Discriminating sources of PCB contamination in fish on the coastal shelf off San Diego, California (USA)

Management of coastal ecosystems necessitates the evaluation of pollutant loading based on adequate source discrimination. Monitoring of sediments and fish on the shelf off San Diego has shown that some areas on the shelf are contaminated with polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). Here, we present an analysis of PCB contamination in fish on the shelf off San Diego designed to discriminate possible sources. The analysis was complicated by the variability of species available for analysis across the shelf, variable affinities of PCBs among species, and non-detects in the data. We utilized survival regression analysis to account for these complications. We also examined spatial patterns of PCBs in bay and offshore sediments and reviewed more than 20 years of influent and effluent data for local wastewater treatment facilities. We conclude that most PCB contamination in shelf sediments and fish is due to the ongoing practice of dumping contaminated sediments dredged from San Diego Bay.     

Microbiological and physicochemical analysis of the coastal waters of southern Brazil

The aim of this study was to assess the impact of sewage discharge on coastal waters by evaluating the influence of physicochemical parameters on the presence of enteric microorganisms in seawater samples collected from 11 beaches in Florianopolis, Santa Catarina, Brazil, over a one-year period (August 2009 to July 2010). Samples were assessed for the presence of human adenoviruses (HAdV), polyomavirus (JCPyV), hepatitis A virus (HAV), and noroviruses (HuNoV GI and GII). Escherichia coli and physicochemical parameters (salinity, temperature, pH and dissolved oxygen) were also evaluated. From the 132 samples analyzed, 55% were positive for HAdV, 51.5% for HAV, 7.5% for HuNoV GI, 4.5% for HuNoV GII, and 3% for JCPyV. E. coli levels ranged from 8 to 1325 CFU/100mL at all sites. The overall results highlight the problem of sewage discharge into coastal waters and confirm that there is no correlation between viral presence and bacterial contamination.     

Dye dispersion in the surf zone: Measurements and simple models

To examine the spatial and temporal effect of low-volume land-based runoff on beach contamination, discrete batches of dye were released at the shoreline at three beaches in Santa Monica Bay in 2000 (Malibu Creek, Santa Monica Canyon and Pico–Kenter drain). Dye concentration was measured at the shoreline 25, 50 and 100 m alongshore from the dye release point for up to 40 min after dye release. The shoreline concentration time series are characterized either by approximately exponential decay in concentration after passage of the dye patch maximum concentration or by persistent low concentration up to 30 min after passage of the initial dye patch front. In the absence of detailed measurements of physical conditions, several simple advection–diffusion models are used to simulate shoreline concentration time series for an idealized surf zone in order to probe the roles of alongshore current shear and rip currents in producing the observed characteristics in dye concentration time series. Favorable qualitative and quantitative comparison of measured and simulated time series suggest alongshore current shear and rip currents play key roles in generating the observed characteristics of nearshore dye patch dispersion. The models demonstrate the potential effects of these flow features on the extent and duration of beach contamination owing to a continuous contamination source.     

Distribution,characteristics and potential impacts of chromophoric dissolved organic matter (CDOM) in Hudson Strait and Hudson Bay,Canada

The characteristics of chromophoric dissolved organic matter (CDOM) were studied in Hudson Bay and Hudson Strait in the Canadian Arctic. Hudson Bay receives a disproportionately large influx of river runoff. With high dissolved organic matter (DOM) concentrations in Arctic rivers the influence of CDOM on coastal and ocean systems can be significant, yet the distribution, characteristics and potential consequences of CDOM in these waters remain unknown. We collected 470 discrete water samples in offshore, coastal, estuarine and river waters in the region during September and October 2005. Mixing of CDOM appeared conservative with salinity, although regional differences exist due to variable DOM composition in the rivers discharging to the Bay and the presence of sea-ice melt, which has low CDOM concentrations and low salinity. There were higher concentrations of CDOM in Hudson Bay, especially in coastal waters with salinities <28$<28$, due to river runoff. Using CDOM composition of water masses as a tracer for the freshwater components revealed that river runoff is largely constrained to nearshore waters in Hudson Bay, while sea-ice melt is distributed more evenly in the Bay. Strong inshore–offshore gradients in the bio-optical properties of the surface waters in the Hudson Bay cause large variation in penetration of ultraviolet radiation and the photic depth within the bay, potentially controlling the vertical distribution of biomass and occurrence of deep chlorophyll maxima which are prevalent only in the more transparent offshore waters of the bay. The CDOM distribution and associated photoprocesses may influence the thermodynamics and stratification of the coastal waters, through trapping of radiant heating within the top few meters of the water column. Photoproduction of biologically labile substrates from CDOM could potentially stimulate the growth of biomass in Hudson Bay coastal waters. Further studies are needed to investigate the importance of terrestrial DOM in the Hudson Bay region, and the impact of hydroelectric development and climate change on these processes.     

Microbiological monitoring of bivalves from the Ria Formosa Lagoon (south coast of Portugal): a 20 years of sanitary survey

The microbiological pollution of coastal waters is a major problem, especially in shellfish areas. This article shows the faecal contamination in bivalves from the Ria Formosa Lagoon (south coast of Portugal) along 20 years (1990-2009). The highest values of Escherichia coli in bivalves were obtained during the 90s, related with the discharge of untreated wastewaters and agricultural runoff. In the 2000s contamination levels decreased, with 83% of the population already served by new or remodelled sewage treatment plants. The highest levels were found in bivalves close to the largest city, where punctual and diffuse contamination sources still exist. Bivalves from the less impacted site showed the lowest contamination, an area with more water renewal. Seasonally, the highest levels were in autumn and winter, due to the runoff of waters from rainfall. These were opposite to those in spring and summer, when the highest temperatures and salinity showed a bactericidal effect.     

A comparison of neustonic plastic and zooplankton at different depths near the southern California shore

Previous studies of neustonic debris have been limited to surface sampling. Here we conducted two trawl surveys, one before and one shortly after a rain event, in which debris and zooplankton density were measured at three depths in Santa Monica Bay, California. Surface samples were collected with a manta trawl, mid-depth samples with a bongo net and bottom samples with an epibenthic sled, all having 333 micron nets. Density of debris was greatest near the bottom, least in midwater. Debris density increased after the storm, particularly at the sampling site closest to shore, reflecting inputs from land-based runoff and resuspended matter. The mass of plastic collected exceeded that of zooplankton, though when the comparison was limited to plastic debris similar to the size of most zooplankton, zooplankton mass was three times that of debris.     

Measurement of butyltin compounds in San Diego Bay

Inorganic tin and butyltin compounds were analysed in water samples collected from several areas within San Diego Bay. Highest concentrations of butyltins were detected in the Shelter Island and Commercial Basin Yacht harbours where anthropogenic inputs of butyltin from antifouling paints were probable. A distinct increase in tributyltin concentration was seen in the Shelter Island Yacht harbour over a period spanning more than 2 years, suggesting that the use of antifouling paints containing tributyltin is increasing. Samples extracted with methylisobutyl ketone and analysed by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrophotometry consistently yielded higher tin concentrations than the same samples analysed by a hydride reduction/flame atomic absorption method, suggesting a non-hydride reducible tin fraction was present. Gas chromatographymass spectrometry confirmed the presence of tributyltin in an environmental marine water sample following derivatization to the hydride species.     

Assessment and impact of microbial fecal pollution and human enteric pathogens in a coastal community

The goals of this study were to assess watersheds impacted by high densities of OSDS (onsite sewage disposal systems) for evidence of fecal contamination and evaluate the occurrence of human pathogens in coastal waters off west Florida. Eleven stations (representing six watersheds) were intensively sampled for microbial indicators of fecal pollution (fecal coliform bacteria, enterococci, Clostridium perfringens and coliphage) and the human enteric pathogens, Cryptosporidium, Giardia, and enteroviruses during the summer rainy season (May-September 1996). Levels of all indicators ranged between < 5 and > 4000 CFU/100 ml. Cryptosporidium and Giardia were detected infrequently (6.8% and 2.3% of samples tested positive, respectively). Conversely, infectious enteroviruses were detected at low levels in 5 of the 6 watersheds sampled. Using cluster analysis, sites were grouped into two categories, high and low risks, based on combined levels of indicators. These results suggest that stations of highest pollution risk were located within areas of high OSDS densities. Furthermore, data indicate a subsurface transport of contaminated water to surface waters. The high prevalence of enteroviruses throughout the study area suggests a chronic pollution problem and potential risk to recreational swimmers in and around Sarasota Bay.     

Assessment of Metal Contamination in Surface Sediments of Jiaozhou Bay,Qingdao, China

An assessment of metal contamination in surface sediments of the Jiaozhou Bay, Qingdao, one of the rapidly developing coastal economic zones in China, is provided. Sediments were collected from 10 stations and a total of 15 heavy metals were analyzed. Concentrations of metals show significant variability and range from 210 to 620 ppm for Ti, 2.7 to 23 ppm for Ni, 4.2 to 28 ppm for Cu, 5.2 to 18 ppm for Pb, 12 to 58 ppm for Zn, 0.03 to 0.11 ppm for Cd, 5 to 51 ppm for Cr, 1.5 to 9.9 ppm for Co, 5.3 to 19 ppm for As, 12 to 32 ppm for Se, and 19 to 97 ppm for Sr. Based on concentration relationships and enrichment factor (EF) analyses, the results indicate that sediment grain size and organic matter played important roles in controlling the distribution of the heavy metals in surface sediments of the Jiaozhou Bay. The study shows that the sediment of the Jiaozhou Bay has been contaminated by heavy metals to various degrees, with prominent arsenic contributing the most to the contamination. The analysis suggests that the major sources of metal contamination in the Jiaozhou Bay are land‐based anthropogenic ones, such as discharge of industrial waste water and municipal sewage and run‐off. Notably, the elevated heavy metal concentrations of the Jiaozhou Bay sediments could have a significant impact on the bay's ecosystem. With the rapid economic development and urbanization around the Jiaozhou Bay, coastal management and pollution control should focus on these contaminant sources, as well as provide ongoing monitoring studies of heavy metal contamination within the bay.     

Impacts of stormwater runoff in the Southern California Bight: Relationships among plume constituents

The effects from two winter rain storms on the coastal ocean of the Southern California Bight were examined as part of the Bight ‘03 program during February 2004 and February–March 2005. The impacts of stormwater from fecal indicator bacteria, water column toxicity, and nutrients were evaluated for five major river discharges: the Santa Clara River, Ballona Creek, the San Pedro Shelf (including the Los Angeles, San Gabriel, and Santa Ana Rivers), the San Diego River, and the Tijuana River. Exceedances of bacterial standards were observed in most of the systems. However, the areas of impact were generally spatially limited, and contaminant concentrations decreased below California Ocean Plan standards typically within 2–3 days. The largest bacterial concentrations occurred in the Tijuana River system where exceedances of fecal indicator bacteria were noted well away from the river mouth. Maximum nitrate concentrations (~40 μM) occurred in the San Pedro Shelf region near the mouth of the Los Angeles River. Based on the results of general linear models, individual sources of stormwater differ in both nutrient concentrations and the concentration and composition of fecal indicator bacteria. While nutrients appeared to decrease in plume waters due to simple mixing and dilution, the concentration of fecal indicator bacteria in plumes depends on more than loading and dilution rates. The relationships between contaminants (nutrients and fecal indicator bacteria) and plume indicators (salinity and total suspended solids) were not strong indicating the presence of other potentially important sources and/or sinks of both nutrients and fecal indicator bacteria. California Ocean Plan standards were often exceeded in waters containing greater than 10% stormwater (<28–30 salinity range). The median concentration dropped below the standard in the 32–33 salinity range (1–4% stormwater) for total coliforms and Enterococcus spp. and in the 28–30 salinity range (10–16% stormwater) for fecal coliforms. Nutrients showed a similar pattern with the highest median concentrations in water with greater than 10% stormwater. Relationships between colored dissolved organic matter (CDOM) and salinity and between total suspended solids and beam attenuation indicate that readily measurable, optically active variables can be used as proxies to provide at least a qualitative, if not quantitative, evaluation of the distribution of the dissolved, as well as the particulate, components of stormwater plumes. In this context, both CDOM absorption and the beam attenuation coefficient can be derived from satellite ocean color measurements of inherent optical properties suggesting that remote sensing of ocean color should be useful in mapping the spatial areas and durations of impacts from these contaminants.     

‘Oyster watch’: Monitoring trace metal and organochlorine concentrations in Sydney''s coastal waters

This paper examines concentrations of trace contaminants in oysters placed in inshore and offshore waters before and after the change to offshore disposal of sewage near Sydney, NSW, Australia. The ability to compare inshore and offshore concentrations before and after the event allows the formulation of unconfounded conclusions about the impact of sewage on the availablity of trace contaminants in the coastal environment and the effect of the change in the method of disposal of Sydney's sewage on the availability of those contaminants.

The data show clearly that the diversion of sewage from nearshore to offshore areas has resulted in a significant drop in the concentrations of organochlorines in oysters deployed near sewage outfalls in the nearshore region. In offshore areas, there were no differences detected among regions prior to the commissioning of deepwater outfalls. In the post commissioning period there were a number of instances when trace metal concentrations in the regions were different from each other, but these differences were not correlated with proximity to the sewage outfalls nor was a particular metal consistently elevated, so it was concluded that the causes of difference were not related to the presence of the sewage outfalls.

This study has demonstrated that oysters were useful indicators of trace metal and organochlorine contamination of marine waters; that relatively high levels of contamination of inshore waters near sewage outfalls prior to deepwater sewage disposal were reduced, to be not different from other parts of Sydney's coastline after the commencement of deepwater discharge, and that there was no concommitant increase in accumulation of contaminants in offshore waters. Further, preliminary indications are that Sydney's coastal waters are not very heavily contaminated by trace contaminants in comparison to areas of NSW with much lower levels of development. Concentrations of organochlorines are, however, high in comparison to data from similarly developed areas of the USA.     

Historical analysis (2000-2005) of the coastal water quality in San Andrés Island, SeaFlower Biosphere Reserve, Caribbean Colombia

To understand the coastal water quality of San Andrès Island, and provide tools for the management of its marine resources, we present the historical analysis of the island monitoring, which includes ammonia, nitrites, nitrate, phosphates, fecal and total coliforms. The anthropogenic pressure on the coastal system is heavy, with water nutrification, posing at risk seagrass and coral ecosystems. During dry season, biologically available nitrogen is 3-9 times higher than the maximum recommended for coral reefs, while during wet season values are 2-6.4 times the maximum. Biologically available phosphorous is also high, 1-8 times the maximum during dry season, 2-13 times during wet season. In some sites the concentration of pathogenic bacteria is above the limits set by law for primary and secondary contact. It is urgent to improve the management of sewage discharge, the main polluting source of San Andres coastal waters.     

Sediment disturbance off the Tagus Estuary, Western Portugal: chronic contamination, sewage outfall operation and runoff events

Sediment disturbance patterns in the coastal area off the Tagus Estuary (Portugal) have been assessed using a set of combined techniques. The potential sources of disturbance in the area include chronic contamination of the fine sediments originating from the estuary, a local input from a long-sea sewage outfall and occasional high runoff episodes following torrential rain. The Sediment Quality Triad approach, combining environmental chemistry (namely organic contaminants), macrofaunal benthic communities and laboratory sediment toxicity assays, was performed on sediment samples from 20 sites. The samples were collected before the outfall commenced operation and four years after commissioning, in order to evaluate the relative magnitudes of the three potential sources of disturbance. The sediment contamination created by the estuary was identified as the most important cause of reduced sediment quality, as disturbance in all three components of the Sediment Quality Triad were only found in a site located near the estuary.     

Izmit Bay (Turkey) ecosystem after Marmara earthquake and subsequent refinery fire: the long-term data.

As a part of Marmara Sea, Izmit Bay (Turkey) has been one of the most polluted sites in the region for the last 25 years. On 17 August 1999, a powerful earthquake along the North Anatolian Fault struck the eastern part of the Marmara region including Izmit Bay. The earthquake destroyed many coastal cities. The Bay was also affected by the quake and subsequent fire in the refinery situated on the north-eastern coast of the Bay. Oceanographic characteristics and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) levels of Izmit Bay (Marmara Sea) have been investigated to find out the degree of contamination. Seawater samples were collected at nine stations of the Bay in April and September 1999 and the results were compared with those obtained in the previous years (1984 and 1994). Monitoring data are presented for plant nutrients (nitrate + nitrate, ortho-phosphate and silicate), dissolved oxygen and chlorophyll a. Surface sediments and mussels, Mytilus galloprovincialis, have been analysed for total PAH (T-PAH) contents in April and September 1999 (before and after the Marmara Earthquake) for the samples collected from eight coastal stations of the Bay. Biomarker (Lysosomal stability and feeding rate) studies at three different sites of the Bay have also been performed to investigate the effect of pollution on mussels. Nitrate + nitrite levels in the upper layer of the eastern part of the Bay increased significantly compared to those measured before the earthquake. Of the samples analysed, the highest o-phosphate concentrations were found in September 1999 in the bottom waters of the Bay. The concentration of chlorophyll a reached its minimum value of the last 15 years. Dissolved oxygen decreased dramatically from 1984 to 1999. Total PAH concentrations measured in April 1999 at both offshore and coastal sites of the Bay were more or less the same (2 micrograms l-1). The subsequent fire after the earthquake caused an increase in the total PAH levels in water column, in sediment and in mussels. Seawater total PAH concentrations ranged between 3.5 and 11 micrograms l-1 at open coast stations and 5-17.5 micrograms l-1 at coastal stations in September 1999. A 2- to 3-fold increase in sediment PAH concentrations (200-5220 mg kg-1 dry weight) was detected after the earthquake. This increase was much more significant in the sediments located around the refinery. More contaminated mussels were detected around the refinery area (110-170 mg kg-1 dry weight). Overall, sediment and mussel PAH concentrations in Izmit Bay are much higher than those found in the other marine systems. In general, the feeding rate and the neutral red retention times of the mussels decreased in some sites of the Bay after the earthquake, but no direct correlation could be detected between the body burden of mussels and biomarkers or between the two biomarker techniques.     

Aquatic Ecological and Human Health Risk Assessment of Chemicals in Wet Weather Discharges in the Sydney Region, New South Wales, Australia

Sydney Water has completed a risk assessment to assess the risks to human health and aquatic organisms in creeks, rivers, estuaries and ocean waters affected by wet weather sewage overflows, stormwater and sewage treatment plant discharges. The risk assessment methodology consists of a comparison of measured and predicted concentrations of chemicals with toxicity reference values. Estimates of receiving water chemical concentrations were derived using data from a 10-year period so that the variable rainfall pattern was represented. Computer models were used to simulate and predict wet weather discharges during this ten year period. Risks were validated by bioassays and bioassessments. Risks to aquatic life from wet weather discharges were attributed to 14 chemicals at one or more of the sites and stormwater was the predominate source of the chemicals. There were no risks to people engaged in water based activities. Noncarcinogenic risks from fish ingestion are predicted at three sites. Predicted cancer risks for most individual chemicals were relatively small. Carcinogenic risks were typically associated with organochlorine compounds, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, dichlorobenzene, and arsenic. The predicted cancer risks also appear to be largely the result of stormwater rather than sewage overflow inputs and largely due to historical contamination by organochlorine pesticides. It is expected the concentrations of these chemicals will decrease over time.     

Distribution of enteric bacteria in Antarctic seawater surrounding the Port-aux-Français permanent station (Kerguelen Island)

Untreated sewage has been released from Port-aux Fran?ais station, Kerguelen Island, into the Southern Ocean for more than 50 years. We investigated the spatial distribution of faecal bacteria indicators during a one-year survey conducted in seawater off Morbihan Bay near the French permanent station of the Kerguelen Island (49 degrees 21(')S, 70 degrees 30(')E). Seawater samples were taken bimonthly from nine stations evenly distributed around the sewage outfalls of the station. Escherichia coli and enterococci were estimated using specific microplates (Miniaturized method for the enumeration of E. coli or enterococci in surface and waste waters, "MU/EC or MU/SF methods", BIO-RAD( Copyright)). In order to evaluate the role of seasonal changes of environmental parameters on the survival of enteric bacteria, total and saprophytic bacterial abundances were also estimated in all seawater samples. High densities of faecal bacteria (maximum 10(4) cells 100 ml(-1)) were found in seawater surrounding the sewage outfall. However, enteric bacterial counts decreased rapidly with increasing distance from the outfall. In all samples collected further than 2 km from the outfall, the bacterial indicators were absent or present in small numbers (<10 cells 100 ml(-1)). Faecal coliforms were not detected in samples collected at pristine sites located 10 km from Port-aux-Fran?ais. Despite these low contamination levels, faecal bacteria were always detected in the vicinity of the sewage outfall during the seasonal survey. The concentration of faecal bacteria may be related to the number of people inhabiting the station.     

Rapid increase in copper concentrations in a new marina, San Diego Bay

Concentrations of copper in water rose rapidly following the introduction of boats to a new marina in San Diego Bay. Two months after the marina reached half its capacity, a majority of water samples exceeded chronic and acute criteria for dissolved copper, and copper concentrations in several samples exceeded the highest concentrations observed in another marina that has been listed as an impaired water body. A box model suggested that a small fraction of the leached copper was sequestered in sediment. Copper concentrations in water entering the marina from the bay was more than half the chronic concentration limit, so only 50% of marina boat capacity could be accommodated without exceeding the chronic criterion more than 50% of the time. Copper concentrations in water may increase rapidly following boat introduction in small marinas, but could return to pre-introduction levels by controlling boat numbers or reducing use of copper-based paints.     

Application of enterococci antibiotic resistance patterns for contamination source identification at Huntington Beach,California

Huntington Beach, California, one of the most popular surfing spots in the world, is plagued by sporadic, elevated levels of fecal bacteria. To assist with pollution source identification, we analyzed antibiotic resistance patterns (ARPs) of enterococci from four known sources (bird feces, urban runoff, coastal marsh sediment and sewage effluent from local sanitation district) and one unknown source (seawater) using seven antibiotics at four concentrations each. Of 2491 enterococci tested, all were resistant to at least one antibiotic at some level. Discriminant analysis indicated that the average correct classification rates for bird feces and urban runoff sources were above 80%. Sewage effluent contained mixed fecal sources. Sixty-four percent of the sewage isolates classified with the sewage category, while the other 35% of isolates were assigned evenly across the other three categories. When enterococci isolated from the seawater were classified using the known ARP database, it was evident that bird feces were the source of surf zone contamination on some days while the coastal salt marsh and sewage plume may have impacted the surf zone water quality to various degrees during other times.     

Baseline levels of heavy metals in the waters and sediments of Baffin Bay

Baseline levels of a number of trace metals have been determined in samples of water and sediment from Baffin Bay. Concentrations of Cr, Mn, Fe, Ni, Cu and Cd in the waters of Baffin Bay are generally lower than those observed in eastern Canadian coastal waters, levels being close to reported open ocean concentrations. Nearshore sediment samples, analysed for Cr, V, Mn, Ni, Co, Cu, Zn, Hg and Pb, display comparable concentrations to unpolluted muds in eastern Canadian coastal regions. Concentrations of these elements in the deep sediments of central Baffin Bay closely resemble levels in Atlantic Ocean deep-sea clays.     

Extent and magnitude of copper contamination in marinas of the San Diego region, California, USA

Marinas are areas of special water quality concern because of the potential for pollutant accumulation within their protected waters. Perhaps the largest contaminant source to marinas is antifouling paints that leach copper to prevent the growth of encrusting organisms on vessel bottoms. Very little monitoring of marinas is typically conducted despite the potential environmental risk, particularly in the San Diego region of California, USA where as many as 17,000 recreational vessels are berthed. The objective of this study was twofold: (1) determine the extent and magnitude of dissolved copper concentrations in marinas throughout the San Diego region, and (2) determine if elevated copper concentrations in marinas of the San Diego region are resulting in adverse biological impacts. A probabilistic study design was used to sample water column copper concentrations and toxicity (using Mytilus galloprovincialis) at 30 stations. Results indicated that exceedence of state water quality objectives was widespread (86% of marina area), but that toxicity was much less prevalent (21% of marina area). Toxicity identification evaluations (TIEs) conducted at the most toxic sites indicated that toxicity was largely due to trace metals, most likely copper. Toxicity was reduced using TIE treatments that chelated trace metals such as cation exchange column, ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), and sodium thiosulfate (STS). Moreover, increasing dissolved copper concentrations correlated with increasing toxicity and these copper concentrations were high enough to account for virtually all of the observed toxicity.