Biomonitoring of the coastal waters of the Black Sea

Morpho-physiological and biochemical parameters were determined in Scorpion fish Scorpaena porcus L. from two bays in the area of Sevastopol, which experience a high anthropogenic load. The effect of natural and anthropogenic factors on the size, weight, and age composition, as well as on the sex ratio of the fish from both populations, was studied. The relationships between the concentrations of chlororganic substances in the water of the bays, their accumulation in the liver and gonads of the fish, the activity of antioxidant enzymes in the blood, and the fractional composition of serum proteins were determined. A possibility for the use of the Scorpion fish as a indicator species for the biomonitoring and assessment of the environmental conditions in the coastal waters of the Black Sea was considered.Translated from Vodnye Resursy, Vol. 32, No. 2, 2005, pp. 238–246.Original Russian Text Copyright © 2005 by Rudneva, Shevchenko, Zalevskaya, Zherko.     

Sea waves in coastal waters of the British isles

Ocean Dynamics - Wave records obtained from the Smith's Knoll and Morecambe Bay light vessels are used to obtain relationships between wind speed and wave height and period in shallow water...     

The impact of Shokarski stormwater canal on the quality of the Bulgarian Black Sea bathing waters in the area of discharge

The impact of Shokarski stormwater canal on the bathing waters quality of Varna Bay located in the northern Bulgarian Black Sea was investigated during 2007–2014. A total of five monitoring stations were selected: three city beaches near the area of discharge of the stormwater canal and two nearby resorts beaches. The water quality was assessed following the requirements of the old EU Bathing Water Directive (BWD) 76/160/EEC and the new BWD 2006/7/EC. The resort beaches exhibited excellent water quality through the whole period. The situation at the city beaches was worst. The “Officers Beach” situated exactly at the area of discharge of Shokarski stormwater canal exhibited concentrations of ammonium and nitrates significantly above the guide value in most of the cases, the lowest compliance with the total coliforms and faecal coliforms guide values and the highest concentrations of Escherichia coli and intestinal enterococci.     

An assessment of the pollution of cornish coastal waters

A detailed survey of pollution was undertaken in five areas around the Cornwall coast in south-west England, at St. Austell and Mevagissey Bays, Falmouth Bay, Mounts Bay, St. Ives Bay and Portreath. The aim of the study was to establish baseline values against which subsequent changes could be detected and their importance evaluated. Three major investigations were undertaken in each area involving seawater sampling and analysis, heavy metal analysis of seaweed specimens and quantitative surveys of intertidal fauna and flora. In general, the areas studied showed few signs of being exposed to significant levels of industrial or sewage pollution.     

Evaluating ecological quality in the north-eastern Black Sea coastal zone

Anthropogenic pressures have resulted in measurable impacts on the coastal ecosystems of the northern (Sevastopol Bay, Ukraine) and eastern (Batumi aquatoria, Georgia) Black Sea. Indices suggest that major impacts are relatively localized and are comparable to similar situations in the northern Atlantic. In contrast, biodiversity was appreciably lower than from comparable north Atlantic waters. The number of macrobenthic species was typically round 50, less than half the number that might be expected from similar exercises in US or European waters. Site-specific indices likewise indicated a somewhat lower diversity within communities, yielding metrics which would indicate a measure of stress in N. Atlantic situations. Microbial status was generally good, although regions close to urbanisation did not comply with standards laid down in the current EC Bathing Water Directive (76/EC/160). Likewise viruses were more commonly, although not exclusively, associated with urban locations, as were phages. Microbial investigation of the sediments confirmed the presence of heterotrophic and oil-oxidising bacteria. Abundance of the latter was closely correlated to the degree of oil contamination of the sediments, and to temperature, although for both, the results showed that the increase in bacterial abundance did level off beyond a certain point. Numbers of oil-oxidising bacteria in the water column displayed a classical response to temperature, with abundance doubling over a 10-degree C rise in temperature. Overall the results suggest that while indices in current use are useful in evaluating coastal quality in the Black Sea, some adjustments would be necessary especially in the establishment of baseline or reference values.     

Evaluation for the ecological quality status of coastal waters in East China Sea using fuzzy integrated assessment method

This research presented an evaluation for the ecological quality status (EcoQS) of three semi-enclosed coastal areas using fuzzy integrated assessment method (FIAM). With this method, the hierarchy structure was clarified by an index system of 11 indicators selected from biotic elements and physicochemical elements, and the weight vector of index system was calculated with Delphi-Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) procedure. Then, the FIAM was used to achieve an EcoQS assessment. As a result of assessment, most of the sampling stations demonstrated a clear gradient in EcoQS, ranging from high to poor status. Among the four statuses, high and good, owning a ratio of 55.9% and 26.5%, respectively, were two dominant statuses for three bays, especially for Sansha Bay and Luoyuan Bay. The assessment results were found consistent with the pressure information and parameters obtained at most stations. In addition, the sources of uncertainty in classification of EcoQS were also discussed.     

Water quality assessment by pollution-index method in the coastal waters of Hebei Province in western Bohai Sea, China

Sources of pollution discharges and water quality samples at 27 stations in 2006 in the coastal waters of Hebei Province, western Bohai Sea, have been analyzed in this study. Pollutant loads from industrial sewages have shown stronger impact on the water environment than those from the general sewages. Analysis indicates that pollution of COD is mainly resulted from land-based point pollutant sources. For phosphate concentration, non-point source pollution from coastal ocean (fishing and harbor areas) plays an important role. To assess the water quality conditions, Organic Pollution Index and Eutrophication Index have been used to quantify the level of water pollution and eutrophication conditions. Results show that pollution was much heavier in the dry season than flood season in 2006. Based on COD and phosphate concentrations, results show that waters near Shahe River, Douhe River, Yanghe River, and Luanhe River were heavily polluted. Water quality in the Qinhuangdao area was better than those in the Tangshan and Cangzhou areas.     

Characteristics of the frequency spectra of wind-waves in Eastern Black Sea

Spectral information for wind-waves in the Black Sea is extremely limited. Knowledge on spectral characteristics of wind-waves would contribute to scientific, engineering, and operational coastal and marine activities in the Black Sea, and would allow a better understanding of the nature of the waves occurring in this enclosed basin. Frequency spectra obtained from the directional buoys deployed offshore Sinop and Hopa in Turkey, and Gelendzhik in Russia were utilized as the three sets of data to investigate characteristics of wind-waves frequency spectra for the Eastern Black Sea. Records were firstly analyzed to identify them as uni-modal or multi-modal spectra. Single-peaked spectra were then identified as belonging to fully arisen or developing sea states. Parameters of the JONSWAP and PM model spectra were estimated for the corresponding sea state by using a least square error method. Finally, the records of developing seas were further analyzed to select the ones belonging to stable wind conditions. ECMWF analysis wind fields were utilized as the wind information corresponding to the wave records. Fetch dependencies of non-dimensional spectral variables (variance and peak frequency) and α parameter of the JONSWAP model spectrum were investigated for this data sub-set.     

On sediment pollution in selected german coastal waters of the Baltic Sea

In order to determine and assess their status sediments from the German coastal waters of the baltic sea were analyzed for structural parameters and for several groups of harmful substances. Regarding all groups of harmful substances, i.e. nutrients, heavy metals and organic toxicants the sediments of the eastern sections investigated (Strelasund, Peenestrom and Stettin Lagoon) are generally more polluted than the sediments of the other ones.The sediments of the examined sections of the Baltic coast compare with North Sea sediments by factors of between 0.05 and 4 with regard to heavy metals.Because of the variability of the concentration of harmful substances in the various coastal sections, it is imperative to make a differentiated assessment of the polluted sediments and to set district-related targets for the various sections of the Baltic coast.     

Modelling the impact of Black Sea water inflow on the North Aegean Sea hydrodynamics

The impact of the Black Sea Water (BSW) inflow on the circulation and the water mass characteristics of the North Aegean Sea is investigated using a high-resolution 3D numerical model. Four climatological numerical experiments are performed exploring the effects of the exchange amplitude at the Dardanelles Straits in terms of the mean annual volume exchanged and the amplitude of its seasonal cycle. Larger inflow of low salinity BSW influences the water characteristics of the whole basin. The largest salinity reduction is encountered in the upper layers of the water column, and the most affected region is the northeastern part of the basin. The winter insulation character of the BSW layer (low-salinity layer) is reduced by the seasonal cycle of the inflow (minimum during winter). The maximum atmospheric cooling coincides with the minimum BSW inflow rate, weakening the vertical density gradients close to the surface and thus facilitating the vertical mixing. The inflow rate of BSW into the North Aegean Sea constitutes an essential factor for the circulation in the basin. Increased inflow rate results into considerably higher kinetic energy, stronger circulation and reinforcement of the mesoscale circulation features. Although the position of the front between BSW and waters of Levantine origin does not vary significantly with the intensity of the BSW inflow rate, the flow along the front becomes stronger and more unstable as the inflow rate increases, forming meanders and rings. The changes in the intensity of BSW inflow rate overpower the wind and thermohaline forcing and largely determine the general circulation of the North Aegean Sea.     

Trace element accumulation in fishes collected from coastal waters of the Caspian Sea

Concentrations of 13 trace elements (V, Mn, Cr, Co, Cu, Zn, Se, Mo, Ag, Cd, Hg, Tl and Pb) were determined in muscle of bony fishes collected from coastal areas of the Caspian Sea (Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan and Iran). In all the fishes, Zn concentration was highest, followed by Cu, Se, Mn and Co, while levels of toxic elements (Ag, Cd, Cd, Tl and Pb) were relatively low. Concentrations of several elements were significantly varied between the species in each sampling area. For most of the trace elements examined, the concentrations decreased significantly with body weight of fishes. In contrast, a positive correlation with body weight was found for Co, Se and Pb concentrations in one fish species, and Hg in 2 fish species. Geographical difference in the concentrations of trace elements was examined using the Caspian roach collected from five stations of Iranian coastal waters. The concentrations of Co, Mo, Ag, Cd and Tl were higher in fishes from western stations than those from eastern stations, whereas the opposite trend was observed for Hg, indicating that local sources of trace metal pollution may be present in the Iranian coastal areas of the Caspian Sea. Levels of trace elements in Caspian fishes were relatively low in comparison to those of other regions, but Zn and Hg levels in some specimens exceeded the guideline values for food.     

Influence of the Danube River inputs on C and N stable isotope ratios of the Romanian coastal waters and sediment (Black Sea)

The main aim of this study was to estimate the influence of the seasonal variations of the Danube River particulate organic matter (POM) inputs on the Black Sea surface seawater POM and upper layer of sediments along the Romanian coast. Ratios of carbon ((13)C/(12)C) and nitrogen ((15)N/(14)N) stable isotopes allowed differentiating river and marine organic matter sources. Danube River POM presented significantly lower average values of delta(13)C (-27.52+/-0.88 per thousand) and delta(15)N (4.88+/-1.45 per thousand) than seawater POM (delta(13)C=-24.70+/-2.37 per thousand and delta(15)N=6.75+/-1.96 per thousand), whereas surface sediment presented average values similar to seawater POM (delta(13)C=-24.02+/-2.39 per thousand and delta(15)N=7.29+/-2.16 per thousand). Stable isotope values showed that the Danube River influence on marine ecosystems decreased from the North to the South of the Romanian coast. Strong seasonal variations of C and N isotopic signatures were observed in all compartments studied with generally higher values in spring when the river was flooding.     

The distribution of dissolved lead in the coastal waters of the East China Sea

The distribution of dissolved lead in the coastal waters of the East China Sea was investigated seasonally. The average concentrations in surface waters during the spring and autumn were 0.52 nM and 0.27 nM, respectively. In the spring, the concentration of dissolved Pb in the surface waters and bottom waters ranged from 0.13 to 1.86 nM and from 0.15 to 0.94 nM, respectively. For both the surface water and the bottom water, the highest values were observed at the Yangtze River Estuary. Seasonal variability of D-Pb between spring and autumn in the ECS was observed. These results suggested that riverine inputs and atmospheric inputs may be the main sources of lead in this area, while adsorption and co-precipitation on suspended particles at the river estuary and biological process may be the major sinks.     

Microbial water quality of the Georgian coastal zone of the Black Sea

From 2006 to 2008, microbial water quality was monitored along the Georgian coast of the Black Sea. Temperature, pH, salinity, and dissolved oxygen were measured, along with a variety of aquatic microbial parameters, including heterotrophic plate count (HPC), total culturable bacterial count (TCBC), and chlorophyll a (Chl-a) concentration. Total and fecal coliforms and total enterococci counts were recorded as indicators of fecal pollution. Vibrio bacteria, and Escherichia coli- and Vibrio-specific bacteriophages were isolated and enumerated to determine their relationships to standard marine pollution indicators.Persistent microbial pollution was observed, particularly in the summer months, with a higher rate of contamination in estuaries. Microbial indicators generally showed seasonal dependence, suggesting that temperature may influence bacterial dynamics in this environment. No correlation was apparent between fecal pollution indicators and physical-chemical and aquatic microbial parameters, although there were significant relationships amongst the indicators themselves, as well as with the prevalence of Vibrio bacteria and phage.     

An insight into the performance of benthic classification indices tested in Eastern Mediterranean coastal waters

This work evaluates four indices that have been used for benthic macroinvertebrate ecological quality classification in the Mediterranean Sea. Our study was based on the data obtained from the participation of Greece and Cyprus in the Mediterranean Geographical Intercalibration group. The indices AMBI, M-AMBI, MEDOCC and BENTIX were applied to the available benthic species data, and the succession of the ecological groups along the graded values of each index was plotted. The level of agreement among methods was calculated, and the performance of each method in estimating ecological quality status was evaluated. AMBI, based on the Atlantic model, and its derivative M-AMBI overestimated the statuses, while MEDOCC showed the best level of agreement with BENTIX. BENTIX gives equal weight to tolerant and opportunistic species groups, which correlates them more closely than the other indices and makes BENTIX the most sensitive in detecting ecological disturbances in the Eastern Mediterranean basin, where tolerant and opportunistic groups seem to play an equally important role in the response of benthic communities to stressors.     

Dispersion of dissolved trace metals from the Irish Sea into Scottish coastal waters

An investigation has been undertaken into the dispersal of contaminants from the Irish Sea into coastal waters of Scotland via the North Channel. A total of 97 surface samples have been analysed for dissolved copper, cadmium and lead. Salinity and reactive phosphate have also been determined. Evidence is presented to suggest that copper, cadmium and reactive phosphate behave essentially conservatively on mixing into Scottish coastal waters. This behaviour is likened to the dispersal of¹³⁷Cs from the Sellafield nuclear fuel reprocessing plant. It is suggested that this simple mechanism is inadequate to account for the lead distribution. It is proposed that this element is partly taken up by suspended particulates and sediments in the well-mixed turbid waters of the North Channel.It has been demonstrated elsewhere that contaminants from the Irish Sea, such as¹³⁷Cs enter the Firth of Clyde from the North Channel. In the present study North Channel waters are demonstrated to be an important source of trace metals to the Firth of Clyde. At the time of this survey however high concentrations of trace metals were not entering the Firth of Clyde from the North Channel. This is principally attributed to a salinity front associated with the entrance of the Firth which hinders transport across the sill.     

An assessment of metal contamination in coastal sediments of the Caspian Sea

An assessment of marine pollution due to metals was made in the Caspian Sea based on coastal sediment collected in Azerbaijan, Iran, Kazakhstan, Russia and Turkmenistan. Despite the high carbonate content, the distribution of most metals was largely controlled by terrigenous inputs. Several metals (As, Cr, Ni) exhibited concentrations that exceed sediment quality guidelines. Such metals have a high natural background but anthropogenic activities, notably mining, may further enhance concentrations. This would explain hot spots for Cu and Zn in Azerbaijan and Iran, and Cr at the mouth of the Ural River in Kazakhstan. Contamination by Hg was observed to the south of Baku Bay, Azerbaijan. Some anomalously high concentrations of Ba in the central Caspian are probably from offshore drilling operations, but the elevated U concentrations (up to 11.1 microg g(-1)) may be natural in origin. Several metals (Ag, Cd, Pb) have relatively low levels that pose no environmental concerns.     

The impact of legislation on the usage and environmental concentrations of Irgarol 1051 in UK coastal waters

In 2001, legislative measures were introduced in the UK to restrict usage of antifouling agents in small (<25 m) vessel paints to dichlofluanid, zinc pyrithione and zineb. This removed the previously popular booster biocides diuron and Irgarol 1051 from the market. To investigate the impact of this legislation, water samples were taken from locations where previous biocide levels were well documented. Results from analyses demonstrate a clear reduction in water concentrations of Irgarol 1051 (between 10% and 55% of that found during pre-restriction studies), indicating that legislation appears to have been effective. Although other booster biocides were screened for (chlorothalonil, dichlofluanid and Sea-Nine 211), they were below the limits of detection (<1 ng/l) in all samples. A survey of chandlers and discussions with legislative authorities supports these results and concurs the removal of Irgarol 1051 based paints from the market using simple regulations at a manufacturer level with little regulation at a retailer level.     

Assessment of the impact of nitrogen mineral compounds on bottom-dwelling fish in Black Sea bays

Data on the effect of physiological, ecological, and anthropogenic factors on the concentration of nitrosamines in the tissues of bottom-dwelling fish—Scorpaena porcus L. and Mesogobius batrachocephalus Pallas—inhabiting two Black Sea bays with different anthropogenic load are presented. Seasonal dynamics in the concentration of nitrosamines in fish tissues, manifesting itself in its decrease in summer and increase in autumn is revealed. Problems of the environmental risk resulting from the excessive concentration of nitrogen compounds in the marine environment are discussed.