Trace element distributions in coastal waters along the US-Mexican boundary: relative contributions of natural processes vs. anthropogenic inputs

Trace element concentrations (Pb, Cd, Mn, Fe, and Zn) were measured along four surface water transects across the continental shelf off Baja California, to evaluate the magnitude of heavy metal contamination in the coastal waters along the US-Mexican boundary. These initial measurements of trace elements in Mexican neritic waters revealed offshore concentration gradients, with the highest levels in coastal waters with high salinities and nutrient concentrations. There were also longshore gradients, with lower concentrations in the southern locations. Although the relative enrichment of metals detected at nearshore stations along the US-Mexican border appeared to correspond to wastewater discharges in that area, these trace metal enhancements were found to be primarily associated with physical oceanographic processes (upwelling and advection), rather than anthropogenic inputs. This was demonstrated both by metal-nutrient correlations and multivariate statistical analyses. Mass balance calculations also indicated that about 1% of Cd, 9% of Zn, and 29% of Pb were from urban discharges within the area.     

Bioaccumulation and toxicity of four dissolved metals in Paracentrotus lividus sea-urchin embryo

The bioaccumulation of four metals (Cd, Cu, Pb, Zn) dissolved in water was assessed measuring the concentrations recorded within sea-urchin larvae (Paracentrotus lividus, Lmk.) after a 48-h exposure period. Concurrently, the frequencies of abnormalities were evaluated at the 48-h pluteus stage to check the actual toxicity of such contaminants with regards to larval development. Maximum metal concentrations in the larvae reached 43.8 +/- 6.7 micrograms Cd g-1 dry weight (d.w.), 1269 +/- 392 micrograms Cu g-1 d.w., 3106 +/- 679 micrograms Pb g-1 d.w., 534 +/- 62 micrograms Zn g-1 d.w. Bioconcentration factors (BCFs) reached very high values for Pb (maximum value: 16,282 +/- 973) and indicated that the concentrations of Pb and Cd were directly related to the water concentration at least in the range of concentrations tested. Zn appeared to be partially regulated above a certain threshold concentration (between 5 and 25 micrograms l-1). Cu was accumulated with an active uptake at least below lethal threshold level (100 micrograms l-1). Nevertheless, above these thresholds, high mortality of embryos prevent any interpretation of Zn and Cu bioconcentration factors. Concurrent studies carried out on embryotoxicity confirmed the high toxicity of Cu towards sea-urchin pluteus larvae and highlighted the different behaviour of Cd. The internal Cd concentrations were directly related to the external ones, comparable to other non-essential metals, but Cd had little toxic effect on the initial larval development.     

A Large-Scale Seasonal Modeling Study of the California Current System

A high-resolution, multi-level, primitive equation ocean model has been used to investigate the combined role of seasonal wind forcing, seasonal thermohaline gradients, and coastline irregularities on the formation of currents, meanders, eddies, and filaments in the entire California Current System (CCS) region, from Baja to the Washington-Canada border. Additional objectives are to further characterize the meandering jet south of Cape Blanco and the seasonal variability off Baja. Model results show the following: All of the major currents of the CCS (i.e., the California Current, the California Undercurrent, the Davidson Current, the Southern California Countercurrent, and the Southern California Eddy) as well as filaments, meanders and eddies are generated. The results are consistent with the generation of eddies from instabilities of the southward current and northward undercurrent via barotropic and baroclinic instability processes. The meandering southward jet, which divides coastally-influenced water from water of offshore origin, is a continuous feature in the CCS, and covers an alongshore distance of over 2000 km from south of Cape Blanco to Baja. Off Baja, the southward jet strengthens (weakens) during spring and summer (fall and winter). The area off southern Baja is a highly dynamic environment for meanders, filaments, and eddies, while the region off Point Eugenia, which represents the largest coastline perturbation along the Baja peninsula, is shown to be a persistent cyclonic eddy generation region. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

U.S. Mussel Watch: 1977–1978 results on trace metals and radionuclides

The results of the U.S. Mussel Watch Monitoring Program for the period 1976–1978 for trace metals and artificial radionuclides in bivalves are presented. The substances analysed included Ag, Cu, Zn, Cd, Ni, Pb, ²³⁸Pu, ^239+240Pu and ²⁴¹Am. The analyses of organic substances will be presented elsewhere. The concentrations of these substances in the bivalves may reflect upwelling processes, anthropogenic inputs or natural levels. Off the California coast, mussels show markedly elevated Pu and Cd concentrations in coastal areas adjacent to the most intensive upwelling zones. Elevated levels of Pb, for example, are found in organisms living adjacent to highly urbanized places. The general patterns of distribution repeat themselves year after year at a given site. Thus, it is concluded that annual monitoring activities may not be necessary and that a frequency of sampling of several or so years may be more appropriate to identify pollution problems. Finally, national or regional baselines for metal concentrations in bivalves from unpolluted waters are proposed. National baselines for Pb in the west coast mussels of 1·0 parts 10^?6 and for Ag in east coast mussels of 0·05 parts 10^?6 are suggested.     

Coastal Upwelling Activity on the Pacific Shelf of the Baja California Peninsula

High primary productivity on the Pacific coast of the Baja California Peninsula is usually related to coastal upwelling activity that injects nutrients into the euphotic zone in response to prevailing longshore winds (from the northwest to north). The upwelling process has maximum intensity from April to June, with the coastal upwelling index varying from 50 to 300 m³/s per 100 m of coastline. Along the entire coast of the peninsula, the upwelling intensity changes in accordance with local wind conditions and bottom topography. Spatial variability can also be modulated by the influence of mesoscale meanders of the California Current. We have identified the seasonal and synoptic variability of upwelling signatures on the Baja California shelf, using averaged monthly and weekly sea surface temperature (SST) distributions obtained from remote sensing imagery from the Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer in the period from 1996 to 2001. Analysis of SST distribution and direct experimental data on temperature and nutrient concentration shows that the areas with the coldest SST anomalies were closely related to the bottom slope, shelf width, and coastline orientation relating to wind direction. We also assume that the nutrient transport into the coastal lagoons may be forced by the coupling of coastal upwelling and tidal pumping of surface waters into the lagoon system. This revised version was published online in August 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Coastal upwelling in the California current system

Coastal upwelling in the California Current system has been the subject of large scale studies off California and Baja California, and of small scale studies off Oregon. Recent studies of the winds along the entire coast from 25°N to 50°N indicate that there are significant along-shore variations in the strength of coastal upwelling, which are reflected in the observed temperature distribution. Active upwelling appears to be restricted to a narrow coastal band (about 10–25 km wide) along the entire coast, but the region influenced by coastal upwelling may be much wider. Intensive observations of the upwelling zone during summer off Oregon show the presence of a southward coastal jet at the surface, a mean vertical shear, a poleward undercurrent along the bottom, and persistently sloping isopycnals over the continental shelf; most of the upwelling there occurs during relatively short periods (several days long) of upwelling-favorable winds. During the upwelling season off Oregon, the offshore Ekman transport is carried by the surface Ekman layer, and the onshore return flow occurs through a quasi-geostrophic interior. It is not known whether the structure and dynamics observed off Oregon are typical of the upwelling zone along the entire coast, though some of the same features have been observed off Baja California. Current and future research will eventually show whether the Oregon results are also applicable in the region of persistently strong upwelling-favorable winds off northern California, and in the region of complex bathymetry off central and southern California.     

Marine Minerals in the Mexican Pacific: Toward Efficient Resource Management

Vast reserves of marine minerals are known to occur within the Mexican Exclusive Economic Zone. These reserves include: (1) heavy mineral placers rich in titanium and iron along the coast of San Antonio del Mar, Baja California and the southern States of Oaxaca and Guerrero; (2) phosphorites, which represent the only source for superphosphate fertilizers along the Pacific coast off the Baja California peninsula and the Gulf of Tehuantepec; and (3) manganese oxide deposits in nodule and crusts located adjacent to the Clarion-Clipperton Zone and containing high concentrations of Cu + Ni + Co (up to 1.9%), which are essential for the steel and super-alloy industries. Few but important efforts toward surveying these deposits have been carried out by Mexican and international researchers. Relevant data generated by these investigations are reviewed here and put together in a single document. Adequate knowledge of Mexican mineral resources is essential for the development of management strategies when offshore mining starts during this century. Thus, the review discusses the economics inherent to ocean mining in Mexico, setting baselines for future exploration and development activities in the Mexican Exclusive Economic Zone.     

Assessment of the exploitable biomass of thread herring(Opisthonema spp.) in northwestern Mexico

In recent years, the small pelagic fishery on the Pacific northwest coast of Mexico has significantly increased fishing pressure on thread herring Opisthonema spp. This fishery is regulated using a precautionary approach(acceptable biological catch(ABC) and minimum catch size). However, due to fishing dynamics, fish aggregation habits and increased fishing mortality, periodic biomass assessments are necessary to estimate ABC and assess the resource status. The Catch-MSY approach was used to analyze historical series of thread herring catches off the western Baja California Sur(BCS, 1981–2018) and the Gulf of California(GC, 1972–2018) to estimate exploitable biomass and target reference points in order to obtain catch quotas. According to the results, in GC,the maximum biomass reached in 1972(at the beginning of fishery) and minimum biomass reached in 2015; the estimated exploitable biomass for 2019 was 42.2×10~4 t; and the maximum sustainable yield(MSY) was 15.4×10~4 t.In the western BCS coast, the maximum biomass was reached in 1981(at the beginning of fishery) and minimum biomass was reached in 2017; the estimated exploitable biomass for 2019 was 3.2×10~4 t; and the MSY was 1.2×10~4 t.Both stocks showed a decrease in biomass over the past years and were currently near to point of full exploitation.The results suggest that the use of the Catch-MSY method is suitable to obtain annual biomass estimates, in order to establish an ABC, to know the current state of the resource, and to avoid overcoming the potential recovery of the stocks.     

Marine Minerals in the Mexican Pacific: Toward Efficient Resource Management

Abstract

Vast reserves of marine minerals are known to occur within the Mexican Exclusive Economic Zone. These reserves include: (1) heavy mineral placers rich in titanium and iron along the coast of San Antonio del Mar, Baja California and the southern States of Oaxaca and Guerrero; (2) phosphorites, which represent the only source for superphosphate fertilizers along the Pacific coast off the Baja California peninsula and the Gulf of Tehuantepec; and (3) manganese oxide deposits in nodule and crusts located adjacent to the Clarion-Clipperton Zone and containing high concentrations of Cu + Ni + Co (up to 1.9%), which are essential for the steel and super-alloy industries. Few but important efforts toward surveying these deposits have been carried out by Mexican and international researchers. Relevant data generated by these investigations are reviewed here and put together in a single document. Adequate knowledge of Mexican mineral resources is essential for the development of management strategies when offshore mining starts during this century. Thus, the review discusses the economics inherent to ocean mining in Mexico, setting baselines for future exploration and development activities in the Mexican Exclusive Economic Zone.     

Baja California's Biological Transition Zones: Refuges for the California Sardine

The information on the transitional areas between the temperate and tropical domains at the southern extent of the California Current System is reviewed and described, particularly searching for the relative isolation or interchange between the western coast of the Baja California peninsula and the Gulf of California, as well as mechanisms that permit the existence of sizeable stocks of California sardine. Biological Action Centers that have high productivity throughout the year, as opposed to the rest of the coastal area, are found in both the western coast of the peninsula at the Sebastián Vizcaíno—Punta Eugenia region and in the Ballenas Channel inside the gulf; these features support large biomasses of sardine throughout the full year and serve as long term refuges during adverse periods. The role of the Sebastián Vizcaino sardine stock as the primary group for expansion is examined. This revised version was published online in August 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Heavy metal removal efficiencies in a river–marsh system estimated from patterns of metal accumulation in sediments

Estuaries have long been thought to be effective traps for river-borne contaminants; however, accurately predicting removal efficiencies remains problematic. In the Quinnipiac River, CT, marsh system, patterns of metal accumulation (Ag, Cd, Cu, Pb) in sediments were used to estimate heavy metal removal efficiencies. Linear and multivariate regression models were fit to sediment metal concentrations to estimate removal curves and surfaces, which avoided the large temporal variability commonly encountered when using direct water column measurements. Second order regressions normalized to the shortest distance to the river channel were found to have the best fit (r>0.67) with the lowest standard error (<32%). The heavy metal removal efficiencies estimated by comparing total metal accumulation in marsh sediments with riverine flux were Ag=21%, Cd=6%, Cu=14%, and Pb=17%, which are comparable to the maximum removal efficiency of riverine suspended particulate matter (28%).     

Trace element bioaccumulation in reef fish from New Caledonia: Influence of trophic groups and risk assessment for consumers

Fourteen trace elements (Ag, As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Hg, Mn, Ni, Pb, Se, V, and Zn) were analyzed in livers and muscles from 22 fish species from the New Caledonia lagoon, which is subjected to important chemical inputs due to intense land-based mining activities (New Caledonia is the third largest world producer of Ni). The results of this baseline research indicated that livers generally concentrated trace elements to a greater extent than muscles. Nevertheless, the overall trace element concentrations in both tissues were barely above the levels reported in fish and thus contamination at the local scale was poorly discriminated. Although these levels were low, preliminary risk assessment from a global health standpoint suggests that As would be an element potentially leading to exposure of concern for fish consumers. Based on the trace element concentrations in livers and the fish trophic preferences, some trends have been observed among trophic groups: Ag, Cu, Fe, Hg, and Zn concentrations were generally higher in liver of fish with the highest trophic position whereas Cd concentrations were lower in these groups. The use of the leopard coral grouper Plectropomus leopardus as a resident top predator allowed determining the geographical variations in contamination levels with significant differences for six out of the fourteen elements investigated. The sampling sites influenced by anthropogenic inputs were revealed by high Ag, Cd, Cu, Hg, and Pb concentrations. Such geographic differences also applied to Zn but surprisingly not for the typical elements associated with Ni mining, i.e., Co, Cr, Mn and Ni.     

Extreme variation in the concentration of trace metals in sediments and bivalves from the Bilbao estuary (Spain) caused by the 1989-90 drought

Intertidal sediments and bivalves Scrobicularia plana from Bilbao estuary (Spain) were repeatedly sampled during and after the 1989-90 drought. The organic content (OC) and the concentration of most of the 10 metals analysed in sediments were extremely variable (e.g. Cd ranged from 4 to 112 micrograms g-1, ppm dry wt), and they were strongly related to an index applied to estimate the magnitude of the drought (namely the deficit flow of the main river). After OC normalisation, the correlation versus deficit was lost for some elements (Cr, Fe, Ni) but not for others (Cd, Co, Cu, Pb, Zn). This leads to the conclusion that both a natural and a man-induced process account for the observed rise and fall of the contamination pattern: the reduced river flow raised the metal-binding capacity of sediments, and restrictions in the water supply increased the corrosion of sewers and their leaching of some elements. The concentration of trace metals in local bivalves (Cd reached 100 and 458 ppm dry wt, respectively, for whole tissues and digestive gland) mirrored the sediment contamination dynamics, but at a slower pace. The means by which S. plana is able to tolerate such high Cd tissue levels remain unknown. These results constitute some prime field evidence of drought effects that should be born in mind when pollution and risk from climate change are assessed in estuaries.     

辽东湾西北部海域沉积物重金属含量分析及污染评价

为了解辽东湾西北部海域沉积物重金属的分布特征及污染程度,文章基于2017年3月辽东湾西北部12个采样站位表层沉积物7种重金属含量(Hg、Cu、Pb、Cd、Zn、Cr、As)的测定,对辽东湾西北部海洋沉积物中的重金属进行了研究。SPSS用于沉积物中重金属含量统计分析并通过地累积指数和潜在生态风险指数的方法评估重金属污染和生态危害的程度。结果显示:(1)辽东湾西北部沉积物重金属含量平均值只有Cd符合海洋沉积物一类标准,变异程度由高到低依次为Hg、Cd、As、Zn、Pb、Cu,汞和镉受人为来源控制最高;(2)地累积指数法评价结果表明重金属元素污染程度由大到小依次为Hg、Cd、Zn、As、Cu、Pb;(3)潜在生态风险指数法评价结果表明,单因子潜在生态风险系数由高到低依次为Hg、Cd、As、Cu、Pb、Zn、Cr,Hg具有很强的生态风险,综合生态风险指数在233.77~4785.15,平均1224.12,处于很强的生态风险水平。文章揭示了辽东湾西北部海域沉积物重金属的分布特征,为该海域的生态环境建设提供依据。     

Concentrations of the elements Ag,Al, Ca,Cd, Cu,Fe, Mg,Mn, Pb and Zn,and the radionuclides 210Pb and 210Po in the digestive gland of the squid Nototodarus gouldi

Ag, Al, Ca, Cd, Cu, Fe, Mg, Mn, Pb and Zn concentrations and ²¹⁰Po and ²¹⁰Pb activities were measured in 26 specimens of the squid Nototodarus gouldi taken from the waters of Bass Strait in one jigging operation. All the elements show wide ranges in concentrations in specimens apparently subject to the same environmental conditions. Copper concentration was 27-1 200 μg/g, and ²¹⁰Po activity 4·8–24·2 Bq/g. The animal wet weights, the elements Ag, Al, Cd, Fe and Zn, and the radionuclide ²¹⁰Po have coefficients of variation in the range 40–60%; Ca, Mg and Mn show the smallest variability (CV = < 30%), and Cu the greatest (CV = 12%). Significant correlations (p < 0·001) were found between the following pairs of elements: Cd-Zn, Cd-Cu, Zn-Cu, Mg-Mn, Fe-Mn, Ca-Mg and Fe-²¹⁰Po.     

Distribution of metal concentrations in sediments of the coastal zone of the Gulf of Riga and open part of the Baltic Sea

The comparison of spatial and temporal distribution of Hg, Cd, Pb, Cu, Ni, Zn, Mn and Fe concentrations in sediments from the Gulf of Riga and open Baltic Sea along the coastal zone is presented for the first time. There were considerable differences in Pb, Zn, Mn and Fe levels in sediment at various stations of the Gulf of Riga. A significant difference of Cd, Pb, Cu, Ni, Zn levels was found in sediments of various stations in the open Baltic coast. The amount of Cd, Pb, Cu, Ni, Zn and Fe levels also differed significantly in the sediments of the Gulf of Riga in different years. A considerable yearly difference in amount of Hg, Cd, Pb, Cu, Ni and Mn levels was found in sediments in the open Baltic coast. The essential highest values of Pb and Zn in coastal sediments of the open Baltic Sea are stated in comparison with the Gulf of Riga. The concentrations of other metals have only a tendency to be higher in coastal sediments of the open Baltic Sea in comparison with the Gulf of Riga. Natural and anthropogenic factors were proved to play an important role in determining resultant metals concentrations in the regions.     

At-sea high-resolution chemical mapping: extreme barium depletion in North Pacific surface water

We have modified an inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer (ICPMS) for use at sea, which permits mapping of dissolved Ba at high temporal and spatial resolution. While evaluating this system off the Pacific coast of Baja California, we discovered Ba depletion greater than 60% in surface waters over tens of kilometers. Observed Ba abundance is among the lowest reported in any ocean water. No corresponding depletion was seen in Sr, which strongly suggests that acantharians are not the primary source of biogenic Ba in these surface waters.     

湛江南柳河入海排污口邻近海域沉积物重金属污染评价

对南柳河排污口邻近海域表层沉积物中重金属的含量分布、富集状况进行分析,并采用潜在生态危害指数法进行评价。结果表明:Cu,Pb,Zn,Cd,Hg含量分布呈现由西北到东南递减的变化特点;5种重金属元素的富集程度均较重,且程度由大到小依次为Pb>Zn>Cu>Hg>Cd;生态危害评价显示,Pb,Cu,Zn等元素属于轻微生态危害,Hg,Cd等元素属于中等生态危害,5种元素生态危害程度由重到轻依次为Hg>Cd>Pb>Cu>Zn。     

Dives into outer Coronado Canyon System

Dives in Lockheed's submarine “Deep Quest” followed the floor of the fan valley and outer gorge of Coronado Canyon, southwest of the California—Baja California border. Both the fan valley and outer gorge have meandering courses. Basin depressions and intermittent steep descents characterize the outer gorge. No indications were found of recent activity of turbidity currents at either location, but a sand layer 30 cm below the surface is interpreted as related to a lower stand of sea level at the close of the last ice age. Abundant organisms were seen on the valley floor and in the overlying water.