Use of a 6-steps microcosm for studying a wastewater discharge in a freshwater ecosystem: a multidisciplinary study

An experimental microcosm has been designed for simulating and studying impacts of a wastewater treatment plant (WTP) discharge on a freshwater/sediment ecosystem. The study was focused on the changes in biodiversity of benthic populations, especially bacteria and oligochaetes. Effluents were discharged in the Saône river, near Lyon (France) from a small treatment plant which treated domestic raw water by an activated sludge process. Freshwater and sediments were sampled in the Saône river upstream of the discharge point and placed in microcosms. Following the WTP discharge, physicochemical parameters of the overlying water column and sediments exhibited only a slight change, as compared to a reference. Characterization of the sediment bacterial populations was conducted with the Biolog and API systems. Strain identification and interpretation of data was difficult using thesetwo systems. Bacterial taxa in the sediments increased slightly below the WTP discharge. Gram negative strains dominated in the effluents, but G+ and G- bacteria were balanced in the sediments. Pseudomonas sp. and Bacillus sp., were the dominant strains. Invertebrate populations indicated an effect of the WTP discharge, with increasing of pollution resistant strains (Tubificidae) and disappearance of pollution intolerant strains such as Limnodrilus udekemianus and Quistadrilus multicoetosus. Taken as a whole, biological parameters indicated an environmental changes despite only slight changes in the physicochemistry of water. This experimental microcosm has proven to be a useful tool for studying impact of wastewater discharge on benthic populations.     

Distribution,risk assessment,and source analysis of heavy metals in sediment of rivers located in the hilly area of southern China

Purpose

River sediment, the important sink and source of heavy metals, can provide critical information for aquatic ecosystem health. Heavy metal pollution has been a serious problem facing river systems worldwide and can adversely affect human beings via the food chain. However, no comprehensive study has been conducted on heavy metal pollution in sediments of river systems in the hilly area of southern China, which plays a key role in water supply and ecosystem balance. This study is aimed at comprehensively studying the pollution status of heavy metals in river sediments in the hilly area of southern China and apportioning sources.

Materials and methods

A total of 39 superficial sediment samples were collected from the upstream, midstream, and downstream of 13 rivers (Xiangjiang River, Zishui River, Yuanjiang River, and Lishui River located in Hunan Province; Ganjiang River, Xinjiang River, Fuhe River, Raohe River), and Xiushui River located in Jiangxi Province; Qiantangjiang River and Oujiang River located in Zhejiang Province; Minjiang River and Jiulongjiang River located in Fujian Province) in the hilly area of southern China. The total concentrations of metals of Mn, Zn, Cr, Co, Ni, Cu, As, Cd, Sb, Pb, and V were analyzed using the inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry method. The pollution status and potential ecological risk were assessed with the geoaccumulation index (I_geo), sediment quality guidelines (SQGs), and potential ecological risk index (RI). The source apportionment of heavy metals was performed by correlation analysis and principle component analysis (PCA).

Results and discussion

Results indicated that Mn, Zn, and Pb concentrations were significantly higher than other metals, especially in the upstream of the Jiulong River and midstream and downstream of the Xiangjiang River. Pollution assessment indicated that Cd pollution of sediments was most serious and that more than 50% of sampling sites were significantly polluted, with a very high potential ecological risk. The rivers in Hunan provinces (HN) were identified as the priority controlled rivers because of the high I_geo and RI index values. Correlation and PCA analysis indicated that Mn, Pb, and Zn originated from natural and mineral exploitation activities; As, V, Ni, and Sb originated from industrial wastewater and mineral-smelting activities; Cu and Co originated from agricultural activities; Cr and Ni originated from natural sources. While the most polluted Cd came from a combination of multiple sources described above.

Conclusions

Results indicated that Cd was the most common heavy metal pollutant, especially in river sediments of Hunan Province. Anthropogenic activities have become the main source of heavy metals in the river sediments of the hilly area of southern China. Special attention should be paid to Cd, and measures must be taken to prevent from further anthropogenic influence on heavy metal pollution.

     

Use of the Sediment Quality Triad to Assess Metal Contamination in Freshwater Superficial Sediments from the Le An River,China

By integrating data on the chemistry, toxicity and benthic community structure, the sediment quality triad was used to evaluate the current situation of superficial sediments from the Le An River. This river has been strongly polluted with large amounts of copper, lead and zinc in waste water discharging from riparian mining and smelting activities. The response of the benthic environment was illustrated by ratio-to-reference (RTR) scale in corresponding triaxial graph. From upstream to downstream, the response intensity of three components showed sectional characteristics. The upstream area was relatively clean due to less disturbance. Within the middle stream area, extreme toxicity and serious deterioration of the benthic community structure could be mainly ascribed to strong acidity in drainage and high concentrations of multiple metals in superficial sediments, especially copper. Because of the river self-purification capability, pollution gradually declined and the sediment quality began to recover downstream. The situation was closely associated to the distribution of major pollution sources, therefore, source control and dredging operation on contaminated sediments in the middle stream area are required urgently.     

丹江口水库水环境变化特点及其改善对策

[目的]探讨南水北调中线工程运行后丹江口库区水环境变化影响因素及其防控对策,为削弱库区污染负荷,确保库区水质安全提供参考。[方法]以丹江口水库周围及上游流域为研究区域,采用前后对比分析法,分析水环境变化特征及其主要影响因素,从而提出保护改善水环境的对策。[结果]水库大坝蓄水后丹江库区水质总体良好但空间差异显著,部分入库支流和库湾局部污染较为严重,氮、磷和重金属元素含量较高。[结论]丹江口库周局部地区水土流失、农村点源污染、农业面源污染及人类活动是影响库区水质的主要原因。针对库区存在的生态环境问题,提出了继续稳定实施退耕还林/还草政策,优化农村产业结构,加强工矿企业排污监管,优化监控站点并加强居民环保意识的保护对策和建议。     

北京市南沙河流域的水污染及治理建议

北京市的南沙河水体已受到严重污染 ,流域内的 3 1处污染源 ,年排放污水总量 5 75 15万t。现有 16处污染源建设了污水处理设施 ,但处理后的污水基本不达标 ,其他 15处污染源的污水未经任何处理就直接排入河中。针对目前南沙河水体污染存在的问题 ,提出了综合治理的建议     

An Integration of Water Physicochemistry,Algal Bioassays,Phytoplankton, and Zooplankton for Ecotoxicological Assessment in a Highly Polluted Lowland River

Results of different approaches potentially useful for the evaluation of water ambient quality were analysed and compared in a small temperate lowland river with mixed diffuse and multiple-point source pollution. The Reconquista River (Buenos Aires Province, Argentina), one of the most polluted watercourses of Latin America, receives agrochemicals as well as domestic and industrial (mostly untreated) effluents. Physical and chemical water variables were determined; unispecies algal bioassays (with Chlorella pyrenoidosa and Scenedesmus acutus) were carried out in laboratory; and density and structure of phyto- and zooplankton were analysed at three sites in four dates (representing a range of likely conditions in the river). A general scheme of association among plankton, bioassays and physical/chemical variables was elaborated, that helped to infer possible control factors in this multi-stressed system. Some empirical methods, but mainly mathematical ones including multivariate techniques (as PCA, cluster analysis), were applied for evaluation of samples. A preliminary selection of indices and attributes as potential indicators of the water river quality was made, and then applied for assay a tentative integrative ordination of samples. The relative best water quality was recorded when-where dissolved oxygen concentration, algal diversity and planktonic crustacean density were higher. The worst water quality corresponded to the lack of cladocerans and lowest crustacean density, and higher: organic and industrial pollution, major nutrients (ammonium and orthophosphates), BOD, hardness, conductivity, algal biomass in bioassays, phytoplankton density (>10 000 ind. mL^-1), dominance of a single algal species (>90%), and rotifer proportion in zooplankton (>85%).     

沣河水污染特征及非点源污染负荷估算分析

沣河流域的主要污染指标为COD、BOD5、NH4+-N等,非点源污染负荷的定量化对流域水污染控制和水环境综合治理意义重大。结合沣河1986-2009年水量、含沙量及水质状况监测数据进行有机污染综合指数及相关分析,并采用平均浓度法对流域的非点源污染负荷和点源污染负荷进行了研究。结果表明:(1)有机污染综合指数(A值)呈抛物线趋势,径流量与沣河水质呈负相关性,含沙量与沣河水质呈正相关性。通过产业结构调整等措施,近年来沣河水质有明显改善;(2)沣河的污染负荷大部分来自降雨径流引起的非点源污染,在沣河水污染中TN的非点源污染负荷比例在56%以上,TP的非点源污染负荷比例在68%以上,NH4+-N的非点源污染负荷比例在63%以上,比重较大,非点源污染对沣河水质的影响不容忽视,而且TP受到的影响相对最大,可通过合理配置水土保持措施,有效防治非点源污染。     

重庆梁滩河表层沉积物氮形态时空特征及影响因素

为研究流域快速城市化背景下浅水河流表层沉积物氮赋存形态时空格局特征及潜在环境风险,选择重庆主城区的梁滩河为研究对象,于2014年12月和2015年6月采集干、支流主要断面水样及表层沉积物样进行分析。结果表明:梁滩河干、支流表层沉积物总氮(TN)含量变化为2.63～8.12 g/kg,离子交换态氮(IEF—N)、弱酸可提取态氮(WAEF—N)、强碱可提取态氮(SAEF—N)和强氧化剂可提取态氮(SOEF—N)含量分别为190～1 764,119～1 139,208～2 039,159～2 829 mg/kg,受流域污染源分布格局影响,沉积物各形态氮含量空间变化幅度均较大;梁滩河沉积物TN、WAEF—N、SAEF—N、SOEF—N含量上游至下游均逐渐降低,而活性最高的IEF—N则在城市河段出现明显峰值,外源污染强度和建设用地面积对不同形态氮的空间变异性具有较高的解释量,表明流域内污染格局及人类活动强度对沉积物氮形态分布具有重要影响;沉积物中可转化态氮(TF—N)含量占TN比例的52.9%～72.3%,且在城市河段IEF—N占比均显著高于非城市段,呈现较高的氮释放风险,表明城市污染进一步促使沉积物氮的活化;大部分断面总氮及各形态氮冬季略高于夏季,但变化幅度不大;统计分析表明,各形态氮之间具有较强的相互转化的联系,而且与水体pH、DO、DOC等环境参数呈显著相关关系,沉积物中氮形态分布特征受外源有机碳输入及水体污染的影响。综上,受流域城市发展过程中形成的不同污染源格局的影响,梁滩河表层沉积物氮形态空间变异性大,特别是城市区河段内源污染风险较大,如何调控内源氮释放是未来治理河流的关键。     

渭河干流陕西段综合治理前后的水质变化与趋势

[目的]讨论渭河干流陕西段综合整治项目启动以来河道水质的变化趋势,检验整治工程的治理成效,为后续河道的污染防治提供一定技术支持。[方法]基于2010—2016年渭河干流陕西段主要监测断面的水质数据进行水质综合评价,应用Mann-Kendall检验法阐述水质变化趋势,运用重标极差分析法(R/S分析法)查明水质的未来变化趋势。[结果]2016年渭河干流陕西段河道水污染已由2010年的重度污染转为轻度污染,劣Ⅴ类水质断面比例减少了58.8%,Ⅳ—Ⅴ类断面比例增加了55.5%,Ⅰ—Ⅲ类断面占比保持平稳;宝鸡市、咸阳市、西安市和渭南市4个出境断面枯水期化学需氧量(COD)、NH3-N浓度普遍高于丰水期,治理后西安市出境断面污染削减最为显著,但是西安市出境断面仍然是4个断面中污染最为严重的断面;4个出境断面NH3-N浓度均呈现高度显著下降趋势且未来持续性较强;咸阳、西安、渭南市出境断面COD浓度呈显著下降趋势,但是未来持续性较弱,宝鸡市出境COD浓度呈不显著上升趋势且会延续。[结论]综合治理后,河道污染程度明显减轻,水质变化明显,但部分断面污染物浓度有上升趋势,需引起特别关注。     

神府─东胜煤田大柳塔矿区水质及其污染评价

本文在野外考察和水质分析的基础上,对神府煤田大柳塔地区水质进行评价,结果表明,乌兰木伦河两岸支沟泉水水质良好,是生活用水的主要水源.活鸡兔沟矿坑水为强矿化度硬水,水化学性质差,这些矿坑水排入河道,是污染河水的因素之一.目前,乌兰木伦河和活鸡兔沟河水污染尚不严重,但河水水质由上游至下游交差.最后,对河水水质污染趋势作了分析和定性预测,并提出控制污染的建议和措施.     

Water quality along the sone river polluted by the orient Paper Mill

Changes in water quality along the Sone River, which is polluted by effluents from the Orient Paper Mills (OPM), Amlai, M.P., India were studied in the present work. The water samples from fifteen stations, covering a distance of about 216 km along the river course were subjected to hierarchical cluster analysis to determine similarity relations with respect to seven water quality parameters. Maximum pollution was observed up to 30 km downstream. Improvement in water quality was registered further downstream due to self-recovery and dilution. The greatest variability was observed between water samples taken at the OPM uptake site and at the effluent mixing point located 2 km downstream. Maximum similarity was found between stations located 2.0 and 2.1 km; 2.3 and 2.5 km; and 2.7 and 3.0 km downstream.     

Partition of Nonylphenol and Related Compounds Among Different Aquatic Compartments in Tiber River (Central Italy)

Nonylphenol (NP), nonylphenol mono- and di-ethoxylate (NP1EO, NP2EO) and bisphenol A (BPA) were determined in water, suspended particulate matter (s.p.m.) and bed sediment collected from the most polluted stretch of Tiber river (Italy) in the neighbourhood of Rome. Analytes were recovered from water samples by solid-phase extraction (SPE) on Si–C₁₈ cartridges and analysed by HPLC with fluorescence detection. Solid samples were extracted by using an aqueous solution of the non-ionic surfactant Tween 80. Results indicated that 2–42% of NP, 9–45% of NP1EO, 11–18% of NP2EO and 4–62% of BPA respectively occurred in the suspended phase. In general, for all compounds a higher affinity for s.p.m. than for bed sediments was observed, reflecting differences in the nature of particles and in their sorption capacity for organic micro-pollutants. The partition of target compounds in river compartments was affected by differences in hydrological conditions between the two sampling campaigns. Run-off from the basin or resuspension/redissolution from sediments was an important source of nonylphenol and bisphenol A during high discharge regimes. Partition coefficients of compounds (log K _oc ) between water and s.p.m. were calculated under stable flow condition. K _oc values, experimentally measured in the river, were higher than those predicted by K _ow , implying that specific chemical interaction could occur in the sorption mechanisms for these group of compounds.     

辽宁省污灌区土壤重金属污染特征与生态风险评价

针对当前污灌区土壤污染研究中存在的问题,提出了一种模糊识别模型评价土壤综合环境质量,并对潜在生态风险指数法进行改进,用以计量重金属潜在生态风险。采用建立的方法对辽宁省污灌区土壤环境质量和重金属潜在生态风险进行了评价,结果显示:Cd是辽宁省污灌区首要重金属污染物,而Hg、Pb、Ni污染较为普遍;重金属的来源主要是灌溉污水和农田施肥;以工业废水为灌溉用水的灌区污染情况比以河水为灌溉用水的灌区污染严重;污灌区重金属元素污染程度大小依次为:Cd>Pb>Ni>Hg>Cu>Cr>As,而重金属潜在生态风险从大到小则依次为:Cd>Hg>Pb>Cu>Ni>As>Cr。总体来看,辽宁省污灌区存在一定程度的重金属污染,且具有较为明显的复合型污染特点,其潜在生态风险超出警戒水平,各灌区应根据各自污染特点和风险等级制定相应的污染防治对策。     

渭河干流陕西段水体中CODMn,NH3-N的时空变化特征

渭河是陕西省的第一大河,然而近年来渭河水体污染严重,阻碍了区域经济的发展。依据1991—2002年渭河水质监测资料,对渭河干流陕西段水质主要污染指标CODMn,NH3-N的时空变化特征及其产生的原因进行了分析研究。(1)渭河陕西段污染严重,其中咸阳铁路桥为CODMn污染最严重的断面;卧龙寺桥、虢镇桥、兴平是NH3-N污染较严重的断面。(2)从90年代以来该流域的污染呈加重的趋势。1996年NH3-N污染最为严重,1995年CODMn最高。(3)造纸企业排放的污水是造成渭河流域CODMn污染的主要污染源;农田大量化肥的施用以及化肥工业废水的排放是造成渭河NH3-N污染的主要原因。     

长江三角洲地区地表水污染的模式与对策

On the basis of field investigations, observations and experimental data combined with environmental monitoring information, the status and the spatial and temporal patterns of surface water pollution over thepast ten years in the Yangtze River Delta have been assessed. The water quality of large rivers is still verygood but most of the medium-sized and small rivers have been very seriously polluted. The appearance of black and odorous conditions in rivers in the urban areas has increased due to serious pollution by organic matter with consequent high oxygen demand. Annual increases in N and P concentrations in lakes haveaccelerated eutrophication. The water quality of rivers in small towns is rapidly deteriorating. The mainsources of surface water pollution include industrial and domestic sewage, animal manures, chemical fertilizersin farmland, and polluted sediments in rivers and lakes.Counter measures against these sources of pollution are presented. Regional laws and regulations for protection of surface waters and their enforcement are urgently required. A regional water environmental management agency should be established. The construction of sewage treatment plants of varying capacity must be accelerated to increase the proportion of sewage treated and to improve the quality of treated effluent. Animal wastes must be recycled effectively and efficiently, and the application rates of fertilizers and manures must be balanced with crop nutrient requirements to prevent diffuse pollution from agriculture. The comprehensive rehabilitation of medium-sized and small rivers should be intensified, and the delimitation and protection of the areas used as sources of drinking water should be strengthened.     

赫章土法炼锌区水-沉积物重金属污染的时空变化特征

对赫章土法炼锌区河流水体和沉积物重金属污染状况及时空变化特征进行了研究。结果表明,水体和沉积物受到多种重金属污染：地表水体中Pb、Zn、Cd的均值分别为137.19×10-3、1 919.38×10-3、14.21×10-3 mg.L-1,分别是地表水环境质量标准Ⅲ类水质标准的2.74、1.91、2.84倍;沉积物中Cu、Pb、Zn和Cd的均值分别为702.79、3 242.8、5 427.6、32.19 mg.kg-1,分别是土壤环境质量标准三级标准的1.76、6.49、10.86、32倍。水体和沉积物中Cu、Pb、Zn和Cd沿河流总体呈无规律性的变化,受炼锌废渣堆和铅锌选矿厂影响的地点,水体和沉积物重金属含量均较高,污染严重。近10年来,炼锌区河流水体和沉积物重金属污染仍然很严重,水体重金属污染呈加重特征,沉积物中Pb、Zn污染呈减轻趋势,Cd和Cu污染则加重。     

Evaluation of Sediment Contamination and Effectiveness of Dredging in Mid-to-lower Han River

The Han River, which is the largest river in Korea, is the primary source of drinking water for the 20 million people that live in the Seoul metropolitan and surrounding areas. The sediments in the river are highly polluted due to pollutant inputs from upstream tributaries as well as from partially treated municipal wastewaters. To characterize the contamination of the sediments, disturbed and undisturbed sediment samples were periodically collected from eight locations of the mid-to-lower Han River. They were analyzed for pH, water content, total solids, ignition loss (IL), total phosphorous (TP), total Kjehldahl nitrogen (TKN), and chemical oxygen demand (COD). The mean values of pollutant concentrations in disturbed sediment were determined to be 6.9% for IL, 1,700 mg/kg for TP, 3,350 mg/kg for TKN, and 65,710 mg/kg for COD. Pollutant concentrations of undisturbed samples were found to decrease with sediment depth and time due to the removal mechanism. Monitoring of pre- and post-dredging conditions was also performed, and the results show that the pollutant concentrations decreased from those for the pre-dredging condition to 33–57% for TP, 51–64% for TKN, and 30–62% for COD. It is concluded that dredging was an effective means to reduce the internal pollutant source.     

The Pollution Load by Nitrogen and Phosphorus in the Cetina River

The objective of the investigations of the Cetina River, located in southern Croatia, was to record specific characteristics and properties of the Cetina waters at nine stations. In addition to measurements undertaken in the Cetina River, the water quality of its most significant springs and tributaries, such as Kosinac, ?ilovka, Studenci and Mala Ruda, Velika Ruda and Grab, has also been measured. The water quality in the Cetina watershed has been evaluated in the following storage reservoirs: Peru?a, Bu?ko Blato and Pran?evi?i. The nitrogen compounds and phosphorus concentrations have been estimated at all these sampling sites over a 3-year period (2005–2008). Concentration levels at the Cetina-Vinali? sampling site for total N (from August 2005 to December 2008) ranged from 0 to 1.759 mg/L, for NH₃–N from 0 to 0.374 mg/L, for NO₃–N from 0.063 to 0.916 mg/L and for PO₄–P from 0 to 0.099 mg/L. The results prove that the Cetina-Vinali? sampling site is not polluted by nitrogen and phosphorus compounds. The river section from Trilj to the Pran?evi?i dam, where the water is used for the water supply of Omi?, Makarska and Dalmatian islands, has been polluted by wastewater because the majority of agricultural area, roads, industry and settlements are located upstream of it. The highest concentration for total N of 1.128 mg/L and of 1,527 total coliforms in 100 mL, expressed as a mean value for a 3-year period of investigations, was found at the sampling site Trilj. The results of concentration changes at the ?ikotina La?a and Cetina Radmanove Mlinice sampling sites show no regularities. The highest concentration for total N of 0.941 mg/L was measured at the Cetina Radmanove Mlinice during 2007. The highest concentration for NO₃–N of 0.916 mg/L was measured at the same sampling site. According to the investigations of the water quality of the Cetina springs and tributaries, the bacteriological most polluted river spring is Kosinac, and the bacteriological most polluted river tributary is Grab. With reference to the water quality in the Cetina storage reservoirs, it may be concluded that the lowest quality standard has been found within the Pran?evi?i storage reservoir regarding nitrogen compounds and phosphorus concentration levels.     

Advanced Oxidation Processes for Wastewater Treatment: State of the Art

The protection and conservation of natural resources is one of the main priorities of modern society. Water is perhaps our most valuable resource, and thus should be recycled. Many of the current recycling techniques for polluted water only concentrate the pollutant without degrading it or eliminating it. In this sense, advanced oxidation processes are possibly one of the most effective methods for the treatment of wastewater containing organic products (effluents from chemical and agrochemical industries, the textile industry, paints, dyes, etc.). More conventional techniques cannot be used to treat such compounds because of their high chemical stability and/or low biodegradability. This article describes, classifies, and analyzes different types of advanced oxidation processes and their application to the treatment of polluted wastewater.     

Application of Reclaimed Wastewater in the Irrigation of Rosebushes

The use of reclaimed wastewater in agriculture can be a solution for regions with water shortages or low rainfall periods; besides fulfilling the crop's water needs, it would also promote the recycle of nutrients. However, care should be taken regarding soil salinization, especially in closed environments such as greenhouses for the cultivation of ornamental plants. The domestic effluents are rich in sodium which can accumulate on soil and cause soil sealing. This study evaluated the use of effluents from anaerobic filters and intermittent sand filters in the production of rosebushes (Rosa hybrida “Ambiance”). The crop yield of the rosebushes irrigated with reclaimed wastewater exceeded the one obtained with traditional cultivation, reaching a value 31.8 % higher when employing nitrified effluent originated from intermittent sand filters, with no difference in the product quality. The salinity levels are below the critical limits found in the literature; however, there was a significant increase compared to the irrigation with drinking water.