Impacts of a mosquito selective pesticide, Bti, on the macroinvertebrates of a subtropical stream in Hong Kong

To test the hypothesis that Bti was specific to mosquito larvae, the granular form of Bti was tested on commonly found Hong Kong species from four naturally occuring aquatic insect orders and one species of decapod crustacean (Neocardina serra). Because data on Bti impacts on species in tropical and subtropical countries is relatively rare, the present study was conducted in Hong Kong's New Territories. Using static acute toxicity bioassays, all mosquito larvae exposed to Bti at the recommended dosage were dead except for some dark pigmented fourth instar individuals that had stopped feeding prior to emergence and as a result, did not ingest the Bti toxin. The only non-target species killed by the Bti were some chironomid species. In 1998 Bti inoculated pools along the Tai Tan River in the New Territories of Hong Kong had significantly fewer chironomids and mosquito larvae than control pools. By January, 1999, these same Bti inoculated pools still had no mosquito larvae in them, however, chironomids were no longer significantly rarer when compared to the control ponds. Thus, it would appear, that during the 1998-99 study in which Bti was added to the study sites at weekly intervals, Bti resistant chironomid species replaced Bti sensitive species in the Bti inoculated pools.     

Arsenic species in ecosystems affected by arsenic-rich spring water near an abandoned mine in Korea

The objectives of this study were to quantitatively estimate the distribution of arsenic with its speciation and to identify potential pathways for transformation of arsenic species from samples of water, sediments, and plants in the ecosystem affected by the Cheongog Spring, where As(V) concentration reached levels up to 0.270 mg L⁻¹. After flowing about 100 m downstream, the arsenic level showed a marked reduction to 0.044 mg L⁻¹ (about 84% removal) without noticeable changes in major water chemistry. The field study and laboratory hydroponic experiments with the dominant emergent plants along the creek (water dropwort and thunbergian smartweed) indicated that arsenic distribution, reduction, and speciation appear to be controlled by, (i) sorption onto stream sediments in exchangeable fractions, (ii) bioaccumulation by and possible release from emergent plants, and (iii) transformation of As(V) to As(III) and organic species through biological activities.     

Characterization of water reservoirs affected by acid mine drainage: geochemical,mineralogical, and biological (diatoms) properties of the water

This work presents a combination of geochemical, mineralogical, and biological data obtained in water reservoirs located in one of the most paradigmatic mining regions, suffering from acid mine drainage (AMD) problems: the Iberian Pyrite Belt (IPB). Four water reservoirs located in the Spanish sector of the IBP, storing water for different purposes, were selected to achieve an environmental classification based on the effects of AMD: two mining dams (Gossan and Águas Ácidas), a reservoir for industrial use (Sancho), and one with water used for human supply (Andévalo). The results indicated that the four reservoirs are subject to the effect of metallic loads from polluted rivers, although with different levels: Águas Ácidas > Gossan > Sancho ≥ Andévalo. In accordance, epipsammic diatom communities have differences in the respective composition and dominant taxa. The dominant diatoms in each reservoir indicated acid water: Pinnularia acidophila and Pinnularia aljustrelica were found in the most acidic dams (Gossan and Águas Ácidas, with pH <3), Pinnularia subcapitata in Sancho (pH 2.48–5.82), and Eunotia exigua in Andévalo (pH 2.34–6.15).     

Site-specific water quality guidelines: 2. Development of a water quality regulation framework for pulse exposures of mine water discharges at a uranium mine in northern Australia

The Ranger Uranium Mine, in northern Australia, is monitored by the Supervising Scientist Division (SSD) of the Australian Government to ensure that it does not impact on the highly valued aquatic ecosystems of Kakadu National Park. In 2010, the SSD adopted the continuous monitoring of electrical conductivity (EC) and turbidity, in combination with event-triggered automated grab samples, as its primary water quality monitoring method. The continuous monitoring of EC has shown that mine discharges typically occur over short-term ‘pulse’ durations of minutes to hours. Given that magnesium (Mg) is the most likely mine-derived solute to approach or exceed the applicable water quality limit value, the focus has been on developing a pulse exposure assessment framework for Mg, as represented by its proxy EC, which is tracked by the continuous monitoring system. This study presents a possible ecotoxicologically derived Mg pulse exposure limit and trigger regulation framework for Magela and Gulungul Creeks and an assessment of historic continuous monitoring EC data from these creeks. This framework demonstrates potential to supersede the current EC guideline and associated trigger levels, which are statistically derived from historic grab sample data.     

The impact of episodic coal mine drainage pollution on benthic macroinvertebrates in streams in the Anthracite region of Pennsylvania

Episodic coal mine drainage, caused by fluctuations in mine discharges relative to stream flow, has devastating effects on aquatic macroinvertebrate communities. Seven stream reaches in the Anthracite region of Pennsylvania were identified as chronically, episodically or not impaired by mine drainage, and sampled seasonally for 1 year to determine the effect of episodic mine drainage on macroinvertebrates. Specific conductance fluctuated seasonally in episodic sites; it was lower in winter when discharge increased and higher in summer when discharges decreased and mine drainage made up a larger proportion of stream flow. Although we hypothesized that episodic streams would have higher macroinvertebrate richness than chronic streams, comparisons showed no differences in richness between treatments. Episodic pollution may result from undersized or poorly maintained passive treatment systems; therefore, intensive macroinvertebrate monitoring may be needed to identify streams being affected by episodic mine drainage because macroinvertebrate richness may be sensitive to water quality fluctuations.     

The ecology of acidification and recovery: changes in herbivore-algal food web linkages across a stream pH gradient

We examined the effects of acidification on herbivore-algal food web linkages in headwater streams. We determined the structure and abundance of consumer and benthic algal assemblages, and gauged herbivory, in 10 streams along a pH gradient (mean annual pH 4.6-6.4). Biofilm taxonomic composition changed with pH but total abundance did not vary systematically across the gradient. Mayflies and chironomids dominated under circumneutral conditions but declined with increasing acidity and their consumption of algae was strongly reduced. Contrary to expectations, several putative shredder species consumed algae, maintaining the herbivore-algal linkage where specialist grazers could not persist. These shifts in functioning could render the communities of acidified streams resistant to reinvasion when acidity ameliorates and water chemistry is restored to a pre-acidification condition. This hypothesis is discussed in the light of recent trends in the chemistry and biology of the UK Acid Waters Monitoring Network sites.     

Spatiotemporal dynamics of spring and stream water chemistry in a high-mountain area

The present study deals with the application of the self-organizing map (SOM) technique in the exploration of spatiotemporal dynamics of spring and stream water samples collected in the Chocho?owski Stream Basin located in the Tatra Mountains (Poland). The SOM-based classification helped to uncover relationships between physical and chemical parameters of water samples and factors determining the quality of water in the studied high-mountain area. In the upper part of the Chocho?owski Stream Basin, located on the top of the crystalline core of the Tatras, concentrations of the majority of ionic substances were the lowest due to limited leaching. Significantly higher concentration of ionic substances was detected in spring and stream samples draining sedimentary rocks. The influence of karst-type springs on the quality of stream water was also demonstrated.     

Seasonal water quality vs. flow relationships in a small regulated stream

The relationship of a water quality constituent with respect to flow measured at a stream monitoring station can give valuable information about the watershed and in-stream processes about the constituent in question. Seasonal dependency patterns often reveal relationships which would be unnoticed if all data are treated together. The aim of this study is to examine water quality constituent concentration vs. flow in a regulated small stream in order to detect seasonal relationships and to interpret them with regard to watershed processes. Expected relationship patterns have been observed for some water quality constituent like conductivity, suspended solids, etc. Some unexpected relationships have been detected which arise from the particular hydrologic regime of the stream and the surrounding watershed. The information gained can be used in watershed management studies to control contaminants reaching waterways.     

Metal transport in a stream polluted by acid mine drainage--The Afon Goch, Anglesey, UK

Sampling of the Afon Goch over a 14-month period revealed maximum dissolved Fe, Al, Mn, Cu and Zn concentrations of 259, 167, 49, 60 and 42 mg dm(-3), respectively, and pH as low as 2.3, making it one of the most metal- and acid-contaminated streams in the UK. The river produces particulates by precipitation of ferrihydrite, due to the entry of near-neutral tributary waters, under all discharge conditions. Consequently, metal transport in this stream is dominated by processes different from those in less contaminated streams. The stream acts as a sink for contaminants, except under high discharge, when accumulated metals are flushed from the system. The implications of these observations for the monitoring and management of streams polluted by acid mine drainage are discussed.     

Macroinvertebrate community in relation to water quality and riparian land use in a substropical mountain stream,China

Exploring how water quality and land use shape the benthic macroinvertebrate community composition is of widespread interest in biodiversity conservation and environmental management. In this study, we investigated the structures of benthic macroinvertebrate assemblages and their environmental controls in terms of water quality and riparian land use in the Jinshui River, China. We carried out three campaigns including wet season (August 2009), dry season (November 2009), and normal season (April 2010) based on the hydrological regime in Jinshui basin. The result showed that macroinvertebrate assemblage variations were better explained by water quality factors than land use based on variance partitioning procedure. The land use of 2 km upstream from the sampling sites had explained more variation than that of the whole riparian zone in upstream catchment on macroinvertebrate community, and land use of 2 km upstream also had more interactions with water quality. Canonical correspondence analysis (CCA) indicated that the elements or nutrient of magnesium (Mn), selenium (Se), strontium (Sr), silicon (Si), dissolved inorganic nitrogen (DN), sulfur (S), total organic carbon (TOC), and total nitrogen (TN) in water exhibited a strong relationship with macroinvertebrate assemblages. However, the variance in water quality explained by land use was lower than that explained by water quality in rivers using redundancy analysis. Our study suggested that proximate factors (i.e., water quality) were more important to interpret the macroinvertebrate community compared to ultimate factors (i.e., land use) for macroinvertebrate assemblages in river system.     

Immobilization of fluoride in the sediment of mine drainage stream using loess,Northwest China

Fluoride (F) is a necessary trace element in the human body, which would lead to some diseases if human body lacks or accumulates it excessively (1–1.5 mg d−1). Fluoride contamination in sediments has become more and more serious, which has potential hazards to human body. In this paper, a novel sorbent (loess) was proposed to immobilize trace element F in sediment. The effectiveness of loess on F stabilization was evaluated by decreasing F bioavailability in contaminated sediment. The loess and the sediment were mixed at different proportions for stabilization. About 70 days after the application of loess, the soil column was subject to simulate acid rain leaching test to observe the leaching-migration of F, which can be used to predict the leaching migration of F in the study area. The results showed that when the loess dose was 5 kg, the loess converted highly effective fractions of F (i.e., water-soluble and exchangeable fractions) into a more stable state (i.e., residual state). After 30 days of leaching with HNO3 solution with pH at 3.0, the lowest concentration of F was found in the leachate of soil column with 2 kg loess application. Correlation analysis showed that the F concentration in soil column profile was affected by CaCO3, EC, pH, and OM, of which, pH and CaCO3 have greater influence than other factors.     

The recovery of copper from a copper mine effluent in a hybrid flotation/microfiltration cell

A new hybrid process for cleaning wastewater, combining flotation and membrane microfiltration, was investigated. The hybrid process combined the advantages of both flotation and membrane separation: the flotation cell removed a large proportion of suspended solid particles, while the membrane module produced clean water permeate effluent. The hybrid cell performance has been studied in depth and reviewed in the current paper. The proof of concept for the hybrid solid/liquid separation process was investigated using an aqueous suspension of fine and ultra fine particles (synthetic adsorbents, ion exchangers). The feasibility of this combined process was investigated in the recovery of metal cations (copper) from a Bulgarian copper mine effluent.     

Impact of anthropogenic activities on urban stream water quality: a case study in Guangzhou,China

Anthropogenic activities are increasingly impacting the quality of urban surface water, particularly in regions undergoing intensive urbanization, such as Guangzhou of South China with a large urban stream network. To examine such impacts, we conducted field sampling on December 24, 2010, May 24, 2011, and August 28, 2011, representative of the low-, normal-, and high-flow periods, respectively. The first sampling was timed immediately after the closing of the 16th Asian Games (November 12–27, 2010) and the 10th Asian Para Games (December 12–19, 2010) held in Guangzhou. Assessments based on a pollution index method showed that the urban streams under investigation were extremely polluted, with direct discharge of untreated domestic sewage identified as the main pollution contributor. In addition, stream water quality around urban villages with high population densities was worse than that within business districts away from the urban villages. Pollution control measures implemented in preparation for the Asian Games were effective for urban streams within the business districts, but less effective for those adjacent to the urban villages. However, short-term efforts may not be able to achieve sustainable urban water quality improvements. In the case of Guangzhou, minimizing or even eliminating direct point-source inputs to the urban streams is perhaps the best option.     

Liquid chromatographic methods coupled to chemometrics: a short review to present the key workflow for the investigation of wine phenolic composition as it is affected by environmental factors

Environmental Science and Pollution Research - The guarantee of wine authenticity arises great concern because of its nutritional and economic importance. Phenolic fingerprints have been used as a...     

非线性回归法计算曝气设备清水氧传递系数

分析对比作图法、线性回归法和非线性回归法计算曝气设备清水氧传递系数(KLa)各自的优缺点。指出在实际测定曝气设备性能中,使用非线性回归法计算KLa更加可靠．而且可以使测试过程更加容易控制。所以在实际测试过程中,推荐使用非线性回归法计算KLa。     

Reproductive performance in East Greenland polar bears (Ursus maritimus) may be affected by organohalogen contaminants as shown by physiologically-based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) modelling

Polar bears (Ursus maritimus) feed mainly on ringed seal (Phoca hispida) and consume large quantities of blubber and consequently have one of the highest tissue concentrations of organohalogen contaminants (OHCs) worldwide. In East Greenland, studies of OHC time trends and organ system health effects, including reproductive, were conducted during 1990–2006. However, it has been difficult to determine the nature of the effects induced by OHC exposures on wild caught polar bears using body burden data and associated changes in reproductive organs and systems. We therefore conducted a risk quotient (RQ) evaluation to more quantitatively evaluate the effect risk on reproduction (embryotoxicity and teratogenicity) based on the critical body residue (CBR) concept and using a physiologically-based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) model. We applied modelling approaches to PCBs, p,p′-DDE, dieldrin, oxychlordane, HCHs, HCB, PBDEs and PFOS in East Greenland polar bears based on known OHC pharmacokinetics and dynamics in laboratory rats (Rattus rattus). The results showed that subcutaneous adipose tissue concentrations of dieldrin (range: 79–1271 ng g⁻¹ lw) and PCBs (range: 4128–53 923 ng g⁻¹ lw) reported in bears in the year 1990 were in the range to elicit possible adverse health effects on reproduction in polar bears in East Greenland (all RQs ⩾ 1). Similar results were found for PCBs (range: 1928–17 376 ng g⁻¹ lw) and PFOS (range: 104–2840 ng g⁻¹ ww) in the year 2000 and for dieldrin (range: 43–640 ng g⁻¹ lw), PCBs (range: 3491–13 243 ng g⁻¹ lw) and PFOS (range: 1332–6160 ng g⁻¹ ww) in the year 2006. The concentrations of oxychlordane, DDTs, HCB and HCHs in polar bears resulted in RQs < 1 and thus appear less likely to be linked to reproductive effects. Furthermore, sumRQs above 1 suggested risk for OHC additive effects. Thus, previous suggestions of possible adverse health effects in polar bears correlated to OHC exposure are supported by the present study. This study also indicates that PBPK models may be a supportive tool in the evaluation of possible OHC-mediated health effects for Arctic wildlife.     

The impact of an industrial effluent on the water quality,submersed macrophytes and benthic macroinvertebrates in a dammed river of Central Spain

This research was conducted in the middle Duratón River (Central Spain), in the vicinity of Burgomillodo Reservoir. An industrial effluent enters the river 300 m downstream from the dam. Fluoride and turbidity levels significantly increased downstream from the effluent, these levels being to some extent affected by differential water releases from the dam. The community of submersed macrophytes exhibited slighter responses and, accordingly, lower discriminatory power than the community of benthic macroinvertebrates, this indicating that metrics and indices based on macroinvertebrates may be more suitable for the biological monitoring of water pollution and habitat degradation in dammed rivers receiving industrial effluents. However, in relation to fluoride bioaccumulation at the organism level, macrophytes (Fontinalis antipyretica and Potamogeton pectinatus) were as suitable bioindicators of fluoride pollution as macroinvertebrates (Ancylus fluviatilis and Pacifastacus leniusculus). Fluoride bioaccumulation in both hard and soft tissues of these aquatic organisms could be used as suitable bioindicator of fluoride pollution (even lower than 1 mg F⁻ L⁻¹) in freshwater ecosystems. Echinogammarus calvus exhibited a great sensitivity to the toxicity of fluoride ions, with a 96 h LC₅₀ of 7.5 mg F⁻ L⁻¹ and an estimated safe concentration of 0.56 mg F⁻ L⁻¹. The great capacity of E. calvus to take up and retain fluoride during exposures to fluoride ions would be a major cause of its great sensitivity to fluoride toxicity. It is concluded that the observed fluoride pollution might be partly responsible for the absence of this native amphipod downstream from the industrial effluent.     

Well water contaminated by acidic mine water from the Dabaoshan Mine, south China: chemistry and toxicity

An investigation into well water quality was carried out in a rural area subject to irrigation with acidic mine water from the Guangdong Dabaoshan Mine, southern China. The results of water pH measurements from 112 wells in two different seasons suggest that the well water has been contaminated to varying degrees in the investigated Shangba floodplain (approximately 11km south of the Guangdong Dabaoshan Mine). There is a trend that well water pH increased southwards, suggesting that the impacts of acidic irrigation water on groundwater decreased with increasing distance to the entry point of acidic irrigation water. Water quality monitoring results of the selected wells show that Cu and Cd in the water exceeded the limits set in the Chinese National Standards for Drinking Water (GB 5749-85) for the wells close to the irrigation water source. If the World Health Organization (WHO) standard was considered, Cd in some wells was almost 10 times as high as the WHO guideline value (0.003mg l(-1)). Water collected from the location closest to the acidic irrigation water source was acutely toxic to the test organism (Daphnia carinata) even after 51 time dilution. It is likely that the extremely high mortality rate of the local population reported for the study area is at least partly related to the high levels of heavy metals, particularly Cd in the drinking well water.     

黄浦江上游来水与黄浦江水源水质内在关联研究

使用有机污染综合指数评价和数理统计方法,对1986—2000年黄浦江水源地及黄浦江上游来水的水质监测数据进行分析。结果表明,黄浦江水源近15a水质变化可分为缓慢恶化、加速恶化和逐渐改善3个阶段;黄浦江松浦大桥取水口水质与园泄泾相近,且均劣于淀峰和太浦河,优于大泖港;大泖港与松浦大桥水质密切相关,对松浦大桥取水口水质恶化贡献很大。基于这一机理建立的回归方程能够较好地拟合出取水口水质的演变趋势。