Concentrations of heavy metals in marine wild fishes captured from the southern sea of Korea and associated health risk assessments

Concentrations of heavy metals (As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Hg, Pb, and Zn) were determined in edible parts (muscle) of 34 marine wild fish caught from the southern sea of Korea in 2007 and 2008 in order to understand the accumulation pattern of heavy metals in wild fish and to assess the potential health risk posed by fish consumption. The highest concentrations in the muscle of 17 pelagic and 17 demersal fishes were Zn and As, respectively, while the lowest concentration in both fishes was Cd. The mean concentrations of all metals except As in wild fish were much lower than the regulatory limits for fish and fishery products applied in a number of countries. Unlike other metals, As concentration in wild fish of this study region was relatively higher than that found in other country. Estimated daily intake (EDI) of the metals was in the range of 0.05% to 22.5% of the provisional maximum tolerable daily intakes (PMTDI). Similarly, the target hazard quotient (THQ) was below 1.0 for each metal. These results imply that the consumption of the investigated wild fish do not cause significant adverse health effects.     

重金属污染胁迫对双壳贝类生态毒理效应研究进展

近年来,随着沿海城市农业生产的快速发展,沿海海域环境污染日趋加剧,其中重金属污染尤为突出,引起了世界范围的广泛关注.     

Structural properties of fractured and faulted Cretaceous platform carbonates,Murge Plateau (southern Italy)

The Upper Cretaceous carbonates cropping out in the Murge Plateau are good analogues of the fractured and faulted carbonate oil reservoirs of southern Italy. For this reason, a detailed field analysis focused on structural architecture of fault and fracture networks has been carried out in the Murge Plateau. The well-bedded carbonates exposed there are crosscut by a set of bed-parallel stylolites and two sets of bed-perpendicular cross-orthogonal joints/veins. These structural elements were likely formed under vertical loading during burial diagenesis and flexure of the Apulian foreland of the Southern Apennines fold-and-thrust belt. Bed-parallel stylolites and bed-perpendicular cross-orthogonal joints/veins represent the background deformation that was overprinted by the fault-related localized deformation. The fault sets documented in the study area are arranged in two kinematically-compatible fault networks. The first one is made up of WNW-ESE and NNW-SSE oriented strike-slip faults, right- and left-lateral, respectively, and NW–SE oriented normal faults. The second fault network consists of WNW-ESE oriented left-lateral strike-slip faults, and NE–SW oriented normal faults.First, both architecture and dimensional parameters of the fault and fracture networks have been characterized and computed by means of statistical analysis. Then, the permeability structures associated to the aforementioned networks have been assessed in order to determine the role exerted by fault architecture and dissolution/cementation processes on the fluid storage and migration pathways within the studied platform carbonates. Network 1 faults show a quite variable fluid behavior, in which the fluid flow is strongly affected by inherited structural elements and karst dissolution, whereas network 2 faults show a more uniform, fluid conduit behavior.     

Analysis of the magnetic anomaly field of the volcanic district of the Bay of Naples, Italy

We here present and discuss the results of the analysis and qualitative interpretation of two magnetic surveys performed in the Bay of Naples in 1998 and 2000. A map of the Bay of Naples based on the data acquired during these surveys has already been published by the Italian CNR-IAMC Research Institute. We re-processed the same data to produce maps of the pole reduced, analytic signal and horizontal derivative data and correlated them with the bathymetry and the gravimetric data of the area. The analysis shows strong anomalies in the NW and NE volcanic areas of the Bay of Naples, while the central area seems magnetically quiet. In the Phlegrean area the maps clearly show the southern rim of the Phlegrean caldera and demonstrate that while the Magnaghi Canyon is correlated to gravimetric highs and magnetic structures, and can therefore be interpreted as an active lineament, most of Dohrn Canyon is not characterized by volcanic activity and does not correlate to any gravimetric or magnetic structures. An important round-shaped magnetic anomaly is for the first time identified in the central slope of the gulf between the two canyons, probably correlated to a large buried volcanic edifice. In the Vesuvian area some intense circular anomalies, aligned in the NNW–SSE direction, are localized in the Torre del Greco and Torre Annunziata offshore, related to the submerged part of Vesuvius and possibly connected to buried vents.     

Ecotoxicological evaluation of sewage sludge using bioluminescent marine bacteria and rotifer

Bioassay using the marine bacteria,Vibrio fischeri and rotifer,Brachionus plicatilis, and chemical analyses were conducted to assess the toxicity of the various sewage sludges, one of the major ocean dumped materials in the Yellow Sea of Korea. Sludge elutriates extracted by filtered seawater were used to estimate the ecotoxicity of the sludge. Chemical characterization included the analyses of organic contents, heavy metals, and persistent organic pollutants in sludge. Bacterial bioluminescent inhibition (15 min), rotifer mortality (24 hr) and rotifer population growth inhibition (48 hr) assay were conducted to estimate the sludge toxicity. EC50 15 min (inhibition concentration of bioluminescence after 15 minutes exposed) values by Microtox® bioassay clearly revealed different toxicity levels depending on the sludge sources. Highest toxicity for the bacteria was found with the sludge extract from dyeing waste and followed by industrial waste, livestock waste, and leather processing waste. Clear toxic effects on the bacteria were not found in the sludge extract from filtration bed sludge and rural sewage sludge. Consistent with Microtox® results, rotifer neonate mortality and population growth inhibition test also showed highest toxicity in dyeing waste and low in filtration bed and rural sewage sludge. High concentrations of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) and heavy metals were measured in the samples from the industrial wastes, leather processing plant waste sludge, and urban sewage sludge. However, there was no significant correlation between pollutant concentration levels and the toxicity values of the sludge. This suggests that the ecotoxicity in addition to the chemical analyses of various sludge samples must be estimated before release of potential harmful waste in the natural environment as part of an ecological risk assessment.     

Tissue distribution of metals in striped dolphins (Stenella coeruleoalba) from the Apulian coasts, southern Italy.

Tissue distributions of metals (mercury, lead, cadmium, zinc, copper, iron, manganese) were determined in six specimens of striped dolphins (Stenella coeruleoalba, Meyen) stranded on the Apulian coasts (Southern Italy) between February and June 1987. Methyl mercury and selenium were also determined in the liver samples. The liver accumulated the highest concentrations of metals, except for cadmium and chromium. Metal levels were higher than those found in dolphins living in the Atlantic, but lower than those recorded in the same species from the French Mediterranean coasts. Necroscopic surveys found that all specimens were affected by haemorrhagic gastritis, but the cause was not clear. While it was not possible to related the death of dolphins to a specific cause, or to contaminants, the accumulation of metals is likely to contribute to the health of the organism and represents a risk factor for dolphins.     

灵芝中外源性污染物分析及风险评估

目的：研究湖南省不同地区灵芝中外源性污染物含量,并对其重金属及有害元素进行健康风险评估,以期为灵芝的质量检测提供依据。方法：按照2020年版《中华人民共和国药典》（简称《中国药典》）对灵芝中重金属及有害元素、农药及二氧化硫等外源性污染物含量进行测定,通过计算每日最大可耐受量（EDI）和靶标危害系数（THQ）对其中重金属及有害元素含量进行健康风险评估。结果：各批次灵芝中砷、镉、汞、铅的含量均符合《中国药典》的限量标准。仅1批灵芝中砷含量和3批灵芝中镉含量不符合相关食品标准。EDI结果未发现明显健康风险;THQ结果显示,1批灵芝存在潜在健康风险。农药及二氧化硫残留检测结果显示,6批灵芝中农药残留量不符合限量标准,1批灵芝二氧化硫残留量不符合食品限量标准。结论：灵芝作为食药物质,需要有效控制外源性污染物含量,并及时完善相关质量标准。     

Grain size and permeability evolution of soft-sediment extensional sub-seismic and seismic fault zones in high-porosity sediments from the Crotone basin,southern Apennines,Italy

We acquired structural, granulometric and permeability data from a total of 25 extensional fault zones developed in high-porosity sandy sediments of the Crotone basin. Undeformed sediments have mean permeability values in the 10³–10⁵ mD range. The studied fault zones have displacement values spanning from a few centimeters to about 100 m, and generally show well-defined narrow fault cores bounded by damage zones on both hangingwall and footwall sides. Fault core rocks developed by progressive comminution and consist of foliated granular material and gouge lenses along indurated and striated slip surfaces. Mean fault core rock permeability broadly ranges between 10¹ and 10⁴ mD, although we recorded permeability values lower than 10 mD in gouge lenses. Fault damage zones typically consist of closely spaced single to anastomosing cataclastic deformation bands with different degrees of complexity and mean permeability between 10² and 10⁴ mD, i.e. lower than host sands. We obtained empirical relationships between bulk permeability, fault zone thickness, and fault displacement. In particular, both fault cores and damage zones tend to widen with increasing fault displacement, especially in the first ten meters. Most bulk permeability reductions in both fault cores and damage zones occur at sub-seismic scale, and decrease for displacement greater than 25–30 m.     

Evaluation of risk applied to the designed breakwater of Punta Riso at Brindisi,Italy

This paper describes a possible approach for evaluating the probable damage of a sea-structure during its lifetime, on the basis of wave statistics and results from stability tests on physical models. Distinct damage forms and analysis approaches apply to rubble mound and composite breakwaters. An application of the method is carried out for the new important breakwater in the harbour of Brindisi (South Adriatic Sea) which has been designed with both types of sections.     

Ecotoxicological approach for assessing the contamination of a Hawaiian coral reef ecosystem (Honolua Bay, Maui) by metals and a metalloid

The goal of this study was to assess the contamination of Honolua Bay using an ecotoxicological approach. First, the concentrations of 9 contaminants (metals and metalloid) were assessed in sediments and tropical marine organisms (alga Halimeda kanaloana, goatfish Parupeneus multifasciatus and urchin Tripneustes gratilla) sampled from Honolua and surrounding Bays. Then, the ecological parameters characterizing coral health (e.g. coral cover) were evaluated in Honolua Bay in the context of these contaminants. High concentrations of Co, Cr, Mn, Ni, and V in sediments from Honolua and Honokohau Bay were measured, but these concentrations were not mirrored in the organisms examined, except for Mn, suggesting that the metals are generally bound in chemically inert forms in these sediments. Moreover, few anthropogenic activities impact these bays and so the elevated Co, Cr, Mn, Ni and V concentrations in sediments appear to stem from their high natural background in Honolua and Honokohau watersheds. An analysis of the relationship between the ecological parameters and metal concentrations in Honolua Bay revealed a significant correlation between coral cover and Co, Cr, Mn, Ni, V, Zn concentrations in sediments, with coral cover decreasing with increasing metal concentration. Collectively, however, the data suggest that a complex mixture of land-based stressors (e.g. sediment, metals, nutrients) affect the coral health in Honolua Bay, rather than metal stress alone.     

Commercial seaweeds in southern Africa: a review of utilization and research

Since commercial use of southern African seaweeds began in the early 1950s, six genera (Ecklonia, Laminaria, Gracilaria, Gelidium, Gigartina and Porphyra) have been collected or harvested, and most of this material has been exported for use in various colloid industries. Several other genera show potential for either harvesting (e.g. Hypnea) or mariculture (e.g. Suhria). Currently, the southern African industry earns more than 2,3 million US $ per annum and provides employment for approximately 2 000 people (half of them part-time), mostly in economically depressed rural areas. In this article, available data on commercial and research aspects of the seaweed industry and the regulations governing exploitation of natural populations on the coasts of southern Africa (South Africa, Transkei, Ciskei and Namibia) are considered. Where there is a lack of biological information necessary for further development of the local industry, future research directions are suggested.     

Impact of early dolomitization on multi-scale petrophysical heterogeneities and fracture intensity of low-porosity platform carbonates (Albian-Cenomanian,southern Apennines,Italy)

Petrographic, petrophysical and fracture analyses were carried out on middle Cretaceous platform carbonates of the southern Apennines (Italy) that represent an outcrop analogue of the Val d’Agri and Tempa Rossa reservoirs of the Basilicata region. The studied outcrops, which are made of interlayered limestones and dolomites of inner platform environment, were selected to study the impact of dolomitization on reservoir properties and the control of dolomite texture on fracture development. Two types of dolomites – both formed during very early diagenesis – were found interlayered, at a metre scale, with micrite-rich limestones (mainly mudstones and wackestones). Dolomite A is fine-to medium crystalline and makes non-planar mosaics. Dolomite B is coarse-crystalline and makes planar-s and planar-e mosaics. The intercrystalline space of the planar-e subtype of dolomite B is either open or filled by un-replaced micrite or by late calcite or saddle dolomite cement. Dolomite A and dolomite B have similar average porosities of 3.7 and 3.1% respectively, which are significantly higher than the average porosity of limestones (1.4%). Their poro-perm relationships are similar, with the notable exception of planar-e type B dolomites, which generally display higher permeability values.The intensity of top bounded fractures is distinctly lower in coarse-crystalline dolomites than in fine-crystalline dolomites and limestones, both at the macro- and the micro-scale. On the other hand neither lithology (i.e. limestone vs. dolomite) nor dolomite crystal size control the intensity of perfect bed-bounded fractures, which is strictly controlled by the fracture layer thickness.Our results provide information that could be used as guidance for the characterization and modelling of fractured carbonate reservoirs made of interlayered limestones and dolomites.     

PCBs in the fish assemblage of a southern European estuary

The Mondego estuary fish assemblage was studied for the accumulation of PCBs. Three sampling stations were visited along an estuarine salinity gradient, and, in total, 15 species were collected. Analysis of PCBs revealed no significant differences among the sampling stations, although differences were observed among the fish assemblages. Fish assemblages could be divided into three groups. The first group comprised those with higher concentration (more than 10 ng g^− 1, dw), included the species Gobius niger, Sardina pilchardus, Anguilla anguilla, Pomatoschistus microps, Chelidonichthys lucerna and Liza ramada; the second group with medium concentration (5–10 ng g^− 1, dw), included the species Pomatoschistus minutus, Dicentrarchus labrax, Atherina presbyter, Chelon labrosus, Diplodus vulgaris, Platichthys flesus and Cilata mustela; and a third group with low concentration (less than 5 ng g^− 1, dw), included the species Solea solea and Callionymus lyra. A positive correlation was found between lipid content and PCB concentrations. To evaluate the influence of the residence time of species on the accumulation of PCBs, species were divided into two groups: species that spend more than 3 years in the estuary, and species that spend less than 3 years in the estuary. Species that spend more than 3 years in the estuary presented higher concentrations than species that spend less than 3 years in the estuary. CBs 138 and 153 had higher concentration, and tended to increase with time spent in the estuary.     

Validation of an operational forecasting system of sea dike risk in the southern Zhejiang Province,South China

In this study,an operational forecasting system of sea dike risk in the southern Zhejiang Province,South China was developed based on a coupled storm-surge and wave model.This forecasting system is important because of the high cost of storm-surge damage and the need for rapid emergency planning.A comparison with astronomical tides in 2016 and the validation of storm surges and high water marks of 20 typhoons verified that the forecast system has a good simulation ability.The system can forecast relatively realistic water levels and wave heights as shown under the parametric atmospheric forces simulated in a case study;the sea dikes in credible high risk were mainly located in the estuaries,rivers,and around the islands in the southern Zhejiang.Therefore,the forecast system is applicable in the southern Zhejiang with a support to the effective prevention from typhoon storm-surge damage.     

羊栖菜不同部位微量元素含量测定及健康风险评价

运用电感耦合等离子体质谱 (inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer, ICP MS)分析3个不同养殖区域成熟期羊栖菜（Sargassum fusiforme）主茎、侧茎、生殖托、气囊等部位中As、Cd、Cr、 Cu、Ni、Pb和Zn的含量,以揭示羊栖菜中这些微量元素在不同部位的分布特征。结果表明,羊栖菜具有较强的微量元素富集能力,不同部位的微量元素富集能力存在差异,主要富集在生殖托和气囊中。结果表明,各站位间As、Cd、Cr和Cu在各部位的分布特征较为相似,而Ni、Pb和Zn在各部位中的分布特征存在差异。羊栖菜对As的富集系数最高,对Cr的富集系数最小。根据健康风险评价结果,除了两个站位的生殖托外,摄入羊栖菜不会对人体产生健康风险,但是相对而言,茎干的食用风险更低。     

水产动物中的微塑料及其对人健康的潜在危险性

塑料的大量生产和使用导致其在自然界积累,并在各种环境因素作用下裂解,产生粒径小于5 mm的碎片和颗粒,即微塑料,全球的水生生态系统都发现有一定程度微塑料污染。各种水生动物,包括人类经常食用的鱼、虾和贝类等水产动物,都不可避免摄入微塑料,并通过食物链传递给人。微塑料中含有添加剂,其表面可以吸附周围环境的化学物质甚至微生物。动物和人摄入微塑料,可通过胃肠道转移到其他器官,给健康造成潜在危害,受到学术界越来越多的关注。作者从水产动物中的微塑料、人体暴露途径和潜在毒性3个方面,对水产食物链中的微塑料及其对人健康的潜在危险的研究进展做了简要概述。     

Environmental significance of dinoflagellate cysts from the proximal part of the Po-river discharge plume (off southern Italy,Eastern Mediterranean)

To determine the relationship between region specific dinoflagellate cyst distribution in the Po-river discharge area and oceanic environmental conditions, surface sediments of 48 sites in the middle and distal part of the discharge plume area have been studied. Establishing such a relationship is a prerequisite to create reconstructions of the eutrophication history as well as the palaeoclimatic and palaeoceanography history of the area.Literature based information about the sedimentation rates based on ²¹⁰Pb dating methods are available for 18 sites. This enables the calculation of cyst accumulation rates of individual cyst species which reflect their cyst production. Correlation of the accumulation rates of individual species with environmental parameters of the upper waters allows us to adapt and refine the ecological characteristics of a selection of cyst species. This latter is trivial since the current concepts on the ecological significance of dinoflagellate cyst have to be revised as a result of the current developments in the dinoflagellate research field. These developments have elucidated that a considerable part of the relative abundance datasets that form the basis for the present day ecological concepts of dinoflagellate cysts might have suffered from so called “closed sum effects” and have been overprinted by early diagenetic processes.The dinoflagellate cyst association reflects both upper and bottom water circulation. Based on the relative abundance data four associations can be distinguished that are characteristic for the major oceanographic settings in the region. (1) River discharge association. This association consists of Echinidinium spp., Lejeunecysta sabrina, Lingulodinium machaerophorum, Polykrikos kofoidii, Polykrikos schwarzii, cysts of Protoperidinium stellatum, Selenopemphix quanta and reworked cysts. These species have high relative abundances in sites where bottom waters are low in oxygen and upper waters are influenced by river discharge waters that are characterized by high productivity and relative low salinity. (2) Warm water association. This association consists of Spiniferites mirabilis, Spiniferites pachydermus, Spiniferites ramosus and Spiniferites spp. which have their highest relative abundances in the sites at the plume margin that are characterized by relative warm upper waters and intermediate chlorophyll-a concentrations. (3) Oxygenated bottom water group. Species of this group; Impagidinium aculeatum, Impagidinium patulum, Impagidinium sphaericum, Operculodinium centrocarpum and Operculodinium israelianum have their highest relative abundances at sites where bottom waters are formed by well ventilated Adriatic Deep Water or Eastern Mediterranean Deep Water. (4) Golfo di Taranto group consisting of round brown cysts produced by Protoperidinium species (grouped as Brigantedinium spp.).The variation in accumulation rates can be related to gradiental changes in the trophic state of the surface waters linked to river outflow. Most species show a positive relationship between cyst production and nutrient/trace element availability in upper waters. No negative correlation between cyst production and nutrient/trace element availability could be documented. Production of Brigantidinium spp., Echinidinium spp., L. sabrina, L. machaerophorum, P. kofoidii/schwarzii, Spiniferites spp., S. mirabilis and S. quanta shows the most pronounced increase with increasing nutrient/trace element availability. These species can be considered as valuable indicators for reconstructing changes in the trophic state of the upper waters within the Po-river area in palaeo-environmental studies.