Eutrophication: impacts of excess nutrient inputs on freshwater, marine, and terrestrial ecosystems

In the mid-1800s, the agricultural chemist Justus von Liebig demonstrated strong positive relationships between soil nutrient supplies and the growth yields of terrestrial plants, and it has since been found that freshwater and marine plants are equally responsive to nutrient inputs. Anthropogenic inputs of nutrients to the Earth's surface and atmosphere have increased greatly during the past two centuries. This nutrient enrichment, or eutrophication, can lead to highly undesirable changes in ecosystem structure and function, however. In this paper we briefly review the process, the impacts, and the potential management of cultural eutrophication in freshwater, marine, and terrestrial ecosystems. We present two brief case studies (one freshwater and one marine) demonstrating that nutrient loading restriction is the essential cornerstone of aquatic eutrophication control. In addition, we present results of a preliminary statistical analysis that is consistent with the hypothesis that anthropogenic emissions of oxidized nitrogen could be influencing atmospheric levels of carbon dioxide via nitrogen stimulation of global primary production.     

Multidimensional gas chromatographic enantiomer quantification of some chlorinated xenobiotics in cod liver and fish oils.

Four chiral HRGC column systems for the separation of selected organochlor pesticides and photoconversion products (heptachlor, cis- and trans-chlordane, o,p'-DDT, o,p'-DDD, and alpha-HCH) were tested. Cod hver oil and fish oil samples from different countries were comparatively analyzed. Of all these columns, the fourth was the most suitable one for the analysis of the selected compounds. The enantiomer ratios [ER] of cis-chlordane, trans-chlordane, photodieldrin, alpha-HCH, and o,p'-DDD in fish oils are nearly 1.0, while the ERs of the same substances are significantly different from 1.0 in cod liver oils. Contrary to that, the ER values of o,p'-DDT are remarkable different from 1 in the cod liver oils as well as in the fish oils.     

POCIS passive samplers as a monitoring tool for pharmaceutical residues and their transformation products in marine environment

In the last years, several scientific studies have shown that carbamazepine (CBZ) is one of the most frequently detected pharmaceutical in aquatic environment. However, little data is available on its detection and its transformation products (TPs) in marine water. The use of polar organic chemical integrative sampling (POCIS) passive samplers as a semi-quantitative and qualitative tool for screening of pharmaceuticals and TPs in seawater has been studied. Furthermore, the uptake rates of the target compounds were also determined under laboratory experiments to characterize the levels accumulated in devices. The results confirmed the presence of residues of anticonvulsant CBZ as well as some of its main metabolites, over a 1-year monitoring campaign carried out in French coast on the Mediterranean Sea. The work reports for the first time the presence of two TPs (10,11-dihydro-10,11-trans-dihydroxycarbamazepine (TRANS) and 10-hydroxy-10,11-dihydrocarbamazepine (10OH)) in marine water. The results contribute in assessing the environmental and human health risk of pharmaceuticals on coastal areas.     

Status and trends of mercury pollution of the atmosphere and terrestrial ecosystems in Poland

The goal of this paper is to assess the current status and trends of total mercury (THg) contamination of the atmosphere and terrestrial ecosystems in Poland. The study shows that the reduced domestic and worldwide atmospheric emission of Hg resulted in decreased THg level in the terrestrial biotope and biosphere. Considering that Poland is one of the main Hg emitters in Europe, the THg concentrations in its abiotic environment are still elevated. However, the THg level in terrestrial organisms is relatively low, which is because a large proportion of Hg deposited on land is accumulated in organic-rich soils. Regarding the THg concentration, consumption of wildlife and livestock from Poland is safe for humans. Nevertheless, the authors indicate the need for effective environmental monitoring, based on selected bioindicators, which is crucial considering the slowing reduction of Hg emission combined with the consequences of the changing climate.Supplementary InformationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13280-021-01505-1.     

Review of measured concentrations of triphenyltin compounds in marine ecosystems and meta-analysis of their risks to humans and the environment

The state of scientific knowledge regarding analytical methods, environmental fate, ecotoxicity and ecological risk of triphenyltin (TPT) compounds in marine ecosystems as well as their exposure and health hazard to humans was reviewed. Since the 1960s, TPT compounds have been commonly applied as biocides for diverse industrial and agricultural purposes. For instance, they are used as active ingredients in antifouling systems on marine vessels and mariculture facilities, and as fungicides in agriculture. Due to their intensive use, contamination of coastal waters by TPT and its products of transformation has become a worldwide problem. The proportion of quantified TPT to total phenyltin compounds in the marine environment provides evidence that TPT is photodegradable in water and sediment but resistant to biotransformation. Concentrations of TPT in marine biota are consistently greater than concentrations in water and sediment, which implies potential of TPT to bioaccumulate. TPT is toxic to both marine plants and animals. The predicted no effect concentration (PNEC) for TPT, as determined by use of the species sensitivity distribution approach, is 0.64 ng L⁻¹. In some parts of the world, concentrations of TPT in seawater exceed the PNEC, indicating that TPT can pose risks to marine life. Although there is negligible risk of TPT to average human consumers, TPT has been detected in blood of Finnish people and the concentration was greater in fishermen who ate more seafood. It is, therefore, advocated to initiate regular monitoring of TPT in blood and breast milk of populations that consume greater amounts of seafood.     

Source-pathway-receptor investigation of the fate of trace elements derived from shotgun pellets discharged in terrestrial ecosystems managed for game shooting

Spent shotgun pellets may contaminate terrestrial ecosystems. We examined the fate of elements originating from shotgun pellets in pasture and woodland ecosystems. Two source-receptor pathways: i) soil-soil pore water-plant and ii) whole earthworm/worm gut contents - washed and unwashed small mammal hair were investigated. Concentrations of Pb and associated contaminants were higher in soils from shot areas than controls. Arsenic and lead concentrations were positively correlated in soils, soil pore water and associated biota. Element concentrations in biota were below statutory levels in all locations. Bioavailability of lead to small mammals, based on concentrations in washed body hair was low. Lead movement from soil water to higher trophic levels was minor compared to lead adsorbed onto body surfaces. Lead was concentrated in earthworm gut and some plants. Results indicate that managed game shooting presents minimal risk in terms of element transfer to soils and their associated biota.     

Complex interactions between autotrophs in shallow marine and freshwater ecosystems: implications for community responses to nutrient stress

The relative biomass of autotrophs (vascular plants, macroalgae, microphytobenthos, phytoplankton) in shallow aquatic ecosystems is thought to be controlled by nutrient inputs and underwater irradiance. Widely accepted conceptual models indicate that this is the case both in marine and freshwater systems. In this paper we examine four case studies and test whether these models generally apply. We also identify other complex interactions among the autotrophs that may influence ecosystem response to cultural eutrophication. The marine case studies focus on macroalgae and its interactions with sediments and vascular plants. The freshwater case studies focus on interactions between phytoplankton, epiphyton, and benthic microalgae. In Waquoit Bay, MA (estuary), controlled experiments documented that blooms of macroalgae were responsible for the loss of eelgrass beds at nutrient-enriched locations. Macroalgae covered eelgrass and reduced irradiance to the extent that the plants could not maintain net growth. In Hog Island Bay, VA (estuary), a dense lawn of macroalgae covered the bottom sediments. There was reduced sediment-water nitrogen exchange when the algae were actively growing and high nitrogen release during algal senescence. In Lakes Brobo (West Africa) and Okeechobee (FL), there were dramatic seasonal changes in the biomass and phosphorus content of planktonic versus attached algae, and these changes were coupled with changes in water level and abiotic turbidity. Deeper water and/or greater turbidity favored dominance by phytoplankton. In Lake Brobo there also was evidence that phytoplankton growth was stimulated following a die-off of vascular plants. The case studies from Waquoit Bay and Lake Okeechobee support conceptual models of succession from vascular plants to benthic algae to phytoplankton along gradients of increasing nutrients and decreasing under-water irradiance. The case studies from Hog Island Bay and Lake Brobo illustrate additional effects (modified sediment-water nutrient fluxes, allelopathy or nutrient release during plant senescence) that could play a role in ecosystem response to nutrient stress.     

电脱盐废水电絮凝破乳分离机制及工艺优化

为降低电脱盐废水污染物含量并去除顽固有机物,采用Fe和Al电极对电脱盐废水进行电絮凝预处理,采用气相色谱-质谱(GC-MS)、紫外可见光谱(UV-Vis)、三维荧光光谱(3D-EEMs)和共存离子检测等方法对电絮凝破乳分离机制进行分析,利用响应曲面方法(RSM)对电絮凝处理工艺进行优化。结果表明,电絮凝处理电脱盐废水15 min后,几乎检测不到碳数＞11的有机物;反应20 min后,电脱盐废水在266 nm处紫外特征吸收值降低了55%,而电脱盐废水的2个特征荧光峰并未明显改变;反应20~25 min时,Ca²⁺、Mg²⁺、Cl⁻的去除率达到最高,但Cl⁻浓度随后又有所升高,显示出体系中发生了氧化还原反应;采用Fe电极处理电脱盐废水时,化学需氧量(COD)去除率和总油去除率均与反应时间、电流密度符合二次回归模型,电流密度对污染物去除率的影响更为显著;电絮凝处理电脱盐废水的最优反应条件为电流密度4.2 mA·cm⁻²、反应时间25.4 min,此时COD去除率与总油去除率的模型预测值分别为80.8%和93.5%。可以推断,电絮凝以电场破乳、絮凝、气浮、氧化等耦合作用实现了电脱盐废水的高效破乳除油。本研究结果可为电絮凝技术处理电脱盐废水的规模化应用提供参考。     

An approach to determining potential surrogates for analyzing ecological patterns of planktonic ciliate communities in marine ecosystems

Introduction  

In order to identify a potential surrogate of planktonic ciliate communities for marine bioassessments and evaluating biological conservations, the different taxonomic/numerical resolutions and taxa as surrogates were studied in Jiaozhou Bay, northern China during a 1-year cycle (June 2007–May 2008).     

Simulation model for biotransformation of xenobiotics and chemotaxis in soil columns

In this paper a model is presented which can be used to simulate the behaviour of xenobiotic chemicals in soil columns with respect to their physical and chemical properties. Terms describing biological transformation of xenobiotics are also included in the model. It incorporates microbial growth following Monod kinetics and a chemotactic response of the transforming bacteria towards the xenobiotic substrate. The model appeared to yield good simulations of an experiment by Van der Meer et al. (1987) who investigated the degradation of 1,2-dichlorobenzene in soil columns inoculated with Pseudomonas sp. strain P51. The behaviour and the fate of 1,4-dichlorobenzene as found by Kuhn et al. (1985) can also be simulated using this model but their results were also adequately simulated using a simple second order model. The results generated by the model correspond to kinetic parameters obtained in other studies. It is concluded that the model is a useful tool for the investigation of the activity of bacteria degrading xenobiotics in soil columns, provided that the microbial parameters can be determined in independent experiments, and that the active microbial mass in the soil can be measured.     

Molecular indicators for pollution source identification in marine and terrestrial water of the industrial area of Kavala city, North Greece

Eight terrestrial and four marine water samples were collected from the industrial section of the city of Kavala in northern Greece to determine the occurrence and distribution of organic contaminants, as well as to identify the molecular markers of different emission sources. The samples were analyzed by means of non-target screening analyses. The analytical procedure included a sequential extraction of the samples, GC-FID, GC/MS analyses, and additional quantitative analyses of selected pollutants. The results show a wide variety of compounds including halogenated compounds, technical additives and metabolites, phosphates, phthalates, benzothiazoles, etc. A close relationship between many of the contaminants and their emission sources was determined based on their molecular structures and information on technical applications.     

环境介质中手性药物对映体分离分析及环境行为研究进展

综述了国内外环境介质中手性药物的分离分析方法以及环境行为研究进展,对比了几种主要的对映体分离方法,对手性固定相的种类及特性、分离原理、影响因素和发展趋势作了简要介绍,探讨了药物对映体在污水处理工艺和天然水环境中的降解或转化规律等环境行为,介绍了药物对映体特性在污染物源解析中的应用。     

Bottom-up approach for the reaction of xenobiotics and their metabolites with model substances for natural organic matter by electrochemistry-mass spectrometry (EC-MS)

Risk assessment of xenobiotics requires a comprehensive understanding of their transformation in the environment. As most of the transformation processes usually involve a redox reaction or a hydrolysis as the first steps of the transformation, we applied an approach that uses an electrochemical cell to investigate model “redox” reactions in aqueous solutions for environmental processes. We investigated the degradation of a variety of xenobiotics from polar to nonpolar and analyzed their degradation products by on-line coupling of electrochemistry with mass spectrometry (EC-MS). Furthermore, we evaluated possible binding reactions with regard to the generation of non-extractable residues with some model substances (catechol, phthalic acid, γ-l-Glutamyl-l-cysteinyl-glycine (GSH) and l-histidine) deduced from a natural organic matter (NOM) structure model and identified possible binding-sites.Whereas typically investigations in soil/water-systems have been applied, we used to our knowledge for the first time a bottom-up approach, starting from the chemicals of interest and different model substances for natural organic matter to evaluate chemical binding mechanisms (or processes) in the EC-MS under redox conditions. Under oxidative conditions, bindings of the xenobiotics with catechol, GSH and histidine were found, but no reactions with the model compound phthalic acid were observed. In general, no chemical binding has yet been found under reductive conditions. In some cases (i.e. benzo[a]anthracene) the oxidation product only underwent a binding reaction, whereas the xenobiotic itself did not undergo any reactions.EC-MS is a promising fast and simple screening method to investigate the environmental behavior of xenobiotics and to evaluate the potential risks of newly synthesized substances.     

SMFC as a tool for the removal of hydrocarbons and metals in the marine environment: a concise research update

Environmental Science and Pollution Research - Marine pollution is becoming more and more serious, especially in coastal areas. Because of the sequestration and consequent accumulation of...     

MODELKEY. Models for assessing and forecasting the impact of environmental key pollutants on freshwater and marine ecosystems and biodiversity (5 pp)

BACKGROUND: Triggered by the requirement of Water Framework Directive for a good ecological status for European river systems till 2015 and by still existing lacks in tools for cause identification of insufficient ecological status MODELKEY (http:// www.modelkey.org), an Integrated Project with 26 partners from 14 European countries, was started in 2005. MODELKEY is the acronym for 'Models for assessing and forecasting the impact of environmental key pollutants on freshwater and marine ecosystems and biodiversity'. The project is funded by the European Commission within the Sixth Framework Programme. OBJECTIVES: MODELKEY comprises a multidisciplinary approach aiming at developing interlinked tools for an enhanced understanding of cause-effect-relationships between insufficient ecological status and environmental pollution as causative factor and for the assessment and forecasting of the risks of key pollutants on fresh water and marine ecosystems at a river basin and adjacent marine environment scale. New modelling tools for risk assessment including generic exposure assessment models, mechanistic models of toxic effects in simplified food chains, integrated diagnostic effect models based on community patterns, predictive component effect models applying artificial neural networks and GIS-based analysis of integrated risk indexes will be developed and linked to a user-friendly decision support system for the prioritisation of risks, contamination sources and contaminated sites. APPROACH: Modelling will be closely interlinked with extensive laboratory and field investigations. Early warning strategies on the basis of sub-lethal effects in vitro and in vivo are provided and combined with fractionation and analytical tools for effect-directed analysis of key toxicants. Integrated assessment of exposure and effects on biofilms, invertebrate and fish communities linking chemical analysis in water, sediment and biota with in vitro, in vivo and community level effect analysis is designed to provide data and conceptual understanding for risk arising from key toxicants in aquatic ecosystems and will be used for verification of various modelling approaches. CONCLUSION AND PERSPECTIVE: The developed tools will be verified in case studies representing European key areas including Mediterranean, Western and Central European river basins. An end-user-directed decision support system will be provided for cost-effective tool selection and appropriate risk and site prioritisation.     

Toxicities of 48 pharmaceuticals and their freshwater and marine environmental assessment in northwestern France

A risk assessment for freshwater and marine ecosystems is presented for 48 pharmaceutical compounds, belonging to 16 therapeutic classes, and prescribed in northwestern France. Ecotoxicity data were obtained on two freshwater organisms, i.e., crustacean Daphnia magna and the green algae Pseudokirchneriella subcapitata, and on two marine organisms, i.e., the crustacean Artemia salina and the diatom Skeletonema marinoi. Measured environmental concentrations (MEC), in the Orne River and sea off Merville-Franceville in the Basse-Normandie region, were compared to the predicted environmental concentrations (PEC). Predicted no-effect concentrations (PNEC) were derived from acute data for each compound. Then, a risk assessment for each compound and the mixture was performed by calculating risk quotients (RQ as PEC or MEC/PNEC ratio). Results showed that no immediate acute toxicities were expected even if some compounds displayed strong toxicities at very low concentrations. Antibiotics, antidepressants, and antifungals would deserve attention because of their high or median ecological risk suspected on marine and freshwater ecosystems. Marine ecosystems would be more sensitive to pharmaceutical residues.     

Bottom-up approach for the reaction of xenobiotics and their metabolites with model substances for natural organic matter by electrochemistry–mass spectrometry (EC–MS)

Risk assessment of xenobiotics requires a comprehensive understanding of their transformation in the environment. As most of the transformation processes usually involve a redox reaction or a hydrolysis as the first steps of the transformation, we applied an approach that uses an electrochemical cell to investigate model “redox” reactions in aqueous solutions for environmental processes. We investigated the degradation of a variety of xenobiotics from polar to nonpolar and analyzed their degradation products by on-line coupling of electrochemistry with mass spectrometry (EC–MS). Furthermore, we evaluated possible binding reactions with regard to the generation of non-extractable residues with some model substances (catechol, phthalic acid, γ-l-Glutamyl-l-cysteinyl-glycine (GSH) and l-histidine) deduced from a natural organic matter (NOM) structure model and identified possible binding-sites.Whereas typically investigations in soil/water-systems have been applied, we used to our knowledge for the first time a bottom-up approach, starting from the chemicals of interest and different model substances for natural organic matter to evaluate chemical binding mechanisms (or processes) in the EC–MS under redox conditions. Under oxidative conditions, bindings of the xenobiotics with catechol, GSH and histidine were found, but no reactions with the model compound phthalic acid were observed. In general, no chemical binding has yet been found under reductive conditions. In some cases (i.e. benzo[a]anthracene) the oxidation product only underwent a binding reaction, whereas the xenobiotic itself did not undergo any reactions.EC–MS is a promising fast and simple screening method to investigate the environmental behavior of xenobiotics and to evaluate the potential risks of newly synthesized substances.     

Integration of the environment in product design by a learning process: proposal for a piloting tool

This paper examines the nature of ecological economics, arguing that it comprises two aspects, the qualitative framework within which it operates and the quantitative techniques which it uses to measure sustainability, evaluate policies and assist decision-making. The former is distinct to ecological economics, whereas the latter is largely shared with environmental economics. Although these have co-existed for some time, it is contended that the qualitative aspect needs to be developed if ecological economics is to realise its potential. The paper first offers a Schumpeterian 'pre-analytic' vision of ecological economics. Ecological economics, it is argued, necessarily implies a fundamental change in the way problems are perceived and in how they should be addressed. Second, the paper discusses the quantitative aspect of ecological economics, arguing that the overlap with environmental economics in the techniques used is one reason why the two have frequently not been seen as sufficiently distinct. The paper concludes that a development of the qualitative, procedural aspect of ecological economics is needed if its full potential for influencing policy-making is to be realised.     

一种基于脱氮和除磷分开的强化污染物去除组合工艺中试研究

针对北京等严重缺水地区提高污水综合排放标准,用于地表水和地下水补充水的需求,以强化COD、N和P去除为目的,研发了N和P不同单元处理的缺氧立体循环氧化沟单元/好氧立体循环氧化沟单元/除磷过滤器单元组合工艺,通过中试实验研究了该工艺的去除效果,并优化了该工艺水力停留时间(HRT)和溶解氧(DO)参数。结果表明,当缺氧和好氧立体循环氧化沟单元的HRT 和DO分别为12 h、DO 0.5 mg/L和6 h、2.0 mg/L,除磷过滤器滤速6~8 m/h时,该工艺的平均出水浓度COD 25 mg/L,TN 11 mg/L,NH4+-N 1.2 mg/L,TP 0.15 mg/L,平均去除率分别为88%、57%、94%和96%。其中缺氧立体循环氧化沟单元COD、NH4+-N和TN平均去除率为70%、80%和57%,好氧立体循环氧化沟单元进一步去除COD和NH4+-N(去除率为18%和14%);经缺氧、好氧氧化沟处理去除50%左右的TP,除磷单元吸附作用去除46%的TP。经过该组合工艺处理,COD、N和P都能达到北京市2013年出台的地方污水排放新标准一级B排放要求。