Biomagnification profiles of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, alkylphenols and polychlorinated biphenyls in Tokyo Bay elucidated by δC and δN isotope ratios as guides to trophic web structure

Biomagnification profiles of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), alkylphenols, and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) from the innermost part of Tokyo Bay, Japan were analyzed using stable carbon (δ¹³C) and nitrogen (δ¹⁵N) isotope ratios as guides to trophic web structure. δ¹⁵N analysis indicated that all species of mollusks tested were primary consumers, while decapods and fish were secondary consumers. Higher concentrations of PCBs occurred in decapods and fish than in mollusks. In contrast, concentrations of PAHs and alkylphenols were lower in decapods and fish than in mollusks. Unlike PCBs, whose concentrations largely increased with increasing δ¹⁵N (i.e. increasing trophic level), all PAHs and alkylphenols analyzed followed a reverse trend. Molecular weights of PAHs are lower than those of PCBs, therefore low membrane permeability caused by large molecular size is an unlikely factor in the “biodilution” of PAHs. Organisms at higher trophic levels may rapidly metabolize PAHs or they may assimilate less of them.     

Seasonal and Long-Term Changes in the Intensity of O2(b1Σ) and OH(X2Π) Airglow in the Mesopause Region

Geomagnetism and Aeronomy - Spectral observations of the mesopause airglow at the Zvenigorod Scientific Station have been used to obtain the midnight emission intensities of molecular oxygen...     

Seasonal and inter-annual variability in alkalinity in Liverpool Bay (53.5° N, 3.5° W) and in major river inputs to the North Sea

A critical factor controlling changes in the acidity of coastal waters is the alkalinity of the water. Concentrations of alkalinity are determined by supply from rivers and by in situ processes such as biological production and denitrification. A 2-year study based on 15 cruises in Liverpool Bay followed the seasonal cycles of changing concentrations of total alkalinity (TA) and total dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) in relation to changes caused by the annual cycle of biological production during the mixing of river water into the Bay. Consistent annual cycles in concentrations of nutrients, TA and DIC were observed in both years. At a salinity of 31.5, the locus of primary production during the spring bloom, concentrations of NO _x decreased by 25 ± 4 μmol kg⁻¹ and DIC by 106 ± 16 μmol kg⁻¹. Observed changes in TA were consistent with the uptake of protons during primary biological production. Concentrations of TA increased by 33 ± 8 μmol kg⁻¹ (2009) and 33 ± 15 μmol kg⁻¹ (2010). The impact of changes in organic matter on the measured TA appears likely to be small in this area. Thomas et al. (2009) suggested that denitrification may enhance the CO₂ uptake of the North Sea by 25%, in contrast we find that although denitrification is a significant process in itself, it does not increase concentrations of TA relative to those of DIC and so does not increase buffer capacity and potential uptake of CO₂ into shelf seawaters. For Liverpool Bay historical data suggest that higher concentrations of TA during periods of low flow are likely to contribute in part to the observed change in TA between winter and summer but the appropriate pattern cannot be identified in recent low-frequency river data. On a wider scale, data for the rivers Mersey, Rhine, Elbe and Weser show that patterns of seasonal change in concentrations of TA in river inputs differ between river systems.     

Bioavailability of heavy metals in water and sediments from a typical Mediterranean Bay (Málaga Bay,Region of Andalucía,Southern Spain)

Concentrations of heavy metals were measured in sediment and water from Málaga Bay (South Spain). In the later twentieth century, cities such as Málaga, have suffered the impact of mass summer tourism. The ancient industrial activities, and the actual urbanization and coastal development, recreation and tourism, wastewaters treatment facilities, have been sources of marine pollution. In sediments, Ni was the most disturbing metal because Ni concentrations exceeded the effects range low (ERL), concentration at which toxicity could start to be observed in 85% of the samples analyzed. The metal bioavailability decreased in the order: Cd > Ni > Pb > Cu > Cr. In the sea water samples, Cd and Pb were the most disturbing metals because they exceeded the continuous criteria concentration (CCC) of US EPA in a 22.5% and 10.0% of the samples, respectively. Statistical analyses (ANOVA, PCA, CA) were performed.     

Source characterization and spatio–temporal evolution of the metal pollution in the sediments of the Basque estuaries (Bay of Biscay)

According to Water Framework Directive requirements, Member States must identify and analyze effects derived from human pressures in aquatic systems. As different kind of pressures can impact water bodies at different scales, analyses of spatio-temporal evolution of water bodies becomes essential in order to understand ecosystem responses. In this investigation, an analysis of spatio-temporal evolution of sedimentary metal pollution (Cd, Cr, Cu, Hg, Ni, Pb, Zn) in 12 Basque estuaries (Bay of Biscay) is presented. Data collected in extensive sampling surveys is the basis for the GIS-based statistical approach used. The implementation of pollution abatement measures is reflected in a long-term decontamination process, mostly evident in estuaries with highest historical sediment pollution levels. Spatial evolution is determined by either naturally occurring or human driven processes. Such spatial processes are more obviously being reflected in estuaries with lower historical sediment pollution levels.     

Introduction to ‘A tribute to Edward P. Glenn (1947–2017): A legacy of scientific environmental assessment and applications in hydrological processes’

This special issue (SI) ‘A Tribute to Edward P. Glenn (1947-2017): A legacy of Scientific Environmental Assessment and Applications in Hydrological Processes’ is a celebration of the extensive work of Dr. Ed Glenn that was instrumental across multiple sub-disciplines of hydrology. The SI highlights four primary areas of hydrological processes that are cornerstones of Ed Glenn's over four decades of research. These contributions cover the following specialties: (i) Hydrology in the Colorado River Delta; (ii) Riparian ecosystem water use; (iii) Riparian Plant ecophysiology and ecohydrology; and (iv) Methods and models to characterize evapotranspiration. Since Ed was passionate about the dryland delta at the end of the Colorado River, we begin with four research studies that focus on this special region on the U.S.–Mexico border which encompasses four states (Baja and Sonora in Mexico and California and Arizona in United States) as well as tribal communities in the transboundary area. The Colorado River delta reaches the Northern Gulf of California in the Sea of Cortez which has been designated as a UNESCO international biosphere reserve (‘Reserva de la Biosfera El Pinacate y Gran Desierto de Altar’), which includes the Upper Gulf of California and Delta of the Colorado River (‘Reserva de la Biosfera Alto Golfo de California y Delta del Río Colorado’). Ed spent the majority of his last three decades on water balance studies and on ground-based transpiration quantification for validation of satellite and airborne remote sensing methods. We wrap up the special issue with contributions related to improving satellite and airborne remote sensing estimation of actual evapotranspiration. It is our pleasure to summarize the 16 research studies contributed to the special issue to honour Ed Glenn's research interests.     

Contrasting responses of oligochaetes (Annelida) and chironomids (Diptera) to the abatement of eutrophication in Lake Neuchâtel

: Lake Neuchâtel (Switzerland) has been recovering from human-induced eutrophication since 1982. Oligochaetes and chironomid larvae were used to monitor the recovery of sediment at a depth of 40 m. In oligochaete communities, the mean proportion of individuals belonging to species indicative of oligotrophic conditions (mostly Spirosperma velutinus and Stylodrilus heringianus) increased from 16 % in 1984 to 33 % in 1992, but decreased to 11 % in 1997. Based on oligochaetes, benthic conditions deteriorated in 1997 whereas, based on the increase of oligotrophic chironomids (mostly Micropsectra), they improved. This difference was attributed to the impact of large planktonic algae whose sedimentation had altered oxygen concentrations at the water-sediment interface. Oligochaetes were more affected than chironomids because they are less mobile and they depend more on the inner sediment for their food and reproduction than the latter. However, based on the combined response of oligochaetes and chironomids, benthic recovery was stalled in 1997 but was not reversed.     

Capability of Paraguaçu estuary (Todos os Santos Bay,Brazil) to form oil–SPM aggregates (OSA) and their ecotoxicological effects on pelagic and benthic organisms

For experiments concerning the formation of oil–suspended particulate matter (SPM) aggregates (OSA), oil and sediment samples were collected from Campos Basin and six stations of Paraguaçu estuary, Todos os Santos Bay, Brazil, respectively. The sediments samples were analyzed for organic matter determined by the EMBRAPA method, nitrogen determined by the Kjeldahl method, and phosphorus determined by the method described by Aspila. The oil trapped in OSA was extracted following the method described by Moreira. The experiment showed a relationship between the amount of organic matter and OSA formation and consequently the dispersion of the studied oil. On the basis of the buoyancy of OSA and the ecotoxicological effects on pelagic and benthic community, the priority areas for application of remediation techniques are Cachoeira, Maragogipe, and Salinas da Margarida because of the large amount of oil that accumulated at the bottom of the experiment flask (5.85%, 27.95%, and 38,98%; 4.2%, 17.66%, and 32.64%; and 11.82%, 8.07%, and 10.91% respectively).     

Sorption behavior of U(VI), ~(234)U(VI) and ~(238)U(VI) onto fracture-filling clays in Beishan granite, Gansu: Application to selecting the site of high-level radwaste repository in China

Knowing the transport of uranium and radionu-clides through the environment is important for as-sessing the risk posed by long-term disposal of rad-waste. Granitic rocks have been selected as a host-rock type for the first high-level radwaste repository in China. According to the Chinese High-level Rad-waste Management Program, high-level radwaste (HLW) will be buried at 800―1000 m depth in a granitic pluton in Northwest China and, specifically, in the A granitic complex of Beishan area,…     

On the relationships of water-level variations in the E-1 well, Kamchatka to the 2008–2009 resumption of activity on Koryakskii volcano and to large (M ≥ 5) earthquakes

We discuss the water-level variations in the E-1 well for the time period between May 2006 and 2010, inclusive. A trend towards an increasing level at an abnormally high rate occurred from mid-2006 to December 2009. This increase is regarded as the response of the aquifer of gas-saturated ground water that exists in the volcanogenic-sedimentary deposits of the Avacha volcano-tectonic depression to volumetric compression strain changes during the precursory period and the occurrence of a swarm of small earthquakes $\left( {K_{S_{\max } } = 8.3} \right)$ in the area of Koryakskii Volcano and to its phreatic eruption. We estimated the volumetric compression as ??? = ?(4.1 × 10^?6?1.5 × 10^?5) from the amplitude of water-level rise using the elastic parameters of the water-saturated rocks. While the strain source was active, we observed a decreasing sensitivity of the hydrodynamic regime in the well to the precursory processes before large (M ?? 5.0) tectonic earthquakes.     

The unified catalogue of earthquakes in central, northern, and northwestern Europe (CENEC)—updated and expanded to the last millennium

New databases motivate improvements and extensions of the catalogue by Grünthal and Wahlström (J Seismol 7:507–531, 2003a) – G&;W03 – of earthquakes in central, northern, and northwestern Europe with M _w?≥?3.50. Data from over 30 regional catalogues, the International Seismological Centre and U.S. National Earthquake Information Center bulletins for the NE Atlantic Ocean, and many special studies were analysed, largely along the lines of the previous study. Non-tectonic, non-seismic, and non-existing as well as duplicate events were identified and removed according to our current stage of knowledge. If not given by the original source, the moment magnitude, M _w, was calculated for each event with a specified epicentral location and a given strength measure (i.e., an original magnitude of any type or, for onshore events only, an intensity). The calculations follow transformation relations derived in the present or in our previous study. The investigated area is subdivided into 22 polygons, in each of which one or more local catalogues, supplemented by data from special studies, are used. If more than one catalogue lists an event, one entry was selected according to a priority algorithm specific for each polygon. If the selected catalogue entry contains more than one strength type, one was selected for the M _w calculation according to another priority scheme. The final catalogue, CENEC, is confined to the time period 1000–2004 and magnitudes M _w?≥?3.50. This is an extension of the time period covered by G&;W03 (1300–1993). The number of events has increased from about 5,000 to about 8,000. For each entry, available information on the date, time, location (including focal depth), intensity I ₀, magnitude M _w, and source (i.e., the local catalogue or special study) are given. The strength type and value from which M _w was calculated are also indicated. The catalogue is available on the website of the GFZ German Research Centre of Geosciences.     

Seasonal changes in the amplitude and phase of diurnal and semidiurnal variations in parameters of the midlatitude F2 layer under minimum solar activity conditions according to the data of an ionospheric station in Irkutsk (52.5°N, 104.0°E)

We performed a statistical and spectral analysis of variations in two main parameters of the ionospheric F2 layer: critical frequency (f ₀F2) and peak height (h _m F2), recorded at an ionospheric station in Irkutsk (52.5°N, 104.0°E) in the period from December 1, 2006, to January 31, 2008, under low solar activity conditions. It was found that the f ₀F2 and h _m F2 variations contained quasi-harmonic oscillations with periods T _n = 24/n h (n = 1−7). We studied the seasonal changes in the mean and median values of monthly f ₀F2 and h _m F2 time series, their spectra, as well as the amplitudes and phases of the diurnal (n = 1) and semidiurnal (n = 2) variations. It is shown that the amplitude of the diurnal f ₀F2 variations was maximal in October–March 2007 and minimal in May–August 2007. The diurnal f ₀F2 variations were maximal at noon in the winter months and at 1600 LT in the summer months. The semidiurnal f ₀F2 variations had two maxima: a primary maximum in December and January and a secondary maximum in May–July. The maxima of semidiurnal f ₀F2 variations were shifted from 0000 and 1200 LT in winter to 0900 and 2100 LT in summer.     

Vertical distribution of HTO and 125I− transport parameters in Boom Clay in the Essen-1 borehole (Mol,Belgium)

In the frame of the R&D activities performed on the Boom Clay for assessing the suitability of deep clayey formations for radioactive waste disposal, the transferability of the scientific results obtained on the Boom Clay in Mol to the whole Campine Basin is investigated. Boreholes were drilled at different locations (e.g. Mol, Doel, Essen) and cores were sampled over the entire thickness of the Boom Clay formation on which the migration parameters for iodide and tritiated water (HTO) are determined.At Essen, the transport parameters in the Boom Clay can be considered as homogeneous in the range from 159 m to 241 m Below Drilling Table. The average hydraulic conductivity is (5.4 ± 1.7) × 10⁻¹² m/s. The average ηR value for iodide is 0.25 ± 0.03 and 0.42 ± 0.05 for HTO. For HTO, this high value is mainly due to a higher value in the Putte Member (0.46 ± 0.03) compared to the other members (0.39 ± 0.02). The apparent diffusion coefficient is (1.3 ± 0.1) × 10⁻¹⁰ m²/s for HTO and (1.1 ± 0.2) × 10⁻¹⁰ m²/s for iodide. The expected effect of ionic strength (increasing with depth) on the ηR value of iodide is of the same size as the measurement error, what might explain why it was not observed.On a lateral (horizontal) level, the hydraulic conductivity at the Essen-1 borehole (5.4 × 10⁻¹² m/s) lies between that of Boom Clay in Mol-1 (2.5 × 10⁻¹² m/s) and that of Boom Clay in Doel-2b (1.4 × 10⁻¹¹ m/s). For iodide, the higher ηR value in Essen-1 and Doel-2b (ηR ≈ 0.25) than in Mol-1 (ηR ≈ 0.16) can partly be explained by a higher ionic strength of the pore water. Apart from the Putte Member at Essen-1, the HTO porosities of the Terhagen Member and the Transition zone in Essen are in the range of the average porosities observed in Mol and Doel (ηR ≈ 0.37–0.39). For both iodide and HTO, the value of the apparent diffusion coefficient D_app is similar in Mol-1 and in Doel-2b, with a clearly higher value for HTO than for iodide. In Essen-1, the apparent diffusion coefficients for iodide and HTO are nearly equal, and slightly smaller than the iodide value in Mol-1/Doel-2b. Accordingly, the HTO apparent diffusion coefficient is considerably smaller in Essen-1 than in Mol-1/Doel-2b.     

Temporal and spatial variations of δ~(15)N and δ~(18)O for atmospheric N_2O above the oceanic surface from Shanghai to Antarctica

During the 22nd Chinese Antarctic Research Expedition (CHINARE-22), the atmospheric gas samples above the oceanic surface and near the surface were collected on the track for the scientific ship "Xuelong" and on Millor Peninsula of eastern Antarctica, respectively, using the Tedlar gas bags. Every day the sampling times were 10:00 and 22:00 (local time), respectively. In the laboratory, high-precision measurement of the isotopic compositions for N2O in these gas samples was conducted using Thermo Finnigan MAT-253 Isotopic Mass Spectrometer with a fully automated interface for the pre-GC concen-tration (PreCon) of trace gases. The temporal and spatial variations of δ 15N and δ 18O in atmospheric N2O were analyzed. The mean δ 15N and δ 18O-N2O values above the oceanic surface were (7.21±0.50)‰ and (44.52±0.52)‰, respectively. From 30°N to Antarctica, the δ 15N (6.05‰―7.88‰) linearly increased with the rate of about 0.01‰ with the latitude while the δ 18O (43.05‰―48.78‰) showed a large fluctua-tion. The δ 15N negatively correlated with air temperature and N2O concentration, and slightly positively correlated with δ 18O. The summertime variations of δ 15N and δ 18O-N2O appeared the same trend on Millor Peninsula of eastern Antarctica. They significantly positively correlated with each other and negatively with N2O concentration. The δ 15N and δ 18O-N2O at different sites averaged (7.42±0.35)‰ and (44.69±0.49)‰, respectively, slightly higher than those above the oceanic surface, significantly higher than those of atmospheric N2O in the low-latitude regions of Northern Hemisphere. The predominant factors affecting the spatial variations of δ 15N and δ 18O values were also discussed. The isotopic data given in this study can help to investigate the global and regional N2O budgets.     

Deterministic Variability of the Ionosphere on the Eve of Strong (M ≥ 6) Earthquakes in the Regions of Greece and Italy According to Long-Term Measurements Data

Geomagnetism and Aeronomy - Abstract—Specific features of the variation in the electron concentration in the ionosphere in front of strong (M ≥ 6) earthquakes in the most seismically...     

Correlating the concentration of mobile manganese with redox- and acid–base properties in sediment column of the Mozhaisk Reservoir in the period of its formation (1970-1975)

Data of 1970-1971 and 1974-1975 for six layers of the Mozhaisk Reservoir were used to analyze the within-year relationships between Mn concentration and silt Eh and pH. The character of these relationships is explained. For the first time, a critical Eh zone, where Mn concentration abruptly changes, was identified. The redox processes involving Mn were shown to gradually stabilize over time.