Anthropogenic influences on heavy metals across marine habitats in the western coast of Venezuela

Concentrations of ten metals were measured in waters and sediments at 14 sites during four sampling periods (1996–1997). These sites include various marine ecosystems that are highly influenced by industry, tourism and river discharges, nine of which are within the Morrocoy National Park. Spatially, metal concentrations in water were homogenous, whereas in sediments their distributions were related to grain size. Maximum concentrations of cadmium (Cd) and mean concentrations of copper (Cu), nickel (Ni), lead (Pb) and zinc (Zn) in water were above the guideline values proposed by NOAA, indicating the potential of these metals for producing chronic effects in marine biota. Sheltered sites showed the highest metal concentrations in sediments; with Cd and Zn above these guidelines. Enrichment factors and geo-accumulation indexes suggested that metals in sediments were largely of natural origin except for Pb, Cd and vanadium (V), which were apparently associated with industrial effluents. A disruption of the spatial distribution of metals after heavy rainfall, when exposed sites reached concentrations as high as those in sheltered sites, showed the influence of nearby rivers. The potential increase of such climatic events could represent additional stress for natural protected areas in the Caribbean.     

Audouin's gull chicks as bioindicators of mercury pollution at different breeding locations in the western Mediterranean

Mercury levels of Audouin's gull are amongst the highest for Mediterranean seabirds, and have been mainly attributed to its piscivorous habits in these naturally Hg rich waters. Moreover, two additional factors could enhance its mercury intake: the consumption of discarded fish (which attain higher concentrations) and/or feeding in areas receiving Hg anthropogenic inputs. In order to differentiate the relevance of both sources we analysed Hg and stable isotopes of chick feathers from different breeding locations in western Mediterranean: one in its northern part (Ebro Delta) and two southern (Chafarinas Isl. and Alborán Isl.). The results from stable isotopes indicate that consumption of discards is higher at Alborán Isl., followed by the Ebro Delta and Chafarinas Isl. Thus, the higher mercury levels found in the Ebro Delta cannot be explained uniquely by the contribution of discarded fish to diet, but local pollution caused by the river Ebro waters accounts for Hg differences observed.     

Distribution and speciation of mercury in surficial sediments from main mangrove wetlands in China

The purpose of this study was to establish the distribution, speciation and bioavailability of mercury in mangrove sediments. A systemic survey of surficial sediments from 13 mangrove wetlands of China was carried out. Hg concentrations ranged from 2.3–903.6 ng g⁻¹, with an average value of 189.4 ng g⁻¹. Of the 13 areas surveyed, the Hg content in sediments was similar to background levels in 6 areas but was much higher in the other seven areas. Hg levels were affected by natural and anthropogenic factors, including terrestrial pollutants, geomorphic properties, and indirectly by economic status. Hg levels were positively correlated with organic matter, pH, and silt and clay fractions, but Hg was negatively correlated with sand fraction. In most mangrove wetlands, Hg existed primarily in the form of volatile Hg. Hg is easily bioaccumulated in mangrove wetlands and may be the natural source of Hg emissions to the atmosphere.     

Heavy metal contents in growth bands of Porites corals: record of anthropogenic and human developments from the Jordanian Gulf of Aqaba

In order to assess pollutants and impact of environmental changes in the coastal region of the Jordanian Gulf of Aqaba, concentrations of six metals were traced through variations in 5 years growth bands sections of recent Porties coral skeleton. X-radiography showed annual growth band patterns extending back to the year 1925. Baseline metal concentrations in Porites corals were established using 35 years-long metal record from late Holocene coral (deposited in pristine environment) and coral from reef that is least exposed to pollution in the marine reserve in the Gulf of Aqaba. The skeleton samples of the collected corals were acid digested and analyzed for their Cd, Cu, Fe, Mn, Pb and Zn content using Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (FAAS). All metal profiles (except Fe and Zn) recorded the same metal signature from recent coral (1925–2005) in which low steady baseline levels were displayed in growth bands older than 1965, similar to those obtained from fossil and unpolluted corals. Most metals showed dramatic increase (ranging from 17% to 300%) in growth band sections younger than 1965 suggesting an extensive contamination of the coastal area since the mid sixties. This date represents the beginning of a period that witnessed increasing coastal activities, constructions and urbanization. This has produced a significant reduction in coral skeletal extension rates. Results from this study strongly suggest that Porites corals have a high tendency to accumulate heavy metals in their skeletons and therefore can serve as proxy tools to monitor and record environmental pollution (bioindicators) in the Gulf of Aqaba.     

Sediment concentrations of heavy metals in the Homa Lagoon (Eastern Aegean Sea): Assessment of contamination and ecological risks

The concentrations of heavy metals and organic carbon in sediment of the Homa Lagoon which is one of the most productive lagoons and commercial important active fish trap in the Eastern Aegean Sea, were investigated in order to describe the temporal and spatial distributions of metals. These results were used to evaluate possible ecological risks that could be a problem for the environment of the lagoon in the future. Sediments were enriched with Cr, Ni and considered as heavily polluted per the SQG. The C_f of Ni and Cr were presented moderate level of contamination in this area. The C_d levels indicated moderate degree of contamination at station B, C, D and E due to agricultural drainage water, industrial and domestic wastewater, are transported by the Gediz River. Sediments from Homa Lagoon were most toxic for Ni due to exceedances of the TEL and PEL values.     

Evaluation of metal contamination in coastal sediments of the Bay of Bengal, India: geochemical and statistical approaches

Surface sediment samples collected from the inner shelf region of the Bay of Bengal, were analysed for the major elements and total and acetic acid available trace elements (Al, Ca, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, Na, Ni, P, Pb, Si, Zn) to evaluate geochemical processes influencing their distribution. Major elemental analysis showed that the sediments had high concentrations of Si and relatively low concentrations of Al and Fe. Both major elemental and trace metal concentrations indicated that the sediments represent weathered products of granite and charnockite. Normalization of metals to Al indicated relatively high enrichment factors for Pb, Cd, Zn and Cr. The higher proportions of nondetrital Pb (66%), Cd (41%) and Co (28%) reveal metal contamination due to anthropogenic inputs. Factor analysis (FA) identified six possible types of sedimentological and geochemical associations. The dominant factor accounting for 26.9% of the total variance identifies an anthropogenic input and accumulation of nondetrital Cd, Co, Cr, Ni and Pb. Association of these metals with CaCO3 reveals that shell fragments in the surface sediments are likely act as a carrier phase for nondetrital metals. The results are discussed in the context of the sources and pathways of elements in the Bay of Bengal.     

Depth profiles of lithogenic and anthropogenic mercury in the sediments from Thane Creek,Mumbai, India

Mercury（Hg） is well known as one of the most toxic elements to man.The coastal environments adjacent to industrial areas are reported to often be contaminated with mercury.Mercury becomes more toxic in the form of methylmercury（Me-Hg） which is converted from inorganic mercury in aqueous systems by microbial activity and can bio-magnify through the food chain.A simple method for the determination of total mercury and methylmercury in sediments was optimized by slightly modifying an old method using the direct mercury analyzer technique.Core sediment samples from Thane Creek,Mumbai,India were collected and analysed for total mercury and methylmercury.The Hg concentration in the creek varied between 0.54 to 16.03 μg g~（-1） while Me-Hg concentrations ranged between0.04 to 1.07 μg g~（-1）.In surface sediment,mercury concentrations ranged from 4.33 μg g~（-1） to 12.16μg g~（-1）.Total organic carbon content was found to be around 2 percent in different layers of the sediments.The enrichment factors,which indicate the extent of pollution in sediments,were estimated to range from 26 to 50 at different locations in the creek.Lithogenic and anthropogenic concentrations of mercury in the creek were also determined to compare the impact of anthropogenic and natural sources.Anthropogenic inventories were about 5-70 times more in concentration than the lithogenic in the different core sediments.     

Assessment of heavy metal contamination in the surficial sediments from the lower Meghna River estuary,Noakhali coast,Bangladesh

Sediment samples were collected from ten selected sites of the lower Meghna River estuary,and six heavy metals were analyzed with Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry(AAS)to assess the contamination level and the metals’association with sediment grain size.The current results revealed that the mean concentrations of the studied metals were ranked in descending order of iron(Fe)(1.29×103 mg/kg)>zinc(Zn)(42.41 mg/kg)>lead(Pb)(12.48 mg/kg)>chromium(Cr)(10.59 mg/kg)>copper(Cu)(6.22 mg/kg)>cadmium(Cd)(0.28 mg/kg).The geo-accumulation,contamination,and pollution load indexes suggested that the lower Meghna river estuary was not contaminated by Fe,Zn,Pb,Cr,and Cu.The mean size of the sediment ranged from 28.92 to 126.2 mm,and the Pearson correlation coefficient showed a significant association between Fe and Pb(coefficient of determination,r2=0.836;p<0.05),and no significant correlation was found between individual metals and grain size,indicating no or low influence on the metals distribution.     

Driving factors behind the distribution of dinocyst composition and abundance in surface sediments in a western Mediterranean coastal lagoon: Report from a high resolution mapping study

Species composition and abundance of dinocysts in relation to environmental factors were studied at 123 stations of surface sediment in Bizerte Lagoon. Forty-eight dinocyst types were identified, mainly dominated by Brigantidinium simplex, Votadinum spinosum, Alexandrium pseudogonyaulax, Alexandrium catenella, and Lingulodinum machaerophorum along with many round brown cysts and spiny round brown cysts. Cysts ranged from 1276 to 20126 cysts g⁻¹ dry weight sediment. Significant differences in cyst distribution pattern were recorded among the zones, with a higher cyst abundance occurring in the lagoon’s inner areas. Redundancy analyses showed two distinct associations of dinocysts according to location and environmental variables. Ballast water discharges are potential introducers of non-indigenous species, especially harmful ones such as A. catenella and Polysphaeridium zoharyi, with currents playing a pivotal role in cyst distribution. Findings concerning harmful cyst species indicate potential seedbeds for initiation of future blooms and outbreaks of potentially toxic species in the lagoon.     

The extent and historical trend of metal pollution recorded in core sediments from the artificial Lake Shihwa, Korea

The vertical distribution of trace metals in sediment cores was investigated to evaluate the extent and the historical record of metal pollution over 30 years in the artificial Lake Shihwa in Korea. A marked increase of trace metals after 1980 was observed due to the operation of two large industrial complexes and dike construction for a reclamation project. There was a decreasing trend of metal concentrations with the distance from the pollution source. The enrichment factor and pollution load index of the metals indicated that the metal pollution was mainly derived from Cu, Zn and Cd loads due to anthropogenic activities. The concentrations of Cr, Ni, Cu, Zn, As and Pb in the upper part of all core sediments exceeded the ERL criteria of NOAA. Our results indicate that inadequate planning and management of industrialization and a large reclamation project accomplished by dike construction have continued to strongly accelerate metal pollution in Lake Shihwa.     

Heavy metals in particulate and colloidal matter from atmospheric deposition of urban Guangzhou,South China

Suspended particulate matter (SPM) and colloidal matter (COM) in annual dry and wet deposition samples in urban Guangzhou were for the first time collected, and their trace metals were investigated by using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). The deposition flux of SPM and of metal elements varied largely among the investigated seasons, and reached the maximum in spring. The correlation analysis indicated that significant correlations existed among some of the metal elements in the deposition samples. The enrichment factors (EF) of metals in COM in the deposition ranging from 79.66 to 130,000 were much higher than those of SPM ranging from 1.65 to 286.48, indicating the important role of COM. The factor analysis showed that emissions from street dust, non-ferrous metal production, and heavy fuel oil were major sources of the trace metals. Positive matrix factorization (PMF) model was used to quantitatively estimate anthropogenic source.     

Comparison of metal accumulation in the azooxanthellate scleractinian coral (Tubastraea coccinea) from different polluted environments

The response of metal accumulation in coral Tubastraea coccinea to various degrees of metal enrichment was investigated from the Yin-Yang Sea (YYS) receiving abandoned mining effluents, the Kueishan Islet (KI) hydrothermal vent field, and the nearshore area of remoted Green Island (GI). The concentrations of most dissolved metals were highest in seawater at YYS, followed by KI, and then GI, showing the effects of anthropogenic and venting inputs on metal levels. Five metals (Co, Fe, Mn, Ni, and Zn) yielded significant differences (p < 0.05) among the skeleton samples. We identified similar patterns in the metal–Ca ratios, indicating that the elevated metals in skeletons was a consequence of external inputs. The coral tissues were relatively sensitive in monitoring metal accumulation, showing significant differences among three locations for Cd, Co, Cu, Fe, Pb, Ni, and Zn. Specific bioconcentration factors provided strong support for the differential metal accumulation in skeletons and tissues.     

Mercury in wahoo, Acanthocybium solandri, from offshore waters of the southeastern United States and the Bahamas

Wahoo, Acanthocybium solandri, are predatory oceanic fish that occur and are harvested in all tropical and subtropical oceans. Total mercury concentrations analyzed in dorsal muscle tissue of 208 wahoo from offshore waters of the southeastern United States and the Bahamas ranged from 0.021 to 3.4 mg/kg (wet weight), with a mean of 0.50 mg/kg (± 0.595 SD). Analyses indicated significant positive linear relationships between mercury and length, as well as, age of wahoo. The piscivorous nature, generally high trophic position, fast growth rate, and associated high metabolism of wahoo within tropical offshore pelagic environments may lead to comparatively higher concentrations of mercury over relatively short time periods. Mercury in wahoo, a highly mobile species consisting of one world-wide population, is regionally influenced by large-scale spatial differences in available mercury in selected prey fish species - many of which have been found to contain relatively high concentrations of mercury.     

The effects of hydrological factors on river suspended solids contamination from a colliery in South Wales

Suspended solids contamination caused by runoff below a working colliery in the Upper Clydach catchment in South Wales, U.K., was investigated in relation to hydrological controls. Field studies over a 16 month period found that concentrations below the colliery ranged from 4 to 8028 mg 1^?1. Simple correlation and linear regression analysis of spot and storm event samples taken below the colliery gave a correlation coefficient of 0·39 between flow and suspended solids concentration. Because of the lack of explained variance, a multiple linear regression model of within-storm concentrations was derived using four selected independent variables. X₁ the time relation of the sample to the storm peak; log X₂ the stormflow at the time of sampling; log X₃ the baseflow at the time of sampling; and log X₄ an index of the storm intensity. Analysis of the entire dataset gave an R² of 0·34. When the results from three atypical events were excluded however, the R² value improved to 0·65. Beta coefficients indicated that rising limb conditions (X₁) and intense storms (log X₄) along with dry antecedent conditions (log X₃) represent the worst combination of hydrological factors for producing suspended solids contamination.     

1990—2020年中国冰湖变化特征及影响因素

本文基于505 景 Landsat 卫星影像,通过自动化冰湖边界提取与人工目视解译相结合的方法调查了 2000 和 2020年中国境内冰湖的分布与变化,并结合 1990 年冰湖编目数据,分析中国冰湖变化特征及影响因素。 研究表明,19902020 年中国冰湖面积增加(180.1±0.1) km²,增加了 17.9%。 其中,冰川补给湖面积扩张最显著,为 22.9%,而非冰川补给湖的面积仅扩张 4.9%。 1990 2020 年冰湖面积在较高海拔带呈现增长快速的趋势,其中,在海拔 5500 m 以上冰湖面积扩张最大,达 30.5%。 在区域尺度,非冰川补给湖的变化主要受降水量和蒸发量变化的影响,其中蒸发量变化对非冰川补给湖更为显著;气温升高与冰川普遍退缩则是导致冰川补给湖普遍快速扩张的主要原因。     

The fluxes and controlling factors of N_2O and CH_4 emissions from freshwater marsh in Northeast China

Nitrous oxide (N2O) and methane (CH4) emissions were measured using a static chamber method in two adjacent plots of freshwater marsh predominated by Calamagrostis angustifolia, one is seasonal waterlogged (SW) and the other without surface water accumulation (NW), in Sanjiang Plain wetland (47°35′N, 133°31′E), northeast China, during 2002-2004. The diurnal and seasonal flux variations of both gases were significantly correlated with 5-cm-soil temperature. The NW marsh is a source of N2O and sink of CH4, wh...     

Present state and historical changes of trace metal pollution in Kaoping coastal sediments, southwestern Taiwan

Surface and gravity-cored sediments were collected from the Kaoping coastal area off southwestern Taiwan to determine particle size, organic carbon, trace metal concentration and enrichment factor (EF), 210Pb dating, and 206Pb/207Pb ratio for determining present and historical metal pollution. Surface distributions of trace metals ranged from 0.02 to 0.13 mg/kg for Cd (EF: 0.16-1.65), from 35 to 189 mg/kg for Cr (EF: 0.85-2.92), from 25 to 64 mg/kg for Ni (EF: 0.53-2.38), from 10 to 32 mg/kg for Pb (EF: 1.20-4.94), and from 29 to 129 mg/kg for Zn (EF: 1.18-3.50). Trace metal concentrations correlate closely with distributions of mud (<63 microm) and organic carbon which accumulate largely around river mouths and within the Kaoping Canyon. With the exception of Cd, Cr and Ni in certain areas with rather coarse sediments, metals were generally elevated above the baseline levels over the studied area. Metals were also relatively enriched in areas with high contents of mud and organic carbon. Sedimentation rates derived from the excess 210Pb data in core sediments sampled from the canyon illustrate metal pollution beginning around 1970 that is corresponding to the booming time of economic growth in Taiwan. Meanwhile, the status of Pb pollution in core sediments is verified by an inversed correlation between 206Pb/207Pb ratios and Pb concentrations. Anthropogenic Pb and other metals in the studied area were apparently derived primarily from the Kaoping River and accumulated around the river mouth and within the Kaoping Canyon. The Kaoping Canyon appears to act as a major sink for river borne trace metals.     

渭河干流与其秦岭北麓典型支流浮游动物群落结构及影响因素

浮游动物作为食物链中重要的初级消费者,其群落结构特征是水生态系统健康评价的重要指标之一.本研究于2017年秋季和2018年春季对渭河干流及秦岭北麓五条典型支流开展了系统的水环境及浮游动物群落调查.结果表明,渭河干流营养盐浓度整体高于秦岭北麓支流,干流浊度远高于支流.两次调查共鉴定出浮游动物种类数136种(原生动物65种,轮虫44种,枝角类15种,桡足类12种),其中2017年秋季渭河干流浮游动物种类数、密度和生物量分别为14种、9.02 ind./L和0.0051 mg/L,秦岭北麓支流为37种、42.78 ind./L和0.0229 mg/L;2018年春季渭河干流浮游动物种类数、密度和生物量分别为52种、292.89 ind./L和0.1734 mg/L,秦岭北麓支流为68种、70.15 ind./L和0.0508 mg/L.秋季渭河干流下游浮游动物种类数、密度和生物量最低,而春季随上、中、下游三者均依次增大;秋季秦岭支流中罗敷河浮游动物密度和生物量最高,而春季灞河最高.春、秋两季干支流间浮游动物优势种差异较小,但秋季优势种种类数少于春季.秋季渭河干流中游Shannon-Wiene...     

2016—2020年长江中游典型湖泊水质和富营养化演变特征及其驱动因素

“十三五”时期,长江流域水环境质量改善明显,但湖泊水质和富营养化状况改善滞后.长江中游作为我国淡水湖泊集中分布区域之一,部分湖泊存在水环境质量恶化和富营养化加重问题.本文以长江中游区域国家开展监测的洪湖、斧头湖、梁子湖、大通湖、洞庭湖和鄱阳湖这6个典型湖泊为研究对象,科学评价其2016-2020年水质和富营养化时空变化特征及关键驱动因素,探讨其成因及治理对策.结果表明,“十三五”时期长江中游湖泊水质和富营养化程度存在较大差异,与2016年相比,2020年大通湖水质改善最为明显,梁子湖水质变差,总磷是影响长江中游湖泊水质类别的主要因子;洪湖富营养程度恶化最为严重,斧头湖次之,TLI(SD)对长江中游湖泊富营养化评价贡献最大.目前长江中游湖泊呈有机污染加重和叶绿素。浓度升高现象,洪湖、斧头湖和梁子湖主要与氮、磷营养盐浓度升高有关,而大通湖、洞庭湖和鄱阳湖受水文过程、流域纳污量和湖泊管理等非营养盐因素影响较大.总氮和总磷仍然是影响“十三五”时期长江中游湖泊水质和富营养化的最主要驱动力,且各湖泊总氮和总磷浓度变化均具有较强正相关性,建议开展河湖氮、磷标准衔接工作,提出河湖氮、磷标准限值或考核目...