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Marine organisms as heavy metal bioindicators in the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman Full text
2014
Amoozadeh, E. | Malek, M. | Rashidinejad, R. | Nabavi, S. | Karbassi, M. | Ghayoumi, R. | Ghorbanzadeh-Zafarani, G. | Salehi, H. | Sures, B.
In the present study, cadmium and lead concentrations were compared in barnacles, ghost shrimps, polychaetes, bivalves, and sediment from ten different locations along the intertidal zone of the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman. The results revealed significant differences in the heavy metal concentrations between the organisms with barnacles showing, by far, the highest metal concentrations. The bioaccumulation factor of Cd in different animals follows this pattern with barnacles > bivalves > polychaetes > ghost shrimps, while the pattern for Pb was barnacles > polychaetes > bivalves > ghost shrimps. In most of the stations, sediments showed the lowest lead and cadmium concentrations. Therefore, it is concluded that barnacles with Pb concentrations between 0.17 and 2,016.1 μg/g and Cd concentrations ranging from 0.4 to 147.1 μg/g are the best organisms to be employed in monitoring programs designed to assess pollution with bioavailable metals in the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman.
Show more [+] Less [-]Advanced multivariate analysis to assess remediation of hydrocarbons in soils Full text
2014
Lin, Deborah S. | Taylor, Peter | Tibbett, Mark
Advanced multivariate analysis to assess remediation of hydrocarbons in soils Full text
2014
Lin, Deborah S. | Taylor, Peter | Tibbett, Mark
Accurate monitoring of degradation levels in soils is essential in order to understand and achieve complete degradation of petroleum hydrocarbons in contaminated soils. We aimed to develop the use of multivariate methods for the monitoring of biodegradation of diesel in soils and to determine if diesel contaminated soils could be remediated to a chemical composition similar to that of an uncontaminated soil. An incubation experiment was set up with three contrasting soil types. Each soil was exposed to diesel at varying stages of degradation and then analysed for key hydrocarbons throughout 161 days of incubation. Hydrocarbon distributions were analysed by Principal Coordinate Analysis and similar samples grouped by cluster analysis. Variation and differences between samples were determined using permutational multivariate analysis of variance. It was found that all soils followed trajectories approaching the chemical composition of the unpolluted soil. Some contaminated soils were no longer significantly different to that of uncontaminated soil after 161 days of incubation. The use of cluster analysis allows the assignment of a percentage chemical similarity of a diesel contaminated soil to an uncontaminated soil sample. This will aid in the monitoring of hydrocarbon contaminated sites and the establishment of potential endpoints for successful remediation.
Show more [+] Less [-]Advanced multivariate analysis to assess remediation of hydrocarbons in soils Full text
2014
Lin, Deborah S. | Taylor, Peter | Tibbett, Mark
Accurate monitoring of degradation levels in soils is essential in order to understand and achieve complete degradation of petroleum hydrocarbons in contaminated soils. We aimed to develop the use of multivariate methods for the monitoring of biodegradation of diesel in soils and to determine if diesel contaminated soils could be remediated to a chemical composition similar to that of an uncontaminated soil. An incubation experiment was set up with three contrasting soil types. Each soil was exposed to diesel at varying stages of degradation and then analysed for key hydrocarbons throughout 161 days of incubation. Hydrocarbon distributions were analysed by Principal Coordinate Analysis and similar samples grouped by cluster analysis. Variation and differences between samples were determined using permutational multivariate analysis of variance. It was found that all soils followed trajectories approaching the chemical composition of the unpolluted soil. Some contaminated soils were no longer significantly different to that of uncontaminated soil after 161 days of incubation. The use of cluster analysis allows the assignment of a percentage chemical similarity of a diesel contaminated soil to an uncontaminated soil sample. This will aid in the monitoring of hydrocarbon contaminated sites and the establishment of potential endpoints for successful remediation.
Show more [+] Less [-]Long-term disruption of growth, reproduction, and behavior after embryonic exposure of zebrafish to PAH-spiked sediment Full text
2014
Vignet, Caroline | Devier, Marie-Hélène | Le Menach, Karyn | Lyphout, Laura | Potier, Jérémy | Cachot, Jérôme | Budzinski, Hélène | Bégout, Marie-Laure | Cousin, Xavier
Long-term disruption of growth, reproduction, and behavior after embryonic exposure of zebrafish to PAH-spiked sediment Full text
2014
Vignet, Caroline | Devier, Marie-Hélène | Le Menach, Karyn | Lyphout, Laura | Potier, Jérémy | Cachot, Jérôme | Budzinski, Hélène | Bégout, Marie-Laure | Cousin, Xavier
A natural sediment spiked with three individual polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs; pyrene, phenanthrene and benzo[a]pyrene) was used to expose zebrafish embryos and larvae during 4 days. The total PAH concentration was 4.4 μg g⁻¹which is in the range found in sediment from contaminated areas. Quantification of metabolites in the larvae after exposure confirmed the actual contamination of the larvae and indicated an active metabolism especially for pyrene and benzo[a]pyrene. After a transfer in a clean medium, the larvae were reared to adulthood and evaluated for survival, growth, reproduction, and behavior. Measured endpoints revealed a late disruption of growth (appearing at 5 months) and a trend toward a lower reproductive ability. Adults of embryos exposed to sediment spiked with PAHs displayed lethargic and/or anxiety-like behaviors. This latter behavior was also identified in offspring at larval stage. All together, these effects could have detrimental consequences on fish performances and contribution to recruitment.
Show more [+] Less [-]Long-term disruption of growth, reproduction, and behavior after embryonic exposure of zebrafish to PAH-spiked sediment Full text
2014
Vignet, Caroline | Devier, Marie Helene | Le Menach, Karyn | Lyphout, Laura | Potier, Jérémy | Cachot, Jérôme | Budzinski, Hélène | Bégout, Marie-Laure | Cousin, Xavier | Unité Biogéochimie et Ecotoxicologie (BE) ; Institut Français de Recherche pour l'Exploitation de la Mer (IFREMER) | Environnements et Paléoenvironnements OCéaniques (EPOC) ; École Pratique des Hautes Études (EPHE) ; Université Paris Sciences et Lettres (PSL)-Université Paris Sciences et Lettres (PSL)-Université de Bordeaux (UB)-Institut national des sciences de l'Univers (INSU - CNRS)-Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS) | Laboratoire Ressources Halieutiques La Rochelle-L'Houmeau (LRHLR) ; Unité Halieutique Gascogne Sud (HGS) ; Institut Français de Recherche pour l'Exploitation de la Mer (IFREMER)-Institut Français de Recherche pour l'Exploitation de la Mer (IFREMER) | Laboratoire de Physiologie et Génomique des Poissons (LPGP) ; Institut National de la Recherche Agronomique (INRA)-Structure Fédérative de Recherche en Biologie et Santé de Rennes (Biosit : Biologie - Santé - Innovation Technologique) | ANR ConPhyPop (2009-002) ; CPER A2E ; European Regional Development Fund ; Region Poitou-Charentes ; Ifremer | ANR-09-CESA-0002,CONPHYPOP,Contamination et physiologie des poissons aux polluants(2009)
A natural sediment spiked with three individual polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs; pyrene, phenanthrene and benzo[a]pyrene) was used to expose zebrafish embryos and larvae during 4 days. The total PAH concentration was 4.4 μg g−1 which is in the range found in sediment from contaminated areas. Quantification of metabolites in the larvae after exposure confirmed the actual contamination of the larvae and indicated an active metabolism specially for pyrene and benzo[a]pyrene. After a transfer in a clean medium, the larvae were reared to adulthood and valuated for survival, growth, reproduction, and behavior. Measured endpoints revealed a late disruption of growth (appearing at 5 months) and a trend toward a lower reproductive ability. Adults of embryos exposed to sediment spiked with PAHs displayed lethargic and/or anxiety-like behaviors. This latter behavior was also identified in offspring at larval stage. All together, these effects could have detrimental consequences on fish performances and contribution to recruitment.
Show more [+] Less [-]Long-term disruption of growth, reproduction, and behavior after embryonic exposure of zebrafish to PAH-spiked sediment Full text
2014
Vignet, Caroline | Devier, Marie-hélène | Le Menach, Karyn | Lyphout, Laura | Potier, Jeremy | Cachot, Jerome | Budzinski, Helene | Begout, Marie-laure | Cousin, Xavier
A natural sediment spiked with three individual polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs; pyrene, phenanthrene and benzo[a]pyrene) was used to expose zebrafish embryos and larvae during 4 days. The total PAH concentration was 4.4 μg g−1 which is in the range found in sediment from contaminated areas. Quantification of metabolites in the larvae after exposure confirmed the actual contamination of the larvae and indicated an active metabolism especially for pyrene and benzo[a]pyrene. After a transfer in a clean medium, the larvae were reared to adulthood and evaluated for survival, growth, reproduction, and behavior. Measured endpoints revealed a late disruption of growth (appearing at 5 months) and a trend toward a lower reproductive ability. Adults of embryos exposed to sediment spiked with PAHs displayed lethargic and/or anxiety-like behaviors. This latter behavior was also identified in offspring at larval stage. All together, these effects could have detrimental consequences on fish performances and contribution to recruitment.
Show more [+] Less [-]Occurrence and distribution of PCB metabolites in blood and their potential health effects in humans: a review Full text
2014
Quinete, Natalia | Schettgen, Thomas | Bertram, Jens | Kraus, Thomas
In recent years, attention has been directed to chemicals with possible endocrine-disrupting properties. Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and their metabolites belong to one group of environmental contaminants that have been shown to interact with the endocrine system in mammals, including humans. Although recent developments have been made in terms of determination of PCB metabolites in blood samples, still limited number of studies have been able to elucidate their profiles and toxicological and health effects in humans. This review aims to evaluate and compare the levels of hydroxylated PCBs (OH-PCBs) and methyl sulfone PCBs (MeSO₂-PCBs) in blood and their relationship to parent compounds and also address the potential risks and adverse health effects in humans. Levels of OH-PCBs varied between 0.0002 and 1.6 ng g⁻¹ w/w in human serum/plasma from the selected literature, correlating well with ∑PCBs. In contrast, ∑OH-PCB/∑PCB ratio in animals did not show a significant correlation, which might suggest that the bioaccumulation plays an even more important role in the concentration of OH-PCBs compared to PCB metabolism. Highest levels of MeSO₂-PCBs were reported in marine mammals with high selectivity retention in the liver. Health effects of PCB metabolites included carcinogenicity, reproductive impairment, and developmental neurotoxicity, being more efficiently transferred to the brain and across the placenta from mother to fetus in comparison to the parent PCBs. Based on the lack of knowledge on the occurrence and distribution of lower chlorinated OH-PCBs in humans, further studies to identify and assess the risks associated to human exposure are essential.
Show more [+] Less [-]Coalbed methane produced water in China: status and environmental issues Full text
2014
Meng, Yanjun | Tang, Dazhen | Xu, Hao | Li, Yong | Gao, Lijun
As one of the unconventional natural gas family members, coalbed methane (CBM) receives great attention throughout the world. The major associated problem of CBM production is the management of produced water. In the USA, Canada, and Australia, much research has been done on the effects and management of coalbed methane produced water (CMPW). However, in China, the environmental effects of CMPW were overlooked. The quantity and the quality of CMPW both vary enormously between coal basins or stratigraphic units in China. The unit produced water volume of CBM wells in China ranges from 10 to 271,280 L/well/day, and the concentration of total dissolved solids (TDS) ranges from 691 to 93,898 mg/L. Most pH values of CMPW are more than 7.0, showing the alkaline feature, and the Na-HCO₃ and Na-HCO₃-Cl are typical types of CMPW in China. Treatment and utilization of CMPW in China lag far behind the USA and Australia, and CMPW is mainly managed by surface impoundments and evaporation. Currently, the core environmental issues associated with CMPW in China are that the potential environmental problems of CMPW have not been given enough attention, and relevant regulations as well as environmental impact assessment (EIA) guidelines for CMPW are still lacking. Other potential issues in China includes (1) water quality monitoring issues for CMPW with special components in special areas, (2) groundwater level decline issues associated with the dewatering process, and (3) potential environmental issues of groundwater pollution associated with hydraulic fracturing.
Show more [+] Less [-]Pseudomorphs of barite and biogenic ZnS after phyto-crystals of calcium oxalate (whewellite) in the peat layer of a poor fen Full text
2014
Smieja-Król, Beata | Janeczek, Janusz | Wiedermann, Jerzy
Pseudomorphs of barite (BaSO₄) and Cd-rich ZnS after whewellite (CaC₂O₄·H₂O) occur within remnants of Scots pine bark tissues in the peat layer of a poor fen located near a zinc smelter in south Poland. A two-step formation of the pseudomorphs is postulated based on SEM observations: (1) complete dissolution of whewellite, possibly caused by oxalotrophic bacteria, and (2) subsequent bacterially induced precipitation of barite and spheroidal aggregates of ZnS together with galena (PbS) in voids left by the dissolved whewellite crystals. Local increase in pH due to microbial degradation of whewellite, elevated concentrations of Zn(II) and Ba(II) in pore water due to the decomposition of atmospheric particles of sphalerite and barite in the acidic (pH 3.5–3.8) environment, oxidation of S species during drying and rewetting of the peat layer, and subsequent partial reduction of sulfate anions by sulfur-reducing bacteria were all factors likely involved in the crystallization of ZnS and barite in the microenvironment of the post-whewellite voids.
Show more [+] Less [-]Using of “pseudo-second-order model” in adsorption Full text
2014
Ho, Yuh-Shan
A research paper's contribution exists not only in its originality and creativity but also in its continuity and development for research that follows. However, the author easily ignores it. Citation error and quotation error occurred very frequently in a scientific paper. Numerous researchers use secondary references without knowing the original idea from authors. Sulaymon et al. (Environ Sci Pollut Res 20:3011–3023, 2013) and Spiridon et al. (Environ Sci Pollut Res 20:6367–6381, 2013) presented wrong pseudo-second-order models in Environmental Science and Pollution Research, vol. 20. This comment pointed the errors of the kinetic models and offered information for citing original idea of pseudo-second-order kinetic expression. In order to stop the proliferation of the mistake, it is suggested to cite the original paper for the kinetic model which provided greater accuracy and more details about the kinetic expression.
Show more [+] Less [-]Remediation of phenanthrene-contaminated soil by simultaneous persulfate chemical oxidation and biodegradation processes Full text
2014
Mora, Verónica C. | Madueño, Laura | Peluffo, Marina | Rosso, Janina A. | Del Panno, María T. | Morelli, Irma S.
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are ubiquitous compounds with carcinogenic and/or mutagenic potential. To address the limitations of individual remediation techniques and to achieve better PAH removal efficiencies, the combination of chemical and biological treatments can be used. The degradation of phenanthrene (chosen as a model of PAH) by persulfate in freshly contaminated soil microcosms was studied to assess its impact on the biodegradation process and on soil properties. Soil microcosms contaminated with 140 mg/kgDRY SOILof phenanthrene were treated with different persulfate (PS) concentrations 0.86–41.7 g/kgDRY SOILand incubated for 28 days. Analyses of phenanthrene and persulfate concentrations and soil pH were performed. Cultivable heterotrophic bacterial count was carried out after 28 days of treatment. Genetic diversity analysis of the soil microcosm bacterial community was performed by PCR amplification of bacterial 16S rDNA fragments followed by denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE). The addition of PS in low concentrations could be an interesting biostimulatory strategy that managed to shorten the lag phase of the phenanthrene biological elimination, without negative effects on the physicochemical and biological soil properties, improving the remediation treatment.
Show more [+] Less [-]Speciation of non-methane hydrocarbons (NMHCs) from anthropogenic sources in Beirut, Lebanon Full text
2014
Salameh, T. | Afif, C. | Sauvage, S. | Borbon, A. | Locoge, N.
The chemical composition of emissions from the different anthropogenic sources of non-methane hydrocarbons (NMHC) is essential for modeling and source apportionment studies. The speciated profiles of major NMHC sources in Lebanon, including road transport, gasoline vapor, power generation, and solvent use were established. Field sampling have been carried out by canisters in 2012. Around 67 NMHC (C2 to C9) were identified and quantified by using a gas chromatograph equipped with a flame ionization detector. Typical features of the roadway emissions included high percentages of isopentane, butane, toluene, xylenes, ethylene, and ethyne. Gasoline evaporation profiles included high percentage of the C4–C5 saturated hydrocarbons reaching 59 %. The main compounds of the power generator emissions are related to combustion. Toluene and C8–C9 aromatics were the most abundant species in emissions from paint applications. Finally, the impact of the use of region-specific source profile is tackled regarding the implication on air quality.
Show more [+] Less [-]Detection of feral GT73 transgenic oilseed rape (Brassica napus) along railway lines on entry routes to oilseed factories in Switzerland Full text
2014
Hecht, Mirco | Oehen, Bernadette | Schulze, Jürg | Brodmann-Kron, Peter | Bagutti, Claudia
Detection of feral GT73 transgenic oilseed rape (Brassica napus) along railway lines on entry routes to oilseed factories in Switzerland Full text
2014
Hecht, Mirco | Oehen, Bernadette | Schulze, Jürg | Brodmann-Kron, Peter | Bagutti, Claudia
To obtain a reference status prior to cultivation of genetically modified oilseed rape (OSR, Brassica napus L.) in Switzerland, the occurrence of feral OSR was monitored along transportation routes and at processing sites. The focus was set on the detection of (transgenic) OSR along railway lines from the Swiss borders with Italy and France to the respective oilseed processing factories in Southern and Northern Switzerland (Ticino and region of Basel). A monitoring concept was developed to identify sites of largest risk of escape of genetically modified plants into the environment in Switzerland. Transport spillage of OSR seeds from railway goods cars particularly at risk hot spots such as switch yards and (un)loading points but also incidental and continuous spillage were considered. All OSR plants, including their hybridization partners which were collected at the respective monitoring sites were analyzed for the presence of transgenes by real-time PCR. On sampling lengths each of 4.2 and 5.7 km, respectively, 461 and 1,574 plants were sampled in Ticino and the region of Basel. OSR plants were found most frequently along the routes to the oilseed facilities, and in larger amounts on risk hot spots compared to sites of random sampling. At three locations in both monitored regions, transgenic B. napus line GT73 carrying the glyphosate resistance transgenes gox and CP4 epsps were detected (Ticino, 22 plants; in the region of Basel, 159).
Show more [+] Less [-]Detection of feral GT73 transgenic oilseed rape (Brassica napus) along railway lines on entry routes to oilseed factories in Switzerland Full text
2014
Hecht, Mirco | Oehen, Bernadette | Schulze, Jürg | Brodmann, Peter | Bagutti, Claudia
To obtain a reference status prior to cultivation of genetically modified oilseed rape (OSR, Brassica napus L.) in Switzerland, the occurrence of feral OSR was monitored along transportation routes and at processing sites. The focus was set on the detection of (transgenic) OSR along railway lines from the Swiss borders with Italy and France to the respective oilseed processing factories in Southern and Northern Switzerland (Ticino and region of Basel). A monitoring concept was developed to identify sites of largest risk of escape of genetically modified plants into the environment in Switzerland. Transport spillage of OSR seeds from railway goods cars particularly at risk hot spots such as switch yards and (un)loading points but also incidental and continuous spillage were considered. All OSR plants, including their hybridization partners which were collected at the respective monitoring sites were analyzed for the presence of transgenes by real-time PCR. On sampling lengths each of 4.2 and 5.7 km, respectively, 461 and 1,574 plants were sampled in Ticino and the region of Basel. OSR plants were found most frequently along the routes to the oilseed facilities, and in larger amounts on risk hot spots compared to sites of random sampling. At three locations in both monitored regions, transgenic B. napus line GT73 carrying the glyphosate resistance transgenes gox and CP4 epsps were detected (Ticino, 22 plants; in the region of Basel, 159).
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