Particle fluxes and recent sediment accumulation on the Aquitanian margin of Bay of Biscay

As a part of the ANR-Forclim experiment, particle mass fluxes and sedimentation processes were investigated on the slope of Aquitanian margin of the Bay of Biscay, between the canyons of Cap-Breton and Cap-Ferret. Interface sediments were collected along a depth transect from 145 to 2000 m; simultaneously a mooring line was deployed at the deepest station (WH, 2000 m) with two traps (800 and 1700 m) for a 16-month period (June 2006–November 2007). ²¹⁰Pb activities of settling particles and of interface sediments were determined to study transport processes of particles. Sediment and mass accumulation rates, calculated from excess ²¹⁰Pb profiles in the sediment column, show the expected decreasing trend with depth, as usually observed on margins. Mean particulate mass fluxes at 800 and 1700-m depth at site WH are, respectively, 27 and 70 g m^?2 a^?1.The ²¹⁰Pb budget points out events of temporary high lateral input of particles. The comparison of mass and ²¹⁰Pb fluxes between the water column and the seabed indicates that lateral transport plays an important role in particle accumulation on the Aquitanian margin. Regarding the objectives of the ANR-Forclim program, which aims to improve significantly the interpretation of fossil foraminifera signals, as a proxy for hydrological changes in the North Atlantic ocean, these results highlight advection processes must be considered when interpreting fluxes of foraminifers on the Aquitanian margin.     

Selected trace metals (As,Cd and Hg) distribution and contamination in the coastal wetland sediment of the northern Beibu Gulf,South China Sea

Contamination with As, Cd and Hg, their spatial and temporal distribution are reported from the coastal wetland sediments of the northern Beibu Gulf, South China Sea. The content of As, Cd, Hg and TOC in surface sediments is 8.1 ± 5.8 μg g^?1, 0.08 ± 0.14 μg g^?1, 0.034 ± 0.028 μg g^?1 and 0.45 ± 0.39%, respectively. The mean sedimentation rates are 0.93–1.37 cm year^?1 during 1920s to 2008 determined by ²¹⁰Pb and ¹³⁷Cs dating in three cores. The vertical profiles of As, Cd and Hg content in the cores retrieved from Qin and Nanliu River estuaries show increasing trends during 1985–2008 due to anthropogenic impact caused by local economic development. Locally the surface sediments have potential ecological risk of As to benthos according to the NOAA sediment quality guidelines.     

Content and distribution of trace metals in surface sediments from the northern Bering Sea,Chukchi Sea and adjacent Arctic areas

Concentrations of trace metals (Zn, Cr, Cu, V, Cd and Pb), total organic carbon (TOC), black carbon (BC) and their granulometry were examined in 25 surface sediment samples from the northern Bering Sea, Chukchi Sea and adjacent areas. Trace metal concentrations in the sediments varied from 21.06–168.21 mg kg⁻¹ for Zn, 8.91–46.94 mg kg⁻¹ for Cr, 2.69–49.39 mg kg⁻¹ for Cu, 32.46–185.54 mg kg⁻¹ for V, 0.09–0.92 mg kg⁻¹ for Cd, and 0.95–15.25 mg kg⁻¹ for Pb. The geoaccumulation index (I_geo) indicated that trace metal contamination (Zn and Cd) existed in some stations of the study area. The distribution of grain size plays an important role in influencing the distribution of trace metals (Zn, Cr, Cu, V, and Pb) in sediments from the Chukchi Sea and adjacent areas.     

Nature of decadal-scale sediment accumulation on the western shelf of the Mississippi River delta

Sediment delivered to coastal systems by rivers (15×10⁹ tons) plays a key role in the global carbon and nutrient cycles, as deltas and continental shelves are considered to be the main repositories of organic matter in marine sediments. The Mississippi River, delivering more than 60% of the total dissolved and suspended materials from the conterminous US, dominates coastal and margin processes in the northern Gulf of Mexico. Draining approximately 41% of the conterminous US, the Mississippi and Atchafalaya river system deliver approximately 2×10⁸ tons of suspended matter to the northern Gulf shelf each year. Unlike previous work, this study provides a comprehensive evaluation of sediment accumulation covering majority of the shelf (<150 m water depth) west of the Mississippi Delta from 92 cores collected throughout the last 15 years. This provides a unique and invaluable data set of the spatial and modern temporal variations of the sediment accumulation in this dynamic coastal environment.Three types of ²¹⁰Pb profiles were observed from short cores (15–45 cm) collected on the shelf. Proximal to Southwest Pass in 30–100 m water depths, non-steady-state profiles were observed indicating rapid accumulation. Sediment accumulation rates in this area are typically >2.5 cm yr⁻¹ (>1.8 g cm⁻² yr⁻¹). Kasten cores (∼200 cm in length) collected near Southwest Pass also indicate rapid deposition (>4 cm yr⁻¹; >3 g cm⁻² yr⁻¹) on a longer timescale than that captured in the box cores. Near shore (<20 m), profiles are dominated by sediments reworked by waves and currents with no accumulation (the exception is an area just south of Barataria Bay where accumulation occurs). The remainder of the shelf (distal of Southwest Pass) is dominated by steady-state accumulation beneath a ∼10-cm thick mixed layer. Sediment accumulation rates for the distal shelf are typically <0.7 cm yr⁻¹ (<0.5 g cm⁻² yr⁻¹). A preliminary sediment budget based on the distribution of ²¹⁰Pb accumulation rates indicates that 40–50% of the sediment delivered by the river is transported out of the study region. Sediment is moved to distal regions of the shelf/slope through two different mechanisms. Along-isobath sediment movement occurs by normal resuspension processes west of the delta, whereas delivery of sediments south and southwest of the delta may be also be influenced by mass movement events on varying timescales.     

Magnetic properties and heavy metal pollution of soils in the vicinity of a cement plant,Xuzhou (China)

This study characterized the magnetic property and levels of heavy metals of the topsoils near a cement plant. The concentrations of five selected heavy metals (Pb, Cu, Zn and Cd) were measured on 32 topsoil samples (0–20 cm) collected near a cement plant via inductively coupled plasma/mass spectroscopy (ICP-MS). The orders of enrichment factors (EF), on average, were Cd (7.3) > Cu (3) > Zn (2.9) > Pb (2.1), respectively. A self-organizing map (SOM) was applied to the concentrations of heavy metals for “correlation hunting”. Mineral magnetic concentration parameters, such as the specific magnetic susceptibility (χ), susceptibility of anhysteretic remanent magnetization (χ_ARM), saturation isothermal remanent magnetization (SIRM), together with interparametric ratios (such as IRM_− 100mT/SIRM, SIRM/χ, χ_ARM/SIRM) show that ferrimagnetic, superparamagnetic (SP) and multi-domain (MD) minerals dominated the soils. The results of correlation analysis indicate that copper showed a significant correlation with χ, χ_ARM and SIRM but such a relationship with χ, χ_ARM and SIRM was only weakly identified for Zn, Cd and Pb.     

Total and labile metals in surface sediments of the tropical river-estuary system of Marabasco (Pacific coast of Mexico): Influence of an iron mine

Marabasco is a tropical river-estuary system comprising the Marabasco river and the Barra de Navidad Lagoon. The river is impacted by the Peña Colorada iron mine, which produces 3.5 million tons of pellets per year. Thirteen surface sediment samples were collected in May 2005 (dry season) in order to establish background levels of Al, Cd, Co, Cu, Fe, Ni, Pb, and Zn in the system and to ascertain the potential mobility of metals in the sediments. Analyses were carried out in the fraction finer than 63 μm, and labile metals extracted according the BCR procedure. Certified reference materials were used for validation of methods.Total concentrations of Cd, Co, Cu, Ni, Pb, and Zn were in the range of 0.05–0.34, 6–95, 0.7–31, 9–26, 2–18, and 53–179 mg kg⁻¹, respectively; Al and Fe ranges of 24–127, and 26–69 mg g⁻¹ correspondingly. Cadmium was found to be significantly labile in the sediments (20–100%), followed by Co (0–35%), Ni (3–16%) and Zn (0–25%), whereas the labile fraction for Cu, Fe and Pb was almost negligible (<4%).According with the total metal concentrations, background levels and normalised enrichment factors (NEF) of the metals studied, the impact of the Peña Colorada iron mine on the Marabasco system is lower than expected when compared with other similar World systems influenced by mining activities.     

Bioremediation of contaminated coastal sediment: Optimization of slow release biostimulant ball using response surface methodology (RSM) and stabilization of metals from contaminated sediment

The aim of the present study is to optimize the slow release biostimulant ball (BSB) for bioremediation of contaminated coastal sediment using response surface methodology (RSM). Metals contamination and stabilization of metals in coastal sediments using BSB were investigated. The effects of BSB size (1–5 cm), distance (1–10 cm), and time (1–4 months) on the stabilization of metals including Fe, Cd, Cu, and Pb were determined. The maximum stabilization percentages of Fe, Cd, Cu, and Pb, of 64.5%, 54.9%, 63.8%, and 47.6%, respectively, were observed at a 3 cm ball size, 5.5 cm distance, and a period of 4 months; these values are the optimum conditions for effective treatment of contaminated coastal sediment. The determination coefficient of the R² value suggests that > 91.55%, 89.97%, 96.10%, and 86.40% of the variance is attributable to the variables of Fe, Cd, Cu, and Pb, respectively.     

Preconcentration of trace multi-elements in water samples using Dowex 50W-x8 and Chelex-100 resins prior to their determination using inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-OES)

This work presents a solid phase extraction (SPE) method for simultaneous preconcentration of trace elements in water samples prior to their ICP-OES determination. Dowex 50W-x8 and Chelex-100 resins were used as SPE sorbent materials for preconcentration of trace Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Ni, Pb and Zn. The optimum sample pH, eluent concentration and sample flow rates were found to 6, 3.0 mol L⁻¹ and 3.0 mL min⁻¹, respectively. In terms of multi-element preconcentration capabilities, Dowex 50W-x8 appeared to be a better sorbent. The recoveries for all the tested analytes were >95%. However, Chelex-100 showed a better performance in terms of recovery (>95%) towards Cu, Fe and Zn. Under optimized conditions using Dowex 50W-x8, the relative standard deviations for different metals were <3%. The limits of detection and limits of quantification ranged from 0.01–0.39 μg L⁻¹ and 0.05–0.1.3 μg L⁻¹, respectively. The accuracy of the preconcentration method was confirmed by spike recovery test and the analysis of certified reference materials. The SPE method was applied for preconcentration of the analyte ions in tap water, bottled water and wastewater samples.     

Remediation studies of trace metals in natural and treated water using surface modified biopolymer nanofibers

In this study, remediation results of trace metals in natural water and treated water using three functionalized nanofiber mats of cellulose and chitosan are reported. The nanofiber materials, packed in mini-columns, were employed for the remediation of five toxic trace metals (Cd, Pb, Cu, Cr and Ni) from natural water samples. Trace metals in real water samples were undetectable as the concentrations were lower than the instrument’s detection limits of 0.27 × 10⁻³ (Cd) and 4.2 × 10⁻² (Pb) μg mL⁻¹, respectively. However, after percolation through the functionalised biosorbents in cartridges, detectability of the metal ions was enhanced. The starting volume of the natural water sample was 100 mL, which was passed through a column containing the nanofibers sorbent and the retained metals eluted with 5 mL of 2.0 M nitric acid. The eluate was analyzed for metals concentrations. An enrichment factor of 20 for the metals was realized as a result of the pre-concentration procedure applied to handle the determination of the metals at trace levels. The order of remediation of the studied metals using the nanofibers was as follows: chitosan/PAM-g-furan-2,5-dione < cellulose-g-furan-2,5-dione < cellulose-g-oxolane-2,5-dione. The modified biopolymer nanofibers were able to adsorb trace metals from the river water and treated water, thereby confirming their capability of water purification. These materials are proposed as useful tools and innovative approach for improving the quality of drinking for those consumers in small scale households.     

Decadal record of sediment export to the deep sea via Eel Canyon

An active upper-canyon system, Eel Canyon, was studied to determine its role as a conduit and/or sink for terrigenous material over decadal timescales and to assess the sedimentary record preserved by transport processes. These data are used to (1) link seasonal fluctuations in sediment transport and deposition to preserved stratigraphic signatures, and (2) assess sediment storage and removal in the upper Eel Canyon (100–850 m water depth) over decadal timescales. Previous research has shown that upper thalwegs commonly experience gravity-driven flows during winter (November–March), due to increased sediment supply from Eel River flooding and intense storms that produce energetic wave/current conditions. Thick winter deposits composed of recently discharged fluvial sediment are formed in upper thalwegs, with distinct short- and long-lived radioisotopic and textural signatures (detectable ⁷Be and ²³⁴Th_xs, lowered ²¹⁰Pb activity, elevated clay content, and physical structures). Box and kasten cores were collected in the upper canyon (thalwegs and walls) to measure these signatures in recent and preserved winter deposits, and to calculate 100-yr accumulation rates. Non-bioturbated deposits (that have signatures indicative of rapid accretion by gravity-driven flows during the winter) are common in the upper canyon thalwegs. Short-lived radioisotopes (⁷Be and ²³⁴Th) show that sediment delivery to the upper thalweg varies temporally, sometimes beginning at the onset of river flooding, and at other times beginning during fall/early winter dry-storm events. In contrast, bioturbated deposits (which do not have signatures indicative of rapid deposition) are found on canyon walls.Non-bioturbated winter deposits are easily identified in the decadal record of thalwegs by decreases in ²¹⁰Pb activity and increases in clay content. Stacking of multiple years of winter deposits (∼10 cm preserved per winter) results in non-steady-state ²¹⁰Pb profiles and high decadal accumulation rates. However, down-core changes in ²¹⁰Pb profiles show that slope failures are actively redistributing these winter deposits. Partial or total removal of multiple winter deposits appears to happen periodically (every ∼13 yr), which will inhibit preservation of the longer decadal record. 100-yr accumulation rates were calculated in the thalwegs from the resulting ²¹⁰Pb profiles (i.e., the result of winter accretion and decadal removal by failures). Accumulation rates are much higher in thalwegs (1–6 cm/yr) than walls (0.1–0.8 cm/yr), which is likely the result of differing sediment delivery processes (via gravity-driven flows and nepheloid layers, respectively). At least 2.6±1.4% of the Eel River sediment budget is accumulating in the upper canyon over 100-yr timescales. However, this value greatly underestimates the total amount entering the canyon system because minimum accumulation rates were used in many areas (due to limited core length) and slope failures are moving sediment out of the budget area.     

Embryotoxic and genotoxic effects of heavy metals and pesticides on early life stages of Pacific oyster (Crassostrea gigas)

This study evaluated embryotoxicity and genotoxicity of two dissolved metals copper and cadmium (Cu and Cd) and two pesticides (metolachlor and irgarol) occurring in Arcachon Bay (SW France) in Pacific oyster (Crassostrea gigas) larvae and investigated the relationship between those two endpoints. Embryotoxicity was measured by calculating the percentage of abnormal D-shaped larvae and genotoxicity was evaluated with DNA strand breaks using the comet assay. After 24 h exposure, significant increases of the percentage of abnormal D-larvae and the DNA strand breaks were observed from 0.1 μg L⁻¹ for Cu, 10 μg L⁻¹ for Cd and 0.01 μg L⁻¹ for both irgarol and metolachlor in comparison with the controls. A strong positive relationship between embryotoxicity and genotoxicity was recorded for Cu, Cd and metolachlor. The current study suggests that copper, irgarol and metolachlor can induce larval abnormalities and DNA damage in a population of exposed oysters at environmentally relevant concentrations.     

Mass-dependent cadmium isotopic variations in nature with emphasis on the marine environment

We report a survey of natural mass-dependent cadmium isotope fractionation measured by thermal ionization mass spectrometry using a double-spike technique (DS-TIMS). Over sixty samples of natural terrestrial Cd from diverse environments, including MORB, OIB, continental loess, hydrogenic and hydrothermal ferromanganese deposits, and sphalerites (both oceanic and from major continental ore deposits) were analysed. Our results are expressed in terms of ε^112/110Cd, which are deviations in ¹¹²Cd/¹¹⁰Cd from our in-house JMC Cd standard in parts per 10⁴. The total ε^112/110Cd variation is relatively small, with a range of only 5 ε-units, and is one-to-two orders of magnitude smaller than that previously found in meteorites.The MORB, OIB and loess ε^112/110Cd values are similar and provide a good estimate for the bulk silicate Earth (BSE) value which is ? 0.95 ± 0.12 relative to our Cd standard (ε^112/110Cd = + 0.16 relative to Münster JMC Cd). Taken together, these data suggest little Cd isotope fractionation takes place during crust–mantle segregation. Cd isotopic compositions of continental sphalerite (ZnS) deposits worldwide and high-temperature oceanic hydrothermal sulphides show remarkably similar ε^112/110Cd values, consistent with our estimate for the BSE. In contrast, mid-temperature oceanic sulphides from a single extinct hydrothermal chimney display over 4 ε-units variation — along with the most negative values. These variations are most probably caused by precipitation/redissolution of sulphide phases en route within the hydrothermal system.The ε^112/110Cd variability found in worldwide marine Fe–Mn deposits reflects the seawater Cd isotope signal upon precipitation from ambient seawater. A decrease in ε^112/110Cd is observed in passing from shallow-water Fe–Mn deposits to those from deeper waters (> 2000 m depth). This shift is explained by biological fractionation related to the uptake of dissolved seawater Cd by phytoplankton in the upper water column. The relatively uniform ε^112/110Cd values close to zero at great depths are consistent with regeneration and remineralization of Cd at depth. Our data suggest that Cd isotopes – much like the Cd/Ca ratio in foraminifera – could potentially serve as a proxy for past changes in biological productivity. The temporal Cd isotope record in a Fe–Mn crust archive at 2000 m depth from the NE Atlantic suggests no gross long-term changes in Cd cycling took place over the past 8 Ma.     

Arsenic and heavy metals in native plants at tailings impoundments in Queretaro,Mexico

Ten native plants species that grow in three tailings dams from Ag, Pb, Cu and Zn mine in Queretaro, Mexico were studied. Total concentrations in tailings were 183–14,660 mg/kg As, 45–308 mg/kg Cd, 327–1754 mg/kg Pb, 149–459 mg/kg Cu and 448–505 mg/kg Zn. In the three tailings dams, the solubility of these elements is low. Tailings in dam 1 are acid generating while tailings in dams 2 and 3 are not acid-generating potential. Plants species that accumulate arsenic and heavy metals was identified; Nicotina glauca generally presented the highest concentrations (92 mg/kg As, 106 mg/kg Cd, 189 mg/kg Pb, 95 mg/kg Cu and 1985 mg/kg Zn). Other species that accumulate these elements are Flaveria pubescens, Tecoma stans, Prosopis Sp, Casuarina Sp and Maurandia antirrhiniflora. Two species were found that accumulates a large amount of metals in the root, Cenchrus ciliaris and Opuntia lasiacantha. Concentrations in soils in which plants grow were 488–5990 mg/kg As, 5–129 mg/kg Cd, 169–3638 mg/kg Pb, 159–1254 mg/kg Cu and 1431–13,488 mg/kg Zn. The Accumulation Factor (AF) determined for plants was less than 1, with exception of N. glauca for Cd. The correlation between arsenic and heavy metals found in soils and plants was low. Knowledge of plant characteristics allows it use in planning the reforestation of tailings dams in controlled manner. This will reduce the risk of potentially toxic elements are integrated into the food chain of animal species.     

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.     

Multiple extreme environmental conditions of intermittent soda pans in the Carpathian Basin (Central Europe)

Soda lakes and pans represent saline ecosystems with unique chemical composition, occurring on all continents. The purpose of this study was to identify and characterise the main environmental gradients and trophic state that prevail in the soda pans (n = 84) of the Carpathian Basin in Central Europe. Underwater light conditions, dissolved organic matter, phosphorus and chlorophyll a were investigated in 84 pans during 2009–2010. Besides, water temperature was measured hourly with an automatic sensor throughout one year in a selected pan. The pans were very shallow (median depth: 15 cm), and their extremely high turbidity (Secchi depth median: 3 cm, min: 0.5 cm) was caused by high concentrations of inorganic suspended solids (median: 0.4 g L⁻¹, max: 16 g L⁻¹), which was the dominant (>50%) contributing factor to the vertical attenuation coefficient in 67 pans (80%). All pans were polyhumic (median DOC: 47 mg L⁻¹), and total phosphorus concentration was also extremely high (median: 2 mg L⁻¹, max: 32 mg L⁻¹). The daily water temperature maximum (44 °C) and fluctuation maximum (28 °C) were extremely high during summertime. The combination of environmental boundaries: shallowness, daily water temperature fluctuation, intermittent hydroperiod, high turbidity, polyhumic organic carbon concentration, high alkalinity and hypertrophy represent a unique extreme aquatic ecosystem.     

Sewage organic markers in surface sediments around the Brazilian Antarctic station: Results from the 2009/10 austral summer and historical tendencies

The discharge of sewage into the Antarctic marine environments by scientific stations has resulted in local changes in these pristine sites. To assess the distribution and concentration of sewage indicators from the Brazilian Antarctic station, sediments were sampled during the 2009/10 austral summer at four points (water depth of 20 and 60 m). Concentrations of faecal sterols and linear alkylbenzenes (LABs) ranged from <0.01 to 0.17 μg g⁻¹ and <1.0 to 46.5 ng g⁻¹ dry weight, respectively. Maximum concentration of faecal sterols was similar to the value previously calculated as the background level for this area (0.19 μg g⁻¹), and it is lower than the concentration observed in previous studies (1997–2008), whereas the LABs concentrations remained practically constant (35 ng g⁻¹). Despite the low concentrations of sewage markers, the permanent human activities in the region require monitoring programs to determine continuing trends and prevent the increase of anthropogenic impacts.     

Development of the sediment and water quality management strategies for the Salt-water River,Taiwan

The Salt-water River watershed is one of the major river watersheds in the Kaohsiung City, Taiwan. Water quality and sediment investigation results show that the river water contained high concentrations of organics and ammonia–nitrogen, and sediments contained high concentrations of heavy metals and organic contaminants. The main pollution sources were municipal and industrial wastewaters. Results from the enrichment factor (EF) and geo-accumulation index (I_geo) analyses imply that the sediments can be characterized as heavily polluted in regard to Cd, Cr, Pb, Zn, and Cu. The water quality analysis simulation program (WASP) model was applied for water quality evaluation and carrying capacity calculation. Modeling results show that the daily pollutant inputs were much higher than the calculated carrying capacity (1050 kg day⁻¹ for biochemical oxygen demand and 420 kg day⁻¹ for ammonia–nitrogen). The proposed watershed management strategies included river water dilution, intercepting sewer system construction and sediment dredging.     

Removal of heavy metals from contaminated water using ethylenediamine-modified green seaweed (Caulerpa serrulata)

The demand for clean water is on the increase as the population increases. One of the ways to address the water shortage is to treat the polluted water through removal of the contaminants. The use of adsorbents for pollutant removal is one of the promising methods. Seaweed is an aquatic plant and its sorption ability for selected metals in water was investigated in this study. We report the performance of the seaweed (Caulerpa serrulata) before and after modification with ethylenediamine (EDA), on adsorption of copper, lead and cadmium in aqueous solution. The adsorption capacities for Cu, Cd and Pb were 5.27 mg g⁻¹, 2.12 mg g⁻¹ and 2.16 mg g⁻¹, respectively, with the EDA-modified seaweed, and 3.29 mg g⁻¹, 4.57 mg g⁻¹ and 1.06 mg g⁻¹, with the unmodified weed, respectively. The pH for maximum adsorption was found to be within the range of pH 4–pH 6. In a separate investigation, it was found that 0.1 g of dried seaweed leached 20 mg of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) using 100 ml of distilled-deionised water. The resulting solution was green. The leaching phenomenon contributes to secondary pollution. Modification of the seaweed with EDA reduced the DOC content by half (50%) and also removed the green colouration. Kinetic studies showed that the adsorbent was able to take up to 95% of the metals (in synthetic standard solutions) in less than 10 min. The adsorbed metals were then stripped using a solution of 0.5 M HNO₃ indicating that the adsorbent can be regenerated. In addition, the study revealed that modification improved the thermal stability of the adsorbent such that even when the temperature was raised to 1000 °C, more than 80% (compared to <50% for unmodified weed) of the modified adsorbent was not degraded, indicating that modification had a significant influence on the thermal stability of seaweed. The modified seaweed has been shown to have great potential for the removal of metals and DOC in polluted water. The modified adsorbent can therefore be applied for the removal of metals in polluted waters hence suitable for treatment of water for domestic consumption at a point of use.     

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.     

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.