Environmental Effects of the Bottom Sediments of the Senezh Reservoir

The formation and accumulation of bottom sediments in the Senezh Reservoir are discussed on the basis of field observations. Data on the bottom sediment thickness, the rates of accumulation, and the concentrations of organic substances, metals, petroleum products, and organic pollutants are presented. The bottom sediments of the reservoir are demonstrated to be still no source of secondary pollution.     

Vertical distribution of organic compounds in the bottom sediments of two steppe lakes in Southern Siberia

New data on the distribution of organic compounds at different horizons (0–10, 30–40, and 70–80 cm) of bottom sediments of the fresh Fyrkal Lake (Republic of Khakaßsia) and the salt Lake Mormyshanskoe (Altai Territory) have been collected. The compositions of organic compounds in the sediments in the examined lakes has been found to differ considerably, though some parameters in their composition show changes in the same direction. The concentrations of triterpenoids of the groups of lupane, oleanane, and hopane in the sediments decrease with depth. An increase in the share of saturated compounds in the composition of steroids is accompanied by a decrease in the ratio of their isomers (5β/5α). Terrestrial vegetation dominates among organic matter sources, while, in Lake Fyrkal, the contributions of terrestrial plants and macrophytes are similar. The presence of thermally transformed steroids and triterpenoids throughout the vertical profile of sediments in Lake Mormyshanskoe may be an indication to a slight oil pollution of the water body.     

Impact of the chemical composition of bottom sediments on internal phosphorus load

Examples of the impact of the content of organic matter and compounds of Al and Fe in freshwater sediments on the phosphorus release from the bottom are studied. The relationships between the phosphorus release from bottom sediments and organic matter concentration in sediments of 22 lakes of the world are obtained and discussed as a result of generalization of actual data.     

Relationships between persistent organic pollutants and carbonaceous materials in aquatic sediments of Taiwan

Recent studies have shown that many persistent organic pollutants (POPs, e.g., polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and various pesticides), are strongly associated with carbonaceous materials (including organic carbon (OC) and black carbon (BC)). We hypothesize that carbonaceous materials can be used as a first-order pollution index, to indicate areas where POP pollution may require further investigation. We tested our hypothesis and found that strong, positive correlations between BC and OC contents versus the concentrations of PCBs (and PAHs) existed in estuarine sediments of the Danshui River in 2005 and 2008. Thus, our preliminary results demonstrate that POC and BC are potential indicators of the POP pollution potential in fluvial sediments of the Danshui River in Taiwan. This innovative approach can provide a simple, relatively inexpensive and expedient means to monitor concentrations of POPs in polluted aquatic sediments of Taiwan, and/or those having a legacy of POP inputs.     

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.     

Distribution of Heavy Metals in Lake Seliger Bottom Deposits

The distribution of some microelements in the surface and stratified layers of bottom sediments in Lake Seliger is studied. Data on the bottom deposit pollution by heavy metals is used to determine the anthropogenic load on the lake ecosystem. Cd, Zn, and Pb are shown to rapidly accumulate in thick (>1 m) bottom deposits that have formed during the period of lake existence. The concentrations of Cd and Zn are shown to correlate with the organic matter in thick bottom deposits.     

The choice of oil-pollution criteria for organogenic bottom sediments by chromatography-mass-spectrometry

The results of studying the hydrocarbon composition of organogenic bottom sediments of oil-polluted lakes and lakes of similar types remote from centers of anthropogenic activity are given. To correctly assess the oil pollution of organogenic materials one has to take into account the presence of native hydrocarbons in their composition and to choose the main criterion of oil pollution based on the presence of specific oil components not characteristic of aquatic ecosystems in their natural state. The most promising among such components are alkylbenzenes С₁₅–С₂₅, which slowly degrade under the conditions typical of northern aquatic ecosystems and can be retained for a long time by organogenic matrix.     

Trends in the Chemical Pollution and Dynamics of Kaliningrad Bay

The dynamics and trends in the chemical pollution of water and the bottom sediment of Kaliningrad Bay in the Vistula Lagoon are examined. Mean annual and one-moment estimates of the conditions and level of this type of pollution of water resources in the bay are given, and distribution schemes of suspended matter and pollutants over the area are shown. Schemes for calculating the components of the nearshore wave energy fluxes and water currents are also given. Environmental–dynamic zoning of the area allowed the establishing of stably localized, hydrodynamically stagnant problematic zones with high levels of chemical pollution of the water and bottom sediments (which are zones of higher environmental risk).     

Polychlorinated biphenyls and organochlorine pesticides in bottom sediments of the Irkutsk Reservoir

The concentrations of organochlorine pesticides (HCCH, DDT, and HCB) and 34 congeners of polychlorinated biphenyls were studied in bottom sediments of the Irkutsk Reservoir, the first in the Angara Chain of Reservoirs. The degree of pollution of bottom sediments was evaluated in accordance with classifications of regional and international standards. A correlation was found to exist between the distribution of some organic compounds and organic carbon concentration.     

洪泽湖入湖河流沉积物有机磷分布特征及外源输入对其形态转化的影响

为探究洪泽湖入湖河流沉积物有机磷的空间分布及外源输入对其形态转化的影响,本文利用Ivanoff法开展有机磷形态特征研究,并通过实验室添加常见外源有机质和铁离子,深入探讨外源物质对沉积物有机磷形态变化的长期影响.研究结果表明,洪泽湖入湖河流沉积物有机磷含量范围为34.8～398.6 mg/kg,占总磷的7.7%～36.9%,其中非活性有机磷(NOP)中活性有机磷(MLOP)活性有机磷(LOP).濉河沉积物LOP平均占比为19.4%,高于其他河流,而成子河NOP平均占比最高,为56.41%,表明有机磷的空间分布不均匀.总体而言,安河和濉河沉积物中总氮、总磷和有机磷含量显著高于成子河和淮河,显示前两条河流有较高的污染水平.冗余分析表明河流沉积物有机磷形态明显受到其理化性质影响,而不同污染程度沉积物的影响因素有所不同.外源物质添加能够活化沉积物的有机磷,促使NOP向LOP和MLOP转化,有机质输入引起的沉积物有机磷形态变化要大于铁元素输入,而外源物质输入对污染较重河流沉积物的有机磷转化作用更为显著.因此,减少入湖河流周边的外源污染排放是减少湖泊生物可利用磷的有效途径.     

Characterization of transboundary POP contamination in aquatic ecosystems of Pearl River delta

During the past two decades, the rapid development of the Pearl River delta leads to substantial accumulation of various toxic organic compounds. This study aims to give a preliminary characterization of the existing state of contamination in this region and to provide insight into the possible fate of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in this estuary. The available data on POPs in water, river, estuarine sediments, soil, and marine organisms within the Pearl River delta are compiled. It is shown that it may lead to transboundary POP pollution problems at both Hong Kong and Macau Special Administration Regions located at the downstream end of the region. It is noted that the levels of DDTs and HCHs in various environmental media are at alerting levels and that fresh DDT might still be applied illegally within the region. A systematic research is required to determine both the temporal and spatial variations of all POPs in various carrying media of the Pearl River delta as a whole.     

Hydrophysical Factors Controlling the Formation of Hypoxic Zones in the Pregolya River

A quasi-constant hydrological front is found to form in the Pregolya River, flowing through Kaliningrad and Kaliningrad oblast, in the convergence zones of the slightly salt waters of the Vistula Lagoon and fresh river waters under the conditions circulation caused by positive and negative setups. Its formation and position are found to coincide with zones of hypoxia, especially in the places (hollows) within the city boundaries where the river depth is relatively large. A thick layer of liquid and semiliquid silts rich in organic carbon, especially in hollows; the dynamics of mobile exchange layer in bottom sediments at high temperature in summer; and the formation of the hydrological front with characteristic hydrophysical features along with an increase in the input of pollutants with municipal wastewater is a cause and a source of secondary pollution and deterioration of the environmental situation in the Pregolya River.     

Assessment of bottom sediment contamination in acidified Karelian lakes

The physicochemical, toxicological, and teratological properties of bottom sediments in Karelian lakes (Vuontelenjarvi, Suojarvi, Venderskoe, and Chuchjarvi) and Kondopoga Bay of Lake Onega are studied. Bioassay results testify to a high toxicity of bottom sediments in heavily acidified lakes (with the water pH of 5.5 and lower).     

Monitoring of organic contaminants in sediments from the Korean coast: Spatial distribution and temporal trends (2001-2007)

Spatial and temporal trends of organic contaminants in sediments along the Korean coast were estimated through a nationwide environmental monitoring program from 2001 to 2007. The concentrations of organic contaminants in sediments along the Korean coast were relatively low or moderate compared with foreign studies. The mean detection frequencies of organic contaminants during the seven years were highest for PAHs and PCDD/Fs, followed by PCBs, DDTs, TBT and HCHs in decreasing order. Based on published sediment quality guidelines, the ecological risks of persistent organic pollutants in sediments along the Korean coast were low, despite exceedances of the ERL at 2-6 sites for DDTs, and the TEL at 9-18 sites for PCDD/Fs. Nonparametric tests to assess temporal trends revealed significant decreasing trends for PCBs and PCDD/Fs at four and three sites, respectively (p < 0.05). These results reflect the effects of regulations on the use of those contaminants.     

浙江东钱湖底泥污染物分布特征与评价

对东钱湖底泥做了全面调查,测定了底泥粒度组成、有机质、TN、TP及重金属含量,分析了底泥沉积特性及污染物分布特征,分别采用潜在生态危害指数(RI)法和相对背景值法对重金属污染风险和有机污染及营养盐污染进行了评价.研究结果表明:东钱湖底泥组成以细颗粒为主,重金属含量除镉污染达到中等生态危害程度外,其余均处于较低水平,湖区底泥中有机污染和氮污染问题非常突出.为有效治理东钱湖内源污染,有必要开展包括生态疏浚在内的内源污染治理措施.研究为进一步开展东钱湖水环境治理提供了理论依据.     

底泥疏浚效果及环境效应研究进展

底泥疏浚的效果至今仍存在很大争议,其中之一是疏浚后所产生的环境效果有可能偏离人们的期望.疏浚能够有效的削减沉积物中营养物、重金属和持久性有机物等污染物含量,但疏浚过程中会引起污染物向水体释放,疏浚后的界面过程有可能对疏浚效果产生较大影响.底泥疏浚对水体富营养化的控制有成功的经验也有失败的教训,不同的湖泊疏浚后对营养盐释放的控制效果不同.底泥疏浚往往对底栖生物产生危害,具体表现为种类、丰富度与生物量的减少,群落结构发生变化,多样性降低;疏浚后微生物胞外酶活性降低,底泥疏浚对沉积物代谢功能存在显著影响,底栖生物和酶活性的恢复需要长期的过程.底泥疏浚对湖泊水污染控制具有时效性,疏浚方式、疏浚深度与疏浚时令是疏浚工程应关注的问题.     

The distribution and transformation of oil hydrocarbons in Onega Lake bottom sediments

The distribution of oil hydrocarbons in bottom sediments of Onega Lake was examined. Their qualitative and quantitative composition was examined by methods of IR-spectroscopy and chromatography-mass spectrometry. The background concentrations of oil hydrocarbons in bottom sediments are evaluated and the polluted area is determined. The major regularities in oil hydrocarbon transformations under natural conditions and anthropogenic impact are identified. The quantitative development of the bacterial groups that take part in the transformation of complex organic substances and oil product derivatives in the case of emergency pollution of Petrozavodsk Bay water area by oil products is demonstrated.     

Characterization and composition of heavy metals and persistent organic pollutants in water and estuarine sediments from Gao-ping River,Taiwan

The objective of this study was to determine the concentrations and possible sources of heavy metals and persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in water and estuarine sediments from Gao-ping River in order to evaluate the environmental quality of aquatic system in southern Taiwan. High concentrations of heavy metals including Cr, Zn, Ni, Cu and As, ranging from 10.7 to 180 mg/kg-dry weight (dw), were detected in sediments from Gao-ping River. When normalized to the principal component analysis (PCA), swinery and electroplating wastewaters were found to be the most important pollution sources for heavy metals. Of various organochlorine pesticide (OCP) residues detected, aldrin and total-hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH) were frequently found in sediments. The total concentrations of OCPs were in the range 0.47–47.4 ng/g-dw. Also, the total-HCH, total-cyclodiene, and total-dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) were in the range 0.37–36.3, 0.21–19.0, and 0.44–1.88 ng/g-dw, respectively. The polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) concentrations in sediments from Gao-ping River ranged between 0.37 and 5.89 ng/g-dw. The PCB concentrations are positively correlated to the organic contents of the sediment particles. α-HCH was found to be the dominant compound of HCH in the sediments, showing that long-range transport may be the possible source for the contamination of HCH in sediments from Gao-ping River. In summary, trace amounts of POPs in estuarine sediments from Gao-ping River were detected, showing that there still exist a wide variety of POP residues in the river sediments in Taiwan. These POP residues may be mainly from long-range transport and weathered agricultural soils, while heavy metal contamination is primarily from the swinery and industrial wastewaters.