Mercury in Biota and Surficial Sediments from Coatzacoalcos Estuary, Gulf of Mexico: Distribution and Seasonal Variation

Variation of mercury (Hg) in sediments and biota from Coatzacoalcos estuary during the dry, rainy and windy seasons was estimated. In sediments, Hg concentrations ranged from 0.07 μg g^?1 in site 13 (Ixhuatepec) located upstream, to 1.06 μg g^?1 in site 3 (Coatzacoalcos river), located in the industrialized area. Highest enrichment factor (EF) and index of geoaccumulation (I _geo) in surficial sediments were 53 and 5.1 respectively. From EF and I _geo, it is considered that Coatzacoalcos estuary is from moderately contaminated to contaminated. In most fish species from Coatzacoalcos estuary, the sequence of Hg concentration was liver>muscle>gills. Average Hg concentrations in soft tissue of bivalves ranged from 0.09 μg g^?1 in Corbicula fluminea to 0.18 μg g^?1 in Polymesoda caroliniana. Biota-sediment accumulation factor (BSAF) ranged from 0.9 in P. caroliniana during the rainy season (site 4) to 3.8 in P. caroliniana from the same site during the windy season.     

Organic amendments differ in their effect on microbial biomass and activity and on P pools in alkaline soils

Organic amendments could be used as alternative to inorganic P fertilisers, but a clear understanding of the relationship among type of P amendment, microbial activity and changes in soil P fractions is required to optimise their use. Two P-deficient soils were amended with farmyard manure (FYM), poultry litter (PL) and biogenic waste compost (BWC) at 10 g?dw?kg^?1 soil and incubated for 72 days. Soil samples were collected at days 0, 14, 28, 56 and 72 and analysed for microbial biomass C, N and P, 0.5 M NaHCO₃ extractable P and activity of dehydrogenase and alkaline phosphomonoesterase. Soil P fractions were sequentially extracted in soil samples collected at days 0 and 72. All three amendments increased cumulative CO₂ release, microbial biomass C, N and P and activity of dehydrogenase and alkaline phosphomonoesterase compared to unamended soils. The increase in microbial biomass C and N was highest with PL, whereas the greatest increase in microbial biomass P was induced with FYM. All three biomass indices showed the same temporal pattern, with the highest values on day 14 and the lowest on day 72. All amendments increased 0.5 M NaHCO₃ extractable P concentrations with the smallest increase with BWC and the greatest with FYM, although more P was added with PL than with FYM. Available P concentrations decreased over time in the amended soils. Organic amendments increased the concentration of the labile P pools (resin and NaHCO₃-P) and of NaOH-P, but had little effect on the concentrations of acid-soluble P pools and residual P except for increasing the concentration of organic P in the concentrated HCl pool. Resin P and NaHCO₃-P_i pools decreased over time whereas NaOH-P_i and all organic P pools increased. It is concluded that organic amendments can provide P to plants and can stimulate the build-up of organic P forms in soils which may provide a long-term slow-release P source for plants and soil organisms.     

Interactive effects of charcoal and earthworm activity increase bioavailable phosphorus in sub-boreal forest soils

The purpose of this study was to assess the effects of charcoal and earthworm presence in contrasting soil types of northern Japan using the biologically based phosphorus (BBP) extraction method, which employs a variety of plant P acquisition strategies. Using soils developed in serpentine and sedimentary parent materials, we tested the interactive effects of Eisenia japonica (Michaelsen) earthworms and 500 kg ha^?1 of dwarf bamboo charcoal (Sasa kurilensis (Rupr.) Makino et Shibata) in a microcosm incubation that lasted four weeks. Soils were extracted in parallel after the incubation with the BBP method using 0.01 M CaCl₂ (soluble P), 0.01 M citric acid (chelate-extractable P), 0.02 phosphatase enzyme units ml^?1 (enzyme-extractable organic P), and 1.0 M HCl (mineral occluded P). Dwarf bamboo charcoal alone contained up to 444 mg total BBP kg^?1 prior to application to soil microcosms. Treatment effects in soil microcosms were highest in sedimentary soil types and where charcoal was combined with earthworms (15.97 mg P kg^?1 ± SE 1.23 total inorganic BBP). Recalcitrant inorganic P (HCl extracted) in combination treatments yielded the highest single inorganic BBP measure (12.41 mg kg^?1 ± SE 1.11). Our findings suggest that charcoal, as a legacy of wildfire, and native earthworm activity may help stimulate cycling of recalcitrant inorganic BBP pools.     

Sequential Extraction of Lead from Grain Size Fractionated River Sediments Using the Optimized BCR Procedure

Fluvial bed sediments are widely used for characterizing anthropogenic contaminant signals in urban watersheds. This study presents the first preliminary examination of sequentially extracted Pb from grain size fractionated bed sediments using the optimized (standardized) BCR procedure. Baseline sediment samples and samples from the vicinity of three storm-sewer outlets in Nuuanu Stream, Honolulu, Hawaii, were examined. The weighted average Pb liberated from four sequentially extracted phases was 144?±?26 mg/kg (±SD). These Pb concentrations are high compared to 3 mg/kg leached by a 0.5 M HCl solution, and 13 mg/kg from a 4-acid total digestion of baseline sediments. Over a 1.8 km section of stream channel, land use variations and traffic density differences had little impact on the magnitude of Pb in specific phases for each of the six grain size fractions examined. Regardless of grain size or spatial location, Pb in the reducible phase exceeded that in oxidizable, residual and acid extractable phases. Weighted reducible Pb concentrations for three sewer outlet sites ranged from 69 to 92 mg/kg, and this phase typically accounted for 70–80% of all labile Pb. The <63 μm grain size class did not exhibit the highest Pb concentration, instead this was found in either the 125–250 μm or 500–1,000 μm fractions. Examining bed sediment phase associations of Pb over a smaller length dimension (i.e., 40 m) centered around one sewer outlet, indicated higher concentrations at the outlet (180 mg/kg) compared to upstream (132 mg/kg) or downstream (150 mg/kg). The differences were primarily associated with higher Pb concentrations in the reducible and oxidizable phases of the coarse sand fractions (500–2,000 μm) at the outlet. Overall, all data point to a significant anthropogenic signal for Pb in bed sediments in the urbanized section of Nuuanu Stream.     

Mercury Partitioning in Surface Sediments of the Upper St. Lawrence River (Canada): Evidence of the Importance of the Sulphur Chemistry

An intensive survey of mercury speciation was performed at a site on the Upper St. Lawrence River near Cornwall, Ontario, Canada with a history mercury contamination in sediments. Surface sediments were collected every 1.50 h. Total mercury (Hg_total), methylmercury (MeHg), organic carbon, inorganic and organic sulphur were determined in the solid fraction. Dissolved Hg_total, MeHg and dissolved organic carbon (DOC) were measured in pore waters. Concentrations of Hg_total in the upper layers (first 5 cm) were high, ranging from 1.42 to 25.8 nmol g^?1 in solids and from 125 to 449 pM in pore waters. MeHg levels were also high, ranging from 4.34 to 34.1 pmol g^?1 in solids and from 40 to 96 pM in pore waters. This amounts to up to 1.4% of Hg_total present as MeHg in solids and 64% in pore waters. A daily pattern for Hg_total was observed in the solid fraction. The MeHg distribution in solids and pore waters was not correlated with Hg_total or DOC_, suggesting that the concentrations of MeHg are probably more influenced by the relative rates of methylation/demethylation reactions in the sediment–water interface. Acid volatile sulphide levels and DOC were inversely correlated with organic sulphur (S_org) levels suggesting that both parameters are involved in the rapid production of S_org. A positive correlation was also observed between Hg_total and S_org in solids (R?=?0.87, p?<?0.01) illustrating the importance of organic sulphur in the retention and distribution of Hg in the solid fraction of the sediments. The results suggest that variations of Hg_total concentrations in Upper St. Lawrence River surface sediments were strongly influenced by the formation/deposition/retention of organic sulphur compounds in the sediment–water interface.     

Laboratory-Scale Investigation of Ferrihydrite-Modified Diatomite as a Phosphorus Co-precipitant

The potential of ferrihydrite-modified diatomite as a phosphorus co-precipitant was investigated at a laboratory scale. Ferrihydrite-modified diatomite was demonstrated to effectively remove phosphorus from lake water as well as strongly bind phosphorus in sediment under anoxic conditions. Phosphorus removal from the lake water proceeded primarily through phosphorus adsorption onto ferrihydrite-modified diatomite and further phosphorus consumption by stimulated diatom growth. A total phosphorus removal efficiency of 85% was achieved when lake water was dosed with 250 mg/L ferrihydrite-modified diatomite; the residual total phosphorus concentration was 17.0 µg/L, which falls within the range for oligotrophic phosphorus levels. During a 30-day anoxic incubation period, total phosphorus concentrations in lake water treated with 400, 500, or 600 mg/L of ferrihydrite-modified diatomite slightly decreased and maximum total phosphorus concentrations remained below 15 µg/L. Addition of ferrihydrite-modified diatomite resulted in a marked increase in the iron-bound phosphorus fraction, a pronounced decrease in labile phosphorus and organic-bound phosphorus fractions, and stable aluminum-bound phosphorus, calcium-bound phosphorus, and residual phosphorus fractions in the anoxic sediments. Comparable iron-bound phosphorus concentration in the sediment treated by 400 mg/L of ferrihydrite-modified diatomite relative to that of the sediment treated by the combination of 400 mg/L of ferrihydrite-modified diatomite and alum solution at the concentration less than 532 mg/L indicated that ferrihydrite-modified diatomite exhibited a stable phosphorus-binding capacity when dosed at a similar amount. Ferrihydrite-modified diatomite had the potential to be used as an effective phosphorus co-precipitant.     

Ecotoxicological characterization of sediment cores from the western Baltic Sea (Mecklenburg Bight) using GC–MS and in vitro biotests

Background, aim, and scope

The Mecklenburg Bight (Western Baltic Sea) near Luebeck, Germany was historically used to dump industrial waste at sea and, thus, sediments in some regions are highly polluted at present. While earlier studies identified hot spots of chemical pollution, little is known about biological activities and impacts on exposed marine organisms. This study aimed to assess the pollution in the Mecklenburg Bight to determine the degree of contamination with sediment-bound polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) as well as biological activities.

Materials and methods

Sediment cores with a depth of 30 cm were sampled at a dumping site and at a reference site, sliced in distinct layers, freeze-dried, and processed using the accelerated solvent extraction method. Sediment was characterized measuring total organic carbon (TOC) and soot contents. Concentrations of the 16 EPA-PAHs were determined with chemical analysis (gas chromatography–mass spectroscopy) in each sediment slice and referred to the determined TOC content. Further on, in vitro biotests were applied to determine toxic effects of contaminants in the sediment. The acute neutral red retention assay indicated no specific cytotoxic effects. Arylhydrocarbon receptor (AhR)-mediated activities were measured using the mechanism-specific 7-ethoxyresorufin-O-deethylase induction assay. Both biotests were performed with rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) liver cells (RTL-W1). Analyzed compound concentrations and biological activities were given in toxicological equivalent concentrations (chem- and bio-TEQs) to determine shares of analyzed EPA-PAHs to the overall activity.

Results

TOC and soot contents indicated a significant alteration through the sediment core at the dumping site. EPA-PAH concentrations were referred to TOC and indicated elevated concentrations at the dumping site. Maximum PAH concentrations (14 to 16 cm depth; 5.44 µg/g TOC) were 300-fold increased at the dumping site, compared to the reference site (4 to 6 cm depth; 0.017 µg/g TOC). Cytotoxicity as determined in the neutral red retention assay was elevated in some layers at the dumping site (maximum in 4 to 6 cm depth; NR₅₀?=?14 mg/ml), but not correlated with TOC or soot contents. Ah receptor agonist activities were clearly elevated in highly PAH-loaded layers at both sites. At the dumping site, maximum activities were determined reflected by a bio-TEQ of 223,000 pg/g (19 to 22 cm), in contrast to a bio-TEQ of 41,000 pg/g (6 to 8 cm) at the reference site. Further on, shares of EPA-PAHs to the overall activity were determined and contributed >40% at the dumping site and between 4% and 17% at the reference site. Chem-TEQs were found to exceed bio-TEQs in a depth of 11 to 22 cm, indicating the presence of Ah receptor antagonistic or inhibitive compounds.

Discussion

Sediments from the dumping site were determined to be highly contaminated and caused toxic effects in depths that are known to be influenced by dumping activities. In contrast, the reference sediment indicated only near to surface layers to be minor contaminated. In comparison with highly polluted sediments from other marine sites, the contamination of the dumping site could be ranked as elevated. Chem-TEQs exceeding bio-TEQs in a depth of 11 to 22 cm seem to be caused by AhR antagonistic compounds in the dumped material. Furthermore, particle-bound PAH concentrations assessed in this study were discussed against freely dissolved concentrations in interstitial water, as determined in a different study with the same sediment core.

Conclusions

Sediments in the inner Mecklenburg Bight could be shown to be highly contaminated, at least with PAHs, causing articulate increased Ah receptor-mediated activities. Marine organisms may be exposed to these contaminants, in particular when inhabiting the sediment.

Recommendations and perspectives

Further research activities should extend the range of chemically analyzed pollutants and applied biotests and endpoints. Monitoring should close the gap between analytical methods in the laboratory and the field to determine possible impacts on organisms at site.     

Phosphorus Fractions Transformation in Sediments Before and After Cyanobacterial Bloom: Implications for Reduction of Eutrophication Symptoms in Dam Reservoir

In order to observe the spatial phosphorus (P) fractions transformations in sediments in relation to bacterial abundance and enzyme hydrolysing organic P-alkaline phosphatase (APA), samples from 35 stations from eutrophic Sulejow Reservoir were taken in spring after flood and in summer after cyanobacterial bloom breakdown. The results show pronounced fluctuations: decrease of average total P in sediments, despite organic matter delivery after cyanobacterial bloom, in parallel with increase of labile P (8.3%) and Ca-bounded P (16.6%) fractions and decline of organic P fraction (28.5%). Higher alkaline activity in sediments in the spring delivered nutrients to water column and supported cyanobacterial bloom development during the summer. Positive correlation between APA and organic P (r?=?0.37, p?<?0.01, n?=?70) and negative with labile inorganic P (r?=??0.44, p?<?0.01, n?=?70) in sediments proved significant role of the APA in phosphorus transformation in sediments and internal loading in the reservoir. During summer, APA was significantly related to bacterial number (r?=?0.36, p?<?0.01, n?=?35) and bacterial abundance was correlated to organic matter content (r?=?0.36, p?<?0.01, n?=?35). Such pattern of temporal variations of P transformation in sediments indicates order of solutions for enhancement of recultivation effects of eutrophic dam reservoirs: (1) reduction of organic matter supply in spring and (2) sediment inactivation during summer.     

Transformation of Phosphorus in Forest and Savannah Agro-Ecological Alfisols incubated with Different Phosphorus Fertilizers,in Ekiti state,Southwestern Nigeria

Experiments on incubation with phosphorus (P) changes in two Nigerian Alfisols, were evaluated on the effectiveness of P sources (ground phosphate rock, GRP-9% P, Pace-setter Organo-Mineral Fertilizer (PR-fortified P-S-OM, 11% P and single superphosphate, SSP-7.7% P, for reference). All samples were adjusted to water tension measured at M Ψ w = 0.03 MPa. Changes in applied P were evaluated at 2, 6, 12 and 24 weeks after which data were analyzed using analysis of variance and correlations. Over 24 weeks of incubation, SSP transformed mostly into iron (Fe)-bound P and GPR produced the highest inorganic phosphate ions and transformed largely into the soluble and more chemically stable residual P, in both soils. This fraction, had high and positive correlations (r = 0.69, p < 0.05) with soil properties and constituted a major source and sinks of plant available P. Thus, GPR contributing beneficial effects of residual phosphates.     

Nitrogen and Phosphorus Storage in Contrasting Reaches of a Sub-tropical River System

This study investigated the storage of nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) in the biomass, bed sediments and water column of representative reaches of a sub-tropical river, the upper Brisbane River (UBR), Queensland, Australia, and contrasted instream storage with total wet season exports. In reaches which contained accumulated fine sediments, more than 87% of total P and between 50% and 92% of total N were stored in the surface sediments. The lower proportion of N in sediment at some sites was attributed to substantial differences in the N/P ratios of sediments and macrophytes. At one site, the riverbed was dominated by cobbles and boulders and total nutrient stocks were comparatively low and dominated by the biomass. In reaches with a narrow channel and intact riparian cover, biomass N and P were stored predominately in leaf litter, while in wider unshaded reaches, macrophytes dominated. Total instream storage in the mid to lower reaches of the UBR was ??50.9 T for N and ??18.1 T for P. This was considerably higher than total wet season N (??15.6 T) and P (??2.7 T) exports from the UBR. The first flow event in the river after a prolonged period of no flow resulted in the export of free-floating, emergent species Azolla. The estimated biomass of Azolla in the mid to lower reaches of the river was equivalent to approximately 24% and 9% of the total N and P flux, indicating that this may be a significant, previously unaccounted for, source at peak flow.     

The Size of P Pools in Soils is Affected by Soil Properties and Compost Addition

It is well known that compost amendment can improve soil phosphorus (P) availability, but there are few studies comparing the effect of one compost type on soil P pools of soils which differ in properties. The aim of this glasshouse experiment was to determine the effect of compost (derived from garden waste) application on P pools in soils with different properties planted with wheat. Four soils from two sites were used, with a heavier and a lighter textured soil from each site. The compost was applied as a 2.5 cm thick layer on the soil surface and wheat plants were grown for 63 days. The treatments also included soil without compost and plants. All pots were regularly watered. The soils were sampled on day 0 in the unamended soils and on day 63 in soil without compost and with compost, and plants after removal of the compost layer. Without and with compost the concentrations of most P pools were higher in the two heavier textured soils (16% and 35% clay) than in the two lighter textured soils (8% and 13% clay). Principal component analysis (PCA) showed that the concentrations of most P pools were positively correlated with organic matter, clay, and silt content of the soils. Only the concentration of water-soluble P was positively correlated with sand content. Compost addition increased the concentration of microbial P, sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO₃)-Pi, sodium hydroxide (NaOH)-Pi, hydrochloric acid (HCl)-P, and residual P in all soils, whereas the concentration of NaHCO₃-Po was reduced and the concentration of NaOH-Po little affected by compost addition indicating that P was transferred from the compost layer with watering. Compared with the unamended soil on day 0, the concentrations of microbial P, NaHCO₃-Pi, NaOH-Pi, HCl-P, and residual P on day 63 were higher, whereas the concentrations of the two organic pools (NaHCO₃-Po and NaOH-Po) were lower. This suggests mineralization of organic P pools and formation of inorganic P as well as microbial P uptake. These changes occurred in the unamended and compost-amended soils with greater increases over time in the compost-amended soils. It can be concluded that the size of the P pools is predominately affected by soil texture. Compost amendment increases P availability and microbial P uptake but also leads to the formation of less labile P pools such as HCl-P and residual P which could serve as plant P sources in the long term.     

Elements in water,suspended particulate matter and sediments of the Sava River

Purpose

River ecosystems are under pressure from several different stressors. Among these, inorganic pollutants contribute to multiple stressor situations and the overall degradation of the ecological status of the aquatic environments. The main sources of pollution include different industrial activities, untreated effluents from municipal waste waters and intensive agriculture. In the present study, water, suspended particulate matter (SPM) and sediments of the Sava River were studied in order to assess the pollution status of this river system.

Materials and methods

Sampling was performed during the first sampling campaign of the EU 7th FW funded GLOBAQUA project in September 2014, at 18 selected sampling sites along the Sava River. In 2014, floods predominated from spring to fall. Water samples were collected to determine the total element concentrations, the dissolved (0.45 μm) fraction and element concentrations in SPM. In order to assure comparative results with other river basins, the fraction below 63 μm was analysed in sediments. The extent of pollution was estimated by determination of the total element concentrations and by the identification of the most hazardous highly mobile element fractions (extraction 0.11 mol L^?1 acetic acid) and anthropogenic inputs of elements to sediments (normalization to aluminium (Al) concentration). Concentrations of selected elements were determined by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS).

Results and discussion

Since during sampling campaign the water level was extremely high, water samples contained high amounts of SPM (in general between 80 and 100 mg L^?1). The data of chemical analysis revealed that concentrations of elements in water, SPM and sediments in general increase along the Sava River from its origin to the confluence with the Danube River. Elevated concentrations of chromium (Cr) and nickel (Ni) in SPM and sediments were observed at industrially exposed sites. Concentrations of Cr and Ni in sediments were up to 320 and 250 mg kg^?1, respectively. Nevertheless, these elements were present in sparingly soluble forms and hence did not represent an environmental threat. Phosphorus (P) was found in elevated concentrations (up to 1500 mg kg^?1) at regions with intensive agricultural activities and cities with dense population.

Conclusions

With respect to element concentrations, the pollution of the Sava River is similar to other moderately polluted European rivers. The data from the present study are beneficial for the water management authorities and can contribute to sustainable utilization, management and protection of the Sava River water resources.

     

Dynamics and Characteristics of Fluorescent Dissolved Organic Matter in the Groundwater, River and Lake Water

Fluorescent dissolved organic matters (FDOM) in the groundwater-river-lake environments were investigated using three-dimensional excitation-emission matrix (EEM) and measuring the dissolved organic carbon (DOC), inorganic anions and electric conductivity (EC) in shallow groundwater, river and lake waters. DOC concentrations were high and largely varied in groundwater, 16–328 μM C (mean 109?±?88 μM C), and in river waters, 43–271 μM C (mean 158?±?62 μM C) and were very low in the lake Biwa waters, 89–97 μM C (mean 93?±?2 μM C). The fluorescence properties of EEM showed that the fulvic-like components (peak C, peak A and peak M) were dominated in groundwater and river waters, but protein-like components (peak T) was in lake waters. The peak C was observed at $ {{\text{Ex}}} \mathord{\left/ {\vphantom {{{\text{Ex}}} {{\text{Em}}}}} \right. \kern-0em} {{\text{Em}}} = {320 \pm 9} \mathord{\left/ {\vphantom {{320 \pm 9} {424 \pm 5}}} \right. \kern-0em} {424 \pm 5}\;{\text{nm}} $ in groundwater, and 340?±?5/432?±?4 nm in river waters, but the lake waters detected the two peaks, 347?±?7/441?±?11 nm (peak C) as a minor peak and 304?±?2/421?±?8 nm (peak M) as a major peak. Emission wavelength of peak T was observed to shorten in wavelengths from groundwater to river and then lake waters. Peak T in lake waters showed at shorter in wavelengths (279?±?2/338?±?11 nm) at the middle point of Lake Biwa compared to those of lake shore site (283?±?3/350?±?7 nm). Photo-irradiation experiment on upstream waters suggested the changes in the fluorescence peaks of fulvic acid-like substances in lake waters, which might be caused by photo-degradation. DOC concentration was significantly correlated with inorganic anions and EC in river waters. However, such correlations were not observed in groundwater. Anion concentrations in lake waters were low with respect to DOC concentration. These results showed that the optical and chemical properties of FDOM are characteristically varied among groundwater, river and lake waters, indicating the impacts of environments to various FDOM at the same watershed level.     

Phosphorus losses from two representative small catchments in the Mediterranean part of Spain

Purpose

Information about phosphorus (P) losses from agricultural catchments in Mediterranean environments is scarce. In this work, P losses in overland flow from two representative small Mediterranean catchments, one dominated by Alfisols and the other by Vertisols, were studied.

Materials and methods

At the lowest level of each catchment, overland flow was measured and several runoff samples taken in each runoff event during two growing seasons (2001–2002 and 2002–2003). After centrifugation, total P in sediments and total and molybdate reactive P in supernatant were determined. Different chemical extraction methods were used to quantify the forms of P in soils and sediments.

Results and discussion

Total P losses in the studied catchments ranged between 0.5 and 3.2 kg ha^?1 year^?1, losses higher than 2 kg P ha^?1 being observed in one event. Phosphorus was mainly lost in the sediments, the ratio of total dissolved P to particulate P being higher in the Alfisol than in the Vertisol catchment. Phosphorus concentration in sediments from the Vertisol catchment was similar to that in the source soils, whereas sediments in the Alfisol catchment had 2.1 times more inorganic P and 9 times more organic P (OP) than the source soils. In the latter catchment, there was an enrichment in the more labile inorganic P forms in the sediments relative to the source soils, which corresponds to a relative enrichment in iron (Fe) oxides by a factor of 2.4. Alfisols had lower TP contents and exhibited lower erosion rates than Vertisols in the studied period but they posed a greater environmental risk than the latter soils because their sediments were richer in P and had a higher proportion of P in forms bound to the Fe oxides compared to the source soils—these P forms can be easily released with the onset of reducing conditions at the bottom of waterbodies.

Conclusions

A study of the P enrichment ratios and the dominant P forms in eroded sediments is therefore necessary to predict the impact of P losses from soils on the ecological quality of waterbodies.     

Phosphorus Dynamics in a Small Eutrophic Italian Lake

Phosphorous dynamics within Lake Sirio (NW Italy) were investigated, considering both water and sediments. The total phosphorus (TP) concentration in the water is about 79 μg l^?1 after the winter mixing, that is in homogeneous conditions; then TP content increases up to an average of 360 μg l^?1 in late autumn in the deep hypolimnium (30–45 m). This deep lake portion accounts for only 1/12 of the water volume. Close to the water-sediment interface, TP concentrations up to 530 μg l^?1 are observed. Sediment sampled at depths of 20 and 33 m contains less than 2,000 mg kg^?1 of TP, whereas cores from the deepest sediments (46 m) display TP values of 2,000–4,000 mg kg^?1 at the water-sediment interface, increasing with depth to 16,000 mg kg^?1 at about 60–100 cm. In these deep sediments the main chemical form is the Al–Fe–Mn bound P (about 90% in the high TP cores) and Fe and Mn are also highly enriched (3 and 9 times more than in the shallow sediments respectively). The P–Fe association is confirmed by SEM-EDS and XRD analyses. The vertical distribution of the P content in the water column is consistent with its release from sediments, but in this hypothesis an unrealistic P release rate from 8.1 to 3.0 g m^?2y^?1 was estimated. A more complex model is therefore proposed, involving a process of P concentration in the sediments of the central (deepest) part of the lake, and a short term sediment-water exchange. The TP vertical variability and speciation in the cores suggests a change in the sediment retention capacity, connected to the lake shift to more eutrophic conditions.     

Spatial Distribution and Temporal Trends of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) in Sediments from Lake Maryut, Alexandria, Egypt

Surface and core sediments from Lake Maryut, Egypt, one of the most polluted lakes in Egypt, were analyzed for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) using gas chromatography?Cmass spectrometry. This investigation represents the first extensive study of the distribution and sources of PAHs in sediments from Lake Maryut. The total PAHs concentrations (sum of 39 PAH compounds) in surface sediments varied greatly depending on the sampling location and ranged from 106 to 57,800 ng/g dry weight with a mean concentration of 6,950 ng/g. The most polluted areas are distributed in areas which are mainly influenced by municipal sewage and industrial effluent discharges, suggesting a direct influence of these sources on the pollutant distribution patterns. PAH concentrations were one to two orders of magnitude higher in comparison with those reported for riverine/estuaries systems around the world. Molecular indices, such as pyrogenic index (PI), methylphenanthrenes to phenanthrene ratio, HMW_PAH/LMW_PAH, A-PAHs/P-PAHs, FL/FL?+?PY, BaP/BaP?+?C, IP/IP?+?BgP, and Per/??(penta-aromatics) were calculated to evaluate different hydrocarbon origins and their relative importance. In general, sediments from the main basin and northwest basin of Lake Maryut showed the highest PAH concentrations with petrogenic signatures, indicating major sources of petrogenic PAHs in the city. On the other hand, lower levels of PAHs with a pyrogenic signature were widely recorded in areas that are distant from anthropogenic sources. At other locations, both petrogenic and pyrogenic inputs were significant. The concentrations of perylene relative to the penta-aromatic isomers are dominant especially in locations associated with terrestrial inputs and in the deepest core sediments, indicating diagenetic origin for the presence of perylene. Temporal trends of PAH concentrations in both cores sediments were influenced by input pathways and followed the economic development and the environmental policies of the Egyptian Government in the last 15 years. Finally, PAH levels in sediments were compared with Sediments Quality Guidelines (effects range median?Ceffects range low) for evaluation probable toxic effects on organism. Results suggest an ecotoxicological risk for benthic organisms mainly in the main basin area, where high concentrations of PAHs were found in sediments influenced by anthropogenic activities.     

Phosphorus Release and Equilibrium Dynamics of Canal Sediments within the Everglades Agricultural Area, Florida

High phosphorus (P) in surface drainage water from agricultural and urban runoff is the main cause of eutrophication within aquatic systems in South Florida, including the Everglades. While primary sources of P in drainage canals in the Everglades Agricultural Area (EAA) are from land use application of agricultural chemicals and oxidation of the organic soils, internal sources from canal sediments can also affect overall P status in the water column. In this paper, we evaluate P release and equilibrium dynamics from three conveyance canals within the EAA. Incubation and flux experiments were conducted on intact sediment cores collected from four locations within the Miami, West Palm Beach (WPB), and Ocean canal. After three continuous exchanges, Miami canal sediments reported the highest P release (66?±?37 mg m^?2) compared to WPB (13?±?10 mg m^?2) and Ocean (17?±?11 mg m^?2) canal over 84 days. Overall, the P flux from all three canal sediments was highest during the first exchange. Miami canal sediments showed the highest P flux (2.4?±?1.3 mg m^?2 day^?1) compared to WPB (0.83?±?0.39 mg m^?2?d^?1) and Ocean canal sediments (0.98?±?0.38 mg m^?2 day^?1). Low P release from WPB canal sediments despite having high TP content could be due to carbonate layers distributed throughout the sediment column inhibiting P release. Equilibrium P concentrations estimated from the sediment core experiment corresponded to 0.12?±?0.04 mg L^?1, 0.06?±?0.03 mg L^?1, and 0.08?±?0.03 mg L^?1 for Miami, WPB, and Ocean canal sediments, respectively, indicating Miami canal sediments behave as a source of P, while Ocean and WPB canal sediments are in equilibrium with the water column. Overall, the sediments showed a significant positive correlation between P release and total P (r?=?0.42), Fe_ox (r?=?0.65), and Al_ox (r?=?0.64) content of sediments. The contribution of P from the three main canals sediments within the EAA boundary corresponded to a very small portion of the total P load exiting the EAA. These estimates, however, only take into consideration diffusive fluxes from sediments and no other factors such as canal flow, bioturbation, resuspension, and anaerobic conditions.     

The effect of cultivation on sediment composition and deposition in prairie pothole wetlands

Texture, major nutrient content, and deposition rate of sediments were compared for five prairie pothole wetlands surrounded by native grassland and seven otherwise similar wetlands surrounded by row crop and small grain farmland. Specific differences in the nature of the sedimentation cycle of cultivated and noncultivated watersheds were indicated. Flux of total inorganic material into sediments averaged 80 and 43 mg cm^?2 yr^?1 in cultivated and grassland wetlands, respectively. Cultivated sediments contained significantly higher clay percentages, but lower percentages of silt and sand than grassland sediments. Deposition rates of clay at cultivated sites averaged five times that of grassland locations. Enrichment ratios (the quotient of sediment concentration divided by upland soil concentrations) suggested that sand was selectively retained in equal proportions on uplands in both types of watersheds, that silt was selectively removed (although in different proportions) from uplands in both types of watersheds, and that clay was selectively retained only on grasslands. Total N and organic matter concentrations were significantly higher in both the soils and sediments of grassland watersheds, but there were no differences in total P concentrations with respect to land use. Sediment flux rates for total N and organic matter were similar in the two land use types; however, P was transported at nearly twice the rate to cultivated wetlands. Enrichment ratios indicated that N and P were selectively removed in similar proportions from upland soils in both types of watersheds.     

Nutrient Bioaccumulation in Phragmites australis: Management Tool for Reduction of Pollution in the Mar Menor

We studied nutrient removal by Phragmites australis in the Albujón rambla, the main drainage system that discharges into the Mar Menor, a Mediterranean coastal lagoon of high conservation interest, but highly threatened by point and nonpoint pollution derived from tourism and agricultural activities. We measured aerial biomass and N and P concentrations in both aboveground and belowground tissues of common reed during an annual cycle that included two cutting events and two periods of reed growth (one at the end of summer after cutting and another at the beginning of spring, following their natural cycle). The temporal variation of N and P concentrations was related to the phenology of the plant and cutting events. The maximum nutrient concentrations were recorded in young stems in the initial stages of the autumn growing season (35.86 mg N g^?1 and 2.38 mg P g^?1). The phosphorus dynamics showed evidence of translocation processes related with growth activity, although no evidence of N translocation was found. In November and in summer, when aerial growth ceases because of the hard conditions, the P concentration in rhizomes was higher than in stems, while in spring and in September, the period of maximal growth, the reverse relation was found. The highest total amounts of the two elements in the aboveground biomass (0.54 Tm N ha^?1 and 0.25 Tm P ha^?1) were reached in July, coinciding with the highest biomass (3.72 kg DW m^?2), which then decreased to approximately half in August. Nutrient content in the aboveground tissues was highly dependent on the ammonium and nitrate water concentrations. In addition, the N content was inversely related to the C_org/N of sediments, while the P content was influenced positively by the phosphorous concentration of the water. Common reed of the Albujón rambla corresponds to the assimilation type, adapted to nutrient-rich habitats, which is characterized by a pronounced external N cycle and P internal reserves. Based on the results obtained, we propose a management plan for common reed to help control eutrophication of the Mar Menor lagoon. This would bring forward reed cutting to the beginning of summer, instead of August, coinciding with the time of maximum aerial biomass, greater nutrient retention, and lower risk of strong precipitation.     

Influence of pH on the release and chemical fractionation of heavy metals in sediment from a suburban drainage stream in an arid mine-based oasis

Purpose

The objectives of this study were to explore the influences of pH on the release of Cu, Zn, Cd, Pb, Ni, and Cr in sediments derived from the upstream, middle, and downstream reaches of Dongdagou stream in Gansu Province, Northwest China, and to examine the fractionation changes of heavy metals in the sediments after reaching their release equilibrium under different pH conditions.

Materials and methods

Sediment samples were obtained using a stainless steel grab sampler to collect the uppermost 10 cm of sediment from the channel bed. The pH-dependent release experiment was conducted in the solid-to-liquid ratio of 1:20 at different pH values (2, 4, 6, 8, 10, and 12) at room temperature. The total Cu, Zn, Cd, Pb, Ni, and Cr concentrations in the sediments were digested using an acid digestion mixture (HNO₃ + HF + HClO₄) in an open system. Metal fractionation of selected sediments was obtained using the Tessier sequential extraction procedure. Heavy metal concentrations in the samples were determined using atomic absorption spectrophotometry.

Results and discussion

The mean concentrations of heavy metals in sediments decreased in the following order: Zn (1676.67 mg kg^?1) > Pb (528.65 mg kg^?1) > Cu (391.34 mg kg^?1) > Cr (53.48 mg kg^?1) > Ni (34.27 mg kg^?1) > Cd (11.53 mg kg^?1). Overall, the solubility of Cu, Zn, Cd, Pb, and Ni decreased with increasing pH, and they were strongly released at pH 2. Moreover, the solubility of Cr increased with increasing pH, and its release was highest at pH 12. After reaching the release equilibrium of heavy metals under different pH conditions, the percentages of organic Cu, Zn, Cd, and Fe-Mn oxyhydroxide Pb decreased, compared to their initial fractions. The residual fractions of Ni and Cr were dominant, regardless of pH.

Conclusions

The average concentrations of Cu, Zn, Cd, and Pb in sediments were highly elevated compared with the soil background values in Gansu Province, China. The results of this pH-dependent release experiment showed that the release behaviors of Cu, Zn, Pb, and Cr followed an asymmetric V-shaped pattern, whereas Cd and Ni followed an irregular L-shaped pattern. The changes in the release of heavy metals in sediments were related to their redistribution between chemical fractionations.