publishedVersion | Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are today considered important constituents of the continuously growing substance group of persistent contaminants of emerging environmental concern (PCEC). Here, we report for the first time the concentrations of 12 relevant PFASs in 28 marine water samples from the Saudi Arabian coastal waters of the Red Sea. The sum levels of 12 PFASs (Σ12 PFAS) in surface seawater ranged from <LOQ to 956 ngL−1. For the reference background site of this study, Σ12 PFAS levels ranged from <LOQ to 10.9 ng/L. The highest PFAS levels have been found in Al-Arbaeen and Al-Shabab, two lagoons continuously receiving treated sewage effluents. PFHxA, PFHxS, and 6:2 FTS were the most prevalent PFASs with relatively high concentrations. Discharge of municipal and industrial wastewaters is considered an important source of PFASs. The pattern of PFASs observed here suggests that the usage of PFAS-containing aqueous film-forming foams (AFFFs) is a potential additional source for these compounds in Al-Arbaeen and Al-Shabab lagoons. However, a systematic elucidation of local PFASs sources is needed. Contamination of the Red Sea waters with PFASs poses a potential imminent risk to the marine environment of the Red Sea and ultimately may even affect the health of human consumers through the consumption of local seafood

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are today considered important constituents of the continuously growing substance group of persistent contaminants of emerging environmental concern (PCEC). Here, we report for the first time the concentrations of 12 relevant PFASs in 28 marine water samples from the Saudi Arabian coastal waters of the Red Sea. The sum levels of 12 PFASs (Σ12 PFAS) in surface seawater ranged from <LOQ to 956 ngL−1. For the reference background site of this study, Σ12 PFAS levels ranged from <LOQ to 10.9 ng/L. The highest PFAS levels have been found in Al-Arbaeen and Al-Shabab, two lagoons continuously receiving treated sewage effluents. PFHxA, PFHxS, and 6:2 FTS were the most prevalent PFASs with relatively high concentrations. Discharge of municipal and industrial wastewaters is considered an important source of PFASs. The pattern of PFASs observed here suggests that the usage of PFAS-containing aqueous film-forming foams (AFFFs) is a potential additional source for these compounds in Al-Arbaeen and Al-Shabab lagoons. However, a systematic elucidation of local PFASs sources is needed. Contamination of the Red Sea waters with PFASs poses a potential imminent risk to the marine environment of the Red Sea and ultimately may even affect the health of human consumers through the consumption of local seafood | publishedVersion

Embargo until 28 June 2021 | Between 2012 and 2015, 13 grey seals were recovered from trammel nets targeting monkfish and rays off the south coast of Ireland. Incidence and distribution of microplastics were investigated along the intestines of bycaught seals. No macrodebris items were found, whereas microplastics were detected in all seals. A total of 363 microplastics items were identified (85% fibers, 14% fragments, 1% films). Estimation of microplastic ingestion based on prey ingestion (245 particles) was lower than the observed data. Acantocephala parasites (n = 1543) were found in 12 seals, with an average of 74.5 ± 67.7 parasites per seal. Distribution of microplastics varied between seals, although microplastics tended to accumulate in areas where more parasites were aggregated; however, there was no significant relationship between the number of parasites and microplastics was found. Seals recovered from nets appear to be a good source to monitor the incidence of microplastic pollution within the coastal food webs. | acceptedVersion

Between 2012 and 2015, 13 grey seals were recovered from trammel nets targeting monkfish and rays off the south coast of Ireland. Incidence and distribution of microplastics were investigated along the intestines of bycaught seals. No macrodebris items were found, whereas microplastics were detected in all seals. A total of 363 microplastics items were identified (85% fibers, 14% fragments, 1% films). Estimation of microplastic ingestion based on prey ingestion (245 particles) was lower than the observed data. Acantocephala parasites (n = 1543) were found in 12 seals, with an average of 74.5 ± 67.7 parasites per seal. Distribution of microplastics varied between seals, although microplastics tended to accumulate in areas where more parasites were aggregated; however, there was no significant relationship between the number of parasites and microplastics was found. Seals recovered from nets appear to be a good source to monitor the incidence of microplastic pollution within the coastal food webs.

During 1960–94 tailings from an ilmenite mine in southwest Norway were placed in sea deposits in a sheltered fjord and a more exposed coastal basin. In 2015 both deposit sites were sampled to assess the state of metal contamination and macrobenthic communities 20–30 years after deposition was ended. The results showed that nickel and copper still exceeded environmental quality standards in sediment and pore water from the 0–1 cm layer, and fluxes of nickel, copper and cobalt to the overlying water was high compared to adjacent reference stations. Fauna communities were classified as good, but moderate disturbance was recorded along an environmental gradient defined by depth and tailings-induced parameters such as particle size and copper. The results were interpreted in terms of current discharges, biological sediment reworking and near-surface leaching of metal sulphides. No evidence was found for recycling of metals from tailings buried below the bioturbated surface layer. | publishedVersion

During 1960–94 tailings from an ilmenite mine in southwest Norway were placed in sea deposits in a sheltered fjord and a more exposed coastal basin. In 2015 both deposit sites were sampled to assess the state of metal contamination and macrobenthic communities 20–30 years after deposition was ended. The results showed that nickel and copper still exceeded environmental quality standards in sediment and pore water from the 0–1 cm layer, and fluxes of nickel, copper and cobalt to the overlying water was high compared to adjacent reference stations. Fauna communities were classified as good, but moderate disturbance was recorded along an environmental gradient defined by depth and tailings-induced parameters such as particle size and copper. The results were interpreted in terms of current discharges, biological sediment reworking and near-surface leaching of metal sulphides. No evidence was found for recycling of metals from tailings buried below the bioturbated surface layer.

Understanding the fate of spilled oil in cold environments is essential for oil spill response in Arctic areas. The potential for oils to adhere to sea ice and mechanical skimmers can significantly impact the success of oil spill response and influence the fate of oil in the marine environment. Therefore, the affinity of oil to sea ice and skimmer material was quantified experimentally for three different types of oils at various degrees of weathering. Contact angle measurements of crude oil droplets were performed on the top of and under sea ice and polyethylene-based skimmer material, being submerged in seawater (−2 °C). In addition, “dip- and refloat” tests were performed to quantify the adhesion and study the re-floating process of oil from sea ice at −2 °C (moist ice) and −20 °C (cold dry ice), and from a skimmer material prior to and subsequently to its submersion in seawater (−2 °C). The results indicated limited interaction of oils with sea ice submerged in seawater, but a strong affinity of oils towards polyethylene-based skimmer material. | Study on how oil type and weathering of crude oils affect interaction with sea ice and polyethylene skimmer material | publishedVersion

Understanding the fate of spilled oil in cold environments is essential for oil spill response in Arctic areas. The potential for oils to adhere to sea ice and mechanical skimmers can significantly impact the success of oil spill response and influence the fate of oil in the marine environment. Therefore, the affinity of oil to sea ice and skimmer material was quantified experimentally for three different types of oils at various degrees of weathering. Contact angle measurements of crude oil droplets were performed on the top of and under sea ice and polyethylene-based skimmer material, being submerged in seawater (−2 °C). In addition, “dip- and refloat” tests were performed to quantify the adhesion and study the re-floating process of oil from sea ice at −2 °C (moist ice) and −20 °C (cold dry ice), and from a skimmer material prior to and subsequently to its submersion in seawater (−2 °C). The results indicated limited interaction of oils with sea ice submerged in seawater, but a strong affinity of oils towards polyethylene-based skimmer material.

A combination of local (i.e. firefighting training facilities) and remote sources (i.e., long-range transport) are assumed to be responsible for the occurrence of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) in Svalbard (Norwegian Arctic). However, no systematic elucidation of local PFASs sources have been conducted yet. Therefore, a survey was performed aiming at identifying local PFASs pollution sources on the island of Spitsbergen (Svalbard, Norway). Soil, fresh water (lake, draining rivers), sea water, melt-water run-off, surface snow and coastal sediment samples were collected from Longyearbyen (Norwegian mining town), Ny-Ålesund (research facility) and the Lake Linnévatnet area (background site) during several campaigns (2014-2016) and analysed for 14 individual target PFASs. For background site (Linnévatnet area, sampling during April to June 2015), ∑PFAS levels ranged from 0.4 – 4 ng/L in surface lake water (n = 20). PFAS in melt water from the contributing glaciers showed similar concentrations (~4 ng/L, n = 2). The short chain perfluorobutanoate (PFBA) was predominant in lake water (60-80% of the ∑PFASs), meltwater (20-30 %) and run-off water (40 %). Long range transport is assumed to be the major PFAS source. In Longyearbyen, 5 water samples (i.e. 2 seawater, 3 run-off) were collected near the local firefighting training site (FFTS) in November 2014 and June 2015, respectively. The highest PFAS levels were found in FFTS melt water run-off (118 ng/L). PFOS was the most abundant compound in the FFTS meltwater run-off (53 – 58 % PFASs). At the research station Ny-Ålesund, sea water (n = 6), soil (n = 9) and fresh water (n = 10) were collected in June 2016. Low ∑PFAS concentrations were determined for sea water (5 - 6 ng/L), whereas high ∑PFAS concentrations were found in run-off water (113 – 119 ng/L) and soil (211 – 800 ng/g dry weight (dw)) collected close to the local FFTS. In addition, high ∑PFAS levels (127 ng/L) were also found in fresh water from lake Solvatnet close to former sewage treatment facility. Overall, at both FFTS affected sites (soil, water), PFOS was the most abundant compound (60 – 69% of ∑PFASs). FFTS and landfill locations were identified as major PFASs sources for Svalbard settlements. | Elucidation of contamination sources for poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) on Svalbard (Norwegian Arctic) | acceptedVersion

A combination of local (i.e. firefighting training facilities) and remote sources (i.e., long-range transport) are assumed to be responsible for the occurrence of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) in Svalbard (Norwegian Arctic). However, no systematic elucidation of local PFASs sources have been conducted yet. Therefore, a survey was performed aiming at identifying local PFASs pollution sources on the island of Spitsbergen (Svalbard, Norway). Soil, fresh water (lake, draining rivers), sea water, melt-water run-off, surface snow and coastal sediment samples were collected from Longyearbyen (Norwegian mining town), Ny-Ålesund (research facility) and the Lake Linnévatnet area (background site) during several campaigns (2014-2016) and analysed for 14 individual target PFASs. For background site (Linnévatnet area, sampling during April to June 2015), ∑PFAS levels ranged from 0.4 – 4 ng/L in surface lake water (n = 20). PFAS in melt water from the contributing glaciers showed similar concentrations (~4 ng/L, n = 2). The short chain perfluorobutanoate (PFBA) was predominant in lake water (60-80% of the ∑PFASs), meltwater (20-30 %) and run-off water (40 %). Long range transport is assumed to be the major PFAS source. In Longyearbyen, 5 water samples (i.e. 2 seawater, 3 run-off) were collected near the local firefighting training site (FFTS) in November 2014 and June 2015, respectively. The highest PFAS levels were found in FFTS melt water run-off (118 ng/L). PFOS was the most abundant compound in the FFTS meltwater run-off (53 – 58 % PFASs). At the research station Ny-Ålesund, sea water (n = 6), soil (n = 9) and fresh water (n = 10) were collected in June 2016. Low ∑PFAS concentrations were determined for sea water (5 - 6 ng/L), whereas high ∑PFAS concentrations were found in run-off water (113 – 119 ng/L) and soil (211 – 800 ng/g dry weight (dw)) collected close to the local FFTS. In addition, high ∑PFAS levels (127 ng/L) were also found in fresh water from lake Solvatnet close to former sewage treatment facility. Overall, at both FFTS affected sites (soil, water), PFOS was the most abundant compound (60 – 69% of ∑PFASs). FFTS and landfill locations were identified as major PFASs sources for Svalbard settlements. | Elucidation of contamination sources for poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) on Svalbard (Norwegian Arctic)

Embargo until 23 November 2019 | China's coastal environment has been heavily affected by the loading of terrestrial pollutants in recent decades, and quantitative risk assessment is urgently needed to assess the ecological risks of China's coastal environment. We assessed the ecological risks induced by five heavy metals (including Cu, Zn, Pb, Hg and As) in China's coastal waters for three groups of marine organisms (including crustacean, fish and mollusc) based on data obtained from a nationwide unified coastal environment monitoring program consisting of 301 sampling sites. The results show that higher heavy metal concentrations occurred more frequently in the Bohai Sea and in the estuaries of major sea-going rivers. The ecological risks decreased in the following order: Bohai Sea > Yellow Sea > South China Sea > East China Sea. There was generally low ecological risk, but certain hotspots existed near Tianjin and Jinzhou, which had relatively high ecological risks caused by Cu and Zn. | acceptedVersion

China's coastal environment has been heavily affected by the loading of terrestrial pollutants in recent decades, and quantitative risk assessment is urgently needed to assess the ecological risks of China's coastal environment. We assessed the ecological risks induced by five heavy metals (including Cu, Zn, Pb, Hg and As) in China's coastal waters for three groups of marine organisms (including crustacean, fish and mollusc) based on data obtained from a nationwide unified coastal environment monitoring program consisting of 301 sampling sites. The results show that higher heavy metal concentrations occurred more frequently in the Bohai Sea and in the estuaries of major sea-going rivers. The ecological risks decreased in the following order: Bohai Sea>Yellow Sea>South China Sea>East China Sea. There was generally low ecological risk, but certain hotspots existed near Tianjin and Jinzhou, which had relatively high ecological risks caused by Cu and Zn.

Biodegradation of chemically dispersed oil at low temperature (0–2 °C) was compared in natural seawater from Arctic (Svalbard) and a temperate (Norway) fjords. The oil was premixed with a dispersant (Corexit 9500) and small-droplet oil dispersions prepared. Faster biotransformation of n-alkanes in the Arctic than in the temperate seawater were associated with the initially higher abundance of the alkane-degrading genus Oleispira in the Arctic than the temperate seawater. Comparable transformation of aromatic hydrocarbons was further associated with the late emergences Cycloclasticus in both seawater sources. The results showed that chemically dispersed oil may be rapidly biodegraded by microbial communities in Arctic seawater. Compared to oil biodegradation studies at higher seawater temperatures, longer lag-periods were experienced here, and may be attributed to both microbial and oil properties at these low seawater temperatures. | acceptedVersion

Biodegradation of chemically dispersed oil at low temperature (0–2 °C) was compared in natural seawater from Arctic (Svalbard) and a temperate (Norway) fjords. The oil was premixed with a dispersant (Corexit 9500) and small-droplet oil dispersions prepared. Faster biotransformation of n-alkanes in the Arctic than in the temperate seawater were associated with the initially higher abundance of the alkane-degrading genus Oleispira in the Arctic than the temperate seawater. Comparable transformation of aromatic hydrocarbons was further associated with the late emergences Cycloclasticus in both seawater sources. The results showed that chemically dispersed oil may be rapidly biodegraded by microbial communities in Arctic seawater. Compared to oil biodegradation studies at higher seawater temperatures, longer lag-periods were experienced here, and may be attributed to both microbial and oil properties at these low seawater temperatures.

Subsea blowouts have the potential to spread oil across large geographical areas, and subsea dispersant injection (SSDI) is a response option targeted at reducing the impact of a blowout, especially reducing persistent surface oil slicks. Modified Weber scaling was used to predict oil droplet sizes with the OSCAR oil spill model, and to evaluate the surface oil volume and area when using SSDI under different conditions. Generally, SSDI reduces the amount of oil on the surface, and creates wider and thinner surface oil slicks. It was found that the reduction of surface oil area and volume with SSDI was enhanced for higher wind speeds. Overall, given the effect of SSDI on oil volume and weathering, it may be suggested that tar ball formation, requiring thick and weathered oil, could possibly be reduced when SSDI is used. | acceptedVersion

Subsea blowouts have the potential to spread oil across large geographical areas, and subsea dispersant injection (SSDI) is a response option targeted at reducing the impact of a blowout, especially reducing persistent surface oil slicks. Modified Weber scaling was used to predict oil droplet sizes with the OSCAR oil spill model, and to evaluate the surface oil volume and area when using SSDI under different conditions. Generally, SSDI reduces the amount of oil on the surface, and creates wider and thinner surface oil slicks. It was found that the reduction of surface oil area and volume with SSDI was enhanced for higher wind speeds. Overall, given the effect of SSDI on oil volume and weathering, it may be suggested that tar ball formation, requiring thick and weathered oil, could possibly be reduced when SSDI is used.