Bottom Sediment Concentration Research Articles

Linking fate model in freshwater and PBPK model to assess human internal dosimetry of B(a)P associated with drinking water

In the present study, we demonstrate an integrated modeling approach for predicting internal tissue concentrations of chemicals by coupling a multimedia environmental model and a generic physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) model. A case study was designed for a region situated on the Seine river watershed, downstream of the Paris megacity, and for benzo(a)pyrene emitted from industrial zones in the region. In this case study, these two models are linked only by water intake from riverine system for the multimedia model into human body for the PBPK model. The limited monitoring data sets of B(a)P concentrations in bottom sediment and in raw river water, obtained at the downstream of Paris, were used to re-construct long-term daily concentrations of B(a)P in river water. The re-construction of long-term series of B(a)P level played a key role for the intermediate model calibration (conducted in multimedia model) and thus for improving model input to PBPK model. In order to take into account the parametric uncertainty in the model inputs, some input parameters relevant for the multimedia model were given by probability density functions (PDFs); some generic PDFs were updated with site-specific measurements by a Bayesian approach. The results of this study showed that the multimedia model fits well with actual annual measurements in sediments over one decade. No accumulation of B(a)P in the organs was observed. In conclusion, this case study demonstrated the feasibility of a full-chain assessment combining multimedia environmental predictions and PBPK modeling, including uncertainty and sensitivity analyses.

Relationship Between Heavy Metal Concentrations in Bottom Sediments and the Clam, Galatea Paradoxa (Born 1778) from the Volta Estuary, Ghana

This research was carried out at two locations, Ada and Aveglo at the Volta Estuary, Ghana to evaluate the importance of sediments as regulatory media in controlling the levels of four metals, Manganese (Mn), Zinc (Zn), Iron (Fe) and Mercury (Hg) in the tissues of the clam, Galatea paradoxa (Born 1778) and to investigate the possible relationships between the concentrations of the metals in the sediments and the clams. The clams were categorized into three size classes as follows: small (25 - 40 mm), medium (41 - 55 mm), and large (above 55 mm). To understand the possible relationships between the concentrations of the studied metals in the sediments and in the tissues of the three clam size classes, the monthly concentrations of the studied metals were graphed and subjected to Pearson correlation analyses (p < 0.05) to identify metal accumulation patterns and determine whether or not positive relationship patterns existed between the concentrations in the clams and sediment samples. The correlation revealed no simple linear relationships between the concentrations of four heavy metals in the clam tissues and the sediments at the two sampling stations although some distinct trends were observed. Mn concentrations in the clams and sediments from the two stations showed some clear positive relationship patterns with some increments in monthly sediment concentrations resulting in increments in clam tissue concentrations. This relationship though, was not too clear-cut.

SEDIMENTATION IN LAKES WITHIN LOWER REACHES OF THE RIVER DANUBE (LITHOLOGICAL AND GEOECOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTICS)

Integrated exploration results of Danube lakes — the Yalpug and Kugurluy lakes are presented. Results of the lakes detailed bathymetric survey are discussed. Lithological characteristics of recent bottom sediments is given. Concentration alteration of suspended matter in the water during spring time is studied. Seasonal variations of biogenic components concentration in bottom sediments are characterized.

Long-term changes in the effluent loads from pulp and paper mills, the introduction of BAT technology, and their effects on extractable organic halogens concentrations in sediment in part of the Bothnian Bay

The Bothnian Bay at Kemi, which is the northernmost basin of the Gulf of Bothnia in the Baltic Sea, is affected by effluents from point sources such as pulp and paper mills and municipal sewage plant. During the period 1988-2008, the accumulated values of effluent volume, BOD7, CODCr, Tot-P, Tot-N, TSS and AOX from these point sources fell considerably as follows: 1) effluent volume by 24%, BOD7 by 92%, CODCr by 74%, Tot-P by 79%, Tot-N by 38%, TSS by 76% and AOX by 93%. The decrease in the effluent loadings is due to the introduction of Best Available Techniques (BAT) for the production processes and wastewater treatment at the pulp and paper mills. According to the long-term monitoring program that has been carried out every third year between 1997-2009, the decreasing trend in EOX-concentrations in the top 2 cm of the bottom sediment reflects the decrease in organochlorine discharges (AOX) from the mills. In 1997, the EOX concentrations in bottom sediment varied between 3-70 μg of Cl g(-1) (dry weight), and in 2009 between 1.2-31 μg of Cl g(-1) (dry weight).

Tidal straining effect on the suspended sediment transport in the Huanghe (Yellow River) Estuary, China

Tidal straining effect on sediment transport dynamics in the Huanghe (Yellow River) estuary was studied by field observations and numerical simulations. The measurement of salinity, suspended sediment concentration, and current velocity was conducted during a flood season in 1995 at the Huanghe river mouth with six fishing boats moored at six stations for 25-h hourly time series observations. Based on the measurements, the intra-tidal variations of sediment transport in the highly turbid river mouth was observed and the tidal straining effect occurred. Our study showed that tidal straining of longitudinal sediment concentration gradients can contribute to intra-tidal variability in sediment stratification and to asymmetries in sediment distribution within a tidal cycle. In particular, the tidal straining effect in the Huanghe River estuary strengthened the sediment-induced stratification at the flood tide, thus producing a higher bottom sediment concentration than that during the ebb. A sediment transport model that is capable of simulating sediment-induced stratification effect on the hydrodynamics in the bottom boundary layers and associated density currents was applied to an idealized estuary to demonstrate the processes and to discuss the mechanism. The model-predicted sediment processes resembled the observed characteristics in the Huanghe River estuary. We concluded that tidal straining effect is an important but poorly understood mechanism in the transport dynamics of cohesive sediments in turbid estuaries and coastal seas.

Geochemical features of the silt sediment of the Novosibirsk Reservoir

Earlier data on heavy metal concentrations in bottom sediments of the Novosibirsk Reservoir are supplemented by new geochemical characteristics of fine silt sediment in the near-dam part of the reservoir with the list of chemical elements extended to 55. After the beginning of the Ob’s runoff regulation by HPP dam, a new geochemical type of sediment started forming in the new reservoir. This type of sediment features higher concentrations of chemical elements (including heavy metals), reaching the values typical of Baikal silt recorded in the central hollow of the lake.

Mercury in bottom sediments of the Amur River, its flood-plain lakes and estuary, Eastern Siberia

Mercury (Hg) is an element of a special concern in the Amur River basin, where numerous cinnabar deposits and manifestations have been prospected. Moreover, the territory is under heavy anthropogenic pressure due to intensive economic development that includes activities accompanied by noticeable emissions of Hg to the environment through poor waste management practices and accidental emergency discharges. Yet, information on Hg distribution and behavior in this region is scarce and inadequate. In order to evaluate Hg levels and fate in this vast territory, surveys of river, lake, and estuarine bottom sediments, as integral indicators of environmental status, were carried out in 1990, 1991, 1997, and 2004. The results showed the following: (1) stagnation of the Russian economy in the 1990s has resulted in a noticeable decrease of the Hg content in the Amur River sediments to the basin pristine level of about 0.05 mg kg(-1); (2) Hg distribution in the sediment depth proves the element redox-dependent behavior; (3) in some cases, Hg enrichment may be related to the long-term anthropogenic emission; (4) Hg concentration in bottom sediments was found to increase in the following order-the Amur River mouth, the estuary, and the Sea of Okhotsk, showing the weakly non-conservative Hg behavior during estuarine water mixing.

Reference Values for Metals and Metalloids Concentrations in Bottom Sediments of Tietê River Basin, Southeast of Brazil

This paper represents the first attempt in Brazil to propose and establish regional reference concentrations of metals and metalloids in bottom sediments of freshwater. The selected study site is the Tietê river basin (São Paulo State, Southeast region of Brazil), a system under significant environmental impact and degradation since the onset of the Brazilian economic revolution in the early mid-1950 s. In order to consolidate the analytical values, metal and metalloid determinations were performed on samples from 84 sites in 27 municipalities, from the upper reaches of the river down to its effluent into the Paraná River. Sediment samples were collected in small streams and rivers as close as possible to their upper reaches, as well as in rivers and reservoirs in locations minimally affected by human contamination. Samples were initially sieved to remove the particles > 63 μm, dried at 50°C, and submitted to extraction with a mixture of acids. Chemical analyses were performed by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry for Co, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, Ti, Zn and V, and by atomic absorption spectrometry with a graphite furnace for Cd and Ag, hydride generation for As and Se, and cold vapor for Hg. Molecular absorption spectrophotometry, with Arsenazo III as colorimetric reagent, was used for U and Th determinations. The reference concentrations determined by this study showed significant deviations from the assumed global geological reference for some elements; differences were also detected among the concentrations of the same element from the different regions of the basin. Four different sets of reference concentrations values are being proposed for different regions of the studied basin as a consequence of lithological variations.

Organic Pollutant Contamination of the River Tichá Orlice as Assessed by Biochemical Markers

This study used biochemical markers to assess contamination at two contaminated sites (Králíky and Lichkov) and one control site (Červená Voda) on the River Tichá Orlice, a left-side tributary of the River Elbe. The brown trout (Salmo trutta fario) was selected as an indicator species. Enzymes of the first stage of xenobiotic conversion, namely cytochrome P450 (CYP 450) and ethoxyresorufin-O-deethylase (EROD) in the liver were selected as biochemical markers. Blood plasma vitellogenin concentrations were used to evaluate xenoestrogenic effects of contamination. Results were compared with the most important inductors of these markers, i.e. with organic pollutants (PCB, HCH, HCB, OCS and DDT and their metabolites in fish muscle and with PAH concentrations in bottom sediments). The highest contamination with organic pollutants was at Králíky, and this was reflected in increased cytochrome P450, EROD activity and vitellogenin concentrations. Significant differences were demonstrated in EROD activity and vitellogenin concentrations between Králíky and Červená Voda (P &lt; 0.001). At the most contaminated site (Králíky), a significant negative correlation (rs = -0.964) between EROD activity and vitellogenin concentrations was demonstrated. This relationship was discussed from the point of view of a possible induction or inhibition of the assessed biomarkers at persistently highly contaminated sites.

Barite and barium in sediments and coral skeletons around the hydrocarbon exploration drilling site in the Træna Deep, Norwegian Sea

Barite and barium concentrations in bottom sediments and coral skeletons from the vicinity of the hydrocarbon exploration well drilled in 1992–1993 in the Traena Deep, Norwegian Sea have been studied to assess the spreading of the drilling mud and related ecological effects on Lophelia petrusa coral reefs. Sand size barite crystals derived from the drilling mud and elevated Ba concentrations in surface (0–2 cm) sediments were found up to 4 km from the exploration drilling site. 210Pb-dating results on sediment cores indicate that Ba-rich surface intervals (0–2 cm) record ca. 20 years of sedimentation history, and connect Ba enrichment with exploration drilling. The geographic distribution of Ba contents in sediments allowed the reconstruction of the drilling mud dispersal pattern showing transport eastward from the drilling site, consistent with the prevailing current directions. The presence of relatively coarse-grained sediments and barite crystals trapped in coral polyps, ca. 500 m down current from the drilling site, reflects the elevated turbulence and sediment supply during the drilling activity. This elevated sediment dispersion likely placed a stress upon the coral reefs, but due to strong currents that effectively dilute episodic drilling waste and sediment discharges, the damage does not appear significant.

Feedback between residual circulations and sediment distribution in highly turbid estuaries: An analytical model

Motivated by field studies of the Ems estuary which show longitudinal gradients in bottom sediment concentration as high as O(0.01 kg/m 4), we develop an analytical model for estuarine residual circulation based on currents from salinity gradients, turbidity gradients, and freshwater discharge. Salinity is assumed to be vertically well mixed, while the vertical concentration profile is assumed to result from a balance between a constant settling velocity and turbulent diffusive flux. Width and depth of the model estuary are held constant. Model results show that turbidity gradients enhance tidally averaged circulation upstream of the estuarine turbidity maximum (ETM), but significantly reduce residual circulation downstream, where salinity and turbidity gradients oppose each other. We apply the condition of morphodynamic equilibrium (vanishing sediment transport) and develop an analytical solution for the position of the turbidity maximum and the distribution of suspended sediment concentration (SSC) along a longitudinal axis. A sensitivity study shows great variability in the longitudinal distribution of suspended sediment with the applied salinity gradient and six model parameters: settling velocity, vertical mixing, horizontal dispersion, total sediment supply, fresh water flow, and water depth. Increasing depth and settling velocity move the ETM upstream, while increasing freshwater discharge and vertical mixing move the ETM downstream. Moreover, the longitudinal distribution of SSC is inherently asymmetric around the ETM, and depends on spatial variations in the residual current structure and the vertical profile of SSC.

EOX concentrations in sediment in the part of the Bothnian Bay affected by effluents from the pulp and paper mills at Kemi, Northern Finland

The Bothnian Bay, which is the northernmost part of the Gulf of Bothnia in Northern Finland, is affected by effluents discharged from point sources such as the pulp and paper mills of Stora Enso Oyj Veitsiluoto Mill and Oy Metsä-Botnia Ab Kemi Mill at Kemi, and the Kemi municipal sewage plant, as well as the River Kemijoki. In this paper we discuss, how modernisation of the wastewater treatment plant at the mills, and process investments in the Best Available Techniques (BAT) for effluent treatment, have decreased the effluent discharges of biological oxygen demand (BOD), chemical oxygen demand (COD), total phosphorus (Tot-P), total nitrogen (TOT-N), total suspended solids (TSS) and adsorbable organically bound halogens (AOX) from the mills since 1988. One specific aim of the study was to determine the EOX (Extractable Organically Bound Halogens) concentrations in bottom sediment of the Bothnian Bay in order to assess whether the EOX concentrations reflect the reduction in discharges of chlorinated compounds. According to the monitoring program carried out every third year between 1997-2006, the decreasing trend in EOX concentrations in the top 2 cm of the bottom sediment reflect the decrease in organochlorine discharges (AOX) from the mills. In 1997 the EOX concentrations in bottom sediment varied between 3-70 microg of Cl g(-1) (dry weight), and in 2006 between 3.3-32 microg of Cl g(-1) (dry weight).

Temporal trends in polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans, dioxin-like PCBs, and polybrominated diphenyl ethers in Niagara river suspended sediments

Archived suspended sediment samples collected over the period 1980-2002 at Niagara-on-the-Lake in the Niagara river were analyzed to assess temporal trends in contaminants associated with historical industrial activities in the watershed (PCDDs/PCDFs, DLPCBs), compared to more modern industrial chemicals (PBDEs). The temporal trends for PCDDs/PCDFs and DLPCBs were generally similar, and showed a general trend toward decreasing concentrations, which was presumably due to implementation of control measures in the Niagara river watershed, including the remediation of hazardous waste facilities. The temporal trend in PBDEs contrasted with those of PCDDs/PCDFs and DLPCBs. Prior to 1988, PBDEs (sum of 16 congeners including deca-BDE) were generally detected at low-ppb concentrations, but showed a trend toward increasing concentrations over the period 1980-1988. After 1988, PBDE concentrations in the Niagara river showed a more rapidly increasing trend to a maximum of approximately 35 ng/g in 1995, with deca-BDE as the predominant congener detected. Samples collected over the period February 2003 to March 2004 at the head and mouth of the Niagara river were also analyzed for PBDEs; in all cases PBDE concentrations were higher at the mouth of the river at the outflow to Lake Ontario, indicating the Niagara river watershed is a source of PBDE contamination to Lake Ontario. However, PBDE concentrations in suspended sediments of the Niagara river were comparable to, or lower than, concentrations in bottom sediments in other industrialized/urbanized areas of the world. Based on these comparisons of global PBDE bottom sediment concentrations, the Niagara river watershed does not appear to be a significant local source of PBDEs to Lake Ontario, and concentrations in suspended sediments appear to be indicative of general PBDE contamination from a contamination of local, regional, and continental sources.

Metals Associated with Suspended Sediments in Lakes Erie and Ontario, 2000–2002

Sediment traps were deployed in the three major basins of Lake Erie, and the central (Mississauga) basin of Lake Ontario, and refurbished seasonally over the period 2000-2002. In Lake Ontario, sediment down-flux rates and corresponding contaminant down-flux rates were highest in winter during periods of unstratified thermal conditions, and generally increased with depth due to the influence of resuspended bottom sediments during all sampling periods. Lake Ontario suspended sediments exhibited the highest concentrations of metals; concentrations of mercury and lead frequently exceeded guideline values for bottom sediments. Contaminant levels in Lake Ontario suspended sediments were similar to concentrations in bottom sediments in the same area. There was a spatial trend toward higher suspended sediment metals concentrations from the eastern basin to the western basin of Lake Erie, which is similar to the trend in bottom sediment contamination. In the eastern basin of Lake Erie, which is the deepest area of the lake, there was no trend in down-flux rate with depth in 2001; however, down-flux rates increased with depth in 2002. Suspended sediments in the western basin of Lake Erie were determined to be largely resuspended bottom sediments; all western basin samples collected in the study exceeded the guideline value for mercury (0.486 microg/g).

Chlor-alkali industrial contamination and riverine transport of mercury: Distribution and partitioning of mercury between water, suspended matter, and bottom sediment of the Thur River, France

Total dissolved and total particulate Hg mass balances were estimated during one hydrological period (July 2001–June 2002) in the Thur River basin, which is heavily polluted by chlor-alkali industrial activity. The seasonal variations of the Hg dynamics in the aquatic environment were assessed using total Hg concentrations in bottom sediment and suspended matter, and total and reactive dissolved Hg concentrations in the water. The impact of the chlor-alkali plant (CAP) remains the largest concern for Hg contamination of this river system. Upstream from the CAP, the Hg partitioning between dissolved and particulate phases was principally controlled by the dissolved fraction due to snow melting during spring high flow, while during low flow, Hg was primarily adsorbed onto particulates. Downstream from the CAP, the Hg partitioning is controlled by the concentration of dissolved organic and inorganic ligands and by the total suspended sediment (TSS) concentrations. Nevertheless, the particulate fluxes were five times higher than the dissolved ones. Most of the total annual flux of Hg supplied by the CAP to the river is transported to the outlet of the catchment (total Hg flux: 70 μg m −2 a −1). Downstream from the CAP, the bottom sediment, mainly composed of coarse sediment (>63 μm) and depleted in organic matter, has a weak capacity to trap Hg in the river channel and the stock of Hg is low (4 mg m −2) showing that the residence time of Hg in this river is short.

Effect of Kiev-Odessa highway on the pollution of the Yuzhnyi Bug River by heavy metals

The effect of a highway on the local pollution of the ecosystem of the Yuzhnyi Bug River near the bridge is considered. An increase in Fe, Mn, and Cr concentration in bottom sediments is established in the river reaches downstream of the bridge. No reliable increase in Pb concentration is recorded. However, the concentration of Pb in the soft tissues of Anadonta anatina mollusks was found to abruptly increase downstream of the bridge. The highest concentration of Pb in mollusk shells was also recorded immediately in the highway crossing the river channel.

Sources of manganese deposited as oceanic Fe-Mn ore

The current concepts of two competing sources of manganese deposited as oceanic Fe-Mn ore are reviewed and assessed critically. A new solution of this problem proposed in this paper is a further development of fundamental works by N.M. Strakhov in the light of new facts and with allowance for geological, geochemical, and geohistorical data. It has been concluded that terrigenous material removed from land serves as a main source of manganese fixed in oceanic Fe-Mn ore. The history of sedimentation and nodule formation in the World Ocean lasted for more than two billion years. Manganese has been supplied to recent bottom sediments from both present-day and older sources. The closed geochemical cycle of Mn circulation in the ocean is intimately related to its circulation in the hydrosphere. Seawater is oversaturated with Mn and serves as its immediate source for ore deposition and elevated concentrations in bottom sediments affected by hydrothermal solutions or other manifestations of endogenic activity. Seawater is a repository for Mn, where this element is retained during global cataclysms, which have repeatedly occurred in geological history.

Large scale modelling of oscillatory flows over a rippled bottom

Large scale models for oscillatory flows over rippled sandy bottoms require new “turbulence” closures and boundary conditions to account for the ripple scale flow. In the present study the large scale flow with the unknown flux terms is estimated by means of a standard RANS model. The simulations do not support the application of the Boussinesq viscosity approximation in wave dominated flows, but other tentative ideas on such type of modelling are confirmed. The characteristic wave wavelength average thickness of the oscillatory boundary layer is estimated as comparable to four times the ripple height. The characteristic wave wavelength average near bottom sediment concentration is estimated to be proportional to the maximum Shields number to the third power. The characteristic wave wavelength near bottom friction is suggested to be proportional to the near bottom current and wave velocity amplitude. The characteristic ripple wavelength average thickness of the oscillatory boundary layer is estimated to be comparable to the characteristic wave wavelength averaged thickness. The characteristic ripple wavelength averaged oscillatory flux terms are estimated to be much larger than the corresponding average turbulent flux terms. The ripple wavelength averaged total flux terms appear to have extrema that are associated both with the flow- and acceleration maxima.

Distribution of polychlorinated dibenzo- p-dioxins and dibenzofurans in suspended sediments, dissolved phase and bottom sediment in the Houston Ship Channel

Spatial distributions of polychlorinated dibenzo- p-dioxins (PCDDs) and dibenzofurans (PCDFs) in the water column and bottom sediments of the Houston Ship Channel in Texas were measured three times over a 1-year period. Total TEQ concentrations in water ranged from 0.01 to 0.25 pg/l for the dissolved phase and from 0.09 to 2.91 pg/l for the suspended phase, while TEQ concentrations in bottom sediments varied from 0.9 to 139.8 ng/kg dry wt. The dissolved concentrations were lower than their respective suspended concentrations, with average dissolved/suspended ratios between 0.11 and 0.59 for individual congeners. More than 89% of the total concentration of 2378-substituted PCDD/PCDFs was attributable to OCDD but 2378-TCDD was the major contributor to total TEQ for the three sampled media. Average logs of organic carbon-normalized suspended sediment–dissolved partitioning coefficients ( log K oc obs ) varied between 4.92 and 8.59 l/kg-oc; while in the bottom sediment–dissolved interface, log K oc obs values ranged from 5.48 to 8.48 l/kg-oc. Observed log K ocvalues varied within a factor of 0.64–1.26 from equilibrium log K oc values, suggesting fluxes of PCDD/PCDFs across the interfaces. It was found that in the HSC, on average, the tendency of a compound to move from the particulate phase to the dissolved phase decreases with increasing K ow.

Contamination caused by radium discharged with mine effluents into inland waters

One of the most serious problems occurring during coal extraction in Upper Silesia in Poland is caused by waters with very high salinity. These waters often contain also high concentrations of natural radionuclides, mainly 226 Ra from uranium series and 228 Ra from thorium series. At least 70% of the total amount of radium carried by this waters remains nowadays in underground galleries as radioactive deposits. But, during the period of the most extensive coal extraction up to 225 MBq of 226 Ra and 400 MBq of 228 Ra were released daily into surface along with the other mine effluents. As a result of discharge of radium-bearing waters into settling ponds and later into rivers a significant increase of radium concentration in bottom sediments has been observed. Sometimes there is also a contamination of river beds, soils and biota. The paper describes results of investigation of waters and sediments with enhanced natural radioactivity, that occur in settling ponds, where mine waters have been dumped. Measurements of different factors of radiological hazard were made, such as radium content in the soil from ponds' banks, variations of gamma radiation background and radon exhalation. Additionally radium transfer to vegetation that had transgressed into the ponds has been calculated.