Mercury concentrations in the fur of steller sea lions and northern fur seals from Alaska

We compared total mercury (THg) concentrations in the fur of northern fur seals (Callorhinus ursinus) from the depleted Pribilof Islands population with those of both declining and thriving populations of Steller sea lions (Eumetopias jubatus) from Prince William Sound (PWS) and Southeast Alaska (SEA), respectively. Relatively low wet weight concentrations (ranges) of THg were detected in the fur of Steller sea lion (SSL) pups (0.90-3.14 microg/g) and juveniles (0.56-6.75 microg/g) from both areas in 1998 and 2000 compared to northern fur seal (NFS) pups (3.15-8.14 microg/g) in 2000. The mean concentration +/- SD for SSLs sampled were 1.46 +/- 0.64 microg/g for pups (n = 22) and 2.74 +/- 2.89 microg/g for juveniles (n = 6). Analyses indicated higher THg concentrations from SSL pups from PWS compared to the SEA. Mean +/- SD. THg in the NFS pups was 4.90 +/- 1.42 microg/g (n = 34) and for post-partum dams was 7.84 +/- 1.78 microg/g (n = 12).     

Phytoplankton life cycle transformations lead to species-specific effects on sediment processes in the Baltic Sea

In order to study the sediment response to different addition of organic matter, we added cultures of the dinoflagellates Scrippsiella hangoei and Woloszynskia halophila and the diatom Pauliella taeniata to aquaria containing natural sediment. The biomass added was 1550–3260 mg C m⁻², and in the control, no biomass was added (n=3). Oxygen profiles at the sediment–water interface and inorganic nutrients in the near bottom water were determined once a week. In the additions of P. taeniata and W. halophila the sediment quickly became anoxic, and subsequently there was a flux of >1 mmol PO₄³⁻ m⁻² d⁻¹ out of the sediment in these treatments. The majority of the released P came from P stored in the sediment and not from the organic phosphorus added. The result was very different for the S. hangoei addition. This species underwent a life cycle change to form temporary cysts. During this process there was a net uptake of nutrients. After the formation of cysts the concentration of inorganic nutrient was similar to that of the control. Cysts generally survive for long periods in the sediment (months to years) before germinating, but can also be permanently buried in the sediment. The novel idea presented here is that the phytoplankton composition may directly affect sediment processes such as oxygen consumption and phosphorus release, through species-specific life cycle changes and yields of resting stages produced prior to sedimentation. This can be an important aspect of nutrient cycling in eutrophic waters, like the Baltic Sea, where there is large year-to-year difference in the amount of resting stages settling at the sea floor, mainly due to differences in abundance of diatoms and dinoflagellates during the spring bloom. If yields of resting stages change, e.g. due to changes in the phytoplankton community, it may lead to alterations in the biogeochemical cycling of nutrients.     

Phosphorus fractionation and release characteristics of sediment in the Saemangeum Reservoir for seasonal change

Periodical algal blooms result in deposition and release of phosphorus (P) from the sediment into the water. Therefore, during seasonal changes when algal particles begin to settle to the bottom, understanding the behavior and distribution characteristics of the P in sediment is the most important key to manage the water quality of the Saemangeum Reservoir. In this study, the variation of water quality and sediment composition including chlorophyll-a (Chl-a) and P was investigated to determine the interaction between water and sediment. The study focused primarily on algal particle sedimentation that affects the P release and mineralization of sediment. The Chl-a concentration in water showed a sharp decline in October when the algae began to die in the fall, and afterward the concentration of chemical oxygen demand (COD) and total P (TP) in the sediment increased due to the sedimentation of decaying algal particles in November. During the same period of time, the readily bio-available P (RAP) in the sediment showed a drastic increase in the upper region where the Chl-a concentration of water was high. In sequence, the high RAP zone shifted from the upper region to the lower region in the early winter. The RAP shift was considered to be derived from the physical flow of the overlying water from which the decomposing algae settled on the surface of the sediment. The Saemangeum Reservoir was constructed recently; therefore, all the types of inorganic P fractions except soluble reactive phosphorus (SRP) that exist on the bottom surface of the lake and the marsh's sediment layer were not sufficient to significantly influence the overlying water. On the other hand, the released P from the algae was distinct and sensitive to the seasonal change. In conclusion, the algal particle sedimentation was important to control eutrophication rather than P release from the mineralized inorganic P of the sediment surface layer in the Seamangeum Reservoir.     

Bacteria and organic matter dynamics during a bioremediation treatment of organic-rich harbour sediments

We studied the dynamics of bacteria and organic matter in the Ancient Port of Genoa (Italy) during a bioremediation treatment of sediment (during summer-autumn 1998) in an area characterised by continuous sewage discharge. A strong increase in total benthic bacterial density (TBN) was recorded at the end of the study, from 14 x 10(8) to 58-172 x 10(8) cell g(-1) in different parts of the treated area. The TBN increase was linked to organic matter depletion, from more than 40 to less than 20 mg x g(-1). In order to highlight the main ecological mechanisms involved in bioremediation, a laboratory experiment based on both water and sediment from the basin studied was carried out. We observed an increase in TBN during the first 20 days and a decrease in sediment organic matter (up to about 20%). Increases of organic matter (about 2-fold) and TBN (from 21 to 33 x 10(9) cell l(-1)) occurred in the overlying water, suggesting a strong association between the sediments and water column processes. Hydrolytic activities, which double in the sediment and increase up to a 300-fold in the water, are consistent with the decrease in sediment organic matter and with the water fraction dynamics.     

太湖梅梁湾藻华暴发消退-周期表层水体溶解性有机质分子特征

人类活动引起的富营养化对太湖的碳循环模式可能产生严重影响,精细描述太湖藻华暴发-消退周期的溶解性有机质分子是了解太湖碳库动态变化的关键.本研究利用傅立叶变换离子回旋共振质谱技术,以太湖北部梅梁湾2017年5月至2018年5月的表层水体为研究对象,解析藻华暴发-消退周期溶解性有机质的来源和分子组成特征,进而理解浮游藻类异常增殖对水体溶解性有机质的影响及其在区域碳循环中的角色.研究结果表明,藻华暴发期浮游藻类生产力显著增加,使得表层水体的溶解性有机质从含量到分子组成均发生剧烈改变.含量上表现为溶解性有机碳浓度升高,分子组成上表现为CHO类化合物和以脂肪族类化合物为代表的活性组分占比增加,特征化合物以相对高饱和度和高含氧的小质量数分子为主.而在藻华消退期,随着藻类有机质贡献的减少和有机质降解过程的持续进行,含量上表现为溶解性有机碳浓度下降,分子组成上表现为CHOS、CHONS类化合物和富羧酸脂环类化合物等惰性分子占比增加,特征化合物以大质量数分子和相对低饱和度和低含氧的小质量数分子为主.研究结果表明,太湖水体的溶解性有机质分子组成在藻华暴发期受藻类有机质输入控制,在消退期受藻类有机质降解的影响.     

Effect of Phototrophic Bacteria on Water Blooming

The eutrophication-induced blooming of sea or fresh water is found to be due to an anomalous burst of plankton development, which, in addition to diatom and euglena algae involves the predominance of blue-green and dinophytes (especially dinoflagellates). Characteristic representatives of plankton and toxin-generating algae are recognized. Data on the irrigation systems and drainage basins, subject to eutrophication as a result of a wide use of chemicals at paddy rice plantation in Oogata-Mura, Akita prefecture, Japan, are used to demonstrate the effect of phototrophic bacteria on organic matter decomposition in bottom sediment, which reduces water blooming and improves water quality.     

Formaldehyde in the Elbe Estuary: Distribution and Processes

From 1989 to 1992, the concentration of formaldehyde was measured along the Elbe estuary as well as at anchor stations. In mesocosm experiments, the turnover of formaldehyde could be investigated avoiding the variability caused by tidal advection of different water bodies. Formaldehyde concentrations in the Elbe estuary ranged from 0.5… 180 μg/L. As sources, a release by algae and microbial processes were identified. Three areas with different dominance of formaldehyde turnover processes were found in the estuary. In the limnic part of the estuary, a release of formaldehyde by algae was dominant. In the mixohaline zone and the turbidity maximum, bacterial degradation of organic matter increased the formaldehyde concentration. In the mouth of the estuary, the adjacent Wadden sea areas influenced the concentration due to formaldehyde-rich runoff from the tidal mud flats. In the other parts of the estuary, a fast degradation of formaldehyde kept the formaldehyde concentration at a low level. In sediment cores from the Elbe and a mesocosm, the formaldehyde concentrations were in the same range as in the water column. Mesocosms with and without sediment showed no significant differences in concentration levels which were similar to those measured in the Elbe at the same time. During the investigated period, no anthropogenic impacts of formaldehyde into the Elbe estuary could be detected.     

Distribution and fate of metals in the Montenegrin part of Lake Skadar

Skadar Lake,the largest lake on the Balkan Peninsula,is famous for a wide range of endemic and rare,or even endangered plant and animal species.Different anthropogenic pressures have,however,influenced the fragile equilibria of the lake ecosystem,with metal pollution as one of the primary concerns.Therefore,this study investigated spatial distribution of metal pollutants in the water and sediment phase of Skadar Lake,and anthropogenic and environmental factors affecting this distribution.A sieving analysis showed that sediment in Skadar Lake is mainly distributed in the three smallest fractions（colloid,clay and silt）.Eleven metals were analyzed in the lake surface and bottom water,and only six of them were detected：potassium,magnesium,calcium,nickel,aluminum and manganese.They were all present at low concentrations.In contrast,sediments contained elevated levels of some metals with concentrations between 28.1-126.8 mg kg~（-1） for Ni,23.6-79.2 mg kg~（-1） for Cr,9.2-36.9 mg kg~（-1） for Cu,199-878 mg kg~（-1） for Mn and 9.6-23.1 g kg~（-1） for Fe.Nickel exceeded consensus-based guidelines for safety towards freshwater dwelling organisms.The organic matter content of the sediment fluctuated between 4.7 and 21.5%.No correlations were found between metal concentrations,organic matter and sediment particle size fractions,suggesting that the latter are not the main factors controlling metal accumulation in Skadar Lake.     

Mercury distribution in Douro estuary (Portugal)

Determinations of dissolved reactive and total dissolved mercury, particulate and sedimentary mercury, dissolved organic carbon (DOC), particulate organic carbon (POC) and suspended particulate matter (SPM) have been made in the estuary of river Douro, in northern Portugal. The estuary was stratified by salinity along most of its length, it had low concentrations of SPM, typically <20 mg dm(-3), and concentrations of DOC in the range <1.0-1.8 mg dm(-3). The surface waters had a maximum dissolved concentration of reactive mercury of about 10 ng dm(-3), whereas for the more saline bottom waters it was about 65 ng dm(-3). The surface waters had maximum concentrations of total suspended particulate mercury of approximately 7 microg g(-1) and the bottom waters were always <1 microg g(-1). Concentrations of mercury in sediments was low and in the range from 0.06 to 0.18 microg g(-1). The transport of mercury in surface waters was mainly associated with organic-rich particulate matter, while in bottom waters the dissolved phase transport of mercury is more important. Lower particulate organic matter, formation of chlorocomplexes in more saline waters and eventually the presence of colloids appear to explain the difference of mercury partitioning in Douro estuarine waters.     

Atmospheric lead fallout over the last century recorded in Gulf of Lions sediments (Mediterranean Sea)

Six marine sediment cores from the Gulf of Lions continental slope (700-1700 m water depth) were analyzed for stable lead isotopes and (210)Pb geochronology in order to reconstruct lead atmospheric fallout pattern during the last century. The detrital lead contribution is 25 microg g(-1) and the mean sediment anthropogenic inventory is 110+/-7 microg cm(-2), a little bit higher than atmospheric deposition estimate. Anthropogenic lead accumulation in sediments peaked in early 1970s (1973+/-2) in agreement with lead emissions features. For the period 1986-1997, the sediment signal also reflect the decrease of atmospheric lead described by independent atmospheric fallout investigations. The anthropogenic Pb deposition in the late 1990s was similar to the 1950s deposition, attesting thus of the output of European environmental policies.     

Seasonal replenishment of mercury in a coastal fjord by its intermittent anoxicity

We report the first time-series of seasonal change in the concentration of mercury in sea water, and its speciation and mechanism of replenishment by sulphide chemistry in an intermittently reducing coastal fjord. We observed total Hg levels in sea water as low as 0.3 ng l⁻¹ in the oxygenated waters of Saanich Inlet, British Columbia, as well as a correlation of seasonal buildup of Hg and sulphide in the bottom waters between March and August through diffusive supplies from the anoxic sea water/sediment interface.     

氧化还原条件对红枫湖沉积物磷释放影响的微尺度分析

选取贵州红枫湖为研究对象,在实验室条件下模拟了自然、好氧和厌氧条件下沉积物内源磷的释放过程,联合应用微电极技术和沉积物磷形态分析对沉积物—水界面开展了微尺度观测与研究.结果表明,厌氧条件下红枫湖沉积物总磷含量显著降低,且主要是NaOH提取态磷(NaOH-P)和残渣态磷(rest-P)含量降低所致,厌氧条件下沉积物孔隙水中磷酸盐浓度明显升高,而好氧条件下沉积物孔隙水磷酸盐浓度显著降低,反映厌氧条件显著促进了红枫湖沉积物磷释放.厌氧条件下沉积物内部溶解氧浓度下降、硫还原活动增强可能是导致NaOH-P释放的主要原因.O_2浓度的降低加速了沉积物还原作用并产生大量H2S,进而与二价铁离子形成硫化亚铁沉淀,最终导致NaOH-P(Fe-P)释放到孔隙水中.好氧条件向厌氧条件的转换可通过改变沉积物内部pH值分布和微生物活动促使rest-P释放:厌氧条件下,厌氧微生物不仅可以消耗硫酸根产生H_2S,导致pH值降低,还可消耗有机质,将有机磷转变为无机磷.上述研究结果表明,沉积物—水界面氧化还原环境可影响沉积物氧渗透深度、pH值分布、微生物活动、硫循环以及有机质降解过程,进而控制沉积物磷的形态转化与释放.联合应用微电极技术和沉积物磷形态分析对湖泊沉积物—水界面开展微尺度观测研究是揭示沉积物内源磷释放机制与控制因素的有效途径.     

Multidisciplinary ecogeochemical studies of bottom sediments,seawater, and surface microlayer in some parts of the Caspian Sea

The results of monitoring studies of organic matter content of bottom sediment, water, and surface microlayer carried out during expeditions of 2000–2004 in northwestern Caspian Sea are presented.     

Total and methylmercury in a Brazilian estuary,Rio de Janeiro

Guanabara Bay, in Rio de Janeiro state, is impacted by organic matter, oil and heavy metals. The present study evaluated the total mercury (THg) and methylmercury (MeHg) concentrations and the MeHg to THg ratio (%MeHg) in water samples from different points of the bay and in 245 organisms of three different trophic levels sampled between 1990 and 2000. Dissolved mercury concentration in estuarine water samples ranged from 0.72 to 5.23 ngl(-1). THg and MeHg in mussel, ranging from 11.6 to 53.5 microg THg kg(-1) wet wt. and 4.5-21.0 microg MeHg kg(-1) wet wt., varied according to sampling point and water quality. Planktivorous fish and mussel presented similar MeHg concentrations, meanwhile THg in planktivorous fish were lower than in mussel. Carnivorous fish showed higher THg and MeHg concentrations (199.5 +/- 119.3, 194.7 +/- 112.7 microg kg(-1) wet wt. respectively) than organisms from other feeding habits and lower trophic levels. There was a significant difference in the %MeHg among trophic levels: mussel presented lower MeHg percentage (33%) than planktivorous fish (54%) and carnivorous fish (98%).     

Tributyltin release from harbour sediments--modelling the influence of sedimentation, bio-irrigation and diffusion using data from Bremerhaven

This study describes the potential release of TBT from harbour sediments based on model calculations for different sediment management scenarios applying a numerical one-dimensional FD-model. A conceptual model was developed focussing on the following processes involved in the transport of TBT: sorption equilibrium, diffusion, irrigation and sedimentation. Assuming TBT-concentration of 292 microg/kg in the sediment, the diffusive release of TBT from sediments into the bottom water was calculated to 7.4 x 10(-7)-6.9 x 10(-6)mol m(-2) after 1 year and 7.4 x 10(-6)-1.6 x 10(-4)mol m(-2) after 100 years. In these scenarios, neither sedimentation nor capping were considered. Assuming a sedimentation at a rate of 1cm/a, the polluted sediments will be covered with TBT-free suspended matter. A diffusive release of TBT will be prevented if no bio-irrigation takes place. Capping with a layer of sand of 50 cm thickness will decrease the diffusive release. If a reactive capping could be applied, the release of TBT into the bottom water would be stopped almost completely. The study shows that our model calculations enables us to compare different scenarios in sediment management based on available data. Additionally, it can provide information for risk assessment in the absence of data.     

A new concept to forecast the process of suspended sediment accumulation in the bottom sediment of small reservoirs

The new concept presented for forecasting the rate of accumulation of suspended sediment in reservoir water in the bottom sediment allows reasonable estimates of the siltation process globally, regionally, or locally, to be obtained without the need for costly research. The method draws on three key parameters, i.e., the concentration of suspended sediments (SS), and its organic matter (OM_SS) content, as well as the storage capacity (V_R) (i.e., the water storage in the reservoir). All of these parameters easy to determine, with information on them, in fact, made widely available by most agencies managing reservoirs in different parts of the world. In practice, the proposed method can represent a missing link in the precise determination of a reservoirs rate of siltation (and hence, losses of storage capacity).     

Heavy metals mobility in harbour contaminated sediments: the case of Port-en-Bessin

Metallic contaminants associated with sediments showed various behaviours depending on physicochemical conditions. A contaminated sediment core from a harbour in the Bay of Seine was sampled to derive information about metal solubilization from anoxic sediment. In these anaerobic surroundings, physicochemical processes depended on the organic matter cycle, on vertical variation of redox conditions and on precipitation conditions of iron and manganese. In the studied core, anoxic conditions were developed at -15 cm depth. A three-step sequential extraction procedure, modified from the BCR method (now the SM&T), was applied to the anoxic sediment in order to evaluate the potential mobility of fixed metals. Zinc was the most labile metal, recovered in the first extraction stages, and was associated with the non-residual fraction of sediment. Lead was the least labile metal, with up to 70% associated with the residual fraction of the sediment. Copper was associated with organic matter, and its mobility was controlled by the concentration and degradation of the organic fraction. Discharge of organic-rich dredged sediments at sea results in degradation of contained organic matter and may affect the environmental impact of these metals significantly. These results therefore help to improve the waste management of such contaminated sediments.     

Hydrocarbons in the Suspension and Sediments of the Baltic Sea

The article gives the results of studying the concentration and composition of aliphatic and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in suspension in surface waters at sections from the English Channel and Skagerak Strait to various regions of the Baltic Sea (2010–2015) and in water and bottom sediments of the southeastern part of the sea in the water area of the Kravtsovskoe field (2008–2015). In recent years, the surface waters of open areas of the Baltic Sea showed a decrease in hydrocarbon concentrations down to background levels (12–33 μg/L). The maximal concentration of hydrocarbons (in excess of the MAC) was recorded in different seasons in navigation areas, including the English Channel and Pregola R. mouth. In the zone of the Kravtsovskoe field, the concentration and composition of hydrocarbons in water depends on their inflow from the bank, and the same characteristics in bottom sediments, on the rate of their leakage from sediment stratum. A decline in these processes have led to a decrease in hydrocarbon concentrations in the sediments of a local area near D-6 platform to background levels (5–7 μg/g) and to the predominance of terrigenous, rather than petroleum, alkanes in hydrocarbon compositions.     

Fenton体系处理黑臭河道沉积物的效果初探

沉积物中有机质的削减是黑臭水体治理的关键.Fenton(Fe^2++H2O2)试剂在有机污染废水和土壤原位修复中的应用广泛且效果良好;Fenton试剂也能很好地去除黑臭水体中的色度和浊度,但其氧化沉积物有机质的研究未见报道.为探究Fenton试剂对黑臭水体沉积物的氧化效果,本研究通过室内模拟实验用Fenton氧化法对黑臭河道沉积物进行处理,考察氧化过程沉积物特征和性质的变化;分析覆水后沉积物中污染物的释放特征,并和H2O2体系(无Fe^2+)进行比较.结果表明:Fenton体系显著提高了沉积物与上覆水的氧化还原电位,对黑臭河道沉积物中的有机质具有很强的氧化效率.在温度为28℃、H2O2为20%Q(Q为体系中沉积物有机质完全矿化的理论H2O2用量)和Fe^2+∶H2O2(摩尔比)为0.5∶1时,反应1 d,酸挥发性硫化物去除率为70.13%,沉积物总有机碳减少了22.14%,总有机氮减少了87.60%,生成了较多的铵态氮和硝态氮;由于铁对磷的钝化,沉积物中溶解性反应磷含量大幅减少.H2O2体系的氧化速度较Fenton体系慢,覆水后对体系中的Eh提高不明显.值得注意的是,Fenton体系会降低上覆水的pH,释放较多的铵态氮.需要联合其他技术(如微生物法),强化水体中有机质和氨氮的降解,以取得理想的修复作用.