运河(杭州段)沉积物耗氧物质释放的模拟实验研究

通过室内模拟试验研究了运河 (杭州段 )沉积物污染引起的上覆水 CO DCr的变化 ,并研究了连续曝气、换水清洗的方法对其耗氧物质释放的影响。结果发现由于沉积物的释放使得上覆水 CODCr浓度维持在劣四类水以上。连续曝气可以降低水体的恶臭 ,但由于曝气对沉积物的扰动引起沉积物更多地再悬浮 ,上覆水 CODC r也没有明显降低。在不考虑外源影响的情况下 ,换水清洗可以将上覆水 CODCr浓度降到 30 m g· L-1以下。本研究说明运河 (杭州段 )沉积物内源释放对上覆水 CODCr有较大的影响。     

Inconsistency and comprehensiveness of risk assessments for heavy metals in urban surface sediments

Numerous indices have been developed to assess environmental risk of heavy metals in surface sediments, including the total content based geoaccumulation index (I_geo), exchangeable fraction based risk assessment code (RAC), and biological toxicity test based sediment quality guidelines (SQGs). In this study, the three indices were applied to freshwater surface sediments from 10 sections along an urbanization gradient of the Grand Canal, China to assess the environmental risks of heavy metals (Cu, Pb, Zn, Cd, and Cr) and to understand discrepancies of risk assessment indices and urbanization effects regarding heavy metal contamination. Results showed that Cd, Zn, and Pb were the most enriched metals in urban sections assessed by I_geo and over 95% of the samples exceeded the Zn and Pb thresholds of the effect range low (ERL) of SQGs. According to RAC, Cu, Zn, Cd, and Cr had high risks of adversely affecting the water quality of the Grand Canal due to their remarkable portions of exchangeable fraction in surface sediment. However, Pb showed a relative low risk, and was largely bounded to Fe/Mn oxides in the urban surface sediments. Obviously, the three assessment indices were not consistent with each other in terms of predicting environmental risks attributed to heavy metals in the freshwater surface sediments of this study. It is recommended that risk assessment by SQGs should be revised according to availability and site specificity. However, the combination of the three indices gave us a comprehensive understanding of heavy metal risks in the urban surface sediments of the Grand Canal.     

Concentrations and possible sources of polychlorinated biphenyls in the surface water of the Yangtze River Delta, China

In this study, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) pollution in the surface water of the Yangtze River Delta (YRD) was investigated. A total of 26 samples were collected from water bodies in three cities within the YRD during the dry season from October to November of 2009. The total PCBs (dissolved plus particulate) ranged from 1.23 to 16.6 ng L(-1) and were dominated by tri-, tetra-, and penta-chlorinated biphenyls. The mean PCBs in the Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal and the Yangtze River were 8.84 and 3.36 ng L(-1), respectively. A t-test showed that there were no significant differences in the concentration of samples from the metropolitan area and the development zone. According to the Chinese national environmental quality standards for surface water (GB 3838-2002), the concentrations of PCBs observed in this study do not pose a hazard to aquatic or human health. Overall, this study described the PCB concentration and homolog distribution patterns in one of the most rapidly developing areas in China, and the results can be used as reference levels for future PCB monitoring programs.     

运河（杭州段）底质有机质与重金属元素相关性的探讨

通过对京杭大运河 (杭州段 )底质的监测 ,探讨了底质有机质与 8种重金属元素的相关性 ,并对其成因作出了解释 ,得出了 8种重金属在运河 (杭州段 )底质中易积累的顺序。     

Metal behaviour in an estuary polluted by acid mine drainage: the role of particulate matter

The concentrations of dissolved and suspended particulate Cd, Cu and Zn have been determined in water samples obtained during two axial transects of the Rio Tinto-Huelva Ria system in south-west Spain, which is severely impacted by acid mine drainage. Although the metal concentrations in both phases were elevated, dissolved metals were dominant and, in the upper estuary, constituted > 99% of total metal in the water column. Dissolved metals behaved non-conservatively on each transect, with maximum concentrations in the low salinity region. There was no evidence of metal adsorption within the turbidity maximum zone, despite the high specific surface areas of resuspending particles. Measurements of electrophoretic mobility showed that the suspended particulate matter (SPM) had a positive surface charge in the salinity range 0-4, where the waters had a pH < 3. Desorption experiments were carried out in which SPM from the turbidity maximum zone was resuspended in coastal seawater. The desorption of the metals was monitored for 24 h, using anodic stripping voltammetry (ASV) to detect the variation in total dissolved Cd, Cu and Zn and the species of Cu and Zn. Total dissolved Cd concentrations doubled during the incubation period, whereas the concentration of total dissolved Cu declined and that of Zn remained rather constant. The ASV-labile fraction of dissolved Cu and Zn showed an initial sharp release followed by a slower uptake. However, desorption was shown to be a minor source of dissolved metals and made little contribution to the non-conservative behaviour in the low salinity zone. The results are used to predict the effects of acid mine drainage on estuarine ecology.     

An approach to analyzing spatial patterns of protozoan communities for assessing water quality in the Hangzhou section of Jing-Hang Grand Canal in China

Introduction  

In order to evaluate water quality of a canal system, the spatial pattern of protozoan communities in response to physicochemical variables was studied in the Hangzhou section of the Grand Canal, northern China during a 1-year cycle (February 2008–January 2009).     

An analysis of the chemical safety of secondary effluent for reuse purposes and the requirement for advanced treatment

This paper presents a study on the chemical safety of the secondary effluent for reuse purposes and the requirement of advanced treatment. Water quality analysis was conducted regarding conventional chemical items, hazardous metals, trace organics and endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs). Generally speaking, the turbidity, COD, BOD, TN and TP of the secondary effluent can meet the Chinese standards for urban miscellaneous water reuse but higher colour is a problem. Further removal of BOD and TP may still be required if the water is reused for landscape and environmental purposes especially relating to recreation. In addition, Hazardous metals, trace organics and endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are not the main problems for water reuse. At the same time, several tertiary treatment processes were evaluated. The coagulation–filtration process is effective process for further improvement of the conventional water quality items and removal of hazardous metals but less effective in dealing with dissolved organic matter. The ultrafiltration (UF) can achieve almost complete removal of turbid matter while its ability to remove dissolved substances is limited. The ozone–biofiltration is the most effective for colour and organic removal but it can hardly remove the residual hazardous metals. Therefore, the selection of suitable process for different water quality is important for water use.     

Degradation of rizazole in water–sediment systems

This study investigated the degradation of rizazole in water-sediment systems (West Lake system, WL; Beijing–Hangzhou Grand Canal system, BG) with two different types of sediments under aerobic and anaerobic conditions. The half-lives of rizazole in the WL water phase (14.59–15.13 d) were similar to those in the BG water phase (15.90–16.46 d). Within 3–7 d, the rizazole concentration in the sediments reached the maximum values, i.e., equilibrium. Rizazole dissipation was faster in the WL sediment phase with higher organic matter content (T_1/2 = 18.99–19.09 d) compared with the BG sediment phase (T_1/2 = 31.08–33.32 d). Rizazole degradation was slightly faster in the West Lake water-sediment system (WL system) (T_1/2 = 17.11–18.05 d) than in the Beijing–Hangzhou Grand Canal water—sediment system (BG system) (T_1/2 = 20.51–25.02 d). The aerobic degradation of rizazole was similar to its anaerobic degradation in the water-sediment system. The findings are useful to understand the behavior of pesticide in environment.     

北运河表层沉积物对重金属Cu、Pb、Zn的吸附

首先分析了北运河6个采样点表层沉积物中重金属含量及相关基本特征。通过实验室模拟实验,利用分配系数Kd评价沉积物对重金属Cu、Pb、Zn的吸附特性,进一步考察了水体pH变化和有机质对重金属在北运河沉积物上吸附的影响。结果表明,沉积物中重金属的含量顺序为Zn>Cu>Pb,去除有机质后,沉积物对重金属的吸附能力显著降低,但各采样点中的重金属含量,沉积物对重金属吸附能力,以及沉积物中的有机质含量并没有明显相关性,这可能是因为不同采样点中有机质种类与结构不同导致的。总之,北运河沉积物对Pb有很强的吸附能力,其次是Cu和Zn,而且,Cu、Zn、Pb的吸附量随着pH的升高逐渐增大,水体pH值对于Zn的吸附影响更大。     

Impacts of urbanization on surface sediment quality: evidence from polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) contaminations in the Grand Canal of China

Introduction

Organic pollutants, especially synthetic organic compounds, can indicate paces of anthropogenic activities. Effects of urbanization on polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) distributions in surface sediment were conducted in urban sections of the Grand Canal, China, consisting of a four-level urbanization gradient.

Materials and methods

The four-level urbanization gradients include three countryside towns, two small-size cities, three medium-size cities, and a large-size city. Diagnostic ratio analysis and factor analysis?Cmultiple linear regression model were used for source apportionment of PAHs. Sediment quality guidelines (SQGs) of USA and Canada were employed to assess ecological risks of PAHs and PCBs in surface sediments of the Canal.

Results and discussion

Ranges of PAH and PCB concentrations in surface sediments were 0.66?C22?mg/kg and 0.5?C93???g/kg, respectively. Coal-related sources were primary PAH sources and followed by vehicular emission. Total concentration, composition, and source apportionment of PAHs exhibited urbanization gradient effects. Total PCB concentrations increased with the urbanization gradient, while total PAHs concentration in surface sediments presented an inverted U Kuznets curve with the urbanization gradient. Elevated concentrations of both PAHs and PCBs ranged at effect range low levels or interim SQG, assessed by USA and Canadian SQGs.

Conclusions

PAHs and PCBs in surface sediments of the Grand Canal showed urbanization gradient effects and low ecological risks.     

Dissolved heavy metal concentrations of the Kralkızı, Dicle and Batman dam reservoirs in the Tigris River basin,Turkey

Water samples were collected at monthly intervals during 1 year of monitoring from Kralk?z?, Dicle and Batman dam reservoirs in the Tigris River basin to assess the concentrations of dissolved heavy metals and to determine their spatial and seasonal variations. The results indicated that dissolved heavy metal concentrations in the reservoirs were very low, reflecting the natural background levels. The lowest total metal concentrations in the three dam reservoirs were detected at sampling sites close to the dam wall. However, the highest total concentrations were observed at sites, which are located at the entrance of the streams to the reservoirs. Fe, Cr and Ni were the most abundant elements in the reservoirs, whereas Cd and As were the less abundant. The mean concentrations of dissolved metals in the dam reservoirs never exceeded the maximum permitted concentrations established by EC (European Community), WHO and USEPA drinking water quality guidelines. All heavy metals showed significant seasonal variations. As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Ni and Pb displayed higher values in the dry season, while higher values for Zn in the wet season. Cluster analysis grouped all ten sampling sites into three clusters. Clusters 1 and 2, and cluster 3 corresponded to relatively low polluted and moderate polluted regions, respectively. PCA/FA demonstrated the dissolved metals in the dam reservoirs controlled by natural sources.     

Effects on the zooplankton community of pollutant disposal into the Jose Antonio Alzate dam, Mexico

To study the influence of pollutants on water quality from the Jose Antonio Alzate dam in Mexico, plankton samples were taken from locations along an approximately 9 km in a downstream direction. Determinations were made of pH, dissolved oxygen, biochemical oxygen demand, transparency, conductivity, and metal levels in plankton. The dam waters were generally hard, with high levels of electrolytes to a near-neutral pH level. A geographical distribution pattern was observed of zooplankton with the highest concentrations of metals at the confluence of the dam and the Lerma river, their primary source. These values were correlated with the zooplankton taxonomic composition, suggesting that the changes in species diversity and abundance were consistently dependent on the nutrient status. A comparison of net rates of dissolved metals in the dam water indicated that zooplankton responds to changes in water quality, and is quantitatively important in the downstream transport of pollutants.     

Asbestos fibres introduce trace metals into streamwater and sediments

Based on a case study in the Sumas River, it is demonstrated that asbestos fibres, which were introduced by a massive landslide, have altered the water quality and sediment conditions in the downstream section of the river. Asbestos fibres, because of their small size, are readily transported and resuspended i in stream systems. Associated with the fibres are high quantities of Ni, Cr, Co and Mn which occur as contaminations and isomorphic substitutions in most asbestos materials. A direct link between discharge, asbestos fibre and Ni concentrations was demonstrated in the water. Trace metal values in the sediments decrease with distance from the point source but the concentrations 20 km downstream of the slide are still significantly higher than levels at a control station unaffected by the slide. Asbestos fibres leach in acid media, and Mg and trace metals are removed. The process and rates were illustrated on the basis of laboratory experiments using organic acids. Since the pH in the streamwater is decreasing from 8.4 to 7.1 in the downstream direction, trace metals release is of concern.     

Bioavailability of metals along a contamination gradient in San Diego Bay (California, USA)

San Diego Bay is heavily contaminated with metals, but little is known about their biological availability to local marine organisms. This study on 15 elements showed that concentrations of metals associated with sediment increased from the mouth to the back of the Bay while metals in seawater particulates were similar throughout the Bay. Metal bioavailability was assessed over 8weeks following transplant of the local brittlestar, Ophiothrix spiculata (Ophuroidea, Echinodermata), from outside to inside the Bay. Despite a gradient of contamination, brittlestars accumulated similar levels of metals throughout the Bay, suggesting that metal contamination occurred through dissolved metals as well as through the diet. Sediment transplanted in dialysis tubing in the Bay accumulated metals only when placed on the seafloor bottom, indicating greater metal bioavailability near the bottom; the level of accumulation was similar between the mouth and the back of the Bay. The results are consistent with a circulation pattern in which a bottom layer of seawater, enriched with metals, drains from the back to the mouth of the Bay. There was a positive correlation between metal concentration in brittlestars and tidal range, suggesting increased metal exposure due to bay-ocean water exchange. For brittlestar arms the correlation was higher at the mouth than the back of the Bay, indicating greater metal accumulation in arms from dissolved metals in seawater than from ingestion of metal contaminated diet. In contrast, for brittlestar disks the correlation was higher at the back of the Bay, indicative of metal accumulation mainly through the diet. The results highlight the importance of considering bioavailability and physical processes in environmental quality assessments.     

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in wastewater, WWTPs effluents and in the recipient waters of Beijing, China

In this study, surface water samples from the Wenyu River and the North Canal, effluent from major wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) in Beijing, and wastewater from open sewers that discharge directly into the river system were collected and analyzed for 16 priority USEPA polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Concentrations of these 16 PAHs ranged from 193 to 1790 ng/L in river surface waters, 245 to 404 ng/L in WWTP effluents, and 431 to 2860 ng/L in the wastewater from the small sewers. The WWTP effluent was the main contributor of dissolved PAHs to the river, while wastewater from the small sewers contributed both dissolved and suspended particulate matter-associated PAH to the river as indicated by the high dissolved organic carbon and suspended particulate matter contents in the wastewater. Although the flow from each open sewer was small, a PAH discharge as high as 44 kg/year could occur into the river from these types of sewers. This amount was equivalent to about 22 % of the PAH loads discharged into the North Canal downstream from Beijing, whereas the remainder was mainly released by the major WWTPs in Beijing.     

Heavy metal in sediments of Ziya River in northern China: distribution,potential risks,and source apportionment

The concentration partitioning between the sediment particle and the interstitial water phase plays an important role in controlling the toxicity of heavy metals in aquatic systems. The aim of this study was to assess the sediment quality in a polluted area of the Ziya River, Northern China. The contamination potential and bioavailability of six metals were determined from the concentrations of total metals and the bioavailable fractions. The results showed that the concentrations of Cr, Cu, Ni, Zn, and Pb exceeded the probable effect concentration at several sites. The high geoaccumulation indices showed that the sediments were seriously contaminated by Cd. The ratio of acid-volatile sulfide (AVS) to simultaneously extracted metal (SEM) was higher than 1, which indicated that the availability of metals in sediments was low. The risk assessment of interstitial waters confirmed that there was little chance of release of metals associated with acid-volatile sulfide into the water column. Values of the interstitial water criteria toxicity unit indicated that none of the concentrations of the studied metals exceeded the corresponding water quality thresholds of the US Environmental Protection Agency. Positive matrix factorization showed that the major sources of metals were related to anthropogenic activities. Further, if assessments are based on total heavy metal concentrations, the toxicity of heavy metals in sediment may be overestimated.     

Sorption of phenanthrene by soils contaminated with heavy metals

The fate of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in soils with co-contaminants of heavy metals has yet to be elucidated. This study examined sorption of phenanthrene as a representative of PAHs by three soils contaminated with Pb, Zn or Cu. Phenanthrene sorption was clearly higher after the addition of heavy metals. The distribution coefficient (K(d)) and the organic carbon-normalized distribution coefficient (K(oc)) for phenanthrene sorption by soils spiked with Pb, Zn or Cu (0-1000 mg kg(-1)) were approximately 24% larger than those by unspiked ones, and the higher contents of heavy metals added into soils resulted in the larger K(d) and K(oc) values. The enhanced sorption of phenanthrene in the case of heavy metal-contaminated soils could be ascribed to the decreased dissolved organic matter (DOM) in solution and increased soil organic matter (SOM) as a consequence of DOM sorption onto soil solids. Concentrations of DOM in equilibrium solution for phenanthrene sorption were lower in the case of the heavy metal-spiked than unspiked soils. However, the decreased DOM in solution contributed little to the enhanced sorption of phenanthrene in the presence of metals. On the other hand, the sorbed DOM on soil solids after the addition of heavy metals in soils was found to be much more reactive and have far stronger capacity of phenanthrene uptake than the inherent SOM. The distribution coefficients of phenanthrene between water and the sorbed DOM on soil solids (K(ph/soc)) were about 2-3 magnitude larger than K(d) between water and inherent SOM, which may be the dominant mechanism of the enhanced sorption of phenanthrene by soils with the addition of heavy metals.     

Challenges with tracing the fate and speciation of mine-derived metals in turbid river systems: implications for bioavailability

The fast-flowing and highly turbid Lagaip River (0.5–10 g/L suspended solids) in the central highlands of Papua New Guinea receives mine-derived metal inputs in both dissolved and particulate forms. Nearest the mine, metal concentrations in suspended solids were 360, 9, 90, 740 and 1,300 mg/kg for As, Cd, Cu, Pb and Zn, while dissolved concentrations were 2.7, 0.6, 3.1, 0.1 and 25 μg/L, respectively. This creates a significant metal exposure source for organisms nearer the mine. However, because the Lagaip River is diluted by a large number of tributaries, the extent to which mine-derived metals may affect biota in the lower catchments is uncertain. To improve our understanding of the forms of potentially bioavailable metals entering the lower river system, we studied the partitioning and speciation of metals within the Lagaip River system. Dissolved and particulate metal concentrations decreased rapidly downstream of the mine due to dilution from tributaries. As a portion of the particulate metal concentrations, the more labile dilute acid-extractable forms typically comprised 10–30 % for As and Pb, 50–75 % for Cu and Zn, and 50–100 % for Cd. Only dissolved Cd, Cu and Zn remained elevated relative to the non-mine-impacted tributaries (<0.03, 0.5 and 0.3 μg/L), but the concentrations did not appreciably change with increasing dilution downriver. This indicated that release of Cd, Cu and Zn was likely occurring from the more labile metal phases of the mine-derived particulates. Chelex-labile metal analyses and speciation modelling indicated that dissolved copper and lead were largely non-labile and likely complexed by naturally occurring organic ligands, while dissolved cadmium and zinc were predominantly present in labile forms. The study confirmed that mine-derived particulates may represent a significant source of dissolved metals in the lower river system; however, comparison with water quality guidelines indicates the low concentrations would not adversely affect aquatic life.     

Historical decline in coral reef growth after the Panama Canal

The Panama Canal is near its vessel size and tonnage handling capacity, and Panamanians have decided to expand it. The expansion of the Canal may consider the historical long-lasting impacts on marine coastal habitats particularly on sensitive coral reefs. These potential impacts were discussed during the national referendum as were other equally important issues, such as its effects on forests, watersheds, and water supply. Coral growth rates provide a direct measure of coral fitness and past environmental conditions comparable to analyses of tree rings. We examined stable isotopes, metal geochemical tracers, and growth rates on a century-long (1880-1989) chronology based on 77 cores of the dominant reef-building coral Siderastrea siderea collected near the Caribbean entrance to the canal. Our results showed a gradual decline in coral growth unrelated to changes in sea surface temperature but linked to runoff and sedimentation to coastal areas resulting from the construction and operation of the Panama Canal.     

Trace Metals in Upland Headwater Lakes in Ireland

Trace elements (n = 23) in Irish headwater lakes (n = 126) were investigated to determine their ambient concentrations, fractionation (total, dissolved, and non-labile), and geochemical controls. Lakes were generally located in remote upland, acid-sensitive regions along the coastal margins of the country. Total trace metal concentrations were low, within the range of natural pristine surface waters; however, some lakes (~20 %) had inorganic labile aluminum and manganese at levels potentially harmful to aquatic organisms. Redundancy analysis indicated that geochemical weathering was the dominant controlling factor for total metals, compared with acidity for dissolved metals. In addition, many metals were positively correlated with dissolved organic carbon indicating their affinity (or complexation) with humic substances (e.g., aluminum, iron, mercury, lead). However, a number of trace metals (e.g., aluminum, mercury, zinc) were correlated with anthropogenic acidic deposition (i.e., non-marine sulfate), suggesting atmospheric sources or elevated leaching owing to acidic deposition. As transboundary air pollution continues to decline, significant changes in the cycling of trace metals is anticipated.