Comparison of fecal coliform bacteria before and after wastewater treatment plant in the Izmir Bay (Eastern Aegean Sea)

The distribution of fecal coliforms was investigated and determined in Izmir Bay from 1996 to 2005. Izmir Bay severely was polluted from industrial and domestic discharges during decades. In early 2000, a wastewater treatment plant began to treat domestic and industrial wastes. This plant treats the wastes about 80% capacity after 2001. The sampling periods cover before and after treatment plant. Assessment method for determining the number of fecal coliform has evolved membrane filtrations. Maximum surface fecal coliform concentration was 4.9 × 10⁵ cfu 100 ml^???1 in 1996–2000 period. Following the opening treatment system, fecal coliform density decreased 2.1 × 10⁴ cfu 100 ml^???1 during 2001–2005. A continuous improvement can be sustained in the water quality if direct inflow of untreated wastewater is prevented.     

Concentrations of some heavy metals in water, suspended solids, and biota species from Maluan Bay, China and their environmental significance

Concentrations of heavy metals (Cu, Zn, Cd, and Pb) in surface water (including total recoverable, dissolved, suspended solids) and in aufwuchs encrusted on Moerella iridescens Benson from seven selected sites and two reference sites in Maluan Bay were investigated in order to understand current metal contamination due to industrialization and urbanization in Xiamen, China. The muscle tissues of the study species (Penceus penicillatus, Scylla serrata Forskal, Harengula zunasi Bleeker, Tillapia nilotica) from a trawling area within Maluan Bay were also analyzed in order to evaluate its safety as seafood. Based on the obtained data, metal concentrations in surface water were compared with Marine Seawater Quality Standards of China and the US EPA acute and chronic criteria, which showed that Maluan Bay may be subjected to different levels of contamination by the metals. Metal concentrations under study in the edible parts (muscle) of the investigated biota species were within the safety permissible levels for human consumption. Through Pearson??s correlation analysis, the relationships between metal concentrations in surface water and in M. iridescens were evaluated. Copper concentrations in M. iridescens were more strongly positively correlated with particulate copper in suspended solids and total recoverable copper in water rather than with dissolved copper at the sampling sites. The data suggested that copper-rich suspended solids contributed substantially to copper accumulation by M. iridescens and played a critical role in the pathway of copper into the food chain. The conclusions of this investigation are likely to be applicable to other relevant scenarios.     

Preliminary investigation of sensitive biomarkers of trace metal pollution in mussel (Mytilus galloprovincialis) from Izmir Bay (Turkey)

The aim of this study was to identify possible relationships between biochemical- superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) of mussels (Mytilus galloprovincialis) and chemical (Hg, Cd, Pb, Cr, Cu, Zn, Mn and Fe) contaminants from relatively clean area (Middle Bay) and heavily polluted area (Inner Bay) of the Izmir Bay. Sampling of mussels was performed in the beginning of May 2004. Mussel digestive glands have been used for biochemical assays. Trace metal content was determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometer using standard procedures. Metal contents in mussels collected at polluted site increased compared to the middle part of the bay. While there was a positive correlation between metals and SOD enzyme activity, there was a negative correlation between metals and GPx enzyme activity. An increase was observed in SOD enzyme activity and a decrease of GPx enzyme activity at the inner part of the bay.     

Distribution of suspended particulate matter with trace element composition and apportionment of possible sources in the Raniganj coalfield,India

Ambient air monitoring for suspended particulate matter was carried over a period of one year in some coal mining areas of the Raniganj coalfield. Concentrations of seven elements in suspended particulate matter were determined. The set of data obtained was analysed to determine the sources of trace elements by factor analysis. The data could be interpreted on the basis of five factors. These factors are attributed to various sources of particulate matter by noting the dependence of factors on the elements.     

Investigation of heavy metal content in the suspended particulate matter and sediments of inner Gokova Bay and creeks

The Bay of Gokova in Southeastern Aegean Sea (Turkey) is important by the potential of agricultural, municipal, and tourism activities. In addition, there is no industrial plant within the area in the Aegean Sea. Kad?n Creek (Azmak) and Ak?ap?nar Creek (Azmak) flowing into the inner Gokova Bay are one of the important factors in determining the character of the inner Gokova Bay. In this study, nine stations were selected in the inner Gokova Bay, Kad?n Creek, and Akcap?nar Creek. The concentrations of Cd, Cu, Fe, Pb, and Zn were measured in suspended particulate matter (SPM) and sediments. The samples of sediments and SPM were collected in between February 2008 and September 2008. The aim of the study is searching the change of concentrations of Cd, Cu, Fe, Pb, and Zn in suspended particulate matter and sediments in the inner Gokova bay, Kad?n Creek, and Ak?ap?nar Creek. It has been identified that the metal concentrations in the creeks are higher than the metal concentrations in the marine environment. It has also been observed that the concentrations of Pb, Cd, and Cu in summer season have been higher than in the winter season, but the concentrations of Fe and Zn have not shown a significant difference between in summer and winter seasons. The obtained results show that the some heavy metals are caused by the agricultural, municipal, and tourism activities operating in the coastal areas and terrestrial environment, and they are transported from the creeks to the Gokova Bay by suspended particulate matter.     

Heavy metals concentrations in zooplankton and suspended particulate matter in a southwestern Atlantic temperate estuary (Argentina)

The present work includes part of the first studies of metals concentrations in the zooplankton from a heavily industrialized estuary of Argentina, the Bahía Blanca estuary. Cd, Cu, and Pb concentrations in the zooplankton (macro- and mesozooplankton) and the suspended particulate matter were measured at stations with different degree of pollution. Physicochemical variables and zooplankton composition and abundance were also analyzed. Thus, the aim of the present work was to analyze the spatial and temporal distribution of heavy metals in these two different fractions, and the possible relation among them due to their importance in the biogeochemical cycles of marine environments. Samplings were carried out during a year, from March 2005 to April 2006, every 2 months, at stations located near chemical and petrochemical industries, stations far from these points and one station in an intermediate location. In the mesozooplankton, the mean concentrations of Cd, Cu, and Pb were 3.63?±?1.46, 34.46?±?5.40, and 11.54?±?3.04 μg?g^?1 dry weight (d.w.) respectively, while in the macrozooplankton, 3.20?±?2.28, 21.86?±?4.79, and 8.36?±?1.85 μg?g^?1 d.w. On the other hand, particulate Cd, Cu, and Pb presented a mean concentration of 3.33?±?1.22, 12.75?±?2.67, and 12.53?±?3.20 μg?g^?1 d.w., respectively. Metals’ levels in both the SPM and zooplankton fluctuated throughout the study time and were relatively high in the particulate phase especially for Cu and Pb. Moreover, zooplankton accumulated important concentrations of the three metals. The sources of them are probably the discharges of the industries and domestic sewages located near the estuary.     

TSP, PM depositions, and trace elements in the vicinity of a cement plant and their source apportionments using chemical mass balance model in Izmir, Turkey

Total suspended particles mass concentrations (TSP) and bulk depositions of particulate matter (PM depositions) were measured around a cement plant located in the multi-impacted area to assess the affect of the plant on the ambient air in the vicinity in Izmir, Turkey. TSP samples were collected five times a month whereas PM depositions were sampled monthly at four sites between August 2003 and January 2004. The concentrations of Al, Ca, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, Na, Ni, Pb, V, and Zn in TSP and PM depositions (except Cu) were reported. Chemical mass balance (CMB) receptor model with local source profiles was run in order to calculate the source contributions of the PM sources to the concentrations of TSP, PM depositions, and trace elements. Traffic was found to be the major contributor to TSP whereas PM depositions dominantly result from area sources including several stone quarries, concrete plants, lime kilns, and asphalt plants in the region. CMB model results indicate that the cement plant is a significant contributor to TSP, PM depositions, and trace elements, particularly Cd.     

Residues of organochlorine pesticides in water and suspended particulate matter from the Yangtze River catchment of Wuhan, China

The residues of 13 organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) in surface water and HCHs and DDTs in suspended particulate matter (SPM) from rivers and lakes in Yangtze River catchment of Wuhan, China, were investigated. The concentration of total OCPs in surface water varied from 1.01 to 46.49 ng l⁻¹ (mean 10.55 ng l⁻¹). The levels of total HCHs (ΣHCH) and total DDTs (ΣDDT) in surface water were in the range of 0.55–28.07 ng l⁻¹ and lower than detection limit to 16.71 ng l⁻¹, respectively, which was lower than Chinese standards on the whole. For OCPs residues in SPM, the mean levels varying from 0.20 to 34.72 ng l⁻¹ and 0.46 to 2.72 ng l⁻¹ for ΣHCH and ΣDDT, respectively, which ranked the relatively higher levels among Chinese studied rivers. Results from this investigation showed that previous excessive usage of technical OCPs was the main reason for the residues of HCHs and DDTs both in surface water and SPM, although some new sources were likely to occurred in the region. Apart from the OCPs in SPM originated from upstream in flood season, one of the important sources of OCP residues both in water and SPM in Yangtze River was supposed to be the inputs of its tributaries. Additionally, in situ water-SPM phase distributions of OCPs indicated that HCHs tended totransport with water as well as DDTs was prone to combine with SPM in Yangtze River catchment of Wuhan.     

Effects of leachant temperature and pH on leachability of metals from fly ash. A case study: Can thermal power plant, province of Canakkale, Turkey

Lignite powered electric generation plants result in increasing environmental problems associated with gaseous emissions and the disposal of ash residues. Especially, low quality coals with high ash content cause enormous quantities of both gaseous and solid fly ash emissions. The main problem is related to the disposal of fly ash, which, in many cases, contains heavy metals. It is known that toxic trace metals may leach when fly ash is in contact with water. In this study, fly ash samples obtained from the thermal power plant in the town of Can in Turkey were investigated for leachability of metals under different acidic and temperature conditions. The experimental results show that a decrease in pH of the leachant favors the extraction of metal ions from fly ash. A significant increase in the extraction of arsenic, cadmium, chromium, zinc, lead, mercury, and selenium ions from the ash is attributed to the instability of the mineral phases. These heavy metals concentrations increase with respect to increasing acidic conditions and temperature. Peak concentrations, in general, were found at around 30°C.     

Characterization and assessment of a large-scale domestic advanced wastewater treatment plant in Turkey

The paper presents new studies about the removal efficiencies and characterization of the Municipal Wastewater Treatment Plant (MWWTP) in Kayseri, Turkey, which is serving for 800,000 population equivalents with the capacity of 110,000 m(3)/day, between 2006 and 2009. Kayseri discharges its effluents to Karasu Creek that downstream joins the Kizilirmak river, the longest river in Turkey discharging into the Black Sea. Four years of operation data between 2006 and 2009 calendar years were obtained from KASKI General Directorate. Influent and effluent samples were collected daily and suspended solids (SS), chemical oxygen demand (COD), biochemical oxygen demand in 5 days (BOD(5)), total nitrogen (TN), and total phosphorus (TP) were measured, aiming to study the evolution of the removal efficiencies for each year. The following yearly mean removal efficiencies were performed in the treatment plant: 94%, 97%, 97%, 95% for SS; 94%, 96%, 95%, 95% for COD; 98%, 98%, 98%, 98% for BOD(5); 84%, 87%, 89%, 82% for TN; and 71%, 86%, 80%, 86% for TP, in 2006, 2007, 2008, and 2009, respectively. The performance of Kayseri MWWTP was given both in terms of influent and effluent quality and in comparison with the current legislation on discharge limits to the receiving body. During the studied period, mean concentrations in the effluent did not exceed the imposed limits, but sometimes, higher values were noticed for SS, TN, and TP. In conclusion, the plant performances concerning these parameters were excellent and Kayseri MWWTP was operating efficiently according to the conventional control parameters.     

Assessment of lead, zinc, copper, nickel and chromium in total suspended particulate matter from the workplace in Al-Rusayl Industrial Estate, Oman

Total suspended particulates (TSP) were collected with a high volume sampler from the indoor work environment of 23 industries in Al-Rusayl Industrial Estate in Muscat, Oman. The values measured ranged from 39 microg m(-3) to 1033 microg m(-3). TSP in the ambient air of the area was found to have an average value of 1802 microg m(-3). TSP were analyzed for Pb, Cu, Ni, Zn and Cr. Compared to other metals, Pb emission was high with values ranging from 3 to 15 109 ng m(-3) with the mean value being 1 293 ng m(-3); Cu concentration varied from 3 to 2600 ng m(-3) with a mean value of 131 ng m(-3); Ni concentration ranged from 6 to 46 ng m(-3) with a mean value of 17 ng m(-3); Cr concentration ranged from 1 to 133 ng m(-3) with a mean value of 23 ng m(-3) while that of Zn varied from 0.01 to 1 978 ng m(-3) with the mean value being 464 ng m(-3). The concentrations of Pb, Ni, Cu, Cr, and Zn in the ambient air were also measured and found to have the following values: 122, 18, 16, 5 and 0.01 ng m(-3), respectively. These values indicate that the industries in the area do not contribute significantly to heavy metal air pollution.     

Monitoring metal contamination levels and fecal pollution in clam (Tapes decussatus) collected from Izmir Bay (Turkey)

The aim of this study was to monitor the heavy metal contents and fecal pollution in Tapes decussatus (carpet shell clam) from Izmir Bay (Eastern Aegean). Bivalve mollusks were sampled on January, March, July, and October 2007 in the Izmir Bay. Izmir Bay is one of the great natural bays of the Mediterranean. Concentrations of heavy metals were determined in the clams from the different seasons. Fecal coliform densities were determined to evaluate the degree of water pollution and clams’ microbiological accumulation of the classical microbial pollution indicators. The concentration of heavy metals in T. decussatus from Izmir Bay were Hg 0.044–0.13; Cd 0.026–0.24; Pb 0.38–1.2; Cr 2.3–3.7; Cu 6.4–8.4; Zn 56.0–81.8, and Ni 8.1–9.6 μg/g (dry weight). The maximum values were generally obtained in July and March except Ni. This study found that the levels of heavy metals except Cr in T. decussatus were below Spanish and European Communities legislations for shellfish as food. Microbial pollution indicators (heterotrophic bacteria and fecal coliform) were measured in T. decussatus. Maximum heterotrophic bacteria and fecal coliforms were recorded in the winter while the lowest were detected in summer.     

Distributions, sources, and ecological risks of DDT-related contaminants in water, suspended particulate matter, and sediments from Haihe Plain, Northern China

The residual levels of dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) and its metabolites (DDXs, including p,p′-DDT, DDD, and DDE) in water, suspended particulate matter (SPM), and sediments from major rivers, lakes, and reservoirs in Haihe Plain were measured with a gas chromatograph equipped with a ⁶³Ni microelectron capture detector. In the fall of 2004, the contents of the total DDXs in the water and SPM were 0.29?±?0.69 ng L^?1 and 423.13?±?577.85 ng g^?1 dry wt., respectively. In the spring of 2005, the total DDXs were 0.36?±?0.91 ng L^?1 for water and 35.93?±?62.65 ng g^?1 dry wt. for SPM. The average concentration of DDXs for sediments was 7.10?±?7.57 ng g^?1 dry wt. during the two seasons. The Eastern-Hebei-Province Coastland River System was the most polluted, which was mainly attributable to the extensive use of DDT pesticide and dicofol in that system. Recent DDT inputs still occur in some regions, as indicated by DDT/(DDD + DDE) > 1 at 29–36 % of the sites for water and 55–61 % of the sites for SPM. The potential ecological risks of DDT in the water were assessed using a species sensitivity distribution model. Only shrimp and crabs were found to have potentially affected fraction values of 1.63?×?10^?3 to 2.27?×?10^?4, with probabilities beyond the hazardous concentration for 5 % of species (HC5) values of 1.90–2.56 %, suggesting only slight risks. DDXs in the sediments of some sites were also of potential risk to benthic organism based on consensus-based sediment quality guidelines.     

Source identification and assessment of sediment contamination of trace metals in Kogarah Bay,NSW, Australia

The distribution of trace metals (spatial and temporal) and sedimentary fractions were investigated to identify the concentrations and sources of trace metals within Kogarah Bay, NSW, Australia. A total of 59 surface sediments and six subsurface samples from core of the sediment were collected. The contamination factor and pollution load index indices used to evaluate environmental effects of trace metals. The study area was found to be uncontaminated with Cr and Ni, moderately contaminated with As and considerably contaminated with Cu, Zn and Pb. The concentrations of Cr and Ni were below both effect range low and effect range median, while As, Cu, Zn and Pb were slightly above effect range low. The highest concentrations of these trace metals such as Cu, Zn and Pb were found in the north, northwest and southeast of the bay, close to discharge points, stormwater outlets and around boatyards and watercrafts. The spatial distributions of metals were strongly related to muddy particles and organic matter. The temporal sediments of metals declined with increased sediment depth, which reflects accumulation of trace metals since European settlement in this area. Furthermore, the source of the trace metals was found to be stormwater outlets, gasoline fumes, boatyards and other human activities.     

Characterisation of particulate matter for toxic metals in ambient air of Kochi City, India

Measurement of respirable suspended particulate matter (RSPM) and analysis of toxic metals in air of Kochi city was carried out for a period of one year, 1997. Seasonal variations of RSPM and toxic metals are analysed to identify the influence of meteorological parameters. The air pollution problem with respect to RSPM and lead is moderately significant especially in winter season. The profile of other toxic metals in RSPM is not much significant. Domestic fuel used mainly coal/wood and petrol/diesel fueled motor vehicles are the major contributors to the RSPM and toxic metals. Various control strategies are delineated for reduction of ambient RSPM and toxic metals in air of Kochi city.     

Influence of urban form on landscape pattern and connectivity in metropolitan regions: a comparative case study of Phoenix,AZ, USA,and Izmir,Turkey

Although ecological connectivity conservation in urban areas has recently been recognized as an important issue, less is known about its relationship to urban form and landscape pattern. This study investigates how urban morphology influences regional ecosystem pattern and landscape connectivity. Two metropolitan landscapes, Phoenix, AZ, USA, and Izmir, Turkey, were compared, both of which are fast-growing regions in their national context. A wide range of variables were considered for identifying natural and urban properties. The natural characteristics include typology of urban ecosystems, urban to natural cover ratio, dominant habitat type, urban biodiversity, landscape context, and connectivity conservation efforts. Urban parameters examine urban form, urban extent, urban cover proportion, growth rate, populations, urban gradient, major drivers of urbanization, urban density, and mode/approach of urban development. Twelve landscape metrics were measured and compared across the natural patches. Results show that there is little difference in landscape connectivity in the rural zones of Phoenix and Izmir, although Phoenix has slightly higher connectivity values. The connectivity variance in urbanized areas, however, is significantly dependent on the region. For example, Phoenix urban zones have substantially lower connectivity than either urban or suburban zones in Izmir. Findings demonstrate that small and compact urban settlements with more dense populations are more likely to conserve landscape connectivity compared to multiple-concentric but amalgamated urban form spreading all over the landscape (aka urban sprawl).     

Sorbed metals fractionation and risk assessment of release in river sediment and particulate matter

Fractionation of metals in natural sediment and suspended particulate matter (SPM) of Tadjan River is investigated. Competitive sorption, sorption capacities of sediment and SPM as well as fractionation of metal-loaded sediment and SPM are also examined. A risk assessment code (RAC) is applied to estimate the risk of heavy metals release into the environment during the sorption process. Results revealed that sediments and SPM containing more than 25 % of clay minerals and higher amounts of calcite have great capacity of metal sorption, particularly for Cu, Ni, and Mn. Assessing the risk of metals release prior to and following sorption tests indicates that RAC of metals would significantly increase from the level of no or low risk in natural sediment and SPM to high or very high risk after sorption. The Langmuir model reveals that the highest affinity for Cu, Mn, and Ni in sediment is the organic fraction. The classic isotherm models of Freundlich and Langmuir can fit the data from chemical extraction studies of adsorbed metals, indicating that although sorption was apparently a physical and chemical process in the river, isotherm models can be used to simulate the sorption and accumulation in different geochemical phases within the particulate matter.     

Spatio-temporal variations of organic carbon and chlorophyll degradation products in the surficial sediments of Izmir Bay (Aegean Sea/Turkey)

The aim of this research is to determine the effects of Izmir Big Channel Waste Water Treatment Project on the sediment quality of Izmir Bay. Wastewater treatment improves the water quality. However, sediment does not respond to this treatment as fast as water column. Monitoring of bottom water and sediment quality is necessary for identification of the recovery of the whole ecosystem. For this purpose, bottom water and sediment samples were collected from three stations which are located in the middle and inner parts of the Izmir Bay on a monthly basis between January 2003 and December 2003. Values measured at stations ranged between; 0.54-12.82 microg/L for chlorophyll-a, 0.09-9.32 microg/L for phaeopigment, 0.05-1.91 mg/L for particulate organic carbon in bottom waters, 11.88-100.29 microg/g for chlorophyll degradation products and 1.12-5.39% for organic carbon in sediment samples. In conclusion, it was found that grazing activity explained carbon variations in sediment at station 2, but at station 1 and station 3 carbon variations in sediment were not related to autochthonous biological processes.     

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.     

Biomonitoring study of heavy metals in biota and sediments in the South Eastern coast of Mediterranean sea, Egypt

Concentrations of Cd, Cu, Co, Zn, Mn and Fe were determined in biota and sediment samples collected from the Eastern Harbour and El-Mex Bay in the Mediterranean Sea, Egypt. The levels of Cu, Co, Zn, Mn and Fe in the macroalgae, Ulva lactuca, Enteromorpha compressa (green algae) and Jania rubens (red algae), recorded high concentrations except for Cd. Moreover, Fe was the most predominant metal in the seaweed. The two species of bivalves, Donax trunculus and Paphia textile, showed different amounts of metals in their tissue. The abundance of heavy metal concentrations in the mussel samples was found in the order Fe> Zn> Mn> Cu> Co> Cd and Fe> Zn> Mn> Cu> Cd> Co, respectively for the two species. The metals concentrations were generally higher compared with the previous studies in mussels from the same area. The levels of metals accumulated in the investigated fish samples, Saurida undosquamis, Siganus rivulatus, Lithognathus mormyrus and Sphyraena sphyraena, were higher than those of Marmara Sea (Turkey), for Co and Cd and lower for Cu, Zn, Mn and Fe. El-Mex Bay having the highest metals concentration in sediments as their order of abundance were Fe> Zn> Mn> Cu> Cd> Co. Nevertheless, a high variability in the metal levels occurs among the studied algae and biota and also between the investigated Harbour. A significant correlations (p < 0.05) were found for each of Zn and Fe in P. textile and of Co in D. trunculus relative to their concentrations in surficial sediments.