Seawater Sediment Research Articles

Spatial and temporal physiochemical characteristics of the Seomjin River and Estuary, Gwangyang Bay, and Yeosu Strait on the southern coast of South Korea

Coastal area has been compromised through eutrophication, seawater intrusion, heavy metal contamination, and sediment accumulation. We investigated the physicochemical properties of seawater and heavy metal concentrations in marine sediments along the southern coast of South Korea extending from the Seomjin River and Estuary and the adjoining Gwangyang Bay into the Yeosu Strait for four months (March, May, August, and October 2019). The results indicated a relatively high salinity downstream of the Seomjin River in August and October, indicating seawater intrusion into the river from the estuary. High nutrient concentrations were observed at the mouth of Yeosu Strait and Gwangyang Bay owing to freshwater inflow, whereas a high chlorophyll-a (chl-a) concentration was observed in the farthest from the Seomjin Estuary in August, indicating a discrepancy between primary productivity and nutrient concentrations. This was likely due to favorable conditions, such as high salinity and less grazing effect (a low zooplankton population) in the Yeosu Strait, which could increase the diatom population and their primary productivity. The concentrations of heavy metals (Cd, As, and Hg) in the surface sediments were below the legal standard values stated in the Marine Sediment Quality Guidelines of Korea. However, some fish, including Scyliorhinus torazame, Sepia esculenta, and Pseudopleuronectes yokohamae, contained Hg and As above the legal standard values, requiring adequate management of Hg and As in fisheries.

Macrogenomics Reveals Effects on Marine Microbial Communities during Oplegnathus punctatus Enclosure Farming.

(1) Background: Laizhou Bay is an important aquaculture area in the north of China. Oplegnathus punctatus is one of the species with high economic benefits. In recent years, the water environment of Laizhou Bay has reached a mild eutrophication level, while microorganisms are an important group between the environment and species. In this study, we evaluated alterations in environmental elements, microbial populations, and antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) along with their interconnections during Oplegnathus punctatus net culture. (2) Methods: A total of 142 samples from various water layers were gathered for metagenome assembly analysis. Mariculture increases the abundance of microorganisms in this culture area and makes the microbial community structure more complex. The change had more significant effects on sediment than on seawater. (3) Results: Certain populations of cyanobacteria and Candidatus Micrarchaecta in seawater, and Actinobacteria and Thaumarchaeota in sediments showed high abundance in the mariculture area. Antibiotic resistance genes in sediments were more sensitive to various environmental factors, especially oxygen solubility and salinity. (4) Conclusions: These findings highlight the complex and dynamic nature of microorganism-environment-ARG interactions, characterized by regional specificity and providing insights for a more rational use of marine resources.

Comparative degradation behavior of polybutylene succinate (PBS), used PBS, and PBS/Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) blend fibers in compost and marine–sediment interfaces

Amid increasing concerns over microplastic pollution and the persistence of nonbiodegradable polymers in the ocean, this study evaluates the biodegradability of polybutylene succinate (PBS)-based fishing gear under different conditions: pristine PBS fibers, PBS fibers utilized in fishing (PBS_used), and PBS fibers blended with 10% polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA). By simulating compost and marine–sediment interface environments with reference to ISO 14855 and ISO 19679 standards, respectively, we aimed not only to assess the degradation performance of these fibers but also to examine the physical and chemical property changes pre and postdegradation. PBS, PBS_used, and PBS/PHA (9:1) fibers exhibited degradation rates of 31.9%, 35.5%, and 39.5% in compost environments, and 20.3%, 22.1%, and 25.9% at the seawater–sediment interface, respectively. Through comprehensive physicochemical analyses involving molecular weight measurement, field emission–scanning electron microscope, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, tensile property evaluation, and thermogravimetric analysis, the degradation behavior of PBS-based fibers depending on the degradation environment was compared. This study suggests that PBS-based fishing gear can biodegrade under various conditions encountered in the actual fishing sector, thereby preventing ghost fishing and mitigating the issue of abandoned, lost, or otherwise discarded fishing gear.

Effect of turbulence-induced sediment resuspension and sedimentation on underwater wireless optical communication

In real-life marine environments, the composition and grain size of suspended sediments and the resuspension and sedimentation of sediments caused by turbulence may have a significant impact on underwater wireless optical communication (UWOC). However, to date, researchers have not conducted quantitative research on this issue. To this end, we innovatively study the effects of different compositions and grain sizes of suspended sediments on UWOC and the effects of turbulence-induced sediment resuspension and sedimentation on UWOC in this paper. Quartz and kaolin with different grain sizes are used to simulate sediments in seawater. An oscillating grid that can vary frequency and stroke is used to generate turbulence of different intensities. By comparing the turbidity and optical power density of different simulated sediments with different grain sizes, we find that the smaller the grain size of the simulated sediments, the higher the bit error rate (BER) under the same turbidity. But different simulated sediments with different grain sizes have similar effects on BER performance under the same optical power density. Therefore, turbidity can be used to characterize the changes of underwater channels, and optical power density can be used to evaluate the attenuation of light at the receiving end after transmission through the underwater channel. By continuously changing the frequency of the grid to cause the sediments to resuspend and sink, we prove that the process of turbulence-induced sediment resuspension and sedimentation can seriously affect the BER performance. The larger the frequency of the grid, the greater the turbulence intensity and the worse the BER performance. This study lays a foundation for the practical application of UWOC in mobile ocean observation networks.

Dispersion of waves propagating in the ice-covered Arctic Ocean

The Arctic Ocean was modeled as an ice–seawater–sediment system, where the ice cover and seawater were assumed to be inhomogeneous solid and liquid, respectively, while the sediment was assumed to be homogeneous liquid. Transfer matrixes relating the displacements and stresses at the lower surface and those at the upper surface for a thin solid layer, and a thin liquid layer were derived. Furthermore, a dispersion equation for waves propagating in the ice-covered Arctic Ocean was derived using the transfer matrix technique. The phase- and group-velocity dispersion curves were obtained by solving the dispersion equation numerically. The results show that the dispersion curves for the Arctic Ocean with ice cover are much more complex than those without ice cover. Except for the new mode, the phase-velocity curve for the n-th (n > 2) mode exhibited a slight distortion, which caused a sharp peak in the group-velocity curve. These peak values, which depend on the order of the mode, may be significantly higher than the speed of sound in seawater. The variation of the ice cover thickness had significant influence on the dispersion curves of the first and second modes. Moreover, the influence of the seawater depth on the dispersion curves were investigated.

Ecological condition of marine waters in the area of dredging operations of the kashagan field, Kazakhstan

To determine the hydrophysical and hydrochemical parameters of sea water and their changes during dredging works in the north‐eastern part of the Caspian Sea along the Western Approach Route and near/inside block D, islands EPC‐2, EPC‐3, EPC‐4 and island A of the Kashagan field.Measurement of hydrophysical parameters: salinity, temperature, turbidity, dissolved oxygen concentration, electrical conductivity, pH of seawater was carried out using a portable multi‐parameter analyser "Horiba‐U53" directly in the water column. Water transparency was determined using a Secchi disc. The depth of the water layer was determined using a sounder. Hydrochemical investigations were carried out for seven parameters, with all components sampled in the near‐surface and benthic horizons. Water samples were taken using probes or bathometers: BM‐48, GR‐18 or their analogues.Hydrochemical analyses of seawater samples for: biogens (NO2, NO3, NH4, Ntotal, and Ptotal), synthetic surfactants, phenols, hydrocarbons including polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHS), heavy metals, chemical oxygen demand (COD) and biochemical oxygen demand (BOD5). These were carried out in laboratory conditions using analytical equipment according to scientifically accepted methods.The data obtained as a result of the research allow us to draw the following conclusion: changes in the amount of suspended sediment in sea water lead to changes in physical and chemical properties of water (increase in turbidity, disturbance of sediment composition and properties), changes in biotopes, deterioration of oxygen regime, optical properties of water and temperature regime.

The effect of bioturbation on the release behavior of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons from sediments: A sediment–seawater microcosm experiment combined with a fugacity model

The effects of two benthonic species, Perinereis aibuhitensis and Matuta planipes Fabricius, on the release of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) from sediments were investigated using a sediment–seawater microcosm. A Level IV fugacity model was used to simulate the behavior and fate of PAHs in the environment. This study revealed that both benthos significantly influenced the release of PAHs, and Matuta planipes Fabricius had a stronger disturbance effect than another. The final concentrations of Matuta planipes Fabricius group, Perinereis aibuhitensis group and the control group in the seawater phase reached 10.8, 9.94 and 7.90 μg/L, respectively. There were certain differences in the behaviour of the two benthonic species. Matuta planipes Fabricius caused more sediment resuspension, while Perinereis aibuhitensis increased the total organic carbon (TOC) content in the environment. The vertical concentration distribution of sediment indicated that vertical mixing was slightly stronger in the Matuta planipes Fabricius group than that in the Perinereis aibuhitensis group. The fugacity model effectively simulated the release behavior of PAHs, providing insight into PAH transport and distribution. The results demonstrated that bioturbation could promote the release of PAHs from seawater. The amount of PAHs released was significantly correlated with the biological habits of the benthos.

Multi-phase retrieval of methane hydrate in natural sediments by cryogenic x-ray computed tomography.

In this study, we observed natural methane (CH4) hydrate sediments, which are a type of unconventional natural gas resources, using x-ray computed tomography (CT). Because CH4 hydrates are formed by hydrogen bonding of water molecules with CH4, material decomposition becomes challenging when CH4 hydrates coexist with liquid or solid water in natural sediments. Tri-contrast (absorption, refraction, and scattering) imaging was performed via diffraction enhanced x-ray CT optics using monochromatic synchrotron x rays. The quantitative characterization of the contrast changes successfully enabled the decomposition of CH4 hydrates coexisting with frozen seawater (ice) in natural sediments obtained from the Okhotsk Sea. This study reveals complementary structural information about the microtexture and spatial relation among CH4 hydrates, ice, and pores by utilizing the distinct physical properties of x rays when passing through the materials. These results highlight the exceptional capabilities of high-resolution multicontrast x-ray tomography in materials science and geoscience applications.

Assessing biogeochemical controls on porewater dissolved inorganic carbon cycling in the gas hydrate-bearing sediments of the Makran accretionary wedge, Northeastern Arabian Sea off Pakistan

Quantitatively assessing the porewater dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) cycling in methane-enriched marine sediments is crucial to understanding the contributions of different carbon sources to the global marine carbon pool. In this study, Makran accretionary wedge was divided into Zone 1 (high methane flux area) and Zone 2 (background area). Porewater geochemical compositions (Cl–, SO42–, NH4+, Mg2+, Ca2+, Ba2+, DIC and δ13C-DIC) and a reaction-transport model were used to determine the DIC source and calculate the DIC flux through carbonate precipitation and releasing into overlying seawater in sediments. Zone 1 is characterized by the shallower depth of sulfate-methane transition (SMT), where most of porewater sulfate was consumed by anaerobic oxidation of methane (AOM). In contrast, a relatively low flux of methane diffusion in Zone 2 results in a deeper SMT depth and shallow sulfate is predominantly consumed by organoclastic sulfate reduction (OSR). Based on the porewater geochemical profiles and δ13C mass balance, the proportions of porewater DIC originating from methane were calculated as 51% in Zone 1 and nearly 0% in Zone 2. An increase of porewater DIC concentration leads to authigenic carbonate precipitation. Solid total inorganic carbon (TIC), X-ray diffractometry (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis display that carbonate content increases with depth and aragonite appears at or below the depths of SMT. Meanwhile, the flux of DIC released from sediments calculated by the reaction-transport model is 51.3 ~ 90.4 mmol/m2·yr in Zone 1, which is significantly higher than that in Zone 2 (22.4 mmol/m2·yr). This study demonstrates that AOM serves as the dominant biogeochemical process regulating the porewater DIC cycle, which has an important impact on the authigenic carbonate burial and the seawater carbonate chemistry.

Effects of sediment disturbance by the heart urchin <i>Echinocardium cordatum</i> on the sediment–seawater solute exchange: An exclusion experiment

<p>Spatangoid heart urchins are dominant bioturbators in marine soft-sediment ecosystems worldwide. Their repeated sediment reworking prevents biogeochemical sediment stratification and colonization by other species, with implications for sedimentary reaction processes that affect the local sediment–seawater solute exchange. Here, we used a simple exclusion experiment to investigate how a subtidal <italic>Echinocardium cordatum</italic> population (18.2 ± 6.7 individuals m<sup>−2</sup>), foraging at an individual speed of ~45 cm per day affects the sediment–seawater solute exchange. To do so, we removed all heart urchins from eight one-meter-diameter areas of the 10-m deep seafloor of Man O'War Bay, Hauraki Gulf, New Zealand, and prevented recolonization and thus sediment reworking for 56 days. Subsequently, we measured the sediment–seawater exchange of O<sub>2</sub>, NO<sub>3</sub><sup>–</sup>, NO<sub>2</sub><sup>–</sup>, NH<sub>4</sub><sup>+</sup>, and N<sub>2</sub> both within and outside the exclusion areas, under light or dark conditions, and found no difference. The absence of a legacy effect of foraging <italic>E. cordatum</italic> after their removal suggests that, at least in this habitat, their influence on the sediment–seawater solute exchange may be limited to sediment being displaced in the immediate surrounding of the urchin. This unexpected result underlines the importance of evaluating the influence of bioturbators on the sediment–seawater solute exchange in the context of local environmental conditions, animal behavior, and population characteristics.</p>

The Effect of Suspended Sediment Concentration on Acoustic Propagation Based on Satellite Data Inversion

Suspended sediment in seawater not only affects the optical properties of seawater, such as transparency and color, but it also greatly affects the process of underwater acoustic propagation. The underwater acoustic detection equipment is affected by the change in suspended sediment concentration (SSC) in use. To address this problem, this paper deeply investigates the correlation between the characteristic parameters of acoustic propagation and SSC in different types of water bodies. It identifies the statistical characteristics of the temporal and spatial distributions of SSC in the Chinese seas through quantitative inversion based on satellite remote sensing data. It further analyzes the relationship between the concentration and distribution of suspended sediment and the characteristics of acoustic propagation of underwater weapons and equipment. Finally, it quantitatively evaluates the effect of SSC on the acoustic attenuation coefficient. This study can provide valuable references for the functional departments and base-level units of naval forces to make decisions and strategies for using underwater acoustic detection equipment.

Seawater silica cycling and chert formation at the Neoproterozoic–Cambrian transition: Insights from δ30Si and Ge/Si systematics of hydrothermal cherts from the Bohemian Massif

The genesis of cherts, rocks with >90 wt% SiO2, is suggested to be linked with dissolved seawater silica and its elevated precipitation in the Phanerozoic due to massive biological activity in the Earth's oceans compared to the Precambrian where hydrothermal fluids played a more dominant role. Because cherts may record a history of global seawater Si cycle, their Si isotope systematics may serve as a proxy for their origin and depositional environment. In this study, Si isotope compositions, combined with Ge/Si ratios, were determined for a suite of shallow-water, deep-water and stromatolitic cherts from the Blovice accretionary complex (Bohemian Massif, Czech Republic), representative of deep marine and subduction settings, to establish the nature of cherts and processes of their formation, identify the sources of Si and Ge, and discuss the possible effect of the Neoproterozoic–Cambrian transition. The predominantly high δ30Si values > +0.23‰, associated with low Ge/Si, in deep-water cherts suggest their precipitation from seawater-derived low-temperature fluids at the seawater–sediment interface with subordinate admixture of terrigenous material. Moreover, the tight relationship between δ30Si and organic matter contents in these deep-water cherts is indicative of either equilibrium precipitation of isotopically lighter Si as the organic content of the medium increases or global decrease of δ30Si values of seawater during the Meso–Neoproterozoic related to coupled Si and C cycles. On the other hand, a δ30Si variation of ∼2.5‰ (−0.94‰ to +1.60‰) in shallow-water cherts argues for precipitation from seawater interacting with hydrothermal fluids of variable temperature. Organic matter, Fe-(oxy)-hydroxides and clays represent important sinks for Ge (and Si in case of organic matter) and thus play a determining role in global marine Si−Ge cycling. This, together with the presence of abundant cherts at the Neoproterozoic–Cambrian transition, appears to be associated with redox-controlled Fe cycle which itself is related to microbial reduction and the increasing presence of organic matter towards the Phanerozoic.

The effect of temperature on the release of silicon, iron and manganese into seawater from resuspended sediment particles

Sediments are considered to be refractory materials with limited influences on dissolved iron (dFe) pool in the ocean. However, recent field observations and laboratory experiments suggest that iron released from resuspended sediment particles and transported from continental margins is prone to fertilize large areas of the world ocean. Here we conducted a dissolution experiment to quantify the amount of dFe released from two types of resuspended sediments (silicate and calcite-rich) to open ocean surface seawater under two temperatures (5 and 15 °C). We followed pH, dissolved oxygen (dO2), phosphate, silicate, dissolved Fe and Mn concentrations (dFe and dMn), and bacterial abundance over 250 days. Extremely low and undetectable phosphate concentrations (<50 pmol kg−1) were measured throughout the duration of the experiment, causing limited bacteria growth and stable pH and dissolved O2 concentrations under all conditions. Silicate and dFe concentrations increased through time and high temperature (15 °C) induced more iron dissolution from the two sediments than low temperature (5 °C). Temperature had no effect on the dissolution of Mn. Our results further show that Fe and Mn are not released concurrently from the sediment source and that their distribution can be very different. Scavenging of Fe likely caused a decrease of dFe observed during the experiment, which was probably linked to the formation of Mn oxides. We also observed elevated dissolved Fe isotope ratios after dissolution, around +0.16 to +0.27‰. Isotopically heavy Fe was released from sediments to the dissolved pool during the dissolution but no difference in Fe isotope ratios was observed between the two temperature conditions. The Fe isotope fractionation can likely be attributed to ligand complexation and scavenging of Fe. These two mechanisms can be important factors not only in controlling the amount of Fe released from sediments but also in fractionating Fe isotopes at the sediment–seawater boundary.

A Review of the Distribution, Characteristics and Environmental Fate of Microplastics in Different Environments of China

Microplastics (MPs) are ubiquitously present in different environmental media that can lead to potential hazards to the global ecosystem and human health. As the largest producer and user of plastics in the world, the abundance and characteristics of MPs contamination in various environmental media in China deserve to be paid more attention. To assess the ecological and environmental risks of MPs, their abundance, sources and contamination characteristics in different environmental media in China were investigated. In this review, MPs data from 1862 sampling sites in six environmental media in China have been collected. The mean abundance of MPs in different environmental media was then summarized and analyzed, which was 160.35 ± 114.68 items m−3 in seawater, 413.91 ± 216.02 items kg−1 in seawater sediments, 3546.38 ± 382.61 items m−3 in inland water, 1297.71 ± 910.47 items kg−1 in inland water sediments, 1987.86 ± 1004.31 items kg−1 in soils, and 119.68 ± 85.40 items m−2 d−1 in atmospheric fallout, respectively. The sizes of MPs were mainly < 1 mm, and the types of MPs were mainly polypropylene, polyethylene and polyethylene terephthalate. In addition, we discussed the challenges posed by the inadequacy of MPs detection methods for the analysis of MPs contaminated areas and provided prospects on future research on MPs contamination. This review can improve our understanding of the pollution characteristics of MPs in China, illustrate the migration and transformation patterns of MPs in the overall environment, and provide reliable reference data for the development of MPs detection standards.

Pressure-retaining sampler for sediment and overlying seawater based on heavy duty ROV-Jellyfish

Methane leakage at sediment seawater interface is an important basis for gas hydrate exploration. Therefore, a low disturbance in-situ encapsulation and pressure-retaining sampler for sediment and overlying water with a working depth of 3000 m is developed recently to provide support for evaluating regional methane flux. This sampler can also separate and transfer the sediment and overlying water with retaining pressure. By using the coupled Eulerian-Lagrangian (CEL) approach in the finite element software ABAQUS, which provides a variety of soil constitutive models, the tube-soil interaction during penetration is numerically investigated. The use of a 60 mm diameter sampling tube can achieve a higher sampling rate under low penetration resistance. Through the laboratory pressure test (30 MPa), it is verified that the pressure-retaining capacity of sampler can ensure that the pressure drop does not exceed 3.9% within 2 h. Furthermore, the pressure-retaining samples of more than 700 ml were obtained each time in sea trials at three stations, which verifies the feasibility of the device application. The analysis of gas composition shows that the dissolved gas is mainly methane (> 99.1%), and all the sampling points fall in the thermogenic gas area.

No evidence for expansion of global ocean euxinia during the base Stairsian mass extinction event (Tremadocian, Early Ordovician)

A Tremadocian (Early Ordovician, base Stairsian North American Stage) mass extinction event is recorded globally in rocks from several ancient continents and is accompanied by a globally correlated positive carbon isotope excursion (CIE; the largest during the Early Ordovician). In this study, elemental concentrations and uranium isotope compositions (δ238U) were measured for carbonate samples from three sections (along a proximal-to-distal transect: Ibex area, Shingle Pass, Meiklejohn Peak, respectively) in the Great Basin to test the role of ocean anoxia/euxinia on the base Stairsian mass extinction event. Dysoxic/suboxic to oxic water columns and non-sulfidic porewaters are inferred for these sections based on multiple local redox proxies (e.g., Mo/Al, U/Al, Mo and U concentrations, Mo/U ratios).Carbonate δ238U data exhibit different δ238U trends in the three sections. The proximal Ibex area exhibits a small negative δ238U excursion (a magnitude of 0.2–0.3‰) and the Shingle Pass section has one sample with unusually low δ238U, in both cases within the middle of the CIE. Samples with the lowest δ238U in each section also have the highest Mn/Sr ratios, suggesting diagenetic alteration associated with adsorption of isotopically light U onto Mn oxides, followed by dissolution of Mn oxides by reducing porewaters and capture of the isotopically light U by sediments. The distal Shingle Pass and Meiklejohn Peak sections better preserve global ocean signals and the limited δ238U variations in these sections imply no significant changes in global seawater δ238U and thus no significant changes in the extent of global ocean euxinia. Given the non-sulfidic porewaters inferred for these carbonates, we apply a sediment–seawater δ238U offset of 0–0.27‰ (the 0.27 ± 0.14‰ isotopic offset observed for modern Bahamas carbonates with sulfidic porewaters is used as a maximum constraint) to the average carbonate δ238U from the two distal sections (−0.48 ± 0.09‰) to derive a coeval seawater δ238U of between −0.75 ± 0.09‰ and −0.48 ± 0.09‰. A three-sink U isotope mass balance model suggests 0.2–15.8% global euxinic seafloor area existed during deposition of these Tremadocian carbonates. Our study implies that a small biotic crisis during a small CIE was not associated with an expansion of global ocean euxinia, in contrast to major Phanerozoic mass extinctions that were commonly associated with significant expansion of ocean euxinia during large carbon perturbations (e.g., the Late Devonian). In addition, we propose that the post-SPICE Cambrian and Early Ordovician oceans were characterized by limited changes in ocean euxinia and only a few episodes of expanded ocean suboxia-anoxia during carbon perturbations. The “biomere” events within this period, including the base Stairsian event, were probably related to these episodes of expanded suboxic-anoxic oceans and/or other ecological stresses.

Diatom frustules based dissolved oxygen sensor with superhydrophobic surface

Dissolved oxygen (DO) sensors for the practical application usually require good resistance to complex and extreme environments, such as acidic or alkaline corrosion, seawater sediment erosion, protein or bacteria adhesion, etc. Diatom frustules (DFs) are protective shell structures extracted from diatoms, which have delicate hierarchical pores and a large specific surface area, showing their utilization potential as oxygen sensing materials. Herein, we developed a superhydrophobic DO sensor which use the DFs as matrix materials. The sensor was fabricated by spraying the mixture of 1 H,1 H,2 H,2 H-perfluorooctyltriethoxysilane (PFOTS) modified DFs and oxygen-sensitive probe platinum (II)− 5,10,15,20-tetrakis-(2,3,4,5,6-pentafluorophenyl)-porphyrin (PtTFPP) on the bonding substrate. In the DO sensor, DFs provides a tough micro/nano surface structures and PFOTS offers low surface energy, both of which led to a robust superhydrophobic surface of the sensor. Because of the porous structure of DFs and the diffusion enhancement effect of fluorine on oxygen, the sensor has high DO sensitivity, I0/I100 which represents for oxygen sensitivity reaches up to 129. Additionally, the sensor showed good tolerance on mechanical abrasion, acidic or alkaline corrosion and biofouling. Owing to these good performances, the use of DFs is expected to provide a new strategy for the rational design of high performance DO sensing devices.

Rapid flocculation and settling of positively buoyant microplastic and fine-grained sediment in natural seawater

Interactions between microplastic (MP) and fine-grained suspended sediment in natural waters are important for the environmental fate of plastic particles. Estuaries are transitional areas between freshwater and open marine systems and are recognized as important accumulation zones for MPs. However, there is a knowledge gap on the processes driving the sedimentation of MPs in estuaries, especially with regard to positively buoyant MPs. Here we show from settling tube experiments that positively buoyant and non-spherical MP HDPE particles in different size-fractions (63–500 μm) and concentrations (1 and 5 mg l−1) rapidly flocculate and settle with natural fine-grained sediment in natural seawater. Our results demonstrate that flocculation is a key process for the vertical transport of MP in estuaries. The implication is that land-based sources of positively buoyant HDPE MP transported by rivers will likely settle and accumulate in estuarine environments and thereby increase the concentration of MP in the benthic zone.

Large-Scale Mercury Dispersion at Sea: Modelling a Multi-Hazard Case Study from Augusta Bay (Central Mediterranean Sea).

This contribution discusses an example of potential multi-hazard effects resulting from an earthquake in a highly seismogenic area of the Mediterranean Sea, the Augusta Bay, which presents high levels of contamination in sediments and seawater, due particularly to high-concentrations of mercury as a result of a long-term industrial exploitation. In particular, a high-resolution hydrodynamic and transport model is used to calculate the effects of enhanced mercury spreading in the open sea after significant damage and collapse of the artificial damming system confining the embayment where a very high concentration of Hg occurs in seafloor sediments and seawater. Coupling high-resolution 3D dynamic circulation modelling and sediment–seawater Hg fluxes calculated using the HR3DHG diffusion–reaction model for both inorganic and organic Hg species offers a valuable approach to simulating and estimating the effects of spatial dispersion of this contaminant due to unpredictable hazard events in coastal systems, with the potential attendant enhanced effects on the marine ecosystem. The simulated scenario definitely suggests that a combination of natural and anthropogenic multi-hazards calls for a thorough re-thinking of risk management in marine areas characterised by significant levels of contamination and where a deep understanding of the biogeochemical dynamics of pollutants does not cover all the aspects of danger for the environment.

Transformation processes of biogenic dimethylated sulfur compounds in the northwestern Pacific continental sea

AbstractBiogenic dimethylated sulfur compounds, comprising dimethylsulfide (DMS), dimethylsulfoniopropionate (DMSP), and dimethylsulfoxide, play a vital role in the physiological metabolism processes of marine algae, climate regulation, and global sulfur cycles, but the contribution of each transformation pathway and the factors that control them remain uncertain. For the first time, from 27 March 2017 to 15 April 2017, the rates of major transformation pathways of biogenic dimethylated sulfur compounds and the fluxes of DMS at the sea–air and seawater–sediment interfaces were measured simultaneously in the East China Continental Sea. Rapid biological turnover times of total DMSP (0.53 d), dissolved DMSP (0.29 d), and DMS (0.43 d) were observed, indicating that DMS and DMSP were renewed more than twice daily. Bacterial consumption contributed nearly 50% of the total DMSP loss, approximately 38% of which was converted into DMS. Microbial consumption, photolysis, and ventilation accounted for 56%, 34%, and 10% of DMS removal processes, respectively. Sediment had a small but positive flux of DMS, making the sediment‐seawater interface a tiny source of DMS to the water column. Finally, although only about 10% of DMS was emitted to the atmosphere, the study region was identified as a “hotspot” for atmospheric DMS. The DMS budget model of the mixed layer developed in this study has provided a systematic and comprehensive understanding of the organosulfur cycle in continental shelf seas.