Sediment Quality Parameters Research Articles

Water and sediment quality parameters in the Chalan Beel, the largest wetland of Bangladesh

A study was conducted to investigate the status of the water and sediment quality in the Chalan Beel-a major fresh water fish reservoir of the country for a period of one year from July 2007 to June 2008. The mean values of water quality parameters (depth: 214.73±152.22 cm, temperature 27.68±4.26°C, transparency 123±82 cm, pH 9.7±0.47, total alkalinity 137±42 mg/L, conductivity 307±147 μs/cm, total dissolved solids 183±89 mg/L, ammonia-N 0.27±0.39 mg/L, nitrate-N 0.09±0.07 mg/L, phosphate-P 2.01±2.53 mg/L) and sediment quality parameters (pH 7.21±0.35, organic matter 2.59±0.52%, total nitrogen 0.09±0.04%, available phosphorus 5.4±3.6 Meq./100 g and exchangeable potassium 0.43±0.14 Meq./100 g) were within the range recommended for most of the inland fishes of Bangladesh. Although the water and sediment quality parameters except ammonia and phosphate are in the suitable range, the overall results suggest that better management techniques should be practiced in order to overcome the declining trend of associated aquatic life (fauna and flora) of this important fresh water body of Bangladesh.

Effect of shrimp farm effluent on water and sediment quality parameters off the coast of Sonora, Mexico

The effect of shrimp aquaculture effluents on some environmental parameters of the receiving coastal waters was assessed. Water and sediment samples were taken at different distances from the discharge point (50, 150, and 300 m) when shrimp farms had ceased operations (survey 1), had initiated operations (survey 2), and during the early harvest (survey 3). Water and sediment samples were likewise taken at the same distances from the shore in a non-impacted area. During surveys 1 and 2, the effluents had a negative effect at all three distances (50, 150, and 300 m) on the water quality variables (transparency, seston [total suspended solids, total inorganic solids, particulate organic matter], chlorophyll a, N-NO2–, N-NO3–, N-NH4+), on the sediment quality parameters (organic nitrogen), and on the TRIX index. Contrarily, no differences were observed when the impacted and non-impacted areas were compared during survey 3, probably because the effluents had diminished due to the premature harvesting. The results suggest that at the end of the farming period, the nutrient and organic matter load exceeded the assimilation capacity of the ecosystem, whereas during the recess period, the environment was capable of assimilating the excess organic matter accumulated. The levels reached by the monitored parameters did not exceed the limits established and the impact on the ecosystem is not severe, but they could represent a risk factor in the long term. Additionally, there is evidence that the temporary suspension of shrimp farming operations is beneficial for the environment.

Are WWTPs effluents responsible for acute toxicity? Seasonal variations of sediment quality at the Bay of Cádiz (SW, Spain).

Adverse effects of wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) on sediment quality at the Bay of Cádiz (SW, Spain) were evaluated by a battery of acute bioassays and chemical contamination. Five sites directly affected by WWTPs effluents and one control site were chosen. Results evidenced clear deterioration of ecological sediment quality parameters and possible effects on aquatic communities towards WWTPs areas. Acute toxicity and chemical contamination varied significantly across the studied sites and differed between winter and summer seasons. The Bay of Cádiz is contaminated by PAHs, metals, detergents (SAS) and pharmaceutical products. Principal Component Analyses indicated metals, SAS and pharmaceutical products as the major environmental stresses. Sea-urchin embryo-larval and microalgae growth rate were the most sensitive bioassays to evaluate resuspension of contaminants (elutriate) from bulk sediment. Amphipods mortality and Microtox(®) solid phase test bioassays were recommended to evaluate bulk sediment quality. Therefore, the use of multiple-bioassays, sensitive to sediment pollution, may provide complementary information to diagnose environmental factors that can impair aquatic communities. The battery of bioassays is recommended to assess and monitor marine sediments directly affected by a mixture of contaminants released from WWTPs.

Improvement of Sediment Quality by Emergent Vegetation Restoration in Chaohe River

Multiple sediment quality parameters, including pH, TN, TP, organic carbon and microbial biomass, were used to evaluate the remediation efficiency of the river restoration project carried out in Chaohe river. The results showed that: during the investigation period, for the pH of sediment, there was not significant difference between the planted treatment and the non-planted control; the mean removal efficiencies of TN and TP were 22.0% and 10.6% in sediment, respectively. The maximum removal efficiencies for the sediment were 36.7% on the on TN and 12.7% on TP, which occurred in July. The result suggested that the restoration of aquatic vegetation could potentially be used for pollution preventability and removal in the river for drinking water resource.

To Recognize Sources of Pollution in Dapeng Bay by Sediment Quality in Southern Taiwan

Canonical discriminant analysis (CDA) was applied in order to distinguish the sediment-quality parameters from neighboring rivers, and to recognize similarities of sediment properties between lagoon and neighboring rivers. Two set of constructed discriminant functions showed a marked contribution to most of the discriminant variables. In sediment, the significantly parameters - porosity, Cd, Cr, Al, and Pb were combined as the heavy metal factor. The recognition capacities of the two discriminant functions were 82.6 and 17.4, respectively. The Dapeng Bay had no significant similarity with the three neighbouring rivers with the sediment properties.

Seasonal variations of water and sediment quality parameters in endorheic reed pans on the Mpumalanga Highveld

The Mpumalanga Lakes District consists of approximately 320 pans, of which less than 3% are classified as reed pans. There is limited information available on reed pans and as a result they are at risk of various anthropogenic activities, for example mining and agriculture. Four reed pans were selected and assessed to determine seasonal trends of a variety of water and sediment quality parameters. The study took place over one seasonal cycle from 2008–2009; samples were collected seasonally to account for various hydrological extremes. Water samples were collected and their nutrient and chlorophyll a concentrations were determined, while various other water quality parameters were measured in situ. Sediment samples were analysed for physical and chemical properties, namely, grain size and organic carbon content. The seasonal changes in concentrations of As, Cr, Cu, Fe, Pb, Mn, Mo, Ni, Se, Sr, U and Zn were also analysed within the surface water and sediment. Increased nutrient concentrations within the water were evident during spring and summer at some of the sites, which influenced other water quality variables, e.g., dissolved oxygen and pH. Seasonal trends in metal concentrations were influenced by the prevailing environmental conditions (e.g., rainfall) experienced at the selected sites as well as physical and chemical properties (e.g., grain size and organic carbon content). This study showed distinct seasonal variability of water and sediment quality parameters in endorheic reed pans on the Mpumalanga Highveld. There is a need for further studies on all of the different types of pans in terms of their water and sediment quality. This type of information will allow for a sound and defensible scientific basis for the assessment of likely impacts (e.g., eutrophication), the evaluation of the significance of these impacts, and the design of remedial and preventative measures.

Spatial distribution of intertidal sandy beach polychaeta along an estuarine and morphodynamic gradient in an eutrophic tropical bay

The spatial distribution of polychaeta along pollution gradients often reflects different degrees of disturbance. In order to evaluate polychaeta fauna of an organically polluted tropical bay, 20 sandy beaches distributed in five areas were sampled. The relationship between community structure, slope, beach index, exposure, sediment and water quality parameters were analysed. Multivariate analysis of variance (PERMANOVA) showed differences among areas and beaches. Scolelepis chilensis dominated at mouth of bay beaches whereas Streblospio gynobranchiata and Capitella capitata complex, at inner beaches. Highest polychaete density was recorded at areas 3 and 5 with the dominance of Saccocirrus sp. and the organic indicator species C. capitata complex and Polydora sp. The most important factors obtained from canonical analysis were sorting, slope, mud and organic matter percentage. Marine biotic index (AMBI) showed that areas 3 and 5 were highly affected by anthropogenic factors, given that a poor polychaeta fauna, dominated by opportunistic species, were found. Polychaete assemblages were affected by eutrophication along an estuarine gradient as well as by morphodynamic condition of the beaches.

Water- and sediment-quality effects on Pimephales promelas spawning vary along an agriculture-to-urban land-use gradient

Many streams in the U.S. are “impaired” due to anthropogenic influence. For watershed managers to achieve practical understanding of these impairments, a multitude of factors must be considered, including point and nonpoint-source influence on water quality. A spawning assay was developed in this study to evaluate water- and sediment-quality effects that influenced Pimephales promelas (fathead minnow) egg production over a gradient of urban and agricultural land use in 27 small watersheds in Eastern Wisconsin. Six pairs of reproducing fathead minnows were contained in separate mesh cartridges within one larger flow-through chamber. Water- and sediment quality were sampled for an array of parameters. Egg production was monitored for each pair providing an assessment of spawning success throughout the 21-day test periods. Incidences of low dissolved oxygen (DO) in many of these streams negatively impacted spawning success. Nine of 27 streams experienced DO less than 3.1 mg/L and 15 streams experienced DO less than 4.8 mg/L. Low DO was observed in urban and agricultural watersheds, but the upper threshold of minimum DO decreased with increasing urban development. An increase in specific conductance was related to a decrease in spawning success. In previous studies for streams in this region, specific conductance had a linear relation with chloride, suggesting the possibility that chloride could be a factor in egg production. Egg production was lower at sites with substantial urban development, but sites with low egg production were not limited to urban sites. Degradation of water- and sediment-quality parameters with increasing urban development is indicated for multiple parameters while patterns were not detected for others. Results from this study indicate that DO must be a high priority watershed management consideration for this region, specific conductance should be investigated further to determine the mechanism of the relation with egg production, and water- and sediment-quality degrade in relation to urban influence.

Influence of quantity and lability of sediment organic matter on the biomass of two isoetids, Littorella uniflora and Echinodorus repens

SUMMARY 1. Despite real improvement in the water quality of many previously eutrophic lakes, the recovery of submerged vegetation has been poor. This lack of recovery is possibly caused by the accumulation of organic matter on the top layer of the sediment, which is produced under eutrophic conditions. Hence, our objective was to study the combined effects of quantity and lability of sediment organic matter on the biomass of Echinodorus repens and Littorella uniflora and on the force required to uproot plants of L. uniflora. 2. Lake sediments, rich in organic matter, were collected from four lakes, two with healthy populations of isoetids and two from which isoetids had disappeared. The four lake sediments were mixed with sand to prepare a range of experimental sediments that differed in quantity and lability of sediment organic matter. Two isoetid species, E. repens and L. uniflora, were grown in these sediments for 8 weeks. Sediment quality parameters, including elemental composition, nutrient availability and mineralisation rates, were determined on the raw sources of sediment from the lakes. Porewater and surface water were analysed for the chemical composition in all mixtures. At the end of the experiment, plants were harvested and their biomass, tissue nutrient concentration and (for L. uniflora) uprooting force were measured. 3. For both species, all plants survived and showed no signs of stress on all types of sediment. The biomass of E. repens increased as the fraction of organic matter was increased (from 6 to 39% of organic content, depending upon sediment type). However, in some of the sediment types, a higher fraction of organic matter led to a decline in biomass. The biomass of L. uniflora was less responsive to organic content and was decreased significantly only when the least labile sediment source was used to create the gradient of organic matter. The increase in shoot biomass for both species was closely related to higher CO2 concentrations in the porewater of the sediment. The force required to uproot L. uniflora plants over a range of sediment organic matter fitted a Gaussian model; it reached a maximum at around 15% organic matter and declined significantly above that.

The influence of lagoon on neighboring rivers by water and sediment quality

Canonical discriminant analysis (CDA) was applied in order to distinguish the water-quality and the sediment-quality parameters from neighboring rivers, and to recognize similarities of water and sediment properties between a lagoon and neighboring rivers. Two set of constructed discriminant functions showed a marked contribution to most of the discriminant variables. In water, the significant parameters - the total nitrogen, algae, dissolved oxygen and total phosphate - were combined as the nutrient effect factor. The recognition capacities of the two discriminant functions were 95.6 and 4.4%, respectively; the Kaoping River showed the most similarities with the water quality in Dapeng Bay; in sediment, the significant parameters porosity, Cd, Cr, Al, and Pb were combined as the heavy metal effect factor. The recognition capacities were 82.6 and 17.4%, respectively, but the sediment properties in these three rivers had no significant similarity with the Dapeng Bay.

Acid leachable trace metals in sediment cores from Sunderban Mangrove Wetland, India: an approach towards regular monitoring

The paper presents the first document to identify the enrichment pattern of acid leachable trace metals (ALTMs) such as Fe, Mn, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, Cd, Co, Mo, Ag, As and Ba and their relationship with sediment quality parameters (pH, organic carbon, carbonates and texture) in core sediments (<63 microm particle size) from Indian Sunderban mangrove wetland, formed at the estuarine phase of the river Hugli (Ganges). Textural analysis reveals an overall predominance of mud. The results indicate that the change in pH values causes coagulation and precipitation of ALTMs. Fe and Mn have fairly close distribution patterns of enrichment in surface layers which might be ascribed to early diagnetic processes. The most prominent feature of ALTMs is the enrichment of Fe, Mn, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, and Ba in the surface-subsurface layers in the sediment cores, which is mainly attributed to the intense industrial and agricultural activities as well as drainage of untreated domestic sewage to this coastal region. The ALTMs also indicate their association with organic carbon and Fe-Mn oxyhydroxides. The enrichment is well--supported by the correlation, grouping and clustering of ALTMs in statistical analyses. Anthropogenic Factor values indicated ALTMs enrichment for all trace metals due to intense anthropogenic activities. Overall higher values of ALTMs in sediments in comparison to other Indian coastal regions indicate that they are mainly due to the uncontrolled anthropogenic activities in this mangrove estuarine complex. Statistical analyses suggest that five ALTMs (Cu, Pb, As, Mo, Ba) are attached to the organic particles and the clustering of elements separately also indicates that they are from external source. The result of the present study suggests the need for a regular monitoring program which will help to improve the quality of this potential wetland.

Trout Farm Effluent Effects on Water Sediment Quality and Benthos

AbstractSeveral water (dissolved oxygen, pH, ammonia‐nitrogen, nitrite‐nitrogen, nitrate‐nitrogen, total phosphorus and orthophosphate) and sediment (organic matter, total nitrogen, organic carbon and phosphorus) quality parameters, as well as benthic macroinvertebrate communities were investigated monthly between May 2007 and November 2007 at a rainbow trout farm located on one of the sources of the Sakarya River in Central Anatolia. Water and sediment samples were collected from three stations, i. e., the inlet of the farm, which was a karst spring‐originated pond, the outlet of the farm, and a location 200 m from the outlet of the trout farm, which has a capacity of 30 t annually. These water quality parameters were compared to the acceptable effluent limits proposed for trout farming in different countries. Ammonia‐nitrogen, total phosphorus and orthophosphate were found to be higher than the acceptable effluent limits during the study period. Sediment quality parameters were also found to be higher than those at the inlet of the farm. The benthic macroinvertebrate community consisted of only Gastropoda (Limnaedae, Planorbidae, Neritidae and Pleuroceridae). Almost identical organism groups were observed at the three stations, and the highest abundance was found at the outlet of the farm during the study. Finally, as an indicator of damage to the environment, the biodiversity indices were generally measured at levels below 1 in all stations.

Street Sweeping as a Method of Source Control for Urban Stormwater Pollution

Abstract The effectiveness of street sweeping as a source control measure for stormwater pollution was tested at a site in Toronto, using three types of sweepers employed by the City. A paired-plot experimental design was employed along an arterial road with a traffic volume of 26,000 vehicles/day. Typically, after several days of dry weather, one roadway plot was swept by the available sweeper (treated) and the following plot was left unswept (control). After sweeping, sediment on the roadway was sampled on both plots; wet samples were collected by washing off one half of each plot, and dry samples were collected by vacuum cleaning the remaining halves of both plots. Differences between swept and unswept plots were assessed by comparing: (a) conventional sediment quality parameters, total residue mass, and particle sizes for dry sediment samples, and (b) toxicity, conventional water quality parameters, and particle sizes in wet samples. Results were highly variable and contained large uncertainties. The greatest environmental benefits of sweeping were the reduction of the total mass of sediment on road surfaces and a reduction in some dissolved metals in the runoff (e.g., Cr and Zn).

Factors controlling physico-chemical characteristics in the coastal waters off Mangalore—A multivariate approach

Water quality parameters (temperature, pH, salinity, DO, BOD, suspended solids, nutrients, PHc, phenols, trace metals—Pb, Cd and Hg, chlorophyll- a (chl- a) and phaeopigments) and the sediment quality parameters (total phosphorous, total nitrogen, organic carbon and trace metals) were analysed from samples collected at 15 stations along 3 transects off Karnataka coast (Mangalore harbour in the south to Suratkal in the north), west coast of India during 2007. The analyses showed high ammonia off Suratkal, high nitrite (NO 2-N) and nitrate (NO 3-N) in the nearshore waters off Kulai and high nitrite (NO 2-N) and ammonia (NH 3-N) in the harbour area. Similarly, high petroleum hydrocarbon (PHc) values were observed near the harbour, while phenols remained high in the nearshore waters of Kulai and Suratkal. Significantly, high concentrations of cadmium and mercury with respect to the earlier studies were observed off Kulai and harbour regions, respectively. R-mode varimax factor analyses were applied separately to surface and bottom water data sets due to existing stratification in the water column caused by riverine inflow and to sediment data. This helped to understand the interrelationships between the variables and to identify probable source components for explaining the environmental status of the area. Six factors (each for surface and bottom waters) were found responsible for variance (86.9% in surface and 82.4% in bottom) in the coastal waters between Mangalore and Suratkal. In sediments, 4 factors explained 86.8% of the observed total variance. The variances indicated addition of nutrients and suspended solids to the coastal waters due to weathering and riverine transport and are categorized as natural sources. The observed contamination of coastal waters indicated anthropogenic inputs of Cd and phenol from industrial effluent sources at Kulai and Suratkal, ammonia from wastewater discharges off Kulai and harbour, PHc and Hg from boat traffic and harbour activities of New Mangalore harbour. However, the strong seasonal currents and the seasonal winds keep the coastal waters well mixed and aerated, which help to disperse the contaminants, without significantly affecting chlorophyll- a concentrations. The interrelationship between the stations as shown by cluster analyses and depicted in dendograms, categorize the contamination levels sector-wise.

Multivariate chemometrical classification and assessment of Lake Tuendae: A Mojave desert aquatic environment housing the endangered Mojave Tui Chub

Lake Tuendae is a shallow, alkaline, artificially constructed Mojave Desert aquatic environment housing the endangered Mojave Tui Chub ( Gila bicolar mohavensis). Detailed physiological response studies have been reported on the Mojave Tui Chub but few on the physico-chemical state of Lake Tuendae, one of four key Mojave Desert habitats for this species. Two sampling campaigns (spring 2004 and 2005) were conducted with correlation analysis, cluster analysis (CA) and principal component analysis (PCA) of physico-chemical water column and surface sediment quality parameters performed. CA proved useful in displaying parameter similarity for initial interpretation. PCA proved to be a more reliable display model and permitted the reduction of 14 parameters for the water column to four principal components accounting for 71% of the total variability. For surface sediments, four principal components accounted for 81% of the total variability. This work highlights the successful use of chemometric multivariate techniques in helping elucidate the physico-chemical make-up of shallow desert aquatic environments, and instructive for investigators assessing the health of aquatic species in such habitats.

Effects of two commercially available low-protein diets (21% and 31%) on water and sediment quality, and on the production of Litopenaeus vannamei in an outdoor tank system with limited water discharge

Effects of feeding Litopenaeus vannamei with commercial low-protein diets on shrimp performance and on water and sediment quality were studied under high shrimp density with limited water discharge. Twelve tanks (each 10.5 m 2) were stocked with juvenile shrimp (average weight, 1.69 g) at a density of 40/m 2. Shrimp in six tanks were fed a 21% protein diet, and shrimp in the other six tanks were fed a 31% protein diet. Selected water quality parameters were monitored over a 94-day period. Shrimp growth, survival, feed conversion ratio (FCR) and selected sediment quality parameters were evaluated at harvest. Shrimp survival was significantly higher ( P=0.041) in the 31% treatment (96.2%) than in the 21% treatment (90.6%). Mean final weight of the shrimp in the 31% treatment (14.04 g) also was significantly higher ( P<0.001) than in the 21% treatment (12.17 g). The FCR of the shrimp in the 31% treatment (1.75) was significantly lower ( P<0.001) than in the 21% treatment (2.15). The gross production of the 31% treatment (540 g/m 2) was 22% higher than that of the 21% protein diet (441 g/m 2). No significant differences were found between the 21 and 31% treatments in the daily-measured water quality parameters (dissolved oxygen, temperature, pH, Secchi readings, and salinity) and the weekly-measured parameters (total ammonia-N, nitrite-N, nitrate-N, reactive and total phosphorus, 5-day carbonaceous biochemical oxygen demand (cBOD 5), chemical oxygen demand (COD), total suspended solids and volatile suspended solids (VSS)). Differences in sediment quality parameters (volume of sediment, COD, cBOD 5 and VSS) between treatments were not statistically significant. This work shows that the 31% protein diet provided better production results than the 21% protein diet, yet it did not significantly deteriorate the water or sediment quality.

Manipulation of stocking ratios between surface- and bottom-grazing fishes as a strategy to increase the fertilizer value of rockphosphate in a carp polyculture system

Using twice-monthly application of rockphosphate (100 kg ha-1) and a fixed stocking density (16 000 ha-1), the influence of the application of rockphosphate on varying ratios (1:0; 1:1; 1:3) between surface feeders (catla, silver carp and rohu) and bottom grazers (mrigal, common carp and puntius) was examined in six carp polyculture ponds. Two control ponds without rockphosphate treatment with the ratio of 1:1 were used. Water and sediment quality parameters were monitored fortnightly. Maximum fish production and primary productivity were observed in the 1:3 system, followed by 1:1 and 1:0 in the rockphosphate treatments, whereas lowest values were in the control. It is suggested that manipulation in the stocking ratio between surface feeders and bottom grazers in the carp polyculture system might be a useful strategy for utilizing rockphosphate as a direct source of P fertilizer.