Detection of Water and Sediments Pollution of An Arid Saltern (Sfax, Tunisia) by Coupling the Distribution of Microorganisms With Hydrocarbons

We investigated the coupling of abundance of bacteria, phytoplankton and ciliates with hydrocarbons in the surface water and sediments of five interconnected ponds in the arid Sfax solar salterns. This study aimed at determining the potential sources of hydrocarbons and the effects of salinity gradients on microorganism metabolism. Hydrocarbon analysis was performed by gas chromatography (GC-FID) and gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The GC-FID allowed the detection of aliphatic hydrocarbons and n-alkanes ranging from n-C₁₃ to n-C₃₀. Total aliphatic hydrocarbon concentrations varied from 92.5 mg. l^?1 in the first pond (having marine characteristics) to 661.1 mg. l^?1 in the last pond (crystallizer) (316.8?±?120.1 mg. l^?1) for water samples and from 26.7 to 127.8 μg. g^?1 dry weight for sediment samples. The GC-MS enabled us to detect halogenated hydrocarbons (bromoalkanes and chloroalkanes) and n-alkenes. The distribution of n-alkanes indices coupled to several environmental factors suggests that a major fraction of hydrocarbons resulted from both prokaryotic (bacteria) and eukaryotic (protists) developments. A low hydrocarbon fraction might be petrogenic.     

上海城市绿地土壤中石油烃化合物的分布特征

对上海不同类型绿地土壤的石油烃化合物(TPH)调查表明:上海城市绿地表层土壤虽有不同程度的TPH累积,但整体污染情况并不严重;在不同类型绿地中,以外环道路周边绿地的TPH含量最高,且离道路和土壤表层越近,TPH累积越明显;汽车尾气可能是城市绿地土壤TPH的主要污染源。绿地土壤TPH含量与土壤有机质、Cu、真菌含量之间相关性不显著;但与Zn、Cd、细菌、微生物总量存在极显著相关,与Pb、放线菌含量之间存在显著相关;在低浓度TPH含量下,其可能作为绿地土壤微生物生长所需的碳源和能源,刺激微生物量的增加。上海绿地土壤C6~C9段TPH均低于检出限,以高碳段TPH为主,毒性较小;但交通流量大且以燃烧柴油车为主的外环周边绿地不但TPH总量高且检出低碳段TPH,其TPH潜在污染和毒害应引起重视。     

Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAH) in Water and Sediment from Gully Pots

A gully pot is often cleaned with the help of an eductor truck, which uses hydrodynamic pressure and a vacuum to loosen and remove the solids and standing liquid from a gully pot. This paper considers the polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) content in the gully pot mixture (water and sediment) after it has been discharged from the eductor truck. The results show that most PAH was attached to particles, and the dissolved phase represented approximately 22% of the total water concentration. No significant difference was found for the water phase between a housing area and a road, whereas a significant difference was found for NAP, ACE, FL, ANT, FLR, PYR, BaF, and BPY in the sediment at a 95% confidence level. Source identification showed that the PAH in the gully pot mixture came from mixed sources. Both the water and sediment phase exceed all or some of the compared guidelines. The result from this paper shows that not only the sediment needs to be discussed, but also the water phase created during the maintenance of different BMPs.     

Levels and Distribution of Petroleum Hydrocarbons in the Coastal Waters and Sediments of the United Arab Emirates in the Arabian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman

The levels and distributions of petroleum hydrocarbons incoastal waters and sediments of the United Arab Emirates (U. A. E.) along theArabian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman were investigated. Oil concentrations in the waters ofthe U. A. E. were below the 15 μg L^-1 and ranged from 1.6 to 13 μg L^-1.Petroleum hydrocarbons showed different pattern of distribution in the Arabian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman withmore or less similar values. Horizontal distribution of petroleum hydrocarbons atthe Arabian Gulf showed significant differences between most sites. At the Gulf ofOman, similar oil concentrations were measured at different sites. Meanwhile,vertical distributions of petroleum hydrocarbons indicated higher concentrations atsurface layers of the Arabian Gulf compared to bottom layers. Whereas, more or less similarconcentrations were measured at the Gulf of Oman. The concentration of petroleum hydrocarbons in marinesediments varied from 2.5 to 8.2 μg g^-1 (dry sediment weight), with higher concentrations at theArabian Gulf compared to the Gulf of Oman. The pattern of distribution for petroleumhydrocarbons in marine sediments resembled to some extent the distribution of organiccarbon in marine sediments. The study revealed that the concentrations ofpetroleum hydrocarbons in waters and sediments of the investigated area are not highcompared to other areas of the world.     

Surfactants in the Sea Surface Microlayer,Underlying Water and Atmospheric Particles of Tropical Coastal Ecosystems

This study aims to determine the composition of surfactants in the sea surface microlayer (SML), underlying water (ULW) and atmospheric particles (AP). Surfactants were determined colorimetrically as methylene blue active substances (MBAS) and disulphine blue active substances (DBAS) for anionic and cationic surfactants, respectively. The concentration of dissolved inorganic nutrients (DIN) in ULW was determined so as to indicate the influence of ULW to the surfactants in SML. The results showed that the concentration of MBAS and DBAS in SML at both stations ranged between 0.05 and 0.31 μmol L^?1, and between 0.19 and 0.59 μmol L^?1, respectively. Surfactants in ULW influence the concentration of surfactants in SML (r?=?0.65, p?<?0.01, n?=?36). The station influenced by anthropogenic sources showed a higher concentration of surfactants in ULW, SML and AP. This finding suggests fine mode atmospheric particles (FMAP) are the main carrier for anionic surfactants as MBAS in the coastal ecosystem. Anionic surfactants as MBAS were found as better indicator of anthropogenic sources than cationic ones.     

Spatial Patterns of Carbon and Nitrogen in Soils of the Barents Sea Coastal Area (Khaypudyrskaya Bay)

Eurasian Soil Science - Concentrations of total carbon and nitrogen were measured by gas chromatography method, and the carbon content of inorganic compounds was determined by the volumetric method...     

Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons, Polychlorinated Biphenyls and Trace Metals in Sediments from a Coastal Lagoon (Northern Adriatic, Italy)

Surface sediments (0–5 cm) were analysed to provide information on levels, spatial trends and sources of the 16 USEPA polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH), 15 polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and trace metals (copper, chromium, mercury, nickel and zinc) in channel and wetland habitats of Pialassa Baiona lagoon (Italy). The highest levels of PAHs, PCBs and Hg (3,032–87,150, n.d.–3,908 and 1.3–191 mg kg⁻¹) were mainly found at channel habitats close to industrial sources. Pyrogenic PAH inputs were significant, with a predominance of four-ring PAHs and combustion-related PAHs in both channel and wetland habitats. Among PCB congeners, chlorination class profiles show that penta- and hexachlorinated PCBs are the most prevalent homologues accounting for approximately 33% and 47% of the total PCB concentrations in channel sediments. Total toxicity equivalent factors (TEQs) of potentially carcinogenic PAHs varied from 348 to 7,879 μg kg⁻¹ and from 4.3 to 235 μg kg⁻¹ in channel and wetland sediments; calculated TEQs for dioxin-like PCB congeners at channel habitats ranged from n.d. to 86.7 μg kg⁻¹. Comparison of PAHs, PCBs and metal levels with Sediment Quality Guidelines suggests that more concern should be given to the southern area of the lagoon for potential risks of carcinogenic PAHs, dioxin-like PCBs and mercury.     

Influences on the Distribution of Marine Debris on the Seafloor of Shallow Coastal Areas in Greece (Eastern Mediterranean)

The abundance and composition of marine benthic debris was investigated in shallow coastal areas of Greece (eastern Mediterranean). The mean total density of marine debris in the areas surveyed was 15 items per 1000 m² and ranged from 0 to 251 items per 1000 m², with plastics dominating. Much higher marine debris densities were found in this study than those found in most studies surveying the continental shelf or the deep seafloor, indicating that pollution with marine debris is more intense in coastal areas. Greater abundance of marine debris was found in bays than in open areas. Artisanal fishing activities were found to significantly contribute to marine pollution with debris. In the Saronicos Gulf, a densely populated and highly industrialized area, the abundance of marine debris was higher than the rest of the Greek areas surveyed.     

Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in Seawater, Sediment, and Rock Oyster Saccostrea cucullata from the Northern Part of the Persian Gulf (Bushehr Province)

The concentration of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) was determined in seawater, sediment, and Rock oyster Saccostrea cucullata collected from four sampling sites in the inter-tidal areas of Bushehr province. The total concentrations of 14 PAHs varied from 1.5 to 3.6 ng/L in seawater, 41.7 to 227.5 ng/g dry weight in surface sediment, and 126 to 226.1 ng/g dry weight in oyster tissue. In comparing PAH concentrations among the three matrices in Bushehr province, data showed that the pattern of individual PAHs in seawater, oyster, and sediment were different. The oysters tended to accumulate the lower molecular weight and the more water-soluble PAHs. Sediment samples were distinguished from the sea water and oyster samples by the presence of high molecular weight PAHs, especially six-ring PAHs. Three- and four-ring PAHs were the most abundant compounds among the 14 PAHs investigated in surface seawater, sediment, and oyster samples. As expected, differences in octanol/water partition coefficient among individual PAHs and the greater persistence of the higher molecular weight PAHs contributed to the accumulation patterns in oyster and sediment. The results of the study suggested that the main sources of PAHs in the seawater and sediment in the region were mixed pyrolitic and petrogenic inputs.     

Heavy Metal Contents and Distribution in Coastal Sediments of the Gulf of Trieste (Northern Adriatic Sea, Italy)

A set of ten heavy metals (Al, As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Hg, Ni, Pb, V, and Zn) was investigated in surface sediments (0–5 cm) collected in 21 sites of the Gulf of Trieste, Northern Adriatic Sea (Italy). The aim of this work was to obtain a preliminary assessment about the levels and spatial distribution of these selected elements. Ancillary parameters such as grain size, total organic carbon, and total nitrogen were also determined. The enrichment factor was calculated to discriminate if a natural condition or a status of anthropogenic contamination occurs. In addition, a set of sediment quality guidelines, mean effect low range and effect medium range quotients, was also applied in order to predict the probability of adverse biological effects on the benthic community.     

Influence of Long-Term Soils Flooding by Distilled and Post-Sewage Water on Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) Changes

The aim of presented study was to determine the influence of long-term inundation on the changes in the content of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. Two soils (B, MS) with differentiated properties were selected for the presented study. The experiment was carried out in 5-l containers, irrigated with distilled or post-sewage water for seven days. The study samples were collected directly after the water had been drained and then after seven, 14, 28 and 50 days. In the material collected, the content of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons was determined by means of the HPLC-UV method. The soils used for the presented experiment were characterised by differentiated PAH content levels. However, in both soils 28 days after water had been drained, a gradual increase of the PAH sum was noted. This increase was in relation to beginning of the experiment significantly higher in soil MS characterised by a lower PAH content (43% and 86%, respectively in the experiment with distilled and post-sewage water). The range of the PAH sum increase in soil B was from 28% to 38%. After the 28th day of the experiment, a decreasing trend was noted. The trend persisted until the last experimental date. Only in soil B, a decrease in the PAH up to a level close to the PAH level on the onset of the experiment was observed. In soil MS, PAH content on the last experimental date was still 25% (distilled water) and 52% (post-sewage water) higher than at the beginning of the experiment. In control soils (non-flooded), PAH content did not undergo any significant changes during the whole experimental period. In the presented studies, significant relationships between the values of some PAH content levels and Ca²⁺ ions content was noted.     

Driftnet fishing and biodiversity conservation: the case study of the large-scale Moroccan driftnet fleet operating in the Alboran Sea (SW Mediterranean)

Illegal, large-scale driftnets are still used in several Mediterranean areas. According to international official sources, Morocco harbors the bulk of this fleet in the Mediterranean. To ascertain its biodiversity impact, 369 fishing operations (worth 4140 km of driftnets set) made by the driftnet fleet targeting swordfish (Xiphias gladius) based in Al Hoceima (Alboran Sea) were monitored between December 2002 and September 2003. Parallel surveys were made in the main Mediterranean ports and in that of Tangiers, in the Gibraltar Straits, to estimate the total fishing effort. Results showed an active driftnet fleet conservatively estimated at 177 units. Estimated average net length ranges from 6.5 to 7.1 km, depending on the port, though actual figures are suspected to be much higher (12-14 km). Most boats perform driftnet fishing all year round, resulting in very high annual effort levels. A total of 237 dolphins (short-beaked common dolphin, Delphinus delphis, and striped dolphin, Stenella coeruleoalba), 498 blue sharks (Prionace glauca), 542 shortfin makos (Isurus oxyrinchus) and 464 thresher sharks (Alopias vulpinus) were killed by the boats monitored during the sampling period, during the peak of the swordfish fishery, along with 2990 swordfish. Loggerhead turtle (Caretta caretta) was also caught (46 individuals). Estimates for a 12-month period by the whole driftnet fleet yielded 3110-4184 dolphins (both species) and 20,262-25,610 pelagic sharks distributed in roughly equal proportions for P. glauca, I. oxyrinchus and A. vulpinus, in the Alboran Sea alone; further 11,589-15,127 dolphins and 62,393-92,601 sharks would be killed annually around the Straits of Gibraltar. Dolphins suffer from annual take rates exceeding 10% of their population sizes in the Alboran Sea; this unsustainable impact is particularly worrying for D. delphis, because its last remnant healthy population in the Mediterranean occurs in this area. Average catch rate for swordfish, the main target species, amounted to only 0.8 individuals/km net set. Pelagic sharks are actively targeted by a part of the fleet.     

Prey depletion caused by overfishing and the decline of marine megafauna in eastern Ionian Sea coastal waters (central Mediterranean)

Surveys primarily aimed at determining dolphin encounter rates were conducted from small inflatable craft in eastern Ionian Sea coastal waters between 1997 and 2004. During 633 surveys totalling 21,276 km of effort, observations of cetaceans and other marine species spotted in a study area of 480 km² were systematically recorded. Common dolphin encounter rates declined 25-fold across the study period, steadily decreasing from 2.18 encounters/100 km in 1997 to 0.09 encounters/100 km in 2004. Encounter rates of tuna also declined significantly. Swordfish encounter rates dropped from 1.03 encounters/100 km in 1997 to 0-0.12 in 1998-2004. Encounter rates of bottlenose dolphins did not show significant trends. The decline of high-order marine predators feeding on epipelagic prey was consistent with the hypothesis of prey depletion, likely resulting from intensive exploitation of local fish stocks, particularly anchovies and sardines. The catholic feeding habits and opportunistic behaviour of bottlenose dolphins may allow them to withstand the effects of overfishing at their present low density.     

Relationships Between Heavy Metals Contamination in Shallow Marine Sediments with Industrial and Urban Development in Catalonia (Northwestern Mediterranean Sea)

A total of 179 surface sediment samples from shallow waters have been collected in Catalonia (Northwestern Mediterranean) from 2002 to 2010 to analyze heavy metals (Al, Cd, Cu, Hg, Pb, V, and Zn) concentrations, organic matter content, and sediment size in order (i) to find baseline values, (ii) to investigate metal contamination trends, and (iii) to identify its spatial and temporal distribution. Highest metals concentrations were registered in the Barcelona metropolitan area and in the mouth of Besòs and Llobregat Rivers for Zn, Cu, Pb, and Cd. Mercury was also abundant in these areas but the highest record was found close to Tarragona. The concentrations agree with those reported in other studies performed in big river’s mouths and industrialized areas. The absence of large industrial activity and urbanization outside Barcelona and Tarragona explains the low metal contents found at the other sampling sites. Based on enrichment factor (EF), Pb was the most enriched metal. Results will provide a useful aid for sustainable marine management in Catalonia.     

冬季覆海冰对台田盐渍土壤水分和盐分的影响

在渤海湾滨海地区,以台田修建技术为基础,将冬季海水(或咸水)冻结而形成较低盐度的海冰(或咸水冰)覆盖至台田土壤表面。研究覆冰的融化过程中台田土壤水分和盐分的时空变化。结果表明:随着覆冰融化,大量的冰融水进入土壤,台田不同土层土壤的含水量得到增加,尤其是表层土壤。当覆冰完全融化,气温的上升,台田0-20cm土壤含水量迅速降低,而深层土壤的含水量趋于稳定。在覆冰完全融化前(3月8日),0-20cm和20-40cm土壤含盐量较初始值分别降低了70%和22.22%;而其它层土壤含盐量轻微地增加。覆冰完全融化后(3月14日),台田0-40cm层土壤含盐量继续降低,40cm以下土壤含盐量也降低了。后期,0-20cm层土壤含盐量趋于稳定,为1.5～2.0g/kg,脱盐率为80%～85%;20-40cm层土壤盐度为3.5g/kg,脱盐率为22.22%;台田40cm以下层土壤盐分和初值比没有变化。试验研究得出,利用台田修建技术+覆冰融化能够使台田耕层(0-40cm)土壤盐分降低,深层土壤盐分没有出现积累现象。     

Modelling of Pore Water Nutrient Distribution and Benthic Fluxes in Shallow Coastal Waters (Gulf of Trieste, Northern Adriatic)

Pore waters, extracted monthly from short cores at two sedimentologically and biologically different locations (AA1 and F) in the Gulf of Trieste (Northern Adriatic), were analyzed for NH₄ ⁺, NO₃ ⁺, PO₄ ³⁺, Si(OH)₄, DIC and periodically for DOC, DON and DOP. Nutrient concentrations were used to model vertical profiles using a diffusion-reaction model which included the macrofaunal influence on sediment-water exchange rates. Winter nutrient profiles showed nearly an exponential increase, or decrease in the case of NO₃ ⁺, in nutrient concentrations with depth while the profiles from other seasons exhibited concentration maximum at 3–6 cm, a minimum around 8–10 cm, and then, except for NO₃ ⁺, a gradual increase or constant values. This vertical distribution is attributed to seasonal variations in the benthic infauna activity, mostly composed of polychaetes and bivalves and concentrated in the top 4–5 cm, being less active during the winter. The vertical profiles of DOC and DON showed the vertical distribution described above in all periods, while DOP was similar to that of PO₄ ³. The comparison of modelled fluxes of nutrients across the sediment-water interface at the location AA1 and those measured usingin situ benthic chamber showed quite good agreement for NH₄ ⁺ and PO₄ ³, fluxes but not for NO, and Si(OH)₄. Discrepancies could be caused by a topography effect and for Si(OH)₄ by an additional dissolution of the solid phase balancing the diffusive loss into burrows and lessening the effect of bioturbation.     

Fractional Composition of the Compounds of Some Typomorphic Chemical Elements in Soils of the Barents Sea (Khaipudyr Bay) Coastal Area

Eurasian Soil Science - Information on different compounds of elements, such as Na, K, Ca, Mg, Al, Fe, and Mn, contributes to our understanding of the genesis of poorly studied soils of northern...     

Organic-geochemical Differentiation of Petroleum-type Pollutants and Study of Their Fate in Danube Alluvial Sediments and Corresponding Water (Pančevo Oil Refinery, Serbia)

A review is given in this paper of the up-to-date results observed in differentiation and transformation studies on petroleum-type pollutants in underground and surface waters. Water and particulate matter derived from the locality of Pan?evo Petroleum Refinery, Serbia (River Danube alluvial formations). It was shown that distributions of n-alkanes, steranes and triterpanes, and δ¹³C_PDB values of n-alkanes may successfully be used for qualitatively differentiating the petroleum-type pollutants from native organic matter in recent sedimentary formations. In underground waters, a petroleum-type pollutant is exposed to microbiological degradation which is manifested through relatively fast degradation of n-alkanes. Following an almost complete degradation of crude oil n-alkanes in underground water, the biosynthesis of novel, even carbon-number C₁₆–C₃₀ n-alkanes may be observed. It is shown that the n-alkane distribution observed in a petroleum-type pollutant may depend on the intensity of its previous interaction with water. The fate of petroleum-type pollutants in environmental waters may be predicted through laboratory simulative microbiological degradation experiments by using microorganism consortiums similar to those observed under relevant natural conditions, as well as on corresponding nutrient base.     

Soil properties and plant community in different aged Pinus halepensis Mill. plantations in arid Mediterranean areas: The case of southern Tunisia

In arid and semiarid Mediterranean areas, Pinus halepensis Mill. is one of the dominant forest species and is widely used in restoration programmes. We collected samples and investigated the understory plant species in an age sequence of 0‐, 5‐, 9‐, and 13‐year‐old P. halepensis plantations to assess the effect of the tree on soil properties and development of plant community. Soil samples were taken from two depths (0–10 and 10–30 cm) under tree canopy and in the associated open spaces. Results showed that tree establishment and development enhanced organic C, total N, and available P accumulation, and improved soil moisture content which increased significantly with increasing plantation age. At the same time, P. halepensis facilitated the colonization and development of understory vegetation. Indeed, the number of plant species, the total plant cover, and the perennial species density were more important under tree canopy and increased with increasing plantation age. The soil dynamic under 13‐year‐old P. halepensis plantations reflected two phase restoration sequence, characterized by nominal changes during tree establishment (0–5 years) and marked and rapid changes associated with the start of canopy closure (5–13 years). Our results provide that the introduction of P. halepensis with afforestation could be an effective and applicable measure to restore arid degraded areas. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.