Biomarkers in surface sediments from the Cross River and estuary system,SE Nigeria: Assessment of organic matter sources of natural and anthropogenic origins

Herein, lipid biomarker analysis is applied to surface sediments from the southeastern Niger Delta region for the quantitative determination of aliphatic lipids, steroids and triterpenoids in order to differentiate between natural (autochthonous vs. allochthonous) and anthropogenic organic matter (OM) inputs to this deltaic environment. This ecosystem, composed of the Cross, Great Kwa and Calabar Rivers, is receiving new attention due to increased human and industrial development activities and the potential effects of these activities impacting its environmental health. While the presence of low molecular weight n-alkanes (<C₂₂) and the fossil biomarkers pristane and phytane in all samples, are indicative of a minor petroleum related input, the total extractable organic component of the surface sediments of these rivers remains predominantly of a natural origin as characterized by the variety and predominance of lipid classes that are mainly derived from the epicuticular waxes of vascular plants and include n-alkanes, n-alkanols, n-alkan-2-ones, n-alkanoic acids, steroids and triterpenoids. In addition, recent OM inputs from microorganisms are indicated by the presence of lower molecular weight n-alkanoic acids (C_max = 16), while the major triterpenoids of the sediments, taraxerol and friedelin, and the major sterol, sitosterol, indicate recent OM inputs from vascular plants. Plankton-derived sterols, such as fucosterol and dinosterol, are also found in sediments from the Cross and Great Kwa Rivers and likely originate from autochthonous primary productivity. Furthermore, the coprosterols coprostanol and 24-ethylcoprostanol are present in most samples and indicate measurable anthropogenic contributions from domestic untreated sewage inputs and agricultural run-off, respectively. Of the three rivers studied, the Cross River system was excessively influenced by human and industrial development activities, including drivers such as urbanization and population center growth, land-use change to support agricultural production and animal husbandry, and petroleum exploration and production. These influences were found to be regionally specific as controlled by point sources of pollution based on the relative distributions measured and on the fact that the molecular characteristics of sedimentary OM were not distributed smoothly along a gradient.     

Soil and water pollution derived from anthropogenic activities in the Porsuk River Basin, Turkey

This study aims to investigate the degree of the influence of contaminant sources on both the surface (Porsuk River) and groundwater in the Eskisehir plain, (Turkey) and to determine the changes in groundwater quality after the sewage system was started in 1998. For this purpose surface and groundwater samples were collected from various locations in the Eskisehir plain between May and October, 2001. The Porsuk River is already polluted in the upstream wastewater and by industries such as Nitrogen Fertilizer Factory, Sugar-beet Factory, and Magnesite Factory located around the city of Kutahya. This high-contaminated water forms an eutrophic environment which generates high phosphorus and nitrogen in downstream flow. Agricultural and industrial activities in the Eskisehir plain are an additional source of the pollution of the Porsuk River. The study revealed that some trace elements, Pb, Cr, Mn, Fe, and Cd, are present in high concentrations both in the surface and groundwater besides extremely high quantities of phosphorus, nitrogen and sulfide compounds. In addition, analyses of samples also indicated that there are no considerable contaminations in terms of local pesticides. High concentration of Cd, N and S are found in the groundwater. On the basis of a detailed analysis of the groundwater in the Eskisehir plain, it is concluded that groundwater is not suitable for drinking according to Turkish standards, European Union Standards (EU) and World Health Organization (WHO). An erratum to this article can be found at     

Geochemistry and origins of natural gases in the central Junggar Basin,northwest China

The petroliferous central Junggar Basin in northwest China is predominantly an oil exploration region. However, its gas exploration also might have good prospects. Thus to assist in gas exploration, the geochemistry and origins of gases are discussed in this paper based on relatively comprehensive analyses of compositions, carbon isotopes and light hydrocarbons of gases. Based on the results, the gas genetic types are grouped into families and combined with the geological setting (e.g., biomarkers of retrograde condensates and source rock characteristics). We show that there are four representative genetic types of gases. The first consists of gases derived from Permian lacustrine mudstones with type I–II kerogen and type III kerogen sources in the Penyijingxi sag. Their representative geochemical feature is δ¹³C₂ ranging from −31.4‰ to −24.7‰. The second is gas sourced from Carboniferous tufaceous mudstones of type III kerogen in the Dishuiquan sag, whose representative geochemical feature is the heaviest values of δ¹³C₁ in the studied samples, ranging from −32.0‰ to −30.4‰. The third consists of gases sourced from Jurassic coals and mudstones in the Shawan–Fukang sag. The light hydrocarbon fingerprints of these gases are similar to those of gases and oils typically derived from Jurassic source rocks in the southern Junggar Basin. The fourth is gas most likely generated from the degradation of crude oil. It is mainly found in the Luliang area and has dryness values as much as 0.999 and δ¹³C₁ ranging from −54.8‰ to −43.2‰. Among these four types of gases, the first (mainly sourced from the Permian lacustrine mudstones in the Penyijingxi sag) is the predominant type.     

天津蓟县官庄盆地天然矿泉水田水化学特征及形成条件

文章分析了蓟县官庄盆地的水文地质特征以及地下水埋藏条件、边界条件、补径排条件、动态特征、水化学与环境同位素特征.分析了矿泉水特征组分偏硅酸的形成机理,表明花岗岩中大量的石英、铝硅酸盐矿物在深循环条件下的水解作用是偏硅酸的主要成因.     

桂林漓江流域土壤溶液的水化学特征及其溶蚀能力分析

通过在漓江流域中北部采集浅层土样,提取土壤溶液,测定其水化学成分指标,分析其基本特征及规律,并计算方解石和白云石的饱和指数(SI_C、SI_D),探讨土壤溶液对碳酸盐岩的溶蚀能力及其影响因素。结果发现:(1)从漓江流域南部到北部,土壤中各离子含量普遍较低,总体上是南高北低,土壤溶液水化学类型为HCO3-Ca型;(2)土壤溶液的SI_C、SI_D都呈绝对值较大的负值,表明土壤溶液对碳酸盐岩具有较强的溶蚀能力;(3)SI_C、SI_D由南向北逐渐降低,溶蚀能力逐渐增强,与该区域降雨量由南向北逐渐增大的特征之间表现出较明显的相关性;(4)土壤溶液对碳酸盐岩溶蚀能力随降雨量增大而增强是长期的大量降雨溶滤作用使土壤中的Ca~(2+)、Mg~(2+)等离子减少、pH值降低等原因所致。     

Spatial characteristics of surface water quality in the Haicheng River (Liao River basin) in Northeast China

Spatial variations of the water quality in the Haicheng River during April and October 2009 were evaluated for the national monitoring program on water pollution control and treatment in China. The spatial autocorrelation analysis with lower Moran’s I values displayed the spatial heterogeneity of the 12 physicochemical parameters among all the sampling sites of the river. The one-way ANOVA showed that all variables at different sampling sites had significant spatial differences (p < 0.01). Based on the similarity of water quality characteristics, cluster analysis grouped the 20 sampling sites into three clusters, related with less polluted, moderately polluted and highly polluted sites. The factor analysis extracted three major factors explaining 76.4 % of the total variance in the water quality data set, i.e., integrated pollution factor, nitrogen pollution factor and physical factor. The results revealed that the river has been severely polluted by organic matter and nitrogen. The major sources leading to water quality deterioration are complex and ascribed to anthropogenic activities, e.g., domestic and industrial wastewater discharges, agricultural runoff, and animal rearing practices.     

The hydrochemical characteristics and evolution of groundwater and surface water in the Heihe River Basin, northwest China

A combination of isotopic and chemical indicators has been used to characterize rainfall, surface water and groundwater in the Heihe River Basin, China. Surface- vs. groundwater chemistry data enabled geographical zones and chemical types to be differentiated. The dissolution of halite, Glauber’s salt, gypsum, dolomite and calcite determine Na⁺, Cl^?, Mg²⁺, Ca²⁺, $ {\text{SO}}^{{2 - }}_{4} A combination of isotopic and chemical indicators has been used to characterize rainfall, surface water and groundwater in the Heihe River Basin, China. Surface- vs. groundwater chemistry data enabled geographical zones and chemical types to be differentiated. The dissolution of halite, Glauber’s salt, gypsum, dolomite and calcite determine Na⁺, Cl⁻, Mg²⁺, Ca²⁺, and chemistry, but other processes such as evaporation, ion exchange, and deposition also influence the water composition. The majority of deep confined groundwaters are tritium-free and less mineralized than in the shallow aquifer. Radiocarbon values in the deeper groundwaters range from 18.8 to 38.9 pmc, and 80 pmc probably represents the upper limit of initial ¹⁴C activity; this yields ages of approximately 5,960–11,971 years BP, which is about 3,000 years older than those calculated by models in previous work. The shallow aquifer exhibits fairly high and variable tritium activities (4–75 TU), evidence of recent recharge and low residence time (<60 years), which is in line with estimates from previous work. Isotopic signatures indicate formation of deeper groundwaters in a colder and wetter climate during the late Pleistocene and Holocene. The results suggested that significant changes are urgently needed in water-use strategy to achieve sustainable development.

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Résumé Une combinaison de plusieurs indicateurs isotopiques et chimiques a été utilisée dans le but de caractériser les précipitations, les eaux de surface et les eaux souterraines dans le Bassin de la Rivière Heihe, en Chine. La confrontation des chimies des eaux souterraines et de surface a permis de différentier plusieurs secteurs géographiques et faciès chimiques. Les compositions chimiques en Na⁺, Cl⁻, Mg²⁺, Ca²⁺, et sont déterminées par la dissolution de la halite, du sel de Glauber, du gypse, de la dolomite et de la calcite, mais d’autres processus peuvent également avoir une influence, comme l’évaporation, les échanges de bases et la sédimentation. La majorité des eaux souterraines captives profondes ne contiennent pas de tritium, et sont moins minéralisées que dans l’aquifère superficiel. Les valeurs de carbone 14 dans l’aquifère le plus profond sont comprises entre 18.8 et 38.9 pcm, pour une valeur maximum probable d’activité initiale de 80 pcm; les ages estimés correspondants sont compris entre 5,960 et 11,971 ans, soit environ 3,000 ans de plus que ceux calculés auparavant par les modèles. L’aquifère superficiel présente des activités tritium plut?t élevées et variables (4 à 75 UT), démontrant l’existence d’une alimentation récente et d’un temps de résidence faible (<60 ans), ce qui concorde avec les études antérieures. Les signatures isotopiques indiquent une alimentation des eaux souterraines les plus profondes au cours d’épisodes climatiques plus froids et plus humides qu’actuellement, à la fin du Pléistocène et à l’Holocène. Les résultats suggèrent que des changements significatifs dans la planification des usages de l’eau sont nécessaires et urgents dans des perspectives d’exploitation durable.

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Resumen Se ha utilizado una combinación de indicadores isotópicos y químicos para caracterizar la precipitación, el agua superficial y el agua subterránea en la Cuenca del Río Heihe, China. Los datos químicos de aguas superficiales frente a las subterráneas no permiten diferenciar zonas geográficas y tipos químicos. La disolución de halita, sal de Glauber, yeso, dolomita y calcita determina la química de Na⁺, Cl⁻, Mg²⁺, Ca²⁺, y , pero otros procesos, como evaporación, intercambio de iones y precipitación influyen también en la composición del agua. La mayoría de las aguas subterráneas profundas confinadas no tienen Tritio y están menos mineralizados que el acuífero superficial. Los valores de radiocarbono en las aguas subterráneas más profundas oscilan entre 18.8 y 38.9 pmc, y el valor de 80 pmc representa probablemente el límite superior de la actividad inicial de ¹⁴C; proporcionando edades de aproximadamente 5,960–11,971 a?os BP, que son unos 3,000 a?os más antiguas de las calculadas mediante modelización en trabajos previos. El acuífero superficial tiene actividades de tritio bastante más altas y variables (4–75 UT), evidenciando una recarga reciente y unos tiempos de residencia bajos (<60 a?os), lo cual está en la línea de lo estimado en trabajos previos. Los datos isotópicos apuntan a la formación de aguas subterráneas más profundas en un clima más frío y húmedo durante el Pleistoceno superior y el Holoceno. Los resultados sugieren que se necesita hacer cambios significativos en la estrategia de uso del agua para alcanzar un desarrollo sostenible.

     

Hydrochemical characteristics of groundwater in the Zhangye Basin, Northwestern China

The Zhangye Basin, located in arid northwest China, is an important agricultural and industrial center. In recent years rapid development has created an increased demand for water, which is increasingly being fulfilled by groundwater abstraction. Detailed knowledge of the geochemical evolution of groundwater and water quality can enhance understanding of the hydrochemical system, promoting sustainable development and effective management of groundwater resources. To this end, a hydrochemical investigation was conducted in the Zhangye Basin. Types of shallow groundwater in the Zhangye Basin were found to be HCO₃ ⁻, HCO₃ ⁻–SO₄ ²⁻, SO₄ ²⁻–HCO₃ ⁻, SO₄ ²⁻–Cl⁻, Cl⁻–SO₄ ²⁻ and Cl⁻ . The deep aquifer groundwater type was found to be HCO₃⁻–SO₄²⁻ throughout the entire area. Ionic ratio and saturation index calculations suggest that silicate rock weathering and evaporation deposition are the main processes that determine the ionic composition in the study area. The suitability of the groundwater for irrigation was assessed based on the US Salinity Laboratory salinity classification and the Wilcox diagram. In the study area, the compositions of the stable isotopes δ¹⁸O and δD in groundwater samples were found to range from −4.00 to −9.28‰ and from −34.0 to −65.0‰, respectively. These values indicate that precipitation is the main recharge source for the groundwater system; some local values indicate high levels of evaporation. Tritium analysis was used to estimate the ages of the different groundwaters; the tritium values of the groundwater samples varied from 3.13 to 36.62 TU. The age of the groundwater at depths of less than 30 m is about 5–10 years. The age of the groundwater at depths of 30–50 m is about 10–23 years. The age of the groundwater at depths of 50–100 m is about 12–29 years. For groundwater samples at depths of greater than 100 m, the renewal time is about 40 years.     

格尔木河流域平原区地下水同位素及水化学特征

通过对格尔木河流域天然水中H、O同位素的系统分析,根据地球水化学组分循环演化规律所对应流域不同类型水体的同位素组成的研究,结果表明流域地下水化学组分随流程增加溶滤作用增强,地下水中HCO3-逐渐减少,Cl-则增加。运用δD、δ18O和3H值建立了流域大气降水线方程,确定了山区河水非当年降水补给,河水以地下水补给为主、其次是冰雪融水和大气降水补给。山区降水δD、δ18O均值低于平原区,表明平原区降水受蒸发作用影响水中富重同位素。平原区地下水中的δD、δ18O值与河水基本一致,说明平原区地下水主要受河水出山后入渗补给。承压自流水δD和δ18O值与潜水基本一致,根据地下水的3H值确定早于潜水年龄,且随埋深增加δD、δ18O值减少的趋势,其年龄亦由新变老。     

中国东北松嫩平原地下水水化学特征与演变规律

在全球气候变化和高强度人类活动的影响下,松嫩平原地下水环境日益恶化,已成为制约生态环境建设和经济社会发展的重要因素。选取具有典型代表意义的洮儿河流域作为研究区,对地下水进行系统取样分析,综合运用描述性统计、相关性分析、离子比例系数和Piper三角图示法,全面系统地研究地下水水化学的时空变异特征与演变规律,揭示了风化溶滤、蒸发浓缩、阳离子交换和人为混合是控制地下水质演变的主要水文化学过程,从而为流域乃至松嫩平原盐渍土区水资源可持续开发利用和管理提供科学依据。     

Geochemistry of trace elements in surface waters of the Arno River Basin,northern Tuscany,Italy

Trace element geochemistry of the Arno River and its main tributaries was investigated on the basis of two sampling campaigns carried out in November 1996 and June 1997. By analyzing filtered and unfiltered water samples, Fe and Al are found in solution mainly as colloidal particles of size lower than 0.45 μm. In June (lower flow rate), Fe and Al are enriched in the filtered waters from the main river, and this feature was interpreted in terms of higher water temperature promoting the formation of smaller particles, thus reducing their aggregation properties. Iron and Al show perfectly synchronous downstream profiles along the Arno River, correlate quite well each to other, and display abrupt concentration increases near to Florence, where the lithology of the catchment changes from siliciclastic dominated to clay-sand (lacustrine-marine)-dominated. The same behaviour is shown by most of the other trace elements in the river, thus supporting a general lithological control. Trace elements in the final part of the Arno River are influenced by flocculation processes in addition to mixing. Adsorption phenomena on oxy-hydroxides are denoted by good elemental correlations with Fe (and Al). Sporadic anomalous concentration values, possibly related to anthropogenic contributions, may prevent such correlations. Referring to the quality of waters for potable use and fish life, toxic elements are below the acceptable limits of current European regulations, with few exceptions for Hg exceeding guideline values. Multivariate analysis groups trace elements according to geochemical affinities and natural or anthropogenic sources, thus distinguishing contaminated from uncontaminated samples. The results achieved in this work will help regional and national Authorities for compliance with the EU water policy, especially in assessing the water quality at the river basin scale and its vulnerability to human activities.     

浐河流域汛期地表水水化学组成特征及其成因

为研究浐河流域汛期地表水水化学特征及离子来源,完善区域水资源管理合理化的建议,共采集浐河流域地表水样10份,结合空间分布图、Piper三角图、Gibbs图、离子相关分析等方法,分析了浐河流域水化学特征、空间差异特征、主要离子来源及控制因素。结果表明：①浐河流域汛期水体整体呈弱碱性,TDS均值低于同流域枯水期均值但高于全球河流均值。②优势阳离子为Ca2+和Na+,优势阴离子为HCO3−,水化学类型以Na-HCO3为主,整体上主要离子含量呈现ES低WN高的趋势。③浐河流域主要受硅酸盐岩风化的控制作用,且存在受蒸发岩溶解影响的情况。同时,本研究也为开采和保护源头水、发展用于工业的中游水,警惕下游水发生污染事件,合理利用水资源,解决西安缺水问题等方面提供参考。     

Hydrochemical characteristics and salinity of groundwater in the Ejina Basin, Northwestern China

A hydrochemical investigation was conducted in the Ejina Basin to identify the hydrochemical characteristics and the salinity of groundwater. The results indicate that groundwater in the area is brackish and are significantly zonation in salinity and water types from the recharge area to the discharge area. The ionic ration plot and saturation index (SI) calculation suggest that the silicate rock weathering and evaporation deposition are the dominant processes that determine the major ionic composition in the study area. Most of the stable isotope δ¹⁸O and δD compositions in the groundwater is a meteoric water feature, indicating that the groundwater mainly sources from meteoric water and most groundwater undergoes a long history of evaporation. Based on radioactive isotope tritium (³H) analysis, the groundwater ages were approximately estimated in different aquifers. The groundwater age ranges from less than 5 years, between 5 years and 50 years, and more than 50 years. Within 1 km of the river water influence zone, the groundwater recharges from recent Heihe river water and the groundwater age is about less than 5 years in shallow aquifer. From 1 km to 10 km of the river water influence zone, the groundwater sources from the mixture waters and the groundwater age is between 5 years and 50 years in shallow aquifer. The groundwater age is more than 50 years in deep confined aquifer.     

Natural and anthropogenic hazards in the Yellow River Delta,China

Natural Hazards - In China, the Yellow River Delta is a unique region with vulnerable ecosystems, and it is under the largest pressure from various risk sources. In recent years, this region has...     

Classification of rivers based on water quality assessment using factor analysis in Taizi River basin, northeast China

A method for river classification based on water quality assessment (WQA) was introduced using factor analysis (FA) in this paper. Sixty-nine sampling sites and 20 water quality parameters in Taizi River basin were selected for monitoring and analysis. Five factors were determined in FA, denoted as general, hardness, trophic, nitrogen pollution, and physical factors. The total factor scores (TFSs) of the WQA results from all sampling sites were calculated by the eigenvalue and factor score of each factor. The TFSs of 69 sites were interpolated with the measure of inverse distance weighted in the river buffer zone generated by ArcGIS 9.2 software to form a continuous spatial distribution along river channels. All streams were divided into five classes marked “excellent”, “good”, “fair”, “poor”, and “seriously polluted”. The classification result showed that the water quality of Taizi River basin deteriorated gradually from the mountain area to the plain area. Sewage and intensive human activities contributed to the deterioration of water quality since towns and farmland were dotted densely along the river basin.     

Temporal transport of major and trace elements in the upper reaches of the Xijiang River,SW China

This study investigated the temporal variations of major and trace element contents and controlling factors in the upper reaches of the Xijiang River, SW China. The results showed the major ions principally derived from the weathering of carbonate and silicate rocks, with a seasonal variation impacted by the monsoonal climate. The contents of dissolved trace elements also varied seasonally in the two main tributaries: the Nanpan and Beipan rivers. Most dissolved trace elements such as Mn, Zn and Pb being affected by anthropogenic contributions displayed a large seasonal variability, from onefold to hundred-fold, while V, Rb and U show a relative stable trend uncorrelated with the different seasons, suggesting a natural origin by rock weathering. Suspended particle matter in the Nanpan and Beipan rivers was depleted in Ca, Mg, Na, K and Sr, but enriched in Al, Fe and Sb compared to the upper crust (UC) values. A binary mixture of silicate-rich and carbonate-rich sources dominates the behavior of elements such as Ca and Sr in riverine sediments, while a third end-member with an anthropogenic signature influenced the content of trace elements like Mn, Sb, Pb, Zn, Cd, Cr and Cu. The enrichments of Sb relative to the UC would be related to the mining activity in the studied area. The study highlights the importance of investigating temporal variations of major and trace element contents of rivers controlled by the monsoon climate and impacted by human activity.     

Assessment of the natural and anthropogenic sources of chemical elements in alluvial soils from the Drava River using multivariate statistical methods

The objectives of this study are as follows: (a) an assessment of the geochemical background signature of the Drava Valley before the industrial revolution; (b) an evaluation of anthropogenic geochemical influences on the alluvial plains and river terraces in the valley; and (c) a determination of the spatial distribution of trace elements in the alluvial soils of the Drava River downstream of the Austrian–Slovenian border to the confluence of Mura and Drava Rivers.