Cadmium adsorption and desorption behaviour on goethite at low equilibrium concentrations: effects of pH and index cations

The transport and bioavailability of cadmium is governed mainly by its adsorption-desorption reactions with minerals such as goethite--a common iron oxide mineral in variable charged and highly weathered tropical soils. Soil factors such as pH, temperature, solution Cd concentration, ionic strength and ageing affect Cd adsorption on goethite. The desorption behaviour of Cd from goethite at low concentrations is not fully understood. This study investigates the adsorption-desorption of Cd at low Cd concentrations (Cd adsorbed on goethite from 20 to 300 microM Cd solutions) in Na and Ca nitrate solutions of 0.03 M nominal ionic strengths. Synthetic goethite prepared by ageing a ferric hydroxide gel at high pH and room temperature was used for Cd adsorption and desorption studies. For desorption experiment 10 successive desorptions were made for the whole range of initial Cd concentrations (20-300 microM) in the presence of 0.01 M Ca(NO3)2 or 0.03 M NaNO3 solutions. Cadmium adsorption was found to be higher in Na+ than Ca2+ probably due to the competition of Ca2+ ions with Cd2+ ions for adsorption sites on the surfaces of goethite. The effect of index cation on Cd adsorption diminished with increase in pH from 5.0 to 6.0. Cadmium desorption decreased with increase in pH from 5.0 to 6.0 in both Na and Ca systems. After 10 successive desorptions with 0.03 M NaNO3 at the lowest initially adsorbed Cd approximately 45%, 20% and 7% of the adsorbed Cd was desorbed at pH 5.0, 5.5 and 6.0, respectively. The corresponding desorptions in the presence of 0.01 M Ca(NO3)2 were 49%, 22% and 8%, respectively. The Freundlich parameter, k, based on each progressive step of desorption at different adsorbed concentration increased with increasing desorption step, which may indicates that a fraction of Cd was resistant to desorption. Low Cd desorbability from goethite may be due to its specific adsorption and/or possibly as a result of Cd entrapment in the cracks or defects in goethite structure.     

The relationships between heavy metal (Cd,Cr, Cu,Fe, Pb,Zn) levels and the size of six Mediterranean fish species

Heavy metal (Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Pb, Zn) concentrations in the muscle, gill and liver of six fish species (Sparus auratus, Atherina hepsetus, Mugil cephalus, Trigla cuculus, Sardina pilchardus and Scomberesox saurus) from the northeast Mediterranean Sea were measured and the relationships between fish size (length and weight) and metal concentrations in the tissues were investigated by linear regression analysis. Metal concentrations (as microg/g d.w.) were highest in the liver, except for iron in the gill of Scomberesox sauris and lowest in the muscle of all the fish species. Highest concentrations of Cd (4.50), Cr (17.1) and Pb (41.2) were measured in liver tissues of T. cuculus, Sardina pilchardus and A. hepsetus, respectively. The liver of M. cephalus showed strikingly high Cu concentrations (202.8). The gill of Scomberesox saurus was the only tissue that showed highest (885.5) iron concentrations. Results of linear regression analysis showed that, except in a few cases, significant relationships between metal concentrations and fish size were negative. Highly significant (P<0.001) negative relationships were found between fish length and Cr concentrations in the liver of A. hepsetus and M. cephalus, and Cr concentrations in the gill of T. cuculus. Cr and Pb concentrations in the liver and Cu concentrations in all the tissues of Scomberesox saurus also showed very significant (P<0.001) negative relationships. Negative relationships found here were discussed.     

Mechanisms of copper toxicity in the shore crab,Carcinus maenas

The influence of copper(II)chloride on selected key enzymes and metabolites in intermediary metabolism and the energy charge potential of the hyperregulating shore crab, Carcinus maenas (L.) were investigated. Crabs, collected in Odense Fjord, Denmark between September 1989 and May 1990, were exposed to 10 ppm copper(II)chloride, in 10 ppt salinity seawater at 15°C for up to 1 wk. Hexokinase activity was 77% lower in the posterior gills and 60% lower in the midgut gland than in control crabs. Phosphofructokinase activity was reduced in the midgut gland by 82% but was unaffected in the gills. Pyruvate kinase activity was undetectable in the gills of exposed crabs and reduced by 47% in the midgut gland. Citrate synthase activity was depressed by 30% in the posterior gills and unaffected in other tissues. Copper exposure had no apparent effect on tissue cytochrome c oxidase activity. Chela muscle was the only tissue in which copper exposure did not bring about reductions in the enzyme activities tested. As a result of 1 wk of copper exposure the average lactate level increased by 3.5-fold in haemolymph, 9.3-fold in posterior gills and 6.5-fold in midgut gland. The average glucose level was raised by a factor of 6 in the haemolymph, 3.4 in the posterior gills and 1.2 in the midgut gland. Energy charge potential was at a very high level (ca. 0.9) and was unaffected by copper exposure.     

Most Influential Parameters for the Bed-Load Sediment Flux Equations Used in Alluvial Rivers1

Khorram, Saeed and Mustafa Ergil, 2010. Most Influential Parameters for the Bed-Load Sediment Flux Equations Used in Alluvial Rivers. Journal of the American Water Resources Association (JAWRA): 46(6):1065–1090. DOI: 10.1111/j.1752-1688.2010.00468.x Abstract: Problems of bed-load sediment transport equations in alluvial rivers are addressed in this study where user-friendly parameters were developed. To determine the influences of 300 parameters on the final result, 52 selected bed-load equations for noncohesive particles (sand and gravel separately) were gathered and individually investigated. The influences of discrepancies among the computed and measured datasets were obtained by sensitivity analysis through multilinear regression method. The most influential parameters for the bed-load sediment flux equations used to describe sand particles in alluvial rivers are: the gravitational power due to Shields’ parameter with an energy slope, the universal stream power due to critical Shields’ parameter with an energy slope, the Shields’ parameter ratio, the critical unit stream power, and the Shields’ parameter with energy slope. For gravel particles, the most influential parameters are: the universal stream power due to critical Shields’ parameter with an energy slope, the Shields’ parameter ratio, the gravitational power due to Shields’ parameter with an energy slope, the Shields’ parameter with an energy slope, and the Froude number of the channel. It is expected that researchers working in this field will be able to use these predicted parameters to generate new bed-load sediment flux equations that give results that more closely agree with the actual values measured in alluvial rivers.     

Groundwater vulnerability to selenium in semi-arid environments: Amman Zarqa Basin,Jordan

An evaluation of ~250 samples of groundwater in the Amman Zarqa Basin for selenium along with other major and trace elements showed that concentrations of Se ranged between 0.09 and 742 μg/L, with an average value of about 24 μg/L. Selenium concentrations exceeded the recommended threshold for drinking water of the World Health Organization (WHO; 10 μ/L of Se) in 114 samples, with greater than 50 μg/L (quantity equivalent to the Jordanian standard of the allowed concentration of the element in water) of Se in nine cases. The average concentrations of Se in the lower, middle, and upper aquifers of the basin were 3.41, 32.99, and 9.19 μg/L, respectively. Based on the correlation with geologic formations and the statistical analysis of major/minor constituents and Piper tri-linear diagrams, we suggest that carbonate/phosphate dissolution, oxidation–reduction processes, and fertilizers/irrigation return flow are, together, the primary factors affecting the chemistry of the groundwater. Factor analysis helped to define the relative role of limestone-dolomitic dissolution in the aquifers (calcium, magnesium, and bicarbonate), agricultural activities (sulfate, nitrates, phosphorus, and potassium), oxidation–reduction factor (Eh, Fe, Mn, Cu, Zn, and Se), and anthropogenic (industrial) factor (EC, Fe, Cr, Co, Zn, and As). The high variability in Se concentrations might be related to the possibility of a multi-source origin of Se in the area.     

The Tyndall coastal simulator

The threat of sea-level rise and climate change means that coastal managers are being increasingly asked to make long-term assessments of potential coastal impacts and responses. In the UK, shoreline management planning (for flood and erosion hazards) and spatial planning now takes a 100 year perspective. An integrated framework across a wide range of physical and social issues is required for the assessment of coastal impacts and consequently for making sound management decisions. This paper provides an overview of the development of the ‘Tyndall Coastal Simulator’ including the underlying philosophy that is being followed. The Simulator is based on a series of linked climate models (CM) within a nested framework which recognises three spatial scales: (i) the global (GCM) scale; (ii) the regional scale and (iii) the Simulator Domain (a physiographic unit, such as a coastal sub-cell). Within the nesting, the larger scale provides the boundary conditions for the smaller scale. The models feed into each other and describe a range of relevant processes: sea level, tides, surges, waves, sediment transport and coastal morphology. Different climate scenarios, as well as the range of uncertainty, are being explored. Communication of results is a major issue and the Simulator includes a dedicated GIS-based user interface that allows a wide range of queries of model outputs. The paper demonstrates the possibility of developing an integrated framework that is multi-scale and capable of linking various models in order to simulate complex coastal processes and consequently allowing long-term assessments that are useful for setting future management plans.     

Riparian Grazing Impacts on Streambank Erosion and Phosphorus Loss Via Surface Runoff1

Tufekcioglu, Mustafa, Richard C. Schultz, George N. Zaimes, Thomas M. Isenhart, and Aydin Tufekcioglu, 2012. Riparian Grazing Impacts on Streambank Erosion and Phosphorus Loss via Surface Runoff. Journal of the American Water Resources Association (JAWRA) 1‐11. DOI: 10.1111/j.1752‐1688.2012.12004.x Abstract: Surface runoff is one of the major pathways of sediment and phosphorus (P) transport to surface waters. Rainfall simulations were conducted on nine grazed pasture sites with different stocking rates in three different Iowa (United States) regions. The purpose of the simulations was to determine the impacts of cattle grazing on the amounts of sediment and P in surface runoff within a 15‐m wide strip on both sides of the stream from different source areas (SAs). These riparian SAs included stream‐side loafing areas, cattle streambank access paths to the stream, and the other vegetated areas adjacent to the streambanks. The runoff samples collected during the simulations were analyzed for suspended sediment (SS) and total phosphorus (TP). Soil bulk density and antecedent soil moisture samples were collected around the rainfall simulation plots to identify differences in compaction, infiltration, and surface runoff among the SAs. SS and TP losses from access paths and loafing areas within the 15‐m wide strips accounted for up to 72 and 55% of the total losses, respectively, even though they accounted for only 2.7% of the total area within the 15‐m wide strips. This suggests that access paths and loafing areas require special attention to mitigate the impacts of cattle on stream water pollution. Significant correlations were found between stocking rates and both SS and TP losses suggesting that low stocking rates can reduce sediment and P export to streams from the SAs.     

Assessment of the safety of dietary fish oil supplements in terms of content and quality

Environmental Science and Pollution Research - The fatty acid composition of top-selling fish oil dietary supplements in the markets was compared with the content stated on product label, and their...     

Gaudeamus lavocati sp. nov. (Rodentia, Hystricognathi) from the early Oligocene of Zallah, Libya: first African caviomorph?

A new African species of hystricognathous rodent, Gaudeamus lavocati sp. nov., is described herein from the early Oligocene deposits of Zallah locality (Sirt basin, Central Libya). The dental morphology of this species is very close to that of some earliest South American caviomorphs. It allows a reinterpretation of molar crest homologies among earliest caviomorphs, pentalophodonty being confirmed as the plesiomorphic molar condition in Caviomorpha. This morphological resemblance argues for close affinities between Gaudeamus and earliest South American hystricognaths. Cladistic analysis supports Gaudeamus lavocati sp. nov. as the first known African representative of Caviomorpha, implying that its ancestors were part of the African phiomyid group that crossed the South Atlantic by a direct immigration route. Alternatively, the series of derived dental features of Gaudeamus could also be interpreted as evolutionary synchronous convergences of an African hystricognath lineage towards the specialized pattern of some caviomorphs. However, the high level of similarities concerning teeth morphology and enamel microstructure and the similar age of fossiliferous strata on both continents make this interpretation less probable. The phylogenetic position of this taxon is of considerable importance because it represents an enigmatic component of the phiomorph–caviomorph radiation in Africa and appears as a new clue toward the understanding of caviomorph origins.     

Determination of arsenic levels in the water resources of Aksaray Province, Turkey

Arsenic levels were determined in 62 stations utilized as drinking and potable water resources by local community for Turkey's Aksaray Province (4589 km(2); 980 m above sea level). The samplings were implemented every two months for 1 year. The arsenic values were found to be ranging between 10 and 50 μg/L in 22 points and were found to be >50 μg/L in 5 stations, according to the mean value of the 6 samples. WHO and the Turkish Standards have permitted an arsenic concentration of 10 μg/L in drinking waters. The multivariate statistical technique, cluster analysis (CA), followed by principal component analysis (PCA) were applied to the data on 17 water quality parameters in 47 stations that are used for drinking and other domestic resources. Two significant sampling locations were detected based on the similarity of their water quality. The chemical correlations were observed in the two sub-sampling locations by Principal Component Analysis.