demand ranged from 200?C210 and 1,120?C1,160 mg L^???1, respectively. Aerobic treatment of raw effluent attribute to significant reduction in suspended solid (range between 25 to 30 mg L^???1) and total dissolved solid (range between 360 to 390 mg L^???1). However, pH, temperature, and electrical conductivity were found superior after treatment. Copper, cadmium, iron, lead, nickel, and zinc were found in less quantity in raw effluent and were almost completely removed after treatment. The dendrogram of the effluent quality parameters clearly indicate that South India Paper Mill does not meet Minimal National Standard set by central Pollution Control Board to discharge in agricultural field.     

UV/H2O2 oxidation of arsenic and terbuthylazine in drinking water

Arsenic is a widespread contaminant in the environment. The intake of water containing high concentrations of arsenic could have serious impact on human health, such as skin and lung cancer. In the European Union, thus, also in Italy, the arsenic limit in drinking water is 10 μg L^?1. Several water remediation treatment technologies are available for arsenic removal. For some processes, the removal efficiencies can be improved after an oxidation step. Most full-scale applications are based on conventional oxidation processes for chemical micropollutant removal. However, if water contains arsenic and refractory organic contaminants, the advanced oxidation processes could be considered. The aim of this work was to investigate the effectiveness of ultraviolet (UV) radiation alone and in combination with hydrogen peroxide for the oxidation of arsenic and terbuthylazine (TBA). The experimental tests were performed in groundwater at the laboratory scale (0.1 mg L^?1 As(III) and 10 μg L^?1 TBA). Hydrogen peroxide alone (15 mg L^?1) was ineffective on both arsenic and TBA oxidation; the 253.7-nm radiation alone did not oxidize arsenic(III), but photolyzed efficiently TBA (52 % removal yield at a UV dose of 1,200 mJ cm^?2). The UV/H₂O₂ advanced oxidation (UV dose 600–2,000 mJ cm^?2, 5–15 mg L^?1 H₂O₂) was the most effective process for the oxidation of both arsenic and TBA, with observed oxidation efficiencies of 85 and 94 %, respectively, with 5 mg L^?1 H₂O₂ and a UV dose of 2,000 mJ cm^?2.     

Solid-phase extraction and separation procedure for trace aluminum in water samples and its determination by high-resolution continuum source flame atomic absorption spectrometry (HR-CS FAAS)

In the present study, a separation/preconcentration procedure for determination of aluminum in water samples has been developed by using a new atomic absorption spectrometer concept with a high-intensity xenon short-arc lamp as continuum radiation source, a high-resolution double-echelle monochromator, and a charge-coupled device array detector. Sample solution pH, sample volume, flow rate of sample solution, volume, and concentration of eluent for solid-phase extraction of Al chelates with 4-[(dicyanomethyl)diazenyl] benzoic acid on polymeric resin (Duolite XAD-761) have been investigated. The adsorbed aluminum on resin was eluted with 5 mL of 2 mol L^-1 HNO₃ and its concentration was determined by high-resolution continuum source flame atomic absorption spectrometry (HR-CS FAAS). Under the optimal conditions, limit of detection obtained with HR-CS FAAS and Line Source FAAS (LS-FAAS) were 0.49 μg L^?1 and 3.91 μg L^?1, respectively. The accuracy of the procedure was confirmed by analyzing certified materials (NIST SRM 1643e, Trace elements in water) and spiked real samples. The developed procedure was successfully applied to water samples.     

<Emphasis Type="Italic">Mazzaella laminarioides</Emphasis> and <Emphasis Type="Italic">Sarcothalia crispata</Emphasis> as possible bioindicators of heavy metal contamination in the marine coastal zone of Chile

The suitability of Mazzaella laminarioides and Sarcothalia crispata as heavy metal biomonitors of Cd, Cu, Hg, Pb, and Zn was assessed by comparing bioaccumulation of these elements in different life stages and frond sizes in samples from three locations, San Vicente Bay (industrial area), Coliumo, and Quidico (the latter as a reference station), where different degrees of heavy metal pollution are recorded. Bioaccumulation and bioconcentration factors of Cd, Cu, Hg, Pb, and Zn were evaluated. The two macroalgae species showed similar patterns, with higher values of Cu, Hg, Pb, and Zn in polluted areas. M. laminarioides bioaccumulated higher concentrations of all metals assessed than S. crispata, independent of life stage and frond size. The results also showed significantly higher Cu, Hg, Pb, and Zn concentrations (p < 0.05) in water samples from San Vicente Bay than those measured in Coliumo and Quidico. Concentrations of Cd, Hg, Pb, and Zn in San Vicente Bay and Cd, Hg, and Pb in Coliumo and Quidico exceed the mean values considered to represent natural concentrations (Cu = 3.00 μg L^?1; Zn = 5.00 μg L^?1; Pb = 0.03 μg L^?1; Cd = 0.05 μg L^?1; Hg = 0.05 μg L^?1); however, the concentrations recorded do not cause negative effects on the growth and survival of macroalgae. The assessment of heavy metals bioaccumulated in M. laminarioides and S. crispata, particularly Hg, Pb, and Zn, offers a reliable approach for pollution assessment in rocky intertidal environments. Cu and Cd concentrations in seawater samples from San Vicente and Coliumo Bays were significantly higher than in those from Quidico (p value < 0.05); no significant differences in Cd concentrations were observed between San Vicente and Coliumo Bays (p < 0.05). Exceptionally, Cd is bioaccumulated at high levels independent of its availability in the water, thus reaching high concentrations in control areas. High concentrations of metals like Cu and Zn may limit or inhibit Cd uptake in macroalgae, since the transport channels are saturated by some metals, reducing the accumulation of others. These macroalgae species offer good potential for the development of suitable heavy metal pollution survey tools in rocky intertidal environments.     

High-frequency nutrient monitoring to infer seasonal patterns in catchment source availability, mobilisation and delivery

To explore the value of high-frequency monitoring to characterise and explain riverine nutrient concentration dynamics, total phosphorus (TP), reactive phosphorus (RP), ammonium (NH₄-N) and nitrate (NO₃-N) concentrations were measured hourly over a 2-year period in the Duck River, in north-western Tasmania, Australia, draining a 369-km² mixed land use catchment area. River discharge was observed at the same location and frequency, spanning a wide range of hydrological conditions. Nutrient concentrations changed rapidly and were higher than previously observed. Maximum nutrient concentrations were 2,577 μg L^?1 TP, 1,572 μg L^?1 RP, 972 μg L^?1 NH₄-N and 1,983 μg L^?1 NO₃-N, respectively. Different nutrient response patterns were evident at seasonal, individual event and diurnal time scales—patterns that had gone largely undetected in previous less frequent water quality sampling. Interpretation of these patterns in terms of nutrient source availability, mobilisation and delivery to the stream allowed the development of a conceptual model of catchment nutrient dynamics. Functional stages of nutrient release were identified for the Duck River catchment and were supported by a cluster analysis which confirmed the similarities and differences in nutrient responses caused by the sequence of hydrologic events: (1) a build-up of nutrients during periods with low hydrologic activity, (2) flushing of readily available nutrient sources at the onset of the high flow period, followed by (3) a switch from transport to supply limitation, (4) the accessibility of new nutrient sources with increasing catchment wetness and hydrologic connectivity and (5) high nutrient spikes occurring when new sources become available that are easily mobilised with quickly re-established hydrologic connectivity. Diurnal variations that could be influenced by riverine processes and/or localised point sources were also identified as part of stage (1) and during late recession of some of the winter high flow events. Illustrated by examples from the Duck River study, we demonstrate that the use of high-frequency monitoring to identify and characterise functional stages of catchment nutrient release is a constructive approach for informing and supporting catchment management and future nutrient monitoring strategies.     

Biomonitoring of heavy metals in fish from the Danube River

The Croatian part of the Danube River extends over 188 km and comprises 58 % of the country’s overall area used for commercial freshwater fishing. To date, the heavy metal contamination of fish in the Croatian part of the Danube has not been studied. The main purpose of this study was to determine heavy metal levels in muscle tissue of sampled fish species and to analyze the measured values according to feeding habits of particular groups. Lead ranged from 0.015 μg^?1 dry weight in planktivorous to 0.039 μg^?1 dry weight in herbivorous fish, cadmium from 0.013 μg^?1 dry weight in herbivorous to 0.018 μg^?1 dry weight in piscivorous fish, mercury from 0.191 μg^?1 dry weight in omnivorous to 0.441 μg^?1 dry weight in planktivorous fish and arsenic from 0.018 μg^?1 dry weight in planktivorous to 0.039 μg^?1 dry weight in omnivorous fish. Among the analyzed metals in muscle tissue of sampled fish, only mercury exceeded the maximal level (0.5 mg kg^?1) permitted according to the national and EU regulations determining maximum levels for certain contaminants in foodstuffs, indicating a hazard for consumers of fish from the Danube River.