Petrowatch: Petroleum hydrocarbons,synthetic organic compounds,and heavy metals in mussels from the Monterey Bay area of central California

Mussel Watch techniques were used to measure the concentrations of petroleum hydrocarbons, synthetic organic hydrocarbons, and trace metals in a preliminary study of the Monterey Bay area in central California. Resident mussels were found to have higher-than-expected petroleum hydrocarbon body burdens in Carmel Bay, an area thought to be relatively contaminant free. A ‘hot spot’ of PCB 1254 and pp′DDE was measured at Año Nueuvo Island, a site previously recognized because of elevated levels of mercury in mussels. PCB 1254 concentrations at Año Nuevo Island were high in relation to the remainder of coastal United States and Baja California, reflecting entrainment of this compound at a biologically active area. The Monterey Harbor Jetty location showed the highest contamination levels for zinc and lead. In fact, this location has the second highest lead concentrations in mussels for the California coast. Biological cycling of certain compounds (PCB, DDT and mercury) in remote locations such as Año Nuevo Island, is hypothesized as a mechanism for these elevated concentrations in mussels. Levels of other synthetic organic hydrocarbons were generally low, with chlordanes showing higher concentrations in the more urbanized locations of the study area, i.e. the Monterey Harbor Jetty.     

A case study of the abuse of science in sewage planning

A regional sewage system is under construction bordering southern Monterey Bay, California. It is replacing small treatment plants at Monterey, Seaside, Ford Ord, Marina and Salinas. The existing plants are mostly secondary, discharge no industrial wastes, and except for Salinas all discharge into the open ocean. The regional-system is the result of a zone of prohibition of waste discharge that was established in 1971. Justification for the zone was created by the Regional and State Water Boards several years after the zone was established. Our investigation of the evidence used to support the zone indicated that the water boards were clearly in error. The zone has been appealed through the Regional and State Boards and the courts. Over $100 000 000 (US) has already been spent on construction.     

International Pellet Watch: Global monitoring of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in coastal waters. 1. Initial phase data on PCBs, DDTs, and HCHs

Samples of polyethylene pellets were collected at 30 beaches from 17 countries and analyzed for organochlorine compounds. PCB concentrations in the pellets were highest on US coasts, followed by western Europe and Japan, and were lower in tropical Asia, southern Africa and Australia. This spatial pattern reflected regional differences in the usage of PCBs and was positively correlated with data from Mussel Watch, another monitoring approach. DDTs showed high concentrations on the US west coast and in Vietnam. In Vietnam, DDT was predominant over its metabolites (DDE and DDD), suggesting the principal source may be current usage of the pesticide for malaria control. High concentrations of pesticide HCHs were detected in the pellets from southern Africa, suggesting current usage of the pesticides in southern Africa. This study demonstrates the utility and feasibility of the International Pellet Watch approach to monitor POPs at a global scale.     

Trace metals in southern Californian mussels

The intertidal mussel Mytilus californianus is a useful indicator of anthropogenic inputs of several trace metals off southern California. Highest metal concentrations were measured in the digestive glands, and no significant differences attibutable to sex were found for this tissue. The distribution of lead appears to be dominated by diffuse inputs, while those of copper, chromium, and silver are most related to urban point sources. No distinct pattern was observed for nickel or zinc.     

Distribution of DDT in sediments off the central California coast

A collaborative sampling cruise off the central California coast was conducted to evaluate contaminant transport pathways along and across the shelf in the spring of 2002. The area has a complex current structure and net transport routes are not known for sure. Sediment characteristics, and organic and trace metal contaminants were analyzed in sediments taken from locations near shore, out to the heads of several canyons. Relative to the continental shelf and Pioneer Canyon stations, DDT was found at higher concentrations in Ascension and Monterey Canyons. Monterey Bay still receives DDT from terrestrial runoff and may be the source of DDT found in Ascension Canyon. DDT concentrations in Monterey Bay biota indicate bioaccumulation is occurring at depth due to continuing input from the shore. Effects on the deep ocean benthic community is unknown.     

Application of the Mussel Watch concept in studies of the distribution of hydrocarbons in the coastal zone of the Ebro Delta

The Mussel Watch concept was applied in a study of man-induced chemical changes in the Ebro Delta on the Catalonian coast to obtain a preliminary assessment of the distribution of synthetic organic compounds, petroleum and biogenic hydrocarbons in the local coastal zone. Mussels, oysters and clams were selected as the indicator organisms. Levels of petroleum accumulated by mussels were generally high, in the order of 100–800 μg^?1 dry weight, equivalent to those in mussels in the most polluted harbours and bays of California. The relative distributions of the steranes and pentacyclic triterpanes in the mussels were significantly different from those found in petroleum from a local field, indicating that local petroleum was not contributing to the present contamination. The composition of biogenic compounds was variable, probably reflecting differences in the composition of local plankton communities, PCB levels were high in relation to current levels in mussels from US sites, reflecting continuing PCB use in Spain. The Delta appears to be a point source of a number of organochlorine compounds, including HCB, the DDT compounds, endrin and γ-chlordane. Levels of the DDT compound o,p′-DDD, a pharmacologically active substance, were unexpectedly high; identification was confirmed by GS/MS. Many unidentified peaks were present on EC chromatograms, indicating a more complex pattern of contamination than might be suggested by printed summaries of data.     

Chemical contamination assessment of the Hudson-Raritan Estuary as a result of the attacks on the World Trade Center: analysis of trace elements

The attack on the World Trade Center (WTC) resulted in the destruction of buildings, and the release of tons of dust and debris into the environment. As part of the effort to characterize the environmental impact of the WTC collapse, Mussel Watch Program trace element measurements from the Hudson–Raritan Estuary (HRE) were assessed for the years before (1986–2001) and after (2001–2005) the attack. Trace element measurements in the HRE were significantly higher than Mussel Watch measurements taken elsewhere in the Nation. Post-attack trace element measurements were not significantly different from pre-attack measurements. The impacts of WTC collapse may have been obscured by high ambient levels of trace elements in the HRE.     

Survey of metals in sediments near Quonset Point,Rhode Island

Elevated levels of silver, cadmium, cobalt, chromium, copper, iron, manganese, nickel, lead and zinc were observed in sediments collected from Narragansett Bay off Quonset Point during autumn of 1973. The probable source of the metals contamination was an electroplating facility on Quonset Point, in continuous operation from 1943 until it was closed in spring of 1973. Data on elemental composition of surficial sediments collected from various geographical locations reported by other investigators are presented and compared to those reported herein.     

137Cs baseline levels in the Mediterranean and Black Sea: A cross-basin survey of the CIESM Mediterranean Mussel Watch programme

The common mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis was selected as unique biomonitor species to implement a regional monitoring programme, the CIESM Mediterranean Mussel Watch (MMW), in the Mediterranean and Black Seas. As of today, and upon standardization of the methodological approach, the MMW Network has been able to quantify ¹³⁷Cs levels in mussels from 60 coastal stations and to produce the first distribution map of this artificial radionuclide at the scale of the entire Mediterranean and Black Seas. While measured ¹³⁷Cs levels were found to be very low (usually <1 Bq kg⁻¹ wet wt) ¹³⁷Cs activity concentrations in the Black Sea and North Aegean Sea were up to two orders of magnitude higher than those in the western Mediterranean Basin. Such effects, far from representing a threat to human populations or the environment, reflect a persistent signature of the Chernobyl fallout in this area.     

Chemical contamination of the Hudson-Raritan Estuary as a result of the attack on the World Trade Center: analysis of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and polychlorinated biphenyls in mussels and sediment

The September 11, 2001 attack on the World Trade Center (WTC) resulted in a massive plume of dust and smoke that blanketed lower Manhattan and part of the Hudson-Raritan Estuary (HRE). The NOAA National Status and Trends Mussel Watch Program has long-term monitoring sites in the area and thus had an opportunity to assess the effect of the WTC attack on PAH and PCB contamination of the surrounding estuary. Seven additional sites were added in the Upper HRE to attain higher sampling resolution for comparison with regularly sampled Mussel Watch Project HRE sites. Elevated background levels of PCBs and PAHs in mussel tissue and sediments were high enough before the WTC attack that concentrations were not measurably changed by WTC derived contaminant input.     

淡水贝类观察——生物阐释水污染和毒理的创新手段

淡水渔业是国民经济重要产业,在产量和产值均取得巨大成就的同时,也面临着严峻的水域生态环境污染形势.与此相适应,自2003年系统性提出以背角无齿蚌(Anodonta woodiana)为专用指示生物的创新性“淡水贝类观察”研究体系(Freshwater Mussel Watch)以来,已经成功地应用于国内外的江河、湖泊和池塘等渔业生态环境无机(特别是重金属)和有机污染物胁迫的监测、评价和预警,以及毒理学、污染物积累动力学和水质净化等方面研究.本文梳理了“淡水贝类观察”在被动监测、主动监测及渔业环境研究用模式动物开发等方面的研究进展,以期为渔业以及水域生态环境污染的有效监测、评价、保护以及阐释污染毒性机制提供有益参考.     

(137)Cs baseline levels in the Mediterranean and Black Sea: a cross-basin survey of the CIESM Mediterranean Mussel Watch programme

The common mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis was selected as unique biomonitor species to implement a regional monitoring programme, the CIESM Mediterranean Mussel Watch (MMW), in the Mediterranean and Black Seas. As of today, and upon standardization of the methodological approach, the MMW Network has been able to quantify (137)Cs levels in mussels from 60 coastal stations and to produce the first distribution map of this artificial radionuclide at the scale of the entire Mediterranean and Black Seas. While measured (137)Cs levels were found to be very low (usually < 1 Bq kg(-1) wet wt) (137)Cs activity concentrations in the Black Sea and North Aegean Sea were up to two orders of magnitude higher than those in the western Mediterranean Basin. Such effects, far from representing a threat to human populations or the environment, reflect a persistent signature of the Chernobyl fallout in this area.     

Uptake and loss of zinc and lead by mussels (Mytilus edulis) and relationships with body weight and reproductive cycle

The uptake and loss of zinc and lead from the whole soft parts of the mussel Mytilus edulis were investigated under natural conditions in north-east England. Mussels in which high concentrations of these metals were found were transferred to an area where low concentrations were found, and vice versa. Mussels from both areas were also kept in tanks and periodic measurements of metal contents were made. Indications of uptake and loss were greatly affected by changing body weights and the work suggests that phase of reproductive cycle (for animals in the environment) and condition (for animals in tanks) have to be closely considered when reporting on levels of metals in mussels, especially in terms of concentration.     

Investigation of heavy metal pollutants at various depths in the Gulf of Izmit

In this study, we report results concerning the accumulation of heavy metals in seawater from Izmit Bay. The bay was divided into the three parts: the eastern, the central and the western basins. The goal of this study was to determine levels of heavy metals at various depths in the bay between April 2008 and May 2010. Liquid–liquid extractions were performed on seawater samples. An atomic absorption spectrophotometer was used to measure levels of six metals: lead, cadmium, chromium, iron, manganese and zinc. We applied our results to evaluate the status of pollution in the Gulf of Izmit. Significant seasonal differences in metal concentrations and higher concentrations of many metals in water near the shore are evidence for uncontrolled release of pollutants in the water.     

Cs baseline levels in the Mediterranean and Black Sea: A cross-basin survey of the CIESM Mediterranean Mussel Watch programme

The common mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis was selected as unique biomonitor species to implement a regional monitoring programme, the CIESM Mediterranean Mussel Watch (MMW), in the Mediterranean and Black Seas. As of today, and upon standardization of the methodological approach, the MMW Network has been able to quantify ¹³⁷Cs levels in mussels from 60 coastal stations and to produce the first distribution map of this artificial radionuclide at the scale of the entire Mediterranean and Black Seas. While measured ¹³⁷Cs levels were found to be very low (usually <1 Bq kg⁻¹ wet wt) ¹³⁷Cs activity concentrations in the Black Sea and North Aegean Sea were up to two orders of magnitude higher than those in the western Mediterranean Basin. Such effects, far from representing a threat to human populations or the environment, reflect a persistent signature of the Chernobyl fallout in this area.     

Distribution of heavy metals in Port Phillip Bay

The distribution of cadmium, copper, iron, manganese, lead, and zinc in sediments of Port Phillip Bay, Victoria, Australia was investigated, and the impact of industrial discharges studied. The pre-cultural levels for these metals are in nearly all cases far less than the post-cultural levels, especially in those sediments deposited in the last half century in the vicinity of urbanized areas.     

Thin layers and species-specific characterization of the phytoplankton community in Monterey Bay,California, USA

During the summers of 2005 and 2006, experiments designed to understand the properties of densely concentrated, thin layers of plankton and the processes governing their dynamics were conducted in Monterey Bay, California, USA. Our goal was to elucidate the role that species-specific properties of phytoplankton play in thin layer dynamics. Using adaptive sampling, we collected water samples from inside and outside bio-optical features of the water column. Characterization of the phytoplankton was compiled from live and preserved samples, and analyzed within a framework of physical, optical, chemical and acoustical data. In both years, Monterey Bay was home to an extraordinarily diverse assemblage of phytoplankton and other protists. Bioluminescent dinoflagellates, and Harmful Algal Bloom (HAB) taxa were common. In 2005, community assemblages were widespread, thus advection of water through the experimental mooring array did not result in floristic changes. In 2006 phytoplankton were very patchy in horizontal distribution, and advection of water through the array was at times accompanied by dramatic shifts in community composition. Individual taxa often exhibited disparate patterns of vertical distribution, with some found throughout the water column, whereas others were restricted to narrow depth intervals. Thin layers were observed in both years. In 2005, the dinoflagellate Akashiwo sanguinea formed intense thin layers near the pycnocline at night, and migrated to near surface waters at dawn. In 2006, layer composition was more complex, and related to the water mass present at the time of sampling. Optically detected thin layers of phytoplankton can be studied from the perspective of the impact their high biomass has on both ecological processes, and ocean optics. But thin layers can also be studied from the species-specific perspective of each organism, its role within the thin layer habitat, and the impact that life within a thin layer has on its life history and ecology. Several low-abundance taxa appeared to be restricted to narrow depth intervals in the water column, and constitute species-specific thin layers with the potential to have a large ecological impact even if their biomass is too low to dominate an optically defined thin layer. Concentration into thin layers may also facilitate obligatory relationships between taxa, such as the hypothesized interrelationships between cryptomonads, Myrionecta rubra, and Dinophysis spp., all of which were observed in this system. Complexity of vertical structure in Monterey Bay rivals that already demonstrated in topographically constrained, stratified systems, and presents challenges to our theoretical framework of phytoplankton ecology.     

Heavy metal distribution in Newark Bay sediments

Bottom sediments have been analysed from Newark Bay, New Jersey, for zinc, lead, cadmium, and mercury. The bottom sediment analyses show that the bay sediments are enriched over background levels up to 65 times for zinc, 128 times for lead, 180 times for cadmium, and 155 times for mercury. Analyses of the metal distribution and of available tidal hydraulic data indicate the metal concentrations are due to a combination of source and tidal hydraulics. Dye tracer experiments gathering Lagrangiantype data appear to yield the best result in the investigation of metal trasport phenomena.     

Trace elements in Acartia clausi from Elefsis bay of the Upper Saronikos Gulf,Greece

Twelve trace elements (antimony, arsenic, cadmium, chromium, cobalt, copper, iron, managenese, mercury, scandium, selenium and zinc) were determined by neutron activation analysis in a planktonic copepod (Acartia clausi) from Elefsis Bay of the Upper Saronikos Gulf, Greece. During the first cruise (January 1974) higher levels of most of these trace elements were found in this copepod collected from a polluted area of the bay. This trend however was not observed during the second cruise (February 1974) possibly due to the termination of the active vertical convection. Lower levels of cobalt, similar levels of iron and slightly increased levels of chromium were found in Elefsis Bay Acartia clausi from those reportedin Acartia clausi from the Bay of Roquebrune. Slightly increased concentrations of antimony and zinc as well as lower concentrations of arsenic and cadmium were found in Acartia clausi than those reported in other Copepoda. No significant differences were found for copper, manganese and mercury. More data are needed to confirm if higher levels of antimony, chromium and zinc found in Acartia clausi are due to the pollution of the bay.     

The stratigraphic significance of fission-track ages on volcanic ashes in the marine Late Cenozoic of Southern California

Fission-track dates and planktonic microfossil datum levels provide a revised chronology for the marine Late Cenozoic of southern California. In southern California, the Pliocene/Pleistocene boundary has been placed at the first appearance of Globorotalia truncatulinoides within the Pico Formation, Balcom Canyon, Ventura County. A fission-track age on glass shards from the Bailey Ash close to this level yields a result of 1.12 ± 0.36 m.y. B.P. (millions of years before present). In tropical deep-sea cores, however, G. truncatulinoides has been shown to evolve within the Gilsa paleomagnetic event with an estimated age of 1.8 m.y. B.P. Thus, the first appearance of G. truncatulinoides in southern California is cryptogenic and probably related to the delayed migration into this region of water-mass conditions suitable for this species.Two volcanic ashes from the upper part of the Malaga Formation, Malaga Cove, Los Angeles County, yielded fission-track dates on glass shards of 4.42 ± 0.57 m.y. B.P. (lower ash) and 3.364 ± 0.69 m.y. B.P. (upper ash). These dates, in addition to inferred paleomagnetic ages of planktonic microfossil datum levels suggest that the Delmontian Stage of California ranges in age from ～6 to ～3 m.y. B.P. Therefore, the Miocene/Pliocene boundary considered by Berggren and Van Couvering to be ～5 m.y. B.P. must lie in the lower Delmontian Stage but paleontologic criteria for its recognition in California are not yet available.