Heavy metal and trace element distributions in groundwater in natural slopes and highly urbanized spaces in Mid-Levels area, Hong Kong

The lower slope of the Mid-Levels area, Hong Kong, is one the most heavily urbanized coastal areas in the world. A comprehensive groundwater heavy metal and trace element study was conducted in the Mid-Levels area aiming to investigate the impacts of urbanization on the aqueous distributions of these chemicals. Groundwater samples were collected in the upper natural slopes and the lower highly urbanized spaces in the area in different seasons, and analyzed for heavy metal and trace element contents. Compared to the results from natural slopes, groundwater samples in the developed spaces did not exhibit significant elevated levels in Zn, Cr, Cu, Cd, Pb and Fe, which are commonly found in stormwater. On the other hand, the samples were found to have elevated contents in Mn, V, Co and Mo, minor stormwater-related heavy metals, suggesting that stormwater drains may be leaking to some extent. However, the results suggested that the vadose zone could remove many of the heavy metals, protecting groundwater from being contaminated seriously. Statistical analysis suggested that a certain amount of Mn and Co was likely to be re-mobilized from natural soils due to the changes in local redox conditions, while Mn, V, Co and Mo may also be derived from steel corrosion as a result of prolonged submergence. Besides, the average B concentration in the developed spaces was about eight times higher than that in the natural slopes, indicating the presence of sewage. The mean Se concentration in the developed spaces was about 100 times higher than that in the natural slopes. About 40% of samples in the developed spaces contained Se level higher than the drinking water guideline value proposed by the World Health Organization. Se was found to be positively correlated with B and SO4(2-) (R = 0.534 and 0.631, respectively), suggesting that Se may also be related to leakage from sewage pipes. Part of the Sr may come from leakage of flushing water and/or sewage as Sr was strongly correlated with Cl- (R = 0.929). According to the measured results, deep groundwater samples collected from piezometers (> 10 m in depth) in the urbanized spaces appeared to be virtually free from any anthropogenic contaminations. This study may shed important light on the identification and evaluation of leakage from service pipes in a particular area based on aqueous distributions of heavy metals and trace elements. Moreover, the above findings may be instructional for other coastal cities with a similar level of urban development to understand the potential threats to their groundwater resources.     

氟比洛芬酯超前镇痛对乳腺癌患者术后血糖及白细胞介素6水平的影响

目的 探讨氟比洛芬酯超前镇痛对乳腺癌患者术后患者血糖及白细胞介素6(IL-6)水平的影响,并评价其镇痛效果.方法 拟行乳腺癌根治术患者60例,随机分为3组:超前镇痛组(A组)、空白对照组(B组)和术后镇痛对照组(C组),每组各20例,分别在麻醉诱导前或术毕时对A、C组患者缓慢静脉注射氟比洛芬酯100 mg.于麻醉诱导前及术后1、6、24 h采血,检测血糖和血清IL-6水平,并采用视觉模拟评分法(VAS)进行疼痛评分.结果 3组患者术后各时点血糖和血清IL-6水平显著高于术前(P<0.01),B组术后1、6和24 h逐渐升高,术后24 h水平与术后1 h相比,差异具有极显著性意义(P<0.01),A、C两组则无明显升高趋势.组间比较:A组也即超前镇痛组术后各时点血糖和IL-6水平明显低于B组和C组(P<0.01或0.05).术后24 h内患者最高VAS评分A、C组显著低于B组(P<0.05).结论 乳腺癌根治术前应用氟比洛芬酯超前镇痛可取得确切、安全的镇痛效果,并能有效抑制术后血糖和IL-6水平升高,调控机体的应激和炎症反应.     

Biomonitoring of trace metals in the Black Sea (Romania) using mussels Mytilus galloprovincialis

In a preliminary biomonitoring study, accumulated trace metal concentrations (Cd, Cu, Zn, Hg, Fe, Mn) have been measured in the mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis collected in the Black Sea, at 100 km from the Danube Delta in February 2001 and February 2002. Mussels were collected from four sites. In 2001 metal concentrations were determined in the whole soft body whereas, in 2002, the distribution of metals was evaluated in three different organs (gills, visceral mass and remaining tissues). The results obtained in 2002 confirmed those of 2001. For a given site, concentrations were always higher in the gills and visceral mass of mussels than in the remaining tissues. Principal component analysis allowed separating stations as a function of the metal concentrations in the organs. It is concluded that the mussels M. galloprovincialis are suitable biomonitors to assess changes in metal pollution in this coastal area of the Black Sea.     

Significance and interspecific variability of accumulated trace metal concentrations in Antarctic benthic polychaetes

Trace metals were analysed in polychaetes collected on Polarstern cruise ANT XXI/2 (2003/04) to the Weddell Sea. Pb concentrations were largely less than 1.3 mg kg⁻¹ DW in all samples analysed. Statistical results indicate that the accumulated Cd, Cu and Zn concentrations are related to the feeding guild to which the animals are belonging. Relatively low Cd and Cu concentrations are found in macrophagous carnivores and relatively high concentrations in microphagous detritus feeders. The relationship between Zn concentrations and the feeding guilds of polychaetes is reverse. Cd concentrations range from (median values and interquantile ranges in brackets) 2.6 (1.5-3.2) mg kg⁻¹ DW in the carnivorous Trypanosyllis gigantea to 133 (37-176) mg kg⁻¹ in the microphagous detritus feeder Lanicides bilobata; Cu concentrations from 16 (11-19) mg kg⁻¹ in the carnivorous Antarctinoe spicoides to 40 (23-68) mg kg⁻¹ in the microphagous detritus feeder Phyllocomus crocea and Zn from 89 (69-97) mg kg⁻¹ in the microphagous detritus feeder Isocirrus yungi to 396 (372-404) mg kg⁻¹ in the carnivorous Aglaophamus trissophyllus. Ni is ranging from 3.7 (1.8-6.0) mg kg⁻¹ in Polyeunoa laevis to 34 (20-41) mg kg⁻¹ in A. spicoides, but no significant differences are obvious regarding the feeding guilds. Since information on metals in Antarctic polychaetes is almost completely lacking, our results suggest further studies to clarify the role of feeding in the bioaccumulation of metals in this ecologically important taxonomic group.     

Heavy metal levels (Pb, Cd, Cr and Hg) in the adult general population near an urban solid waste incinerator

In 2005 an urban solid waste incinerator (SWI) was commissioned in Bilbao (Basque Country, Spain). Serum and urine samples were collected from 95 and 107 volunteers in 2006 and 2008 respectively, of which 62 were repeats from the same individuals. Blood lead levels (BPb) were determined, as were the concentrations of cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr) and mercury (Hg) in urine (UCd, UCr and UHg). The town of Alonsotegi and a borough of Bilbao (Altamira, Rekalde) were considered to be close, less than 2 km from the plant, and correspond to an urban environment with high traffic density. The areas of reference were a borough of Bilbao (Santutxu-Zurbaran), 5 km from the plant, also in an urban area with high traffic density, and a small town with little industrial activity and low traffic density (Balmaseda) 20 km from the plant; neither of these is downwind from the site with respect to prevailing winds. There was a significant correlation for BPb, r = 0.63 (p < 0.001), between the two surveys. However, there was no linear correlation for the other three metals (UCd, UCr and UHg), between the two sampling periods (p > 0.05). Multiple linear regression models did not show increases over time of the levels of BPb, UCd, UCr and UHg in the areas close to the SWI compared to those of areas located further away, after adjusting for confounding variables. These results reinforce the hypothesis that populations near modern plants for solid waste incineration do not manifest increased levels of heavy metals.     

Influence of exposure sites on trace element enrichment in moss-bags and characterization of particles deposited on the biomonitor surface

The hypothesis that exposure environment and land use influence element accumulation and particulate size composition in transplants of Hypnum cupressiforme has been tested using moss-bags containing oven-devitalized material. The samples were exposed for three months in ten green sites and ten roadsides in two areas with different land use (A, residential; B, residential/industrial) in the Trieste conurbation (NE Italy). Observations by SEM and EDX-ray microanalysis revealed that particle density was smaller in samples exposed in A than in B, with prevalence of particles containing Al, Ca, Fe and Si, and in good accordance with the element contents measured by acid digestion and ICP-MS. Moss-bags were generally less contaminated in green sites than in roadsides, apparently due to the different enrichment in coarse particles. In both environments, however, the majority of entrapped particles (up to 98.2%) belongs in the inhalable, small size classes (≤ PM₁₀). The need for careful selection of the exposure sites during the phase of biomonitoring planning is discussed.     

Effect of redox potential on heavy metal binding forms in polluted canal sediments in Delft (The Netherlands)

Heavy metal binding forms for Cu, Zn and Pb were determined at four representative sediment sites in the canals of Delft (The Netherlands), using selective chemical extraction methods. Small differences (on average <5%) were found between duplicate extraction experiments. The dominant Cu binding form was always related to sulphide and organics in the sediment. Zn was mainly bound to iron+manganese (hydr)oxides, whereas Pb was rather evenly distributed over the different labile and non-labile binding fractions. A gradual (over about 1 month) increase in redox potentials of the anaerobic sediments led to a 7-37% sediment release of the above heavy metals; this could mainly be ascribed to oxidation of the heavy metal-sulphide bindings. Part of the released heavy metals was re-adsorbed by the labile binding phases ("exchangeable" and "carbonate bound"). Contrary to expectations, we found a decrease rather than an increase in the Fe+Mn (hydr)oxide binding forms. This can probably be ascribed to non-equilibrium reactions in the time span of the experiments, as well as side reactions such as complexation with humic acids and hindered precipitation reactions due to organic matter coatings.     

Influence of soil properties on trace element availability and plant accumulation in a Mediterranean salt marsh polluted by mining wastes: implications for phytomanagement

The aims of this study were to determine the factors which control metal and As phytoavailability in the different microenvironments (Sand Dunes, Salt Flat, Dry River and Shrubs) present at a Mediterranean salt marsh polluted by mining wastes. We performed a field study following a plot sampling survey. The analyses of soil parameters (pH, electrical conductivity (EC), organic carbon contents, etc.), total metal and As concentrations and their phytoavailability assessed with EDTA were related to each microenvironment and the corresponding plant species uptake. The averages of pH and EC were slightly alkaline (pH ≈ 7.5) and saline (≈ 2.2 to 17.1 dS m⁻¹) respectively. The soil samples from the Salt Flat subzone showed the highest metal concentrations (e.g. 51 mg kg⁻¹ Cd, 11,600 mg kg⁻¹ Pb) while for As, the highest concentrations occurred in the Dry River (380 mg kg⁻¹ As). The total metal and EDTA-extractable concentrations occurred as it follows: Salt Flat > Dry River > Degraded Dunes > Shrubs. In relation to plant metal and As accumulation, the highest root concentrations were obtained in the species from the Salt Flat subzone: ~ 17 mg kg⁻¹ As, ~ 620 mg kg⁻¹ Pb, for both, Juncus maritimus and Arthrocnemum macrostachyum. However the highest metal and As shoot concentrations occurred in species from the Sand Dunes: ~ 23 mg kg⁻¹ As ~ 270 mg kg⁻¹ Pb for Dittrichia viscosa; ~ 23 mg kg⁻¹ As, ~ 390 mg kg⁻¹ Zn for Crucianella maritima. The occurrence of edaphic gradients including salinity and texture determined the vegetation distribution. However, it cannot be concluded that there was a disturbance due to metal(loid)s soil concentrations in terms of vegetation composition except in the Degraded Dunes and Dry River. The higher EDTA-extractable concentrations were coincidental with the most saline soils but this did not result in higher metal(loid)s plant accumulation.     

Adsorption of Cu(II), Cd(II) and Pb(II) from aqueous single metal solutions by succinylated twice-mercerized sugarcane bagasse functionalized with triethylenetetramine

This study describes the preparation of two new chelating materials, MMSCB 3 and 5, derived from succinylated twice-mercerized sugarcane bagasse (MMSCB 1). MMSCB 3 and 5 were synthesized from MMSCB 1 using two different methods as described by Gurgel and Gil (2009). In the first method MMSCB 1 was activated with 1,3-diisopropylcarbodiimide and in the second with acetic anhydride (to form an internal anhydride) and later both were reacted with triethylenetetramine in order to obtain MMSCB 3 and 5. New obtained materials were characterized by mass percent gain, concentration of amine groups, FTIR, and elemental analysis. MMSCB 3 and 5 showed mass percent gain of 19.9 and 57.1%, concentration of amine groups of 2.0 and 2.1 mmol/g, and nitrogen content of 5.8 and 4.4%. The capacity of MMSCB 3 and 5 to adsorb Cu²⁺, Cd²⁺, and Pb²⁺ from aqueous single metal ion solutions was evaluated at different contact times, pHs, and initial metal ion concentrations. Adsorption isotherms were well fitted by Langmuir model. Maximum adsorption capacities of MMSCB 3 and 5 for Cu²⁺, Cd²⁺, and Pb²⁺ were found to be 59.5 and 69.4, 86.2 and 106.4, 158.7 and 222.2 mg/g, respectively.     

Metallothionein and metal levels in cytosol of liver, kidney and brain in relation to growth parameters of Mullus surmuletus and Liza aurata from the Eastern Adriatic Sea

Two wild fish populations (Mullus surmuletus (striped red mullet) as a bottom, and Liza aurata (golden grey mullet) as a pelagic species, were sampled in Kastela Bay, Middle Dalmatia. Metallothionein (MT) and metal content (Cu, Zn, Cd) was determined in heat-treated supernatants (S50) of fish tissues. MT levels were statistically different in liver and kidney of sampled species, with highest value in kidney of M. surmuletus (31.1 +/- 7.96 micrograms mg-1 proteins). Metal levels are statistically different between all tissues. Highest metal concentrations are in liver cytosols, especially of Cu in L. aurata (6.46 +/- 3.45 micrograms ml-1 S50). High positive correlation of MT and cytosolic metals is established with Zn in liver of M. surmuletus (0.95) and with Cu in liver of L. aurata (0.69). Total length, body weight and age are mostly correlated biometric parameters with MT and soluble metal concentrations. MT and metal levels increase with age in liver cytosol of both species.     

内脏脂肪素促进内皮细胞合成单核细胞趋化蛋白1和白介素6的实验研究

目的 探讨内脏脂肪素是否能调节内皮细胞单核细胞趋化蛋白1(MCP-1)和白介素6(IL-6)生成以及胰岛素受体(IR)的介导作用.方法 不同剂量和不同干预时间的内脏脂肪素刺激3～5代脐静脉内皮细胞(HUVEC);然后在内脏脂肪素(100 ng/m1)刺激基础上加入IR酪氨酸激酶抑制剂预处理HUVEC,24 h后测定MCP-1和IL-6蛋白和基因表达.酶联免疫吸附法和实时定量聚合酶链反应检测MCP-1和IL-6蛋白和mRNA表达.结果 内脏脂肪素剂量和时间依赖性促进HUVEC合成MCP-1[剂量效应:对照组:(62±10) pg/ml、100 ng/ml:(273±65) pg/ml、500 ng/ml:(1630±103) pg/ml;时间效应:对照组:(37±27) pg/ml、12 h:(184±56) pg/ml、48 h:(328±80) pg/ml]和IL-6[剂量效应:对照组:(31.8±1.7) pg/ml、100 ng/ml:(42.5±5.7) Pg/ml、500 ng/ml:(154.7±10.2) pg/ml;时间效应:对照组:(15.7±3.4) pg/ml、12 h:(35.4±4.7) pg/ml、48 h:(77.6±11.8) pg/ml].IR酩氨酸激酶抑制剂抑制内脏脂肪素诱导的MCP和IL-6蛋白和基因表达.结论 内脏脂肪索能诱导HUVEC合成和分泌MCP-1、IL-6,其作用通过IR信号通路介导.     

Geochemical signals and source contributions to heavy metal (Cd, Zn, Pb, Cu) fluxes into the Gironde Estuary via its major tributaries

Daily measurements of water discharges and suspended particulate matter (SPM) concentrations and monthly sampling for trace element analyses (Cd, Zn, Pb and Cu) were conducted from 1999 to 2002 on the Garonne, Dordogne and Isle Rivers, the three main tributaries of the Gironde Estuary, France. Dissolved and particulate Cd, Zn, Pb and Cu concentrations in the Isle River were generally higher than those in the Garonne River, despite the known historical polymetallic pollution affecting the Lot-Garonne River system. Even if the relatively high dissolved metal concentrations in the Isle River may be of importance for the local ecosystem, metal inputs into the estuarine and coastal zones are mainly controlled by fluvial transport via the Garonne River. Characteristic element concentration ratios (e.g., Zn/Pb) in SPM and stream sediments from the Dordogne and Isle Rivers suggest two different metal source areas with distinct geochemical signals. Low Zn/Pb ratios (<8) and low Cu/Pb ratios (<0.8) have been attributed to upstream source zones in the Massif Central, featuring various ore deposits and mining areas. High Zn/Pb ratios were assigned to downstream sources (e.g., vineyards), partly explaining high Zn and Cu concentrations and high Cu/Pb ratios (>0.8) in SPM. Although SPM derived from the upstream parts of the studied watersheds may greatly contribute to the observed fluvial metal transport (up to approximately 80% for Pb), the results suggest that intensive agriculture also considerably influences gross metal (e.g., Zn, Cu) fluxes into the Gironde Estuary. Relative contributions of upstream and downstream source zones may vary from one year to another reflecting hydrological variations and/or reservoir management. Monitoring fluxes and identifying distinct geochemical signals from source areas in heterogeneous watersheds may greatly improve understanding of contaminant transport to the coast.     

The effect of size on trace metal levels in raft cultivated mussels (Mytilus galloprovincialis)

Mussels are farmed in the coastal inlets of Galicia by means of floating raft culture. The growth of these bivalves is due to their great capacity to filter the water column, which unfortunately, also exposes them to dangerous contaminants, including heavy metals. Thus, it is imperative that mussels be monitored for metals. Size has sometimes been shown to be an important variable, but contradictory results have been found. In order to monitor metals in raft mussels, it is necessary to compile information regarding the number of size classes according to shell length, which must be taken into account to obtain a representative sampling, as well as the number of sample replicates that must be included. Also, to be considered is the cost incurred by carrying out the collection, preparation and analysis per sample. The purpose of this study is to provide information about the effect of size, indicated by shell length on the metal content of raft mussels. The ability of 10 mussel-pooled samples to discriminate real differences in metal concentration was also studied. In general, a positive relationship between metal content and shell length was observed; a similar relation was found between the weight of soft tissues and shell length. As expected from the similarity encountered between relationships of metal content and dry weight-length, the concentrations of the different metals in the soft tissues would not seem to depend on the shell length. Metal concentrations, in this study, were found to be approximately 45 ppm of Hg, 0.5 ppm of Cd, 0.7 ppm of Pb, 0.5 ppm of Cr, 0.6 ppm of Ni, 8 ppm of As, 5 ppm of Cu and 122 ppm of Zn; on a dry weight basis. No significant differences between metal concentrations at different shell lengths were detected. Another important observation was the high variability observed within one size, indicating poor homogeneity in subgroups of similar size, which must be minimized if the number of samples is not enhanced as indicated by power and size analysis.     

Distribution of trace elements in organs of six species of cetaceans from the Ligurian Sea (Mediterranean), and the relationship with stable carbon and nitrogen ratios

Mercury (total and organic), cadmium, lead, copper, iron, manganese, selenium and zinc concentrations were measured in different organs of 6 different cetacean species stranded in an area of extraordinary ecological interest (Cetaceans' Sanctuary of the Mediterranean Sea) along the coast of the Ligurian Sea (North-West Mediterranean). Stable-isotopes ratios of carbon ((13)C/(12)C) and nitrogen ((15)N/(14)N) were also measured in the muscle. A significant relationship exists between (15)N/(14)N, mercury concentration and the trophic level. The distribution of essential and non-essential trace elements was studied on several organs, and a significant relationship between selenium and mercury, with a molar ratio close to 1, was found in the cetaceans' kidney, liver and spleen, regardless of their species. High selenium concentrations are generally associated with a low organic to total mercury ratio. While narrow ranges of concentrations were observed for essential elements in most organs, mercury and selenium concentrations are characterised by a wide range of variation. Bio-accumulation and bio-amplification processes in cetaceans can be better understood by comparing trace element concentrations with the stable-isotopes data.     

Atmospheric pollution for trace elements in the remote high-altitude atmosphere in central Asia as recorded in snow from Mt. Qomolangma (Everest) of the Himalayas

A series of 42 snow samples covering over a one-year period from the fall of 2004 to the summer of 2005 were collected from a 2.1-m snow pit at a high-altitude site on the northeastern slope of Mt. Everest. These samples were analyzed for Al, V, Cr, Mn, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Rb, Sr, Cd, Sb, Pb, and Bi in order to characterize the relative contributions from anthropogenic and natural sources to the fallout of these elements in central Himalayas. Our data were also considered in the context of monsoon versus non-monsoon seasons. The mean concentrations of the majority of the elements were determined to be at the pg g(-1) level with a strong variation in concentration with snow depth. While the mean concentrations of most of the elements were significantly higher during the non-monsoon season than during the monsoon season, considerable variability in the trace element inputs to the snow was observed during both periods. Cu, Zn, As, Cd, Sb, and Bi displayed high crustal enrichment factors (EF(c)) in most samples, while Cr, Ni, Rb, and Pb show high EF(c) values in some of the samples. Our data indicate that anthropogenic inputs are potentially important for these elements in the remote high-altitude atmosphere in the central Himalayas. The relationship between the EF(c) of each element and the Al concentration indicates that a dominant input of anthropogenic trace elements occurs during both the monsoon and non-monsoon seasons, when crustal contribution is relatively minor. Finally, a comparison of the trace element fallout fluxes calculated in our samples with those recently obtained at Mont Blanc, Greenland, and Antarctica provides direct evidence for a geographical gradient of the atmospheric pollution with trace elements on a global scale.     

Effects of experimental CO2 leakage on solubility and transport of seven trace metals in seawater and sediment

The impact of CO₂ leakage on solubility and distribution of trace metals in seawater and sediment has been studied in lab scale chambers. Seven metals (Al, Cr, Ni, Pb, Cd, Cu, and Zn) were investigated in membrane-filtered seawater samples, and DGT samplers were deployed in water and sediment during the experiment. During the first phase (16 days), “dissolved” (< 0.2 µm) concentrations of all elements increased substantially in the water. The increase in dissolved fractions of Al, Cr, Ni, Cu, Zn, Cd and Pb in the CO₂ seepage chamber was respectively 5.1, 3.8, 4.5, 3.2, 1.4, 2.3 and 1.3 times higher than the dissolved concentrations of these metals in the control. During the second phase of the experiment (10 days) with the same sediment but replenished seawater, the dissolved fractions of Al, Cr, Cd, and Zn were partly removed from the water column in the CO₂ chamber. DNi and DCu still increased but at reduced rates, while DPb increased faster than that was observed during the first phase. DGT-labile fractions (Me_DGT) of all metals increased substantially during the first phase of CO₂ seepage. DGT-labile fractions of Al, Cr, Ni, Cu, Zn, Cd and Pb were respectively 7.9, 2.0, 3.6, 1.7, 2.1, 1.9 and 2.3 times higher in the CO₂ chamber than that of in the control chamber. Al_DGT, Cr_DGT, Ni_DGT, and Pb_DGT continued to increase during the second phase of the experiment. There was no change in Cd_DGT during the second phase, while Cu_DGT and Zn_DGT decreased by 30% and 25%, respectively in the CO₂ chamber. In the sediment pore water, DGT labile fractions of all the seven elements increased substantially in the CO₂ chamber. Our results show that CO₂ leakage affected the solubility, particle reactivity and transformation rates of the studied metals in sediment and at the sediment-water interface. The metal species released due to CO₂ acidification may have sufficiently long residence time in the seawater to affect bioavailability and toxicity of the metals to biota.     

Organochlorine pesticides, polychlorinated biphenyls and trace elements in wild European sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) off European estuaries

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and organochlorine pesticides like dichloro-diphenyl-trichloroethane (DDTs), hexachlorocyclohexanes (HCHs), aldrin, dieldrin and trace elements (Cd, Cu, Se, Pb, Zn and Hg) were analysed in the muscle of European sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) sampled in Atlantic coastal regions near several important European river mouths (Gironde, Charente, Loire, Seine and Scheldt). High contamination levels were measured in the muscles of European sea bass sampled in the coastal regions near those river mouths (e.g. Σ ICES PCB = 133-10,478 μg kg^− 1 lw and Hg = 250-2000 μg kg^− 1 dw).The Scheldt and the Seine are still among the most contaminated estuaries in Europe. Each region presented their specific contamination patterns reflecting different sources due to the input of the respective rivers. As fish and fishery products are the main contributors of the total dietary intake of organochlorinated pollutants, regular consumption of European sea bass with the reported contamination levels may represent a significant exposure route for the general human population.     

Catchment condition as a major control on the quality of receiving basin sediments (Sydney Harbour, Australia)

The current work aimed to compile existing information to better understand the source, fate and effects of metallic contaminants in one catchment-receiving basin system (Iron Cove) in Sydney Harbour (Australia). Copper, Pb and Zn concentrations of potential source materials, i.e. soils (mean 62, 410 and 340 µg g^− 1, respectively) and road dust (mean 160, 490 and 520 µg g^− 1, respectively) and in materials being transported to the estuary, i.e. in gully pots (mean 110, 200 and 260 µg g^− 1 for Cu, Pb, and Zn, respectively), in bedload (mean 210, 880 and 1700 µg g^− 1, respectively) and particulates in canals draining the catchment (mean 325, 290 and 1865 µg g^− 1, respectively) were highly enriched. Estuarine sediments in the receiving basin are enriched 20 times over pre-anthropogenic concentrations and are toxic to benthic animals at the canal mouths. Stormwater remediation is required to reduce metal loads to the adjacent estuary.