Sterols as markers of sewage contamination in a tropical urban estuary (Guanabara Bay, Brazil): space–time variations

Guanabara Bay, located adjacent to Rio de Janeiro in Brazil, is highly contaminated by substances derived from domestic and industrial effluents as well as from agricultural runoff. In the present work, sedimentary coprostanol and other faecal sterols were used to investigate historical trends in sewage contamination. Sediment cores were collected from eight different (and characterized) locations in the bay and were sectioned into dated segments. Organic carbon was determined by dry combustion and sterols were separated and quantified by GC/MS. The space-distribution of organic carbon and faecal sterol concentrations generally coincided with the presence of known pollution sources. Concentrations of coprostanol as high as 40 μg g⁻¹ were found, indicating areas of severe sewage contamination. Faecal sterol ratios, commonly used as tools to investigate contamination in temperate environments, however, were found to have limited applicability to this tropical estuarine system, probably due to the influence of intensive primary production and microbial processes.     

Comparison of Sterol Biomarkers for Sewage with other Measures in Victoria Harbour,B.C., Canada

A lipid biomarker survey was conducted in Victoria Harbour, Canada, to compare the distribution of sewage-derived organic matter with existing results from bacterial studies. Previous surveys [Miller (1993) Report prepared by Capital Regional District Engineering Department, Victoria, B.C. Canada and Milleret al. (1995) Report prepared by CRD Environmental Services Group and Aquatic Science Consultants Ltd., B.C., Canada] of sewage contamination in the harbour were based principally on infrequent faecal coliform counts. The use of lipid biomarkers to determine time-averaged concentrations of sewage components in sediments may be a more appropriate method for defining areas where sewage is causing environmental or human health risks. 5β-Coprostanol was measured together with other sterols, fatty acids and fatty alcohols. Generally, sewage contamination shown by these lipid biomarkers was coincident with high faecal coliform counts from previous studies. However, this survey suggests, contrary to faecal coliform counts, that Portage Inlet was a region where sewage had accumulated in the sediments, possibly due to nearby overflow facilities or tidal pumping. Although the bacterial counts were low, sewage-derived organic matter was accumulating in the slack areas. In sediments of the Gorge and West Bay there were low faecal biomarker concentrations; this was probably due to the strong tidal currents which do not allow faecal matter to settle in sediments. Faecal coliform counts, however, indicated poor water quality in these same regions but this probably reflects fresh discharges passing through this area without leading to settlement.     

大连湾和杭州湾表层沉积物中多氯联苯和有机氯农药及风险评价

对大连湾与杭州湾沉积物样品中多氯联苯(Polychlorinated Biphenyls,PCBs)和有机氯农药(Organochlorine Pesticides,OCPs)进行了分析测定。结果表明,大连湾和杭州湾沉积物中PCBs的含量为0.72~14.87 ng/g和0.76~3.86 ng/g,其中3、4、5氯联苯比例较高,其和超过总含量的70%;OCPs的含量为2.98~32.23 ng/g和1.61~4.71 ng/g,其中主要成分为六六六(Hexachlorocyclohexanes,HCHs)和滴滴涕(Dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylenes,DDTs)。大连湾和杭州湾表层沉积物中HCHs主要来自农业使用,而且大连湾有新的DDTs输入,杭州湾表层沉积物中的DDTs则主要来自历史残留。生态风险评价的结果表明,PCBs几乎不会对研究区域产生生态风险,OCPs对杭州湾也不会造成潜在的生态风险,但大连湾的OCPs处于中等风险水平,应当引起关注。     

Nutrient load estimates for Manila Bay,Philippines using population data

A major source of nutrient load to periodically hypoxic Manila Bay is the urban nutrient waste water flow from humans and industries to surface water. In Manila alone, the population density is as high as 19,137 people/km². A model based on a global point source model by Morée et al. (2013) was used to estimate the contribution of the population to nitrogen and phosphorus emissions which was then used in a water transport model to estimate the nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) loads to Manila Bay. Seven scenarios for 2050 were tested, with varying degrees and amounts for extent of sewage treatment, and population growth rates were also included. In scenario 1, the sewage connection and treatment remains the same as 2010; in scenario 2, sewage connection is improved but the treatment is the same; in scenario 3, the sewage connection as well as treatment is improved (70% tertiary); and in scenario 4, a more realistic situation of 70% primary treatment achieved with 100% connection to pipes is tested. Scenarios 5, 6, and 7 have the same parameters as 1, 2, and 3 respectively, but with the population growth rate per province reduced to half of what was used in 1, 2, and 3. In all scenarios, a significant increase in N and P loads was observed (varying from 27% to 469% relative to 2010 values). This was found even in scenario 3 where 70% of the waste water undergoes tertiary treatment which removes 80% N and 90% P. However, the lowest increase in N and P load into the bay was achieved in scenarios 5 to 7 where population growth rate is reduced to half of 2010 values. The results suggest that aside from improving sewage treatment, the continued increase of the human population in Manila at current growth rates will be an important determinant of N and P load into Manila Bay.

     

辽东湾入海河流水质时空变化与污染物来源分析

基于辽东湾入海河流120个监测断面（含16个入海断面）的水质数据,采用主成分分析−多元线性回归模型等方法,研究其有机物、营养盐和重金属等的污染特征和入海通量,并分析其可能来源。结果表明,水质超标指标主要是高锰酸盐指数（COD_Mn）、氨氮（AN）浓度、总磷（TP）浓度和总氮（TN）浓度,其他指标符合I类地表水水质标准。TN/TP比值较高,严重偏离Redfield比值,陆源高含量氮和低含量磷的输入是造成渤海海水TN/TP升高的主要因素。非汛期的溶解氧（DO）浓度、电导率（EC）、AN浓度和TN浓度显著高于汛期,而非汛期的pH、浊度、COD_Mn和TP浓度显著低于汛期。2021年河口有机物和营养盐浓度受河流穿行农业区等因素的影响,重金属浓度则与域内工业企业分布有关。TN、TP、化学需氧量（COD）、AN和石油类年入海通量分别为3.63 × 10⁴ t、1 608.5 t、14.8 ×10⁴ t、3 086.6 t和221.9 t,Hg、Cd、Pb、As和Cr⁶⁺分别为0.264 t、0.253 t、1.978 t、20.434 t和31.651 t。研究区主要的污染源按照其贡献大小依次为生活污水和工业废水、水动力条件等水文因素所致的污染源、水−气界面物质交换及二次转化源和农田地表径流与交通运输产生的非点源。     

Assessment of Aliphatic and Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons and Trace Elements in Coastal Sediments of the Saronikos Gulf,Greece (Eastern Mediterranean)

Surface sediments from the Saronikos Gulf were analyzed for their aliphatic hydrocarbon (AHC) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) content by gas chromatography – mass spectrometry (GC/MS). The concentrations of Fe, Cr, As, Sb, Co and Sc were also determined by neutron activation analysis (NAA). The survey was performed at the beginning of the operation of Athens’ sewage primary treatment unit and the results can be used to monitor the unit's long-term effects in the area. The composition of aliphatic hydrocarbons indicated a chronic oil-pollution in the Saronikos Gulf sediments. The industrially impacted Elefsis Bay sediments suffered from heavy petroleum pollution, while the sediments near the sewage outfall had a moderate degree of pollution. Mixed source patterns of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons with dominant pyrolytic inputs have been identified in the sediments. Total concentrations of Fe, As and Sb along with their Sc normalized values presented elevated values in Elefsis Bay sediments. Chromium was found enriched in the sediments near the Athens sewage outfall. Factor analysis results showed that a part of As and Sb in Elefsis Bay sediments could be associated with organic or sulphidic phases. In addition, the lithogenic fraction of the sediments and the Fe oxides/hydroxides were important trace element carriers. Chromium and PAH inputs from the sewage outfall were also detected. Comparison of PAH and trace element concentrations with internationally-used sediment quality guidelines (SQG) revealed that Elefsis Bay sediments had the greatest potential of causing adverse effects in benthic organisms.     

Tracing origins of sewage and organic matter using dissolved sterols in Masan and Haengam Bay,Korea

Masan and Haengam Bays in Korea are highly polluted and semi-enclosed. Domestic and industrial effluents are directly or indirectly discharged into the bays through sewage treatment plants (STP) and creeks. In this study, 15 dissolved sterol compounds were determined in order to understand their sources and relative contribution. Freshwater samples were taken from 13 creeks and at two STP sites on a monthly basis. Total dissolved sterol concentrations ranged from 993 to 4158 ng/L. The concentrations of sterols in winter were higher than in summer. Among the sterols analyzed, cholesterol, β-sitosterol, coprostanol and cholestanone were major compounds in creek water. Seawater samples were concurrently collected at 21 stations in Masan Bay. Total sterol concentrations ranged 118–6,956 ng/L. Inner bay showed high concentrations of sterols in summer, while outer bay showed high sterol concentrations in winter. Among the sterols, cholesterol, β-sitosterol and brassicasterol were major compounds in seawater. In order to examine the contribution of urban sewage, the concentration of coprostanol and fecal sterol ratios were calculated. Most of the creek water, inner bay and near STP outlet samples were affected by sewage. Terrestrial organic matters accounted for a high proportion of dissolved organic matter origin. Fecal origins were relatively high in the inner bay areas and in the STP outlet, while sterols of marine origin were high in the outer bay areas.     

Input of atmospheric lead to marine sediments in a south-east Pacific coastal area (approximately 36 degrees S)

Atmospheric input of Pb to coastal sediments in the south-east Pacific (approximately 36 degrees S) was estimated using: (1) a salt marsh (non-local emission sources) as a natural collector of atmospheric fluxes and (2) Pb concentrations in rain and air samples, both considered to be representative of the atmospheric input in the study area. A radioisotopic geochronology technique ((210)Pb) was used to estimate the total Pb atmospheric supply to the sediments. The results show that atmospheric input to Concepción Bay accounts for 13-68% of Pb in near shore sediments, evaluated through salt marsh and rain, both showing comparable results. Consequently, there are other relevant Pb sources to explain the higher concentrations in this area. Sediments in the shelf are subject to important influence of upwelling waters, estimated by Salamanca [Sources and sinks of (210)Pb in Concepción Bay, Chile (1993) PhD thesis, Marine Science Research Center, State University of New York at Stony Brook, USA] using (210)Pb. The atmospheric input, however, is mainly responsible for the total Pb input, since the salt marsh (natural atmospheric collector) shows similar Pb(xs) inventories than the shelf, corresponding to a regional-scale Pb emissions.     

Cimetidine,acetaminophen, and 1,7-dimethylxanthine,as indicators of wastewater pollution in marine sediments from Masan Bay,Korea

Concerns have emerged regarding the presence of human-use pharmaceuticals in aquatic environments. We investigated the status of contamination by 29 human-use pharmaceuticals as well as wastewater indicator compounds, fecal sterols and the synthetic endocrine disruptor nonylphenol, in marine sediments from Masan Bay, one of the most contaminated bays in Korea as a result of untreated and/or treated sewage. Among the 29 pharmaceuticals determined, 10 including antacid, analgesic, antibiotic, and antipruritic compounds, and metabolites of caffeine and nicotine were detected in all sediment samples. Cimetidine, acetaminophen, and 1,7-dimethylxanthine were the most frequently detected pharmaceuticals (frequency > 50%), and at high concentrations. The highest concentrations and detection frequencies were at stations located close to wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) outfalls and at the river mouth. The spatial distributions of pharmaceutical were significantly correlated with those of wastewater compounds. These results indicate that occurrence of the pharmaceuticals in marine environments is likely associated with direct sewage inputs, such as WWTP effluents and with other sewage-influenced sources, such as river discharge.     

象山港潮滩沉积物有机质分布特征及物源影响分析

潮滩是陆海交互影响的重要区域,在陆海物质交换的过程中扮演着重要的角色.象山港位于浙江宁波,是典型的半封闭式港湾,受人类活动影响显著.本文取其重要支港西沪港为研究区,自其潮上带至潮间带采集表层沉积样品,进行总有机碳(Total Organic Carbon,TOC)、总氮(Total Nitrogen,TN)和稳定碳同位...     

用镭同位素评价胶州湾水体表观年龄及地下水入海通量

为评价胶州湾水体表观年龄和地下水入海通量,2011年9—10月在胶州湾地区分别采集地下水、河水和海水样品,对水样的224Ra和226Ra活度进行测量。基于224Ra和226Ra半衰期的差异,运用224Ra与226Ra的活度比值计算了胶州湾水体表观年龄;采用三端元混合模型计算了胶州湾海水中地下水、河水与湾外海水的混合比例;在水体表观年龄和混合比例的基础上,计算了地下水入海通量。结果表明:研究期间胶州湾水体表观年龄分布范围为3.2—39.4d,平均值为14.7d,呈现从湾顶到湾口年龄逐渐增大的趋势,地下水的平均混合比例是11.0%,地下水的入海通量为7.29×106m3/d,海底地下水排泄速率为3.8cm/d。     

Distributions, sources and atmospheric fluxes of nitrous oxide in Jiaozhou Bay

The distributions, sources and atmospheric fluxes of nitrous oxide (N₂O) in the seawater of Jiaozhou Bay were investigated during four surveys in 2003 to evaluate this area as a source of N₂O to the atmosphere. N₂O concentrations in both the surface and bottom waters of Jiaozhou Bay showed obvious variability with both seasons and tidal cycles. Atmospheric fluxes of N₂O in Jiaozhou Bay showed seasonal and spatial variations, with the highest values occurring in summer and the lowest in winter. The annual emission of N₂O from the bay was estimated to be 1.09 × 10⁶–2.23 × 10⁶ mol yr⁻¹. N₂O in the water column of Jiaozhou Bay was found to come from several external sources including riverine water, sewage water and groundwater input, among which the riverine input was dominant while the groundwater input was rather limited. The spatial variation in distribution and atmospheric fluxes of N₂O in Jiaozhou Bay was influenced by the input of polluted river waters and sewage effluent along the eastern coast, which highlights the effects of human impacts on N₂O emission rates.     

Coprostanol levels and organic enrichment in sediments of the Bilbao estuary (north of Spain)

An assessment was made of the distribution of the faecal sterol coprostanol (COP) in sediments in the Bilbao estuary. Concentrations of COP ranged from 135.15 to 10.77 μg g⁻¹ dry weight, from the inner to the open estuary, with a mean value of 51.43 μg g⁻¹; the highest concentrations were found near the mouths of several tribularies flowing into the estuary. Comparisons with other published values indicate that sediments from the Bilbao estuary are affected by sewage pollution in a similar degree to that reported for other estuaries in the world. Organic enrichment and anaerobic sediment conditions prevail in three-fourths of its watercourse bed. Since the spatial distribution of several organic sedimentary parameters could be clearly correlated with COP levels, we can conclude the existence of major pollution by the addition of untreated sewage, coming from mainly domestic sources. The implementation of a sewerage treatment plan by the local water authority needs the monitoring of reliable sewage tracers, such as faccal sterols, to assess the effectiveness of the plan in reducing the effects of pollution.     

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.     

发光细菌法在环渤海污水样品遗传毒性检测中的应用

建立了以经过遗传改造的发光细菌Acinetobacter sp.Rec A为受试物种的环境污染物遗传毒性快速检测方法,该方法最快可在3h内得到毒性评价结果。采用该方法评价了环渤海排污口12份污水样品的遗传毒性。环渤海12个排污口的污水样品均表现出了不同水平的遗传毒性,并呈现出一定的分布特征。其中,高毒水质集中出现在山东半岛污水样品中,中毒水质集中出现在辽东半岛地区,而低毒水质主要集中于京津冀地区。综上,在环渤海的污水样品遗传毒性检测中,这种新型发光细菌法具有快速、灵敏、简便等优点,可为以后近海环境的水质生物毒性检测提供参考依据,具有应用于近海环境水质快速监测与评价的潜力。     

Effects of prudhoe bay crude oil contamination on sediment working rates of Abarenicola pacifica

Lugworms (Abarenicola pacifica) were exposed to sediment containing 250 to 1000 ppm Prudhoe Bay crude oil. At concentrations of 500 and 1000 ppm the rate of feeding, as measured by faecal production, was reduced by 70%. Smaller control animals turned over more sediment in proportion to their body size than larger ones. Exposure to oil at high levels abolished this difference by greater depression of the rate of faecal production by smaller individuals.     

Seasonal Blooms of the HAB Dinoflagellate Alexandrium taylori Balech in a New Mediterranean Area (Vulcano, Aeolian Islands)

Abstract. High-biomass blooms of A. taylori Balech have recently been spreading over new Mediterranean areas, with evident adverse effects on the marine ecosystem. In 1999–2000, a new Mediterranean locality was affected by blooms of A. taylori: the West Bay of Vulcano (Aeolian Islands, Tyrrhenian Sea), with maximum cell densities of 1.2 × 10⁷ cells 1⁻¹ in August 1999 and 4.0 × 10⁶ cells 1⁻¹ in August 2000 observed together with yellowish water discoloration. The seawater samples contained high concentrations of nutrients as DIN (Dissolved Inorganic Nitrogen), especially NH₃-N with values of 14.4 μM and TOT-P (Total Phosphorus) with values of 3.2 μM due to the anthropic presence and discharge of untreated sewage. The climatic conditions also seem to influence the occurrence and spreading of the A. taylori blooms in the Vulcano Bay. Clonal cultures of A. taylori , established from Italian and Spanish seawater samples, were used for the sequence analyses of the 5.8S rDNA gene and ITS regions in order to study the genetic variability of different geographical populations of Alexandrium species in the Mediterranean area and to further develop the molecular markers for HAB key-species.     

Sources and distribution of organic matter in a river-dominated estuary (Winyah Bay, SC, USA)

The sources and distribution of organic matter (OM) in surface waters and sediments from Winyah Bay (South Carolina, USA) were investigated using a variety of analytical techniques, including elemental, stable isotope and organic biomarker analyses. Several locations along the estuary salinity gradient were sampled during four different periods of contrasting river discharge and tidal range. The dissolved organic carbon (DOC) concentrations of surface waters ranged from 7 mg l⁻¹ in the lower bay stations closest to the ocean to 20 mg l⁻¹ in the river and upper bay samples. There was a general linear relationship between DOC concentrations and salinity in three of the four sampling periods. In contrast, particulate organic carbon (POC) concentrations were significantly lower (0.1–3 mg l⁻¹) and showed no relationship with salinity. The high molecular weight dissolved OM (HMW DOM) isolated from selected water samples collected along the bay displayed atomic carbon:nitrogen ratios ([C/N]a) and stable carbon isotopic compositions of organic carbon (δ¹³C_OC) that ranged from 10 to 30 and from −28 to −25‰, respectively. Combined, such compositions indicate that in most HMW DOM samples, the majority of the OM originates from terrigenous sources, with smaller contributions from riverine and estuarine phytoplankton. In contrast, the [C/N]a ratios of particulate OM (POM) samples varied significantly among the collection periods, ranging from low values of 5 to high values of >20. Overall, the trends in [C/N]a ratios indicated that algal sources of POM were most important during the early and late summer, whereas terrigenous sources dominated in the winter and early spring.In Winyah Bay bottom sediments, the concentrations of the mineral-associated OM were positively correlated with sediment surface area. The [C/N]a ratios and δ¹³C_OC compositions of the bulk sedimentary OM ranged from 5 to 45 and from −28 to −23‰, respectively. These compositions were consistent with predominant contributions of terrigenous sources and lesser (but significant) inputs of freshwater, estuarine and marine phytoplankton. The highest terrigenous contents were found in sediments from the river and upper bay sites, with smaller contributions to the lower parts of the estuary. The yields of lignin-derived CuO oxidation products from Winyah Bay sediments indicated that the terrigenous OM in these samples was composed of variable mixtures of relatively fresh vascular plant detritus and moderately altered soil OM. Based on the lignin phenol compositions, most of this material appeared to be derived from angiosperm and gymnosperm vascular plant sources similar to those found in the upland coastal forests in this region. A few samples displayed lignin compositions that suggested a more significant contribution from marsh C₃ grasses. However, there was no evidence of inputs of Spartina alterniflora (a C₄ grass) remains from the salt marshes that surround the lower sections of Winyah Bay.     

纳污海水中COD生化降解过程的模拟试验研究

1995年5－11月期间,采取渤海湾海水,控制不同的试验水温和不同的有机物起始浓度,采用试验室模拟方法,测定COD生化降解曲线。依据COD降解动力学理论,得出不同环境条件下的COD生化降解动力学参数。经过归纳综合,建立了纳污海水中COD的生化降解动力学参数方程式。试验结果显示,渤海湾天津近岸排海污水COD生化降解过程符合一级反应动力学模型,其降解速率系数足值介于0．023－O．076d-1之间。k值受温度变化的影响较大,温度越高,k值越大。     

基于我国海洋生物区系特征的渤海表层水体中镉的概率生态风险评估

Predicted no-effect concentration(PNEC) is often used in ecological risk assessment to determine low-risk concentrations for chemicals. In the present study, the chronic data from native saltwater species were used to calculated PNEC values using four methods: log-normal distribution(ETX 2.0), log-triangle distribution(US EPA's water quality criteria procedure), burr III distribution(Burrli OZ) and traditional assessment factor(AF). The PNECs that were calculated using four methods ranged from 0.08 μg/L to 1.8 μg/L. Three of the SSD-derived PNECs range from 0.94 to 1.8 μg/L, about a factor of two apart. To demonstrate the use of SSD-based PNEC values and comprehensively estimate the regional ecological risk for cadmium in surface water of the Bohai Sea, in the Liaodong Bay, Bohai Bay, and Laizhou Bay, China, the dissolved cadmium concentrations were measured and obtained 753 valid data covering 190 stations from July 2006 to November 2007. Based on three ecological risk assessment approaches, namely hazard quotient(HQ), probabilistic risk quotient and joint probability curve(JPC), the potential ecological risk of cadmium in surface water of the Liaodong Bay, Bohai Bay, and Laizahou Bay were estimated. Overall, the ecological risk of cadmium to aquatic ecosystem in the whole Bohai Sea was at acceptable ecological risk level, the order of ecological risk was Liaodong BayBohai BayLaizhou Bay. However, more concerns should be paid to aquatic ecological risk in the Liaodong Bay which is the home of many steel, metallurgy and petrochemical industrial in China.