Protection Of Freshwater Aquatic Life Research Articles

Major- and Trace-Element Geochemistry of Geothermal Water from the Nappe Zone, Northern Tunisia: Implications for Mineral Prospecting and Health Risk Assessment

A comprehensive hydrogeochemical survey of the geothermal waters from the Nappe Zone (Maghrebides fold-and-thrust belt) was undertaken to determine the origins of geothermal waters and to assess the health risks associated with their potentially toxic elements. A total of 11 geothermal water and 3 stream water samples were collected and analysed for major and trace elements (As, B, Ba, Fe, Mn, Pb, Sr, Zn). Two main geothermal water groups were highlighted by hydrogeochemical diagrams and multivariate analyses (PCA, HCA): the first group is the Na−Cl type, TDS > 10 g/L, controlled by deep circulation, while the second group is the Na-Cl−HCO3 type, TDS < 2 g/L, and controlled by shallow circulation. A curved hydrogeochemical evolution path, observed from mixed bicarbonate shallow groundwater to chloride geothermal water, indicates that the interaction with evaporites drives the chemistry of the geothermal samples. On these, the As enrichments come from sulphide oxidation polymetallic mineralisation during the upwelling to the surface from E–W major lineaments. Therefore, E–W lineaments are potential areas for mineral prospecting. The health risk assessment reveals that the concentration of potentially toxic elements in geothermal waters are lower than the guideline values for the protection of freshwater aquatic life and dermal exposure (bathing or balneology).

Characterisation of Neonicotinoid Insecticides in the Cocoa-producing Owena River Basin of Nigeria by a QuEChERS Method Coupled to Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry

Background: Neonicotinoids (hereafter called “neonics”) are systemic insecticides used for the protection of agricultural crops. However, their dispersion in nature has been the subject of global concern due to reports of adverse effects on some living organisms. One of the applications of neonics in Nigeria is to protect the cocoa cash crop. Objective: Previous studies on pesticide-related pollution in Nigeria focused mainly on organochlorines, but research on neonics is sparse, and the knowledge gap needs to be filled. This work aimed at confirming the presence of four neonics, namely, imidacloprid, thiacloprid, acetamiprid, and thiamethoxam, within the Owena River Basin. Methods: Neonics were extracted from cocoa-growing soil, river water, and sediments by a modified QuEChERS method, followed by clean-up of the extractant by dispersive solid phase extraction and analysis by an optimized liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry analytical procedure. The overall performance of these developed methods was then evaluated by set criteria. Results: The Limit of Detection (LOD) and Limit of Quantitation (LOQ) ranged from 0.0005 to 0.002 μg/g and 0.002 to 0.005 μg/g, respectively. The recovery for the four target analytes exceeded 75% across all matrices from laboratory-prepared samples. It was discovered that the average concentrations of three of the four neonics of interest in the individual media were: 10.34 nmol/g in cocoa-producing soil, 1.03 nmol/g in river sediment, and 1.08 nM (1.08 x 10-3 nmol/g) in surface river water. No imidacloprid was identified in any of these three environmental compartments. Conclusion: The concentration of neonics in the river water, i.e., 0.23 µg/L (230 ng/L), is identical to that of the maximum value recommended in the Canadian Water Quality Guidelines for the Protection of Freshwater Aquatic Life.

Water Erosion, its Relationship to Total Suspended Solids and Water Quality in the Lower Basin of the Usumacinta River, Tabasco, Mexico

Total suspended solids are an indicator of material constituted by sedimentable solids, suspended solids, and colloidal, whose origin is erosion, wastewater discharges, and agricultural waste. The objective of this research was to determine territorial water erosion, its relation with total suspended solids, and the water quality in the lower basin of the Usumacinta River in Tabasco. Three sampling points were established, located in the municipalities of Tenosique, Emiliano Zapata, and Jonuta, in the state of Tabasco. Water samples were collected during 12 monthly sampling campaigns in an annual cycle, and the total suspended solids were determined according to the provisions of the NMX-AA-034-SCFI-2015 standard. Water erosion was calculated based on the Universal Soil Loss Equation (USLE) and with the use of geographic information systems (GIS). The results obtained were statistically analyzed, finding that the measured maximum TSS concentrations are 130.92 mg.L-1 in Boca del Cerro, 165.28 mg.L-1 in Chablé, and 113.91 mg.L-1 in Jonuta which are within the permissible concentrations for protection of freshwater aquatic life and agricultural irrigation according to ecological criteria of water quality (CE-CCA-001/89), in Mexico. The lower basin of the Usumacinta River has areas with extreme erosion (990 tons.ha-1yr-1), with conditions that accelerate the erosion process, such as annual rainfall between 1805 mm and 2250 mm, clay soils located on slopes greater than 16%, and agricultural soils. These events cause loss of the soil fertile layer where agriculture is developed, also giving rise to the accelerated transport of suspended solids; which negatively alter the quality of the water of the Usumacinta River.

Assessment of trace element toxicity in surface water of a fish breeding river in Bangladesh: a novel approach for ecological and health risk evaluation

In recent decades, water quality is a great concern for the human being as it is the most important natural resource but water is polluted by increasing population activities. In this study, surface water samples were collected in the wet and the dry season from Halda River, Bangladesh, and 12 physicochemical properties and 10 traces elements (Cd, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Cu, Zn, As, Pb, and Hg) were analyzed to assess the metal toxicity, identify the possible sources, and determine possible carcinogenic and noncarcinogenic risk for adults and child residents. During wet season, the mean concentrations of Cd, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Cu, Zn, As, Pb, and Hg were 0.032 ± 0.028, 0.004 ± 0.002, 0.010 ± 0.012, 0.38 ± 0.08, 0.010 ± 0.017, 3.33 ± 1.16, 0.062 ± 0.008, 1.34 ± 1.17, 0.030 ± 0.014, and 0.007 ± 0.002 mg/L, respectively, whereas the concentrations were measured as 0.04 ± 0.017, 0.060 ± 0.036, 0.150 ± 0.134, 0.58 ± 0.11, 0.049 ± 0.017, 0.172 ± 0.166, 0.393 ± 0.212, 1.07 ± 0.989, 0.104 ± 0.121, and 0.003 ± 0.002 mg/L, respectively, during the dry season. The levels of trace elements in water samples were much higher than the guideline values for safe limits of drinking water and the protection of freshwater aquatic life, indicated that water from this river is not safe for drinking and/or cooking purposes. Trace element evaluation index indicated that water was found to be high contamination while ecological risk index showed low to very high contamination. All hazard quotient and hazard index (HI) values were higher than the risk threshold of unity. HI values for child were higher than those for adult, indicating that the health of children is at dramatically higher risk than adults. Arsenic for water ingestion and dermal pathways was the primary contributors to total health risk (HI/THI) indicated that As in surface water of the Halda River might pose health risks to residential users.

Preliminary assessment of trace elements in surface and deep waters of an urban river (Korotoa) in Bangladesh and associated health risk.

Korotoa River is one of the most important urban rivers in Bangladesh for its utilization in various activities like agriculture, aquaculture, fishing, cooking, and other purposes. There have been some reports on the trace element (TE) levels in the surface water of Korotoa River, but its deep water has never been studied. Therefore, the author measured 10 TEs (As, Cd, Pb, Hg, Cr, Ni, Cu, Fe, Mn, and Zn) in surface and deep water samples and assessed their health risks for residential and recreational receptors. The levels of studied elements in deep water were slightly higher than those in surface water except for Cd, Cr, Cu, Mn, and Zn during the dry season and Pb, Hg, and Fe during the wet season. Total TE levels in both surface and deep waters were higher in the dry season than in the wet season. The levels of trace elements in both surface and deep waters were much higher than the guideline values for safe limits of drinking water and the protection of freshwater aquatic life, indicating that water from this river is not safe for drinking and/or cooking purposes. All hazard quotient (HQ) and hazard index (HI) values were higher than the risk threshold of unity. HI values for children were higher than those for adults, indicating that the health of children is at dramatically higher risk than that of adults. Arsenic, Pb, and Hg for the water ingestion pathway were the primary contributors to total risk (HI), while As and Cr for the dermal pathway, indicating that As, Pb, and Cr, among the TEs, are major contributors to total health risk. Total carcinogenic risk values of As and Cr in surface and deep waters were higher than the target risk of 1 × 10-4, indicating that TEs in surface and deep waters of the Korotoa River might pose health risks to the residential and recreational users. The results of this study can provide the basic data for efficient water management and human health protection in Bangladesh.

A comparison of trace element concentrations in surface and deep water of the Keban Dam Lake (Turkey) and associated health risk assessment

Keban Dam Lake (KDL) is the second largest dam lake in Turkey. There have been some reports on the trace element (TE) levels in surface water of the KDL, but its deep water has been never studied. We measured 17 TEs (Pb, Hg, Cd, As, Cr, Ni, Co, Mn, Cu, Fe, Al, Sr, U, V, Zn, Zr and Ba) in surface and deep water samples and assessed their health risks for residential and recreational receptors. Copper, Zn, Ba, Ni, Mn and Pb levels in deep water were higher than those in surface water. Total TE level in deep water was higher in wet season, whereas that in surface water was higher in dry season. TE levels in both surface and deep water were much lower than the guideline values for drinking water and the protection of freshwater aquatic life, indicating that TEs in the KDL originate from natural sources. All HQ (hazard quotient) and HI (hazard index) values were below the risk threshold of unity. HI values for child were higher than those for adult, indicating that the health of children is at dramatically higher risk than adults. Arsenic and U for water ingestion were the primary contributors to total risk (HI), while V and Cr for dermal pathway. The presence of U and V, among the TEs which are major contributors to total health risk, reveals the necessity of monitoring of such less-studied elements in the surface water bodies. Carcinogenic risk values of As and Cr in surface and deep water were below the target risk of 1 × 10−4. These findings indicated that TEs in surface and deep water of the KDL do not pose health risks to residential and recreational users. Thus this study may serve as a model for similar studies assessing health risks of multi-elements in freshwater bodies in future.

Development of a fluoride chronic effects benchmark for aquatic life in freshwater.

Canada has an interim water-quality guideline for fluoride for protection of freshwater aquatic life that dates from 2002, and 1 Canadian province has a different interim water-quality guideline for fluoride that dates to 1995. The United States does not have a national benchmark for fluoride in freshwater, and only 1 US state has such a benchmark. There are no other national or regional benchmarks for fluoride chronic toxicity in freshwater. In the present study, available data on the acute and chronic toxicity of fluoride to freshwater aquatic life were compiled and reviewed. Acute toxicity was reported to occur at concentrations ranging from 11.5 to >800 mg/L fluoride (F(-) ). The majority of chronic effects occur at concentrations between 1.8 mg/L and 195 mg/L. A total of 10 chronic studies representing 16 species (5 fish, 7 invertebrates, and 4 algae/aquatic plants) were used to derive a chronic effects benchmark of 1.94 mg/L F(-) , applying the species sensitivity distribution approach.

Development of a strontium chronic effects benchmark for aquatic life in freshwater.

There are no national water-quality guidelines for strontium for the protection of freshwater aquatic life in North America or elsewhere. Available data on the acute and chronic toxicity of strontium to freshwater aquatic life were compiled and reviewed. Acute toxicity was reported to occur at concentrations ranging from 75 mg/L to 15 000 mg/L. The majority of chronic effects occurred at concentrations above 11 mg/L; however, calculation of a representative benchmark was confounded by results from 4 studies indicating that chronic effects occurred at lower concentrations than all other studies, in 2 cases below background concentrations reported for US and European streams. Two of these studies, including 1 reporting effects below background concentrations, were repeated and found not to be reproducible; chronic effects occurred at considerably higher strontium concentrations than in the original studies. Studies with narrow-mouthed toad and goldfish were not repeated; both studies reported chronic effects below background concentrations, and both studies had been conducted by the authors of 1 of the 2 studies that were repeated and shown to be nonreproducible. Studies by these authors (3 of the 4 confounding studies), conducted over 30 yr ago, lacked detail in reporting of methods and results. It is thus likely that repeating the toad and goldfish studies would also have resulted in a higher strontium effects concentration. A strontium chronic effects benchmark of 10.7 mg/L that incorporates the results of additional testing summarized in the present study is proposed for freshwater environments.

Development of PFOS and PFOA criteria for the protection of freshwater aquatic life in China

Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) are two widely used perfluorinated compounds. They have been detected in various environmental media and have harmed aquatic life and systems. The toxic effects of PFOS and PFOA on freshwater organisms were explored with the goal of protecting aquatic ecosystems in this study. Data from acute toxicity tests using nine aquatic species and chronic toxicity tests using three species were analyzed, along with PFOS and PFOA toxicity data for representative Chinese aquatic biota that have been published in the Chinese and international literature. Using the method recommended by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA), the criterion maximum concentration (CMC) for PFOS was calculated to be 3.78mg/L, and the criterion continuous concentration (CCC) was calculated to be 0.25mg/L. For PFOA, the CMC was calculated to be 45.54mg/L, and the CCC was calculated to be 3.52mg/L. The criteria derived in this study provide the scientific basis for development of water quality standards and aquatic ecosystem risk evaluation.

Groundwater Geochemical Characterization of a Fuel-Contaminated Fractured Bedrock in a Permafrost Environment

AbstractRemediation of a contaminated site to site-specific cleanup standard requires a good understanding of the geochemical characteristics of the site. In this study, the groundwater hydrochemical characteristics of a fuel-contaminated mine site in the Northwest Territories (Canada) was evaluated to understand the active geochemical processes and assess the groundwater quality in comparison to guidelines for the protection of freshwater aquatic life. Groundwater samples were taken from installed monitoring wells across the site and analyzed by field and laboratory methods for dissolved metals; ions; and benzene, toulene, ethylbenzene, and xylenes (BTEX) organic constituents. The results showed that the groundwater is Ca-SO4 type because of ubiquitous occurrence of gypsum dissolution and carbonate weathering. The last sampling at the site showed that the BTEX constituents of interest were above the guideline limits in some locations, but other geochemical indicators showed biodegradation is occurring at...

Metal concentrations in water, sediment, and fish from sewage-fed aquaculture ponds of Kolkata, India

The concentrations of lead, cadmium, chromium, copper, and zinc were investigated in the sewage-fed pond water, sediment, and the various organs of Labeo rohita, Catla catla, Cirrhinus mrigala, Oreochromis mossambicus, and Cyprinus carpio cultured in sewage-fed ponds, Kolkata, India. Among the metals, cadmium, lead, and zinc were detected in water and, except lead, were below the water quality guideline levels for the protection of freshwater aquatic life proposed by CEQG (Canadian Environmental Quality Guidelines) and AENV (Alberta Environment). Therefore, lead could pose danger to aquatic organisms. All the five metals were detected in the sediment and, except cadmium and lead, were below the sediment quality guideline levels for aquatic life proposed by EPA (Environmental Protection Agency). Therefore, these two metals could be toxic to aquatic organisms. Significant (P > 0.05) differences were observed among the five fish species for all these metals accumulation. Also, significant (P > 0.05) differences were noticed among these metals accumulation in fish organs. Cadmium showed the least bioaccumulation, while zinc showed the highest bioaccumulation in all the fish species. Though the metal concentration in the different fish tissues was variable, the highest concentration was found in kidney and the lowest in the muscle. Concentrations of these metals in the muscle tissue of all the fish species were well below the consumption safety tolerance in fish set by WHO/FAO, and thus, so far as these metals are concerned, these sewage-fed cultured fishes are safe and suitable for human consumption.

Comparative analysis of regional water quality in Canada using the Water Quality Index

The Canadian Council of Ministers for the Environment (CCME) has developed a Water Quality Index (WQI) to simplify the reporting of complex water quality data. This science-based communication tool tests multi-variable water data against numeric water quality guidelines and/or objectives to produce a single unit-less number that represents overall water quality. The CCME WQI has been used to rate overall water quality in spatial and temporal comparisons of site(s). However, it has not been used in a comparative-analysis of exposure sites to reference sites downstream of point source discharges. This study evaluated the ability of the CCME WQI to differentiate water quality from metal mines across Canada at exposure sites from reference sites using two different types of numeric water quality objectives: (1) the water quality guidelines (WQG) for the protection of freshwater aquatic life and (2) water quality objectives determined using regional reference data termed Region-Specific Objectives (RSO). The application of WQG to the CCME WQI was found to be a good tool to assess absolute water quality as it relates to national water quality guidelines for the protection of aquatic life, but had more limited use when evaluating spatial changes in water quality downstream of point source discharges. The application of the RSO to the CCME WQI resulted in assessment of spatial changes in water quality downstream of point source discharges relative to upstream reference conditions.

TREATMENT OF GREENHOUSE WASTEWATER USING CONSTRUCTED WETLANDS

Five wetland designs, based on conventional surface flow (SF) and subsurface flow (SSF) approaches, were assessed for nitrogen and phosphorus removal from greenhouse wastewater. Results indicated none of the individual designs assessed was capable of providing the highest treatment effect for all nutrients of concern; however, the SF wetland emerged as the most appropriate design for the treatment of greenhouse wastewater. The highest mean phosphorus reduction of 65 % was observed in the unplanted SF wetlands. Peak nitrate reductions of 54% were observed in the 15-cm deep SF wetlands and ammonia removal of 74% was achieved in the unplanted SF wetlands. Nitrate concentration in the greenhouse effluent can be reduced to acceptable levels for the protection of freshwater aquatic life (i.e., less then 40 ppm) using a loading rate of 1.65 g NO3-N/m2/day and a design water depth of 30 cm or greater. Based on available literature and the results of this research project, a multistage design, consisting of an unplanted pre-treatment basin followed by a 25 to 35 cm deep surface flow marsh with open water components, is recommended.

Fate, behavior, and aquatic toxicity of the fungicide IPBC in the Canadian environment

Canadian water quality guidelines (CWQG) for 3-iodo-2-propynyl butyl carbamate (IPBC) were developed based on a review of environmental chemistry, fate, and toxicology of IPBC. IPBC is used in Canada in antisapstain formulations for treatment of freshly sawn lumber, as an industrial mildewcide, and as an antimicrobial. In British Columbia, IPBC is an active ingredient in the most widely used antisapstain formulation (Kop-Coat NP-1); 36,020 kg of IPBC were used by lumber mills for antisapstain purposes in 1996. IPBC is moderately soluble in water, and is not likely to adsorb to suspended solids or sediments. It is not persistent in the water column; hydrolysis is expected to be the main route of dissipation. IPBC was reported to affect fathead minnows at levels as low as 0.019 mg L− and Daphnia magna at levels as low as 0.07 mg L−1. It is not expected to bioaccumulate. An interim water quality guideline for the protection of freshwater aquatic life of 1.9 μg L−1 is recommended. This guideline was derived according to the Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment's (CCME) Protocol for the Derivation of Water Quality Guidelines for the Protection of Aquatic Life, and is intended to be protective of all forms of freshwater aquatic life at all aquatic life stages. © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Environ Toxicol 15: 201–213, 2000

TRANSPORT OF SEDIMENT‐BOUND ORGANOCHLORINE PESTICIDES TO THE SAN JOAQUIN RWER, CALIFORNIA1

ABSTRACT: Suspended sediment samples were collected in west‐side tributaries and the main stem of the San Joaquin River, California, in June 1994 during the irrigation season and in January 1995 during a winter storm. These samples were analyzed for 15 organochiorine pesticides to determine their occurrence and their concentrations on suspended sediment and to compare transport during the irrigation season (April to September) to transport during winter storm runoff (October to March). Ten organochiorine pesticides were detected during the winter storm runoff; seven during the irrigation season. The most frequently detected organochlorine pesticides during both sampling periods were p,p'‐DDE, p,p'‐DDT, p,p'‐DDD, dieldrin, toxaphene, and chiordane. Dissolved samples were analyzed for three organochiorine pesticides during the irrigation season and for 15 during the winter storm. Most calculated total concentrations of p,p‐DDT, chlordane, dieldrin, and toxaphene exceeded chronic criteria for the protection of freshwater aquatic life. At eight sites in common between sampling periods, suspended sediment concentrations and streamfiow were greater during the winter storm runoff ‐ median concentration of 3,590 mg/L versus 489 mg(L and median streamfiow of 162 ft3/s versus 11 ft3/s. Median concentrations of total DDT (sum of p,p'‐DDD, p,p‐DDE, and p,p'‐DDT), chlordane, dieldrin, and toxaphene on suspended sediment were slightly greater during the irrigation season, but instantaneous loads of organochlorine pesticides at the time of sampling were substantially greater during the winter storm. Estimated loads for the entire irrigation season exceeded estimated loads for the January 1995 storm by about 2 to 4 times for suspended transport and about 3 to 11 times for total transport. However, because the mean annual winter runoff is about 2 to 4 times greater than the runoff during the January 1995 storm, mean winter transport may be similar to irrigation season transport. This conclusion is tentative primarily because of insufficient information on long‐term seasonal variations in suspended sediment and organochlorine concentrations. Nevertheless, runoff from infrequent winter storms will continue to deliver a significant load of sediment‐bound organochiorine pesticides to the San Joaquin River even if irrigation‐induced sediment transport is reduced. As a result, concentrations of organochlorine pesticides in San Joaquin River biota will continue to be relatively high compared to other regions of the United States.

Seasonal Loadings of Atrazine and Metolachlor to a Southeastern Ontario River from Surface Runoff and Groundwater Discharge

Abstract The Payne River in the South Nation River basin in eastern Ontario was continuously sampled for atrazine and metolachlor from April to October during 1991 and 1992, using a modified Quality Environment Ltd. automatic liquid sampler. The objectives of the study were to determine weekly flow proportional concentrations and loadings to the river, and to assess loadings during dry weather periods for evidence of contributions from groundwater discharge. In 1992, samples were also analyzed for desethylatrazine, the predominant residue of atrazine. The site southeast of Ottawa represented a watershed area of 182 km2. The maximum concentration of atrazine were recorded for the weeks ending May 29, 1991 (0.83 µg/L), and July 30, 1992 (1.20 µg/L. These values were approximately half the Canadian Water Quality Guideline for the Protection of Freshwater Aquatic Life (2 µg/L). Maximum concentrations of metolachlor were also recorded for these dates. Values were 0.43 µg/L and 0.26 µg/L, respectively, well below the Canadian Water Quality Guideline of 8 µg/L for the Protection of Freshwater Aquatic Life. Discharge data were used to calculate weekly loadings from the watershed, and seasonal loadings were compared with the results of a pesticide usage survey. Atrazine loadings to the Payne River as a percentage of atrazine applied during both cropping seasons were the same (0.13%) despite different discharge patterns. Metolachlor loadings were similar for both years and less than the value for atrazine. In 1991, 0.01% of the metolachlor applied to the study area reached the river during that cropping season. The corresponding value for 1992 was 0.03%. Atrazine loadings associated with carry-over from the previous cropping season were an important factor during the study period. Observed atrazine loading before application in a given year exceeded the loading for the entire cropping season of that year. The compounds were also present in river water under dry weather conditions, suggesting that in addition to surface runoff, groundwater is also a significant source of pesticides to the Payne River.