The distribution of heavy metals including Pb,Cd and Cr in Kendari Bay surficial sediments

The surficial coastal sediments in Kendari Bay are sampled in the field to determine the concentration and pollution level of three heavy metals (Pb, Cd and Cr). Twenty-five sampling points ranging from the inner (Wanggu River) to the outer area of the bay have been chosen. The physicochemical properties, such as temperature, pH, salinity and TDS of the overlying water, as well as the sediment type and TOC of the surficial sediments, are also measured. The total concentrations of the Pb, Cd and Cr in the sediment samples are quantified using inductively-coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). The concentrations of the heavy metals (Pb, Cd and Cr) ranged from 0.84 to 17.02 μg/g, 0.02 to 0.17 μg/g and 1.92 to 40.11 μg/g (dry weight), respectively, following the Cr > Pb > Cd sequence. To assess the degree of contamination, a geoaccumulation index (I_geo) is measured. Kendari Bay is not a contaminated area regarding Pb, Cd and Cr.     

Geochemical and geo-statistical assessment of selected heavy metals in the surface sediments of the Gorgan Bay,Iran

We investigated heavy metal concentrations of zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), chromium (Cr), and lead (Pb), their spatial distribution and enrichment factor index in surface sediments of the Gorgan Bay. Sediment Quality Guidelines were also applied to assess adverse biological effects of these metals. Heavy metals were determined by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectroscopy (ICP-MS). The results indicated mean concentrations (ppm) of heavy metals were (mean ± S.D.) Pb: 11.5 ± 4.88, Cu: 18 ± 8.83, Zn: 42 ± 22.15 and Cr: 32 ± 15.19. Based on Enrichment index, the Gorgan Bay is a low-enriched to non-enriched bay. Heavy metal contents were lower than the standard limits of PEL, ERL, and ERM that reveal no threatening influence of the metals in the Bay.     

Distribution and source apportionments of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in mariculture sediments from the Pearl River Delta,South China

Surface and core sediments collected from six mariculture farms in the Pearl River Delta (PRD) were analyzed to evaluate contamination levels of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). The ∑PCBs (37 congeners) concentrations ranged from 5.10 to 11.0 ng g⁻¹ (mean 7.96 ng g⁻¹) in surface and 3.19 to 22.1 ng g⁻¹ (mean 7.75 ng g⁻¹) in core sediments, respectively. The concentrations were significantly higher than that measured in the sediments of their corresponding reference sites, whereby the average enrichment percentages were 62.0% and 42.7% in surface and core sediments, respectively. Significant correlations (R² = 0.77, p < 0.05) of PCB homologue group proportions between fish feeds and surface mariculture sediments suggested that fish feed input was probably the main source for the enrichment of PCBs. Due to the fact that PCBs could be transferred along food chains, PCB contamination in fish feeds and mariculture sediments should not be overlooked.     

Quantities,composition, and sources of beach debris in Korea from the results of nationwide monitoring

This study assessed the levels of marine debris pollution and identified its main sources in Korea. The surveys were bimonthly conducted by NGO leaders and volunteers on 20 beaches from March 2008 to November 2009. The quantities of marine debris were estimated at 480.9 (±267.7) count ⋅ 100 m⁻¹ for number, 86.5 (±78.6) kg ⋅ 100 m⁻¹ for weight, and 0.48 (±0.38) m³ ⋅ 100 m⁻¹ for volume. The level of marine debris pollution on the Korean beaches was comparable to that in the coastal areas of the North Atlantic ocean and South Africa. Plastics and styrofoam occupied the majority of debris composition in terms of number (66.7%) and volume (62.3%). The main sources of debris were fishing activities including commercial fisheries and marine aquaculture (51.3%). Especially styrofoam buoy from aquaculture was the biggest contributor to marine debris pollution on these beaches.     

Distribution and sources of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in surface sediments of the Hormuz strait,Persian Gulf

The concentrations of 16 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were determined in the sediment from the Hormuz strait, Persian Gulf. The sum of 16 PAHs (ΣPAH) concentrations varied from 72.17 to 277.77 ng g⁻¹ dry weight, with an average value of 131.20 ± 59.29 ng g⁻¹ dry weight. An ecological risk assessment of PAHs, indicated that adverse biological effects caused by acenaphthene and acenaphthylene occasionally may take place in the sediment of Hormuz strait. PAH source identification showed that the PAHs in the sediments come from pyrogenic and mixed origin. Based on classification of pollution levels, sediments from Hormuz strait could be considered as low to moderately polluted with PAHs.     

Spatial and temporal distribution of zooplankton related to the environmental conditions in the coral reef lagoon of New Caledonia,Southwest Pacific

The distribution of zooplanktonic prey of fish larvae was examined in three bays and two lagoonal stations in the Southwest lagoon of New Caledonia. Water column conditions were characterized by increasing chlorophyll a and particulate organic matter (POM) concentrations from the lagoon to the estuarine bay. The mean zooplankton settled volume and total density were significantly higher in the estuarine bay, reaching 35.1 mL m⁻³ and 3.5 × 10⁵ individuals m⁻³, respectively. The total zooplankton density also progressively increased along the sampling period. The composition of assemblages differed between the lagoon and the bays, and was similar in the three bays. Wind speed, surface temperature, chlorophyll a and POM explained these variations, as revealed by a co-inertia analysis (COIA). The prey preferred by fish larvae, i.e. small crustaceans and small copepods, were more abundant in bays. Sheltered bays, most influenced by terrigenous inputs, are likely to provide the best feeding conditions.     

Characteristics of ChgH–GFP transgenic medaka lines,an in vivo estrogenic compound detection system

We previously reported the characteristics of a ChgH–GFP transgenic medaka line that indicates estrogenic compound pollution in environmental water by the green fluorescence of their liver. Recently, we established four more lines. In this study, the characteristics of the five transgenic medaka lines were investigated. The intensity of reporter gene expression varied among transgenic lines and generally correlated well with the amount of integrated transgene in each line. Line-specific ectopic expression was also observed. However, the sensitivity to 17-β estradiol did not differ among transgenic lines. Three transgenic lines are considered to be suitable as bio-indicators of estrogenic activity, due to the ease of observing green fluorescence in their livers. The transgenic lines can also detect the estrogenic activity of testosterone and 17-β trenbolone at the nominal concentration of 30 and 100 μg/l, respectively.     

Origin,toxicological and narcotic potential of sedimentary PAHs and remarkable even/odd n-alkane predominance in Bushehr Peninsula,the Persian Gulf

Surface sediments (n = 17) were collected from 6 sites located in the coasts of the Bushehr Peninsula. ∑₁₆PAH concentrations were in the range of 285.9–1288 ng g^? 1 dw and the sediments were moderately polluted. Py, Ph, B(a)A and Flu showed > 70% of the detected values in order of the mentioned rank. 4-ring PAHs were the dominant compounds and the molecular ratios presented the dominant pyrolytic source. The toxicity of PAHs for sediment dwelling life was averagely equivalent to occurrence of 0.08 ng g^? 1 of Dioxin in dw of the examined sediments. The evaluated narcotic potential (confidence level of 99%) was 0.027–3.04 and upper part of the Bushehr Peninsula, where the human population is more concentrated, showed more narcotic potential. ∑ n-alkane concentrations (n-C₁₅ ? n-C₃₂) were in the range of 3.10–35.6 μg g^? 1 dw. The dominant distribution of even carbon number n-alkanes was traced back to a possibly autochthonous source.     

Occurrence of endocrine-disrupting chemicals in riverine sediments from the Pearl River Delta,China

The endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) was investigated in 28 riverine sediments from the Pearl River system, China and analyzed by an ultrasonication extraction and GC–MS method. The concentrations of 4-tert-octylphenol (OP), 4-nonylphenol (NP), and bisphenol A (BPA) in the sediments were in the ranges of <2.0–210, 107–16198 and <1.7–430 ng/g dw, respectively. The steroid estrogens estrone (E1) and 17β-estradiol (E2) in the sediments ranged from <1.3 to 10.9 ng/g dw and from <0.9 to 2.6 ng/g dw, respectively. The spatial distribution of these chemicals was related to the discharge of domestic and industrial wastewater along the rivers. The positive correlation between EDCs and total organic carbon indicates that sedimentary organic carbon is an important factor in controlling the distributions of EDCs. Compared with other previous studies, the ZR and DR rivers from the PRD were heavily contaminated by APs and BPA.     

Foraminiferal assemblages in Biscayne Bay,Florida, USA: Responses to urban and agricultural influence in a subtropical estuary

This study assessed foraminiferal assemblages in Biscayne Bay, Florida, a heavily utilized estuary, interpreting changes over the past 65 years and providing a baseline for future comparisons. Analyses of foraminiferal data at the genus level revealed three distinct biotopes. The assemblage from the northern bay was characterized by stress-tolerant taxa, especially Ammonia, present in low abundances (∼2.0 × 10³ foraminifers/gram) though relatively high diversity (∼19 genera/sample). The southwestern margin of the bay was dominated by Ammonia and Quinqueloculina, an assemblage characterized by the lowest diversities (∼12 genera/sample) and highest abundances (∼1.1 × 10⁴ foraminifers/gram), influenced by both reduced salinity and elevated organic-carbon concentrations. A diverse assemblage of smaller miliolids and rotaliids (∼26 genera/sample) characterized the open-bay assemblage, which also had a significant component (∼10%) of taxa that host algal endosymbionts. In the past 65 years, populations of symbiont-bearing taxa, which are indicators of normal-marine conditions, have decreased while stress-tolerant taxa, especially Ammonia spp., have increased in predominance.     

Environmental behavior of organotin compounds in the coastal environment of Xiamen,China

In 2006, organotins pollution were investigated in the coastal environment of Xiamen, China. Six species of organotin compounds including tributyltin, triphenyltin and their degradation compounds were quantified in the dissolved and particulate phases of the water, and in the sediment using GC-FPD. The concentrations of organotin compounds ranged from 2.2 to 160 ng (Sn) L⁻¹ dissolved in the water, 0.14–6.7 ng (Sn) L⁻¹ in suspended particulate matter and nd ∼ 26 ng (Sn) g⁻¹ (dry weight) in the sediment. The highest concentration of total organotin or tributyltin in water was found in a shipyard and at a station near the inlet of the harbor, indicating fresh inputs of antifouling paints to Xiamen’s coastal environment. Organotin speciation was performed on sediment cores to investigate contamination trends over the past ten years in the harbor. The results of ²¹⁰Pb dating indicated that Xiamen western harbor suffered contamination during 2000. The environmental behavior of organotins such as the enhancement of the microlayer, partitioning between water/suspended particulate matter and between water/sediment are also discussed in this paper.     

Comparative study of top soil magnetic susceptibility variation based on some human activities

An investigation of the effect of some human activities on the magnetic susceptibility and frequency dependent susceptibility was conducted on top soil samples from, a commercial area, a motor park and a school environment in Jalingo, Taraba State, N-E Nigeria. The purpose was to assess the variation of magnetic susceptibility with different land use, detect pollution hotspots using magnetic proxy parameters and evaluate the contribution of superparamagnetic (SP) grain size contribution to the magnetic susceptibility from calculation of the frequency dependence of magnetic susceptibility (MS). The results of the mass specific low frequency magnetic susceptibility measurements showed significant enhancement with values ranging from 67.8 − 495.3 × 10⁻⁸ m³kg⁻¹ with a mean value of 191.61 × 10⁻⁸ × m³kg⁻¹ for the Jalingo College of Education (JCOE) data; 520.1 − 1612.8 × 10⁻⁸ m³kg⁻¹ with a mean value of 901.34 × 10⁻⁸ m³kg⁻¹ for the Jalingo main Market (JMM) and 188.5 − 1203.6 × 10⁻⁸m³kg⁻¹ with an average value of 574 92 × 10⁻⁶ m³kg⁻¹ for the Jalingo Motor Park (JMP). The significant magnetic enhancement indicates high concentration of ferrimagnetic minerals in the soil and hence increased pollution. The magnetic susceptibility of the different land use studied decreased in the order commercial area (market) > motor park > school premises. The results of the percentage frequency dependence susceptibility showed that most of the samples had a mixture of SP and coarse multi domain grains or SP grains < 0.05 µm. The value of χ_fd% range from 2.68 to 13.80% with an average value of 8.67% in the JCOE samples, 0.49 to 10.04% with an a-verage of 5.05% in the JMM samples and 0.56 to 13.04% with an average value of 5.86% in the JMP samples.     

The Al Hoceima Mw 6.4 earthquake of 24 February 2004 and its aftershocks sequence

The Al Hoceima Mw 6.4 earthquake of 24 February 2004 that occurred in the eastern Rif region of Morocco already hit by a large event in May 1994 (Mw 5.9) has been followed by numerous aftershocks in the months following the event. The aftershock sequence has been monitored by a temporary network of 17 autonomous seismic stations during 15 days (28 March–10 April) in addition to 5 permanent stations of the Moroccan seismic network (CNRST, SPG, Rabat). This network allowed locating accurately about 650 aftershocks that are aligned in two directions, about N10-20E and N110-120E, in rough agreement with the two nodal planes of the focal mechanism (Harvard). The aftershock alignments are long enough, about 20 km or more, to correspond both to the main rupture plane. To further constrain the source of the earthquake main shock and aftershocks (mb > 3.5) have been relocated thanks to regional seismic data from Morocco and Spain. While the main shock is located at the intersection of the aftershock clouds, most of the aftershocks are aligned along the N10-20E direction. This direction together with normal sinistral slip implied by the focal mechanism is similar with the direction and mechanisms of active faults in the region, particularly the N10E Trougout oblique normal fault. Indeed, the Al Hoceima region is dominated by an approximate ENE-SSW direction of extension, with oblique normal faults. Three major 10–30 km-long faults, oriented NNE-SSW to NW-SE are particularly clear in the morphology, the Ajdir and Trougout faults, west and east of the Al Hoceima basin, respectively, and the NS Rouadi fault 20 km to the west. These faults show clear evidence of recent vertical displacements during the late Quaternary such as uplifted alluvial terraces along Oued Rihs, offset fan surfaces by the Rouadi fault and also uplifted and tilted abandoned marine terraces on both sides of the Al Hoceima bay.However, the N20E direction is in contrast with seismic sources identified from geodetic inversions, which favour but not exclusively the N110-120E rupture directions, suggesting that the 1994 and 2004 events occurred on conjugate faults. In any event, the recent seismicity is thus concentrated on sinistral N10-20E or N110-120E dextral strike-slip faults, which surface expressions remain hidden below the 3–5 km-thick Rif nappes, as shown by the tomographic images build from the aftershock sequence and the concentration of the seismicity below 3 km. These observations may suggest that strain decoupling between the thrusted cover and the underlying bedrock and highlights the difficulty to determine the source properties of moderate events with blind faults even in the case of good quality recorded data.     

Hypoxia in Manila Bay,Philippines during the northeast monsoon

Herein we present results from one of the first extensive bay-wide oceanographic surveys of Manila Bay, wherein 31 stations were sampled during the northeast monsoon (cold and dry season). A band of hypoxic bottom water (dissolved oxygen <2.8 mg/L) spanned the midsection of the bay from east to west. Bottom nitrate concentrations (5.7–16.8 μM; avg. 11.1 μM) and total organic carbon values in sediments (1.7–3.1%; avg. 2.4%) were high in the midsection, which coincided with the band of hypoxic bottom water. Physical processes and site-specific accumulation of organic material likely lead to hypoxic conditions in Manila Bay, even during the northeast monsoon period when the water column is relatively well mixed. The results of this study complement the previously reported widespread hypoxia that occurs during the rainy season. Thus, hypoxia may be pervasive in the bay throughout the year, although it varies in intensity and spatial extent.     

Diurnal,seasonal and inter-annual variability of fish density and distribution in the Three Gorges Reservoir (China) assessed with hydroacoustics

Environment conservation of the Three Gorges Reservoir (TGR) requires reliable assessment of fish resources and variation of their distribution. The goal of this study was to determine the best season and the diurnal period to estimate fish density in the TGR using acoustic surveys as a monitoring tool. To find out diurnal migration pattern of fishes in the TGR, we conducted reduplicated 24-h hydroacoustical surveys in the forequarter of the TGR, which covered different habitats (mainstream, tributary bay), seasons (summer, winter) and years (2012–2015). Measurements were performed using SIMRAD EY60 split beam echosounder with frequency 120 kHz. Additionally, zooplankton and environmental parameters were measured. The results showed more than ten times differences between the day and night fish density estimates, probably resulting either from the horizontal migrations between the littoral and open water or vertical migrations. Differences were higher during winter than during summer, and higher in the tributary bay than in the mainstream. Clear vertical migrations were observed both in the tributary bay (amplitude 15 m) and in the mainstream (amplitude 35 m), but only during winter time. Inter-annual estimates of fish density showed generally decreasing trend with years. especially well pronounced in the tributary bay. We also observed high seasonal and diurnal variability in fish distributions, which can significantly affect the accuracy and precision of biomass estimate, indicating importance of choosing appropriate timing for fish monitoring. According to our results, in order to receive the most reliable estimates of fish density in the TGR, hydroacoustic surveys should be performed during summer at night time.     

Size-fractionated phytoplankton biomass,primary production and respiration in the Nervión–Ibaizabal estuary: A comparison with other nearshore coastal and estuarine ecosystems from the Bay of Biscay

The seasonal pattern of size-fractionated phytoplankton biomass, primary production and respiration was investigated along the longitudinal axis of the Nervión–Ibaizabal estuary (Bay of Biscay) from April 2003 to September 2004. Environmental factors influencing phytoplankton dynamics were also studied. Chlorophyll a biomass showed a longitudinal pattern of increase from the outer Abra bay to the inner estuary. On a seasonal scale, in the intermediate and inner estuary phytoplankton biomass maxima were registered in summer, the warmest and driest season, whereas in the outer bay chlorophyll a peaks occurred in May 2004, but were delayed to August 2003, likely due to a very rainy spring. Data suggest that river flow exerts a marked influence on the timing of phytoplankton biomass maxima in this estuary, decreased river flows providing a lowering of turbidity and an increase in water residence time needed for chlorophyll a to build up. Nutrient concentrations were high enough not to limit phytoplankton growth throughout the annual cycle, except silicate and occasionally phosphate in the outer bay during summer. Silicate concentration correlated positively with river flow, whereas ammonium and phosphate maximum values were generally measured in the mid-estuary, suggesting the importance of allochthonous anthropogenic sources. In the intermediate and inner estuary phytoplankton biomass was generally dominated by >8 μm size-fraction (ca. 60%), but in August 2003 <8 μm size-fraction increased its contribution in the intermediate estuary. It is argued that the lower nutrient concentrations measured in August 2003 than in August 2004 could have played a role. This is the first study in which phytoplankton primary production rates have been measured along the longitudinal axis of the Nervión–Ibaizabal estuary. Throughout the annual cycle these rates ranged from 0.001 to 3.163 g C m^?3 d^?1 and were comparable to those measured in nearby small estuaries of the Basque coast and other larger estuaries on the Bay of Biscay. Surface plankton community respiration rate maxima were measured during the spring 2004 chlorophyll a peak in the Abra bay and in summer months at the mid and inner estuary, coinciding with chlorophyll a biomass and primary production maxima. In general, respiration rates showed a positive correlation with temperature. In order to compare results from the Nervión–Ibaizabal estuary with other nearshore coastal and estuarine ecosystems within the Bay of Biscay a review of existing information on phytoplankton biomass and primary production dynamics was performed.     

Magnetic susceptibility and heavy-metal contamination in topsoils along the Izmit Gulf coastal area and IZAYTAS (Turkey)

The study on topsoil contamination due to heavy metals was carried out by using the Magnetic susceptibility (MS) measurements in Izmit industrial city, northern Turkey. We attempted to investigate correlations between the concentration of selected heavy metals and the MS from 41 sample sites around Izmit Gulf. These investigations let us quantify and standardize the MS method, which may have consequences for long term monitoring of anthropogenic pollution, especially in urban areas. The MS surfer contour map based on the topsoil measurements was compiled with a randomly ranged distance density. The soil samples collected throughout the industrial areas, the parks, road sides and residential areas were also analyzed by Atomic Absorption Spectrometer. Heavy metals Cu, Ni, Cr and Pb show strong correlations with MS, while Zn and Co show a weak correlation with MS. Moreover, the Tomlinson pollution load index (PLI) shows insignificant correlation with the MS.The MS was examined vertically (0–30 cm) with respect to anthropogenic and/or lithogenic influences at the fourteen sample sites. The maximum values were mostly observed in depths of 2–5 cm and the MS values on the depth profiles vary between 10 × 10^? 8 m³ kg^? 1 and 203 × 10^? 8 m³ kg^? 1. The study revealed that MS is an inexpensive, fast and non-destructive method for the detection and mapping of contaminated soils.     

Lightning electrical characteristics during tropical summer thunderstorm in North-East India

The preliminary results of observation of the lightning electrical characteristics during tropical summer thunderstorms locally known as “Nor-Wester”, at a hilly place in North-East India (23.50°N, 91.25°E) are reported here. Some distinct peaks are observed in the VLF range between 1.5 to 6 kHz. Average cloud conductivity is found to be 8.12×10^?10 S m^?1. Specific characteristics of integrated field intensity of sferics (IFIS) at 14 and 17 kHz are also studied. Average enhancement of electrical activity during thunderstorms is found to be 170 dB kHz^?1 compared to the normal weather sferics intensity.     

Vertical and horizontal distribution of magnetic susceptibility and metal contents in an industrial district of central Iran

This study was conducted to determine the vertical and horizontal distribution of selected metals and magnetic susceptibility (χlf) in an industrial site located in Isfahan province, central Iran. For this purpose, we used a grid sampling methodology and excavated 202 profiles. Soil samples were then collected from 0–30, 60–90, and 120–150 cm depths. The mass magnetic susceptibility (χ) of the soil samples was measured at both low and high frequencies (χlf and χhf) using the Bartington MS2 dual frequency sensor; and χfd was also calculated. Soil samples were also analyzed for iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), lead (Pb), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), nickel (Ni), chromium (Cr) and cobalt (Co) concentrations. The results showed that there were positive significant correlations among selected metals including Zn, Pb, Fe and Mn, which were mainly added through coal fly ash from an iron smelting factory at the studied site, while the concentration of Ni, Cr and Co was mainly controlled by the parent material of the soils. The trends in results at the site of study were similar in vertical and horizontal distribution for the industrial originated metals as judged by pollution load index (PLI) using χlf. The results of SEM/EDX also confirmed the presence of spheroid of magnetic particles in the surface soil samples taken in close proximity of the factory. Based on the results using the contamination factors (CF) determined for selected metals, the following order was observed: Pb > Zn > Mn > Fe > Cu > Ni ≥ Co > Cr. The results also suggested that magnetic methods could be used to estimate the metal contamination from anthropogenic sources in industrial soils.