Modeling the ecological impact of heavy metals on aquatic ecosystems: a framework for the development of an ecological model

In this paper, an ecological model is proposed to predict the effects of heavy metals on aquatic ecosystems. The bioavailable concentration of metals and a concept of toxicity strength (TS) are combined. The integrated ecological model relates the transport, distribution and speciation of heavy metals and their toxicity, and the effect of environmental variability on metal toxicity. It also emphasizes the link between physical and chemical processes of heavy metals in rivers and ecological effects. Based on the data obtained from research in the CERP project (Co-operative Ecological Research Project), the ecological impact of heavy metals on the aquatic ecosystem of the Le An River (polluted by heavy metals from a copper mine) was predicted. The results show that the estimated values of toxicity strength for surface water are in agreement with the percentage inhibition for the test organism (P. phosphoreum) and that the predicted ecological effect of polluted sediment is consistent with natural variability in aquatic ecosystems.     

Distribution of heavy metals in the sediment of an unpolluted estuarine environment

The distribution of cadmium, cobalt, copper, lead, manganese, mercury, nickel and zinc in the sediments of Urr Water, an estuary relatively free of industrial and sewage pollution, has been investigated.The aim of this study was to provide baseline information for comparison with similar geochemical areas which are subject to pollution.     

Methods for processing aquatic mosses used as monitors of heavy metals

An evaluation is reported of methods used to prepare mosses for analysis when required for monitoring metal pollution. Fontinalis antipyretica and Rhynchostegium riparioides taken from the River Hoëgne, Belgium, were used for the study. The stages in preparation studied critically were the storage of the moss after it had been collected from the river, washing, choice of which particular fraction to use and the conditions for final drying prior to digestion. For any one particular treatment, the concentrations of metals analysed (Ca, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Cd, Pb) were usually lower in Fontinalis than Rhynchostegium. Metal concentrations found as a result of the various treatments differed markedly for some metals, including Zn, Cd and Pb. However no one sequence of methods is ideal for all purposes. Criteria that need to be considered when selecting methods include the time and facilities available and whether the moss is to be used for monitoring long-term or short-term pollution.     

Mobilisation of heavy metals by deicing salts in a roadside environment

The seasonal variations of some selected heavy metals (Cd, Cu, Pb and Zn) and principal anions in soil solutions were monitored as a function of distance from the road at two field sites in Sweden. During the winter, the conductivity, concentrations of dissolved sodium and chloride increased dramatically due to the application of deicing agents (i.e. NaCl). Due to ion exchange, the pH decreased one unit in the soil solutions, whereas the concentrations of total organic carbon decreased due to coagulation and/or sorption to stationary solids. The heavy metal concentrations increased during the winter, but through different mechanisms. Cadmium concentrations in the aqueous phase increased as a response to ion exchange, possibly also enhanced by the formation of chloride complexes. Similarly, the concentrations of zinc increased, due to ion exchange, with calcium and protons. The mechanisms of mobilisation for copper and lead were not that clear probably due to association with coagulated or sorbed organic matter in combination with colloid dispersion.     

Procedural cleanup technique for determination of phthalate esters in an aquatic environment

Part 1 (in the previous issue of the journal) dealt with energy from marine algal forms, while part 2 is concerned with their economics and environment. Aquaculture has become well implanted, particularly in Asia where it has led to economic success. It has gained a good foothold in Europe, while lagging behind in the United States. Algae can, apparently, play a larger role in industrial and energy needs. There is, however, another aspect of algae culture and utilization: environmental concern has been voiced, motivated by both cultivation and natural proliferation.     

Foam in the aquatic environment

Foams are ubiquitous in the environment, commonly seen as discoloured patches on streams, rivers, lakes and sea water. They often are assumed to be anthropogenic in origin as they are aesthetically unpleasant, yet they frequently appear in pristine environments indicating a natural origin. In contrast to “hidden” chemical pollution, e.g. heavy metals, pesticides etc. the visibility of foam alarms the public.To derive more information on foam in freshwaters and marine ecosystems, a literature review was performed. Alongside with some basic considerations on the formation of foam, on methods to measure foam formation and on the legal aspects of foam on surface waters, the ecological importance of foam in the aquatic environment is discussed in this paper.     

A new model for evaluating the dynamic shear strength of rocks based on laboratory test data for earthquake-resistant design

The dynamic shear strength of rocks is required for the earthquake-resistant design of nuclear power plants in Japan.This research aims to propose a mathematical model for estimating the dynamic strength and to validate the model.Two different types of specimens were prepared for the model validation,and the monotonic and cyclic loading tests were conducted to obtain the mathematical model parameters.Subsequently,multistep cyclic loading tests were performed,followed by simulations using the mathematical model.The test results demonstrated that the dynamic shear strength exceeded the static shear strength,which agreed with previous researches.Furthermore,the dynamic shear strength calculated using the mathematical model was generally consistent with that obtained from the experimental data.     

A bacterial multisensor for determination of the contents of heavy metals in water

We have investigated the possibility of differential determination of Zn²⁺, Co²⁺ and Cu²⁺ in model aqueous media in a system with the cultures of bacteria Pseudomonas sp. B4251, Bacillus cereus B4368, E. coli 1257. We have developed and created a multibiosensor based on capacity structures of the type electrolyte-dielectric-semiconductor and an ion sensitive layer of silicon nitride. The lower boundary of the method sensitivity constituted: for zinc—0.2, for cobalt—0.05, for copper—0.1 mg/dm3, which corresponds to 1–3 M in terms of metal.     

碳化对水泥制品中重金属元素溶出性能的影响研究

采用3种工业废弃物,配制水泥净浆试件,对比研究了标准养护和碳化作用条件下,水泥制品中重金属元素的溶出性能经时变化规律,分析了碳化作用对重金属溶出的影响机理。结果表明,重金属的溶出符合Fick扩散第二定律;溶出主要发生在前14 d,而后趋于平缓,21 d后溶出量极少;工业废弃物的重金属含量会显著影响其平均扩散系数和总溶出量。水泥基材料的高碱性环境、致密的孔隙结构以及稳定的水化产物形态是重金属元素稳定固化的重要保障,碳化由表及里地降低了材料的碱度和密实度,引起大部分水化产物分解,使得碳化作用后水泥试件的重金属溶出量和平均扩散系数增加。     

Correlation analyses on binding behavior of heavy metals with sediment matrices

This article presents the amounts of heavy metals bound to the sediment matrices (carbonates, Fe-oxides, Mn-oxides, and organic matter), the correlations between any two heavy-metal binding fractions, and the correlations between sediment matrices and their heavy-metal binding fractions. Data consisted of 313 sets obtained from five main rivers (located in southern Taiwan) were analyzed by statistical methods. Among six heavy metals analyzed (Zn, Cu. Pb, Ni, Cr, and Co), the statistical results show that Zn is primarily bound to organic matter, and Cr is primarily bound to Fe-oxides. Principal component analysis (PCA) and correlation analysis (CA) result in significant correlations between carbonates bound Ni and carbonates bound Cr, Fe-oxides bound Ni and Fe-oxides bound Cr, and Mn-oxides bound Cu and Mn-oxides bound Cr. From linear regression results, the levels of the six heavy metals bound to either organic matter or Fe-oxides is moderately dependent on the contents of organic matter or Fe-oxides, especially true for Cr and Pb. According to slope values of linear regression, Cu and Cr have the highest specific binding amounts (SBA) to organic matter and Fe-oxides, respectively. A significant correlation between organic matter and organically bound heavy metals implied that organic matter contained in the sediments of the Potzu river and the Yenshui river can be adequately used as a normalizing agent. However, the six heavy metals bound to either carbonates or Mn-oxides do not correlate with carbonates or Mn-oxides. The obtained results also imply that competitions of various sediment phases in association with heavy metals occur, and organic matter and Fe-oxides are more accessible to heavy metals than other sediment phases.     

Persistence of Diquat in the aquatic environment

Diquat (a commonly-used aquatic herbicide) added to a weed-infested simulated lake impoundment was sorbed initially by the weeds. Following rapid weedkill, profuse proliferation of microorganisms occurred, promoting degradation of the herbicide sorbed on the decomposing weeds. Within 22 days, Diquat was degraded extensively to water-soluble products (32%) and only minimal sediment adsorption occurred (19%).In weed-free sediment-water incubation systems. Diquat in water was adsorbed rapidly by Lakes Mendota and Tomahawk sediments, and the major portion of the herbicide persisted in its intact form throughout the experiment (up to 180 days). Slow microbial degradation occurred in the Lake Mendota system, as indicated by ¹⁴CO₂ evolution which was favored by aerobic conditions and a small volume of overlying water. Microbial degradation in the Lake Tomahawk system was negligible.     

Occurrence of antibiotics in the aquatic environment

The recent monitoring of drug residues in the aquatic environment has gained much interest as many pharmaceutical compounds can frequently be found in sewage treatment plant (STP) effluents and river water at concentrations up to several microgram/l. This article describes the analysis of various water samples for 18 antibiotic substances, from the classes of macrolid antibiotics, sulfonamides, penicillins and tetracyclines. Samples were preconcentrated via lyophilization and quantified using HPLC-electrospray-tandem-mass spectrometry. The investigated STP effluents and surface water samples showed frequent appearance of an erythromycin degradation product, roxithromycin and sulfamethoxazole with concentrations up to 6 micrograms/l. Neither tetracyclines nor penicillins could be detected at concentration levels above 50 and 20 ng/l, respectively. From the large number of ground water samples that were taken from agricultural areas in Germany, no contamination by antibiotics was detected except for two sites. This indicates that intake from veterinary applications to the aquatic environment is of minor importance.     

Baseline values for heavy metals in agricultural soils in an European Mediterranean region

Baseline values for heavy metals were proposed in Alicante (Spain), a representative agricultural area of the European Mediterranean region, as a basis to identify and assess soil contamination processes at regional level. Fifty-four agricultural plots were sampled and heavy metals concentrations were analysed for nine elements (Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Zn) by atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS) after acid digestion with HNO(3) and HCl in a microwave oven. Heavy metal concentrations obtained in the study area were similar to concentrations analysed by other authors within the European Mediterranean region. However, some agricultural plots with a high heavy metal content were identified by statistical treatment (boxplots) as outliers and, therefore, were not considered for establishing baseline values. Baseline values in Alicante were proposed by taking into account the statistical approach extensively used elsewhere, which refers to the increase in the mean plus twice the standard deviation. The baseline values were: 0.7 mg/kg for Cd, 11 mg/kg for Co, 36 mg/kg for Cr, 28 mg/kg for Cu, 19,822 mg/kg for Fe, 402 mg/kg for Mn, 31 mg/kg for Ni, 28 mg/kg for Pb and 83 mg/kg for Zn. The experience gained in this work further suggests that baseline values for heavy metals should be proposed in other areas. This is necessary to facilitate the identification of soil contamination processes over the whole European Mediterranean region as a basis to undertaking appropriate action to protect soil resource quality.     

Simplified human body model for evaluating thermal radiant environment in a radiant cooled space

A simplified model of a human body for evaluating a radiant cooled space was developed. The model was constructed by combining cylindrical and rectangular parts. The geometrical validity of the model was verified by examining the effective radiation area and projection area factor of the model. Then, skin temperature and thermal resistance of clothing on the body were defined on the basis of measured values of a real subject. Finally, the model was applied to the analysis of the thermal environment in a radiant cooled space and verified to be applicable for the simulation of the thermal response of the real subject.     

Simulation analysis of the concentration process of trace heavy metals by aquatic organisms from the viewpoint of nutrition ecology

This paper describes the importance of a food chain to estimate the concentration of heavy metals from the viewpoint of nutrition ecology.The experiments were performed to investigate the effects of the following experimental conditions on the uptake of heavy metals by a predator, using ¹³⁷Cs as a tracer; ration size per day, feeding interval and the change in weight of the predator fish. Top minnows (Oryzias latipes) were used as preys and Golden astro (Astronotus ocellatus) as predators. The preys were raised without feeding in an aquarium and the predators were fed top minnows.The set of results showed that (1) the concentration of a metal in predator fish increased with the ration size, (2) the feeding interval had no effect on the uptake of the metal by fish under the experimental conditions performed, and (3) the concentration in the growing fish was suppressed increasing in value with the increase of its weight. They suggest the importance of generalization of the experimental food conditions when the study on the concentration process of heavy metals through a food chain is performed. The paper also deals with the compartment model applied to the concentration process of the metal by a fish. The theoretical results depicted well the experimental ones.     

The adsorption of heavy metals in an acidogenic thermophilic anaerobic reactor

A two-phase, thermophilic anaerobic reactor was operated with a starch-based feed. Copper, zinc, nickel and lead (3 mM) were individually added to the feed each for a period of 30 h. The results were analysed to determine the extent of metal binding in the acidogenic, first-stage reactor and the degree of protection that this afforded to the traditionally more sensitive methanogenic phase. The results showed that zinc and nickel were not bound particularly well, that lead was bound very strongly and that copper had binding characteristics that were between these two extremes. When these findings were compared with an earlier study with a mesophilic sludge, zinc was shown to have a very different behaviour. A possible reason for this is given. An examination of the gas production by the methanogenic stage, in relation to the amount of metal reaching this stage, suggested that the phase separation did not offer any real protection from the toxic effects of heavy metals.     

Abiotic methylation of mercury in the aquatic environment

Methylation of inorganic mercury in the aquatic environment has been considered to be largely the result of biological processes, primarily involving sulfate-reducing bacteria. However, these processes cannot account for all of the methylmercury that is formed naturally. A growing body of evidence suggests that chemical reactions represent another possible pathway for mercury methylation in the aquatic environment. In order to assess the abiotic contribution to mercury methylation in the water column, and specifically the conditions under which this contribution may be significant, the current state of knowledge about environmentally significant methylation reactions is reviewed. Results of our laboratory-based investigations of aqueous mercury reactions with some potential methyl donors, including MeCo(dmg)(2)(H2O), a simple model for methylcobalamin, various methyltin compounds and methyl iodide, are presented. In each reaction, the yield of methylmercury and the rate of methylation depend strongly on environmental factors such as pH, temperature, and the presence of complexing agents, especially chloride.     

A quantitative model for evaluating landforms visual value

This paper presents an evaluation methodology of the visual value of various landforms. The term ‘visual value’ refers to the public preference of various forms of the Earth's relief. It is a figure which, even though it depends on various subjective factors, aims to quantify and to predict the preference of the public for each ground morphology. A questionnaire survey was undertaken using a sample of 221 persons in the broader Athens. The means used to demonstrate the various forms of reliefs are 32 perspective digital relief images. Following this, and in order to investigate the elements of the relief that affect its visual value, 20 quantitative indices were developed and examined so as to select the best ones. Linear prediction models of the visual value were investigated from the previous elements, through a regression process. The application of the proposed model in physical environment planning are many, such as the identification of the positions that offer the best or worst view for the spatial arrangement of various activities, the prediction of visual impact by arranging works that alter the relief of a region, etc.     

The sensitivity of aquatic insects to divalent metals: a comparative analysis of laboratory and field data

Laboratory studies have traditionally indicated that aquatic insects are relatively insensitive to metals while field studies have suggested them to be among the most sensitive aquatic invertebrate taxa. We reviewed and synthesized available studies in the literature to critically assess why this discrepancy exists. Despite the intense effort to study the effects of metals on aquatic biota over the past several decades, we found studies specific to insects to still be relatively limited. In general, the discrepancy between laboratory and field studies continues with few efforts having been made to elucidate the ecological and physiological mechanisms that underlie the relative sensitivity (or insensitivity) of aquatic insects to metals. However, given the limited data available, it appears that aquatic insects are indeed relatively insensitive to acute metal exposures. In contrast, we suggest that some aquatic insect taxa may be quite sensitive to chronic metal exposure and in some cases may not be protected by existing water quality criteria for metals. The discrepancy between laboratory and field studies with respect to chronic sensitivity appears to largely be driven by the relatively short exposure periods in laboratory studies as compared to field studies. It also appears that, in some cases, the sensitivity of aquatic insects in field studies may be the result of direct effects on primary producers, which lead to indirect effects via the food chain on aquatic insects. Finally, available evidence suggests that diet is an important source of metal accumulation in insects, but to date there have been no conclusive studies evaluating whether dietary metal accumulation causes toxicity. There is a clear need for developing a more mechanistic understanding of aquatic insect sensitivity to metals in long-term laboratory and field studies.