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 ◽  
...  

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.

1990 ◽  
Vol 41 (4) ◽  
pp. 443 ◽  
Author(s):  
SI Kayal ◽  
DW Connell

In all, 23 sediment samples and 8 water column samples from the Brisbane River estuary, Queensland, Australia, were analysed for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in order to assess the field partitioning behaviour of these hydrocarbons. Twelve PAHs, ranging in molecular weight from naphthalene to benzo[a]pyrene, were identified and quantified. Their partition coefficients, indexed to sediment organic carbon and lipid content, were calculated after filtering to remove particulates and making a calculated adjustment for colloids, or organic matter, in the water phase. In logarithmic form, the partition coefficients were related to the physico-chemical properties of the compounds (Kow, Sw, RRT) by relationships having a parabolic shape rather than being linear. However, compounds with log Kow values of less than 5.5 gave linear relationships comparable to, but distinctly different from, those obtained from laboratory experiments. It is suggested that field conditions have distinctive differences from laboratory experiments that do not allow the direct translation of laboratory-based relationships to the natural aquatic environment.


2010 ◽  
Vol 3 ◽  
pp. 79-99 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hayal Desta Yimer ◽  
Seyoum Mengistou

The wetlands located at the periphery of Jimma town, southwestern Ethiopia, have critical roles in providing a range of ecological and socio-economic benefits, yet they are subject to increasing anthropogenic disturbances, notably through agriculture, settlement, intensive grazing and brick-making. This study assessed the ecological status of these wetlands, and examined the scale of the human disturbances that local communities might impose on them. Macroinvertebrate communities, water quality parameters, and human disturbance scores were assessed. Except for electrical conductivity and water temperature, no significant difference (P < 0.05) was found in physico-chemical parameters between the sampled sites. Nitrate was the only parameter that correlated with significant influence on species richness of the sampled macroinvertebrates. A total of 10 metrics were used to generate the index of biotic integrity (IBI). This IBI was then tested based on macroinvertebrate data collected. Ways of assessing and evaluating the existing ecological status of the wetlands are discussed in the context of physico-chemical parameters, IBI based on macroinvertebrates and human disturbance scales. Key Words: Catchments land use; Water quality; Macroinvertebrate; Index of Biotic Integrity; Wetland DOI: 10.3126/jowe.v3i0.2265 Journal of Wetlands Ecology, (2009) Vol. 3, pp 77-93


2015 ◽  
Vol 26 (2) ◽  
pp. 250-269 ◽  
Author(s):  
Festus M. Adebiyi ◽  
Adewale F. Adeyemi

Purpose – The quality of groundwater in the vicinity of petroleum products retailing stations in Ile-Ife, Nigeria was investigated with a view to providing valuable information on the organic and other physico-chemical parameters associated with the contamination of the groundwaters by petroleum products. The paper aims to discuss these issues. Design/methodology/approach – Three sets of samples were collected per season from artesian wells within petroleum products retailing stations for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), trace metals and other physico-chemical parameters analysis. Extraction, cleaned-up and concentration of the PAHs were done using certified analytical methods. Levels of the PAHs and metals were determined using gas chromatography coupled with flame ionization detector and bulk scientific atomic absorption spectrophotometer, respectively, while other pollution indicators were measured using standard analytical procedures. Findings – The groundwaters contained elevated levels of PAHs, Cu, Zn, Mn, Pb, Cr, V, Ni, Fe and total dissolved solids than their maximum allowable limits for drinking water. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) results confirmed that both seasonal variation and location had much influence on the levels of most of the analyzed parameters. Some of the parameters showed strong positive correlation with each other, while Cr/Pb and Na/Pb displayed strong negative correlation with each other, indicating similar source(s) and/or chemical affinity and vice versa, respectively. Cross-plot analysis results using metals and PAHs concentrations as variables showed significant positive correlations (R2=0.99) and (R2=0.60), respectively, suggesting similar source(s) of contamination of the two sets of samples. Originality/value – The level of the groundwater contamination was an indication of indiscriminate discharge of petroleum products and/or underground tank leakage within the study areas.


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