Organic contaminants in the Firth of Clyde following the cessation of sewage sludge dumping

To assess contaminant concentrations in the Firth of Clyde in relation to the former sewage sludge dump site at Garroch Head, and investigate any temporal changes, fish have been sampled annually since 1992 and sediment since 1999. In addition, a further four locations in the Clyde (Holy Loch, Hunterston, Skelmorlie and Irvine Bay) have been sampled for fish and sediment since 1999. Chlorobiphenyls (CBs) were measured in fish samples and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and CBs in sediment. Since sampling was initiated the concentration for the summation operatorICES7 CBs in fish liver has been consistently >500 microg kg(-1) lipid weight at Garroch Head and the other Clyde sites and lower at the reference sites (Pladda, Colonsay, Broad Bay). Although the lowest CB concentrations of the eleven year period in plaice liver from Garroch Head were found in 2002, CB concentrations were found not to have decreased significantly since sewage sludge dumping ceased in 1998. However, a change in CB profile was observed with fish liver collected between 1992 and 1998 from Garroch Head showing a lower proportion of the less chlorinated CBs compared to the 1999-2002 liver samples. Highest CB and PAH concentrations in sediment were found at Garroch Head and Holy Loch with concentrations at these sites being significantly higher than at all other sites.     

An assessment of persistent organic pollutants in Scottish coastal and offshore marine environments

Concentrations of persistent organic pollutants (POPs), including polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) were determined in sediment and biota (fish liver) from around Scotland. The concentrations were investigated using assessment criteria developed by OSPAR and ICES. Organic contaminant concentrations, PAHs, PCBs and PBDEs in sediment, and PCBs and PBDEs in fish liver, were significantly higher in the Clyde compared to all other sea areas. This is mainly due to historic industrial inputs. Highest PCB and PAH concentrations were found in the strata furthest up the Clyde estuary, with concentrations of POPs in these strata being at levels such that there is an unacceptable risk of chronic effects occurring in marine species. Furthermore, for PAHs in Clyde sediment there was a significant negative gradient going from north to south towards the open sea. PAH and PCB concentrations in sediment and biota in all other Scottish sea areas (except for PCBs in sediment from East Scotland) were unlikely to give rise to pollution effects, being below relevant assessment criteria. Although no assessment criteria are available for PBDEs, the concentrations observed in Scottish sediments were low with all congeners below the limit of detection (LoD; 0.03 μg kg(-1) dry weight) in 140 out of a total of 307 samples analysed. Where PBDEs were detected, the dominant congeners were BDE47 and BDE99. PBDEs were detected in fish livers, although concentrations were less than 150 μg kg(-1) lipid weight in all sea areas except the Clyde where concentrations ranged between 8.9 and 2202 μg kg(-1) lipid weight. Few trends were detected in contaminant concentrations in biota or sediment at any Scottish site with more than five years data. Downward trends were detected in PAHs in sediment from the Clyde, Irish Sea and Minches and Malin Sea and PCBs in fish liver from the Moray Firth. Rules were developed for the aggregation of the contaminant data across a sea area. An overall assessment for each sea area was then assigned, looking at the frequency of sites or strata within each sea area that were above or below the relevant assessment criteria. Overall the status of the various sea areas, with respect to the assessed POPs, can be considered to be acceptable in that they were below concentrations likely to result in chronic effects for all sea areas except the Clyde.     

Long-term fate of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) in sediments from Loch Leven after closure of an aluminium smelter

An aluminium smelter discharged polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) into Loch Leven on the west of Scotland from 1907 until it closed in 2000, resulting in elevated PAH concentrations in the sediment. A temporal monitoring programme to investigate any recovery in sediment concentrations began in 2004, with sampling each year until 2008 and again in 2010. Cores were also collected to investigate temporal trends over a longer time scale and to estimate the sedimentation rate in the loch. The loch is divided into two basins, and PAH concentrations were significantly higher in the upper basin, closer to the smelter, than in the lower basin. The PAH distribution and concentration ratios were consistent with a pyrolytic source of PAHs, with a high proportion of heavier parent PAHs. There was no evidence of any recovery in PAH concentrations, perhaps due to the mixing and disturbances of the sediment, and the persistence of PAHs. Concentrations of all PAHs were above the Background Assessment Concentrations (BACs) in both basins. In the lower basin only the 5- and 6-ring PAHs were above the Effects Range Low (ERL) values, but in the upper basin all but naphthalene were above the ERLs. There is therefore still an unacceptable risk of chronic effects in marine species. Concentrations decreased down the cores, falling below BACs in the deepest sections. However, ERLs were exceeded as far down the core as 30 cm for some PAHs.     

Description and evaluation of a sampling system for monitoring hydrocarbons in sediments

A composite random sampling design was used to estimate the concentrations of hydrocarbons in sediments from two near-shore areas of Scotland (Firth of Clyde and Firth of Forth). The aim of this work was to estimate a mean value for each parameter in these areas, and to determine whether this can be done with more thorough coverage (better representation), better precision and less variance at lower analytical cost through a composite random sampling scheme rather than a simple random sampling scheme, and thereby contribute to the re-design of the UK National Marine Monitoring Programme (NMMP), re-named the UK Clean Seas Environmental Monitoring Programme (CSEMP) in 2006. Samples were collected using a simple random sampling design during 2005. All sediment samples were analysed for their particle size distribution and total organic carbon (TOC). All sediments were analysed for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and n-alkanes. The concentrations of PAHs and n-alkanes in the study areas are described, and sources of PAHs were investigated through the PAH distributions and n-alkane profiles. Individual sediment samples from each area were combined to give a series of composite sub-samples, each comprised of 5 individual sediment samples. These composite samples were re-analysed for the same parameters as the individual samples. Mean total PAH (2- to 6-ring parent and branched) concentrations, based on the individual original sediment samples collected through simple random sampling, were 1858 microg kg(-1) dry weight (SE = 196 microg kg(-1) dry weight, n = 25) and 532.4 microg kg(-1) dry weight (SE = 59 microg kg(-1) dry weight, n = 25) in the Clyde and Forth, respectively. Mean total PAH concentrations of the composite samples were 1745 microg kg(-1) dry weight (SE = 121.0 microg kg(-1) dry weight, n = 5) in the Clyde and 511.6 microg kg(-1) dry weight (SE = 37.4 microg kg(-1) dry weight, n = 5) in the Forth. No significant differences were found between the mean PAH concentrations from the two sampling designs. This study demonstrated that the composite random sampling design gave a mean value with less variance than the simple random sampling design, at significantly reduced analytical effort (and cost).     

Chlorobiphenyl contaminants at Pladda and Garroch Head in the Firth of Clyde in relation to sewage sludge input

Sewage sludge dumped at Garroch Head in the Firth of Clyde contains significant quantities of chlorinated hydrocarbons, such as polychlorinated biphenyls (CBs). These compounds are lipophilic and resistant to degradation. They accumulate in the biota either from the water column or through the food chain, particularly in tissue with a high lipid content. Bottom dwelling fish, such as plaice, in the vicinity of the dump site will accumulate CBs from their environment. Eighteen of the 209 CBs were measured in plaice livers from the Garroch Head dump site and from Pladda, a site reasonably remote from the dump site but also in the Clyde, over a 7 year period prior to the cessation of dumping in December 1998. Concentrations of the congeners in the liver of fish caught at the dump site were, in general, higher than those in the liver of fish caught at Pladda. Concentrations in the plaice livers for the sum of 18 CBs ranged from 1611 to 8471 micrograms kg-1 lipid for Garroch Head samples and from 336.9 to 2635 micrograms kg-1 lipid for samples from Pladda. The data were evaluated using principal component analysis (PCA). Pattern analysis was undertaken by normalising to the recalcitrant CB 153. Livers from the dump site were found to have a higher proportion of the lower chlorinated CBs. CB patterns were similar at the Garroch Head dump site from year to year, but multivariate techniques showed that there were differences in pattern when normalised to CB 153.     

Chlorobiphenyl contaminants at Pladda and Garroch Head in the Firth of Clyde following the cessation of sewage sludge dumping

Sewage sludge dumping at Garroch Head in the Firth of Clyde ceased on 31 December 1998. Eighteen of the 209 chlorinated biphenyls (CBs) were measured in plaice livers, collected in 1999 and 2000, from the former Garroch Head dump site. Samples were also obtained from Pladda, a site reasonably remote from the former dump site but also in the Clyde, in 1999 only. These results were compared to the CB concentrations in plaice livers collected between 1992 and 1998 from Garroch Head and Pladda. Additional samples were also taken from a clean reference site, close to Colonsay. Concentrations of the congeners in the livers of fish caught at the former Garroch Head dump site in 1999 were marginally higher than those from Pladda, with a mean CB concentration of 1861 microg kg(-1) lipid in the Garroch Head plaice livers and 1725 microg kg(-1) lipid for the sample from Pladda. The mean CB concentration in the 2000 Garroch Head samples was 2253 microg kg(-1) lipid. CB concentration in plaice livers from Colonsay were lower than both the Pladda and Garroch Head fish, with plaice livers from Colonsay giving a mean CB concentration of 1076 microg kg(-1) lipid in 1999 and 345.1 microg kg(-1) lipid in 2000. The data was evaluated using principal component analysis (PCA). Pattern analysis was undertaken by normalising to the recalcitrant CB 153. There was an indication that the CB pattern has changed since the cessation of dumping with the proportion of tri- and tetra-chlorinated CBs being lower in plaice from Garroch Head than in previous years.     

The polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon and geochemical biomarker composition of sediments from sea lochs on the west coast of Scotland

Sediments from twelve sea lochs on the west coast of Scotland were analysed for parent and branched 2- to 6-ring polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), n-alkanes and geochemical biomarkers (triterpanes). Where possible at least fourteen sediment samples were collected at random from each sea loch. All sea lochs were remote, most had limited industrial and urban inputs, although all had fish farms. Four lochs had moderate total PAH concentrations and eight lochs had high total PAH concentrations. Total PAH concentration was related to organic carbon content and particle size distribution, with sandier sediments having lower PAH concentrations. The highest total PAH concentrations, normalised for organic carbon, were in Loch Linnhe and Ballachulish Bay (Loch Leven), close to an aluminium smelter. PAH concentration ratios showed that pyrolysis was the main source of PAHs in most lochs. Only sediments from Loch Clash showed evidence of petrogenic input based on their geochemical biomarker (triterpane and sterane) and n-alkane profiles. PAH profiles were similar across lochs apart from Loch Linnhe and Ballachulish Bay, which had a greater proportion of heavy parent PAHs. West coast sediments had a smaller proportion of heavy PAHs than sediments collected from voes in Shetland and a smaller proportion of alkylated PAHs relative to sediments collected from coastal waters around Orkney.     

The distribution and composition of hydrocarbons in sediments from the Fladen Ground, North Sea, an area of oil production

The distribution and composition of hydrocarbons in sediment from the Fladen Ground oilfield in the northern North Sea have been investigated. The total PAH concentrations (2- to 6-ring parent and alkylated PAHs, including the 16 US EPA PAHs) in sediments were relatively low (<100 microg kg(-1) dry weight). The PAH, the Forties crude and diesel oil equivalent concentrations were generally higher in sediment of fine grain size and higher organic carbon concentration. PAH distributions and concentration ratios indicated a predominantly pyrolytic input, being dominated by the heavier, more persistent, 5- and 6-ring compounds, and with a high proportion of parent PAHs. The n-alkane profiles of a number of the sediments contained small, high boiling point, UCMs, indicative of weathered oil arising from a limited petrogenic input. The geochemical biomarker profiles of the sediments that contained UCMs showed a small bisnorhopane peak and a high proportion of norhopane relative to hopane, indicating that there was contamination from both Middle Eastern and North Sea oils. Therefore contamination was not directly as a result of oil exploration activity in the area. The most likely source of petrogenic contamination was from general shipping activity.     

Distribution and source of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in the surface soil along main transportation routes in Jiaxing City, China

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (16 EPA-PAHs) in urban surface soil from Jiaxing City were determined using HPLC. The total concentration of 16 EPA-PAHs was detected from 18.73 to 441.34 pg/g. Individual PAH occupation analysis demonstrates that four-ring PAHs comprise as much as 44.16% and were prevalent in the composition of PAH pollutants. The other components were two-ring PAHs (7.36%), three-ring PAHs (17.28%), five-ring PAHs (16.16%), and six-ring PAHs (15.04%). Source analysis on the characteristic ratios of anthracene(Ane)/[Ane+phenanthrene(Phe)], fluoranthene(Fla)/[Fla+pyrene(Pyr)], and benzo[a]pyrene(Bap)/benzo[g,h,i]perylene(Bgp) reveals that PAH pollutants originated mainly from coal combustion, but vehicular emission as a source was not negligible. All PAHs discussed in the paper have similar source in most sampling sites. The spatial distributions of pollution sources were closely related to geographic location, geographic condition, and living habit of indigenes. A linear relationship between 2-3-ring PAHs, 4-6-ring PAHs, SOM, and ∑PAHs were investigated and significant correlativity were expatiated lastly. It revealed that coefficient between 2-3-ring PAHs and ∑PAHs is 0.56, between 4-6-ring PAHs and ∑PAHs is 0.99, between SOM and ∑PAHs is 0.82.     

Bioaccumulation of PAHs in the Zebra Mussel at Times Beach, Buffalo, New York

The zebra mussel, Dreissena polymorpha, was utilized in an in situ study in the Times Beach Confined Disposal Facility (CDF) located in Buffalo, New York, Mussels, placed both in the water column (upper position) and at the sediment surface (lower position), survived a 34-day exposure to the CDF. At the CDF, total polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) concentrations in the water column were below detection limits (<0.010 mg 1-1), mean total PAH concentrations in the sediment were 164.41 mg kg-1, and mean total PAH concentrations in mussel tissues after the 34-day exposure were 6.58 mg kg-1. PAH concentrations in mussels exposed for 34 days at the CDP were compared to a baseline PAH concentrations in mussel tissue prior to study initiation (Day 0), and mussel tissue from the reference site (Black Rock Channel Lock). There was a significant increase in total PAHs in mussel tissues over the 34 Day period at the CDF. No significant accumulation occurred at the reference site. PAHs which increased significantly in mussel tissue at the CDF were fluoranthene, pyrene, chrysene, and benzo(a)anthracene. Benzo(a)anthracene concentrations increased significantly in mussels at the upper position overall at Times Beach. Concentrations of Total PAHs, fluoranthene, pyrene, and chrysene were not related to position.     

Analysis of sediments from Shetland Island voes for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, steranes and triterpanes

A few days after the grounding of the oil tanker Braer on 5 January 1993, an Exclusion Zone was designated by Order under the Food and Environment Protection Act 1985, prohibiting the harvesting of farmed or wild shellfish within the Zone to prevent contaminated products reaching the market place. The order was progressively lifted for species that were found to be free of petrogenic taint and for which the polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) levels were within the range for reference samples. This Order, however, still remains in place for mussels (Mytilus edulis) as the PAH levels are higher than in reference mussels. To investigate the possible source of PAHs found in these mussels, sediments were collected from three reference and three Zone sites and their hydrocarbon compositions studied using the n-alkane composition and concentration, PAH composition and concentration and the sterane and triterpane composition. The reference site at Olna Firth was found to have the highest levels of 2-6-ring parent and branched PAHs, the highest concentration in one of the pooled sediments being 4,530 ng g(-1) dry weight. Values in the other two reference sites (Vaila Sound and Mangaster Voe) ranged from 248.7 to 902.2 ng g(-1) dry weight. PAH concentrations at the Zone sites (Sandsound Voe, Stromness Voe and Punds Voe) ranged from 641.0 to 2,766 ng g(-1) dry weight. The PAH data were normalised to the percentage of organic carbon and log-transformed prior to being analysed using principal component analysis. The mean total PAH concentrations for Zone sites were found not to be significantly different from the reference sites. The PAH concentration ratios were consistent with the main source of PAHs being pyrolysis. However, there was a petrogenic contribution, suggested by the presence of alkylated PAHs, with Punds Voe having the largest petrogenic hydrocarbon content. This was supported by the triterpane profiles and the presence of a UCM in the aliphatic chromatograms from Punds Voe sediments.     

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in surface water and bed sediments of the Hungarian upper section of the Danube River

This study was performed to elucidate the distribution, concentration trend and possible source of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in surface water and bed sediments of the Hungarian upper section of the Danube River and the Moson Danube branch. A total of 217 samples (water and sediments) were collected from four different sampling sites in the period of 2001–2010 and analysed for the 16 priority US Environmental Protection Agency PAHs. Concentrations of total 16 PAHs (∑PAHs) in water samples ranged from 25 to 1,208 ng/L, which were predominated by two- and three-ring PAHs. The ∑PAH concentrations in sediments ranged from 8.3 to 1,202.5 ng/g dry weight. Four-ring PAHs including fluoranthene and pyrene were the dominant species in sediment samples. A selected number of concentration ratios of specific PAH compounds were calculated to evaluate the possible sources of PAH contamination. The ratios reflected a pattern of pyrogenic input as a major source of PAHs. The levels of PAHs determined were compared with other sections of the Danube and other regions of the world.     

Profiles,sources, and transport of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in soils affected by electronic waste recycling in Longtang,south China

We studied the profiles, possible sources, and transport of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in soils from the Longtang area, which is an electronic waste (e-waste) recycling center in south China. The sum of 16 PAH concentrations ranged from 25 to 4,300 ng/g (dry weight basis) in the following order: pond sediment sites (77 ng/g), vegetable fields (129 ng/g), paddy fields (180 ng/g), wastelands (258 ng/g), dismantling sites (678 ng/g), and former open burning sites (2,340 ng/g). Naphthalene, phenanthrene, fluoranthene, pyrene, chrysene, and benzo[b]fluoranthene were the dominant PAHs and accounted for approximately 75 % of the total PAHs. The similar composition characteristics of PAHs and the significant correlations among individual, low molecular weight, high molecular weight, and total PAHs were found in all six sampling site types, thus indicating that PAHs originated from similar sources. The results of both isomeric ratios and principal component analyses confirmed that PAHs were mainly derived from the incomplete combustion of e-waste. The former open burning sites and dismantling sites were the main sources of PAHs. Soil samples that were taken closer to the point sources had high PAH concentrations. PAHs are transported via different soil profiles, including those in agricultural fields, and have been detected not only in 0- to 40-cm-deep soil but also in 40 cm to 80 cm-deep soil. PAH concentrations in soils in Longtang have been strongly affected by primitive e-waste recycling, particularly by former open burning activities.     

Concentration, distribution and source apportionment of atmospheric polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in the southeast suburb of Beijing, China

Total suspended particle samples and gas phase samples were collected at three representative sampling sites in the southeastern suburb of Beijing from March 2005 to January 2006. The samples were analyzed for 16 US EPA priority PAHs using GC/MS. Concentrations of Sigma PAHs in particle and gas phases were 0.21-1.18 x 10(3) ng m(-3) and 9.5 x 10(2) ng-1.03 x 10(5) ng m(-3), respectively. PAH concentrations displayed seasonal variation in the order of winter>spring>autumn>summer for particle phase, and winter>autumn>summer>spring for gas phase. Partial correlation analysis indicates that PAH concentrations in particle phase are negatively correlated with temperature and positively correlated with air pollution index of SO(2). No significant correlation is observed between gas phase PAHs and the auxiliary parameters. Sources of PAH are identified through principal component analysis, and source contributions are estimated through multiple linear regression. Major sources of atmospheric PAHs in the study area include coal combustion, coke industry, vehicular emission and natural gas combustion.     

东北地区城市大气颗粒物中多环芳烃的污染特征

2008年4月至2009年1月期间,在东北三省(辽宁、吉林、黑龙江)设立30个观测点位,研究了东北城市大气颗粒物中PAHs的浓度水平、分布及来源.结果表明,不同季节14种PAHs总浓度的变化范围是16.3 ～712.1 ng/m3,呈冬季高、夏季低的季节变化特征；PAHs组成以4～5环化合物为主,3～4环化合物受温度的影响较大,表现出较强的季节波动；8个城市中抚顺和吉林PAHs污染最重,城市不同功能区中以工业区污染较重；燃煤和机动车尾气是区域PAHs的主要来源.     

Chemical (polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon and heavy metal) levels in contaminated stormwater and sediments from a motorway dry detention pond drainage system

Chemical (polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon - PAH and heavy metal) levels in stormwater and sediment samples collected from the London Orbital (M25) motorway drainage dry detention pond at Oxted, Surrey, UK were determined. Such chemicals are derived from vehicular combustion products and the wear and tear materials deposited onto the motorway surface. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) was used for the qualitative and quantitative determination of 16 USEPA priority PAHs in motorway drainage sediments. The GC-MS method, incorporating a solid phase extraction step, provides detection limits ranging from 0.17 to 0.41 mg kg(-1)(dry weight). Almost all of the 16 USEPA listed PAHs were detected. Phenanthrene, fluoranthene, pyrene, benzo(a)anthracene, chrysene, benzo(b)fluoranthene, benzo(a)pyrene and benzo(g,h,i)perylene (PAH numbers 5, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 13 and 16) were among the PAHs found at "higher" levels (ranging from 0.3-10.2 mg kg(-1), dry weight) in the sediment samples. PAH levels show little change along the motorway drainage silt trap (facility for reducing the levels of suspended particulate matter in the stormwater). PAH concentrations are considerably higher in the dry detention pond outflow interceptor. Statistical analysis showed that significant correlation coefficients (based on a t-test at the 95% confidence interval) were obtained between those PAHs found at high concentrations over all of the sampling sites. Several PAHs were dispersed beyond the treatment facility and accumulation in the sediment of the deer park resulted in levels ranging from 0.3-1.6 mg kg(-1), dry weight. These PAHs found beyond the treatment facility (in the local farm deer park) may contribute a serious health threat to farm animals or even fish in the aquatic environment. Heavy metal levels (V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Mo, Cd, Sb and Pb) of the drainage stormwater and sediments were determined by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), with quality control evaluation using two certified reference materials. Typical detection limits were found to be below 0.1 [micro sign]g l(-1) for stormwater and 0.005 mg kg(-1) for acid digested sediments. Raised heavy metal levels were found throughout the dry detention pond facility and only decrease when the stormwater is diluted following discharge into the river Eden. Statistical analysis also confirms that some significant correlations exist between various heavy metals and PAHs. However, no overall conclusive trend is found indicating that a particular PAH is deposited in sediment relative to a specific heavy metal/s. These results raise some serious concerns about the dispersion and accumulation of chemicals in the sediments of motorway stormwater drainage systems and the need for maintenance and clean-up of contaminated material from such systems.     

Passive sampling: partition coefficients for a silicone rubber reference phase

Silicone rubber sheeting can be used as a passive sampling device for hydrophobic organic contaminants in the environment to determine the available concentrations in water and sediments. Reliable sampler-water partition coefficients are required to determine the sampling rates and the dissolved contaminant concentrations in water and in sediment pore water. Log partition coefficients (logK(sr,w)) for silicone rubber-water have been estimated for 32 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), 2 deuterated PAH analogues and 32 chlorobiphenyls (CBs) using the cosolvent method, with methanol as cosolvent. Strong linear relationships were found with literature values for the corresponding log octanol-water partition coefficients (logK(ow)) for both CBs and PAHs, confirming that partitioning into the silicone rubber is strongly determined by the hydrophobicity of the compounds, which suggests logK(ow) is a good predictor of logK(sr,w) and that absorption is the main mechanism for accumulation of analytes into the silicone rubber polymer.     

Preliminary assessment of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) in the Scottish aquatic environment, including the Firth of Clyde

This paper presents preliminary data on polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) in the Scottish aquatic environment. Sediment and biota (fish liver, fish muscle and mussels) from a number of locations around Scotland were analysed for PBDEs with samples being from both remote and from potentially contaminated areas such as the former sewage sludge dump site at Garroch Head in the Clyde. PBDEs were measured in both cultivated, rope grown mussels and wild mussels collected from 5 sites around Scotland in 2006. Total PBDE concentrations (sum of tri- to hepta-BDEs) ranged from 相似文献   

Composition and concentration of hydrocarbons in sediment samples from the oil producing area of the East Shetland Basin, Scotland

The East Shetland Basin is one of the areas that the Fisheries Research Services (FRS) has concentrated on to assess the possible impacts of oil exploration and production on the marine environment. A stratified random survey of the sediment was carried out in 2002. TOCs were low across the basin and were positively correlated with grain size. The total PAH concentrations (2- to 6-ring parent and alkylated PAHs, including the 16 US EPA PAHs) were less than 150 microg kg(-1) dry weight and their composition indicated a predominantly pyrolytic input to the basin in 2002. Minor unresolved complex mixtures in the n-alkane profiles indicated a slight petrogenic input but further examination of the biomarkers (hopanes and steranes) showed a mixed North Sea and Middle Eastern source. The Middle Eastern source is likely due to inputs from shipping activity, as it is widely used as bunker fuel. Grid surveys were carried out in 1986, 1988-89 and 1994 and areas were selected for which there was data for all the historic grid surveys and the 2002 stratified random survey. Although referring to only a small part of the East Shetland Basin, comparison with these historic surveys shows clearly that the concentrations of Forties crude oil equivalents and total PAH concentrations were highest in 1988-89 and by 2002 had returned to concentrations the same as or less than observed in the original survey in 1986.     

Contaminant exposure in outmigrant juvenile salmon from Pacific Northwest estuaries of the United States

To better understand the dynamics of contaminant uptake in outmigrant juvenile salmon in the Pacific Northwest, concentrations of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), DDTs, polycylic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and organochlorine pesticides were measured in tissues and prey of juvenile chinook and coho salmon from several estuaries and hatcheries in the US Pacific Northwest. PCBs, DDTs, and PAHs were found in tissues (whole bodies or bile) and stomach contents of chinook and coho salmon sampled from all estuaries, as well as in chinook salmon from hatcheries. Organochlorine pesticides were detected less frequently. Of the two species sampled, chinook salmon had the highest whole body contaminant concentrations, typically 2--5 times higher than coho salmon from the same sites. In comparison to estuarine chinook salmon, body burdens of PCBs and DDTs in hatchery chinook were relatively high, in part because of the high lipid content of the hatchery fish. Concentrations of PCBs were highest in chinook salmon from the Duwamish Estuary, the Columbia River and Yaquina Bay, exceeding the NOAA Fisheries' estimated threshold for adverse health effects of 2400 ng/g lipid. Concentrations of DDTs were especially high in juvenile chinook salmon from the Columbia River and Nisqually Estuary; concentrations of PAH metabolites in bile were highest in chinook salmon from the Duwamish Estuary and Grays Harbor. Juvenile chinook salmon are likely absorbing some contaminants during estuarine residence through their prey, as PCBs, PAHs, and DDTs were consistently present in stomach contents, at concentrations significantly correlated with contaminant body burdens in fish from the same sites.