Distributions of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in the Daliao River Estuary of Liaodong Bay, Bohai Sea (China)

The distributions of 16 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were determined in the aqueous phase, suspended particulate matter (SPM), sediment, and pore water of the Daliao River Estuary in Liaodong Bay, Bohai Sea (China). Total PAH concentrations ranged from 139.16 to 1717.87 ng L⁻¹ in surface water, from 226.57 to 1404.85 ng L⁻¹ dry weight in SPM, from 276.26 to 1606.89 ng g⁻¹ dry weight in sediments, and from 10.20 to 47.27 μg L⁻¹ in pore water. PAH concentrations were at relatively moderate levels in water, SPM, sediment and pore water in comparison with those reported for other estuary and marine systems around the world. Sedimentary PAH concentrations decreased offshore owing to active deposition of laterally-transported river-borne particles. PCA analysis of the possible PAH source suggested petrogenic and pyrolytic PAH inputs in the studied region.     

Contamination of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in surface sediments and plants of mangrove swamps in Shenzhen,China

The concentrations of 16 individual and total polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (∑PAHs) in sediments, roots and leaves of three mangrove swamps in Shenzhen, China, namely Futian, Baguang and Waterlands, were determined. The mean concentration of ∑PAHs in Futian (4480 ng g⁻¹) was significantly higher than that in Baguang (1262 ng g⁻¹) and Waterlands (2711 ng g⁻¹). Among the 16 PAHs, the concentration of naphthalene was the highest. Based on the ratios of phenanthrene/anthracene and fluoranthene/pyrene, PAHs in Futian and Waterlands came from petrogenic and pyrolytic sources, while Baguang was mainly from pyrolytic. More PAHs were accumulated in leaves, as reflected by its higher mean concentration of ∑PAHs (3697 ng g⁻¹) and bioconcentration factor of PAHs (BCF) (>1.5) than that in roots. The BCF values in plants collected from Futian were significantly higher than that from Waterlands. These results indicated that more attention should be paid to the PAH contamination in Futian.     

Metal (Al, Fe, Mn and Cu) distributions and origins of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in the surface sediments of the Marmara Sea and the coast of Istanbul, Turkey

In this study, total metal (Al, Fe, Mn and Cu) and PAHs analyses have been done in the surface sediments. Sediment samples have been collected from seven parts of the Marmara Sea and the coast of Istanbul during 2009. Total Al, Fe, Mn and Cu contents vary between 1.8% and 5.4%; 1.1% and 2.8%; 122 and 259 μg g⁻¹; 27 and 416 μg g⁻¹, respectively. EF and CF values of Fe and Mn are lower than 1.5 and 1, respectively, in all the stations. Total PAH contents range between 135 and 6009 ng g⁻¹ in the surface sediments. The origin of PAHs has been found pyrolitic according to the Phe/Ant ratio in the all stations. Contrastingly, at K0, MKC and MY1 Stations, PAH origins have been observed petrogenic according to the Flu/Pyr ratio.     

Distribution and sources of aliphatic and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in suspended particulate matter in water from two Brazilian estuarine systems

The levels of selected organic markers, including 17 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), 16 of which are classified as priority pollutants by the US-EPA and perylene, aliphatic hydrocarbons (total and linear alkanes) and petroleum biomarkers (hopanes and steranes), were measured in suspended particulate matter (SPM) of the Mundaú-Manguaba estuarine-lagoon system (MMELS) in northeastern Brazil and the Paraíba do Sul River (PSR) estuary in southeastern Brazil, both of which are affected by sugarcane agriculture and urbanization. A total of 33 surface water samples of SPM were collected (22 from the MMELS and 11 from the PSR). The ∑16PAH ranged from 221 to 1243 ng g⁻¹ in the MMELS and from 228 to 1814 ng g⁻¹ in the PSR. Hopane and sterane concentrations in the PSR were higher than in the MMELS due to the input from petrogenic sources in PSR. The contributions of higher plants were also observed by n-alkane analyses. The PAH isomeric ratios indicated that the SPM from MMELS showed characteristics of combustion from biomass or petroleum and PSR was associated to petrogenic input, either from combustion or from unburned petroleum. Three sampling sites located near to the sugarcane plant and mouth of the rivers showed higher PAH concentrations and may largely be considered as highly contaminated. However, levels of n-alkanes and petroleum biomarkers in both study areas were relatively low.     

Occurrence and distribution of phthalate esters in riverine sediments from the Pearl River Delta region,South China

Sixty-eight sediment samples collected from Dongjiang River, Xijiang River, Beijiang River and Zhujiang River in the Pearl River Delta (PRD) region, Southern China, were analyzed for 16 phthalate esters (PAEs). PAEs were detected in all riverine sediments analyzed, which indicate that PAEs are ubiquitous environmental contaminants. The Σ₁₆PAEs concentrations in riverine sediments in the PRD region ranged from 0.567 to 47.3 μg g⁻¹ dry weight (dw), with the mean and median concentrations of 5.34 μg g⁻¹ dw and 2.15 μg g⁻¹ dw, respectively. Elevated PAEs concentrations in riverine sediments in the PRD region were found in the highly urbanized and industrialized areas. Of the 16 PAEs, diisobutyl phthalate (DiBP), di-n-butyl phthalate (DnBP) and di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) dominated the PAEs, with the mean and median concentrations of 1.12 μg g⁻¹ dw, 0.420 μg g⁻¹ dw and 3.72 μg g⁻¹ dw, and 0.429 μg g⁻¹ dw, 0.152 μg g⁻¹ dw and 1.55 μg g⁻¹ dw, respectively, and accounted for 94.2–99.7% of the Σ₁₆PAEs concentrations. Influenced by local sources and the properties of PAEs, a gradient trend of concentrations and a fractionation of composition from more to less industrialized and urbanized areas were discovered. As compared to the results from other studies, the riverine sediments in the PRD region were severely contaminated with PAEs. Information about PAEs contamination status and its effect on the aquatic organisms in the PRD region may deserve further attention.     

Metal concentrations in sediments from tourist beaches of Miri City,Sarawak, Malaysia (Borneo Island)

Forty-three sediment samples were collected from the beaches of Miri City, Sarawak, Malaysia to identify the enrichment of partially leached trace metals (PLTMs) from six different tourist beaches. The samples were analyzed for PLTMs Fe, Mn, Cr, Co, Cu, Ni, Pb, Sr and Zn. The concentration pattern suggest that the southern side of the study area is enriched with Fe (1821–6097 μg g⁻¹), Mn (11.57–90.22 μg g⁻¹), Cr (51.50–311 μg g⁻¹), Ni (18–51 μg g⁻¹), Pb (8.81–84.05 μg g⁻¹), Sr (25.95–140.49 μg g⁻¹) and Zn (12.46–35.04 μg g⁻¹). Compared to the eco-toxicological values, Cr > Effects range low (ERL), Lowest effect level (LEL), Severe effect level (SEL); Cu > Unpolluted sediments, ERL, LEL; Pb > Unpolluted sediments and Ni > ERL and LEL. Comparative results with other regions indicate that Co, Cr, Cu, Ni and Zn are higher, indicating an external input rather than natural process.     

Concentration,composition and sources of PAHs in the coastal sediments of the exclusive economic zone (EEZ) of Qatar,Arabian Gulf

Surface sediments were collected from sixteen locations in order to assess levels and sources of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in sediments of Qatar exclusive economic zone (EEZ). Samples were analyzed for 16 parent PAHs, 18 alkyl homologs and for dibenzothiophenes. Total PAHs concentration (∑PAHs) ranged from 2.6 ng g⁻¹ to 1025 ng g⁻¹. The highest PAHs concentrations were in sediments in and adjacent to harbors. Alkylated PAHs predominated most of the sampling locations reaching up to 80% in offshore locations. Parent PAHs and parent high molecular weight PAHs dominated location adjacent to industrial activities and urban areas. The origin of PAHs sources to the sediments was elucidated using ternary plot, indices, and molecular ratios of specific compounds such as (Ant/Phe + Ant), (Flt/Flt + Pyr). PAHs inputs to most coastal sites consisted of mixture of petroleum and combustion derived sources. However, inputs to the offshore sediments were mainly of petroleum origin.     

Trace elements in the sediments of a large Mediterranean marina (Port Camargue,France): Levels and contamination history

The study of trace elements (Cu, Zn, Pb, As, Hg) and butyltin concentrations in the sediments of Port Camargue enabled assessment of the levels and history of the contamination of the largest European marina linked with the use of antifouling paints. Surface sediments near the boat maintenance area were heavily contaminated with up to 1497 μg g⁻¹ of Cu, 475 μg g⁻¹ of Zn, 0.82 μg g⁻¹ of Hg, 94 μg g⁻¹ of Pb and over 10,000 ngSn g⁻¹ of tributyltin (TBT). High concentrations of Hg and TBT indicate ongoing sources of these elements despite the ban on their use as biocides in paints. Sediment cores provided records of contamination since 1969. The peak concentrations of As, Hg, Pb and TBT in the sediment profile reflect their presence on boat hulls when the marina was built at the end of the 1960s. Degradation of TBT in the sediments near the boat maintenance area is slow compared to other less contaminated area of the marina.     

Occurrence,distribution and partitioning of nonionic surfactants and pharmaceuticals in the urbanized Long Island Sound Estuary (NY)

This work deals with the environmental distribution of nonionic surfactants (nonylphenol and alcohol ethoxylates), their metabolites (NP, nonylphenol; NPEC, nonylphenol ethoxycarboxylates; and PEG, polyethylene glycols) and a selection of 64 pharmaceuticals in the Long Island Sound (LIS) Estuary which receives important sewage discharges from New York City (NYC). Most target compounds were efficiently removed (>95%) in one wastewater treatment plant monitored, with the exception of NPEC and some specific drugs (e.g., hydrochlorothiazide). Concentrations of surfactants (1.4–4.5 μg L⁻¹) and pharmaceuticals (0.1–0.3 μg L⁻¹) in seawater were influenced by tides and sampling depth, consistent with salinity differences. Surfactants levels in suspended solids samples were higher than 1 μg g⁻¹, whereas only most hydrophobic or positively charged pharmaceuticals could be found (e.g., tamoxifen, clarithromycin). Maximum levels of target compounds in LIS sediments (PEG at highest concentrations, 2.8 μg g⁻¹) were measured nearest NYC, sharply decreasing with distance from major sewage inputs.     

Source apportionment of sedimentary hydrocarbons in the Segara Anakan Nature Reserve,Indonesia

The study aimed to determine the spatial distribution of n-alkanes and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in surface sediments of the Segara Anakan nature reserve and their potential origins using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. Total alkane concentrations ranged from 3755 to 129,027 μg kg⁻¹, and the concentrations of 16 PAHs ranged from 375 to 29,517 μg kg⁻¹. The ratios of specific n-alkanes (e.g., CPI_24–34, WaxC_n, and Paq), including a new proposed index, terrestrial–marine discriminant (TMD), as well as the ratios of selected PAHs (e.g., Ant/∑178, Fl/∑202, BaAnt/∑228, and IPyr/∑276), showed that the sources of hydrocarbons in the sediments were generally biogenic, including both terrigenous and marine, with an anthropogenic pyrolytic contribution (petrogenic and biogenic combustion). For the environmental risk assessment, a sediment quality guideline (SQGs) comparison indicated that the station risk levels ranged from low to medium-low, except for R6, which has a greater impact on the ecological risk for marine organisms.     

Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances in sediments from South Bohai coastal watersheds,China

This study investigated the concentrations and distribution of Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in sediments of 12 rivers from South Bohai coastal watersheds. The highest concentrations of ΣPFAS (31.920 ng g⁻¹ dw) and PFOA (29.021 ng g⁻¹ dw) were found in sediments from the Xiaoqing River, which was indicative of local point sources in this region. As for other rivers, concentrations of ΣPFAS ranged from 0.218 to 1.583 ng g⁻¹ dw were found in the coastal sediments and from 0.167 to 1.953 ng g⁻¹ dw in the riverine sediments. Predominant PFAS from coastal and riverine areas were PFOA and PFBS, with percentages of 30% and 35%, respectively. Partitioning analysis showed the concentrations of PFNA, PFDA and PFHxS were significantly correlated with organic carbon. The results of a preliminary environmental hazard assessment showed that PFOS posed the highest hazard in the Mi River, while PFOA posed a relative higher hazard in the Xiaoqing River.     

Baseline of butyltin pollution in coastal sediments within the Basque Country (northern Spain), in 2007-2008

Tributyltin (TBT), dibutyltin (DBT) and monobutyltin (MBT) were measured in surficial sediments at, the ports of Pasaia and Bilbao, together with other mid- and small-size harbours of the Basque Country (northern Spain), in 2007-2008. The highest values of the sum of the three measured butyltin species (3523-3640 ng g⁻¹, as Sn) were found at sampling stations near to shipyards located within the port of Pasaia. The highest value of TBT concentration (3143 ng g⁻¹, as Sn) was found at the marina of Getxo, in the port of Bilbao. The degree of TBT degradation varied greatly between sampling stations, being found to be generally higher in those sediments with higher values of redox potential and lower values of TBT concentration (normalized by organic matter content).     

Selenium in sediments and biota from estuaries of southwest England

Selenium concentrations have been measured in sediment, fucoid macroalgae and macroinvertebrates from four estuaries of SW England (Yealm, Plym, Looe, Fal). Sediment concentrations ranged from about 0.4 μg g⁻¹ in the Yealm to 1.49 μg g⁻¹ at one site in the Plym. Concentrations in Fucus vesiculosus (0.05–0.31 μg g⁻¹) and F. ceranoides (0.05–0.51 μg g⁻¹) were significantly lower than corresponding concentrations in sediment but there was no correlation between algal and sediment concentrations. Selenium concentrations in Littorina littorea (∼4 μg g⁻¹), Hediste diversicolor (2.82–12.68 μg g⁻¹), Arenicola marina (∼17 μg g⁻¹) and Scrobicularia plana (1.18–6.85 μg g⁻¹) were considerably higher than concentrations in macroalga or sediment, suggesting that Se is effectively accumulated from the diet. Although Se concentrations in some invertebrates exceed toxicity thresholds for the diet of predacious birds and fish, no specific evidence for Se toxicity exists in these estuaries.     

Relationship of photosynthetic carbon fixation with environmental changes in the Jiulong River estuary of the South China Sea, with special reference to the effects of solar UV radiation

Phytoplankton cells in estuary waters usually experience drastic changes in chemical and physical environments due to mixing of fresh and seawaters. In order to see their photosynthetic performance in such dynamic waters, we measured the photosynthetic carbon fixation by natural phytoplankton assemblages in the Jiulong River estuary of the South China Sea during April 24-26 and July 24-26 of 2008, and investigated its relationship with environmental changes in the presence or the absence of UV radiation. Phytoplankton biomass (Chl a) decreased sharply from the river-mouth to seawards (17.3-2.1 μg L⁻¹), with the dominant species changed from chlorophytes to diatoms. The photosynthetic rate based on Chl a at noon time under PAR-alone increased from 1.9 μg C (μg Chl a)⁻¹ L⁻¹ in low salinity zone (SSS < 10) to 12.4 μg C (μg Chl a)⁻¹ L⁻¹ in turbidity front (SSS within 10-20), and then decreased to 2.1 μg C (μg Chl a)⁻¹ L⁻¹ in mixohaline zone (SSS > 20); accordingly, the carbon fixation per volume of seawater increased from 12.8 to 149 μg C L⁻¹ h⁻¹, and decreased to 14.3 μg C L⁻¹ h⁻¹. Solar UVR caused the inhibition of carbon fixation in surface water of all the investigated zones, by 39% in turbidity area and 7-10% in freshwater or mixohaline zones. In the turbidity zone, higher availability of CO₂ could have enhanced the photosynthetic performance; while osmotic stress might be responsible for the higher sensitivity of phytoplankton assemblages to solar UV radiation.     

Community composition, distribution, and contribution of microbenthos in offshore sediments from the Yellow Sea

We investigated the spatial distribution and composition of microbenthos in the seafloor sediments from 48 stations in the Yellow Sea using epifluorescence microscopy and quantitative protargol staining techniques. The bacterial abundance ranged from 2.4×10⁸ to 1.9×10⁹ cells cm⁻³ in the wet sediment, about three orders of magnitude higher than that of phototrophic (PNFs, from 6.4×10⁵ to 8.8×10⁶ cells cm⁻³) and heterotrophic nanoflagellates (HNFs, from 5.8×10⁴ to 5.9×10⁶ cells cm⁻³) and four orders of magnitude higher than that of cyanobacteria (from 2.3×10⁴ to 2.3×10⁶ cells cm⁻³) in the upper 5 cm of sediments. The abundance of diatoms varied greatly, from 3-1.1×10⁵ cells cm⁻³ in the upper 8 cm of sediments, whereas those of heterotrophic microflagellates (HMFs, 1-182 cells cm⁻³) and ciliates (1-221 cells cm⁻³) were less varied and lower. The biomass partitioning indicates the primary importance of benthic bacteria (50.3 μg C cm⁻³ on average), followed by PNFs (40.7 μg C cm⁻³), HNFs (19.3 μg C cm⁻³), and finally by cyanobacteria (8.8 μg C cm⁻³). Benthic diatoms (0.8 μg C cm⁻³), ciliates (0.15 μg C cm⁻³), and HMFs (0.03 μg C cm⁻³) contribute relatively small fractions to the total biomass of the microbenthos. About 95% of diatoms, 77% of ciliates, and 56% of HMFs were distributed in the upper 2 cm of sediments, whereas no distinct vertical distributions were observed for bacteria, cyanobacteria, PNFs, and HNFs. The microbenthos are quantitatively important in the shallow seafloor, wherein their main components have an average abundance three orders of magnitude higher than the corresponding planktonic organisms in the same sea area. Our estimates indicate that pico-sized phytobenthos might contribute a large proportion to the primary production. Benthic ciliates and heterotrophic flagellates contribute about 90% to the estimated combined metabolic rate of micro- and meiobenthic consumers in the whole sea area, with nanoheterotrophs accounting for the majority. The data suggest the potential for the rapid primary and secondary production of microbenthos and detrital utilization in the shallow seafloor sediments of the Yellow Sea.     

Distribution of rare earth elements in marine sediments from the Strait of Sicily (western Mediterranean Sea): evidence of phosphogypsum waste contamination

Concentrations of rare earth elements (REE), Y, Th and Sc were recently determined in marine sediments collected using a box corer along two onshore-offshore transects located in the Strait of Sicily (Mediterranean Sea). The REE + Y were enriched in offshore fine-grained sediments where clay minerals are abundant, whereas the REE + Y contents were lower in onshore coarse-grained sediments with high carbonate fractions. Considering this distribution trend, the onshore sediments in front of the southwestern Sicilian coast represent an anomaly with high REE + Y concentrations (mean value 163.4 μg g⁻¹) associated to high Th concentrations (mean value 7.9 μg g⁻¹). Plot of shale-normalized REE + Y data of these coastal sediments showed Middle REE enrichments relative to Light REE and Heavy REE, manifested by a convexity around Sm-Gd-Eu elements. These anomalies in the fractionation patterns of the coastal sediments were attributed to phosphogypsum-contaminated effluents from an industrial plant, located in the southern Sicilian coast.     

Levels of persistent organic pollutants and residual pattern of DDTs in small cetaceans from the coast of São Paulo, Brazil

The State of São Paulo is the most developed area in Brazil and was impacted by persistent organic pollutants for several decades. This study investigated organochlorines in five species of small cetaceans (Pontoporia blainvillei, Stenella frontalis, Sotalia guianensis, Tursiops truncatus and Steno bredanensis) found dead along the coast of São Paulo between 1997 and 2003. DDTs (15.9 μg g⁻¹ lipid; mean for all pooled individuals) and PCBs (8.08 μg g⁻¹) exhibited the highest concentrations in the animals, reflecting large amounts formerly used in Brazil. Lower levels of mirex (0.149 μg g⁻¹), HCB (0.051 μg g⁻¹), CHLs (0.008 μg g⁻¹) and HCHs (0.007 μg g⁻¹) were detected in all species. Residual pattern of DDTs in dolphins suggests that o,p′-DDT is more recalcitrant than p,p′-DDT in the body of the animals and/or the environment. In contrast to p,p′-DDT, residues of o,p′-DDT seem to be preferentially converted into o,p′-DDD rather than o,p′-DDE.     

The use of limpets as monitor of PAHs pollution in the Cantabrian coast

The concentrations of 24 parental and methylated polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) levels in common limpet (Patella vulgata) were measured in 15 coastal localities of the southern Bay of Biscay and 2 sites per locality for 2 years (spring and autumn of 2004 and 2005, respectively). Although the average concentrations shown a wide variability among the sites and the season, several sites showed a remarkable high concentration (PAH_tot>900 ng g⁻¹ d.w.) or medium (300-800 ng g⁻¹ d.w) levels, but in most of the cases the initial high concentrations decreased sharply from one campaign to the following. Moreover, based on ratios of individual isomers concentration, petrogenic and pyrolitic sources were distinguished suggesting more than one source. Finally, based on the results of this work and comparing with previously reported data, it can concluded that limpets can be used as sentinel organisms in coastal environmental monitoring, even when oil spills are involved.     

Levels and spatial distribution of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in superficial sediment from 15 Italian marine protected areas (MPA)

Surface sediment from 15 Italian marine protected areas (MPA) were analysed for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). The organic carbon percentage was also determined. Total PAH concentrations (ng g⁻¹ d.w.) ranged from 0.71 (Penisola del Sinis) to 1550 (Miramare). Individual PAH analysis showed that three and four rings PAHs were the most frequently detected isomers and accounted for 60-70% of the PAH total concentrations. PAH ratio analysis showed a prevalence of pyrolytic PAH origin at most of the MPAs with exception of Porto Cesareo and Ustica where a petrogenic origin was detected. Results for organic carbon percentages ranged from 0.3% (Capo Rizzuto) to 2% (Punta Campanella). These results are comparable to other Mediterranean marine environments. However, our results shows that some MPAs, such as Miramare, Porto Cesareo, Isola Capo Rizzuto and Punta Campanella, are subject to strong pressure from urban and industrial activities where high PAH levels were detected.     

Estrogenic activity in sediments contaminated by nonylphenol in Tokyo Bay (Japan) evaluated by vitellogenin induction in male mummichogs (Fundulus heteroclitus)

Estrogenic activity was determined in sediments collected from Tokyo Bay. Sampling was performed at five stations including the site near the sewage treatment plant. The most estrogenic sediment collected near the sewage treatment plant was fractionated into ten fractions using normal-phase high-performance liquid chromatography. Chemical analysis was carried out for each fraction and nonylphenol (NP, 20,700 ng g⁻¹ dry wt) was detected at a higher concentration than estron (2.39 ng g⁻¹ dry wt) and 17β-estradiol (<0.7 ng g⁻¹ dry wt). Furthermore, each fraction was administered to male mummichogs (Fundulus heteroclitus), and vitellogenin (Vtg) was measured after two weeks. The induction of Vtg was observed; this estrogenic potency could be attributed to the NP content in this fraction. This is the first report to suggest that the high NP concentration in the sediments from Tokyo Bay has the potential to induce Vtg in wild fish.