Screening Quick Reference Tables Research Articles

Metal bioavailability, bioaccumulation, and toxicity assessment through sediment and edible biota from intertidal regions of the Aghanashini Estuary, India

The sediment cores and edible biota from the intertidal regions of the Aghanashini Estuary were studied for the assessment of metal toxicity. The estuarine sediments received natural input of metals through the weathering of Dharwar and peninsular gneisses, and laterites. The sediments were enriched in Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu, Co and Ni than the upper crustal value. Also, the concentration of Fe, Zn, Cu, Co and Ni was more in the Aghanashini Estuary than other estuaries around the world. The Enrichment Factor (EF) revealed enrichment of Zn, Cu, Co and Ni in sediments, while the Geo-accumulation Index (Igeo) exhibited unpolluted-moderately-strongly polluted class of Fe, Zn, Cu, Co and Ni. The enrichment and pollution of metals in sediments was due to anthropogenic sources (domestic sewage, aquaculture and agricultural discharge) in the estuary. The presence of metals at a high concentration in the residual fraction and at a significant proportion in the bioavailable fractions construed both natural and anthropogenic sources of metal, and their bioavailability in the estuary. The physico-chemical factors (ionic composition, H+ ions, redox potential, and microbial activity) regulated the adsorption and desorption of metals in sediments. The Screening Quick Reference Table (SQUIRT) revealed level of bioavailable Mn and Co higher than the Apparent Effects Threshold (AET) and thus, indicated adverse toxic effects on biota. The Risk Assessment Code (RAC) indicated medium-high-very high risk of Mn, Zn, Co, Cu and Ni to biota. Also, the concentration of Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu and Ni in biota was in excess of permissible limit which pointed to their toxicity to biota and their consumers. The Target Hazard Quotient (THQ) value > 1, and Hazard Index (HI) value > 10 revealed risk of metal toxicity to humans.

Metal enrichment and toxicity assessment through total and speciation of metals in lower and middle regions of tropical (Mandovi) Estuary, western coast of India.

The study aimed to understand the metal enrichment and toxicity in lower and middle regions of a tropical Mandovi Estuary, revealed metals dilution by coarser intertidal mudflat sediments in the lower estuary (downstream of the fishing jetty-core S). A relatively calm depositional environment prevailed at the middle estuary (core M) and also at the upstream of the jetty of the lower estuary (core L) facilitating deposition and enrichment of Mn and Zn in cores M and Mn, Cu and Co in core L. The distribution of trace metals in sediments was regulated by grain size, total organic carbon and Fe-Mn oxides. The potential contamination index indicated a moderate degree of metal contamination in sediments while the anthropogenic factor showed the signatures of human-induced activities in the enrichment of metals. The sequential extraction of metals showed bioavailability of Mn, Cu, Zn and Co. Fe-Mn oxide and organic/sulphide were key phases for the retention of bioavailable metals. The elevated level of these metals suggested possible toxicity to benthic biota, particularly from Mn (cores L and M) and Co (core L) according to the screening quick reference table.

Spatial distribution of pesticides, organochlorine compounds, PBDEs, and metals in surface marine sediments from Cartagena Bay, Colombia.

Cartagena Bay is an estuarine system located in the Caribbean Sea (Colombia, South America), that receives fresh water from Canal del Dique, which is connected to the Magdalena River, the most important river of Colombia, with some of the most prominent Colombian cities located in its watershed, which has a high sediment yield. An analysis of persistent organic pollutants and heavy metals was carried out on marine sediments from Cartagena Bay. Cartagena Bay sediments deployed the occurrence of total levels of pesticides (thiocarbamates, bromacil, triazines, organochlorines, and organophosphorus), polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), in sediments ranging from 0.83-33.67 ng/g dry-weight, 0.05-0.34 ng/g dry-weight, and 0.06-19.58 ng/g dry-weight, respectively. Their concentrations were lower than those reported in NOAA Screening Quick Reference Tables. DDTs and PCBs are banned organochlorine compounds, since, even at low levels, their presence in sediments represents a threat to aquatic organisms and, therefore, to human health through the trophic chain. Sediments showed high concentrations of strontium (50-959.6 mg/kg). All metals evaluated in the marine sediments were found in the S6 sampling point; this was near tannery and hydrocarbon industries (Pb 37.1 mg/kg, Cr 137.2 mg/kg, Cd 1.7 mg/kg, Cu 64.4 mg/kg, As 13.1 mg/kg, Sr 318.9 mg/kg); these results exceeded the accepted values of threshold effect levels (TEL) used as an indicator of their potential risk on marine life.

Assessment of metal pollution and bioaccumulation of metals by edible bivalve Polymesoda erosa in the Zuari Estuary, west coast of India

The mangrove sediment cores from middle and upper Zuari Estuary were studied for grain size, organic carbon, total and bioavailable metals (Fe, Mn, Zn, Pb) to evaluate the metal enrichment and pollution, along with the bioaccumulation of metals by edible bivalve Polymesoda erosa to understand the toxicity of metals. The distribution of metals varied between middle and upper estuary and was attributed to difference in metal source, hydrodynamics and/or post-depositional behavior. The pollution indices viz., contamination factor and pollution load index revealed metal pollution at both middle and upper estuary. Speciation of Mn, Zn and Pb indicated their bioavailability in sediments, and the application of screening quick reference table and risk assessment code suggested possible harmful effects of Mn on biota. The concentration of metals in Polymesoda erosa was more than the standard permissible limit, at both middle and upper estuary indicating metal toxicity to Polymesoda erosa and human health.

Detection, provenance and associated environmental risks of water quality pollutants during anomaly events in River Atoyac, Central Mexico: A real-time monitoring approach

River Atoyac is considered to be one of the most polluted rivers in Mexico due to the discharges of untreated or partially treated wastewater from industrial and municipal activities. In order to improve the river water quality, it is obligatory to identify the possible contaminant sources for upholding a well-balanced ecosystem. Henceforth, the present study incorporates the application of a continuous real-time monitoring system to identify the provenance of pollutants of the river mainly from anomaly events. Four monitoring stations were installed all along the River Atoyac in the State of Puebla, Central Mexico. The real-time monitoring systems have an ability to measure various water quality parameters for every 15 minutes such as Temperature (T), pH, Conductivity (EC), turbidity (TURB), Dissolved Oxygen (DO), Oxidation Reduction Potential (ORP) and Spectral Absorption Coefficient (SAC). In total, eight water samples of anomaly events (i.e.) 2 per monitoring station during rainy (August–September) and winter seasons (November–December), that were detected using the parameters previously mentioned were procured and also analyzed in the laboratory for evaluating almost 54 physicochemical, inorganic and organic characteristics. Statistical results of factorial analysis explained that 30% of the total variance corresponded to textile effluents, 23% related to discharges produced by automobile and petrochemical industries, and 18% of the total variance defined the agricultural activities. Additionally, indices like Overall Index Pollution, Heavy Metal Evaluation Index, Screening Quick Reference Table and Molecular ratios of hydrocarbons for PAH sources was also calculated to estimate the grade of pollution and associated ecotoxicological risks. The present study also enlightens the fact that the assessed results will definitely provide valuable information for the management of river water quality by developing stringent public policies by governmental agencies for the sustainable conservation of Atoyac River.

Heavy metal contamination in the sediment and plants of the Sundarbans, India

ABSTRACTHeavy metals are one of the hazardous contaminants in the total environment. The present study shows that the Sundarbans soil is contaminated with sludge and moderately contaminated with Cd and Co according to Contamination factor (CF), Enrichment factor (EF), Index of geo-accumulation (Igeo), and Ecological risk factor (ERF). The correlation, principle component analysis and factor analysis showed that Mn and Fe might have lithogenic origin whereas Cu, Pb, Co and Cd have anthropogenic inputs. The screening quick reference table (SQuiRT) shows that Cu and Cd may exert a possible toxic effect on the sediment dwelling biota. The phytoremediation study revealed that the endangered Heritiera fomes leaves can accumulate 80% of cadmium from the soil, which is highest based on this study as compared to other mangroves. The study also indicated that threatened date palm Phoenix paludosa leaves can accumulate 74% and 73% of Cu and Fe, respectively, from the soil. Now a day, there has been a spurt in mangrove plantations worldwide for the conservation of mangrove ecosystem using ecological engineering approaches. The present study is very much useful to choose a proper plant to decontaminate the soil from various heavy metal pollutants for effective management of mangrove wetlands.

Integrated assessment of the heavy metal pollution status and potential ecological risk in the Lagos Lagoon, South West, Nigeria

ABSTRACTThis study was carried out to assess the heavy metal pollution status and potential ecological risk in the Lagos lagoon, Nigeria. The concentrations of twelve heavy metals commonly associated with environmental pollution were determined in the sediments of the lagoon by Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry (AAS) and the cold vapor method was employed for Mercury (Hg). Nonempirical risk indices and empirical Sediment Quality Guidelines (SQGs) were used to assess the ecological risk associated with heavy metal in the sediments. The nonempirical risk indices showed that Hg, Arsenic (As), and Cadmium (Cd) are the major contributors to the ecological risk associated with heavy metal pollution in the ecosystem. Comparison of heavy metal concentrations to the Screening Quick Reference Table (SQuiRT) showed that mean concentration of Cd (5.22 and 4.88 mg kg−1 in dry and rainy seasons, respectively) exceeds the effect range low (ERL) value (1.20 mg kg−1) in effect to biota. Industries sited around the lagoon have effluent output points in the lagoon serving as a major source of heavy metals coupled with indirect discharges from other sources. Heavy metals are nonbiodegradable, toxic and have the potential to alter ecosystem health, thus pollution sources should be effectively monitored and contained.

Assessment of sediment pollution by metals. A case study from Cienfuegos Bay, Cuba

Sediments were grouped in three zones of the bay: two in the northern basin with higher metal contamination; and another in the southern basin, where lithogenic metals were predominant. Sediment pollution classification made using Index of geoaccumulation and Enrichment factor was consistent, indicating higher accumulation of Cd and Pb in the northern basin. The negative influence of activities linked to petrol was predicted by V/Ni and V/(Ni+V) ratios. Cd and Pb did not represent a potential risk; while Cu and Ni could be risky for biota in most sediment, according to Screening Quick Reference Tables (SQuiRTs). Comparison of bioavailable fraction of metals with references in SQuiRTs corroborated the low potential damage on the biota due to As, Cd, Pb, Cr, Zn; and a higher potential damage due to Cu; while an attenuation of the risk due to Ni predicted by SQuiRTs could be expected.

Variability of labile metals in estuarine sediments in areas under the influence of antifouling paints, southern Brazil

Antifouling paint residues may contribute to high concentrations of metals in sediments. This study aims at assessing seasonal variations of labile metals (Cu, Zn, Pb, Cr and Ni) in surficial sediments (<63 µm) of port, marina and shipyard locations in southern Brazil under the influence of antifouling paints for vessels. The highest concentrations of Cu and Zn in the sediment of shipyard areas were consistent with the composition of the most used antifouling paints, which were analyzed for the first time. The extended El Nino effect on the region caused a decrease in concentrations of labile metals in the sediment. A high correlation between Cu and Zn in the sediment could indicate that they may have the same source, antifouling paints. Levels of Pb were correlated to concentrations of Cu and Zn, and these, to Cr and Ni to a lesser extent. Data were compared with concentrations of trace metals in marine sediment established by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Screening Quick Reference Tables which indicate the toxicity levels of the sediment. Labile Cu, Zn and Pb levels at shipyard and marine areas exceeded the NOAA values, thus, showing that these areas need attention regarding the waste input of antifouling paints, marine diesel oil and lubricants.

Geochemistry and bioavailability of mudflats and mangrove sediments and their effect on bioaccumulation in selected organisms within a tropical (Zuari) estuary, Goa, India

Metals are non-degradable in the aquatic environment and play a vital role in estuarine biogeochemistry but could also be detrimental to associated biota. A comparative evaluation of the trace metal concentrations (Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu, Ni, and Co) was carried out in the Zuari estuary, Goa during the post-monsoon season of 2013 at six locations, each representing three mangrove and three mudflat regions. In addition, fractionation of trace metals in sediments was performed to provide information on the mobility, distribution, bioavailability and toxicity. Special attention was paid to the marine mollusks viz. bivalves and gastropods that are extensively used as bio-indicators in coastal pollution. Considering the percentage of metals in the sequentially extracted fractions, the order of mobility from most to least bioavailable forms was Mn > Zn > Cu > Ni > Co > Fe. Mn maintained high bioavailability (average around 60%) in Fe–Mn oxide and carbonate bound forms indicating that Mn is readily available for biota uptake. The bioavailability of Fe was on an average of around 6% whereas other metals like Cu, Zn, Ni and Co were around 19% to 34%. When the bioavailable values were compared with standard Screening Quick Reference Table (SQUIRT), Zn showed higher toxicity level and bioavailability in the lower estuary. On the basis of calculated Bio Sediment Accumulation Factors (BSAF's), overall trend in bioaccumulation was in the order of Cu > Zn > Mn > Ni > Co > Fe. Metal Pollution Index (MPI) computed was higher for gastropods than bivalves.

Speciation of metals and their distribution in tropical estuarine mudflat sediments, southwest coast of India

Two sediment cores collected from a mudflat sedimentary environment of Swarna estuary (S3) and Gurpur estuary (MF6), representing the middle estuarine region, Karnataka, India, were investigated to understand bioavailability of metals and their toxicity. The subsamples were analyzed for sand, silt, clay, organic carbon and total metal concentration of Aluminum (Al), Iron (Fe), Manganese (Mn), Nickel (Ni), Zinc (Zn), Copper (Cu), Cobalt (Co) and Chromium (Cr) at 2cm intervals. Sediments (average) are relatively coarser in Gurpur estuary whereas silt, clay, organic carbon along with the studied metals (except Mn and Cu) is noted to be higher in the Swarna estuary. Significant correlations were observed of Al, Fe with finer sediments and most of the trace metals in both the cores indicating a mainly lithogenic source. Further, metal speciation analysis carried out for Fe, Mn, Ni, Zn, Cu, Co and Cr on selected samples of both the cores indicated that Fe was largely associated with the residual fraction with 93±0.5% in Gurpur and 84±6% in Swarna estuary. The concentration of studied metals in the residual fraction in the sediments of Gurpur estuary was in the order Mn(90±5%)>Cr(85±1%)>Ni(72±5%)>Zn(69±3%)>Cu(57±5%)>Co(55±2%) and; Cr(80±7%)>Mn(77±10%)>Ni(76±7%)>Zn(67±10%)>Cu(67±10%)>Co(50±7%) in Swarna estuary. When the total (bulk) metals were compared with the Sediment Quality Values (SQV) following Screening Quick Reference Table (SQUIRT), Co values of both the cores fell above Apparent Effect Threshold (AET) values. When the sum of the average bioavailable fractions in sediments was considered, Co values exceeded the AET in core S3 (Swarna estuary). When the variations are viewed with depth, bioavailability of Mn, Ni, Cu and Co in Gurpur estuary indicated anthropogenic addition in recent years whereas in Swarna estuary most of the studied metals showed diagenetic remobilization and diffusion to the water column from surface sediments. Metal speciation study indicated no harm to the aquatic life, except of Co, in Swarna estuary wherein it posed a high risk of toxicity to organisms associated with the sediments.

Effects of contaminated St. Lucie River saltwater sediments on an amphipod (Ampelisca abdita) and a hard-shell clam (Mercenaria mercenaria).

The St. Lucie estuary (SLE) ecosystem in South Florida has been shown to be contaminated with metals and pesticides. Our earlier studies also showed that aquatic organisms, especially benthic species in the SLE ecosystem, might be potentially at high risk from copper (Cu) exposure. The objectives of this study were to conduct studies with separate groups of organisms exposed to seven field-collected sediment samples from the St. Lucie River according to standard procedures to evaluate toxicity and tissue concentrations of Cu and zinc (Zn). Short term and longer term whole sediment acute toxicity studies were performed with Ampelisca abdita and Mercenaria mercenaria. Analysis of sediment chemical characteristics showed that Cu and Zn are of most concern because their concentrations in 86 % of the sediments were higher than the threshold effect concentrations for Florida sediment quality criteria and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Screening Quick Reference Tables (SQuiRTs) sediment values. There was no significant effect on survival of the tested organisms. However, increased Cu and Zn concentrations in the test organisms were found. Dry weight of the tested organisms was also inversely related to Cu and Zn concentrations in sediments and organisms. The effects on organism weight and Cu and Zn uptake raise concerns about the organism population dynamics of the ecosystem because benthic organisms are primary food sources in the SLE system and are continuously exposed to Cu- and Zn-contaminated sediments throughout their life cycle. The results of the present study also indicate that Cu and Zn exposures by way of sediment ingestion are important routes of exposure.

Assessing pollution in Izmir Bay from rivers in western Turkey: heavy metals

Urban rivers having different catchment areas and properties are investigated in order to infer their heavy metal contribution to the Izmir Inner Bay. The concentrations of Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, and Zn in the waters and sediments of these rivers were measured and compared with the limit values given in the Sediment Quality Guidelines and Screening Quick Reference Tables (SQuiRTs). Metal concentrations in the sediments were determined to be between 0.5 and 3.5 mg kg(-1), 10 to 221.5 mg kg(-1), 28 to 153.5 mg kg(-1), 13 to 103.5 mg kg(-1), 31.5 to 157 mg kg(-1), and 124 to 1065.5 mg kg(-1) for Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, and Zn, respectively. Higher metal concentrations in river waters were observed in rainy seasons, and Cu and Zn were frequently found above the critical limits. The correlations between the concentrations in waters, sediments, and wash off fluxes of the river catchments were statistically investigated and evaluated. Strong correlations between Ni-Cr (r = 0.618, p < 0.01), Ni-Zn (r = 0.578, p < 0.01), and Zn-Pb (r = 0.590, p < 0.01) concentrations in water were found. The metal load entering the inner bay was found to be 28.2 tons per year. The fluxes (mg m(-2) per day) were generally high in large catchments with high annual flows, in regions with high runoff coefficients, and in areas hosting industrial activities. The strong correlations between the heavy metal fluxes suggest that the atmospheric pollution, which influences the whole city, may be the major source of these metals.

Speciation of selected heavy metals geochemistry in surface sediments from Tirumalairajan river estuary, east coast of India

Surface sediment samples from the Tirumalairajan river estuary were studied for grain size pattern, organic matter, and heavy metals (Fe, Mn, Zn, and Pb) using the sequential and bulk metal extraction methods to evaluate metal behavior. Ten surface sediment samples were collected during the monsoon and summer seasons of the year2009. The observed orders of concentrations of heavy metals in the sediments were as follows: Fe > Mn > Zn > Pb. The results obtained from sequential extraction showed that, among the metals studied, a larger portion of the metals were associated with the residual phase, although they are available in other fractions. The low concentration of metals available in bioavailable phases indicated that the sediments of Tirumalairajan river estuary were relatively unpolluted. Correlation analysis was also carried out to understand the associations of metals in different phases with sand, silt, clay, and organic matter. To understand the risk of heavy metals to sediment-dwelling organisms, the data were compared with risk assessment code and sediment quality values using the screening quick reference table. The main source of metals to the estuary is from the irrigation field and its associated activities in the study area.

Natural and anthropogenic heavy metals in estuarine cohesive sediments: geochemistry and bioavailability

The geochemistry, mineralogy, and grain size distribution of several estuarine cohesive sediment samples from potentially human-influenced areas without such an influence were analyzed to determine the natural heavy metal content and evaluate its impact on the Bahia Blanca estuarine environment. The data were compared with different ranges of concentrations for heavy metals in marine sediments established by the NOAA Screening Quick Reference Tables in which values range from background levels to those considered toxic to the marine environment. Our total heavy metal contents were below the established hazardous levels in all the analyzed samples, even though the potentially human-influenced areas (harbors, industry, urban spread) showed the highest total concentration values as well as greater percentages of bioavailable compounds. This would imply a low and not extensive anthropogenic input into the environment. The relatively high proportions in which Cd, Pb, and Cr appear as bioavailable compounds at some sites not influenced by human activity suggest the presence of a natural source for these elements. This could be attributed to the weathering of naturally occurring volcanic minerals, indicating that special care must be taken when monitoring of sediment for anthropogenic activity is carried out within this environment. According to the results obtained, and in order to minimize the environmental impact caused by periodic water injection dredging, relocation of sewage outfalls from vessel mooring areas into open waters is strongly recommended.

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), organic matter quality and meiofauna in Galician sandy beaches, 6 months after the Prestige oil-spill

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South Florida ambient pesticide monitoring program.

The South Florida Water Management District is a state agency that manages surface and ground water quantity and quality in south Florida. Since 1984 surface water and sediment have been sampled for pesticides at various frequencies and locations in the District's 1400-mile system of canals. Based on monitoring data from 1992 to 2001 the most common pesticides detected in surface water samples were herbicide compounds, especially ametryn and atrazine, while DDE and DDD were the most frequently detected in sediment samples. Exceedances of state surface water quality standards occurred in certain basins for several insecticides including endosulfan. In addition, the concentrations of several ubiquitous organochlorine compounds in sediment were similar to or exceeded threshold effect levels based on a comparison to the NOAA screening quick reference tables (or SQuiRTs) for sediment.