Toxicity of chromated copper arsenate (CCA)-treated wood to non-target marine fouling communities in Langstone Harbour, Portsmouth, UK

The effect of the anti-marine-borer timber preservative chromated copper arsenate (CCA) (a pressure impregnated solution of copper, chromium and arsenic compounds) on non-target marine fouling animals was investigated during a subtidal exposure trial. Panels of Scots pine treated to target retentions of 12, 24 and 48 kg CCA per m-3 of wood, plus untreated controls were submerged at a coastal site on the south coast of the UK for 6, 12 and 18 months. After each exposure period the fouling communities that formed on the surface of panels were assessed both qualitatively and quantitatively. Community structure was similar on panels treated to the three CCA loadings, but was significantly different from community structure on untreated panels. The total number of species (species richness) was similar on all panels, although the number of individual organisms attached to the surface of panels was significantly higher on CCA-treated panels than on untreated panels. k-dominance curves revealed that the difference in numbers of individuals between CCA-treated and untreated panels was caused by higher numbers of the dominant species (Elminius modestus, Hydroides ezoensis, and Electra pilosa) on CCA-treated panels. Other species were present in similar numbers on panels of all treatments. Results indicate that there are no detrimental toxic effects to epibiota caused by the presence of CCA preservative within the matrix of the wood at any of the treatment levels. Differences in community structure between CCA-treated and untreated panels may be due to enhanced larval settlement on CCA-treated timber by some species as a result of modifications to the surface properties of the timber by the CCA preservative.     

Histopathological effects of petroleum hydrocarbons and heavy metals on the American oyster (Crassostrea virginica) from Tabasco, Mexico

Oyster tissues may be affected by the concentration of ions in the water (i.e. salinity) and by contaminants such as petroleum hydrocarbons and heavy metals. Oyster populations from three coastal lagoons (Mecoacan, Camen and Machona) in the Mexican state of Tabasco, in the southern Gulf of Mexico, were sampled for pollution studies during June, September and November 1992 and May 1993. No statistically significant relationships were found between the concentration of contaminants in the body tissues of organisms and their shell length, soft tissue weight and particulate matter; however, a significant correlation was found between condition index and salinity (r = −0.72). Generally, the lowest weights, shell lengths and indices of condition were found in Mecoacan. The concentrations of cadmium and zinc were inversely related to salinity (r = −0.52 and r = −0.32, respectively), so a riverine input is suspected. On average, 63% of the individual oysters showed histopathological lesions, which can be related to salinity and to the concentrations of cadmium and the unresolved fraction of hydrocarbons (UCM). The response of each of the tissues analysed was different. The percentage of individuals with damage in the digestive diverticulum increased linearly with UCM (r = 0.71), but in a saturation-response fashion (Y = B₀ − B₀/(1 + X^B1) r = 0.66) with cadmium. The percentage of individuals with damage in the gills increased linearly with weight (r = 0.68), cadmium (r = 0.60) and UCM (r = 0.60). The lesions in the connective tissue decreased linearly (r = −0.82) with salinity, but increased in a saturation-response way (r = 0.83) with cadmium. Finally, the percentage of individuals with lesions in the digestive tube decreased linearly with salinity (r = −0.59). Only the damage to the gills and digestive diverticula were dependent on gonadal maturity, while damage to the connective tissue was dependent on the sex of the individual.     

Biochemical and Physiological Responses in Atlantic Salmon (Salmo salar) Following Dietary Exposure to Copper and Cadmium

Three experiments were conducted with Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) to assess the effects of dietary exposure to copper and cadmium. The results presented here provide an overview, details of each experiment will be published in full elsewhere. In the first experiment, salmon parr exposed for four weeks to 35 and 700 mg Cu kg⁻¹ diet had significantly elevated intestinal copper concentrations, cell proliferation (PCNA) and apoptosis rates compared to control fish. No differences were observed in gill or plasma copper concentrations among the groups. In contrast to the controls, the Cu exposed groups did not grow significantly during the exposure period. The second experiment (three months exposure) was conducted to assess the effects of dietary copper (control, 35, 500, 700, 900 or 1750 mg Cu kg⁻¹ diet) on growth and feed utilization in salmon fingerlings. Growth was significantly reduced after three months exposure to dietary Cu concentrations above 500 mg kg⁻¹. Similarly, copper body burdens were significantly higher in fish exposed to elevated dietary copper concentrations (above 35 mg Cu kg⁻¹ diet). In the third experiment, salmon parr were exposed to one of six dietary cadmium concentrations (0, 0.5, 5, 25, 125 or 250 mg Cd kg⁻¹ diet) for four months. Cadmium accumulated in the liver>intestine>gills of exposed fish. Rates of apoptosis and cell proliferation in the intestine increased following exposure to dietary cadmium. Exposure to elevated concentrations of dietary cadmium had no effect on growth in salmon parr. Results from these studies indicate that cellular biomarkers have potential as early warning signs of negative effects on the overall fitness of an organism.     

Levels of Cd,Cu, Pb and V in marine sediments in the vicinity of the Single Buoy Moorings (SBM3) at Mina Al Fahal in the Sultanate of Oman

Recently in the Sultanate of Oman, there has been a rapid surge of coastal developments. These developments cause metal contamination, which may affect the habitats and communities at and near the coastal region. As a result, a study was conducted to assess the level of metal contamination and its impact on the marine sediments in the vicinity of the Single Buoy Moorings 3 (SBM3) at Mina Al Fahal in the Sultanate of Oman. Marine subtidal sediment samples were collected from six different stations of the SBM3 for the period ranging from June 2009 to April 2010. These samples were then analyzed for their level and distribution of the heavy metals of cadmium (Cd), copper (Cu), lead (Pb) and vanadium (V). Overall, low concentrations of all four heavy metals were measured from the marine sediments, indicating that the marine at SBM3 is of good quality.     

Effects of metals on the behaviour and oxygen consumption of the mud snail

The behaviour and oxygen consumption rates of adult mud snails, exposed to five metals individually (arsenic, cadmium, copper, silver and zinc) and to one combination of two metals (cadmium and copper), have been examined. The oxygen uptake of distressed and retracted snails was found to be lower than that of controls after exposure to all individual metals except cadmium, which resulted in an elevation of oxygen consumption. The combination of copper and cadmium resulted in a lower rate than either metal alone.     

Contamination status of POPs and BFRs and relationship with parasitic infection in finless porpoises (Neophocaena phocaenoides) from Seto Inland Sea and Omura Bay, Japan

Contamination status of brominated flame retardants (BFRs) and persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in blubber of finless porpoises (Neophocaena phocaenoides) stranded along the coasts of Seto Inland Sea and Omura Bay in Japan were investigated. Levels of PCBs, DDTs and CHLs were significantly higher than those of HCHs, HCB, PBDEs and HBCDs. Concentrations of PBDEs and HBCDs, as well as organochlorine compounds in males increased with body length (p<0.05). Among 14 PBDE congeners analyzed, BDE-47 was the predominant, which is similar to those generally reported in biota. PBDEs, HBCDs and PCBs showed no obvious temporal trend in concentrations during the study period, suggesting continuous environmental release of these chemicals. On the other hand, levels of DDT, CHLs and HCHs have decreased. Concentrations of PCBs in liver trematode infected individuals were significantly higher than those in not infected individuals, implying there could be a relationship between contaminant levels and parasitic infection.     

The influence of diet on comparative trace metal cadmium,copper and zinc accumulation in Thais clavigera (Gastropoda: Muricidae) preying on intertidal barnacles or mussels

The influence of diet on comparative metal accumulation was investigated using a predatory muricid gastropod Thais clavigera. Individuals were fed for up to 56 days on either barnacles, i.e., Tetraclita squamosa, or mussels, i.e., Perna viridis, collected from metal-contaminated and clean sites. Barnacles and mussels have contrasting metal handling strategies and, therefore, different body concentrations, intracellular distributions and detoxification systems. Field collection of prey items that accumulated body metal concentrations over a lifetime of exposure allowed bioavailability to the predator, T. clavigera, to be assessed naturally, which may not be the case for prey exposed to metals for a short time in the laboratory. T. clavigera that was fed cadmium- and copper-contaminated barnacles or mussels ingested significantly greater amounts compared to those fed conspecifics collected from clean locations. T. clavigera body cadmium and copper concentrations were not, however, significantly different between individuals fed either contaminated or clean prey. Amount of zinc ingested was similar in mussels collected from clean and contaminated environments but much less when compared to the barnacle prey. The body concentrations of zinc in T. clavigera fed mussels collected from both sites fell. In contrast, the amount of zinc ingested from barnacle prey was significantly greater from those collected from the metal-contaminated site as compared to the clean one. This was reflected as significantly greater body zinc concentrations in T. clavigera fed contaminated barnacles compared to those fed clean individuals. Copper and zinc accumulation from prey was, therefore, complex. It varied between metal and between prey type, but appeared to be related to the amount ingested and the metal handling strategy of the prey.     

Influence of Decarbonisation and Phosphate Dosage on Copper Corrosion in Drinking Water Systems

The effect of softening/decarbonisation and dosage of orthophosphate on copper corrosion was studied in pipe rigs according to the German standard DIN 50931, part 1. A literature study with regard to the effects of phosphate dosing on copper corrosion has shown that on the one hand and in most of the cases a dosage of phosphate led to lower copper concentrations. On the other hand phosphate aggravated the copper corrosion in some cases. The mechanisms are not yet clear and the influence of phosphate on the corrosion of copper remains a question to be answered. Using standardised on‐site corrosion tests (DIN 50931‐1) with virgin copper pipes softening/decarbonisation has decreased the copper concentration. Two effects of phosphate on copper corrosion were noticed: Phosphate dosing decreased the copper oxidation and resulted in lower copper concentration in water. Likewise phosphate hindered the precipitation of cupric ions, which prolonged the existence of copper in water and resulted in a higher copper concentration. As a consequence, dosing phosphate can decrease or increase the copper corrosion, this depends on which effect is dominating.     

Effects of chromated copper arsenate (CCA) wood preservative on early fouling community formation.

The effects of the anti-marine-borer timber preservative CCA (a pressure impregnated solution of copper, chromium and arsenic compounds) on early fouling community formation were investigated during a number of field trials. The formation of a biofilm on the surface of CCA-treated and untreated timber panels of Scots pine was examined by scanning electron microscopy following submersion in Langstone Harbour, Portsmouth, UK for periods of 2, 7, 14 and 28 days. Results indicated a slightly faster rate of biofilm formation after 2 and 7 days of exposure on untreated timber compared to CCA-treated timber, although no differences were visible between panels after 14 and 28 days exposure, or between panels treated to different CCA loadings after all exposure periods. Settlement of the serpulid Ficopomatus enigmaticus and two species of barnacles (Elminius modestus and Balanus crenatus) onto the surface of untreated and CCA-treated panels of Scots pine was examined following 4 weeks exposure in a brackish water millpond at Emsworth, West Sussex. Numbers of individuals were higher on CCA-treated panels than on untreated panels, and in the case of F. enigmaticus abundance of individuals increased with increasing preservative loadings. Early colonization by macroalgal species on the surface of CCA-treated and untreated panels of Scots pine was examined following submersion of panels in Langstone Harbour for a period of 4 weeks. Percentage cover of most species of algae was similar on the surface of CCA-treated and untreated panels, with the exception of Hincksia granulosa and Ceramium nodulosum which had significantly higher percentage cover on untreated panels. Possible explanations for the recruitment patterns are discussed.     

Cross-shelf transport into nearshore waters due to shoaling internal tides in San Pedro Bay, CA

In the summer of 2001, a coastal ocean measurement program in the southeastern portion of San Pedro Bay, CA, was designed and carried out. One aim of the program was to determine the strength and effectiveness of local cross-shelf transport processes. A particular objective was to assess the ability of semidiurnal internal tidal currents to move suspended material a net distance across the shelf. Hence, a dense array of moorings was deployed across the shelf to monitor the transport patterns associated with fluctuations in currents, temperature and salinity. An associated hydrographic program periodically monitored synoptic changes in the spatial patterns of temperature, salinity, nutrients and bacteria. This set of measurements show that a series of energetic internal tides can, but do not always, transport subthermocline water, dissolved and suspended material from the middle of the shelf into the surfzone. Effective cross-shelf transport occurs only when (1) internal tides at the shelf break are strong and (2) subtidal currents flow strongly downcoast. The subtidal downcoast flow causes isotherms to tilt upward toward the coast, which allows energetic, nonlinear internal tidal currents to carry subthermocline waters into the surfzone. During these events, which may last for several days, the transported water remains in the surfzone until the internal tidal current pulses and/or the downcoast subtidal currents disappear. This nonlinear internal tide cross-shelf transport process was capable of carrying water and the associated suspended or dissolved material from the mid-shelf into the surfzone, but there were no observation of transport from the shelf break into the surfzone. Dissolved nutrients and suspended particulates (such as phytoplankton) transported from the mid-shelf into the nearshore region by nonlinear internal tides may contribute to nearshore algal blooms, including harmful algal blooms that occur off local beaches.     

Remote and local forcing of a coastal lagoon: The Virginia Coast Reserve

The effects of local and remote wind forcing of water level heights in the Virginia Coast Reserve (VCR) are examined in order to determine the significant forces governing estuarine motions over subtidal time scales. Recent (1996–2008) data from tide and wind stations in the lagoon, a tide station to the north at Sandy Hook, NJ, and one offshore wind station at the Chesapeake Light Tower are examined. Sea surface height spectrum calculations reveal significant diurnal and semidiurnal tidal effects along with subtidal variations, but a suppressed inertial signal. Sea-surface heights (SSH) with 2–5 day periods at Wachapreague, VA are coherent with those at Sandy Hook and lag them in time, suggesting that southward-propagating continental shelf waves provide subtidal variability within the lagoon. The coherence between lagoon winds and sea surface height, as well as between winds and cross-lagoon sea height gradient, were significant at a relatively small number of frequency and wind direction combinations. The frequencies at which this wind forcing occurs are the tidal and subtidal bands present to the north, so that lagoon winds selectively augment existing SSH signals, but do not generate them. The impact of the wind direction is closely related to the geometry of the lagoon and bounding landmasses. The effect of wind stress is also constrained by geometry in affecting the cross-lagoon water height gradient. Water levels at subtidal frequencies are likely forced by a combination of local wind forcing, remote wind forcing and oceanic forcing modified by the complex topography of the lagoon, shelf, and barrier islands.     

Ore-forming fluid constraints on illite crystallinity (IC) at Dexing porphyry copper deposit, Jiangxi Province

Illite, a distinctive kind of clay minerals of potassium alteration within the hydrothermal alteration zone, frequently occurs at the Tongchang porphyry copper deposit ore field. The illite crystallinity (IC) value and expandability are mainly affected by water/rock ratio or fluid flux. It was formed by illitization of plagioclase and micas during hydrothermal fluid-rock interaction within the porphyry body and near the contact zone with wall rocks. Moreover, the negative correlation between illite index (IC) and copper grade indicates that within the alteration zone, the smaller the illite crystallinity value, the higher the alteration degree, and the higher the copper grade due to higher water/rock ratio. At lower levels of the porphyry body, however, the illite crystallinity (IC) values are mainly controlled by temperature and time duration.     

Subtidal assemblages on rocky reefs at a cliff-face sewage outfall (North Head, Sydney, Australia): What happened when the outfall was turned off?

For many years, sewage was continuously discharged via inshore outfalls into shallow subtidal habitats around Sydney (New South Wales). In 1990, deepwater ocean outfalls were commissioned and inshore discharge ceased. This study examined the assemblage of organisms found on subtidal cliffs at one inshore outfall to examine differences in, or recovery by, the biota when sewage was no longer discharged. This assemblage was primarily composed of filter-feeding animals (sponges, ascidians, bryozoans, anthozoans) and encrusting algae. Differences and changes in the assemblages at a number of different spatial scales, relative to the assemblages at two reference locations, were examined four times over a 20 month period. Although most taxa showed significant changes over the study period, most of these were unpredictable and varied interactively according to the taxon, plot, depth and location. For most measures, however, the location where sewage had been released lay within the natural variability shown by the reference locations. The implications of these findings are discussed with respect to other studies on the effects of sewage on intertidal and shallow subtidal habitats.     

Length-specific carbon content of theDaphnia population in a large subalpine lake, Lago Maggiore (Northern Italy): The importance of seasonality

We compared three methods for calculating the standing stock biomass ofDaphnia hyalina galeata population in Lago Maggiore during a single year. We applied body length/carbon regression equations (LCR) obtained under controlled laboratory conditions and directly from field data on carbon and body length to field data on length-specific abundance. Laboratory-derived equations satisfactorily described our field estimates of length-specific carbon content in spring. As the length-standardized carbon content decreased exponentially along the season, we included time of the year as an auxiliary variable, and tested whether it affected slope, intercept or both. The decrease had no effect on slope but reduced the intercept of the LCR. We also calculated biomass, using a single mean value from the literature. By comparing the results with those obtained by simple conversion of individuals number into carbon we might discriminate between the effect of changes in the size frequency distribution of the population and the decrease with time of the length-standardized carbon content. Although we tested the different models for non-ovigerous females, the results did not change when we included also data on females with eggs in the first three developmental stages, whereas they changed substantially when we included females with embryos. We formulate two hypotheses to explain this result and discuss possible implications for the calculation of the standing stock biomass ofDaphnia population.     

Contamination status of POPs and BFRs and relationship with parasitic infection in finless porpoises (Neophocaena phocaenoides) from Seto Inland Sea and Omura Bay,Japan

Contamination status of brominated flame retardants (BFRs) and persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in blubber of finless porpoises (Neophocaena phocaenoides) stranded along the coasts of Seto Inland Sea and Omura Bay in Japan were investigated. Levels of PCBs, DDTs and CHLs were significantly higher than those of HCHs, HCB, PBDEs and HBCDs. Concentrations of PBDEs and HBCDs, as well as organochlorine compounds in males increased with body length (p < 0.05). Among 14 PBDE congeners analyzed, BDE-47 was the predominant, which is similar to those generally reported in biota. PBDEs, HBCDs and PCBs showed no obvious temporal trend in concentrations during the study period, suggesting continuous environmental release of these chemicals. On the other hand, levels of DDT, CHLs and HCHs have decreased. Concentrations of PCBs in liver trematode infected individuals were significantly higher than those in not infected individuals, implying there could be a relationship between contaminant levels and parasitic infection.     

Byssal detachment underestimates tolerance of mussels to toxic compounds

Mussels are sedentary organisms attached to solid substrata by means of byssus threads. Mussels detached from their substratum tend to reattach by producing new byssus threads. Therefore, in bioassays using mussels, if the test animals are in an unattached status, increased byssogenic activity would expose their soft body parts to the toxic compound used. We test the tolerance of two mussel species (Mytilopsis leucophaeata and Mytilus edulis) to an oxidizing biocide (chlorine) and show that detached mussels are 24-28% less tolerant than byssally attached ones. Detached mussels also showed higher oxygen consumption, filtration rate, foot activity, byssus thread production and byssogenesis index, parameters which are associated with valve opening. A review of literature showed that most of the published data on toxicity against heavy metals and biocides are generated using unattached mussels. The data, therefore, represent an underestimation of the toxicity of the tested compound. Correction data are presented for chlorine tolerance of Dreissena polymorpha, Mytilopsis leucophaeata and Mytilus edulis. The present study suggests the importance of maintaining mussels in their attached status, while undertaking toxicity bioassays.     

Response of a Freshwater Ostracod (Cypris subglobosa SOWERBY) Exposed to Copper at Different pH Levels

Short-term tests of the acute toxicity of Cu²⁺ (from copper sulphate) to a freshwater ostracod, Cypris subglobosa SOWERBY were carried out at five different pH values from 5.5 to 8.5. The toxicity of copper abruptly decreased with an increase in pH of the Cu-containing medium. The 48 h EC₅₀ value of Cu increased from 0.35 ppm at pH =5.5… 5.1 ppm at pH =8.5. The per cent survival, median period of immobilization (ET₅₀), slope functions and the 95 per cent confidence limits were determined at each pH level. The direct correlation between EC₅₀ value and pH indicated that the acute toxicity of Cu decreased as the pH increased from 5.5… 8.5.     

Cryogenic Core Collection (C3) from Unconsolidated Subsurface Media

We evaluated tools and methods for in situ freezing of cores in unconsolidated subsurface media. Our approach, referred to as cryogenic core collection (C₃), has key aspects that include downhole circulation of liquid nitrogen (LN) via a cooling system, strategic use of thermal insulation to focus cooling into the core, and controlling LN back pressure to optimize cooling. Two cooling systems (copper coil and dual‐wall cylinder) are described. For both systems, the time to freeze a single 2.5‐foot (76‐cm) long by 2.5‐inch (63‐mm) diameter core is 5 to 7 min. Frozen core collection rates of about 30 feet/day (10 m/day) were achieved at two field sites, one impacted by petroleum‐based light nonaqueous phase liquids (LNAPLs) and the other by chlorinated solvents. Merits of C₃ include (1) improved core recovery, (2) potential control of flowing sand, and (3) improved preservation of critical sediment attributes. Development of the C₃ method creates novel opportunities to characterize sediment with respect to physical, chemical, and biological properties. For example, we were able to resolve water, LNAPL, and gas saturations above and below the water table. By eliminating drainage of water, gas and LNAPL saturations in the range of 6 to 23% and 1 to 3% of pore space, respectively, were measured in LNAPL‐impacted intervals below the water table.     

Inhibition of larval swimming activity of the coral (Platygyra acuta) by interactive thermal and chemical stresses

This study examined the interactive effects of copper and elevated temperature and subsequent depuration on Platygyra acuta coral larvae. Larval mortality and motility were significantly affected by copper alone (70% and 100% inhibition respectively). Their respective lethal/inhibitory concentration (LC₅₀/IC₅₀) were 10–130% and 86–193% higher than those reported for other larvae. Temperature (ambient, 27 °C and elevated, 30 °C) alone and the combination of temperature and copper did not significantly affect both endpoints. This study provides the first quantitative data on depuration effect on resumption of larval motility after copper exposure, although no sign of larval recovery was observed. These findings suggest that the effects of copper pollution outweigh the thermal tolerance of coral larvae. High LC₅₀ and IC₅₀ recorded may be unique for corals from marginal reefs like Hong Kong which have already been exposed to high levels of copper pollution.