Vertical Distribution and Fate of Trace Metals and Persistent Organic Pollutants in Sediments of the Seine and Marne Rivers (France)

Trace metals: Cd, Cu, Cr, Ni, Pb and Zn and persistent organicpollutants: polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and polychlorobiphenyls (PCBs) were investigated in a fraction ofsediments characterized by a granulometry < 200 μm. Coresfrom 17 to 54 cm depth, were collected at two sites of theSeine river upstream (Port à l'Anglais) and downstream (Saint-Cloud) from Paris and at one site of the Marne river (Saint-Maurice). Marne river sediments displayed higher Cu andPb levels than those of the Seine river. Except for Cd and Cr,contents did not vary notably in the Seine river sediments.Metal contents, except Pb, were significantly correlated withthe sediment fraction which granulometry is < 50 μm,particularly at Port à l'Anglais (p < 0.001). Correlationcoefficients between Cr, Cu, Ni and Zn contents and clayfractions of the cores ranged from 0.85 to 0.99 at both sitesof the Seine river. PCB levels varied widely, ranging from 27to 689 μg kg^-1 and were highly correlated with bothsediment fraction < 50μm and particulate organic carbon(POC) ratio. PAH levels ranged from 2.30 to 41.3 μg g^-1 and displayed the highest values close to dams; theyshowed no correlations with sediment fraction < 50 μm and POC.     

Analysis of the distribution of some polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in sediments and suspended matter in the River Seine (France)

Sixteen EPA chosen polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) were studied in the sediments and the suspended matter of the River Seine to determine existing pollution. Analyses were carried out by HPLC with coupled fluorimetric and UV detectors. PAH contents were found to be highly variable depending on many factors such as anthropogenic activities, weather and flow rate of the river, and occasionally they rose to alarming levels. Contents of 16 PAH ranged from 1.5 to 7.4 μg g^?1 in the sediments, but a peak at 60.7 μg g^?1. In the suspended matter the contents were usually below 10 μg g^?1. From these results and taking into account the mean content of suspended matter in the river downstream from Paris, the total adsorbed PAH concentration in the river Seine should be about 60 ng l^?1. Evidence has been established that storm drain discharges are a major source of pollution.     

On the use of tree leaves as bioindicators of the contamination of air by organochlorines in France

The possibility of using leaves from plane trees (Platanus vulgaris S.) as bioindicators of the pollution of air by organochlorines has been studied in Paris, the Paris region and throughout France. Extracts were obtained by mechanical shaking and analyzed by capillary column gas chromatography. Inter- and intraspecific variations in the concentrations of polychlorinated biphenyls are seen to show a factor 3. In these conditions contents throughout France can be considered homogeneous. This type of biomonitoring would then appear to be capable of discerning, on a continental scale, variations of a factor 10 in atmospheric concentrations. Air/leaf bioconcentration factors are around 10⁵ for PCBs and 10⁴ for lindane.     

Seasonal cycle of polychlorinated biphenyls in the waters of the catchment basin of the river seine (France)

In an attempt to explain the origin of Polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) pollution peaks exceeding 1000 ng L^?1 in the River Seine, their concentrations have been studied in relation to the flow rate and the solid load. Longitudinal profiles of the River Seine and two of its tributaries, the Marne and the Orge, show that the PCB concentration in these rivers follows a seasonal rhythm, depending on how much leaching occurs. Indeed leaching is the main cause of the concentrations above 200 ng L^?1 observed at high water, both in rural and urban zones. When investigating floods in the sewerage network and the rivers, the PCB concentrations are usually seen to follow the flow rate. PCB and suspended matter concentrations vary in the same way during flood time, though when comparing the distribution of PCBs in the aqueous phase and the solid load, scarcely any connection is seen between PCB transport and the solid load. Thus during flood time in the Seine at Paris, PCB transport remains under the control of the soluble phase (75%). We have been unable to establish a link between the hydric conditions and the PCB spectrum in the river waters.     

Fate of Heavy Metals in an Urban Natural Wetland: The Nyabugogo Swamp (Rwanda)

The Nyabugogo natural wetland (Kigali City, Rwanda) receives all kinds of untreated wastewaters, including those from industrial areas. This study monitored heavy metal concentrations (Cd, Cr, Cu, Pb, and Zn) in all environmental compartments of the swamp: water and sediment, the dominant plant species Cyperus papyrus, and fish (Clarias sp. and Oreochromis sp.) and Oligochaetes. Cr, Cu, and Zn concentrations in the water were generally below the WHO (2008) drinking water standards, whereas Cd and Pb were consistently above these limits. Except Cd, all metal concentrations were below the threshold levels for irrigation. The highest metal accumulation occurred in the sediment with up to 4.2 mg/kg for Cd, 68 mg/kg for Cu, 58.3 mg/kg for Pb, and 188.0 mg/kg for Zn, followed by accumulation in the roots of C. papyrus with up to 4.2 mg/kg for Cd, 45.8 mg/kg for Cr, 29.7 mg/kg for Cu, and 56.1 mg/kg for Pb. Except Cu and Zn, other heavy metal (Cd, Cr, and Pb) concentrations were high in Clarias sp., Oreochromis sp., and Oligochaetes. Therefore, there is a human health concern for people using water and products from the swamp.     

Relationship between biological parameters and bioaccumulation of some organochlorines (pesticides,PCB) by fishes in the River Seine (France)

The accumulation of organochlorine compounds (α, β and γ HCH, HCB, pp'DDE pp'DDT and polychlorobiphenyls) by fishes of two different species, the Roach (Rutilus rutilus) and the Perch (Perca fluviatilis), predator of the Roach, have been studied at two stations situated on the catchment basin of the Seine. Only polychlorobiphenyls show high contents in these fishes. The polychlorobiphenyl compositions of these organisms correspond to those found in most environments. There is no systematic relationship between the bioconcentration and the size of the fish. The reproductive cycle appears to have a significant impact on the organochlorine contents. Moreover, the extent of PCB amplification with trophic level depends partly on the mode of expression of their contents, related either to body weight or to lipid weight. Thus the PCB body contents in the Perch are slightly higher than in the Roach, whereas, regarding lipid weight, the contents are twice as high as in the predator species. In the Roach, body contents of micropollutants are only two six times higher than in Molluscs (Anodonta cygnea, Vivipara vivipara). The Roach and the zebra mussel show important differences in the PCB composition, whereas there are none between the Perch and the Roach; in the latter species, they do not seem to change with age.     

Bioconcentration factors for metals in humic waters at different pH in the Rönnskär area (N. Sweden)

The metal content of bryophytes (Fontinalis antipyretica), invertebrates (Asellus aquaticus, Sialis lutaria, Libellulidae) and fish (Perca fluviatilis, Esux lucius) was measured along an aquatic concentration gradient of Zn, Cu, Cd, Pb, As, Hg, generated by air emissions from the Rönnskär smelters. The separation of pH effects on metal uptake, was facilitated by metal and pH vectors being mostly well separated from each others. The interpretation was facilitated by seasonal small variations in water metal content, which improved the calculation of bioconcentration factors (BCF) as a strict measure of bioavailability. It was found that BCF varied as function of element and taxon. When pH decreased, BCF also did so for Zn, Cd, Ni, Co in bryophytes, while BCF increased for Pb, Cu in in fish. We conclude and agree that one-sided focusing on total concentrations may overlook shifts in speciation due to pH in moderately acidified waters for elements like Cu and Pb.     

A field study of cadmium dynamics in periphyton and in Hyalella azteca (crustacea: amphipoda)

We studied the dynamics of Cd uptake and depuration in epilithic periphyton and in the grazing amphipod Hyalella azteca. Both stable Cd, sufficient to achieve an aqueous concentration of 90 ng L^?1, and its radiotracer ¹⁰⁹Cd, were added during 1987 to the epilimnion of oligotrophic Lake 382 of the Experimental Lakes Area in northwestern Ontario. Cadmium dynamics within both periphyton and Hyalella were rapid, with equilibrium being approached within two weeks. For periphyton, the Cd uptake rate constant (K _uw ) was 3.8×10⁴ d^?1 with a depuration rate of 0.29 d^?1. For Hyalella the depuration rate was 0.36 d^?1, 10% due to growth dilution and 90% to excretion or desorption. The total Cd uptake rate (k _ut ) by Hyalella was 6.1×10⁴ d^?1, with more of the uptake (58%) derived from food (periphyton) than from water. Hyalella assimilated 80% of ingested Cd. Steady-state bioconcentration factors (BCF) were at least 10-fold higher than previously published values for Amphipoda. In periphyton and Hyalella the BCF were 1.2×10⁵ and 3.2×10⁵, respectively.     

Efficient Purification of Heavy-Metal-Contaminated Water by Microalgae-Activated Pine Bark

Batch experiments were performed to study metal sorption by pine bark and algae-treated bark. The biosorption of copper (Cu), lead (Pb), zinc (Zn), cadmium (Cd), cobalt (Co), and nickel (Ni) in synthetic multimetal aqueous solutions was studied as a function of metal content in solution, and amount and size of bark particles used for sorption. Influence of water hardness (Ca²⁺ only was tested) on the metal sorption process was also evaluated. Metal uptake from solutions with high heavy metal content (i.e. 10× the limit for leachate from landfills) was found to be independent of Ca²⁺ concentration. At low metal content in solution (i.e. 1× the limit for leachate from landfills), uptake of Cu, Zn, Ni, and Cd decreased with increasing Ca²⁺ content in water. Microalgae-treated bark was found to increase the metal sorption efficiency. Air-drying of bark-entrapped algae was shown to be the best method for sorbent drying. In general, the green algae, Chlorella sp. and Pseudokirchneriella subcapitata showed the best results in metal uptake. Sorption of Co, Zn, Ni, and Cd from solution with high levels of both heavy metals and calcium increased by almost 50% with algae treatment of bark was applied. At low levels of metals and calcium content, 100% uptake of Cu and Pb in water was observed. Uptake of other metals from solution with low metal and Ca content was relatively high (50–60%). Low pH (pH 3.0) had no influence on metal sorption from solutions with high metal content. For solutions with low metal content a decrease of metal uptake by 10–15% was observed for all the metals but Pb. Thus, the treatment of bark with microalgae was successful and influenced positively the uptake capacity of the bark.     

Can We Use Zebra and Quagga Mussels for Biomonitoring Contaminants in the Niagara River?

We compared contaminants in zebra and quagga mussels (Dreissena polymorpha and Dreissena bugensis) of two different size classes from sites within the Niagara River to determine if the two species and two size classes can be used to monitor contaminants. Composite samples (i.e., at least 50 individuals) were analysed for 7 trace metals, total PCBs, selected organochlorine pesticides, chlorinated benzenes, and dioxins and furans. ANOVAs and MANOVAs showed that metal tissue concentrations varied significantly among sites, species, and size classes (P < 0.05). At sites where metal concentrations differed between species, zebra mussels had higher concentrations than quagga mussels. Similarly, larger mussels (i.e., 16–25 mm) generally had higher tissue concentrations than smaller mussels (<15 mm length). However, differences in tissue concentrations between size classes were present only for Cd, Cu and Mn and were infrequent, making these results inconclusive. For organic contaminants ANCOVAs and MANCOVAs using lipid concentration as a covariate revealed significant differences in tissue concentrations between the three sites, whereas differences between size classes were modest (P = 0.035). The ANOVA using individual parameters did not show a significant difference in tissue concentrations between the two size classes. In general, mussel tissue concentrations among stations (up to 7 stations throughout the river), were similar for Pb, Zn, Hg and Ni using data separated by species and size class. Concentrations of Cu, Mn and Cd were variable throughout the upper and lower Niagara. Tissue concentrations of α-BHC, 1,2,3 and 1,2,4 trichlorobenzene were similar in quagga mussels collected from 8 stations from the Canadian and American side of the river, whereas concentrations of total PCBs, octachlorostyrene, 1,2,3,4-tetrachlorobenzene, pentachlorobenzene and hexachlorobenzene were higher in quagga mussels from the American side of the upper river.     

Atmospheric pollution and fallout by PCBS and organochlorine pesticides (Ile-De-France)

Air pollution and atmospheric deposition by PCBs and organochlorine pesticides (isomers of HCH and p,p′-DDE) were studied at Paris from January 1986 to June 1987. The deposition measured as total (wet plus dry) was also followed during 1986 on two suburban and two rural sites. The distribution of the pollutants between the vapor phase and aerosols was evaluated by sampling air through a glass microfiber filter connected to a Tenax resin cartridge. The study shows that in the atmosphere as in waters of the catchment area of the Seine river, PCBs are the main organochlorine pollutants. Pollution by OCL is of the same order as the one described in literature (mean γ-HCH concentration 1.4 ng m^?3) while PCB concentrations in the atmosphere are equal to or higher than those observed in USA and Europe (range 5 to 44 ng m^?3). On the average, 93% of the PCBs are in the vapor phase with a composition approximating Aroclor 1242. In aerosols and precipitations the composition is closely related to Aroclor 1254. The total fallout for 1986 was 40 μg m^?2 for PCBs and 20 μg m^?2 for γ-HCH, rainfall being 611 mm.     

黄河中游河道生态环境需水量研究

河流生态环境需水量作为维持河流生态系统功能的重要因素已成为当前研究的热点问题之一.本文在探讨河流系统生态环境需水量内涵的基础上,系统阐述了生态环境需水各分项的计算方法,并以黄河中游为例,针对该区的实际情况,采用蒙大拿法、最小月平均流量法、最大月平均含沙量法等计算研究区主要支流的生态环境需水量.计算结果表明,黄河中游生态环境需水量为47.356亿m3,输沙需水量为40.666亿m3,水面蒸发需水量为10.314亿m3.窟野河、无定河、汾河、泾河、北洛河、渭河、伊洛河和沁河的河道生态环境需水总量分别为2.071亿m3、3.393亿m3、10.143亿m3、8.699亿m3、3.575亿m3、34.601亿m3、6.481亿m3和2.505亿m3.由于黄河中游并非一个独立的河流系统,与上、下游有着密切的水利联系,难以确定黄河中游河道生态环境需水总量,有待进一步探讨和研究.     

Impact of Acid Mine Drainage (AMD) on Water Quality, Stream Sediments and Periphytic Diatom Communities in the Surrounding Streams of Aljustrel Mining Area (Portugal)

Aljustrel mining area is located in the Iberian Pyrite Belt, one of the greatest concentrations of massive sulphide deposits that extends from Lousal (Portugal) to Aznalcóllar (Spain). The surrounding streams, Roxo, Água Azeda and Água Forte, are influenced by the erosion of the tailing deposits and the input of acid mine drainage (AMD) from the abandoned Aljustrel pyrite mines, recently reopened in 2007. The purpose of this study was to understand how these adverse conditions influenced the stream sediments, water quality and periphytic diatom communities and establish the pre-restoration local conditions to judge the success of rehabilitation program now under way. For stream sediments, the highest metal concentration samples were found at sites F, G and H. Arsenic, Cu, Fe, Pb and Sb detected concentrations, generally exceeded the probable effect concentration values reaching level 4: the highest toxicity level. In surficial water samples of AMD affected sites (F, G and H), low pH values (1.5 to 3.5) and high metal concentrations of As (6,837 μg L^?1), Cd (455 μg L^?1), Cu (68,795 μg L^?1), Fe (1,262,000 μg L^?1), Mn (19,451 μg L^?1), Pb (136 μg L^?1), and Zn (264,377 μg L^?1) were found. In these sites, the diversity index (H′) for diatoms was low (0.6 to 2.8) and the dominant taxa were Eunotia exigua (site F, 33.5%) and Pinnularia acoricola (abundances in sites: F, 86.8%; G, 88.5%; and H, 91.1%). In opposition, in less AMD impacted, H′ was high (1.5 to 4.6) and low metal concentrations and high pH were found. Achnanthidium minutissimum was the dominant taxon in (abundances in sites: A, 76.1% and B, 24.39%). Canonical correspondence analysis showed that spatial variation due to mine influence was more important than seasonal variation, which did not show any pattern.     

Mining Impacts on Trace Metal Content of Water,Soil, and Stream Sediments in the Hei River Basin,China

The impacts of mining to watersheds are highly variabledepending on the type of mining, processing of ores, andenvironmental factors. This study examined the Hei River incentral China, for impacts of gold and iron mining onconcentrations of metals in river water, river sediments andstream-channel soils. No production processing of ores occurson-site at either mine. Total metal content and extractablemetals using DTPA were determined. Total concentrations of Cd,Cu, Pb and Zn were high in some stream sediments and soils nearthe mine sites; metal concentrations ranged from 4–24, 11–100,11–380, and 33–1600 μg g^-1 for Cd, Cu, Pb, and Zn,respectively, in soil. Total cadmium was high in all soilsand sediments. Extractable metals were low, with the exceptionof Pb and Cu. At the gold mine, extractable Pb ranged from 8 to33%; extractable Cu ranged from 3 to 21% of total metalconcentration. Chromium and Ni were not above typicalconcentrations in either soils or river sediments. An abundance of carbonates, high river water pH, and high water flow rates all appear to contribute to limiting quantities of metals in the river water. If mining activities are not changed, impacts of mining on downstream metal concentrations in river water should be nominal.     

Atmospheric bulk deposition of trace metals to the Seine river Basin, France: concentrations, sources and evolution from 1988 to 2001 in Paris

Concentrations of Cd, Cu, Ni, Pb and Zn were determined in bulk atmospheric deposition collected at five stations in the Seine River basin (France), to evaluate sources and fluxes of atmospheric trace metals. Bulk deposition (wet + dry) was sampled weekly from March 2001 to February 2002 for 4 sites and from March to December 2001 for the last one. The concentrations of the elements in bulk deposition (dissolved + particulate form) followed the order: Zn > Pb > Cu > Ni > Cd. Concentrations of Zn, Pb and Ni were highly correlated with one another, suggesting a common source, related to the combustion of coal and heavy fuel. Metal concentrations in bulk deposition did not exhibit a high degree of temporal variability over the annual cycle and were not obviously related to meteorological parameters (rainfall, wind). Estimates of the total annual direct atmospheric deposition of metals to the Seine Estuary ranged from 16 kg yr^{? 1} for Cd to 5600 kg yr^{? 1} for Zn. Loadings of Cd, Cu and Ni from direct atmospheric inputs were less than 1% of those contributed by the Seine River and loadings of Pb and Zn represented 1.27% and 1.56% of the Seine contribution. Direct atmospheric inputs are negligible compared to fluvial inputs, but the indirect atmospheric deposition to the estuary was not estimated. Based on these results, trace metal concentrations in Paris have decreased by a factor of 4.6 for Zn and by a factor of 50 for Ni from 1988 to 2001. Of particular interest is the continued decrease in bulk deposition of Pb during this period, underlining the impact of policy initiatives concerning the reduction of lead on emissions in France.     

Accumulation and potential sources of heavy metals in soils of the Hetao area, Inner Mongolia, China

Soil contamination by heavy metals is a problem in agricultural irrigation systems.To assess the accumulation and sources of heavy metals in the Yongji irrigation district of the Hetao area,Inner Mongolia,China,195 soil samples from 39 sites(0–100 cm)were collected,and Zn,Cu,Pb,Cr,and Cd concentrations were analyzed.The mean concentrations were 107.17,32.48,12.31,53.53,and 0.22 mg kg-1,respectively,with no significant differences between soil depths(P>0.05).Concentrations of Zn,Cu,and Cd were higher than the background levels,with moderate accumulation;the contamination factor(CF)values were 1.9,1.7,and 1.9,respectively,and the geoaccumulation index(Igeo)was>0.Concentrations of Pb and Cr were lower than,or close to,the background levels(CF<1,Igeo<0),indicating that they originated from a natural source.The monomial potential ecological risk index(Eri)for Zn,Cu,Pb,and Cr was low;Eri for Cd was 55.73,implying a moderate risk.The grade of potential ecological risk index of the five heavy metals(RI)was low,declining from south to north.The studied soils were contaminated with Zn,Cu,and Cd;principal component(PC)analysis implicated the enrichment of Cd and partial Cu(high loading in PC 2)was related to agricultural activities;Zn and partial Cu,closely associated with PC 3,may have originated from irrigation water from the Yellow River.Future agricultural development should focus on fertilizer and pesticide application and the quality of irrigation water.     

Trophic Modifications in Lake Como (N. Italy) caused by the Zebra Mussel (Dreissena Polymorpha)

A large scale study on the western basin of Lake Como (N. Italy) was started in 1995 to examine the effects of the zebra mussel colonization which began in early '90. Our results have been related to '91–92 data (pre-Dreissena period), before the maximum colonization of zebra mussel. In spring and summer of the post-Dreissena period total phosphorus, P-PO₄, nitrate and chlorophyll values decreased, while ammonium and tranparency increased at every sampling station. Zebra mussel does not modify the trophic state of this sub-basin but it plays an important role in nutrient cycling. The entire population can filter epilimnetic craters 2.1 times per year and can produce 2.9 × 10⁴ t y of pseudofaeces which are transferred to sediments.     

Organochlorine Compounds (pesticides and PCBs) in Scats of the European Otter (Lutra lutra) from an Actual Expanding Population in Central France

Scats of the European otter (Lutra lutra) were sampled along the Allier river (France) catchment for organochlorine toxic compounds (nine pesticides and 16 PCBs congeners) measurement. From early 2004 to June 2005, 90 sites of 40 rivers were twice investigated, and 71 scats samples collected, in four geographical areas being naturally re-colonized by the species since its legal protection. Detectable pesticides and PCBs were found in 100% of the samples. Mean values reached 2.72 and 13.58 mg kg^?1 (lipid weight) for pesticides and PCBs, respectively. Amounts were significantly different between the four areas investigated. A significant increase in medium and absolute values is noted by going downstream of the catchment. Potential medium- and long-term consequences on the observed population increase are discussed.     

Effects of a chromated-copper-arsenate wood preservative on the growth of a pentachlorophenol degrading bacterium

A chromated-copper-arsenate (CCA) wood preservative was tested for toxic effects on the growth of a bacterial culture (Flavobactenum sp. ATCC 53874) capable of biodegrading pentachlorophenol, another wood preservation chemical. Both a commercially available CCA preparation and a laboratory-prepared CCA solution were tested. Each had an inhibitory effect on the growth of Flavobacterium at diluted CCA levels as low as 1.0×10^?4 to 1.0×10^?5% wt vol^?1. The commercial formulation was generally more toxic. EC₅₀ values calculated after 96 hr of incubation were 1.2 ×10^?4% wt vol^?1 for the commercial material (containing 0.15/0.097/0.14 μg mL^?1 of Cr/Cu/As, respectively) and 3.8×10^?4% for the laboratory solution (containing 0.51/0.31/0.49 μg mL^?1 of Cr/Cu/As, respectively). CCA toxicity increased during the first 7 to 8 days and then slowly decreased for the balance of the 21 day incubation period. Biodegradation of pentachlorophenol residues in contaminated soil will be negatively affected by the presence of CCA as a co-contaminant.     

Heavy Metal Content of Plant Species along Nilüfer Stream in Industrialized Bursa City, Turkey

The Paraíba do Sul river is located in one of the most developed part of Brazil and receives many organic and industrial effluents directly affecting the ichthyofauna. Concentration of four heavy metals (Cu, Cr, Zn and Pb) were determined in two tissues (muscle and gonads) of three abundant fish species from different trophic levels (Oligosarcus hepsetus—carnivore, Geophagus brasiliensis—omnivore and Hypostomus luetkeni—detritivore) between November 2002 and April 2003. The aim was to test the hypothesis that the trophic level and the proximity from impacted areas influence levels of contamination and to assess if these species are indicators of large-scale habitat quality. Levels of heavy metals were detected by Total Reflection X-ray Fluorescence with Synchrotron Radiation (SR-TXRF) at the Brazilian National Synchrotron Radiation Laboratory (LNLS). Generally, gonads showed higher metal concentration than muscles, except for Cr. All examined metals, but Cu, exceeded the maximum permitted concentration (mpc) by the Brazilian legislation for human consumption in at least one tissue. O. hepsetus (carnivore) showed the highest contamination levels, followed by G. brasiliensis (omnivore) and H. luetkeni (detritivore). The middle-upper segment, which encompasses large urban areas, showed the highest levels of metal contamination in most cases. O. hepsetus showed the highest levels of contamination in muscles for Pb in the middle-upper river segment (7.98?±?3.73; mpc?=?2.0 μg g^?1) and for Cr in the upper (5.53?±?0.05; mpc?=?0.10 μg g^?1) and middle-upper (4.20?±?0.85; mpc?=?0.10 μg g^?1) segments, which indicates that human population should avoid to consume these fishes species from these segments of the Paraíba do Sul river.