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Lazzem A, Lekired A, Ouzari HI, Landoulsi A, Chatti A, El May A. Isolation and characterization of a newly chrysene-degrading Achromobacter aegrifaciens. Int Microbiol 2024; 27:857-869. [PMID: 37851202 DOI: 10.1007/s10123-023-00435-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2023] [Revised: 09/21/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/19/2023]
Abstract
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are considered substances of potential human health hazards because of their resistance to biodegradation and carcinogenic index. Chrysene is a PAH with a high molecular weight (HMW) that poses challenges for its elimination from the environment. However, bacterial degradation is an effective, environmentally friendly, and cost-effective solution. In our study, we isolated a potential chrysene-degrading bacteria from crude oil-contaminated seawater (Bizerte, Tunisia). Based on 16SrRNA analysis, the isolate S5 was identified as Achromobacter aegrifaciens. Furthermore, the results revealed that A. aegrifaciens S5 produced a biofilm on polystyrene at 20 °C and 30 °C, as well as at the air-liquid (A-L) interface. Moreover, this isolate was able to swim and produce biosurfactants with an emulsification activity (E24%) over 53%. Chrysene biodegradation by isolate S5 was clearly assessed by an increase in the total viable count. Confirmation was obtained via gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analyses. A. aegrifaciens S5 could use chrysene as its sole carbon and energy source, exhibiting an 86% degradation of chrysene on day 7. In addition, the bacterial counts reached their highest level, over 25 × 1020 CFU/mL, under the conditions of pH 7.0, a temperature of 30 °C, and a rotary speed of 120 rpm. Based on our findings, A. aegrifaciens S5 can be a potential candidate for bioremediation in HMW-PAH-contaminated environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Assia Lazzem
- Laboratory of Risks Related to Environmental Stresses: Fight and Prevention, Faculty of Sciences of Bizerte, University of Carthage, 7021, Jarzouna, Tunisia.
| | - Abdelmalek Lekired
- Laboratory of Microorganisms and Actives Biomolecules, Faculty of Sciences of Tunis, University Tunis El Manar, 2092, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Hadda-Imene Ouzari
- Laboratory of Microorganisms and Actives Biomolecules, Faculty of Sciences of Tunis, University Tunis El Manar, 2092, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Ahmed Landoulsi
- Laboratory of Risks Related to Environmental Stresses: Fight and Prevention, Faculty of Sciences of Bizerte, University of Carthage, 7021, Jarzouna, Tunisia
| | - Abdelwaheb Chatti
- Laboratory of Risks Related to Environmental Stresses: Fight and Prevention, Faculty of Sciences of Bizerte, University of Carthage, 7021, Jarzouna, Tunisia
| | - Alya El May
- Laboratory of Risks Related to Environmental Stresses: Fight and Prevention, Faculty of Sciences of Bizerte, University of Carthage, 7021, Jarzouna, Tunisia
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Hwang SH, Lee YJ, Choi YH, Huh DA, Kang MS, Moon KW. Long-term effects of the Hebei Spirit oil spill on the prevalence and incidence of allergic disorders. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 912:168801. [PMID: 38008335 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.168801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2023] [Revised: 10/25/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 11/28/2023]
Abstract
The Hebei Spirit oil spill accident occurred in December 2007, approximately 10 km off the coast of Taean, South Korea, a location notably close to residential areas. Crude oil substances have been detected in various environmental mediums since the accident, yet previous studies have primarily focused on the acute effects of oil exposure due to the short latency period of allergic diseases. Therefore, this study evaluated the long-term effects of oil spill exposure on allergic disorders. Our study included adult residents who had participated in the Health Effects Research on Hebei Spirit Oil Spill (HEROS) study up to five years post-incident, which was a prospective cohort to monitor the health status of Taean residents. We used two indicators to assess oil spill exposure, namely the distance from the initial contaminated coastline to each participant's residence and the number of days participants had engaged in oil clean-up work. Current symptoms such as asthma, allergic rhinitis, atopic dermatitis, allergic conjunctivitis, and multimorbidity were considered allergic disorders. In the baseline survey, the prevalence of asthma, allergic rhinitis, atopic dermatitis, allergic conjunctivitis, and allergic multimorbidity symptoms was associated with both exposure indicators; however, these associations were not observed in the two consecutive surveys. Significant longitudinal associations between oil spill exposure indicators and the four allergic disorders, as well as multimorbidity incidences, were observed during a five-year follow-up period. Our results suggest that oil spill exposure can affect acute and long-term allergic symptoms in residents near the accident site.
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Affiliation(s)
- Se Hyun Hwang
- Department of Health and Environmental Science, Korea University, Anam-ro 145, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Yong-Jin Lee
- Regional Environmental Health Center, Soonchunhyang University Cheonan Hospital, 31 Suncheonhyang 6-gil, Dongnam-gu, Cheonan-si 31151, Republic of Korea; Department of Occupational & Environmental Medicine, Soonchunhyang University, 31 Suncheonhyang 6-gil, Dongnam-gu, Cheonan-si 31151, Republic of Korea
| | - Yun-Hee Choi
- Department of Health and Safety Convergence Science, Korea University, Anam-ro 145, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea; BK21 FOUR R & E Center for Learning Health System, Korea University, Anam-ro 145, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Da-An Huh
- Institute of Health Sciences, Korea University, Anam-ro 145, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea.
| | - Min-Sung Kang
- Institute of Environmental Medicine, Soonchunhyang University Cheonan Hospital, 31 Suncheonhyang 6-gil, Dongnam-gu, Cheonan-si 31151, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyong Whan Moon
- Department of Health and Environmental Science, Korea University, Anam-ro 145, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea; BK21 FOUR R & E Center for Learning Health System, Korea University, Anam-ro 145, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea
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3
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Feng Q, An C, Chen Z, Zhang Y, Owens E, Lee K, Li B, Taylor E, Wang Z. Exploring the effects of substrate mineral fines on oil translocation in the shoreline environment: Experimental analysis, numerical simulation, and implications for spill response. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2022; 437:129341. [PMID: 35738169 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2022.129341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2022] [Revised: 05/23/2022] [Accepted: 06/07/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Mineral fines act a pivotal part in determining the fate and behavior of oil. In this study, the infiltrations of oil emulsion in simulated sediments and natural shoreline sediments were investigated using a fixed bed experiment. Oil infiltration process was simulated based on fixed-bed dispersion model. The role of mineral fines in oil release was explored using simulated and natural sediments. Although mineral fines exhibited a higher affinity for oil, it was found that increasing fines fractions decreased the flow rate of oil emulsion, thereby decreasing the oil retention in the sediment column. In terms of oil release from the sediment, the highest level of oil mass was observed in the oil-mineral flocculation phase compared to the water column and the water surface compartments. Compared to light crude oil, the release of engine oil from sediment was less. The effects of mineral fines on oil infiltration and release were also confirmed by using natural shoreline sediments. Results of our detailed field studies also showed that current shoreline classification datasets do not characterize the presence and fraction of mineral fines at a level of detail required to accurately predict the significance of oil translocation following spill incidents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Feng
- Department of Building, Civil and Environmental Engineering, Concordia University, Montreal, QC H3G 1M8, Canada
| | - Chunjiang An
- Department of Building, Civil and Environmental Engineering, Concordia University, Montreal, QC H3G 1M8, Canada.
| | - Zhi Chen
- Department of Building, Civil and Environmental Engineering, Concordia University, Montreal, QC H3G 1M8, Canada
| | - Yingchun Zhang
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710072, PR China
| | - Edward Owens
- Owens Coastal Consultants, Bainbridge Island, WA 98110, United States
| | - Kenneth Lee
- Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Ecosystem Science, Ottawa, ON K1A 0E6, Canada
| | - Biao Li
- Department of Building, Civil and Environmental Engineering, Concordia University, Montreal, QC H3G 1M8, Canada
| | - Elliott Taylor
- Polaris Applied Sciences, Inc., Bainbridge Island, WA 98110, United States
| | - Zheng Wang
- Department of Building, Civil and Environmental Engineering, Concordia University, Montreal, QC H3G 1M8, Canada
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Recovery of Macrobenthic Food Web on Rocky Shores Following the Hebei Spirit Oil Spill as Revealed by C and N Stable Isotopes. WATER 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/w14152335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/10/2022]
Abstract
The impact of large-scale oil spills on organisms can lead to modifications of the food web structure. To assess the effects of the Hebei Spirit oil-spill accident on the trophic structure of the macrobenthic community on intertidal rocky shores along Taean Peninsula on the western coast of Republic of Korea 4 years after the Hebei Spirit oil spill, we analyzed carbon and nitrogen stable isotope ratios of macrobenthic consumers and their potential food sources in two heavily oil-impacted and one non-impacted sites. The results show no significant differences in isotopic ratios of feeding groups and their potential food sources between the polluted and reference sites, suggesting similar trophic structures given similar resource use by consumers. Similar isotopic niches and substantial overlap areas of feeding groups between the affected and reference sites suggest that the oil-impacted sites have re-achieved the trophic functions of the natural ecosystem. This study provides valuable information on the ecological processes of trophic recovery in coastal ecosystems impacted by oil spills.
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Environmental Impacts and Challenges Associated with Oil Spills on Shorelines. JOURNAL OF MARINE SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/jmse10060762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Oil spills are of great concern because they impose a threat to the marine ecosystem, including shorelines. As oil spilled at sea is transported to the shoreline, and after its arrival, its behavior and physicochemical characteristics change because of natural weathering phenomena. Additionally, the fate of the oil depends on shoreline type, tidal energy, and environmental conditions. This paper critically overviews the vulnerability of shorelines to oil spill impact and the implication of seasonal variations with the natural attenuation of oil. A comprehensive review of various monitoring techniques, including GIS tools and remote sensing, is discussed for tracking, and mapping oil spills. A comparison of various remote sensors shows that laser fluorosensors can detect oil on various types of substrates, including snow and ice. Moreover, current methods to prevent oil from reaching the shoreline, including physical booms, sorbents, and dispersants, are examined. The advantages and limitations of various physical, chemical, and biological treatment methods and their application suitability for different shore types are discussed. The paper highlights some of the challenges faced while managing oil spills, including viewpoints on the lack of monitoring data, the need for integrated decision-making systems, and the development of rapid response strategies to optimize the protection of shorelines from oil spills.
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Choi Y, Kim M, Ha SY, Han GM, Yim UH, Jung JH. Sediment quality assessment combining chemical and biological (non)target analysis. AQUATIC TOXICOLOGY (AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS) 2021; 238:105883. [PMID: 34311228 DOI: 10.1016/j.aquatox.2021.105883] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2021] [Revised: 05/25/2021] [Accepted: 05/29/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Aquatic sediments act as a storage for diverse mixtures of organic and inorganic contaminants. Nevertheless, most evaluations of contaminated sediments have been limited to the assessment of concentrations of target compounds and lethal effects on some test species. To identify the organic contaminants causing sub-lethal effects of contaminated sediment, this study combined chemical and biological (non)target analysis involving comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography coupled with a time-of-flight Mass Spectrometer (GCxGC/ToF-MS) analysis, embryonic malformation and high-throughput sequencing (RNA-seq) analysis on developing flounder. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons were more abundant in the sediment extract of Yeongil Bay (SEY), while Jinhae Bay (SEJ) was contaminated with a large amount of unidentified chemicals. The unidentified chemicals of SEJ included branched alkanes, oxygenated cycloalkanes, heterogeneous hydrocarbons, and other unknown compounds. Percentage of pericardial edema was the highest in embryonic flounder exposed to SEY. Consistent with the morphogenesis results, the expression level of genes related to heart formation including the nkx2.5 and robo1 was greater in embryonic flounder exposed to SEY. In the analyses of differential gene expression profiles (cutoff P < 0.05), by RNA-seq, embryos exposed to SEJ showed changes related to cell differentiation, cell part morphogenesis, neurogenesis, and neuron development. Genes related to neurogenesis and positive regulation of molecular functions variated significantly in embryos exposed to SEY. These results demonstrated the advantages of combining target and non-target analysis to accurately evaluate the major chemical groups causing sediment toxicity. Therefore, this work provided a useful approach to tracking and revealing the causes of toxic effects and identifying potential toxic mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Youmi Choi
- Risk Assessment Research Center, Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology, Geoje 53201, Republic of Korea; Department of Ocean Science, Korea University of Science and Technology, Daejeon 34113, Republic of Korea
| | - Moonkoo Kim
- Risk Assessment Research Center, Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology, Geoje 53201, Republic of Korea; Department of Ocean Science, Korea University of Science and Technology, Daejeon 34113, Republic of Korea
| | - Sung Yong Ha
- Risk Assessment Research Center, Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology, Geoje 53201, Republic of Korea
| | - Gi Myung Han
- Risk Assessment Research Center, Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology, Geoje 53201, Republic of Korea
| | - Un Hyuk Yim
- Risk Assessment Research Center, Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology, Geoje 53201, Republic of Korea; Department of Ocean Science, Korea University of Science and Technology, Daejeon 34113, Republic of Korea
| | - Jee-Hyun Jung
- Risk Assessment Research Center, Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology, Geoje 53201, Republic of Korea; Department of Ocean Science, Korea University of Science and Technology, Daejeon 34113, Republic of Korea.
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Jung JH, Yim B, Jeong S, Yoon MS, Kim BM, Ha SY, Kim M, Rhee JS, Lee YM. Development and Evaluation of Olive Flounder cyp1a1-Luciferase Assay for Effective Detection of CYP1A-Inducing Contaminants in Coastal Sediments. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2020; 54:15170-15179. [PMID: 33197181 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.0c06921] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Flounders have been widely used as indicator species for monitoring the benthic environment of marine coastal regions owing to their habitat and feeding preferences in or on sandy sediments. Here, a single-step, sensitive, specific, and simple luciferase assay was developed, using the olive flounder cyp1a1 gene, for effective detection of CYP1A-inducing contaminants in coastal sediments. The developed cyp1a1-luciferase assay was highly sensitive to the widely used CYP1A inducers 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD), benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P), and 3,3',4,4',5-pentachlorobiphenyl (PCB 126). In the case of TCDD, significant dose-dependent increases in luciferase activity (0.3-300 ng/L) were detected. The assay was more sensitive to PCB 126 than to B[a]P. The assay also involved the highly sensitive expression of luciferase to extracted mixtures of PCBs and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) collected from coastal sediments. PCBs were more capable of cyp1a1 induction in the assay system at small doses than PAHs in environmental samples. Using the cyp1a1-luciferase assay along with water or sediment chemistry will certainly aid in diagnosing CYP1A-inducing contaminants in coastal environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jee-Hyun Jung
- Risk Assessment Research Center, Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology, Geoje 53201, Republic of Korea
- Department of Ocean Science, Korea University of Science and Technology, Daejeon 34113, Republic of Korea
| | - Bora Yim
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Convergence Engineering, Sangmyung University, Seoul 03016, Republic of Korea
| | - Sol Jeong
- Department of Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, Gachon University, Incheon 21999, Republic of Korea
- Department of Health Sciences and Technology, GAIHST, Gachon University, Incheon 21999, Republic of Korea
| | - Mee-Sup Yoon
- Department of Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, Gachon University, Incheon 21999, Republic of Korea
- Department of Health Sciences and Technology, GAIHST, Gachon University, Incheon 21999, Republic of Korea
| | - Bo-Mi Kim
- Unit of Research for Practical Application, Korea Polar Research Institute, Incheon 21990, Republic of Korea
| | - Sung Yong Ha
- Risk Assessment Research Center, Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology, Geoje 53201, Republic of Korea
| | - Moonkoo Kim
- Risk Assessment Research Center, Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology, Geoje 53201, Republic of Korea
- Department of Ocean Science, Korea University of Science and Technology, Daejeon 34113, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae-Sung Rhee
- Department of Marine Science, College of Natural Sciences, Incheon National University, Incheon 22012, Republic of Korea
| | - Young-Mi Lee
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Convergence Engineering, Sangmyung University, Seoul 03016, Republic of Korea
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Hook SE. Beyond Thresholds: A Holistic Approach to Impact Assessment Is Needed to Enable Accurate Predictions of Environmental Risk from Oil Spills. INTEGRATED ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT AND MANAGEMENT 2020; 16:813-830. [PMID: 32729983 DOI: 10.1002/ieam.4321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2020] [Revised: 04/13/2020] [Accepted: 06/04/2020] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
The risk assessment for the environmental impact of oil spills in Australia is often conducted in part using a combination of spill mapping and toxicological thresholds derived from laboratory studies. While this process is useful in planning operational responses, such as where to position equipment stockpiles and whether to disperse oil, and can be used to identify areas near the spill site where impacts are likely to occur, it cannot accurately predict the environmental consequences of an oil spill or the ecosystem recovery times. Evidence of this disconnect between model predictions and observed impacts is the lack of a profound effect of the Deepwater Horizon wellhead blowout on recruitment to fisheries in the northern Gulf of Mexico, contrary to the predictions made in the Natural Resources Damage Assessment and despite the occurrence of impacts of the spill on marine mammals, marshes, and deep water ecosystems. The incongruity between predictions made with the current approach using threshold monitoring and impacts measured in the field results from some of the assumptions included in the oil spill models. The incorrect assumptions include that toxicity is acute, results from dissolved phase exposure, and would be readily reversible. The toxicity tests from which threshold models are derived use members of the ecosystem that are easily studied in the lab but may not represent the ecosystem as a whole. The test species are typically highly abundant plankton or planktonic life stages, and they have life histories that account for rapid changes in environmental conditions. As a consequence, these organisms recover quickly from an oil spill. The interdependence of ecosystem components, including the reliance of organisms on their microbiomes, is often overlooked. Additional research to assess these data gaps conducted using economically and ecologically relevant species, especially in Australia and other understudied areas of the world, and the use of population dynamic models, will improve the accuracy of environmental risk assessment for oil spills. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2020;16:813-830. © 2020 SETAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sharon E Hook
- CSIRO Oceans and Atmosphere, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
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Zamanpour MK, Kaliappan RS, Rockne KJ. Gas ebullition from petroleum hydrocarbons in aquatic sediments: A review. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2020; 271:110997. [PMID: 32778285 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2020.110997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2020] [Revised: 05/19/2020] [Accepted: 06/21/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Gas ebullition in sediment results from biogenic gas production by mixtures of bacteria and archaea. It often occurs in organic-rich sediments that have been impacted by petroleum hydrocarbon (PHC) and other anthropogenic pollution. Ebullition occurs under a relatively narrow set of biological, chemical, and sediment geomechanical conditions. This process occurs in three phases: I) biogenic production of primarily methane and dissolved phase transport of the gases in the pore water to a bubble nucleation site, II) bubble growth and sediment fracture, and III) bubble rise to the surface. The rate of biogenic gas production in phase I and the resistance of the sediment to gas fracture in phase II play the most significant roles in ebullition kinetics. What is less understood is the role that substrate structure plays in the rate of methanogenesis that drives gas ebullition. It is well established that methanogens have a very restricted set of compounds that can serve as substrates, so any complex organic molecule must first be broken down to fermentable compounds. Given that most ebullition-active sediments are completely anaerobic, the well-known difficulty in degrading PHCs under anaerobic conditions suggests potential limitations on PHC-derived gas ebullition. To date, there are no studies that conclusively demonstrate that weathered PHCs can alone drive gas ebullition. This review consists of an overview of the factors affecting gas ebullition and the biochemistry of anaerobic PHC biodegradation and methanogenesis in sediment systems. We next compile results from the scholarly literature on PHCs serving as a source of methanogenesis. We combine these results to assess the potential for PHC-driven gas ebullition using energetics, kinetics, and sediment geomechanics analyses. The results suggest that short chain <C10 alkanes are the only PHC class that alone may have the potential to drive ebullition, and that PHC-derived methanogenesis likely plays a minor part in driving gas ebullition in contaminated sediments compared to natural organic matter.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Raja Shankar Kaliappan
- Department of Civil and Materials Engineering, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60607, USA
| | - Karl John Rockne
- Department of Civil and Materials Engineering, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60607, USA.
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Yuan L, Han L, Chen Q, Zhang Y, Chen B. Simulation for dynamic release of oil from oil-contaminated marine sediment. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2020; 27:16841-16852. [PMID: 32144708 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-020-08239-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2019] [Accepted: 02/25/2020] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Dynamic oil release from oil-contaminated sediment to seawater was investigated in kinetic and factor experiments. Oil-release kinetic was described using a two-compartment first-order equation with rapid- and slow-release steps. The rapid-desorption-fraction rate (kr) was not affected by the ratio of solid-liquid, but significantly affected by sediment pollution level and salinity. The slow-desorption-fraction rate constant (ks) was affected by sediment pollution level, the ratio of solid-liquid, and salinity. Desorption efficiencies were 1.09-4.04%, increasing as the sediment pollution level and salinity increased and the ratio of solid-liquid decreased. Oil desorption was critically affected by sediment suspension (or lack of). The desorption kinetics curves were unaffected with the shear force for unsuspended sediment, and the desorption efficiency and kr were increasing with the shear force for suspended sediment, and no significant correlations were found between ks and hydrodynamic conditions. The results provide a theoretical basis for evaluating ecological risks posed by oil in sediment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingling Yuan
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resource Development on Shallow Lake of Ministry of Education, College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing, 210098, China
- National Center of Ocean Standards and Metrology, Tianjin, 300112, China
- College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing, 210098, China
| | - Longxi Han
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resource Development on Shallow Lake of Ministry of Education, College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing, 210098, China.
- College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing, 210098, China.
| | - Qing Chen
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resource Development on Shallow Lake of Ministry of Education, College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing, 210098, China
- College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing, 210098, China
| | - Yi Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resource Development on Shallow Lake of Ministry of Education, College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing, 210098, China
- College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing, 210098, China
| | - Bo Chen
- Key Laboratory of Integrated Regulation and Resource Development on Shallow Lake of Ministry of Education, College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing, 210098, China
- College of Environment, Hohai University, Nanjing, 210098, China
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Yim UH, Hong S, Lee C, Kim M, Jung JH, Ha SY, An JG, Kwon BO, Kim T, Lee CH, Yu OH, Choi HW, Ryu J, Khim JS, Shim WJ. Rapid recovery of coastal environment and ecosystem to the Hebei Spirit oil spill's impact. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2020; 136:105438. [PMID: 31884413 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2019.105438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2019] [Revised: 12/06/2019] [Accepted: 12/20/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
The 2007 Hebei Spirit oil spill (HSOS), the largest in the national history, has negatively impacted the entire environment and ecosystem along the west coast of South Korea. Although many studies have reported the damages and impacts from the HSOS, quantitative assessment evaluating the recovery time and status have not been documented. Here, we first address the recovery timeline of the HSOS, by comprehensive analyses of 10-years accumulated data in quantitative manner. Concentrations of residual oils in seawater, sediments, and oysters rapidly dropped to backgrounds in 16, 75, and 33 months, respectively. Also, damaged benthic communities of intertidal and subtidal areas were fully recovered only after ~6 years. The present results collectively indicated unexpectedly fast recovery of the damaged environment and ecosystem from such a huge oil spill. The high tidal mixing (~9 m tidal height) and intensive human cleanup (~1.2 million volunteers) at the initial cleanup period might have contributed to rapid recovery; cf. 4-5 times faster than the Exxon Valdez oil spill. However, potential risk to human health remains unclear. Thus, it is warranted to conduct more in depth epidemiological studies to address chronic health effects associated with the cleanup volunteers as well as the local residents who have been living nearby the oil spill impacted sites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Un Hyuk Yim
- Oil and POPs Research Group, Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology (KIOST), Geoje 53201, Republic of Korea
| | - Seongjin Hong
- Department of Ocean Environmental Sciences, Chungnam National University, Daejeon 34134, Republic of Korea
| | - Changkeun Lee
- School of Earth and Environmental Sciences & Research Institute of Oceanography, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Moonkoo Kim
- Oil and POPs Research Group, Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology (KIOST), Geoje 53201, Republic of Korea
| | - Jee-Hyun Jung
- Oil and POPs Research Group, Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology (KIOST), Geoje 53201, Republic of Korea
| | - Sung Yong Ha
- Oil and POPs Research Group, Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology (KIOST), Geoje 53201, Republic of Korea
| | - Joon Geon An
- Oil and POPs Research Group, Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology (KIOST), Geoje 53201, Republic of Korea
| | - Bong-Oh Kwon
- School of Earth and Environmental Sciences & Research Institute of Oceanography, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Taewoo Kim
- School of Earth and Environmental Sciences & Research Institute of Oceanography, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Chang-Hoon Lee
- Environmental Health & Safety Research Institute, EH R&C Co., Ltd., Incheon 22689, Republic of Korea
| | - Ok Hwan Yu
- Marine Ecosystem and Biological Research Center, KIOST, Busan 49111, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyun Woo Choi
- Oceanographic Data Information Center, KIOST, Busan 49111, Republic of Korea
| | - Jongseong Ryu
- Department of Marine Biotechnology, Anyang University, Ganghwagun, Incheon 23038, Republic of Korea
| | - Jong Seong Khim
- School of Earth and Environmental Sciences & Research Institute of Oceanography, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea.
| | - Won Joon Shim
- Oil and POPs Research Group, Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology (KIOST), Geoje 53201, Republic of Korea.
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Lee DW, Lee H, Kwon BO, Khim JS, Yim UH, Kim BS, Kim JJ. Biosurfactant-assisted bioremediation of crude oil by indigenous bacteria isolated from Taean beach sediment. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2018; 241:254-264. [PMID: 29807284 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2018.05.070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2018] [Revised: 05/11/2018] [Accepted: 05/21/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Crude oil and its derivatives are considered as one group of the most pervasive environmental pollutants in marine environments. Bioremediation using oil-degrading bacteria has emerged as a promising green cleanup alternative in more recent years. The employment of biosurfactant-producing and hydrocarbon-utilizing indigenous bacteria enhances the effectiveness of bioremediation by making hydrocarbons bioavailable for degradation. In this study, the best candidates of biosurfactant-producing indigenous bacteria were selected by screening of biochemical tests. The selected bacteria include Bacillus algicola (003-Phe1), Rhodococcus soli (102-Na5), Isoptericola chiayiensis (103-Na4), and Pseudoalteromonas agarivorans (SDRB-Py1). In general, these isolated species caused low surface tension values (33.9-41.3 mN m-1), high oil spreading (1.2-2.4 cm), and hydrocarbon emulsification (up to 65%) warranting active degradation of hydrocarbons. FT-IR and LC-MS analyses indicated that the monorhamnolipid (Rha-C16:1) and dirhamnolipid (Rha-Rha-C6-C6:1) were commonly produced by the bacteria as potent biosurfactants. The residual crude oil after the biodegradation test was quantitated using GC-MS analysis. The bacteria utilized crude oil as their sole carbon source while the amount of residual crude oil significantly decreased. In addition the cell-free broth containing biosurfactants produced by bacterial strains significantly desorbed crude oil in oil-polluted marine sediment. The selected bacteria might hold additional capacity in crude oil degradation. Biosurfactant-producing indigenous bacteria therefore degrade crude oil hydrocarbon compounds, produce biosurfactants that can increase the emulsification of crude oil and are thus more conducive to the degradation of crude oil.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dong Wan Lee
- Division of Environmental Science & Ecological Engineering, College of Life Science & Biotechnology, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Hanbyul Lee
- Division of Environmental Science & Ecological Engineering, College of Life Science & Biotechnology, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Bong-Oh Kwon
- School of Earth and Environmental Science & Research Institute of Oceanography, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Jong Seong Khim
- School of Earth and Environmental Science & Research Institute of Oceanography, Seoul National University, Seoul 08826, Republic of Korea.
| | - Un Hyuk Yim
- Oil and POPs Research Group, Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology, Geoje 53201, Republic of Korea
| | - Beom Seok Kim
- Division of Biotechnology, College of Life Science & Biotechnology, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae-Jin Kim
- Division of Environmental Science & Ecological Engineering, College of Life Science & Biotechnology, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea.
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Lee EH, Kim M, Moon YS, Yim UH, Ha SY, Jeong CB, Lee JS, Jung JH. Adverse effects and immune dysfunction in response to oral administration of weathered Iranian heavy crude oil in the rockfish Sebastes schlegeli. AQUATIC TOXICOLOGY (AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS) 2018; 200:127-135. [PMID: 29751159 DOI: 10.1016/j.aquatox.2018.04.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2018] [Revised: 04/16/2018] [Accepted: 04/17/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
To demonstrate the effects of weathered crude oil residue on the immune systems of resident fish, we measured the changes in toxic chemical concentrations, apoptosis, phagocytosis, metabolism, immune-related gene expression, and cell cycle arrest in livers or kidneys for up to 96 h after the weathered Iranian heavy crude oil (WIHCO) exposure by oral gavage in juvenile rockfish Sebastes schlegeli. Parent polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in livers increased up to 5590 ng/g after 6 h exposure and then declined rapidly within 24 h. Hepato-detoxification and immune-related gene expression were also significantly increased (P < 0.05) after 6 h exposure and then declined rapidly within 24 h. However, biliary PAH metabolites and EROD activity remained elevated throughout the test period. Flow cytometry analysis also indicated sustained apoptosis and cell cycle arrests with reduced phagocytic activity for 96 h. Taken together, these results demonstrate rapid declination of the parent PAHs, whereas PAH metabolites remained much longer in tissues with prolonged suppression of immunity in molecular and cellular level, suggesting that weathered crude oil residue is likely linked to the high incidence of immune dysfunction in residential rockfish in oil spill area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eun-Hee Lee
- Oil & POPs Research Group, Korea Institute of Ocean Science & Technology, Geoje, 53201, Republic of Korea
| | - Moonkoo Kim
- Oil & POPs Research Group, Korea Institute of Ocean Science & Technology, Geoje, 53201, Republic of Korea; Department of Marine Environmental Science, Korea University of Science and Technology, Daejeon, 34113, Republic of Korea
| | - Young-Sun Moon
- Oil & POPs Research Group, Korea Institute of Ocean Science & Technology, Geoje, 53201, Republic of Korea
| | - Un Hyuk Yim
- Oil & POPs Research Group, Korea Institute of Ocean Science & Technology, Geoje, 53201, Republic of Korea; Department of Marine Environmental Science, Korea University of Science and Technology, Daejeon, 34113, Republic of Korea
| | - Sung Yong Ha
- Oil & POPs Research Group, Korea Institute of Ocean Science & Technology, Geoje, 53201, Republic of Korea
| | - Chang-Bum Jeong
- Department of Biological Science, College of Science, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae-Seong Lee
- Department of Biological Science, College of Science, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Jee-Hyun Jung
- Oil & POPs Research Group, Korea Institute of Ocean Science & Technology, Geoje, 53201, Republic of Korea; Department of Marine Environmental Science, Korea University of Science and Technology, Daejeon, 34113, Republic of Korea.
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14
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Won EJ, Lee Y, Gang Y, Kim MS, Kim CJ, Kim HE, Lee KW, Chung CS, Kim K, Lee JS, Shin KH. Chronic adverse effects of oil dispersed sediments on growth, hatching, and reproduction of benthic copepods: Indirect exposure for long-term tests. MARINE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2018; 137:225-233. [PMID: 29685328 DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2018.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2017] [Revised: 03/24/2018] [Accepted: 04/04/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Laboratory-scale sediment exposure was conducted as a preliminary study to assess the long-term effects of sediment contaminated with crude oil. For this purpose, indirect exposure using a glass filter crucible was tested and compared with direct exposure by observing several parameters (e.g., mortality, growth, reproduction, hatching, and uptake) in the benthic copepod Tigriopus japonicus. In direct exposure, short-term exposure caused significant damages to the eggs of ovigerous females, and there were difficulties in observing small oil droplets. However, indirect exposure did not induce any mortality during a 96-h exposure in adults. A 10-day exposure was also possible in an indirect exposure method and caused a decrease in reproduction and consequently a reduction in the hatching rate. In fact, the water phase collected from indirect exposure indicated significant polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) concentrations, although only a few components were present. The components of PAHs were similar to water-accommodated fractions (WAFs) of crude oil that are associated with the water-soluble part, but the relative portion of high-molecular-weight of PAHs was higher than WAF. In this approach, exposure tests caused reduction in the uptake rate in copepods even in the 24-h exposure. In conclusion, the biological effects of oil droplets from direct exposure were excluded by using a glass filter in indirect exposures, and several parameters could be derived in the long-term exposure. These results indicate that the indirect method could likely assess the chronic effects of oil-contaminated sediments on individual level parameters for deriving the ultimate effects on the population and community.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eun-Ji Won
- Department of Marine Chemistry & Geochemistry Research Center, Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology, Busan 49111, Republic of Korea; Department of Marine Science and Convergent Technology, Hanyang University, Ansan 15588, Republic of Korea.
| | - Yeonjung Lee
- Department of Marine Ecosystem & Biological Research Center, Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology, Busan 49111, Republic of Korea
| | - Yehui Gang
- Department of Marine Chemistry & Geochemistry Research Center, Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology, Busan 49111, Republic of Korea; Department of Integrated Ocean Sciences, University of Science and Technology (UST), Daejeon, 34113, Republic of Korea
| | - Min-Seob Kim
- Department of Environmental Measurement & Analysis Center, National Institute of Environmental Research, Incheon 22766, Republic of Korea
| | - Chang Joon Kim
- Department of Marine Chemistry & Geochemistry Research Center, Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology, Busan 49111, Republic of Korea
| | - Hye-Eun Kim
- Department of Marine Chemistry & Geochemistry Research Center, Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology, Busan 49111, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyun-Woo Lee
- Department of Marine Ecosystem & Biological Research Center, Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology, Busan 49111, Republic of Korea; Department of Integrated Ocean Sciences, University of Science and Technology (UST), Daejeon, 34113, Republic of Korea
| | - Chang-Soo Chung
- Department of Marine Chemistry & Geochemistry Research Center, Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology, Busan 49111, Republic of Korea; Department of Integrated Ocean Sciences, University of Science and Technology (UST), Daejeon, 34113, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyoungrean Kim
- Department of Marine Chemistry & Geochemistry Research Center, Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology, Busan 49111, Republic of Korea; Department of Integrated Ocean Sciences, University of Science and Technology (UST), Daejeon, 34113, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae-Seong Lee
- Department of Biological Science, College of Science, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyung-Hoon Shin
- Department of Marine Science and Convergent Technology, Hanyang University, Ansan 15588, Republic of Korea
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15
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Lee DW, Lee H, Lee AH, Kwon BO, Khim JS, Yim UH, Kim BS, Kim JJ. Microbial community composition and PAHs removal potential of indigenous bacteria in oil contaminated sediment of Taean coast, Korea. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2018; 234:503-512. [PMID: 29216488 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2017.11.097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2017] [Revised: 11/20/2017] [Accepted: 11/28/2017] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
The tidal flats near Sinduri beach in Taean, Korea, have been severely contaminated by heavy crude oils due to the Korea's worst oil spill accident, say the Hebei Spirit Oil Spill, in 2007. Crude oil compounds, including polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), pose significant environmental damages due to their wide distribution, persistence, high toxicity, mutagenicity, and carcinogenicity. Microbial community of Sinduri beach sediments samples was analyzed by metagenomic data with 16S rRNA gene amplicons. Three phyla (Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, and Bacteroidetes) accounted for approximately ≥93.0% of the total phyla based on metagenomic analysis. Proteobacteria was the dominant phylum in Sinduri beach sediments. Cultivable bacteria were isolated from PAH-enriched cultures, and bacterial diversity was investigated through performing culture characterization followed by molecular biology methods. Sixty-seven isolates were obtained, comprising representatives of Actinobacteria, Firmicutes, α- and γ-Proteobacteria, and Bacteroidetes. PAH catabolism genes, such as naphthalene dioxygenase (NDO) and aromatic ring hydroxylating dioxygenase (ARHDO), were used as genetic markers to assess biodegradation of PAHs in the cultivable bacteria. The ability to degrade PAHs was demonstrated by monitoring the removal of PAHs using a gas chromatography mass spectrometer. Overall, various PAH-degrading bacteria were widely present in Sinduri beach sediments and generally reflected the restored microbial community. Among them, Cobetia marina, Rhodococcus soli, and Pseudoalteromonas agarivorans were found to be significant in degradation of PAHs. This large collection of PAH-degrading strains represents a valuable resource for studies investigating mechanisms of PAH degradation and bioremediation in oil contaminated coastal environment, elsewhere.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dong Wan Lee
- Division of Environmental Science & Ecological Engineering, College of Life Science & Biotechnology, Korea University, Seoul, 02841, Republic of Korea; BK21 Plus Eco-Leader Education Center, Korea University, Seoul, 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Hanbyul Lee
- Division of Environmental Science & Ecological Engineering, College of Life Science & Biotechnology, Korea University, Seoul, 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Aslan Hwanhwi Lee
- Department of Civil and Geological Engineering, University of Saskatchewan, 57 Campus Drive, Saskatoon, SK, S7N 5A9, Canada
| | - Bong-Oh Kwon
- School of Earth and Environmental Science & Research Institute of Oceanography, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Jong Seong Khim
- School of Earth and Environmental Science & Research Institute of Oceanography, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea.
| | - Un Hyuk Yim
- Oil and POPs Research Group, Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology, Geoje, Republic of Korea
| | - Beom Seok Kim
- Division of Biotechnology, College of Life Science & Biotechnology, Korea University, Seoul, 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae-Jin Kim
- Division of Environmental Science & Ecological Engineering, College of Life Science & Biotechnology, Korea University, Seoul, 02841, Republic of Korea.
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Yim UH, Short J. Marine Environmental Emergencies in the North Pacific Ocean: Lessons Learned from Recent Oil Spills. ARCHIVES OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY 2017; 73:1-4. [PMID: 28695264 DOI: 10.1007/s00244-017-0416-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2017] [Accepted: 05/17/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Increasing marine vessel traffic, and oil and gas exploration and development throughout the North Pacific basin brings increasing risks of oil spills. Recognizing the serious challenges presented to response authorities, this Special Issue was organized by the North Pacific Marine Science Organization to provide an introduction to the current state of scientific understanding regarding the environmental effects of oil spills. Because interactions of spilled oils with biota and their habitats are complex, the most serious environmental damages from these spills are not necessarily those of greatest immediate concern by the public. Our overarching goal for this Special Issue is to provide an efficient introduction to the most important ways that oil spills can harm biota, habitats, and ecosystems through invited, targeted mini-reviews augmented by original research articles. We provide a brief background on the challenges posed by large oil spills to response authorities, summarize findings from the articles published in this Special Issue, and highlight some key research needs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Un Hyuk Yim
- Oil and POPs Research Group, South Sea Research Institute, KIOST, Geoje, 53201, Republic of Korea.
- Marine Environmental Science Major, Korea University of Science and Technology, Daejeon, 34113, Republic of Korea.
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17
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Yim UH, Khim JS, Kim M, Jung JH, Shim WJ. Environmental Impacts and Recovery After the Hebei Spirit Oil Spill in Korea. ARCHIVES OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY 2017; 73:47-54. [PMID: 28695258 DOI: 10.1007/s00244-017-0375-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2016] [Accepted: 02/02/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
The Hebei Spirit oil spill (HSOS) on December 7, 2007 was the worst oil spill recorded in Korea, with the release of approximately 10,900 tons of crude oil and 375 km of coastline polluted along the west coast of Korea. Cleanup operation was conducted by official and contract responders as well as volunteers for massive oil containment and removal of heavy accumulations of stranded oil. Together with the oil cleanup, a long-term environmental impact assessment (EIA) of the HSOS was initiated based on the Marine Environmental Management Act, which covers oil contamination in a multimedia environment, toxic effects on organisms, and ecosystem injury. This review summarizes the long-term monitoring results of HSOS EIA focused on (1) pollution status of seawater, sediment, and bivalves, (2) ecotoxicological effects, and (3) ecosystem recovery. Overall, concentrations of petroleum hydrocarbons in the environment indicated that their concentrations were well down to at or near background or pre-spill contamination levels at most sites after 1 year. The potential toxic effects of residual oils in sediments have decreased to background levels in most coastal areas of Taean. The entire ecosystem in the most affected area of the Taean coasts appear to be considerably, but not fully, recovered at present, namely after 8 years of the HSOS. The presence of lingering oil and elevated contamination levels at several sites still require continuous long-term monitoring.
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Affiliation(s)
- U H Yim
- Oil and POPs Research Group, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, Geoje, 53201, Republic of Korea.
- Marine Environmental Science Major, Korea University of Science and Technology, Daejeon, 34113, Republic of Korea.
| | - J S Khim
- School of Earth and Environmental Sciences and Research, Institute of Oceanography, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - M Kim
- Oil and POPs Research Group, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, Geoje, 53201, Republic of Korea
- Marine Environmental Science Major, Korea University of Science and Technology, Daejeon, 34113, Republic of Korea
| | - J-H Jung
- Oil and POPs Research Group, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, Geoje, 53201, Republic of Korea
- Marine Environmental Science Major, Korea University of Science and Technology, Daejeon, 34113, Republic of Korea
| | - W J Shim
- Oil and POPs Research Group, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, Geoje, 53201, Republic of Korea
- Marine Environmental Science Major, Korea University of Science and Technology, Daejeon, 34113, Republic of Korea
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