Mapping of the benthic communities in the Taranto seas using side-scan sonar and an underwater video camera

Side-scan sonar and underwater video camera records as well as dredging samples were used to map the bottom morphology and biocoenoses in the Taranto seas. A 1:20,000 scale chart has been produced with all the data recorded. Most of the study area consists of biocoenoses affected by the anthropogenic activities of the town of Taranto. Some native broadly tolerant species seem to benefit from these activities and become increasingly dominant. Environmental modifications also seem to favour the settlement of exotic species.     

Horizontal Distribution of Some Artificial Radionuclides in Sediments Collected Off the Rhone Mouth (Gulf of Lions-Mediterranean Sea)

Abstract

The Rhône delta is a typical microtidal estuary. River runoff spreads out into the Gulf of Lions as a surface plume influenced by the prevailing N or NW wind and the Liguro-Provençal-Catalan current. in the prodelta, sediments form a filter that traps radionuclides released by the different nuclear installations on the Rhône River and which are associated with fine particles. the horizontal distribution of various artificial radionuclides shows the highest concentrations at the Rhône River mouth. There,¹³⁷Cs reaches 86.6 and 94.4 Bq·kg^?1 dry wt. and is still present 10 miles away (32.5 Bq·kg^?1 dry wt.) in the southwestward direction (influence of the general circulation). Data obtained in the sediment at Roustan station between 1980 and 1990 show that in 1990, ¹³⁷Cs levels were similar to those found previous to the Chernobyl accident.     

TCC&TCS对废水生物处理中原生动物的毒性研究

本文研究了ＴＣＣ（２,２,４’—Ｔｒｉｃｈｌｏｒｏｃａｒｂａｎｉｌｉｄｅ）、ＴＣＳ（２,２,４’—Ｔｒｉｃｈｌｏｒｏ－２－ｈｙｄｒｏｘｙｄｉｐｈｅｎｙｌ）对废水生物处理中的原生动物的急性毒性作用,结果表明：（１）ＴＣＣ对原生动物的４８ｈＬＣ５０为２５０００μｇ／Ｌ,ＴＣＳ４８ｈＬＣ５０为２３０００μｇ／Ｌ;ＴＣＣ＆ＴＣＳ浓度与原生动物的半数致死时间ＬＴ５０呈明显的负相关。（２）ＴＣＣ＆ＴＣＳ对原生动物的最大无作用浓度分别为１５ｍｇ／Ｌ和１１ｍｇ／Ｌ,这提示污染源排放的废水到达曝气池时ＴＣＣ＆ＴＣＳ的含量应低于１５ｍｇ／Ｌ和１１ｍｇ／Ｌ。     

A Comparative Study On the Levels of Trace Metals in Some Mediterranean and Red Sea Fishes

Samples of Mugil cephalus, Liza ramada, Siganus luridus, Siganus rivulatus, Epinephelus alexandrinus, Epinephelus areolatus, Epinephelus fasciatus, Epinephelus chlorostigma, Cephalopholis argus and Cephalopholis sonnerati were collected from the Mediterranean and Red Seas and their muscle and bone analyzed by AAS for some trace metals (Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Cd, Pb). the results showed that these metals accumulate in the bones to a greater extent than in the muscle. the highest accumulated element is cobalt (4.7-20.8 times), while the lowest is lead (1.1-2.5 times). the accumulation is more pronounced in Red Sea species than in Mediterranean species. the elevated levels of lead in Mugil cephalus (2.6-3.0 mg kg^-1) and Epinephelus alexandrinus (3.0-3.9 mg kg^-1) were attributed to the intake in food in the polluted environment of Alexandria coastal water. the relationship between body size and concentration of trace metals using a standard linear regression technique gives a significant positive correlation for cobalt, manganese, iron and lead in the muscle, as well as for lead in the bones of Mugil species from the Red Sea, while the Mediterranean species showed little correlation.

There is a tendency for increased concentrations of the essential metals manganese, iron and copper with increasing trophic level of the fish, while the opposite is true for the toxic metals chromium and lead. Our results indicate that there is no risk from toxic metal concentrations in muscle of fish from the Mediterranean and Red Seas consumed by man even in contaminated areas.     

Phytotoxicity assessment of phenanthrene and pyrene in soil using two barley genotypes

This study investigated the toxicity extent of phenanthrene and pyrene to two cultivars (CM-72 and Gairdner) of barley (Hordeum vulgare). Germination of barley seeds was evaluated in 69-d aged soil, separately spiked with phenanthrene at extractable concentrations of 0.95, 6.3, 59, and 300 mg kg^?1 (dry soil) and pyrene at 1.0, 9.0, 73, and 400 mg kg^?1 (dry soil). Although germination was not inhibited, significant (P < 0.05) reduction in root and shoot length occurred at concentrations of phenanthrene ≥6.3 mg kg^?1 and pyrene ≥9.0 mg kg^?1 after both 72 and 240 h. Fresh and dry biomass of both cultivars reduced with increasing concentrations of both polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Barley cultivar CM-72 was more sensitive than Gairdner, and it can be considered suitable for toxicity assessment of PAH-contaminated soils.     

Vertical Distribution and Inventories of 239,240Pu in Deep Sea Sediments of the Mediterranean Sea (Algerian Basin, Ionian Sea)

Deep-sea sediments collected in two areas of the Mediterranean Sea having different sedimentological characteristics have been analyzed to determine present concentrations and inventories of ^239,240Pu and to study the main mechanisms controlling them. Plutonium distribution in the deepest part of a submarine canyon (Taranto Valley, Ionian Sea) is compared to that obtained in an abyssal plain (north Algerian Plain). in the latter case, sedimentation is mainly due to the sinking of biogenic particles, while in the former lateral transport of terrigenous material along the slope of the canyon can significantly contribute to sediment accumulation on the bottom.

^239,240Pu surface concentration in the canyon ranged from 0.2 to 1 Bq kg^-1 (dry weight) and this was lower in the abyssal plain. in this area, plutonium was detectable only in the first 4 cm, while in the canyon it was present down to 11-15 cm. ^239,240Pu inventories are 3 Bq m^-2 in the plain and 45-60 Bq m^-2 in the canyon, indicating considerable input of terrigenous material towards the final part of the Taranto Valley.     

An improved user-based beach climate index

In many coastal resort areas of the world, it is likely that optimal climatic conditions for beach use might occur outside the peak of the tourist season. Investigation of this issue together with associated publicity might help to spread the tourism load and hence reduce undesirable social and environmental effects of extreme seasonality in tourist demand. For this to take place, better knowledge of beach user preferences in terms of climate and bathing water temperature is required. Questionnaire surveys were carried out in Wales, Malta and Turkey to establish the preferences of north European beach users for thermal sensation and bathing water temperature, plus priority levels for other climatic attributes. A user-based beach climate index based on these preferences and priorities was formulated. Linkage was made between the user-generated ratings for various climatic conditions and published climate data to evaluate most major Euro-Mediterranean/Black Sea and a range of other beach tourism areas on a month-by-month basis. Results showed excessively hot thermal sensation in many southern and eastern Mediterranean coastal destinations during July and August, the present peak of the beach tourism season. Highest preference was given to water temperatures rather lower than those found in these areas during late summer. Many long haul coastal destinations popular with north European visitors had similar unpleasant thermal sensations over several months. Uncertainties and deficiencies still exist with the system, but from the point of view of north European beach users the final scores generated in this study may be regarded as good approximations of the quality of resort area climates for sedentary beach use.     

Acute/chronic ratios to estimate chronic toxicity from acute data

Acute toxicity of 25 narcotic compounds to D. magna was determined in this paper. Acute/ Chronic Ratios (ACRs), which are often used to estimate chronic toxicity from acute toxicity data, are discussed based on Quantitative Structure‐Activity Relationships (QSARs) of the compounds between both acute and chronic toxicity data and n‐octanol/water partition coefficients, and an improved equation is derived to estimate chronic toxicity data from acute toxicity data. Application of the improved equation and ACRs is illustrated for D. magna and fathead minnow to estimate chronic toxicity from acute toxicity.     

个人护理品中常见抗菌剂的环境分布及毒理学研究进展

个人护理品(PCPs)是人们生活中必不可少的一类日用品,包括洗手液、洗衣液及家用消毒剂等。在抗菌消毒类PCPs中添加的主要抗菌成分有三氯生(TCS)、对氯间二甲苯酚(PCMX)、氯己定(CHX)及季铵化合物(QACs),近年来这些物质作为新兴污染物在环境及人体中被频繁检出,具有潜在的环境和健康风险。本文系统归纳总结了TCS、PCMX、CHX及QACs的抗菌机制和应用、环境中的检出和归趋,以及毒性效应和健康风险,对深入研究PCPs中常用抗菌剂的毒性效应机制和评估健康风险具有重要参考价值。     

Dissolved trace-metal concentrations along the Mediterranean Sea, to the north of the Nile Delta Region, Egypt

This work focuses on four marine sites of the Mediterranean Sea, north of the Nile Delta, Egypt. Surface-water samples were collected seasonally during 2003. The aim of this study is to assess the levels of some dissolved trace metals (Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu, and Pb) in two environmental conditions. The metal concentrations in the coastal zone were in the following ranges: 11.92-30.45 μg l^-1 for Fe, 5.79-17.36 μg l^-1 for Mn, 0.87-7.80 μg l^-1 for Zn, 0.40-1.87 μg l^-1 for Cu, and 1.53-10.31 μg l^-1 for Pb. In the sites with continental water input (mixing zone), the metals were scattered in the following ranges: Fe (19.72-60.33 μg l^-1), Mn (12.63-35.60 μg l^-1), Zn (2.67-22.00), Cu (0.83-8.10 μg l^-1), and Pb (1.72-29.7 μg l^-1). The results for the metal concentrations showed a remarkable decrease in the levels of the different metals going from the estuaries and outlets into the coastal sea water. Generally, the levels of the metals in the two zones are higher than the background levels of the unpolluted area. A comparison of the trace-metal levels in the coastal zone of the Mediterranean Sea north of Nile Delta with the minimal risk concentration (reported by water-quality criteria, WQC) showed a significantly lower content at the coastal area of the Mediterranean sea of Egypt. The study also indicated that the impact of anthropogenic inputs was limited in the distribution of the metals, except that the Pb content was slightly higher in the area of the mixing zone than that reported for WQC. The relationships between the different trace-metal concentrations and the other parameters (salinity, chlorophyll a and suspended particulate matter) were discussed, and the simple regressions between them were evaluated.     

Trace metals in “ Posidonia oceanica ” seagrass from south-eastern Sicily

Heavy-metal concentrations were measured in sediments and tissues of Posidonia oceanica seagrass from south-eastern Sicily (Italy) in order to assess the degree of metal pollution in the coastal area. Seagrasses and sediments were collected at four sites along the south-eastern coast of Sicily. Flame atomic absorption spectrophotometry (FAAS) was used to measure concentrations of Cu, Zn, Cd and Pb. Standard statistical analyses were used to assess significant differences among the levels of the elements measured in different tissues and sediment and spatial distribution. The greatest values of potentially toxic metal concentrations were observed at the station near the industrial sites of Augusta and Priolo. Comparisons with the concentrations of the same metals in other sites of north and western Sicily and with data from surveys in other areas of the Mediterranean Sea are shown.     

Radioactive Contamination in the Italian Seas: An Overview Also in the Light of the European Marina-Med Project

Following a similar project performed for the Northern European Seas in the years 1985-1990, a study on the radioactive contamination of the Mediterranean Sea has recently been conducted by a group of experts of the European Union (MARINA-MED Project). Its aim was to assess the radiological exposure of the population of the European Union, due both to natural and man-made radionuclides in the Mediterranean Sea. A review of the conclusions of this study is presented, with special attention to the environmental radioactive data. the Italian radioactive monitoring organisation is described. Starting from this experience, some proposals for new research projects are presented.     

Gas Transfer Coefficient Evaluation in the Mediterranean Sea Using Bomb Produced Radiocarbon

A study on the carbon dioxide exchange at the water-air interface in the Western Mediterranean Sea was carried out. the attention was focused on the mean air-sea flux estimations by radiocarbon profiles and bomb ¹⁴C concentration atmospheric data. Sampling techniques and analytical methods are reported; mass balance evaluations on data recorded during the MED'92 cruise are presented and discussed briefly.     

沉积物中五氯酚对底栖生物的急慢性毒性效应

以淡水底栖动物花翅羽摇蚊幼虫和淡水单孔蚓为研究对象,研究了沉积物中五氯酚对底栖生物的急慢性毒性效应。五氯酚对花翅羽摇蚊幼虫96 h及10 d的半数致死浓度(LC50)分别为20.6 mg·kg-1和12.5 mg·kg-1,28 d羽化半数抑制浓度(EC50)为0.79 mg·kg-1。沉积物中五氯酚对花翅羽摇蚊幼虫的羽化具有延滞作用,而且对雌性摇蚊羽化的延滞作用大于雄性,最终导致羽化摇蚊的性别失衡。淡水单孔蚓对五氯酚的耐受力较摇蚊幼虫强。五氯酚对淡水单孔蚓的96 h及14 d的LC50分别为37.6 mg·kg-1和20.2 mg·kg-1,对淡水单孔蚓21 d生长抑制的EC50为1.39 mg·kg-1。研究结果对推导五氯酚沉积物质量基准和进行沉积物生态风险评价提供依据。     

Radioactive Contamination in the Italian Seas: An Overview Also in the Light of the European Marina-Med Project

Following a similar project performed for the Northern European Seas in the years 1985–1990, a study on the radioactive contamination of the Mediterranean Sea has recently been conducted by a group of experts of the European Union (MARINA-MED Project). Its aim was to assess the radiological exposure of the population of the European Union, due both to natural and man-made radionuclides in the Mediterranean Sea. A review of the conclusions of this study is presented, with special attention to the environmental radioactive data. the Italian radioactive monitoring organisation is described. Starting from this experience, some proposals for new research projects are presented.