The aegean sea oil spill in the Galicia Coast (NW Spain). I. Distribution and fate of the crude oil and combustion products in subtidal sediments.

The spatial distribution and fate of petrogenic and pyrogenic hydrocarbons in coastal sediments following the Aegean Sea oil spill (Galicia, NW Spain) was investigated through a detailed study of chemical markers. Alkanes and acyclic isoprenoid hydrocarbons were degraded within six months of the accident, but triterpane and sterane distributions were still detectable and were useful in monitoring, respectively, the oil source and weathering. Aromatic steranes were also useful source indicators, and oil degradation was clear from the decrease of certain alkyl dibenzothiophene and phenanthrene isomers. The pyrogenic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons produced in the tanker wreck were found more persistent than the petrogenic ones. However, the presence of the oil in the sediments was recognized even one year after the accident and was found particularly preserved in the subsurface layers.     

Investigation of mechanisms of formation of biphenyls and benzonaphthothiophenes by simulation experiment

The formation mechanisms of biphenyl series and benzonaphthothiophene series are investigated by means of simulation experiment. Biphenyl series are likely formed in two ways: one is the aromatization of the chain compounds containing conjugated C== C double bonds or the compounds with such a kind of sidechains, and the other is the reaction of sulfur with ordinary chain compounds, in which sulphur acts on ordinary sidechain compounds by seizing some hydrogens and forming (H2S and) the intermediates with conjugated C== C double bonds first, and then the intermediates are aromatized. One of the basic precursors of benzonaphthothiophenes is likely the phenylnaphthalenes which may originate from the chain compounds containing conjugated C== C double bonds, the compounds with such sidechains and saturate or unsaturate chain compounds. Thermal stability of biphenyls is high, but they can become dibenzothiophenes and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons or dibenzofurans and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons respectively in the presence of sulphur or oxygen. The ratio of biphenyl and m-biphenyl to biphenyls may be employed to indicate the depositional environment in the mild to medium maturation, of which the higher value indicates a fresh water depositional environment and the lower indicates a saline depositional environment. The relative high content of benzonaphthothiophenes in the crude oil indicates that the crude oil has undergone an intense sulfurization in the source rock or reservoir.     

Composition and sources of pollutant hydrocarbons in the Severn Estuary

Hydrocarbon distributions in sediment from the Severn Estuary can be explained mainly in terms of a pollutant origin. The aliphatic hydrocarbon distribution is similar to that found in biodegraded crude oils. The distribution of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, including the carcinogen benzo(a)pyrene, is similar to that derived from the pyrolysis of fossil fuels, especially petroleum.     

Inputs and sources of hydrocarbons in sediments from Cienfuegos bay, Cuba

The spatial distribution of aliphatic and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) was investigated in sediments from the Cienfuegos bay. The highest anthropogenic hydrocarbon inputs were found near the city of Cienfuegos with an unresolved complex mixture (UCM) of aliphatic hydrocarbons and alkylated PAHs, indicative of petrogenic inputs. Parent PAHs, which are typical of high-temperature combustion processes, were evenly distributed in the whole basin and largely prevailing in the southern part of the Cienfuegos city. Biomarker fingerprints assign the sources of pollution to mixes of national and non-national crude oils. The overall levels of anthropogenic hydrocarbons are relatively high compared to relevant areas worldwide and reveal a moderate/high level of hydrocarbon pollution. The Cienfuegos bay sediments received over a period of 5 yr, 50 T/yr of petrogenic unresolved hydrocarbons (UCM) and 2 T/yr of PAHs, being deposited the 80% in the sediments of the north basin.     

Molecular and stable carbon isotopic characterization of PAH contaminants at McMurdo Station, Antarctica

The molecular and stable carbon isotopic compositions of contaminant polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) at McMurdo Station, Antarctica were analyzed in samples collected from land and sub-tidal area. PAHs in the study areas were characterized by high amounts of naphthalene and alkylated naphthalenes from petroleum products introduced by human activities in the area. Principal component analysis (PCA) of PAH composition data identified multiple sources of PAH contamination in the study area. Compositional assignments of origins were confirmed using compound specific stable carbon isotopic analysis.     

Monitoring the freely dissolved concentrations of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) and alkylphenols (AP) around a Norwegian oil platform by holistic passive sampling

In order to assess the environmental impact of aquatic discharges from the offshore oil industry, polar organic chemical integrative samplers (POCIS) and semipermeable membrane devices (SPMDs) were deployed around an oil platform and at reference locations in the North Sea. Exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) and alkylated phenols (AP) was determined from passive sampler accumulations using an empirical uptake model, the dissipation of performance reference compounds and adjusted laboratory derived sampling rates. Exposure was relatively similar within 1–2 km of the discharge point, with levels dominated by short chained C1–C3 AP isomers (19–51 ng L⁻¹) and alkylated naphthalenes, phenanthrenes and dibenzothiophenes (NPD, 29–45 ng L⁻¹). Exposure stations showed significant differences to reference sites for NPD, but not always for more hydrophobic PAH. These concentrations are several orders of magnitude lower than those reported to give both acute and sub-lethal effects, although their long term consequences are unknown.     

The concentration and composition of polyaromatic hydrocarbons in small rivers in the drainage area of the eastern Gulf of Finland

The results of examining the concentrations of 16 major polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons are given. The examined samples were taken in the territory of Leningrad province and in the eastern Gulf of Finland in different seasons. Two seasonal natural profiles of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons were constructed, conventionally, for the spring and the autumn. The dominating effect on the formation of the profile of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons is exerted by pyrogenous pollution sources in winter and petrogenic pollution sources in summer.     

Distributions of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and alkylated polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in Osaka Bay,Japan

Contaminations in sediments by polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and alkylated PAHs were investigated at 44 sites in Osaka Bay, Japan. Concentrations of total PAHs and alkylated PAHs were in the range 6.40–7800 ng/g dry weights and 13.7–1700 ng/g dry weights, respectively. The PAH concentrations tended to be higher along the shoreline in the vicinities of big ports, industrialized areas, and densely populated regions such as the cities of Osaka and Kobe. The major sources appeared to be pyrogenic or both pyrogenic and petrogenic at most of the sites. PAH concentrations were remarkably high at a site near Kobe, where the concentrations of dibenzo(a,h)anthracene and benzo(g,h,i)perylene exceeded the effects-range-medium concentration and eight PAHs were above the corresponding effects-range-low concentrations. Those PAHs may have been derived from the great fire associated with the large earthquake in 1995.     

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in sediments of the Great Barrier Reef region,Australia

At present the concentrations of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in sediments from the Great Barrier Reef are remarkably low. The baseline levels range from <0.01 μg kg^?1 dry wt. for benzo(k)fluoranthene and benzo(a)pyrene to <0.82 μg kg^?1 for chrysene. Measurable levels of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons have only been found in small areas close to sites frequently visited by power boats. Sediments from Townsville and Gladstone Harbours on the coast adjacent to the reef are polluted with polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons to a similar degree to that reported for coastal sediments in similar locations in other parts of the world.     

Vorkommen und Bewertung polyzyklischer aromatischer Kohlenwasserstoffe in einem mit kommunalen und industriellen Abwässern belasteten Fließgewässer

The river with a catchment of 5,400 km² is investigated over a length of 230 km at seven stations for the total concentration of six polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) and the total of three carcinogenic polycyclic substances (CPS) in the water by means of thin-layer chromatography. The maximum load occurs in the lower course downstream of large industrial wastewater introduction points with 5.1 μg/l polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, whereas in the upper course the maxima are at 2 … 3 μg/l polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons for a mainly municipal pollution. The average daily load increases from 0.146 kg/d PAH and 0.048 kg/d CPS to 4.168 and 1.401 kg/d, respectively. In the flowing water there cannot be observed any self-purification concerning these substances, by an interconnected storage reservoir seston is reduced and thus also the PAC-concentrations are reduced by 50 … 60%. The PAH-concentration shows a significant positive correlation with the COD-Mn and the ammonium concentration. There is also a good agreement between the concentrations measured and the concentrations calculated from the wastewater load in the longitudinal section of the river.     

东太湖沉积物中多环芳烃-菲系列化合物的来源探讨

本文用索氏抽取法提取了东太湖的沉积物和水生植物中的可溶性有机质,用不同极性溶剂在硅胶／氧化铝柱上分离了饱和烃、芳烃、酮馏分,利用GC-MS至芳烃组分进行了鉴定分析,并对其中重要多环芳烃－菲系列化合物的来源进行了探讨。     

Polychlorinated biphenyls and hydrocarbons in bottom sediments of Pechora Basin Rivers

The quantitative concentrations of 21 congeners of polychlorinated biphenyls and 16 priority polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons were studied in bottom sediments of the Usa River, the largest Pechora’s tributary, and its tributaries located in the central part of Timan-Pechora petroleum province. In accordance with the classification of the regional and international standards, the pollution degree of bottom sediments by organic compounds of those classes was evaluated. Pollution profiles were examined and the character of the dominating source of polychlorinated biphenyls and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons for bottom sediments in the region under study was identified. Key words: bottom sediments, polychlorinated biphenyls, profiles of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, petrogenic, pyrogenic pollution source.     

Toxicogenomic analysis of immune system-related genes in Japanese flounder (Paralichthys olivaceus) exposed to heavy oil

Heavy oil contamination is one of the most important environmental issues. Toxicities of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), including immune toxicities, are well characterized, however, the immune toxic effects of heavy oil, as a complex mixture of PAHs, have not been investigated. In the present study, we selected Japanese flounder (Paralichthys olivaceus) as a model organism, and observed alteration of immune function by the exposure to heavy oil. To analyze the expression profiles of immune system-related genes, we selected 309 cDNAs from our flounder EST library, and spotted them on a glass slide. Using this cDNA array, alteration of gene expression profiles was analyzed in the kidneys of flounders exposed to heavy oil. Six Japanese flounders (mean body weight: 197 g) were acclimated to laboratory conditions at 19-20 degrees C. Three fish were exposed to heavy oil C (bunker C) at a concentration of 3.8 g/L for 3 days, and the others were kept in seawater without heavy oil and used as the control. After the exposure period, the fish were transferred into control seawater and maintained for 4 days, and then they were dissected and their kidneys were removed. Total RNA was extracted from the kidney samples to use in gene expression analyses. The microarray detected alteration of immune system-related genes in the kidneys of heavy oil-exposed flounders, including down-regulation of immunoglobulin light chain, CD45, major histocompatibility complex class II antigens and macrophage colony-stimulating factor precursor, and up-regulation of interleukin-8 and lysozyme. These results suggest that pathogen resistance may be weakened in heavy oil-exposed fish, causing a subsequent bacterial infection, and then proinflammatory genes may be induced as a defensive response against the infection. Additionally, we found candidate genes for use as biomarkers of heavy oil exposure, such as N-myc downstream regulated gene 1 and heat shock cognate 71 kDa proteins.     

Biomarker responses and genotoxicity in the mud snail (Bullacta exarata) as indicators of coastal contamination

In the present study different biomarker responses and genotoxicity were determined in wild mud snails (Bullacta exarata) collected from 3 sampling sites in Bohai Bay in northeastern China, which is a region that is under considerable anthropogenic influence. Significant spatial variability of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and metallothionein (MT)-like proteins were recorded, while glutathione transferase (GST), catalase (CAT), and vitellin-like proteins (Vn's) were not observed. Furthermore, genomic DNA that was amplified with 4 fluorescence-labeled primer pairs showed variable genetic distances among the 3 wild mud snail populations found in Bohai Bay, which may be correlated with differences in the types of environmental genotoxicants, such as heavy metals and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. This multi-biomarker approach provided an improved understanding of the potential toxicological impact of contaminated sediments on benthic organisms.     

Toxicogenomic analysis of immune system-related genes in Japanese flounder (Paralichthys olivaceus) exposed to heavy oil

Heavy oil contamination is one of the most important environmental issues. Toxicities of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), including immune toxicities, are well characterized, however, the immune toxic effects of heavy oil, as a complex mixture of PAHs, have not been investigated. In the present study, we selected Japanese flounder (Paralichthys olivaceus) as a model organism, and observed alteration of immune function by the exposure to heavy oil. To analyze the expression profiles of immune system-related genes, we selected 309 cDNAs from our flounder EST library, and spotted them on a glass slide. Using this cDNA array, alteration of gene expression profiles was analyzed in the kidneys of flounders exposed to heavy oil. Six Japanese flounders (mean body weight: 197 g) were acclimated to laboratory conditions at 19–20 °C. Three fish were exposed to heavy oil C (bunker C) at a concentration of 3.8 g/L for 3 days, and the others were kept in seawater without heavy oil and used as the control. After the exposure period, the fish were transferred into control seawater and maintained for 4 days, and then they were dissected and their kidneys were removed. Total RNA was extracted from the kidney samples to use in gene expression analyses. The microarray detected alteration of immune system-related genes in the kidneys of heavy oil-exposed flounders, including down-regulation of immunoglobulin light chain, CD45, major histocompatibility complex class II antigens and macrophage colony-stimulating factor precursor, and up-regulation of interleukin-8 and lysozyme. These results suggest that pathogen resistance may be weakened in heavy oil-exposed fish, causing a subsequent bacterial infection, and then proinflammatory genes may be induced as a defensive response against the infection. Additionally, we found candidate genes for use as biomarkers of heavy oil exposure, such as N-myc downstream regulated gene 1 and heat shock cognate 71 kDa proteins.     

Toxicogenomic analysis of immune system-related genes in Japanese flounder (Paralichthys olivaceus) exposed to heavy oil

Heavy oil contamination is one of the most important environmental issues. Toxicities of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), including immune toxicities, are well characterized, however, the immune toxic effects of heavy oil, as a complex mixture of PAHs, have not been investigated. In the present study, we selected Japanese flounder (Paralichthys olivaceus) as a model organism, and observed alteration of immune function by the exposure to heavy oil. To analyze the expression profiles of immune system-related genes, we selected 309 cDNAs from our flounder EST library, and spotted them on a glass slide. Using this cDNA array, alteration of gene expression profiles was analyzed in the kidneys of flounders exposed to heavy oil. Six Japanese flounders (mean body weight: 197 g) were acclimated to laboratory conditions at 19–20 °C. Three fish were exposed to heavy oil C (bunker C) at a concentration of 3.8 g/L for 3 days, and the others were kept in seawater without heavy oil and used as the control. After the exposure period, the fish were transferred into control seawater and maintained for 4 days, and then they were dissected and their kidneys were removed. Total RNA was extracted from the kidney samples to use in gene expression analyses. The microarray detected alteration of immune system-related genes in the kidneys of heavy oil-exposed flounders, including down-regulation of immunoglobulin light chain, CD45, major histocompatibility complex class II antigens and macrophage colony-stimulating factor precursor, and up-regulation of interleukin-8 and lysozyme. These results suggest that pathogen resistance may be weakened in heavy oil-exposed fish, causing a subsequent bacterial infection, and then proinflammatory genes may be induced as a defensive response against the infection. Additionally, we found candidate genes for use as biomarkers of heavy oil exposure, such as N-myc downstream regulated gene 1 and heat shock cognate 71 kDa proteins.     

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in a large South American industrial coastal area (Santos Estuary, Southeastern Brazil): sources and depositional history

Located in southeastern Brazil, the Santos Estuary has the most important industrial and urban population area of South America. Since the 1950's, increased urbanization and industrialization near the estuary margins has caused the degradation of mangroves and has increased the discharge of sewage and industrial effluents. The main objectives of this work were to determine the concentrations and sources of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in sediment cores in order to investigate the input of these substances in the last 50 years. The PAHs analyses indicated multiple sources of these compounds (oil and pyrolitic origin), basically anthropogenic contributions from biomass, coal and fossil fuels combustion. The distribution of PAHs in the cores was associated with the formation and development of Cubat?o industrial complex and the Santos harbour, waste disposal, world oil crisis and the pollution control program, which results in the decrease of organic pollutants input in this area.     

巢湖蓝藻死亡衰败过程中典型有害成分形成及控制对策

蓝藻暴发及其打捞后的随意堆放,会产生藻毒素、多环芳烃、臭味气体等有毒物质.通过实验室模拟巢湖蓝藻死亡衰败过程,检测其中的有机元素、沥青(A)、饱和烃、芳烃等含量变化,探讨了死亡衰败阶段蓝藻有害成分尤其是多环芳烃等有毒物质的形成及控制对策.结果表明,蓝藻死亡衰败过程中,经兼性工艺处理的蓝藻其芳烃类总含量最低,多环芳烃的种类和含量也最低.单纯厌氧作用使芳烃含量略有升高,而单纯的好氧作用使饱和烃含量增高,并随作用时间的延长而增加,在好氧处理3个月的蓝藻中达到最高值.因此,本文认为兼性工艺处理的蓝藻最适于堆肥等资源化利用,其发酵液通入农田用作肥料,气体收集用于燃烧.并且提出依靠蓝藻死亡衰败过程中的藻胆蛋白、叶绿素等的荧光强度来监测其死亡衰败进程,进而控制其有害成分形成的对策.     

Origin of hydrocarbons in bottom sediments of the Ivankovo Reservoir

The composition of hydrocarbons (aliphatic and polycyclic aromatic) is studied in the surface layer of bottom sediments of the Ivankovo Reservoir. Their concentrations are found to be high both per dry mass and in the composition of C_org. The concentration range was 0.42 to 28.15% for C_org, 141.9 to 3451.8 μg/g for aliphatic hydrocarbons (0.2–51.2% C_org), and 28.2–9161 ng/g for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons ((0.04–6.58) × 10^?3 % C_org). The distribution of hydrocarbons is shown to be determined not only by the lithologic type of sediments, but also by their input from petroleum and pyrogenic sources.     

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.