Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) levels were measured in sediments, bivalves and semi-permeable membrane devices (SPMDs) in the relatively pristine marine environment of Nelson Lagoon, Alaska. Most PAH levels in Nelson Lagoon were low, and similar to global background concentrations. Sampling media type can significantly influence conclusions of PAH contamination in the environment. Concentration of a broad size range of PAHs was observed in the tissues of blue mussels (Mytilus edulis). SPMDs collected some two- to three-ring PAHs from the dissolved water phase, while sediments collected five- to six-ring PAHs that were likely adsorbed onto particulate matter. Benzo(a)pyrene, a potent carcinogen, was found in mussels at levels similar to more industrialized harbors in Alaska.

We have studied the distribution and value of phenolic endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) in surface sediment samples taken from Anzali Wetland, Iran. These samples were collected from 22 stations during the time span of June–May 2010. In each of the sampling stations, we detected 4-nonylphenol (4-NP), octylphenol (OP), and bisphenol A (BPA) with maximal concentrations of 29, 4.3, and 7μgg⁻¹ dry weight (dw), respectively. High levels of alkylphenols (APs) and BPA were also found near urban areas. Furthermore there were no significant differences between those stations in terms of the detected levels. One of the important factors in controlling the fate of these compounds in the aquatic environment appeared to be Total Organic Carbon (TOC). Hierarchical cluster analysis showed differences in the biomarker characteristics of EDCs and TOC between the stations. Our findings indicate that EDCs are ubiquitous in sediments from northeast Wetlands of Iran, contaminating the aquatic habitats in this area.

Human health concerns and the dissemination of anthropogenic substances with unknown consequences are the reasons most often given why disposal of municipal sewage sludge in landfills or using the organic waste as biofuel is preferable to land application. But no “fertilizer” causes more nitrogen pollution than sludge when applied according to Virginia law. Poultry litter is the only other “fertilizer” that causes more phosphorus pollution than sludge. Cost savings by the few farmers in Virginia who use sludge are far less than the costs of the nitrogen pollution they cause. A ban on the land application of all forms of animal waste is very cost-effective and would reduce Chesapeake Bay nutrient pollution by 25%.

We propose a framework for spatially estimating a proxy for coral reef resilience using remote sensing. Data spanning large areas of coral reef habitat were obtained using the commercial QuickBird satellite, and freely available imagery (NASA, Google Earth). Principles of coral reef ecology, field observation, and remote observations, were combined to devise mapped indices. These capture important and accessible components of coral reef resilience. Indices are divided between factors known to stress corals, and factors incorporating properties of the reef landscape that resist stress or promote coral growth. The first-basis for a remote sensed resilience index (RSRI), an estimate of expected reef resilience, is proposed. Developed for the Red Sea, the framework of our analysis is flexible and with minimal adaptation, could be extended to other reef regions. We aim to stimulate discussion as to use of remote sensing to do more than simply deliver habitat maps of coral reefs.

Hair is used to determine trace elements exposure and status of pinnipeds because it is an excretory route for many elements and can be collected non-lethally. Despite increased use, there have been few studies on how sampling designs and procedures (e.g., hair type, collection site) affect results. The objective of this study was to determine whether concentrations of an essential (selenium; Se) and non-essential element (mercury; Hg) differed between hair samples collected from two body locations on harbor seals (Phoca vitulina). Concentrations of Se and total Hg (THg) differed between mid-dorsal midline and neck samples, and although the absolute differences were relatively small (Δₐbₛₒₗᵤₜₑ Se=0.69μgg⁻¹, Δₐbₛₒₗᵤₜₑ THg=2.86μgg⁻¹), the relative differences were large (Δᵣₑₗₐₜᵢᵥₑ Se=49%, Δᵣₑₗₐₜᵢᵥₑ THg=17%). These differences highlight the need to standardize the collection site for trace element determination in pinnipeds.

This study employed three chemometric data mining techniques (factor analysis (FA), cluster analysis (CA), and discriminant analysis (DA)) to identify the latent structure of a water quality (WQ) dataset pertaining to Kinta River (Malaysia) and to classify eight WQ monitoring stations along the river into groups of similar WQ characteristics. FA identified the WQ parameters responsible for variations in Kinta River’s WQ and accentuated the roles of weathering and surface runoff in determining the river’s WQ. CA grouped the monitoring locations into a cluster of low levels of water pollution (the two uppermost monitoring stations) and another of relatively high levels of river pollution (the mid-, and down-stream stations). DA confirmed these clusters and produced a discriminant function which can predict the cluster membership of new and/or unknown samples. These chemometric techniques highlight the potential for reasonably reducing the number of WQVs and monitoring stations for long-term monitoring purposes.

The spatial variations of the picoplankton (photoautotrophic and heterotrophic microorganisms) in the Ahe atoll lagoon were studied in May and October 2008 to assess whether they were affected by human activities along the atoll. Spatial patterns were studied using 10 sampling stations chosen according to the location of the anthropogenic activities (pearl farming, harbor). Experiments were also carried out to determine whether bacterial growth, with or without predators, was limited by inorganic (N and P) substrates. The results showed that heterotrophic bacterioplankton abundance was superior to the photoautotrophic organisms, especially in May. Significant increases in bacterial abundance were observed in May after 24h incubation with +P and +N (but not in October). All samples complied with the quality levels for fecal indicator bacteria (FIB) defined by the European Union and there was no evidence that human sewage had any impact on picoplankton over the whole atoll.

Hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD) and tetrabromobisphenol A (TBBPA) were measured in surface sediments in the Pearl River Delta, southern China. The concentrations ranged from 0.06 to 304ng/g dry weight for TBBPA and from 0.03 to 31.6ng/g for total HBCD. The correlations between the TBBPA and HBCD concentrations were significant in rivers (Dongjiang, Zhujiang, Beijiang, and Dayanhe Rivers) with local input sources but not significant in the Xijiang River and Pearl River Estuary without local sources. HBCD was dominated by γ-HBCD (averaged 52.5–75.0%), whereas α-HBCD contributions were relatively high in sediments from the urban areas. The enantiomeric fractions of γ-HBCD in the sediments (averaged from 0.431±0.035 to 0.479±0.010) differed significantly from that in HBCD technical product except for samples from the e-waste area (Dayanhe River, 0.488±0.091). This suggests that enantioselective biotransformation of HBCD occurs in the aquatic environment in this region.

Increased human habitation has led to a 30 to 50-fold increase in nutrient loads to the coastal waters of Adelaide, resulting in the loss of over 5000ha of seagrass meadows. The rate of loss since the 1940s has been irregular, averaging 85hayr⁻¹, marked by a substantial peak between 1971 and 1977. A modelling approach allowed comparison of the annual input with the annual uptake rates for the different biotic components in the seagrass bed. In 2005, the estimated uptake of ammonium (465tyr⁻¹) and nitrate (3.04tyr⁻¹) by the seagrass and associated epiphytes in the Adelaide region accounted for 31% of the ammonium and <1% of the nitrate that is currently discharged into the coastal waters. Environment Improvement Programs, such as the one implemented in 1996, may reduce the total nitrogen loads to 700tyr⁻¹, possibly stemming further losses and facilitating recolonisation of new seagrass.

Debris removal programs are combatting the accumulation of derelict fishing gear and other debris in marine habitats. We analyzed 5years of lobster trap debris removal data in Biscayne National Park, Florida to assess removal efficiency and develop spatially-explicit mapping tools to guide future removals. We generated and validated debris “hot spots” maps that combined remotely-sensed data (i.e. benthic habitat type and bathymetry) with 862 locations of previous debris collection. Our hot spot models spatially depict regions of likely debris accumulation, reducing the search area by 95% (from 332km² to 18km²) and encompassing 100% of the validation sites. Our analyses indicate removal contractors using sub-surface towed divers enhanced debris recovery. Additionally, the quantity of debris removed did not decrease with increased efforts, suggesting that debris supply in situ exceeds removal efforts. We conclude with the importance of coupling analysis of ongoing debris removal programs with GIS technology to improve removal efforts.