Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in the mariculture zones of China’s northern Yellow Sea

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were detected in water and sediment samples collected from three mariculture zones in China’s northern Yellow Sea. In these samples, total PAH concentrations ranged from 110.8 ng/L to 997.2 ng/L and 142.2 ng/g dry weight (dw) to 750.2 ng/g dw, respectively. The log K_OC values of the various PAH compounds examined in this study increased with the log K_OW values, which is consistent with the prediction regarding PAH behavior in the environment. However, these K_OC values were lower than the predicted values as a result of the effects of organic matters, which were abundant in the mariculture water. The isomeric ratios of the PAHs in sediment indicated that the source of the PAHs in the mariculture zones were mainly pyrolytic. The TEQ^carc values of PAHs ranged from 7 ng TEQ/g dw to 92 ng TEQ/g dw, and only a few samples met the safe criterion with respect to individual PAH concentrations.     

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in transplanted Manila clams (Tapes philippinarum) from the Lagoon of Venice as assessed by PAHs/shell weight index: A preliminary study

Variation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) levels was assessed in Tapes philippinarum from the Lagoon of Venice. Clams were transplanted from a polluted area next to Porto Marghera to two rearing areas of the Southern Lagoon. Analyses of PAHs were made in sediments and clams by GC/MS at first sampling and after 30, 60 and 180 days. Principal component analysis was performed to elucidate bioaccumulation and depuration pattern and input sources. Biota-Sediment-Accumulation-Factor (BSAF) was applied to evaluate the PAHs input sources from sediment. Condition index was calculated to compare the seasonal variation of clam tissue to PAHs levels. To propose results not affected by seasonal changes in flesh weight of clams, the approach based on the calculation of PAHs/SW index was applied. From the results, it was concluded that PAHs/SW index is more recommendable to asses temporal variation of PAHs levels in Manila clams.     

Survey of PAH in low density residential stormwater ponds in coastal South Carolina: false dark mussels (Mytilopsis leucophaeata) as potential biomonitors

The distribution of PAHs was studied in sediment and false dark mussels, Mytilopsis leucophaeata, of three brackish stormwater retention ponds on Kiawah Island, a gated residential community and golf resort. Impervious surface in pond watersheds ranged from 5 to 30%. Sediment concentrations were lower than those found in other studies of suburban residential areas, and there were no significant differences among ponds or seasons. Mean summation operatorPAH(16) values for sediments in Ponds 67, 100, and 37 were 184.7+/-101.3ng g(-1), 67.5+/-26.0ng g(-1), and 84.3+/-75.5ng g(-1), respectively. Mussel summation operatorPAH(16) concentrations from Pond 67 in August (mean 734.5+/-148.1ng g(-1)), and from Pond 37 in December (mean 1115.1+/-87.7ng g(-1)), were significantly higher than other ponds. Mean summation operatorPAH(16) values for mussels in Ponds 67, 100, and, 37 were 555.9+/-219.7ng g(-1), 312.5+/-99.1ng g(-1) and 737.8+/-419.8ng g(-1), respectively. The mean biota-to-sediment ratio was 7.6+/-8.1. Isomer ratios generally suggested pyrogenic sources. False dark mussels are a promising indicator species for PAH contamination because they are abundant, easy to sample, bioaccumulate PAH profiles representative of the time-integrated sediment profiles, and their PAH levels are less variable than either stormwater or sediment samples.     

Are sea otters being exposed to subsurface intertidal oil residues from the Exxon Valdez oil spill?

Twenty years after the Exxon Valdez oil spill, scattered patches of subsurface oil residues (SSOR) can still be found in intertidal sediments at a small number of shoreline locations in Prince William Sound, Alaska. Some scientists hypothesize that sea otters continue to be exposed to SSOR by direct contact when otters dig pits in search of clams. This hypothesis is examined through site-specific examinations where SSOR and otter-dug pits co-occur. Surveys documented the exact sediment characteristics and locations on the shore at the only three subdivisions where both SSOR and otter pits were found after 2000. Shoreline characteristics and tidal heights where SSOR have persisted are not suitable habitat for sea otters to dig pits during foraging. There is clear separation between areas containing SSOR and otter foraging pits. The evidence allows us to reject the hypothesis that sea otters encounter and are being exposed by direct contact to SSOR.     

Differential concentration of Technetium-99 (99Tc) in common intertidal molluscs with different food habits

Concentration of ⁹⁹Tc has been measured in fucoids and molluscs, sampled in a sheltered intertidal at the southwest coast of Norway from February to November 2006. The concentrations of ⁹⁹Tc in molluscs differed significantly between species. The filtering bivalve Mytilus edulis had the lowest concentrations with averages of 2.3-5.9 Bq kg⁻¹ d.w., while the herbivorous gastropods Littorinalittorina, Littorina obtusata and Patella vulgata had higher concentrations. P. vulgata and L. obtusata had the highest concentrations, 40-47 and 26-30 Bq kg⁻¹ d.w., respectively. L. obtusata has a specialized habit of living, and prefers to feed on fucoids. P. vulgata can graze extensively on the fucoid Ascophyllum nodosum when available. Fucoids are known to have very high uptake of ⁹⁹Tc, and this was also found in the present study. The high ⁹⁹Tc-concentrations of L. obtusata and P. vulgata are most likely due to their habit of feeding on fucoids.     

Biodegradation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons by a halotolerant bacterial strain Ochrobactrum sp. VA1

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are ubiquitous pollutants in the environment and are derived from both man-made and natural resources. The present study is focused on the degradation of PAHs by a halotolerant bacterial strain under saline conditions. The bacterial strain VA1 was isolated from a PAH-degrading consortium that was enriched from marine water samples that were collected from different sites at Chennai, India. In the present study, a clearing zone formed on PAH-amended mineral salt agar media confirmed the utilization of PAH by the bacterial strain VA1. The results show that the strain VA1 was able to degrade anthracene (88%), phenanthrene (98%), naphthalene (90%), fluorene (97%), pyrene (84%), benzo(k)fluoranthene (57%) and benzo(e)pyrene (50%) at a 30 g/L NaCl concentration. The present study reveals that the VA1 strain was able to degrade PAHs in petroleum wastewater under saline conditions. The promising PAH-degrading halotolerant bacterial strain, VA1, was identified as Ochrobactrum sp. using biochemical and molecular techniques.     

Biological risk and pollution history of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in Nansha mangrove,South China

Chinese government has taken various measures to alleviate pollution caused by polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in the region of Pearl River Delta since the economic reform in 1978, but the effectiveness of these measures remains largely unknown. This study aimed to elucidate the biological risk and pollution history of PAHs by measuring the concentrations of 28 PAHs in the surface and core sediments, respectively, in Nansha mangrove. Results found that the biological risk of PAHs was low without obvious spatial variation. The PAH concentration along the depth gradient indicated that PAH pollution was stabilized since the early 1990s while the source of PAHs has gradually changed from combustion of coal to petroleum products. This implied that the mitigation measures taken by the Chinese government were effective. Compared to marine bottom sediment, we propose that using mangrove sediment can provide a more accurate and precise estimate of pollution history of PAHs.     

Levels of persistent organic pollutants and residual pattern of DDTs in small cetaceans from the coast of São Paulo, Brazil

The State of São Paulo is the most developed area in Brazil and was impacted by persistent organic pollutants for several decades. This study investigated organochlorines in five species of small cetaceans (Pontoporia blainvillei, Stenella frontalis, Sotalia guianensis, Tursiops truncatus and Steno bredanensis) found dead along the coast of São Paulo between 1997 and 2003. DDTs (15.9 μg g⁻¹ lipid; mean for all pooled individuals) and PCBs (8.08 μg g⁻¹) exhibited the highest concentrations in the animals, reflecting large amounts formerly used in Brazil. Lower levels of mirex (0.149 μg g⁻¹), HCB (0.051 μg g⁻¹), CHLs (0.008 μg g⁻¹) and HCHs (0.007 μg g⁻¹) were detected in all species. Residual pattern of DDTs in dolphins suggests that o,p′-DDT is more recalcitrant than p,p′-DDT in the body of the animals and/or the environment. In contrast to p,p′-DDT, residues of o,p′-DDT seem to be preferentially converted into o,p′-DDD rather than o,p′-DDE.     

Parasite communities in Boops boops (L.) (Sparidae) after the Prestige oil-spill: detectable alterations

Environmental pollution affects parasite populations and communities, both directly and through effects on intermediate and final hosts. In this work, we present a comparative study on the structure and composition of metazoan parasite communities in the bogue, Boops boops, from two localities (Galician coast, Spain) affected by the Prestige oil-spill (POS). We focus on the distribution of both individual parasite species and larger functional groupings by using both univariate and multivariate analyses. Our results indicate directional trends in community composition that might be related to the Prestige oil-spill disturbance of the natural coastal communities off Galicia. Endoparasite communities in B. boops reflected a notable change in the composition and abundance of the benthic fauna in the localities studied post-spill probably due to organic enrichment after the POS.     

Contamination of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in surface sediments and plants of mangrove swamps in Shenzhen,China

The concentrations of 16 individual and total polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (∑PAHs) in sediments, roots and leaves of three mangrove swamps in Shenzhen, China, namely Futian, Baguang and Waterlands, were determined. The mean concentration of ∑PAHs in Futian (4480 ng g⁻¹) was significantly higher than that in Baguang (1262 ng g⁻¹) and Waterlands (2711 ng g⁻¹). Among the 16 PAHs, the concentration of naphthalene was the highest. Based on the ratios of phenanthrene/anthracene and fluoranthene/pyrene, PAHs in Futian and Waterlands came from petrogenic and pyrolytic sources, while Baguang was mainly from pyrolytic. More PAHs were accumulated in leaves, as reflected by its higher mean concentration of ∑PAHs (3697 ng g⁻¹) and bioconcentration factor of PAHs (BCF) (>1.5) than that in roots. The BCF values in plants collected from Futian were significantly higher than that from Waterlands. These results indicated that more attention should be paid to the PAH contamination in Futian.     

Spatial and temporal changes of TBT pollution along the Portuguese coast: inefficacy of the EEC directive 89/677

Nucella lapillus imposex (superimposition of male characters onto prosobranch females) and organotin body burden were surveyed in the Portuguese coast in 1997 and 2000. Time comparisons of the available data on Nucella lapillus imposex in the Portuguese coast indicate a global increase of TBT pollution in recent years, revealing the inefficacy of the 1993 legislation that bans the use of TBT paints on small boats (<25 m). The absence or scarcity of the species inside harbours, which are the most polluted sites in Portugal, is probably a consequence of extinction due to female sterilisation by TBT.     

Abilities and genes for PAH biodegradation of bacteria isolated from mangrove sediments from the central of Thailand

PAH-degrading bacteria, including Novosphingobium sp. PCY, Microbacterium sp. BPW, Ralstonia sp. BPH, Alcaligenes sp. SSK1B, and Achromobacter sp. SSK4, were isolated from mangrove sediments. These isolates degraded 50–76% of 100 mg/l phenanthrene within 2 weeks. Strains PCY and BPW also degraded pyrene at 98% and 71%, respectively. Furthermore, all of them probably produced biosurfactants in the presence of hydrocarbons. Interestingly, PCY has a versatility to degrade various PAHs. Molecular techniques and plasmid curing remarkably revealed the presence of the alpha subunit of pyrene dioxygenase gene (nidA), involving in its pyrene/phenanthrene degrading ability, located on megaplasmid of PCY which has never before been reported in sphingomonads. Moreover, genes encoding ferredoxin, reductase, extradiol dioxygenase (bphA3A4C) and exopolysaccharide biosynthetase, which may be involved in PAH degradation and biosurfactant production, were also found in PCY. Therefore, we conclude that these isolates, especially PCY, can be the candidates for use as inoculums in the bioremediation.     

Impact of the Phaeocystis globosa spring bloom on the intertidal benthic compartment in the eastern English Channel: a synthesis

From 1999 to 2005, studies carried out in the frame of regional and national French programs aimed to determine whether the Phaeocystisglobosa bloom affected the intertidal benthic communities of the French coast of the eastern English Channel in terms of composition and/or functioning. Study sites were chosen to cover most of the typical shore types encountered on this coast (a rocky shore, an exposed sandy beach and a small estuary). Both the presence of active Phaeocystis cells and their degradation product (foam) did have a significant impact on the studied shores. The primary production and growth rates of the kelp Saccharina latissima decreased during the bloom because of a shortage of light and nutrient for the macroalgae. On sandy sediments, the benthic metabolism (community respiration and community primary production), as well as the nitrification rate, were enhanced during foam deposits, in relation with the presence of bacteria and active pelagic cells within the decaying colonies. In estuarine sediments, the most impressive impact was the formation of a crust at the sediment surface due to drying foam. This led to anoxic conditions in the surface sediment and resulted in a high mortality among the benthic community. Some organisms also tended to migrate upward and were then directly accessible to the higher trophic level represented by birds. Phaeocystis then created a shortcut in the estuarine trophic network. Most of these modifications lasted shortly and all the systems considered came back to their regular properties and activities a few weeks after the end of the bloom, except for the most impacted estuarine area.     

PAHs contamination and bacterial communities in mangrove surface sediments of the Jiulong River Estuary, China

Sixteen sediment samples collected from eight transects in a mangrove swamp of the Jiulong River Estuary, Fujian, China were investigated for their content of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and the biodegradation potential of the indigenous microorganisms. The bacterial community structures in the mangrove sediments and in enrichment cultures were also investigated. The results showed that the total PAHs concentration of mangrove sediments ranged from 280 to 1074 ng g(-1) dry weight, that the PAHs composition pattern in the mangrove sediments was dominated by high molecular weight PAH components (4-6 rings), and that Benzo[ghi]perylene and Indeno[1,2,3-cd]pyrene were the most dominant at different stations. Abundant PAH-degrading bacteria were found in all the stations, the values of phenanthrene-degrading bacteria ranged from 5.85 x 10(4) to 7.80 x 10(5) CFU g(-1) dry weight, fluoranthene-degrading bacteria ranged from 5.25 x 10(4) to 5.79 x 10(5) CFU g(-1) dry weight, pyrene-degrading bacteria ranged from 3.10 x 10(4) to 6.97 x 10(5) CFU g(-1) dry weight and the benzo(a)pyrene-degrading bacteria ranged from 5.25 x 10(4) to 7.26 x 10(5) CFU g(-1) dry weight. DGGE analysis of PCR-amplified 16S rDNA gene fragments confirmed that there was a remarkable shift in the composition of the bacterial community due to the addition of the different model PAH compound phenanthrene (three ring PAH), fluoranthene(four ring PAH), pyrene(four ring PAH) and benzo(a)pyrene(five ring PAH) during enrichment batch culture. Eleven strains were obtained with different morphology and different degradation ability. The presence of common bands for microbial species in the cultures and in the native mangrove sediment DNA indicated that these strains could be potential in situ PAH-degraders.     

Evaluation of Carcinogenic Risk Due to Accidental Ingestion of PAHs in Contaminated Soils

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are types of hazardous contaminants, which their ingestion could cause severe consequences on human health. Leakages from storage tanks, underground pipelines, and evaporation ponds are the main sources of soil and groundwater contaminations at the Tehran Oil Refinery area (TOR site), located in south of Tehran, Iran. In this study, soil samples were collected from different locations at and adjacent to a polluted stream in the south of the refinery. The samples were analyzed for two hazardous PAH compounds, namely benzo[a]anthracene and acenaphthene. The clean up levels due to the accidental ingestion of contaminated soils at the site were also investigated in accordance to the U.S.EPA guidelines. Comparing the soil analysis results indicated that the benzo[a]anthracene concentrations in the samples varied from 53 to 299 mg/kg, which were higher than the clean up level of 1.17 mg/kg. Thus, soil remediation is required for this contaminant. The acenaphthene analysis results denoted that the average concentration of this contaminant was below the clean up level of 116.67 mg/kg, indicating that no treatment for this contaminant is necessary at the TOR site. Also, because the slope of the ground extends to the south of the stream, which stimulates the migration of the contaminants in this direction due to advection and dispersion mechanisms, the average of benzo[a]anthracene concentrations in south samples was higher than north samples (i.e., C_avg(S) = 160 ppm, C_avg(N) = 113 ppm). Various treatment techniques such as thermal desorption, soil vapor extraction (SVE), and solidification/stabilization (S/S) were investigated for this site. Due to moderate to high plasticity and relatively low permeability of the soil and low volatility of benzo[a]anthracene, however S/S method is recommended as a practical approach for the remediation of the soil at the site.     

Short term impact of planktonic mucilage aggregates on macrobenthos along the Istrian rocky coast (Northern Adriatic, Croatia)

During nearly every summer of the last 15 years, massive mucilage aggregations have formed in the water column of the northern Adriatic. The phenomenon also occurred during the summer of 2004, lasting approximately from the middle of June to the end of July. After approximately 20 days of mucilage impact (coverage of the rocky bottom from 40% to 90%), the effects on selected macrobenthic species were assessed at depths of 5-7m. The responses to the mucilage impact were species dependent. Smothering by mucilage caused partial necrosis of the sponge Verongia aerophoba: from 7% to 56% of the colony surface was deteriorated. In contrast, the impact was lethal for the mollusc Arca noae: from 5% to 45% of the molluscs died. Usually, no deleterious effects were ascertained on perennial parts of the thalli (axes) of macroalgae of the genus Cystoseira. However, primary branches showed signs of necrosis, and Cystoseira compressa was more sensitive compared to Cystoseira corniculata and Cystoseira barbata. Apparently, this does not profoundly affect Cystoseira populations, which have been in a phase of expansion along the shallow Istrian rocky coast over the last 15 years.     

Reconstruction of pollution history of organic contaminants in the upper Gulf of Thailand by using sediment cores: first report from Tropical Asia Core (TACO) project

This paper reports the first reconstruction of a pollution history in tropical Asia from sediment cores. Four sediment core samples were collected from an offshore transect in the upper Gulf of Thailand and were analyzed for organic micropollutants. The cores were dated by measurement of (137)Cs and geochronometric molecular markers (linear alkylbenzenes, LABs; and tetrapropylene-type alkylbenzenes, TABs). Polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) concentrations showed a subsurface maximum in layers corresponding to the 1970s, indicating the effectiveness of regulation of PCBs in Thailand. LAB concentrations increased over time, indicating the increase in input of sewage into the Gulf during the last 30 years. Hopanes, biomarkers of petroleum pollution, also increased over time, indicating that the inputs of automobile-derived hydrocarbons to the coastal zone has been increasing owing to the increased number of cars in Thailand since the 1950s. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) increased in the layers corresponding to the 1950s and 1960s, probably because of the increased inputs of automobile-derived PAHs. PAH concentrations in the upper layers corresponding to the 1970s and later remained constant or increased. The absence of a subsurface maximum of PAHs contrasts with results observed in industrialized countries. This can be explained by the facts that the Thai economy did not depend on coal as an energy source in the 1960s and that economic growth has continued since the 1970s to the present. The deposition flux of PAHs and hopanes showed a dramatic offshore decrease, whereas that of LABs was uniform.     

Shallow sublittoral meiofauna communities and sediment polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) content on the Galician coast (NW Spain), six months after the Prestige oil spill

The aim of this work was to detect the impact of Prestige oil spill on meiobenthic community structure at higher levels of taxonomic aggregation. In addition, the relationship between sediment individual polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) concentration and meiofauna community structure was investigated. Six months after the Prestige oil spill, meiobenthos community and sediment PAHs content from seven shallow subtidal localities along the Galician coast were studied. Two sites presented differences in community structure, characterized by high densities of nematodes, gastrotrichs and turbellarians, and low densities of copepods. Chrysene and triphenylene were only found at these two disturbed sites and could be responsible for differences of meiobenthos community structure. However, differences in community structure of sites could be linked with sedimentary parameters, and discrimination between the effect of PAHs and sedimentary parameters was impossible due to the lack of baseline studies on meiobenthos and PAHs contents in this area.     

Contamination and potential biodegradation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in mangrove sediments of Xiamen, China

Five stations were established in the Fenglin mangrove area of Xiamen, China to determine the concentrations of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and the numbers of PAH-degrading bacteria in surface sediments. Assessing the biodegradation potential of indigenous microorganisms and isolating the high molecule weight (HMW)-PAH degrading bacteria was also one of the aims of this work. The results showed that the total PAH concentration of sediments was 222.59 ng g(-1) dry weight, whereas the HMW-PAH benzo(a)pyrene (BaP) had the highest concentration among 16 individual PAH compounds. The variation in the numbers of PAH-degrading bacteria was 2.62 x 10(2)-5.67 x 10(4)CFU g(-1) dry weight. The addition of PAHs showed a great influence in increasing the microbial activity in mangrove sediments. A bacterial consortium, which could utilize BaP as the sole source of carbon and energy, and which was isolated from mangrove sediments and enriched in liquid medium for nearly one year degraded 32.8% of BaP after 63 days incubation.