Environmental Quality Standards Research Articles

Multi-isotopic composition of brown crab (Cancer pagurus) and seafloor sediment from a mine tailing sea disposal impacted fjord ecosystem

Sea disposal of mine tailings in fjord ecosystems is an important coastal management issue in Norway and occurs at the land-sea interface. Here we studied accumulation of heavy metals in brown crab (Cancer pagurus) and seafloor sediment from Jøssingfjord, Norway during 2018 to evaluate long-term, legacy pollution effects of coastal mine tailing sea disposal activities. Nickel and copper sediment pollution in the mine tailing sea disposal area was classified as moderate and severe, respectively, under Norwegian environmental quality standards, and highlights the persistent hazard and legacy impacts of heavy metals in these impacted fjord ecosystems. Mercury, zinc, and arsenic had stronger affinities to brown crab muscle likely due to the presence of thiols, and availability of metal binding sites. Our multi-isotopic composition data showed that lead isotopes were the most useful source apportionment tool for this fjord. Overall, our study highlights the importance and value of measuring several different heavy metals and multiple isotopic signatures in different crab organs and seafloor sediment to comprehensively evaluate fjord pollution and kinetic uptake dynamics. Brown crabs were suitable eco-indicators of benthic ecosystem heavy metal pollution in a fjord ecosystem still experiencing short- and long-term physical and chemical impacts from coastal mining sea disposal activities.

Monitoring of university wastewater within the sewage system and its performance evaluation through integrated constructed wetlands.

Rapid increase in population and industrialization has not only improved the lifestyle but adversely affected the quality and availability of water leading to ample amount of wastewater generation. The major contribution towards wastewater production is from sewage. Regular monitoring and treatment of sewage water is necessary to conserve and enhance the quality of water. The present study focuses on monitoring of sewage water within the sewage system of a residential university. A total of 16 samples from different manholes were collected for physicochemical and heavy metals analysis and compared with final effluent collected from integrated constructed wetlands (ICWs) to assess its removal efficiency. The mean concentrations of influent and effluent were compared with national environmental quality standards (NEQS) for municipal discharge (pH6-9, COD 150mg/L, TSS 200mg/L and TDS 3500mg/L) and international agricultural reuse standards (IARS) (pH6-8, COD <150mg/L, TSS < 100mg/L) respectively. Among all physicochemical parameters, influent values for chemical oxygen demand (COD) (169.56-258.36) mg/L exceeded the limit of NEQS for discharge into inland waters, whereas for total suspended solids (TSS) the concentration exceeded for discharge into STP (406mg/L) and inland waters (202.33mg/L). However, effluent concentrations for all the parameters were found within the permissible limit set by IARS. The removal efficiency for different parameters such as phosphate- phosphorus (PO43-P), COD, TSS, total dissolved solids (TDS) and total kjeldahl nitrogen (TKN) were 52, 53, 54, 35, and 36%, respectively. Heavy metal concentrations were compared with WHO guidelines among which lead (Pb) in effluent and chromium (Cr) in influent exceeded the limit (Pb 0.01 and Cr 0.05mg/L). Interpolation results showed that zone 2 was highly contaminated in comparison to zone 1 & 3. Statistical analysis showed that correlation of physicochemical parameters and heavy metals was found significant (p < 0.05).

Conditions for liability of the airport’s in connection with public intervention carried out on the basis of setting increased technical requirements for existing buildings and newly designed buildings in the RUAs

On the basis of the application of article 129 section 2 in connection with article 136 section 3 of the Environmental Protection Act there is a noticeable erroneous interpretative practice of the courts in assuming that compensation covers not only the costs related to material expenditure incurred to improve acoustics, but also costs that were not incurred (forecast costs). In practice, this also applies to those RUAs in which environmental quality standards have not been exceeded and no increased technical requirements have been established for residential buildings. This leads to compensation beyond the scope of legal damage, which results in ineffectiveness of intervention implemented in real estate markets around airports.This situation justifies undertaking research that will result in sorting out the conditions for airport liability and presenting the correct scope of compensation for the analyzed legal damage.

Biochar accelerated Fenton process for roxarsone oxidation, inorganic arsenic adsorption and simultaneous immobilization of arsenic-iron sludge

Complete remediation of organoarsenics from environmental matrix hits the bottleneck, that is, the sluggish efficiency of oxidative degradation towards organoarsenics and unsatisfying immobilization performance towards generated inorganic arsenic. Herein, we establish a biochar accelerated Fenton (BA-Fenton) process to decontaminate water from roxarsone (ROX). In comparison with Fe2+/H2O2 process (10 μΜ/0.2 mM), the incorporation of 0.5 g L-1 biochar promoted ROX degradation from 48.2% to 98.2% and total arsenic elimination from 67.6% to 97.3%, respectively. In BA-Fenton process, •OH as the dominant reactive oxygen species (ROS), exhibited a cumulative concentration of 0.42 mM, three times higher than that in classical Fenton process. Crucially, the presence of biochar in Fenton process significantly enhanced the stability of arsenic-iron sludge, whereas the secondary leaching of total arsenic decreased from 433.8 μg-As L-1 to 13.9 μg-As L-1, meeting the prescribed environmental quality standards for surface water in China (50 μg-As L-1, GB 3838-2002). Mechanistic studies unveiled ROX remediation mechanism by BA-Fenton process, highlighting the dual functionality of biochar. On one hand, biochar efficiently reduced Fe3+ to Fe2+ with a rate constant of 0.225 min-1, overcoming the rate-determining step of classical Fenton process for •OH production, consequently promoting the transformation of ROX to As(V). On the other hand, molecular spectroscopy analysis elucidated that in-situ formed As(V) was adsorbed by ferric hydroxides with the formation of arsenic-iron sludge. Subsequently, biochar immobilized arsenic-iron sludge through hydrogen bonds, electrostatic attraction and surface complexation. Furthermore, real water studies demonstrated the effective remediation of organoarsenics by BA-Fenton process in tap water, lake water and chicken manure leachate. This “Two Birds with One Stone” strategy with low-cost, environmental-friendly and sustainable biochar holds great promise for the ultimate disposal of industrial wastewater containing organoarsenics.

Domestic wastewater treatment by Pistia stratiotes in constructed wetland

The objective of the study was to evaluate the performance of Pistia stratiotes for treatment of domestic wastewater in a free surface water flow constructed wetland. The objective of the study was to evaluate contaminants removal efficiency of the constructed wetland vegetated with P. stratiotes in treatment of domestic wastewater against Hydraulic retention time (HRT) of 10, 20 and 30 days was investigated. This asks for newer and efficient low-cost nature-based water treatment system which along with cost takes into consideration the sustainability of the ecosystem. Five constructed wetland setups improved the wastewater quality and purify it significantly by reducing the TDS by 83%, TSS by 82%, BOD by 82%, COD by 81%, Chloride by 80%, Sulfate by 77%, NH3 by 84% and Total Oil and Grease by 74%. There was an increase in pH of about 11.9%. Color and odor of wastewater was also improved significantly and effectively. It was observed that 30 days’ HRT was optimum for the treatment of domestic wastewater. The final effluent was found to be suitable as per national environmental quality standards and recycled for watering plants and crop irrigation but not for drinking purposes. The treatment in constructed wetland system was found to be economical, as the cost of construction only was involved and operational and maintenance cost very minimal. Even this research was conducted on the sole purpose of commuting the efficiency of pollutant removal in short span time.

Highly stable removal of low concentration phosphorus by mechanically activated FeCO3: In situ synergistic mechanisms

Excess phosphorus (P) in surface water poses a serious threat to ecological safety. However, current methods for effectively removing low concentrations of phosphorus are complicated and expensive. Herein, we used one-step mechanical activation to enhance the release of alkalinity from carbonates and to stimulate ferrous activity in situ, thus achieving efficient and stable removal of phosphorus at low concentrations. The resultant activated FeCO3 was demonstrated to be a high-performance material, which can remove more than 92 % of the actual low concentration of phosphorus pollution within 30 min, and the concentration of the effluent steadily met the requirements of Chinese Class I environmental quality standards for surface water (0.02 mg/L). In addition, mechanistic investigation showed that mechanical activation significantly enhanced the reactivity and phosphorus removal performance of MgCO3. Moreover, one-step mechanical activation simultaneously stimulates the release of alkaline and ferrous ionic groups from iron-rich FeCO3, which can produce highly active trivalent iron oxides in situ, leading to efficient and stable phosphorus removal at low concentrations. The present work provides a new insight and direction for developing high-performance materials to remediate low concentration phosphorus polluted waters.

Assessing the hepatotoxicity of phosphogypsum leachate in zebrafish (Danio rerio)

The improper disposal of large amounts of phosphogypsum generated during the production process of the phosphorus chemical industry (PCI) still exists. The leachate formed by phosphogypsum stockpiles could pose a threat to the ecological environment and human health. Nevertheless, information regarding the harmful effects of phosphogypsum leachate on organisms is still limited. Herein, the physicochemical characteristics of phosphogypsum leachate were analyzed, and its toxicity effect on zebrafish (Danio rerio), particularly in terms of hepatotoxicity and potential mechanisms, were evaluated. The results indicated that P, NH3-N, TN, F−, As, Cd, Cr, Co, Ni, Zn, Mn, and Hg of phosphogypsum leachate exceeded the V class of surface water environmental quality standards (GB 3838–2002) to varying degrees. Acute toxicity test showed that the 96 h LC50 values of phosphogypsum leachate to zebrafish was 2.08 %. Under exposure to phosphogypsum leachate, zebrafish exhibited concentration-dependent liver damage, characterized by vacuolization and infiltration of inflammatory cells. The increased in Malondialdehyde (MDA) content and altered activities of antioxidant enzymes in the liver indicated the induction of oxidative stress and oxidative damage. The expression of apoptosis-related genes (P53, PUMA, Caspase3, Bcl-2, and Bax) were up-regulated at low dosage group and down-regulated at medium and high dosage groups, suggesting the occurrence of hepatocyte apoptosis or necrosis. Additionally, phosphogypsum leachate influenced the composition of the zebrafish gut microbiota by reducing the relative abundance of Bacteroidota, Aeromonas, Flavobacterium, Vibrio, and increasing that of Rhodobacter and Pirellula. Correlation analysis revealed that gut microbiota dysbiosis was associated with phosphogypsum leachate-induced hepatotoxicity. Altogether, exposure to phosphogypsum leachate caused liver damage in zebrafish, likely through oxidative stress and apoptosis, with the intestinal flora also playing a significant role. These findings contribute to understanding the ecological toxicity of phosphogypsum leachate and promote the sustainable development of PCI.

Dramatic improvement of aerosol pollution status over the East Asian ocean: from the establishment of Japanese environmental quality standard for PM2.5 in 2009 to its achievement in 2021

Abstract The severe aerosol pollution in East Asia has been a focus of much research. In Japan, the environmental quality standard (EQS) for PM2.5 was established in 2009 (daily average, 35 μg/m3; annual average, 15 μg/m3), and its achievement rate was below 50% during the early 2010s. Then, the PM2.5 concentration gradually decreased, the achievement rate improved, and the EQS for PM2.5 was finally achieved (100%) in fiscal year (FY) 2021. Because transboundary aerosol pollution is an important factor in Japanese air quality, here we analyzed the long-term dataset of the satellite-measured fine-mode aerosol optical depth (AODf) over the East Asian ocean to reveal the changes in the transboundary aerosol over East Asia. Overall, a decrease in AODf was seen over the entire East Asian ocean during the period analyzed. A gradual declining trend in AODf was measured (−4% to −5%/year over the adjacent ocean around Japan) and corresponded well to the trend in PM2.5 concentration observed in Japan (−5.3%/year) during FY2010–FY2021. Due to the domestic contribution in Japan, the negative trend was slightly greater for Japanese PM2.5 concentration than for AODf over the adjacent ocean around Japan, and we concluded that the main reason for the dramatic air quality improvement in PM2.5 in Japan was driven by the improvement of transboundary aerosol pollution over East Asia. In addition, the 12-year analysis period (FY2010 to FY2021) was divided into three parts: stagnation (FY2010 to FY2014), in which PM2.5 and AODf remained the same as they were in FY2010; improvement (FY2015 to FY2018), in which PM2.5 and AODf declined dramatically; and achievement (FY2019 to FY2021), in which PM2.5 and AODf declined further.

Simultaneous voltammetric detection of benzene, naphthalene and anthracene from water using boron-doped diamond electrode

In this study, a simple, fast and sensitive voltammetric detection using boron-doped diamond (BDD) electrode was proposed for simultaneous quantification of benzene (BZ), naphthalene (NF) and anthracene (AC) from priority organic pollutants class in real tap water. The electrochemical behaviors of individual and simultaneous BZ, NF and AC studied by cyclic voltammetry (CV) on BDD electrode showed a large separation between their oxidation potential, which allowed the development of simple simultaneous detection method. Differential-pulse voltammetry (DPV) technique operated at step potential of 5 mV and modulation amplitude of 200 mV enabled to reach the lowest limits of detection of 0.40 μM for BZ, 0.04 μM for NF and 0.70 nM for AC, which is appropriate for water quality control related to their environmental quality standards. No significant influence of chloride ions was found and the method was validated in real tap water and surface water spiked with known concentrations of BZ, NF and AC, which proved the practical utility of the method for water quality control.

Exploring the influence of indoor environment and spatial layout on changed behaviours of people with dementia in a nursing home

People with dementia sometimes show changed behaviours such as agitation, hallucination, and wandering during the moderate and severe dementia stages. In addition to individual health factors, contextual factors, such as indoor environment conditions, spatial layout, and human activities, may trigger or influence these behaviours, but there is a lack of solid evidence. We used mixed methods to collect data, including the fly-on-the-wall method to observe the residents' daily lives and deploying environmental sensors to monitor the indoor environments of two central living rooms and ten bedrooms in a nursing home in the Netherlands. A data collection campaign from August to September 2022 focused on the indoor environmental parameters, ventilation control of monitored rooms, the observation of ten participants' locations, activities, clothing levels, and changed behaviours. The data were analysed using Fisher's exact tests and heatmap analysis. The results show that even though the nursing home was well maintained according to existing indoor environmental quality standards, the room conditions of temperature, TVOC, and HCHO levels and contextual factors (main activity and numbers of people in the space) were significantly correlated with locations of changed behaviours. By analysing observation data with spatial layout, participants had larger activity ranges on the days that exhibited changed behaviours than those without. Most of these behaviours were observed at the edge of common spaces, where caregivers need to pay more attention.

Environmental retrieval during COVID-19 lockdown in the megacity Karachi, Pakistan

The global devastating effect of COVID-19 has also wrapped up the mega city of Pakistan-Karachi. The study was conducted to reveal the effects of limited anthropogenic activities, in terms of national lockdown, on the environmental pollution in Karachi. No study has been conducted to monitor the effect of the COVID-19 lockdown on levels of PM2.5 and noise in Karachi so far. The levels of PM2.5 and noise were monitored before and during the imposition of the COVID-19 lockdown with the help of a particulate monitor and environmental meter, respectively. The monitoring was conducted for 12 hours at 25 locations. The spatial distribution of mean PM2.5 and noise levels were represented by thematic maps. Statistical evaluation revealed a significant decrease in PM2.5 and noise pollution by 53.55% and 24.98%, respectively. The percentage of locations where the mean PM2.5 level was surpassing the Sindh environmental quality standards before the lockdown had dropped from 56% to 8% during the lockdown. Similarly, the percentage of locations where the mean value of noise exceeded the standard values before lockdown had descended from 96% to 24 % for residential areas; 72% to 12% for commercial areas; and 44% to 0% for industrial areas, during lockdown.

Modeling pesticides and ecotoxicological risk assessment in an intermittent river using SWAT

The present work aimed to predict the fate of two pesticides, copper (Cu) and glyphosate in a Mediterranean basin with an intermittent river and to assess the ecotoxicological risk related to their presence in water bodies coupling field measurements of streamflow and pesticide concentrations, and an eco-hydrological model. The Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) model was calibrated and, subsequently used to assess predicted environmental concentrations of pesticides in surface waters. The ecotoxicological risk related to the presence of Cu and glyphosate in surface water was assessed at the reach scale by using the Toxicity to Exposure Ratio approach (TER). Measurements of glyphosate concentrations (< 0.5 μg l−1) exceeded the maximum European threshold of environmental quality standards for pesticides (EQS) of 0.1 μg l−1. High concentrations of glyphosate were predicted in the wet season and in September, when glyphosate is mostly used in vineyards and olive grove productions. Acute risk (TER < 100) associated with the presence of glyphosate was detected for several reaches. High concentrations of Cu (< 6.5 μg l−1), mainly used as a fungicide in vineyards, were predicted in several river reaches. The results of the ecotoxicological risk assessment revealed that November and January were the critical months during which most of the river reaches showed a chronic risk associated with the presence of Cu.

Challenges Encountered by the SLP Beneficiaries in the Operations of the Marinated Boneless Milkfish Business

This study explores and develops an in-depth understanding of challenges encountered by the SLP beneficiaries towards business operations regarding food waste management, policy implementation, business marketing, records management, and supply chain. The output of this study will serve as the basis for further training enhancement programs. A qualitative study using the case study method was conducted in the municipality of Candijay, Bohol. Selected members of Mauswagong Pundok sa Pantawid SLP Association who were officers undergo an exploratory interview in the first phase as a basis for the structured interview guide for phase two interview. The findings have highlighted the interplay of various factors that influence the success and sustainability of this venture, encompassing food waste management, policy implementation, business marketing, records management, and supply chain management. The challenges encountered by SLP beneficiaries in the operations of the Marinated Boneless Milkfish business are multifaceted and interconnected. Addressing these challenges requires a collaborative effort from various stakeholders, including government agencies, non-governmental organizations, and the beneficiaries themselves. The theoretical contribution and originality of this research lie in its holistic examination of the challenges encountered by beneficiaries of the Marinated Boneless Milkfish business, considering the intersection of various elements. This research uniquely integrates these factors into a comprehensive analysis. This approach allows for a more nuanced understanding of how these challenges are interrelated and how addressing them collectively can lead to a more sustainable and prosperous business model. The findings of this research have significant implications for practitioners and policymakers. Clear and supportive policies regarding environmental regulations, quality standards, and fisheries management are vital to creating a conducive business environment. For practitioners, there is an urgent need to address food waste management by exploring innovative sourcing and preservation techniques, and potentially partnering with organizations to reduce waste. Keywords: Business Management, Challenges Encountered, Qualitative Research, Thematic Analysis

Assessment of legacy and emerging PFAS in the Oder River: Occurrence, distribution, and sources

The purpose of the study was to evaluate the occurrence and distribution of emerging contaminants, poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), in the Polish Oder River, aiming to uncover new insights into their environmental impact. The research aimed to identify potential sources of PFAS, assess water quality levels, and verify compliance with European Union environmental quality standards. The concentrations of 25 PFAS (20 legacy and 5 emerging) in 20 samples from intakes upstream and downstream of urban areas were analyzed using novel, developed in these studies, environmental analytical procedures involving solid phase extraction and liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry. The presence of 14 PFAS was confirmed, and the concentration of Σ14PFAS ranged from 7.6 to 68.0 ng/L. The main components were short-chain analogs. PFBA was the most abundant, accounting for about one-third of all PFAS detected. An exception was observed in the waters of the Gliwice Canal, where ADONA represented half of the detected Σ14PFAS. Alternative PFOS replacements were found in all samples. In 11 of 20 water samples, environmental quality standards for PFOS exceeded the limit of 0.65 ng/L. In 5 of 9 cases, the ability of urban areas to increase PFAS levels in the river was determined. 9.5%–54.4% share of alternative PFAS in relation to the sum of the targeted PFAS showing their increasing use as substitutes for phased-out PFOS. Hierarchical cluster analysis was used to identify potential sources of PFAS. Analysis revealed that PFAS in the Oder River most likely originated from domestic and agricultural wastewater, as well as chemical industry discharges. However, the occurrence of PFAS in the Oder River is low and comparable to other recent European studies. These findings provide valuable insights for environmental management to mitigate the risks associated with PFAS pollution in Polish rivers. Moreover, the developed analytical procedure provides a valuable tool that can be successfully applied by other researchers to monitor PFAS in rivers around the world.

PENGELOLAAN KUALITAS AIR ASAM TAMBANG SETTLING POND PADA KEGIATAN PERTAMBANGAN BATUBARA DI KABUPATEN TANAH LAUT

Management of acid mine drainage is necessary to ensure that the seetlingpond outlet meets the required environmental quality standards. This research was conducted at the seetlingpond location of PT. Jorong Barutama Greston. The aim of this research is to analyze the relationship between the seetlingpond inlet discharge and the use of lime using manual and automatic methods with the outlet parameter sizes being pH Fe, Mn and Cd. Data collection was carried out for approximately 1 year. Observations were taken on a monthly average, both discharge, amount of lime and results of chemical analysis of water quality. The results showed that the method of using lime automatically produces a significant linear relationship between the amount of discharge and the use of lime, while the use of lime manually does not occur consistently between the amount of discharge and the amount of lime so that the use, for the results of water quality analysis either manually or using a lime mixing machine, both produce water quality output that meets environmental quality standards based on the standards of South Kalimantan Governor Regulation No. 36 of 2008.

Exploring Perfluoroalkyl Substances (PFASs) in Aquatic Fauna of Lake Trasimeno (Italy): Insights from a Low-Anthropized Area.

This study investigated the concentrations and profiles of 19 perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) in the muscle and liver of four freshwater species from Lake Trasimeno (Italy): Anguilla anguilla (European eel), Carassius auratus (goldfish), Perca fluviatilis (European perch), and Procambarus clarkii (red swamp crayfish). In livers, the amount of PFASs ranged from 3.1 to 10 µg kg-1, significantly higher than that in muscle (0.032-1.7 µg kg-1). The predominant PFASs were perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) and long-chain carboxylic acids (C8-C14). Short-chain compounds (C4-C5), as well as the long-chain sulfonic acids (C9-C12), were not quantified. The contamination patterns were similar among species with few differences, suggesting the influence of species-specific accumulation. The PFAS concentrations in livers were comparable among species, while in muscle, the higher values were measured in European eel, followed by goldfish, European perch, and red swamp crayfish. The levels were generally lower than those reported for fish from Northern Italian lakes and rivers. The concentrations of regulated PFASs were lower than the maximum limits set by Regulation EU 2023/915 and did not exceed the Environmental Quality Standards (PFOS in biota). This study provides the first valuable insights on PFASs in freshwater species from Lake Trasimeno.

Uji Cemaran Coliform Menggunakan Uji MPN pada Air Sumur Gali, Sumur Bor dan PDAM

Physical, biological, and chemical parameters form the environmental health quality standards for water media used for sanitary hygiene needs. These parameters must be checked periodically by the laws and regulations contained in the Minister of Health Regulation Number 32 of 2017. One of these requirements is the MPN limit, which is a maximum total Coliform count of 50 colonies per 100 milliliters and requires the absence of Escherichia coli. This study was to ascertain whether PDAM water, borehole, and dug well water in the Cinta Rakyat Village area of Percut Sei Tuan Deli Serdang were contaminated by Escherichia coli and the MPN Coliform index. A 3:3:3 tube series consisting of a prediction test using Lactose Broth (LB) media, a confirmation test using Brilliant Green Lactose Broth (BGLB) media, and a complementary test using Eosin media was used to conduct a microbiological contamination test using the Most Probable Number (MPN) Coliform method. Gram stain with methylene blue agar (EMBA). Six water samples from dug wells, six from boreholes, and one PDAM water sample from the homeowner's residence were used for testing. The samples were randomly selected. The findings showed that two well water samples - ASGD 1 with 75 colonies/100 mL and ASGD 6 with 75 colonies/100 mL - exceeded the total Coliform limit. Six samples taken from dug wells were positive for fecal coliform. The colony count for ASGD 1 was 15/100 mL, ASGD 2 was 7/100 mL, ASGD 3 was 7/100 mL, ASGD 4 was 15/100 mL, ASGD 5 was 4/100 mL, and ASGD 6 was 20/100 mL. Two samples from boreholes were positive for fecal coliform. There were 4 colonies/100 mL for ASBD 2 and 7 colonies/100 mL for ASBD 4. PDAM water samples did not contain non-fecal coliforms and fecal coliforms.

Living benthic foraminifera and organic matter compounds as proxies to characterize the trophic state in an impacted hypersaline environment: Araruama Lagoon - Brazil

Recognizing the tolerance levels of foraminifera species towards organic matter components is a crucial aspect of biomonitoring in diverse coastal environments, including hypersaline ecosystems. Despite the importance of this information, there remains limited knowledge about the biodiversity and ecological relationships of these organisms in hypersaline environments, hindering their application in biomonitoring studies. This study aimed to assess the impact of organic components on the distribution of living benthic foraminifera in the Araruama Lagoon, utilizing a comprehensive approach involving biopolymer concentration, physical-chemical parameters, and sediment grain size analyses. The results revealed a high richness of foraminiferal fauna in the lagoon, comprising 44 living species. These organisms exhibited responses indicative of anthropogenic impact, including reductions in density, diversity, and alterations in assemblage composition. Statistical analyses demonstrated that foraminiferal distribution was influenced by grain size, salinity, and organic matter concentration. Bioindicators of highly impacted areas included Ammonia tepida, Ammonia parkinsoniana, Bolivina translucens, Bolivina striatula, Elphidium excavatum, Cribroelphium gunteri and Fursenkoina pontoni. Quinqueloculina milletti and Quinqueloculina seminulum were associated with sandy areas characterized by high hydrodynamics, while Discorbis bertheloti and Valvulineria rugosa were associated to hypersaline conditions. The foraminifera distribution allowed the identification of four distinct regions within the Araruama Lagoon, each exhibiting different trophic conditions. The Environmental Quality Standards (EQS) proved effective in delineating the most environmentally compromised areas of the system. However, it was not as efficient in the characterization of the most hypersaline areas of Araruama lagoon.

Added Value of Water Column Spatiotemporal Monitoring to Assess Variability of Trace Metal Elements and Organotin Compounds in Mediterranean Harbours

Marinas are semi-enclosed environments characterised by reduced hydrodynamic energy, high sedimentation rates, and reduced oxygen levels. The ongoing development of activities and infrastructure construction are leading to deterioration in the quality of coastal aquatic environments, creating environmental risks. Trace metal elements (TMEs) and organotins are significant contaminants, prompting this study to evaluate the added value of spatiotemporal monitoring compared to one-time sediment assessments. Two Mediterranean harbours, Port Camargue (PC) and Port Carnon (C), differing in morphology and size, were monitored for a year with regular water sampling, focusing on TMEs and organotins. Sediment contamination, notably in the technical zone, revealed concentrations of Cu (309 and 1210 mg kg−1 for C and PC, respectively), Zn (242 and 425 mg kg−1 for C and PC, respectively), and tributyltin (TBT) (198 and 4678 µg (Sn) kg−1 for C and PC, respectively) surpassing the effect range medium (ERM), while other marina stations generally stayed below this threshold. Spatiotemporal water monitoring highlighted concentrations above environmental quality standards (EQS) at all stations of the larger marina. This exceedance was systematic for Cu and Zn in all samples, ranging respectively between 2.54 and 37.56 µg (Sn) L−1 and 0.63 and 33.48 µg (Sn) L−1. A notable temporal dynamic for TBT and Cu was also observed. Conversely, the open marina, connected to the open sea, rarely exhibited concentrations above EQS in water, despite sediment concentrations occasionally exceeding ERM values. This underscores that risk assessment in these ecosystems cannot rely solely on sediment characterisation.

Urban green space area mitigates the accumulation of heavy metals in urban soils

Despite that the heavy metals in urban soils pose a threat to public health, the critical factors that influence their concentrations in urban soils are not well understood. In this study, we conducted a survey of surface soil samples from urban green spaces in Shanghai, to analyze the concentrations of the key heavy metals. The results showed that Zn was the most abundant metal with an average concentration of 122.99 mg kg−1, followed by Pb (32.72 mg kg−1) and Cd (0.23 mg kg−1). All concentrations were found to be below the risk screening values defined by the National Environmental Quality Standards for soils of development land in China (GB36600-2018), indicating no current risk in Shanghai. However, there was a clear accumulation of heavy metals, as the mean concentrations were significantly higher than the background values. Furthermore, we explored the relationships between key heavy metals with population density, GDP and green space area. Both Spearman correlation and Random Forest analysis indicated that per capita green space area (pGSA) and population density were the most crucial factors influencing the status of heavy metals in urban soils, unlike edaphic factors e.g. SOM content in farmland soils. Specifically, there was a significantly positive linear correlation between heavy metal concentrations and population density, with correlation coefficients ranging from 0.3 to 0.4. However, the correlation with pGSA was found to be non-linear. The nonlinear regression analysis revealed threshold values between heavy metals concentrations and pGSA (e.g Zn 22.22 m2, Pb 24.92 m2, and Cd 25.92 m2), with a sharp reduction in heavy metal concentrations below the threshold and a slow reduction above the threshold. It suggests that an increase in per capita green space area can mitigate the accumulation of heavy metals caused by growing population density, but the effect is limited after the threshold. Our findings not only provide insights into the distribution patterns of heavy metals in the urban soils at the local scale, but also contribute to the urban greening at the global scale and offer guidance for city planning in the face of increasing population densities over the coming decades.