There are limited data on persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in the soils of the Tibetan Plateau. This paper presents data from a survey of organochlorine pesticides (OCPs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) in 40 background surface (0–5 cm) soils of the Tibetan Plateau. Soil concentrations (pg/g, dw) ranged as follows: DDTs, 13-7700; HCHs, 64-847; HCB, 24-564; sum of 15 PCBs, 75-1021; and sum of 9 PBDEs, below detection limit −27. Soil DDT, HCB, PCB and PBDE concentrations were strongly influenced by soil organic carbon content. HCH concentrations were clearly associated with the proximity to source regions in south Asia. The air–soil equilibrium status of POPs suggested the Tibetan soils may be partial “secondary sources” of HCB, low molecular weight PCBs and HCHs and will likely continue to be “sinks” for the less volatile DDE and DDT.

Hexabromocyclododecanes (HBCDs) have been considered candidate persistent organic pollutants, however, environmental data on their presence in China, a major world market, are limited. In this study, airborne particle-bound HBCDs in Shanghai, China were quantified with liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry, and their total concentrations varied from 3.21 to 123 pg/m³. The industrial area showed about three times higher HBCD levels than the urban areas. Gamma-HBCD dominated in particle-associated HBCDs in the industrial area, while α-HBCD was the major diastereomer of the urban areas, which is quite different from the pattern of technical products. Besides α-, β- and γ-HBCDs, δ-HBCD was also detected in all samples (0.09–6.31 pg/m³), while no ɛ-HBCD was found. Airborne β- and γ-HBCDs were racemic in most studied areas due to their chiral signatures showing no significant difference from commercial mixture. Fractions of (+)-α-HBCD (0.417–0.467), however, suggested the enrichment of (−)-α-HBCD and the involvement of enantioselective bioprocesses.

The global distribution and long-range transport of polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) were investigated using seawater samples collected from the Greenland Sea, East Atlantic Ocean and the Southern Ocean in 2009–2010. Elevated levels of ΣPFASs were detected in the North Atlantic Ocean with the concentrations ranging from 130 to 650 pg/L. In the Greenland Sea, the ΣPFASs concentrations ranged from 45 to 280 pg/L, and five most frequently detected compounds were perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), perfluorohexanesulfonate (PFHxS), perfluorohexanoic acid (PFHxA), perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and perfluorobutane sulfonate (PFBS). PFOA (15 pg/L) and PFOS (25–45 pg/L) were occasionally found in the Southern Ocean. In the Atlantic Ocean, the ΣPFASs concentration decreased from 2007 to 2010. The elevated PFOA level that resulted from melting snow and ice in Greenland Sea implies that the Arctic may have been driven by climate change and turned to be a source of PFASs for the marine ecosystem.

Non-PR | IFPRI4; 2020 | DGO

Book chapter | IFPRI4; 2020 | Non-PR | DGO

This study is a first attempt to investigate the impact of urban contamination on metal tolerance of heterotrophic river biofilms using a short-term test based on beta-glucosidase activity. Tolerance levels to Cu, Cd, Zn, Ni and Pb were evaluated for biofilms collected at three sites along an urban gradient in the Seine river (France). Metallic pollution increased along the river, but concentrations remained low compared to environmental quality standards. Biofilm metal tolerance increased downstream from the urban area. Multivariate analysis confirmed the correlation between tolerance and contamination and between multi-metallic and physico-chemical gradients. Therefore, tolerance levels have to be interpreted in relation to the whole chemical and physical characteristics and not solely metal exposure. We conclude that community tolerance is a sensitive biological response to urban pressure and that mixtures of contaminants at levels lower than quality standards might have a significant impact on periphytic communities. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Although recent research has shown that marine litter has made it even to the remotest parts of our planet, little information is available about temporal trends on the deep ocean floor. To quantify litter on the deep seafloor over time, we analysed images from the HAUSGARTEN observatory (79°N) taken in 2002, 2004, 2007, 2008 and 2011 (2500m depth). Our results indicate that litter increased from 3,635 to 7,710 items km-2 between 2002 and 2011 and reached densities similar to those reported from a canyon near the Portuguese capital Lisboa. Plastic constituted the majority of litter (59%) followed by a black fabric (11%) and cardboard/paper (7%). 67% of the litter was entangled or colonised by invertebrates such as sponges (41%) or sea anemones (15%). The changes in litter could be an indirect consequence of the receding sea ice, which opens the Arctic Ocean to the impacts of man’s activities.

Transport of ballast water is one major factor in the transmission of aquatic organisms, including pathogenic bacteria. The IMO-guidelines of the Convention for the Control and Management of Ships’ Ballast Water and Sediments, states that ships are to discharge <1CFU per 100ml ballast water of toxigenic Vibrio cholerae, emphasizing the need to establish test methods. To our knowledge, there are no methods sensitive and rapid enough available for cholera surveillance of ballast water. In this study real-time PCR and NASBA methods have been evaluated to specifically detect 1CFU/100ml of V. cholerae in ballast water. Ballast water samples spiked with V. cholerae cells were filtered and enriched in alkaline peptone water before PCR or NASBA detection. The entire method, including sample preparation and analysis was performed within 7h, and has the potential to be used for analysis of ballast water for inspection and enforcement control.

The biochemical responses in muscle, such as the enzymatic activities of acetylcholinesterase, lactate dehydrogenase and isocitrate dehydrogenase, were studied in sole (Solea senegalensis) collected in Huelva estuary (SW Spain), in the vicinity of a petrochemical and mining industry. The sampling sites showed different type and degree of pollution. The results demonstrated significant differences in muscle activities of AChE and IDH in Odiel and Tinto Rivers compared to control fish. LDH activity did not show any difference between sampling sites. Significant correlations were established between some biomarkers and heavy metals: AChE was correlated with Pb, Cd and Cu concentrations in water; IDH activity was correlated with Cd and Cu concentrations in water and As, Pb and Cd concentrations in sediments; LDH activity was correlated with As and Zn concentration in water and Cd concentration in sediment. Only one correlation was established between the biomarkers analysed and the concentrations of PAHs: benzo(b)fluoranthene concentration in sediment and IDH.