scholarly journals Multiannual Trend of Micro-Pollutants in Sediments and Benthic Community Response in a Mediterranean Lagoon (Sacca di Goro, Italy)

Water ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (4) ◽  
pp. 1074 ◽  
Author(s):  
Valentina Pitacco ◽  
Michele Mistri ◽  
Carla Rita Ferrari ◽  
Adriano Sfriso ◽  
Andrea Augusto Sfriso ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Ecological Status ◽  
Community Response ◽  
Macrobenthic Community ◽  
Toxicity Tests ◽  
Chemical Contamination ◽  
High Concentration ◽  
Northern Adriatic ◽  
Combining Data ◽  
Polycyclic Aromatic ◽  
Sediment Contaminants

Long-term variations of ecological status in a Mediterranean coastal lagoon (Sacca di Goro, Northern Adriatic) were investigated, combining data on the concentration of surface sediment contaminants and on the structure of the macrobenthic community. The aim was to assess any amount of chemical contamination and check the response of the macrobenthic community to sediment contamination. Over the studied period, the sediments of the lagoon showed contamination by trace metals and organochlorine pesticides, with most of them exceeding the thresholds indicated by the Italian legislation in many samples. Contamination by polychlorinated dibenzodioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) instead never exceeded the threshold. The ecological status based on the macrobenthic community, evaluated through biotic indices (AMBI and M-AMBI), fell below the Good/Moderate threshold in most samples. The results indicate a possible influence of toxic compounds in sediment on benthic organisms, but most of the variability shown by the macrobenthic community is probably due to other factors. The difficulty in establishing a cause/effect relationship was due to the co-occurrence and variability of various stressors (both natural and anthropogenic) and their interactions. The methods currently used for monitoring transitional waters thus seem insufficient to disentangle the effect of pollutants and other environmental variables on the benthos. Integrated approaches (e.g., bioaccumulation and toxicity tests) are thus needed for a more precise identification of the risk posed by a high concentration of pollutants in such environments.

Comparative Advantage of Using Biopesticides in Ukrainian Agroecosystems

2020 ◽  
Vol 2 (6) ◽  
Author(s):  
Hasrat Arjjumend ◽  
Konstantia Koutouki ◽  
Olga Donets
Keyword(s):  
Shelf Life ◽  
Crop Production ◽  
Plant Protection ◽  
Agricultural Practices ◽  
Crop Productivity ◽  
Poor Quality ◽  
Soil Biology ◽  
Chemical Contamination ◽  
High Concentration ◽  
Irreversible Damage

The use of unsustainable levels of chemical fertilizers and plant protection chemicals has resulted in a steady decline in soil and crop productivity the world over. Soil biology has undergone irreversible damage, coupled with a high concentration of toxic chemical residues in plant tissues and human bodies. Agricultural practices must evolve to sustainably meet the growing global demand for food without irreversibly damaging soil. Microbial biocontrol agents have tremendous potential to bring sustainability to agriculture in a way that is safe for the environment. Biopesticides do not kill non-target insects, and biosafety is ensured because biopesticides act as antidotes and do not lead to chemical contamination in the soil. This article is part of a larger study conducted in Ukraine by researchers at the Université de Montréal with the support of Mitacs and Earth Alive Clean Technologies. The responses of farmers who use biofertilizers (“user farmers”) and those who do not (“non-user farmers”), along with the responses of manufacturers or suppliers of biofertilizers, and research and development (R&D) scientists are captured to demonstrate the advantages of applying microbial biopesticides to field crops. Participants reported a 15-30% increase in yields and crop production after the application of biopesticides. With the use of biopesticides, farmers cultivated better quality fruits, grains, and tubers with a longer shelf life. Moreover, while the risk of crop loss remains high (60-70%) with chemically grown crops, this risk is reduced to 33% on average if crops are grown using biopesticides. The findings indicate that a large proportion of farmers would prefer to use biopesticides if they are effective and high quality products. In this context, the quality and effectiveness of products is therefore very important. Despite their benefits to soil, human health, and ecosystems, biopesticides face significant challenges and competition vis-à-vis synthetic pesticides for a variety of reasons. Therefore, the development of biopesticides must overcome the problems of poor quality products, short shelf life, delayed action, high market costs, and legal/registration issues.

scholarly journals Macrobenthic community response to the Marenzelleria viridis (Polychaeta) invasion of a Danish estuary

2012 ◽  
Vol 461 ◽  
pp. 83-94 ◽  
Author(s):  
M Delefosse ◽  
GT Banta ◽  
P Canal-Vergés ◽  
G Penha-Lopes ◽  
CO Quintana ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Community Response ◽  
Macrobenthic Community ◽  
Marenzelleria Viridis

scholarly journals Torrefaction of Agricultural Residues: Effect of Temperature and Residence Time on the Process Products Properties

2020 ◽  
Vol 142 (7) ◽  
Author(s):  
Katarzyna Jagodzińska ◽  
Michał Czerep ◽  
Edyta Kudlek ◽  
Mateusz Wnukowski ◽  
Marek Pronobis ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
High Performance ◽  
Calorific Value ◽  
Barley Straw ◽  
Effect Of Temperature ◽  
Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry ◽  
Toxicity Tests ◽  
Main Compound ◽  
Flame Ionization ◽  
Polycyclic Aromatic ◽  
The Impact

Abstract To date, few studies on the potential utilization of agricultural residue torrefaction products have been performed. Thus, torrefaction product characterization aimed at its potential utilization was performed. Wheat–barley straw pellets and wheat–rye chaff were used in the study. The impact of the torrefaction temperature (280–320 °C) on polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) content in the biochar and noncondensable gas (noncondensables) composition was investigated. The impact of the torrefaction time (30–75 min) on the composition of the condensable volatiles (condensables) and their toxicity were also studied. The torrefaction process was performed in a batch-scale reactor. The PAH contents were measured using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), and the noncondensables composition was measured online using a gas analyzer and then gas chromatograph with flame ionization detector (GC-FID). The condensables composition and main compound quantification were determined and quantified using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC/MS). Three toxicity tests, for saltwater bacteria (Microtox® bioassay), freshwater crustaceans (Daphtoxkit F magna®), and vascular plants (Lemna sp. growth inhibition test), were performed for the condensables. The PAHs content in the biochar, regardless of the torrefaction temperature, allows them to be used in agriculture. The produced torgas shall be co-combusted with full-caloric fuel because of its low calorific value. Toxic compounds (furans and phenols) were identified in the condensable samples, and regardless of the processing time, the condensables were classified as highly toxic. Therefore, they can be used either as pesticides or as an anaerobic digestion substrate after their detoxification.

PAHs accumulation in soil-plant system in Atamanskoe lake bottom sediments in the long-term chemical contamination effect

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Andrey Barbashev ◽  
Abdulmalik Batukaev ◽  
Svetlana Sushkova ◽  
Tatiana Minkina ◽  
Sarieh Tarigholizadeh ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Ultrastructural Changes ◽  
Monitoring Site ◽  
Chemical Contamination ◽  
Russian Science ◽  
Electron Microscopic ◽  
Lake Bottom ◽  
Polycyclic Aromatic ◽  
Lake Bottom Sediments ◽  
High Level ◽  
Cellular Organelles

<p>The concentrations of 16 priority polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in soils, under- and above-ground tissues of reed (Phragmites australis) on monitoring plots in the zone of industrial sewage tanks and sludge reservoirs in the city of Kamensk-Shakhtinskyi (southern Russia, Rostov Region), were determined. The total PAHs concentration in soil of monitoring site D3 (4229.4 ± 5.7<sup></sup>µg kg<sup>-1</sup>) was significantly higher than those in monitoring sites: D4 (3873.7 ± 17.1 µg kg<sup>-1</sup>), TR1 (2217.3 ± 9.1<sup></sup>µg kg<sup>-1</sup>), 43 (2001.1 ± 13.0<sup></sup>µg kg<sup>-1</sup>), and also D0 (140.4 ± 1.0<sup></sup>µg kg<sup>-1</sup>) plots. Accordingly, the maximum accumulation was found for phenanthrene among the 16 priority PAHs in the most of the soil and plants samples. It was determined the PAHs pollution effect in the studied monitoring sites on cellular and sub-cellular organelles changes of P. australis. The data received shows that increasing of PAHs contamination negatively affected on the cellular and sub-cellular organelles changes of the studied pants. Using of electron-microscopic method for plants sub-cellular structure showed ultrastructural changes in the cell membranes, and the main cytoplasmic organelles of plant cells. It was established the P. australis had a high level of adaptation to the effect of stressors by using of tissue and cell levels. In general, the detected sub-cellular alterations under the PAHs effect were possibly connected to changes in biochemical and histochemical parameters as a response for reactive oxygen species and also as a protective response against oxidative stress. The results received carry in innovative findings for cellular and sub-cellular changes in plants exposed to 16 priority PAHs as very persistent and toxic contaminants.</p><p>The research was financially supported by the Russian Science Foundation project no. 19-74-10046.</p>

scholarly journals Aquatic Worm Assemblages along the Danube: A Homogenization Warning

Water ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (9) ◽  
pp. 2612
Author(s):  
Ana Atanacković ◽  
Ferdinand Šporka ◽  
Vanja Marković ◽  
Jaroslav Slobodnik ◽  
Katarina Zorić ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Water Management ◽  
Flow Velocity ◽  
Aromatic Hydrocarbons ◽  
Ecological Status ◽  
Danube River ◽  
Chemical Parameters ◽  
Longitudinal Surveys ◽  
Physico Chemical ◽  
Polycyclic Aromatic ◽  
Main Factors

In this study, we analyzed the impacts of different environmental conditions on aquatic worm communities along the Danube River, based on two longitudinal surveys, the Joint Danube Surveys 2 and 3 (JDS; 2007 and 2013). We identified the most important environmental factors (among analyzed groups) that shape worm communities: hydromorphlogical alterations, flow velocity and substrate (HYMO group), dissolved oxygen, nitrates and nitrites (physico-chemical parameters), zinc and nickel (metals), monobutyltin cation, benzo(b) fluoranthene and benzo(k)fluoranthene, polychlorinated biphenyls PCB 77 and PCB 118 (selected chemical determinants—organotin compounds, Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons—PAHs and PCBs). A homogenization of species composition of Oligochaeta assemblages along the Danube was confirmed. As one of main factors related to biotic homogenization, hydromorphological alterations represented by similar changes in flow velocity and substrates along Danube’s course could be singled out. Our results indicate that Oligochaeta could be used for the identification of the level of hydromorphological degradation in large rivers (homogenization), rather than for stressors classified as nutrient and organic pollutants. Our results provide additional evidence in risk assessment of the environment, contributing in water management and monitoring of the ecological status as proposed by the Water Framework Directive.

scholarly journals Occurrence and Distribution of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in Water and Sediment Collected along the Harbour Line, Mumbai, India

2012 ◽  
Vol 2012 ◽  
pp. 1-7 ◽  
Author(s):  
V. Dhananjayan ◽  
S. Muralidharan ◽  
Vinny R. Peter
Keyword(s):  
Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons ◽  
Aromatic Hydrocarbons ◽  
Sediment Quality ◽  
Quality Criteria ◽  
Marine Organisms ◽  
High Concentration ◽  
Sediment Samples ◽  
Water And Sediment ◽  
Polycyclic Aromatic ◽  
Water And Sediment Samples

This study investigated the occurrence of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in water and sediment samples collected along the harbour line, Mumbai, India. The ∑PAHs quantified in water and sediment samples were ranged from 8.66 ng/L to 46.74 ng/L and from 2608 ng/g to 134134 ng/g dry wt., respectively. Significantly high concentration of ∑PAHs was found in water samples of Sewri and sediment samples of Mahul (P<0.05). PAH concentrations detected in the present study were several folds higher than the existing sediment quality criteria suggested by various statutory agencies. The PAH composition patterns in water and sediments suggest the dominance of high molecular weight compounds and indicate important pyrolytic and petrogenic sources. The occurrence of PAHs in the marine environment has attracted the attention of the scientific community as these compounds are frequently detected in seawater and sediments at increasing levels and can have adverse health effects on marine organisms and humans. PAH concentrations detected at Sewri-Mahul site were sufficiently high to pose a risk to marine organisms if they are exposed continuously to this concentration. Hence, continuous monitoring of the ecosystem is highly warranted.

scholarly journals Chemical pollution imposes limitations to the ecological status of European surface waters

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Leo Posthuma ◽  
Michiel C. Zijp ◽  
Dick De Zwart ◽  
Dik Van de Meent ◽  
Lidija Globevnik ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Water Quality ◽  
Surface Waters ◽  
Water Quality Management ◽  
Ecological Status ◽  
Water Quality Assessment ◽  
Current Approach ◽  
Toxicity Tests ◽  
Chemical Pollution ◽  
Applied Ecology ◽  
Good Ecological Status

Abstract Aquatic ecosystems are affected by man-made pressures, often causing combined impacts. The analysis of the impacts of chemical pollution is however commonly separate from that of other pressures and their impacts. This evolved from differences in the data available for applied ecology vis-à-vis applied ecotoxicology, which are field gradients and laboratory toxicity tests, respectively. With this study, we demonstrate that the current approach of chemical impact assessment, consisting of comparing measured concentrations to protective environmental quality standards for individual chemicals, is not optimal. In reply, and preparing for a method that would enable the comprehensive assessment and management of water quality pressures, we evaluate various quantitative chemical pollution pressure metrics for mixtures of chemicals in a case study with 24 priority substances of Europe-wide concern. We demonstrate why current methods are sub-optimal for water quality management prioritization and that chemical pollution currently imposes limitations to the ecological status of European surface waters. We discuss why management efforts may currently fail to restore a good ecological status, given that to date only 0.2% of the compounds in trade are considered in European water quality assessment and management.

Tolerance and Removal of Four Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon Compounds (PAHs) by Black Soldier Fly (Diptera: Stratiomyidae)

2020 ◽  
Vol 49 (3) ◽  
pp. 667-672
Author(s):  
Mingxia Fan ◽  
Nian Liu ◽  
Xiangji Wu ◽  
Jibin Zhang ◽  
Minmin Cai
Keyword(s):  
Development Time ◽  
Larval Growth ◽  
High Concentration ◽  
Black Soldier Fly ◽  
Relative Growth ◽  
Relative Growth Rates ◽  
The Public ◽  
Conversion Rates ◽  
Polycyclic Aromatic ◽  
Almost All

Abstract Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), as well-recognized toxic chemical, cause the public hazard in environments. Here, we demonstrated the black soldier fly larvae (BSFL) could tolerate the PAHs and reduce their content. Four typical PAHs (1.0, 10.0, and 100.0 mg/kg), naphthalene, fluorene, phenanthrene, and pyrene, were individually spiked into BSFL conversion systems. The parameters for larval growth, conversion process, and PAHs removal were determined in spiked group and no-spiked control. The results show that the larval development time (19.7–21.0 d) in the half of PAH groups was significantly longer by 2–4 d than those in the control, while the relative growth rates (1.88–1.99% per day) in the majority PAH groups were lower. The larval mortalities (0–2.83%), harvest yields (80.20–85.91 g), conversion rates (14.71–15.83%), and eclosion rates (60.27–82.67%) in almost all of PAH groups did not significantly different from those in the control. The four PAHs potentially delayed the development time of BSFL, slowed the larval growth, and lower waste reduction rates, but these influences were slight and might be caused by the inhibition of PAHs to microbial activity. The BSFL-mortalities, conversion rates, yields, and eclosion rates were not significantly affected by the PAHs. Furthermore, BSFL effectively removed 34.1–84.2% of PAHs from subtracts in 18–21 d. The removal of PAHs with low concentration could be easier than those with high concentration by BSFL. The present results provide an alternative strategy to treat the waste contaminated by PAHs and elucidate the effect of PAHs on insects in the environment.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document