Surface sediment samples collected from the South Yellow Sea and northern part of the East China Sea during spring and autumn, respectively, were analyzed for grain size, aluminum, and heavy metals (Cr, Ni, Cu, Zn, and Pb) to evaluate heavy metal levels and the contamination status. The results showed that all of the heavy metal concentrations met the standard criteria of the Chinese National Standard Criteria for Marine Sediment Quality. Both the EFs and a multivariate analysis (PCA) indicated that Cr, Ni, Cu, and Zn were mainly from natural contributions, while Pb was influenced by anthropogenic inputs, especially during autumn. The geoaccumulation index of Pb near the mouth of the Yangtze River suggested that the pollution degree in autumn was heavier than that in spring, which might be caused by the greater river discharge in summer and more heavy metal adsorption with finer grain sizes.

Global marine litter pollution is increasing dramatically, and oceanic islands are one of the most vulnerable ecosystems due to their high debris accumulation rate compared to continental sites. Remote areas, such as inhabited islands, represent a perfect study case to track marine debris sources, due to the assumed low rates of local production of debris. Guafo Island is one of the largest islands of the Chilean Northern Patagonia and is considered a remote zone. The accessible coast of Guafo Island was monitored during four austral summers revealing higher levels of marine debris accumulation than continental Chile. Plastic was the most abundant type of debris constituting 50% of the total litter monitored. Our results suggest that most of the plastic identified is likely to be related to local fisheries activities. Mitigation measures including collaboration among fishing communities and scientists could contribute to reduce the coastal debris pollution in remote areas.

Excess nitrogen deposition is a matter of concern for sensitive ecosystems. However, understanding the sources and transport of Nr species has been a challenge due to limited observations of atmospheric deposition of the key Nr species across India. In this study, wet deposition of atmospheric inorganic Nr species was investigated during the year 2013 at two regionally representative sites: Delhi (an urban site) and Jaunpur (a rural site). These sites are located in the Indo-Gangetic Plain (IGP) region, which is one of the most populated and fertile regions of India. The average NH4+ concentrations in rain water were found to be 25.4 μeql−1 and 98.5 μeql−1 at the rural and urban sites, respectively, whereas average NO3− concentrations were 12.4 μeql−1 and 28.7 μeql−1 at the rural and urban sites (respectively). The annual average wet deposition fluxes of NH4+ and NO3− at Delhi were calculated as 10.45 and 3.05 kgN ha−1 yr−1 respectively, whereas at Jaunpur the fluxes were 3.19 and 1.56 kgN ha−1 yr−1 respectively. In order to assess the Nr deposition, our estimates showed 486% increase in NO3− (from 0.52 to 3.05 kgN ha−1 yr−1) while 283% NH4+ (2.72–10.44 kgN ha−1 yr−1) between 1994 and 2013 at Delhi, clearly indicating the effect of urbanization and Land Use Land Cover (LULC) change. Reduced versus oxidized N deposition contribution was also estimated. This study provides key quantitative information to support regional nitrogen budget estimates in south Asia.

Previous studies suggested that the removal of Ulva microscopic propagules (UMP) from cradle water might restrict the formation and expansion of green tides in the Yellow Sea, China. In this study, the distribution characteristics of UMP in the southern Yellow Sea was investigated, and then a flocculation experiment of UMP using modified clay (MC) was conducted at a selected station of the research cruise. The results indicated that the distribution of green algae thalli is one of the main factors that directly influence UMP distribution. UMP density was strongly negatively correlated with the distance between the sampling station and the centre of the area containing floating Ulva (r=−0.618***, n=83). >80% of the UMP was removed from the water column after MC application at a concentration of 0.1g/L, and MC applied at a concentration of 0.5g/L reduced the germination rate to 0.3%.

The paper analyses the building process of a GHG emissions inventory, which would likely enable more strongly cities to manage their efforts and set realistic targets for emission reduction. The work includes the determination of GHG emission estimation tools and approaches used for estimation of key sources of these emissions at the local level. The actual task is the determination of major GHG emitting sectors including the key characteristics of these emissions sources at the local level, establishing targets for emissions reductions at Wroclaw urban area, Poland. The sectoral GHG emission trends in the selected urban area including a comparison of carbon dioxide (CO2) emission level with national inventory data are presented. The total GHG emissions from Wroclaw municipality in 2013 were 7.2 percent lower than those in 1990. Energy consumption is a major contributor of emissions responsible for 63% of citywide CO2 through the consumption of electricity and district and individual heating using coal and natural gas energy sources. The proposed data structure is connected in an informative Sankey diagram for all anthropogenic GHG emissions occurred in Wroclaw municipality in 2013. In order to determine the City progress towards urban carbon neutrality, reducing emissions 25% by 2020 and 80% by 2050, as well as the future risks and impacts of GHG emissions on climate change the ‘business as usual’ final energy consumption and emission scenarios are provided.

Vertical profiles of deep-water fluorescence determined by the chlorophyll sensor, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, biomarkers, and other miscellaneous parameters measured in the southern Gulf of Mexico are reported. In the course of the survey, unexpected deep fluorescences were recorded (>1100m depth) in half of the 40 stations studied, a novel finding in this area of the Gulf. Currently, the deep-water fluorescence phenomenon is not completely understood, however we observe linear correlation between the fluorescence intensity and chlorophyll-α concentrations and coincidence of higher number of hydrocarbonoclastic bacteria in samples collected precisely in the deep-water fluorescence. This information is particularly interesting in relation to the Deepwater Horizon oil spill in 2010, in view that the aftermaths of the spill can be observed till today as oil plumes trapped in deep water layers that may disturb the natural water ecosystem.

The present study was conducted to assess the trace element concentration in marine surface sediments after major flood event of Chennai metropolis, India. Thirty surface samples were collected from off Chennai coast. Trace elements, organic matter, CaCO3, sand-silt-clay and C/N ratios were studied to understand the accumulation dynamics on sediments. The elemental concentration, calcium carbonate and OM distribution suggest that they are derived from urban runoff and transported through Adyar and Cooum Rivers. The enrichment factor reveals that the sediments are enriched by Pb, Cu, Zn, Cr, Co, Ni followed by Fe. The observed Igeo value shows that the samples are contaminated by Pb, Cu and Zn. The elemental concentration of the surface sediments is low when compared to other coastal region except Pb. The elevated level of Pb in the surface sediments is probably due to migration of contaminated urban soil from industrial and transportation sectors into marine environment.

Two LC-MS/MS methods including different sample preparation and quantitative processes showed a good agreement for analysis of the herbicides MCPA, mecoprop, isoproturon, bentazon and chloridazon, and the metabolite chloridazon-methyl-desphenyl (CMD) in estuarine waters. Due to different sensitivity of the methods only one could be used to analyze marine samples. The transport of these compounds to the Baltic Sea via ten German estuaries and their distribution between coastal water and sediments was studied. The results showed that all selected compounds can be transported to the Baltic Sea (0.9–747ng/L). Chloridazon, bentazon, isoproturon and CMD were detected (0.9–8.9ng/L) in the coastal waters and chloridazon and isorproturon in the sediments (5–136pg/g d.w.). Levels of contaminants in the sediments could be influenced by the total organic carbon content. Concentrations observed in the Baltic Sea are most likely not high enough to cause acute effects, but long term effect studies are strongly recommended.

The silverside Odontesthes argentinensis is an economically significant resource for commercial fisheries in South America. We evaluated the presence of trace elements in the stomach content and fish tissues (muscle and otoliths) of O. argentinensis. In addition, we assessed the presence of trace elements in its prey (zooplankton) and in seawater in a coastal temperate area. The most abundant trace elements found in the water, zooplankton, stomach content, and fish tissues (muscle and otoliths) constituted of Ba, Mn, Sr and Zn, while Cd, Cu and Pb were observed in lower concentrations. We concluded that O. argentinensis specimens captured from the environment, within the length range analyzed for muscle samples (total length: <21cm), are deemed fit for human consumption because the concentrations of trace elements mostly meet the standards established in the Argentine Food Code. The information obtained in this study is vital for O. argentinensis farming in closed systems.

Phytochelatins (PCs) and monothiols and their relation with trace element concentrations were studied in three plant species from two Portuguese salt marshes. Belowground tissues showed always higher element concentrations, while enhanced values of monothiols were found in aboveground biomass. Glutathione was usually the most abundant monothiol. The concentration of total PCs was higher in leaves or stems than in roots of Halimione portulacoides and Sarcocornia perennis, while in Spartina maritima the highest concentrations were reported in large roots. PC2 was synthesized by all tissues and species and was higher in large roots of S. maritima. PC4 and PC5 were in high levels in small roots of S. maritima. PC2 was positively correlated with As, Zn and Pb. Although being the first evidence of PCs and monothiols in these species under natural conditions, our results do not point to a simple relationship with elements concentrations, suggesting a complex mechanism involved.