Biomonitoring of trace metals using transplanted mussels, <Emphasis Type="Italic">Mytilus galloprovincialis</Emphasis>, in coastal areas around Ulsan and Onsan Bays,Korea

Mediterranean (blue) mussels (Mytilus galloprovincialis) collected from a reference site were transplanted to 15 stations in coastal areas around Ulsan and Onsan Bays, an extensively metal polluted area in Korean coastal waters, to assess metal contamination in the coastal oceans of Korea. During the biomonitoring periods (June 30 to July 20, 2003; 21 days), transplanted mussels, seawater, and particulate materials were collected for analysis of 15 metals (Ag, As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Hg, Mn, Ni, Pb, Sb, Se, Sn, and Zn). Transplanted mussels showed metal enrichment compared to initial concentrations and spatial gradients consistent with dissolved and/or particulate metal concentrations in seawaters. Based on Q mode factor analysis, stations were clustered into three groups. The first group, located on Onsan Bay, showed high Ag, Cd, Cu, Hg, Pb, Sb and Zn enrichment, presumably arising from non-ferrous metal refineries and chemical industries in this area. The second group was located near the mouth of the Oehwang River and was enriched in Co from petrochemical industries. The third group comprised a site intermediate between Group 1 and Group 2, an isolated station with independent metal sources located in Jangsaengpo harbor, where a number of ship repairing and building companies operate, and a less contaminated station near a small fishing village. Metal accumulation rates (%·day^-1) in mussels were estimated to be between 8% (Cr) and 281% (Pb), based on accumulated metal concentrations over 21 days. The active biomonitoring technique using M. galloprovincialis demonstrated here is a useful monitoring method because it reflects the present status of seawaters; furthermore, physiological factors can be standardized, and bioavailable and time-integrated metal concentrations can be obtained. Furthermore, this method can be applied even in coastal seawaters so heavily contaminated that living organisms would not normally survive.     

The determination of Cd,Cu, Fe,Ni, Pb and Zn in Baltic Sea water

Cd, Cu, Fe, Ni, Pb and Zn were determined in 123 samples from the Baltic Sea proper. The trace metals were extracted directly on board the vessel, using a dithiocarbamate-Freon procedure. Final analyses of the extracts are performed onshore by atomic absorption spectrometry.Similar trace-metal concentrations are found in different areas of the Baltic proper. Most values fall in the following ranges: Cd, 30–60 ng 1^?1; Cu, 0.6–1.0 μg 1^?1; Fe, 0.3–0.9 μg 1^?1; Ni, 0.6–0.9 μg 1^?1; Pb, 0.05–0.2 μg 1^?1; and Zn, 1.5–3.5 μg 1^?1. The metal-concentrations are generally independent of depth. However, copper exhibits a small but significent decrease in concentration below 80 m.Filtration did not affect trace-metal concentrations, with the exception of iron in waters from lower layers. Similarly, storage under acid conditions was shown to affect only the concentration of iron. An electro-chemical technique was also used to determine Cu in some samples.     

Trace metals in the Göta river estuary

The concentrations of the trace metals Cd, Cu, Fe, Ni, Pb and Zn in the Göta River estuary have been investigated. The following metal fractions have been determined: acid-leachable, dissolved, labile and particulate.The estuary represents a salt wedge type estuary and is situated in a densely populated region of Sweden. The metal concentrations found for the dissolved fraction is in the range of what can be considered as background levels for freshwater. It is difficult to evaluate any estuarine processes other than conservative mixing for Cd, Cu, Ni and Zn. The dissolved levels in the freshwater end member are Cd, 9–25 ngl^?1; Cu, 1·1–1·4 μgl^?1; Fe, 20–75 μg l^?1: Ni, 0·7–0·9 μg l^?1: Pb 0·09–0·2 μg l^?1; and Zn, 6–7 μg l^?1:The results from the acid-leachable fraction show that at high suspended load the particles sediment in the river mouth. The trace metal levels in this fraction are subject to large variations.     

Blooms of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Trichodesmium erythraeum</Emphasis> in the South Eastern Arabian Sea during the onset of 2009 summer monsoon

This study presents in situ evidence for the blooms of Trichodesmium erythraeum observed in the shelf waters of the South Eastern Arabian Sea (SEAS) during the onset of the southwest monsoon in June 2009. Evidence showed that water surface discoloration was caused by the accumulation of T. erythraeum, and that the water column contained a colony of T. thiebautii. The surface water color in the bloom region varied from pale brown to pinkish red. Pale brown indicated healthy algae at the peak of its photosynthetic activity, while pinkish red indicated the presence of photosynthetically less active filaments. Zooplankton abundance, especially copepodites, in the bloom area substantiated the theory that Trichodesmium filaments are excellent epiphytes to which the copepodites cling. The bloom area was very fertile with copious quantities of dissolved oxygen (6.85 ml L^?1), PO₄-P (0.108 μmol L^?1) and SiO₄ (1.29 μmol L^?1). Lower NO₃-N (0.028 μmol L^?1) values in the bloom area did not appear to affect Trichodesmium growth from molecular nitrogen fixation. However, lower NO₃-N values altered the normal phytoplankton composition of this area.     

Concentrations of suspended matter and particulate cadmium,copper, lead and zinc in the Indian sector of the antarctic ocean

The concentrations of suspended matter and particulate Cd, Cu, Pb and Zn were determined for 36 samples collected at 6 stations in the Antarctic Ocean during December, 1970 and January, 1971 using membrane filters. The concentration of suspended matter was determined gravimetrically and trace metal levels were determined using anodic stripping voltammetry. For waters deeper than 100 m the concentration of suspended matter was < 100 μg l^?1. Concentrations up to 542 μg l^?1 were recorded between surface and 100 m. Individual concentrations of the metals were scattered with depth. Average concentrations of particulate metals were: Cd, 3.5 ng l^?1; Cu, 100 ng l^?1; Pb, 35 ng l^?1; and Zn, 230 ng ;l^?1 These measurements represent non-steady state conditions of early Antarctic summer as the ice pack disintegrates and biological activity increases.     

Cadmium,lead, copper,and zinc in Elminius modestus Darwin (Crustacea,Cirripedia) from Waitemata and Manukau Harbours,Auckland, New Zealand

Abstract

Concentrations of cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), copper (Cu), and zinc (Zn) were measured in adult barnacles (Elminius modestus Darwin) from Waitemata and Manukau Harbours in the Auckland area, New Zealand. As in studies on sediments reported in the literature, it was possible to identify areas of likely anthropogenic influence, e.g., around the Auckland Harbour Bridge for Pb, Cu, and Zn. Groups of individuals with highest concentrations for these metals showed 19.8–23.8 mg Pb kg^?1, 198–266 mg Cu kg^?1, and 4460–6530 mg Zn kg^?1 (95% confidence limits, dry weight basis). Cd concentrations found for all barnacles from the Auckland area ranged from 0.8 to 3.1 mg kg^?1. Two samples from Omaha Beach, 60 km north of Auckland, were used as a reference. Accordingly, groups of individuals with lowest concentrations for Pb, Cu, and Zn could be allocated to this site using the Student‐Newman‐Keuls Multiple Range Test (0.5–1.3 mg Pb kg^?1, 8–10 mg Cu kg^?1, and 144–214 mg Zn kg^?1 ; 95% confidence limits). Only Cd concentrations were highest at Omaha Beach (8.6–12.1 mg Cd kg^?1 ). This result may have arisen from “naturally” increased bio‐availabilities of certain metals in mangrove systems which are reported in the literature. Generally, metal concentrations in barnacles from the Auckland Harbour area and from Omaha Beach were within the wider range for E. modestus as well as other barnacle species reported in the international literature.     

Age and growth of filefish, <Emphasis Type="Italic">Thamnaconus modestus</Emphasis> (Günther, 1877) off the Jeju Island of Korea

The age and growth of filefish, Thamnaconus modestus (Günther 1877) in the southern waters of Korea were investigated. Samples were collected with commercial trawl catches during the period from May 2009 to December 2011. Of the 2,626 specimens collected, the sex ratio was not significantly different from 1:1 (P > 0.05). The total length ranged from 11.3 to 42.1 cm. The gonadosomatic index for both sexes was the highest in May to June, indicating that May to June is the main spawning period. The length of females at sexual maturity was 25.92 cm. The length-weight relationship of the filefish was TW = 0.0121TL^3.0536 (n = 1,692, r² = 0.9034, P < 0.001). The age of the sampled individuals was estimated by counting growth rings recorded on the 5^th vertebrae; ages ranged from 0 to 9 years. The filefish of the same age displayed a high individual variation in total length. Length-at-age data were fitted by using the Von Bertalanffy growth model. The estimated Von Bertalanffy growth parameters were L_∞ = 42.04 cm, k = 0.21 year^?1 and t₀ = ?1.56 for females, L_∞ = 41.20 cm, k = 0.18 year^?1 and t₀ = ?2.36 for males, and L_∞ = 43.16 cm, k = 0.17 year^?1 and t₀ = ?2.18 for the combination of both male and female. These data can be used as useful biological information for the future fishery management of filefish resources in Korean waters.     

The distribution of Mn,Fe, Zn,Cd and Cu in Baltic seawater; a study on the basis of one anchor station

A total of 150 samples were collected at a 10-days' anchor station in the Bornholm basin (55° 31.1′N, 15° 32.1′E) and analyzed for dissolved (< 0.4 μm) and particulate trace metals. For dissolved Mn, large gradients have been found in the vertical distribution with minimum concentrations (< 0.2 μgl^?1) in the halocline zone and considerably higher values in the deep waters (up to 50 μgl^?1). Ultrafiltration studies indicate that dissolved Mn is probably present as Mn²⁺ in the oxygenated bottom layer. The primary production process was not evident in the particulate Mn profile; the suspended particulate material (SPM), however, shows a considerable enrichment with depth, apparently due to Mn-oxide precipitation.The distribution of dissolved Fe was rather homogeneous, with average concentrations throughout the water column between 0.86 and 1.1 μgl^?1, indicating that the oxidation of Fe²⁺ ions released from the sediments must already be complete in the very near oxidation boundary layer. Relatively high concentrations of particulate Fe were actually measured in the bottom layer, with the maximum mean of 11.2 μgl^?1 at 72 m. Similarly to Mn, the profile of particulate Fe does not reflect the SPM curve of the eutrophic layer. On average, about 70% of the total Fe in surface waters was found to be particulate.The average concentrations of dissolved Zn, Cd and Cu were found to be rather homogeneous in the water column but showed a relatively high variability with time. A simplified model on trace-metal uptake by phytoplankton indicates no significant change in dissolved metal concentrations during the period of investigation. On average, only 1.7% Zn, 3.3% Cd and 9.8% Cu of the total metal concentrations were found in particulate form. SPM analyses showed significant correlations of Zn, Cd and Cu with Fe, indicating that particulate iron is an important carrier for particulate trace metals in Baltic waters.     

On the role of abiogenic factors in the bioaccumulation of heavy metals by the hydrothermal fauna of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge

The distributions of Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu, Ni, Co, Cr, Pb, As, Ag, Cd, Se, Sb, and Hg in 128 samples of tissues of the organisms that inhabit hydrothermal vent fields of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge (Menez Gwen, Snake Pit, and Rainbow) depending on the abiotic environmental parameters were studied. The majority of the elements studied showed direct correlations between their concentrations in the fluids released and in the tissues of hydrothermal organisms. A higher degree of bioaccumulation of metals was revealed in the Bathymodiolus mussels and Rimicaris shrimps from the Rainbow hydrothermal vent field as compared to their analogues from Menez Gwen and Snake Pit. This corresponds to the maximum concentrations of the majority of the metals studied in the Rainbow high-temperature hydrothermal fluids. The highest degree of bioaccumulation of heavy metals was found in gills of the symbiotrophic mussels Bathymodiolus and in maxillipeds of the ectosymbiotic shrimps Rimicaris, i.e., in the organs that function in dependence on chemosynthetic bacteria. Within the Rainbow vent field, the shrimps, which inhabit in biotopes with more high-temperature conditions and therefore are more strongly subjected to the influence of fluids, were found to contain higher metal contents than mollusks. The Fe-Mn hydroxide films that cover mussel shells might serve as important reservoirs of other metals related to Fe and Mn.     

Potential for heavy metal (copper and zinc) removal from contaminated marine sediments using microalgae and light emitting diodes

The effects of monochromatic (blue, yellow and red LED) and mixed wavelengths (fluorescent lamp) on the adsorption and absorption of Cu and Zn by Phaeodactylum tricornutum, Nitzschia sp., Skeletonema sp., and Chlorella vulgaris were investigated. In addition, we confirmed the potential of microalgae for phytoremediation of these heavy metals from contaminated marine sediment by using microcosm experiments that incorporated LEDs and semipermeable membrane (SPM) tube containing microalgae. Among the four microalgae, C. vulgaris grown under red LED exhibited the highest Cu and Zn removal with values of 17.5 × 10^-15 g Cu/cell and 38.3 × 10^-15 g Zn/cell, respectively. Thus, C. vulgaris could be a useful species for phytoremediation. In the microcosm experiments with SPM containing C. vulgaris, the highest Cu and Zn removal from sediment and interstitial water showed under red LED. Therefore, phytoremediation using LED and SPM tube containing microalgae could be utilized as an eco-friendly technique for remediating contaminated marine sediment.     

Estimating the parameters of pulsed sources from data on acoustic waves recorded in the atmosphere

The possibility of estimating the parameters of surface pulsed sources from data on acoustic waves recorded in the atmosphere is studied. Experimental values are given for peak pressure P ₊ of recorded acoustic signals, wave-profile area S ₊ in their positive phase, and length t ₊ of this phase, and the approximations of these parameters are obtained within wide ranges of source energy 10^–3 < E < 10¹⁰ kg TNT and scaled distances 1 < R/E ^1/3 < 4 × 10⁴ m/kg^1/3. Conventional methods of estimating the acoustic energy E according to data obtained from acoustic measurements in the atmosphere are analyzed, and ways to improve their accuracy are proposed. The influence of the type of explosions on the parameters P ₊, S ₊, and t ₊ of acoustic signals at long distances R/E ^1/3 > 500 m/kg^1/3 from explosions is shown.     

High mortality and poor growth of green mussels, <Emphasis Type="Italic">Perna viridis</Emphasis>, in high chlorophyll-<Emphasis Type="Italic">a</Emphasis> environment

The current study was carried out from May 2014 to April 2015 to estimate the stock status of P. viridis in Marudu Bay. The gonad development was monitored by histological examination, while the population parameters including asymptotic length (L_∞), growth coefficient (K), mortality rate (Z, F and M), exploitation level (E) and recruitment of P. viridis were estimated using the lengthfrequency data. Results of the current study demonstrated that P. viridis in Marudu Bay spawned throughout the year with two major peaks, one in April to May and another one in October to December. The recruitment pattern was continuous with the peak in May to June 2014, which corresponded to the first spawning peak in April. However, no significant recruitment was observed from the second spawning peak due to the difference in spawning timing between male and female populations. The estimated asymptotic length (L_∞), growth coefficient (K), total mortality (Z), natural mortality (M), fishing mortality (F) and growth performance (ф) of P. viridis in Marudu Bay were estimate to be 117 mm, 0.97 yr^-1, 4.39 yr^-1, 1.23 yr^-1, 3.16 yr^-1 and 4.123, respectively. The exponent b of the lengthweight relationship was 2.4 and exploitation level (E) was 0.72. The high mortality, low condition indices and negative allometric of P. viridis in Marudu Bay is caused by a lack of suitable food in the surrounding water.     

Spatial distribution of microelements in the seston of the White Sea

With a view to a more complete understanding of the role of phyto-and zooplankton in biogeochemical cycles, the spatial distributions of Fe, Mn, Co, Ni, Cr, Cu, Cd, Pb, Zn, As, Hg, and C_org in the White Sea seston (21 samples) collected in August 2004 during cruise 64 or R/V Professor Shtokman were studied. It was shown that the elements studied are accumulated in plankton with enrichment coefficients from 10² for Hg to 10⁵ for Fe, as compared to seawater. The spatial distribution of microelements is determined by the sources of their supply and correlates with the distribution of the primary production and biomass of zooplankton. The increased values of microelement contents (excluding As) are characteristic of Dvina Bay, whereas the highest As concentrations were found in Kandalaksha Bay.     

Feeding,egg production,and respiration rate of pteropods <Emphasis Type="Italic">Limacina</Emphasis> in Arctic seas

The feeding, egg production, and respiration rate of the dominant pteropod Limacina helicina have been studied in Russia’s Arctic seas. The sinking rates of fecal pellets and dead individuals have been measured to estimate their role in vertical carbon flux. As has been shown, the rate of ecophysiological processes taking place in the pteropods is higher than that of copepods, the main consumers of phytoplankton. The gut pigment content in Limacina (3084 ng ind^–1 as a maximum) was two orders of magnitude higher than in copepods. The egg production rate in Limacina even without feeding reached 4000 eggs ind^–1 versus 350–450 egg ind^–1 typical of the dominant copepods even with excess food. A close correlation between the pteropod feeding rate and individual body weight was observed for Limacina rather than a correlation with food concentration. The experimentally estimated sinking rate of Limacina fecal pellets was 270 m day^–1, higher than for most copepods. The sinking rate of dead pteropods reaches 2000 m day^–1. According to the literature, discarded mucous feeding nets sink at a rate of 80 to 1080 m day^–1. Evidently, pteropods play a significant role in biogeochemical cycles by accelerating sedimentation. High rates of all studied processes suggest that Limacina are an important component of plankton communities and play the most important role in trophodynamics at sites of their accumulation.     

Determination of threshold concentrations of metals in indicator algae of coastal waters in the northwest Sea of Japan

Background concentrations of Fe, Mn, Cu, Zn, Pb, Cd, and Ni were calculated for thalli of abundant algae of Fucus, Silvetia, Sargassum, Cystoseira spp. from the northwest Sea of Japan during 1987–2008. As the upper threshold levels of metal background concentrations, the median values plus double medians of absolute deviations from the medians were used (Me + 2MAD). The lower threshold level of the background concentration equal to the physiological need for an element is the median of 15% minimum values in the sampling minus the double median of absolute deviations from the median (Me₁₅–2MAD₁₅). The range of Me₁₅ ± 2MAD₁₅ is considered the natural background range of concentrations.     

The distribution of zinc,nickel, manganese,cadmium, copper,and iron in some surface waters from the world ocean

Determinations of Zn, Ni, Mn, Cd, Cu, and Fe have been carried out on 51 near-shore and 38 open-ocean surface seawaters from various regions of the World Ocean.The concentrations of the trace metals have been established in the open-ocean waters, and have been used as “baselines” to evaluate trace-metal enhancement in near-shore regions. The factors by which the trace metals are enriched in near-shore regions vary from one element to another and, according to the highest concentration factors found, decrease in the order Zn = Mn > Cd = Cu = Ni.These elements exhibit differences in their distributions between near-shore and open-ocean waters, and they have been divided into two types on this basis: Type I, in which the largest number of samples in both shelf and open-ocean waters lie in the same concentration range. Zinc, cadmium, and copper are Type I elements. Type 2, in which the largest number of samples of near-shore waters lie in a higher concentration range than the largest number of samples of open-ocean waters. Nickel and manganese are Type 2 elements.The concentrations of Mn, Cd and Zn are similar in open-ocean surface waters from the South Atlantic and Indian Ocean, but Cu and Ni have higher concentrations in the former ocean.There is considerable variation in the concentrations of the trace metals in near-shore surface waters from various regions of the World Ocean. These variations are discussed in detail.     

Accumulation of Chemical Elements in the Dominant Species of Copepods in the Ob Estuary and the Adjacent Shelf of the Kara Sea

Studies were carried out in the Ob River estuary and at the adjacent shelf of the Kara Sea. The concentrations of organic carbon, lipids, major elements (Na, Mg, P, S, K, and Ca), trace elements (Li, Be, B, Al, Sc, Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Ga, As, Se, Rb, Sr, Y, Mo, Ag, Cd, Sb, Cs, Ba, Hg, Tl, Pb, Bi, Th, and U), and rare-earth elements (La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, Yb, and Lu) were determined in the dominant species of mesozooplankton (Senecella siberica, Limnocalanus macrurus, and Calanus spp.). The similarities and differences are shown for the chemical compositions of the specimens. Calanus spp. are characterized by a large Li accumulation with concentrations ~350 times higher than those in S. siberica and L. macrurus. The total accumulation of chemical elements per unit volume is higher in L. macrurus than in S. siberica and Calanus spp., amounting to 6.63, 0.69, and 0.41 mg, respectively. The intensity of biological accumulation and the spatial disposition of the area of maximum accumulation of elements in the zooplankton community within the boundaries of the Ob River estuary depend on the hydrophysical conditions. Postmortem variations in the concentrations of chemical elements in dead L. macrurus are characterized by a multidirectional nature. The revealed distinctions of the chemical compositions in live and dead L. macrurus represent the features of lifetime and postmortem concentrations of elements.     

Feeding selectivity of calanoid copepods on phytoplankton in Jangmok Bay,south coast of Korea

Grazing impacts of calanoid copepods on size-fractionated phytoplankton biomass [chlorophyll (Chl)-a] were measured in Jangmok Bay, Geoje Island, Korea, monthly from November 2004 to October 2005. The ingestion rate of calanoid copepods on total phytoplankton biomass ranged between 1 and 215 ng Chl-a copepod^?1 day^?1 during bottle incubations. Results indicated that microphytoplankton (> 20 μm) was the primary food source for calanoid copepods in grazing experiments on 3 phytoplankton size categories (< 3 μm, 3–20 μm, and > 20 μm). The ingestion rate on microphytoplankton showed a significant increase (r = 0.93, p < 0.01) with Chl-a concentration. Nanophytoplankton (3–20 μm) showed a negative ingestion rate from June 2005 to October 2005, but the reason is not completely understood. Calanoid copepods were unable to feed efficiently on picophytoplankton (< 3 μm) due to unfavorable size. Calanoid copepods removed between 0.1% and 27.7% (average, 3.6 ± 15.8%) of the phytoplankton biomass daily during grazing experiments. Grazing pressure was high in winter and early spring (January–March: 15.6–27.7%), while low in summer (June–August: ?33.1–0.0%) and autumn (September–November: ?1.4–5.1%). Results suggest that calanoid copepods play an important role in controlling the biomass and size structure of phytoplankton in winter and early spring.     

Concentrations of the elements Ag,Al, Ca,Cd, Cu,Fe, Mg,Mn, Pb and Zn,and the radionuclides 210Pb and 210Po in the digestive gland of the squid Nototodarus gouldi

Ag, Al, Ca, Cd, Cu, Fe, Mg, Mn, Pb and Zn concentrations and ²¹⁰Po and ²¹⁰Pb activities were measured in 26 specimens of the squid Nototodarus gouldi taken from the waters of Bass Strait in one jigging operation. All the elements show wide ranges in concentrations in specimens apparently subject to the same environmental conditions. Copper concentration was 27-1 200 μg/g, and ²¹⁰Po activity 4·8–24·2 Bq/g. The animal wet weights, the elements Ag, Al, Cd, Fe and Zn, and the radionuclide ²¹⁰Po have coefficients of variation in the range 40–60%; Ca, Mg and Mn show the smallest variability (CV = < 30%), and Cu the greatest (CV = 12%). Significant correlations (p < 0·001) were found between the following pairs of elements: Cd-Zn, Cd-Cu, Zn-Cu, Mg-Mn, Fe-Mn, Ca-Mg and Fe-²¹⁰Po.