Distribution of rare earth elements in the estuarine and coastal sediments of the Daliao River System, China

The Daliao River System (DRS) estuary in Liaodong Bay features a highly industrial, urbanized, and agricultural catchment. The objective of this study was to determine the content, behavior, and distribution of the rare earth elements (REEs) in the estuarine and coastal sediments. To this end, 35 sediment samples were collected from the estuarine and coastal area and analyzed for REEs, Fe, Al, and Mn. The mean concentrations in mg kg^?1 of the sediments were 33.4 (La), 64.1 (Ce), 7.9 (Pr), 29.0 (Nd), 5.4 (Sm), 1.2 (Eu), 4.2 (Gd), 0.78 (Tb), 4.0 (Dy), 0.84 (Ho), 2.3 (Er), 0.40 (Tm), 2.3 (Yb), and 0.37 (Lu). The REE concentrations in the sediments were significantly correlated with one another (r ²  = 0.959–0.988) and the concentrations of Fe, Al, and Mn (r ²  = 0.768–0.870). The total concentration ∑REE ranged from 73.5 to 203.5 mg kg^?1, with an average of 156.0 mg kg^?1 being observed, and generally higher in the estuarine sediments than in the coastal sediments, most likely due to the salt-induced coagulation of river colloids and subsequently their accumulation at the estuarine bottom. The ratio of light REEs (∑LREE) to heavy REEs (∑HREE) was 9.4. Chondrite-normalized REE distributions were observed to be similar for the estuarine and coastal sediments, riverine suspended particles, and watershed soils of the DRS with higher LRRE enrichment than HREE and greater Eu depletion than Ce depletion. These results demonstrate that neither geochemical processes that carry soils to estuarine sediments nor long-term industrial and agricultural activities alter the distribution or fractionation of the REEs in the study area.     

Sediment Methyl and Total Mercury Concentrations Along the Georgia and Louisiana Inner Shelf,USA

Abstract

There is a paucity of information of the distribution of mercury (Hg) in continental-shelf sediments. On average, total Hg concentrations were four times greater along the Louisiana (LA) shelf than along the Georgia (GA) shelf. Methyl Hg was only twice as great in the LA coastal sediments than in GA sediments. Methyl Hg was correlated with organic matter in sandy GA sediments, whereas it was correlated with total Hg in the LA sediments. Therefore, using single-sediment characteristics to extrapolate methyl Hg concentrations between geographical locations may not be accurate. Site- and sediment-specific calibrations of models are required to more accurately predict the extent of Hg methylation.     

Effect of chloride on heavy metal mobility of harbour sediments

To evaluate the environmental impact of polluted sediments, several operationally defined sequential extraction procedures (SEPs) have been described. Salinity has long been recognised as an important variable determining the physicochemical behaviour of heavy metals in marine sediments. Thus, in the present paper, the modified BCR-SEP has been applied to harbour sediments in order to assess to what extent trace metal mobility (Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb and Zn) could be influenced by chloride content in sediments. For this, washed (W) and non-washed (NW) sediments were compared. The relative mobility order observed for the six trace metals studied was not seen to be influenced by the presence of chloride in the sediments, but an increase of mobility was observed for Cd and Zn (the most mobile metals) when chloride was present in the sediments. Characterisation of the sediments and of the pseudo-total metal contents by means of an aqua regia extraction was also assessed.     

The226Ra/Ba-ratio as indicator for phosphogypsum contributions to226Ra levels in sediments

Phosphogypsum discharges by phosphate-ore processing industries pollute sediments of the Rotterdam harbour area with²²⁶Ra. Direct measurement of this radionuclide in sediments does not provide a reliable indication of the elevation of the levels, since²²⁶Ra levels in sediments depend on the particle size. To eliminate the size effect, the²²⁶Ra/Ba ratio in sediments was tested as a possible indicator for the²²⁶Ra in the discharges. The results indicate almost a doubling of the²²⁶Ra levels in sediment samples due to phosphogypsum discharges. The contribution of phosphogypsum to the sediment mass was calculated in the order of a few percent equivalent.     

Determination of Lead,Cadmium and Mercury in Surface Marine Sediments and Mussels

Abstract

Lead, cadmium and mercury were determined in sediments and mussels, and the ability of these indicators to record metal variations in coastal marine environment is described in this work. The results of an extended investigation of the status of three gulfs at Northern Greece are given, regarding the content of these metals in surface sediments and Mytilus galloprovincialis. The samples were collected during a four-year period. The total concentration of the above heavy metals was determined after digestion of the samples by suitable mixtures of acids, including nitric, perchloric and hydrofluoric acid. The digestion was carried out in a steel pressurised bomb with closed teflon vessels. Lead and cadmium were determined by means of electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry (ETAAS), and mercury by cold vapour atomic absorption spectrometry (CVAAS). The results were statistically evaluated by analysis of variance, and emphasis was given to annual, seasonal and spatial sources of variation. The annual changes during the last four years and the spatial distribution of heavy metals load is also discussed.     

Assessment of heavy metals pollution in Sudanese harbours along the Red Sea Coast

The levels of some heavy metals in sediments of two harbours along the Sudanese Coast of the Red Sea were examined and reported for the first time. A total of thirty-six surface sediment samples were collected from Port-Sudan and Sawakin harbours. Part of each sample was partitioned into five fractions with grain-size ranges of 1000–500, 500–250, 250–125, 125–63 and less than 63 μm. The Mn, Fe, Ni, Cu, Zn and Pb concentration in bulk samples and sub-samples were determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. The spatial distribution pattern of heavy metal content of crustal origin in the sediments is more uniform in Port-Sudan harbour than in Sawakin harbour. The granulometric normalization revealed that some sites in Port-Sudan harbour and one site in Sawakin harbour have been exposed to different levels of heavy metal contamination, which probably originated from ships, industrial and domestic activities.     

A preliminary investigation of the operational and isotopic speciation of uranium in sediments

Uranium was determined in extracts of inter-tidal sediment, obtained from a contaminated harbour, using the three-stage sequential extraction procedure recommended by BCR. The element was found mainly in association with reducible, or reducible and oxidisable, phases and the overall concentration was enhanced (up to 6.7 μg g^–1 dry weight) with respect to typical, UK levels. The ²³⁸U/²³⁵U ratio has been measured in digests of stream sediments obtained from the vicinity of a uranium enrichment plant. Significant enhancement in ²³⁵U with respect to the natural ²³⁸U/²³⁵U ratio (137.88:1) was observed at some locations.     

Determination of tributyltin oxide in coastal marine sediments and mussels by electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry

We have devised a new method for bis(tributyltin)oxide (TBTO) determination in marine sediments and mussels. This technique involves an n-hexane/methylene chloride mixture extraction and extract purification with a sodium hydroxide wash in order to eliminate interfering compounds. TBTO is then extracted again by nitric acid and converted into an inorganic tin species; the analysis has been effected using Zeeman graphite furnace-atomic absorption spectrophotometry. The method detection limit for the matrices examined is 0.004 μg TBTO g^?1 (wet weight) and is sufficient for the analysis in real samples. The percentage recovery of TBTO from sediments and mussels samples is higher than 85% and 95% respectively. This method has been applied to TBTO level determination in sediments and mussels (Mytilus galloprovincialis) sampled in the harbour area in Taranto, where mussel culture activities are much developed; the TBTO levels obtained in sediments and mussels were in the range 15-47 ng g^?1 (wet weight) and 11-30 ng g^?1 (wet weight) respectively. Such values are comparable with those found in other harbour areas in the Mediterranean Sea.     

Trace elements in surface sediments from Kongsfjorden,Svalbard: occurrence,sources and bioavailability

Concentration levels, potential sources and bioavailability of trace elements in marine sediments from Kongsfjorden (Svalbard Islands, Norwegian Arctic) were assessed and discussed. Surface sediments were collected by a Ponar grab and characterised in terms of mineralogical composition, grain-size distribution, total organic carbon and nitrogen percentage contents, and major and trace elements concentrations. Anthropogenic and natural sources of trace elements were inferred from lead isotope ratios, while the potential metal bioavailability was evaluated by size-fractionation and solid-phase speciation studies and by the analysis of acid-volatile sulphides (AVS) and simultaneously extracted metals (SEM). Concentrations of metals, their enrichment factors and solid speciation patterns collectively indicated that the anthropogenic impact of trace elements in the fjord is generally low, with a minor enrichment with respect to crustal values (by a factor of 2–11) for As, Cr, Ni and V. The lead isotope ratios (²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁷Pb: 2.474–2.498 and ²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁷Pb: 1.206–1.212) were close to the natural signature except in the outer fjord, due to the influence of the Atlantic marine circulation. Many elements of toxicological concern (e.g. Pb, V, Zn) were enriched in the finest sediment fraction, which was by far the preponderant one, especially in the inner fjord. However, less than 15% of most trace elements (exceptions Cd and Mn) in the finest fraction was actually associated with easily leachable sediment phases. Finally, the high SEM/AVS ratios determined on samples from sites close to the glacier fronts (11–15), due to low AVS content, highlighted that the sediment in that zone cannot remove additional inputs of heavy metals by sulphide precipitation.     

Versuche zur Anreicherung von Edelmetallspuren in Reinstquecksilber durch partielles Lösen der Matrix

Trace impurities of gold and palladium in metallic mercury can be enriched in a simple way by partially dissolving the sample in nitric acid. Practically the whole trace content of the sample will be collected in the residue. Up to at least 100 g Hg the quantity of the mercury sample has no influence on the trace enrichment. After the partial dissolution of the metal the enriched gold was determined photometrically with Rhodamine B as a reagent, Pd was determined as [PdJ₄]^2? complex. For the analysis of metallic mercury containing 0.5 ppm of Au and 2 ppm of Pd the relative standard deviation is 0.046, respectively 0.037. The limit of detection was found to be at 0.2 ppm for both the elements. Using this method, the enrichment of traces of silver in mercury is not possible.     

Spatial distribution and accumulation of heavy metals in tidal flat sediments of Shanghai coastal zone

Surface and core sediments from the high, middle and low tidal flats of Shanghai coastal zone were analyzed for heavy metal (e.g. Cu, Pb, Zn, Cr, Cd, Fe, Mn) concentrations. Besides Cd, the concentrations of Cu, Zn, Cr and Pb are 2–5 times higher than their background values and show serious pollution trend due to the direct discharge of industrial and municipal sewage along the Shanghai tidal flat, as well as the wet and dry depositions of industrial dusts. It seems that heavy metals prefer to accumulate and be enriched in the sediments near large sewage outlets, high flats, and the subsurface layer at the depth of 10–30 cm. Several main factors, which include the direct sewage discharge along the tidal flat, tidal hydrodynamic action, large engineering activity, early diagenesis and windstorm tide, are considered to be responsible for influencing spatial distribution patterns of heavy metals in the Shanghai tidal flat.

     

Contamination by butyltin compounds in harbour porpoise (Phocoena phocoena) from the Black Sea

Concentrations of butyltin compounds (BTs) were determined in harbour porpoise (Phocoena phocoena) collected from the Turkish coastal waters of the Black Sea. Total butyltin compounds (∑ BTs) in the liver were in the range of 89–219 ng/g on a wet weight basis. The dibutyltin (DBT) residues were higher than those of tributyltin (TBT), suggesting the degradation of TBT to DBT in the liver and the metabolic capacity comparable to other marine mammals. Any sex difference and age-dependent accumulation of BTs residues were not found in harbour porpoises, but residue levels increased until maturity and then remained constant. When compared with other marine mammals, the present results indicate that the Black Sea is also contaminated with butyltin compounds, but to a lesser degree than coastal waters of developed nations. The biomagnification factor in harbour porpoises was 0.8, which was comparable with pinnipeds and lower than cetaceans. Received: 23 December 1996 / Revised: 15 April 1997 / Accepted: 16 April 1997     

Contamination by butyltin compounds in harbour porpoise (Phocoena phocoena) from the Black Sea

Concentrations of butyltin compounds (BTs) were determined in harbour porpoise (Phocoena phocoena) collected from the Turkish coastal waters of the Black Sea. Total butyltin compounds (∑ BTs) in the liver were in the range of 89–219 ng/g on a wet weight basis. The dibutyltin (DBT) residues were higher than those of tributyltin (TBT), suggesting the degradation of TBT to DBT in the liver and the metabolic capacity comparable to other marine mammals. Any sex difference and age-dependent accumulation of BTs residues were not found in harbour porpoises, but residue levels increased until maturity and then remained constant. When compared with other marine mammals, the present results indicate that the Black Sea is also contaminated with butyltin compounds, but to a lesser degree than coastal waters of developed nations. The biomagnification factor in harbour porpoises was 0.8, which was comparable with pinnipeds and lower than cetaceans. Received: 23 December 1996 / Revised: 15 April 1997 / Accepted: 16 April 1997     

Detection of Δ9-Tetrahydr0Cannabin0L in Human Breath Following Marijuana Smoking

Abstract

Two techniques were used for enriching human breath samples for δ⁹ -tetrahydrocannabinol (I). One method utilized a polyethylene foam wafer which was positioned in front of the expired air stream using a modified face mask. The second technique was a cryogenic trap containing ethanol. Analysis of the enriched breath samples following smoking of a marijuana cigarette was accomplished using a previously described hplc-ms procedure. Results demonstrated that (I) was detectable with either enrichment method following marijuana smoking.     

耐高盐碱蓬对湿地土壤中金属元素的富集特征研究

基于秦皇岛滨海湿地人工种植耐高盐碱蓬修复工程试验,通过分析湿地土壤沉积物及耐高盐碱蓬中不同金属元素的含量与变化,研究了耐高盐碱蓬对金属元素的富集特征。结果显示:湿地沉积物中Fe、Mn、Cr、Pb和Zn的浓度较高,分别为8 210. 94、110. 04、8. 78、8. 25、10. 95 mg/kg,Cd的浓度最低,平均值为0. 022 mg/kg,湿地试验区土壤中同一金属元素变异程度较小,分布较均匀。碱蓬体内重金属含量根据采集地点的不同有差异,但与各站位中土壤的重金属分布特征存在正相关性;其中碱蓬内Fe、Mn、Zn、Cu的平均含量相对较高,且Fe、Mn、Ni、Cu、As、Cd、Pb元素在碱蓬根中的平均含量高于茎叶,而Cr在茎中的平均含量最高,Zn和Mo在叶中的含量最高。碱蓬的根、茎、叶对Cd的富集效果最好,其次为Mo、Cu,对Fe、Mn、Zn、As和Pb的富集效果相对较差,说明碱蓬对沉积物中不同金属元素的富集移出率存在差异。金属元素在碱蓬中的转移系数研究表明,Mo、Zn、Cd和Mn等元素可由根部转移到叶中,而Fe、Ni、Pb、As和Cu等金属元素固定在根部,该研究可为利用碱蓬修复湿地重金属污染提供理论基础。     

Contamination assessment of heavy metal in surface sediments of the Wuding River, northern China

The heavy metal contents and the contamination levels of the surface sediments of the Wuding River, northern China, were investigated. Heavy metal concentration ranged in μg g⁻¹: 50.15–71.91 for Cr, 408.1–442.9 for Mn, 20.11–43.59 for Ni, 17.51–20.1 for Cu, 68.32–89.57 for Zn, 0.2–0.38 for Cd and 15.08–16.14 for Pb in the Wuding River sediments. The enrichment factor (EF) and the geo-accumulation index (Igeo) demonstrated that the sediments of the Wuding River had been polluted by Cd, Cr and Ni, which mainly originated from anthropogenic sources, whereas the sediments had not been polluted by Zn, Pb, Cu and Mn, which were derived from the crust. In addition, the assessment results of EF and Igeo suggested that the sediments of the Wuding River was “moderately” polluted by Cd and “unpolluted to moderately” polluted by Cr and Ni. The elevated urban sewage discharges and agriculture fertilizers usage in river basin are the anthropogenic sources of these heavy metals in river.     

Sediments of Galician Continental Shelf: elemental composition and accumulation rates

A geochemical study was carried out in sediment cores along the Galician Continental Shelf and at the mouth of the Vigo and Pontevedra Rias. Multielemental analysis was performed by Instrumental Neutron Activation Analysis and Energy Dispersive X-ray Fluorescence Spectrometry. Sedimentological and geochemical characterisation (lithogenic, biogenic and anthropogenic elements) indicates different supplies for the fine-grained, deposited sediments. No significant heavy metal enrichment could be detected in coastal sediments despite the current sediment contamination in adjacent Rias. Variations in the accumulation rates suggest different factors controlling the sedimentation processes including sediment sources and geomorphology.     

Radioecological Research on the Marine Environment Facing the Italian Base in Antarctica (1989–91)

Abstract

The results of the analysis of both natural (Th-232, U-238 and K-40) and artificial (Cs-137) radioactivity contained in samples collected during the 1989–90 and 1990–91 PNRA Scientific Campaigns in the Terra Nova Bay (Ross Sea) marine ecosystem, are presented in this paper. The data refers to samples of sea water, pack water, sediments and organisms belonging to demersal ichthyofauna (Pagothenia bernacchii, Chionodraco hamatus) and soft bottom macrofauna (Adamussium colbecki) collected in different coastal and off shore stations of the area investigated. Some sea water samples collected on the way to subAntarctic areas were also considered. The radiocontamination detected in sediments was correlated to the quantities of organic matter, organic carbon and nitrogen contained in the samples. Additionally, Cs-137 concentration factors were calculated for the different biological specimens and their anatomical components. Data values, with special consideration for anthropogenic Cs-137, are compared to results obtained from similar matrixes collected in the Northern Hemisphere in temperate waters before and after the accident at the Chernobyl nuclear plant.     

Investigating ego modules involved in TGFβ3-induced chondrogenesis in mesenchymal stem cells based on ego network

ObjectiveThis paper aimed to investigate ego modules for TGFβ3-induced chondrogenesis in mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) using ego network algorithm.MethodsThe ego network algorithm comprised three parts, extracting differential expression network (DEN) based on gene expression data and protein-protein interaction (PPI) data; exploring ego genes by reweighting DEN; and searching ego modules by ego gene expansions. Subsequently, permutation test was carried out to evaluate the statistical significance of the ego modules. Finally, pathway enrichment analysis was conducted to investigate ego pathways enriched by the ego modules.ResultsA total of 15 ego genes were obtained from the DEN, such as PSMA4, HNRNPM and WDR77. Starting with each ego genes, 15 candidate modules were gained. When setting the thresholds of the area under the receiver operating characteristics curve (AUC) ≥0.9 and gene size ≥4, three ego modules (Module 3, Module 8 and Module 14) were identified, and all of them had statistical significances between normal and TGFβ3-induced chondrogenesis in MSCs. By mapping module genes to confirmed pathway database, their ego pathways were detected, Cdc20:Phospho-APC/C mediated degradation of Cyclin A for Module 3, Mitotic G1-G1/S phases for Module 8, and mRNA Splicing for Module 14.ConclusionsWe have successfully identified three ego modules, evaluated their statistical significances and investigated their functional enriched ego pathways. The findings might provide potential biomarkers and give great insights to reveal molecular mechanism underlying this process.     

A Comparison on Five Sediment Decomposition Procedures for Determining Anthropogenic Trace Metal Pollution

Abstract

Five different procedures of sediment decomposition were compared, for evaluating the one more appropriated for assessing anthropogenic metal pollution. Exchangeable-metal extraction in sodium acetate, weak extraction in hydroxylamine hydrochloride/acetic acid, moderate extraction in diluted hydrochloric acid, oxidising strong acid digestion and total decomposition with hydrofluoric acid were tested. The mildest sodium acetate attack, which gives also better account for the bioavailable metal fraction, is the more effective in enhancing differences between polluted sediments and nonpolluted ones. Copper, lead and zinc are the best indicators of trace metal pollution of surface sediments.