Phragmites australis as a heavy metal bioindicator in the Anzali wetland of Iran

In this study, levels of Fe, Cu, Cd, and Ni in the sediments and organs of Phragmites australis from three different sites in the Anzali wetland were measured. Heavy metal accumulation was higher in the roots of P. australis than in the shoots and leaves. There was a significant correlation between metal concentrations in roots and sediment. This result showed that the root of P. australis can be used as bioindicator for Fe, Cu, Cd, and Ni. Metal levels in sediment were recorded higher than the interim sediment quality guideline values, and the Cd and Ni content in P. australis were higher than the unpolluted levels in plants. This indicates the necessity for continuous monitoring of the metal levels and also evaluating the hazard risk of heavy metals in aquatic organisms in the Anzali wetland.     

Ecological risks of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons found in coastal sediments along the northern shores of the Bohai Sea (China)

The total concentrations of 16 United States Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA)-listed polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) found in coastal and estuarine sediments along the northern shores of the Bohai and Yellow Seas, China, at any study location varied from 0.236 to 8.34 nM g^?1 dry weight (dw). For a given PAH, concentrations varied by one to two orders of magnitude. Ecological risk assessments based on biota–sediment accumulation factors (BSAFs) indicated that the potential ecological hazard of PAHs in the sediments was limited. The average total sediment PAH concentrations were less than the effects range low, indicating that PAHs currently present in the sediments were not harmful to aquatic organisms. The estimated PAH concentration in the aquatic organisms was 0.223 nM g^?1 and posed a limited threat to human health via biological concentration from sediment to harvest of the sea. Assuming no additional PAH inputs, 99% of the 16 PAH molecules currently present in the sediments would be degraded in 40 years.     

Distributions of total metals in the surface sediments of the Bandirma and Erdek Gulfs,Marmara Sea,Turkey

The aim of this study is to determine the contents of aluminum, iron, manganese, nickel, copper, zinc, chromium, cadmium, lead, and mercury in sediments at 1–30?m depths of the Band?rma and Erdek Gulfs in the Southern Inner Shelf of the Marmara Sea. Sediment samples were collected from different depths (1?m, 5?m, 10?m, 20?m, 30?m) at each region in February 2008. Primary hydrographic conditions, such as temperature (6.6–14.5°C), salinity (22.6–26.875 psu), percentage of dissolved oxygen saturation (35–83 %), and pH (8.0–8.4) were recorded for each sampling point. Moreover the total organic carbon (0.5–2.9%) and the total calcium carbonate contents (0.8–60%) of sediment samples were determined. In surface sediments of both gulfs, Pb (21–62?mg?kg^?1) and Cd (0.52–0.86?mg?kg^?1) contents were determined to be higher than the shale average (Pb 20?mg?kg^?1, Cd 0.2?mg?kg^?1) while the other metal contents were measured to be lower in general. On the other hand, generally Hg (0.06–1.1?mg?kg^?1) contents were higher than the shale average (0.3?mg?kg^?1)at all of the examined stations in the Band?rma Gulf and lower than the shale average in the Erdek Gulf.     

Distribution and speciation of Zn and Pb in coastal sediments of Dumai Sumatera,Indonesia

Concentrations of Zn and Pb in surface sediments collected from 23 sampling stations of Dumai coastal waters have been geochemically [easily, freely or leachable and exchangeable (EFLE), acid reducible, oxidizable organic and resistant] analyzed in addition to their total concentrations [expressed in µg g^?1 dry weight (d.w.)]. Results showed that mean concentrations of total Zn and Pb were highest in Ferry Port (88.2 and 61.2 µg g^?1 d.w., respectively), while the lowest was in Batu Panjang (32.6 and 15.7 µg g^?1 d.w., respectively). Metal concentrations in 87% and 74% of the sampling stations for Zn and Pb were dominated by the resistant fraction. However, nonresistant fractions were found to be higher than resistant fractions at Cargo Port, Sungai Dumai, and Penyembal for Zn; and in Pelintung, Guntung, Mundam, Ferry Port, Fishing Port, and Purnama for Pb, indicating that anthropogenic inputs of Pb occurred in more stations when compared to Zn. Site I (eastern Dumai) was dominated by the nonresistant fraction for Pb (61%) suggesting dominant anthropogenic inputs of this metal. This might be attributed to the combination of large population, discharges of untreated domestic and industrial wastes, shipping activities and city run-off.     

Determination of total hydrocarbon concentration in coastal waters and sediments off the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia

To determine the level of total hydrocarbon concentrations (THCs) along the eastern coastal regions of Peninsular Malaysia, samples of subsurface seawater (1 m) and surface sediments were collected from several sampling stations between June and August 1993. THCs in seawater and sediments as determined by fluorescence spectroscopy ranged from 1.4 to 21.8 µg L-1 (Seligi crude oil equivalents) and from 0.79 to 20.0 mg kg-1 (dry weight Seligi crude oil equivalents) respectively. In comparison to results obtained in similar surveys in Malaysian waters, the levels of THCs found in the present study were significantly lower indicating lower hydrocarbon contamination in the area studied.     

Soil lead (Pb) in residential transects through Lubbock,Texas: a preliminary assessment

Residential lead (Pb) contamination, resulting from decades-long use of leaded gasoline and lead-based paint, is likely to be present in soils in most urban areas. A screening level sampling effort demonstrated that Lubbock, Texas, USA, like other cities of its age and size, has areas of elevated soil Pb. This effort was based on soil sampling performed on residential, commercial and thoroughfare properties. The focus of this study was to investigate that component of soil contamination due to combustion of leaded gasoline. Soils were collected from the 1–2 cm surface layer from street-side property borders, well away from buildings that might lead to soil contamination from leaded paint chips. All samples were analyzed for Pb after a 1 M HNO₃ mild extraction to determine the amount of bioavailable Pb. Two of three transects through the city demonstrated significant trends of decreasing Pb concentrations with distance from the city center, paralleling a decrease in developed property age. Peak soil Pb concentrations outside city development was 4.9 ± 0.6 mg/kg while the median concentration for the city was 35.4 mg/kg. Peak soil Pb concentrations in the city center ranged from 90.0 to 174.0 mg/kg and decreased exponentially to 6.0–9.0 mg/kg at the furthest terminus of the residential transects.     

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

Abstract

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

Physiological testing of Mytilus galloprovincialis for the environmental assessing of coastal marine areas: a case study in Boka Kotorska Bay (the Adriatic Sea)

The aim of this work was to validate in the field certain measurement of the heart rate alterations of the bioindicator organism Mytilus galloprovicialis as a tool for ecotoxicological biomonitoring and assessment applications related to coastal and marine environment. The latter was determined by testing the mussels according to the method of functional loading (1-hour lowered salinity stress-exposure). The time of heart rate (HR) recovery (T_rec) and the coefficient of HR variation (CV_HR) in a group of tested animals were used as biomarkers for the assessment of their physiological state. It was found that the values of the biomarkers in mussels from our reference location were 1.3-1.5 times lower than in mussels from differently polluted coastal areas of the Bay. The study also included an investigation of the relationship between the mussel’s cardiac rhythm characteristics and the bioaccumulation of trace elements in their soft tissues, caused by chronic pollution. The conclusion was drawn that this approach to the physiological testing of mussels could be useful in developing a rapid and low-cost method for the assessment of the health of coastal ecosystems.     

Phosphate enrichment in the northern Gulf of Aqaba: Regulation by carbonate sediments and impact on nitrogen elevation

The effect of carbonate sediment in regulating phosphate concentrations in sea water was investigated by laboratory incubation experiments using different sediment types. Incubation experiments were made with two types of sediments: uncontaminated sediment from a marine reserve and contaminated sediment with deposited phosphate powders. Fluxes of inorganic nitrogen and phosphate were estimated from linear regressions of solute concentrations over incubation periods. Ammonium and phosphate fluxes were about twofold higher in the uncontaminated sediment that had significantly lower organic carbon and total phosphate concentrations than in the phosphate-contaminated sediment. To test the effect of dissolved phosphate on increasing nitrogen fixation, additional incubation experiments were carried out using treated carbonate and silicate sediments with added dissolved phosphate (20 μM). Incubations were made under sterile conditions with HgCl₂ added to distinguish between biologically enhanced processes and pure physicochemical processes. The adsorption rate of phosphate onto carbonate sediment was about twice that onto silicate sediments. No nitrogen elevation either as ammonium or as nitrate was observed in the soluble phosphate enrichment incubations. In conclusion, this study demonstrates the importance of the regulation of soluble phosphate concentrations in carbonate sediment environments where the carbonate sediment acts as a buffering system keeping soluble phosphate concentrations at certain steady-state levels. The study also demonstrates the lack of evidence on enhancement of nitrogen concentrations due to the increase phosphate concentrations.     

Vertical and spatial distribution of biogenic silica in the sediment of the gulf of Riga,Baltic Sea

The vertical and spatial concentration trends of biogenic silica (BSi) were investigated in a variety of sediment types from the Gulf of Riga. These trends were compared with the concentration of organic carbon to examine how variations in the mass sedimentation and the dissolution rate of BSi versus bacterially mediated oxidation of organic matter affect the distribution of BSi in different environments. The effects of important physical and biogeochemical factors on the distribution of BSi have also been examined.

The concentration of BSi in the surface sediment at accumulation bottoms ranges between 0.8–1.5 mmol/g with an average concentration of 1.1 mmol/g. This is about two times the concentration that has been reported in similar sediments in the open Baltic proper. Much lower concentrations were measured in erosion and transitional areas; on average around 0.2 and 0.6 mmol/g, respectively.

A comparison between recent sedimentation rate measurements (²¹⁰Pb) and concentrations of BSi within different accumulation bottoms suggests an approximate inverse relationship with each other. The importance of variation in the sedimentation rate on the surface BSi concentration is supported by the fact that higher C_org/BSi ratios are found in periphery accumulation zones close to transition areas (larger supply of carbon rich allochthonous material that dilutes settled amounts of BSi) than at accumulation bottoms in the central part of the Gulf. The C_org/BSi ratio in the sediment is always lower than in living siliceous algae which shows that the microbial degradation of organic carbon is always greater than the inorganic dissolution of BSi, irrespective of the assemblage of silica and non‐silica species.

The general vertical concentration pattern at accumulation sites showed a decreased concentration with increased depth down to 2–6 cm below seafloor where the concentration gradually equalizes. The concentration in the equalizing zone is on average about 20% lower than in the uppermost centimeter. This implies that the main part of the BSi entering the accumulation bottoms is permanently buried and that a great amount of silica already has been released during halmyrolysis. The spatial and vertical BSi trends at sites in transitional and erosional areas reflects prevailing sedimentation conditions with a low concentration in sections with a dominance of sand and gravel (no deposition of fine material) and a higher concentration in the sections containing stiff glacial clay (former accumulation area).

The average annual burial amount of BSi in the Gulf has been estimated to be around 50 000 tons of which most is buried in accumulation bottoms outside the central muddy part of the Gulf. The buried amount is about 60% of the annual river load of silica.     

Co-present Pb(II) accelerates the oxidation of organic contaminants by permanganate: Role of Pb(III)

• Simultaneous removal of organic contaminants and Pb(II) was achieved by Mn(VII). • Pb(II) enhanced Mn(VII) oxidation performance over a wide pH range. • Pb(II) did not alter the pH-rate profile for contaminants oxidation by Mn(VII). • Mn(VII) alone cannot oxidize Pb(II) effectively at pH below 5.0. • Pb(III) plays important roles on enhancing Mn(VII) decontamination process. The permanganate (Mn(VII)) oxidation has emerged as a promising technology for the remediation and treatment of the groundwater and surface water contaminated with the organic compounds. Nonetheless, only a few studies have been conducted to explore the role of the heavy metals (especially the redox-active ones) during the Mn(VII) oxidation process. In this study, taking Pb(II) as an example, its influence on the Mn(VII) decontamination performance has been extensively investigated. It was found that, with the presence of Pb(II), Mn(VII) could degrade diclofenac (DCF), 2,4-dichlorophenol, and aniline more effectively than without. For instance, over a wide pH range of 4.5–8.0, the dosing of 10 μmol/L Pb(II) accelerated the DCF removal rate from 0.006–0.25 min⁻¹ to 0.05–0.46 min⁻¹ with a promotion factor of 1.9–9.4. Although the UV-vis spectroscopic and high resolution transmission electron microscopy analyses suggested that Mn(VII) could react with Pb(II) to produce Mn(IV) and Pb(IV) at pH 6.0–8.0, further experiments revealed that Pb(II) did not exert its enhancing effect through promoting the generation of MnO₂, as the reactivity of MnO₂ was poor under the employed pH range. At pH below 5.0, it was interesting to find that, a negligible amount of MnO₂ was formed in the Mn(VII)/Pb(II) system in the absence of contaminants, while once MnO₂ was generated in the presence of contaminants, it could catalyze the Pb(II) oxidation to Pb(IV) by Mn(VII). Collectively, by highlighting the conversion process of Pb(II) to Pb(IV) by either Mn(VII) or MnO₂, the reactive Pb(III) intermediates were proposed to account for the Pb(II) enhancement effect.     

华南滨海小流域降雨入渗对地下水的补给分析

以华南滨海小流域——中山大学滨海水循环试验基地（试验基地）作为研究区,在对该流域地下水和雨水分别进行采样、实验分析的基础上,利用氯量平衡法（CMB）与地下水动态法计算了该流域的降雨入渗补给系数与给水度。研究发现,试验基地地下水主要受降雨补给,地下水埋深在雨季（4—9月）、旱季（10—3月）的变动范围大致为0～1.5 m与0～0.5 m。根据CMB计算结果,补给区、中间区雨季降雨入渗补给系数分别为旱季的1.3～1.6倍和1.3～2.0倍,且补给区大于中间区（M5井除外）。利用地下水动态法计算次降雨入渗补给系数,所得雨季、旱季的均值（7.6%和4.6%）与CMB计算结果（7.7%和5.3%）较为接近。给水度、雨强与入渗补给系数均存在一定的线性关系。将地下水埋深分别与降雨入渗补给量及潜水蒸发量进行多项式拟合对比,发现降雨入渗对地下水的最大入渗补给埋深约为2.3 m,当埋深为3.1 m时,地下水可获得最大净补给量。     

Fractionation of trace metals (Mn,Zn, Cu,Pb) in Red Sea sediments,Gulf of Aden,Yemen

A sequential extraction technique was applied to estimate the chemical association of Mn, Zn, Cu and Pb in five chemical phases (exchangeable, carbonate, Fe–Mn oxides, organic matter and residual) in sediments of the Gulf of Aden, Yemen. The results indicated that a higher level of Mn was associated with the residual fraction (natural sources) than the non-residual fraction (anthropogenic sources). Zn fractionations revealed that it was associated more with Fe–Mn oxides and organic fractions than exchangeable and carbonate fractions. Most of the Cu was present in the residual form (60–72%) except for in the main port area (zone III), where it was associated with the organic phase (77% of the total Cu content, the organic matter content was 5%). Similarly, most Pb was bound in the residual fraction (56–71%) except the main port area where ～ 62% of the total Pb was bound in non-residual fractions. It was also found that the Pb concentration in the exchangeable fraction was very high compared with other metals. The risk assessment code for the metals showed a low risk for Zn and Cu, but low to medium risk for Mn. Fractionation of Pb showed medium risk at most of the regions except at the eastern area, which revealed a high risk for the aquatic environment.     

Heavy metal accumulation in algae and sediments of the Black Sea coast of Turkey

The paper reports heavy metal accumulation in algae collected at four stations and in sediments at three stations on the Black Sea coast of Turkey. The metals analysed are Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Pb, Sb and Zn. The metal content of algae increased generally (with some exceptions) from 1991 till 1993 in ?ile and Sinop. In the sediments Sb in ?ile, As in Riva, Fe, Zn in Sinop are high. According to these findings the metal pollution increased in Turkish area of the Black Sea during the years investigated.     

华南滨海小流域降雨入渗对地下水的补给分析

以华南滨海小流域——中山大学滨海水循环试验基地(试验基地)作为研究区,在对该流域地下水和雨水分别进行采样、实验分析的基础上,利用氯量平衡法(CMB)与地下水动态法计算了该流域的降雨入渗补给系数与给水度。研究发现,试验基地地下水主要受降雨补给,地下水埋深在雨季(4—9月)、旱季(10—3月)的变动范围大致为0～1.5 m与0～0.5 m。根据CMB计算结果,补给区、中间区雨季降雨入渗补给系数分别为旱季的1.3～1.6倍和1.3～2.0倍,且补给区大于中间区(M5井除外)。利用地下水动态法计算次降雨入渗补给系数,所得雨季、旱季的均值(7.6%和4.6%)与CMB计算结果(7.7%和5.3%)较为接近。给水度、雨强与入渗补给系数均存在一定的线性关系。将地下水埋深分别与降雨入渗补给量及潜水蒸发量进行多项式拟合对比,发现降雨入渗对地下水的最大入渗补给埋深约为2.3 m,当埋深为3.1 m时,地下水可获得最大净补给量。     

Sources and spatial distribution of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in coastal sediments of the Basque Country (Bay of Biscay)

This contribution characterises the sources and distribution of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in sediments of the Basque coast (Bay of Biscay). Different source characterisation approaches (i.e. GIS assisted-chemometrics, PAH diagnostic ratios and analyses of composition profiles) were used in combination to successfully identify the factors determining the origin and distribution of PAHs. Urban/industrial combustion processes were identified as the main PAH source. However, the analysis of PAH composition patterns and diagnostic ratios identified secondary natural and petrogenic PAH sources on small spatial scales. The median ∑18PAH concentration ranged from 66 μg kg^?1 (d.w.) to 7021 μg kg^?1 (d.w.). The Ibaizabal estuary, which supports most of the anthropogenic pressure in the region (i.e. urban development, industrialisation, commercial and recreational harbours), also showed the highest PAH concentrations. On the shelf, human activities, hydrodynamic conditions and geomorphological features led to spatial differences in the PAH concentrations among sectors: the offshore and west sectors were characterised by higher concentrations, while the lowest values were found in the mid and east sectors. The results enhance the knowledge on PAH-related contamination processes and could be used to support the environmental assessment process required under current European marine legislation.     

Influence of human activity and monsoon dynamics on spatial and temporal hydrochemistry in tropical coastal waters (Sanya Bay,South China Sea)

Human activities and oceanic influences like mixing and/or upwelling define the hydrochemical and biological characteristics of coastal regions. In Sanya Bay, northern South China Sea, the balance between these two influences on spatial and temporal scales is poorly understood. The influence from human activities was due to discharge from Sanya River, whereas the most important marine influence was related to seasonal changes in hydrodynamics. Spatial differences (p<0.05) in total nitrogen (TN) and chlorophyll-a (Chl-a) were observed. Seasonal differences were observed for temperature and nutrients. Human activities are the dominant factor influemcing hydrochemistry in the inner bay. This region exhibited the maximum influence of discharge from Saya River as estimated by higher nutrient levels. Oceanic influences like upwelling and mixing caused by monsoons are the dominant factors influencing hydrochemistry in the central and outer bay. Both human activities and oceanic influences play important roles in coastal ecosystems in Sanya Bay. This study has defined these characteristics so that better management policies can be enacted.     

Accumulation of Organochlorine Compounds in Oysters (Crassostrea Gasar) of an Estuarine Environment: Case of A Tropical Lagoon in the Gulf of Guinea

As part of a pollution monitoring study, oysters (Crassostrea gasar) were sampled in June 1996, in order to determine the concentrations and distribution of chlorinated hydrocarbons in two stations (near Boulay Island and Riviera Golf) of the Ebrie Lagoon, in the Abidjan area.

The chromatographic analysis of the oven dried samples revealed the presence of PCBs (2.13 to 86.22 ppb or ng/g dry weight), DDE (<0.48 to 169.55 ppb), DDD (<1.04 to 60.27 ppb), DDT (1.43 to 77.81 ppb, lindane (<0.22 to 91.64 ppb), aldrin (<0.30 to 154.1 ppb), endrin (<0.23 to 293.31 ppb) and dieldrin (<0.26 to 199.74 ppb). the results indicated high concentrations in oysters sampled near Boulay Island, due to industrial, agricultural and port activities going on in this area.

Compared to DDD/ΣDDT and DDT/ΣDDT, the DDE/ΣDDT ratios were high indicating old DDT inputs. the ΣDDT/PCBs ratios were higher than 1 illustrated the predominance of organochlorine inputs from agriculture activities. the presence of lindane in both stations illustrated the problem of fishing with toxic products.

Negative correlations found between dry tissue weight and organochlorine compounds concentrations showed that young oysters may concentrate more of these substances. More studies are needed in order to make any conclusions on their bioaccumulation trends.     

An assessment of heavy-metal contamination in surface sediments of the Suez Gulf using geoaccumulation indexes and statistical analysis

An assessment of marine pollution due to metals was made in the Suez Gulf based on surface costal sediment collected from 18 locations along the Gulf. The samples were dried and acid-digested, and the metal contents (Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Zn) were determined using a flame atomic absorption spectrophotometer (air-acetylene) with deuterium background correction. An evaluation of the heavy-metal pollution status of the Gulf was carried out using enrichment factors (EF) and geo-accumulation Indexes (I_geo). Also, heavy-metal concentrations in Suez Gulf sediments were evaluated using the Effect Range-Low (ERL) and the Effect Range-Median (ERM). The results of a Spearman correlation and factor and cluster analysis of the heavy metals analysed in the collected sediment were discussed. The main source of contamination is offshore oil field and industrial wastes, which arise due to the ineffective and inefficient operation equipments, illegal discharge and lack of supervision, and prosecution of offenders.