Concentration, distribution and source apportionment of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) in Poxim River sediments, Brazil

Development of a novel DGT passive sampler for measuring polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in aquatic systems

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are priority pollutants and need to be measured reliably in waters and other media, to understand their sources, fate, behaviour and to meet regulatory monitoring requirements. Conventional water sampling requires large water volumes, time-consuming pre-concentration and clean-up and is prone to analyte loss or contamination. Here, for the first time, we developed and validated a novel diffusive gradients in thin-films (DGT) passive sampler for PAHs. Based on the well-known DGT principles, the sampler pre-concentrates PAHs with typical deployment times of days/weeks, with minimal sample handling. For the first time, DGT holding devices made of metal and suitable for sampling hydrophobic organic compounds were designed and tested. They minimize sorption and sampling lag times. Following tests on different binding layer resins, a MIP-DGT was preferred - the first time applying MIP for PAHs. It samples PAHs independent of pH (3.9 -8.1), ionic strength (0.01 -0.5 M) and dissolved organic matter < 20 mg L-1, making it suitable for applications across a wide range of environments. Field trials in river water and wastewater demonstrated that DGT is a convenient and reliable tool for monitoring labile PAHs, readily achieving quantitative detection of environmental levels (sub-ng and ng/L range) when coupled with conventional GC-MS or HPLC. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPLICATIONS: PAHs are carcinogenic and genotoxic compounds. They are environmentally ubiquitous and must be monitored in waters and other media. This study successfully developed a new DGT passive sampler for reliable in situ time-integrated measurements of PAHs in waters at the ng/L level. This is the first time to use passive samplers for accurate measurements of hydrophobic organic contaminants in aquatic systems without calibration, a big step forward in monitoring PAHs. The application of this new sampler will enhance our understanding of the sources, fate, behavior and ecotoxicology of PAHs, enabling improved environmental risk assessment and management of these compounds.

Ecotoxicological and health risks associated with sediment-bound polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in peri-urban closed and open coastal lagoons

Coastal urbanisation has ramifications for the sustainable development of developing nations. There are often unquantified ecological and health risks associated with urbanisation. Sixteen polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were analysed in surface sediment from three peri-urban coastal lagoons in southern Ghana. We found significant spatial variations of sediment PAHs. These variations were attributed to physiography of the lagoons and diverse anthropogenic activities surrounding them. Total PAHs ranged from 20.81 to 24,801.38 μg/kg (dry weight), underscoring a low to very high pollution level. Diagnostic ratios revealed both pyrogenic and petrogenic origins. Over 50 % of individual PAHs were of moderate ecological risk to benthic organisms, and cancer risk to humans was above the World Health Organisation's recommended safety limit (1 × 10-6). These ecological and health risks should be wake-up call for a more integrated urban planning approach to coastal urbanisation as coastal communities largely depend on natural ecosystems for food and livelihood opportunities.

Concentrations, sources and risks of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in sediments from the Parnaiba Delta basin, Northeast Brazil

The Parnaíba River is the main river in the Parnaíba Delta basin, the largest delta in the Americas. About 18 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were identified and the environmental risk associated with the sediments was evaluated. The study found that PAHs levels ranged from 5.92 to 1521.17 ng g-1, which was classified as low to high pollution, and that there were multiple sources of pollution along the river, with pyrolytic sources predominating, mainly from urban activity such as trucking, although the influence of rural activity cannot be ruled out. PAHs correlated with black carbon and organic matter and showed high correlation with acenaphthylene, phenanthrene, pyrene, benzo(a)anthracene, chrysene, benzo(ghi)perylene, and ∑PAHs. The benzo(a)pyrene levels were classified as a risk to aquatic life because the threshold effect level and the probable effect level were exceeded. In addition, the sediments were classified as slightly contaminated with a benzo(a)pyrene toxicity equivalent value of 108.43 ng g-1. Thus, the priority level PAH exhibited carcinogenic and mutagenic activity that posed a potential risk to human health.

Successful expansion of hospital-associated clone of vanA-positive vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecalis ST9 to an anthropogenically polluted mangrove in Brazil

Mangrove ecosystems are hotspots of biodiversity, but have been threatened by anthropogenic activities. Vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) are nosocomial bacteria classified as high priority by the World Health Organization (WHO). Herein, we describe the identification and genomic characteristics of a vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecalis strain isolated from a highly impacted mangrove ecosystem of the northeastern Brazilian, in 2021. Genomic analysis confirmed the existence of the transposon Tn1546-vanA and clinically relevant antimicrobial resistance genes, such as streptogramins, tetracycline, phenicols, and fluoroquinolones. Virulome analysis identified several genes associated to adherence, immune modulation, biofilm, and exoenzymes production. The UFSEfl strain was assigned to sequence type (ST9), whereas phylogenomic analysis with publicly available genomes from a worldwide confirmed clonal relatedness with a hospital-associated Brazilian clone. Our findings highlight the successful expansion of hospital-associated VRE in a mangrove area and shed light on the need for strengthening genomic surveillance of WHO priority pathogens in these vital ecosystems.

Historical evolution of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon pollution in Chaihe Reservoir from 1863 to 2018

Pollution from polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) spreads and changes worldwide. The pollution evolution in the regional water environment evolves in response to multiple factors, requiring considerable attention. PAH heterogeneity in the sediment core from Chaihe Reservoir was investigated to indicate dynamic changes in PAH pollution levels and sources and propose recommendations for controlling PAHs. Dynamic PAH patterns showed that the overall decline in PAH pollution was in association with local anthropogenic activities, temperature, and precipitation over the period 1863-2018. Nevertheless, coal, oil, and natural gas consumptions still played significant roles in transferring PAHs to the reservoir. Meanwhile, there were dominant local origins, including grass, wood, and coal combustion. The results highlight that the joint action of natural and anthropogenic interventions mitigated PAH pollution in the reservoir. Promoting improved fuels, new energy vehicles, and cleaner energy may further lower PAH pollution.

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in mangrove ecosystems: A review

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are organic pollutants of increasing concern in the different fields of the environment and human health. There are 16 of them that are recognized as priority pollutants by the US environmental protection agency due to their mutagenic and carcinogenic potentials. Due to their hydrophobicity and stability, they are persistent in the environment and can be transported over long distances. Their toxicological effects on multiple species, including humans, as well as their bioaccumulation in the food web became major topics in organic pollutants research this last decade. In the environment, multiple studies have been conducted on their accumulation in the soil and their degradation processes resulting in numerous review papers. However, the dynamics of PAHs in mangrove ecosystems is not yet completely understood. In this review paper, an exhaustive presentation of what is known about PAHs and their transfer, accumulation, and degradation in mangrove ecosystems is offered. This article brings to light the knowledge already acquired on the subject and the perspective research necessary to fully comprehend PAHs dynamics in mangrove ecosystems.

Historical development and prospect of intimately coupling photocatalysis and biological technology for pollutant treatment in sewage: A review

Through the synergistic effect of photocatalysis and biodegradation, intimately coupling photocatalysis and biological (ICPB) technology could improve the removal rate and mineralization rate of refractory pollutants and reduce the toxicity of intermediate products. ICPB system was characterized with the advantages of simple operation, low energy consumption and high treatment efficiency. As a new sewage treatment technology, ICPB system has shown great potential in the treatment of refractory pollutants, and has been widely concerned. In this study, the research progress of photocatalyst, carrier and biofilm in ICPB system were discussed, and the degradation mechanism was introduced. The shortcomings of the current ICPB system were pointed out, and the possible research directions of ICPB in the future were proposed. This review aimed to deepen the understanding of ICPB technology and promoted the further development of ICPB technology in the treatment of refractory pollutants.

Spatial occurrence and sources of PAHs in sediments drive the ecological and health risk of Taihu Lake in China

To study the spatial occurrence, sources, and ecological risks of 16 PAHs, surface sediments had been collected from seven major areas of Taihu Lake, China in April 2021. Results showed that the concentrations of ∑₁₆PAHs varied between 1381.48 and 4682.16 ng g⁻¹, and the contents of BghiP in each sample were the highest. The PAHs concentrations in the sediments near the lakeshore were much higher than those in the central area of the lake. The sedimentary ∑₁₆PAHs were mainly composed of molecular-weight monomers and 4-ring PAHs showed superiority (35.69–45.02%). According to the ratio of PAH monomer, the sedimentary PAHs in Taihu Lake were dominantly derived from the combustion. Through the biological toxicity assessment and the BaP equivalent (BaPE), great biological risks of PAHs monomers i.e. DahA and IcdP were found. Both concentrations of ∑₁₆PAHs and dominant 4–6-ring monomers accompanied by carcinogenic risks in many areas of Taihu Lake increased. It is necessary to strengthen monitoring and take measures to control the input of organic pollutants.

Levels, source appointment, and ecological risk of petroleum hydrocarbons in tropical coastal ecosystems (northeast Brazil): Baseline for future monitoring programmes of an oil spill area

We reviewed 20 years of levels, sources, and environmental risks related to the main petroleum hydrocarbons in the northeast region of Brazil. The aim of this study was to conduct a systematic review to serve as a comprehensive baseline for future monitoring programmes related to the oil spill disaster in 2019/2020. Most contamination levels of both PAHs and AHs were classified as low, except those in specific areas influenced by human activities, such as ports, highly urbanised mangroves, or rivers of medium-sized cities with inadequate liquid and solid waste treatment. Most hydrocarbons were linked to natural sources and burning processes, except in regions of extraction activities and petrochemical facilities as well as highly urbanised areas, where degraded petroleum and oil hydrocarbons predominated. Only 2.5% of the samples exceeded threshold effect levels for ∑_16-PAHs and no samples exceeded probable effect levels. When regional threshold levels were used, however, the probable effect for the ∑_16-PAHs measured was high, ranging from 5.8 to 6.1%. The few studies reporting biological responses showed that hydrocarbons from anthropogenic sources can induce adverse effects on marine organisms even at low to moderate levels. As the region has recently received a considerable quantity of crude oil, studies should be prioritised for a more precise assessment of the impact of this oil spill.

Spatial distribution, source identification and ecological risk assessment of POPs and heavy metals in lake sediments of Istanbul, Turkey

Istanbul needs to be protected and constantly monitored water resources due to its increasing population and the decrease in precipitation. This study aims to comprehensively reveal surface sediments collected from reservoirs that supply water to Istanbul concerning POPs (PAHs, PCBs, and OCPs) and heavy metals; to identify possible sources of PAHs, and conduct their ecological risk assessment. Pollution indices in this study were used as contamination degree (CD) contamination factor (CF), geoaccumulation index (I_geo), pollution load index (PLI) and Sediment Quality Guidelines (SQGs). Total PAH concentrations of surface sediments at the sampling points ranged from 46.29 ng/g (A7) to 403.9 ng/g (A15). Benzo(b)fluoranthene (5.647-59.42 ng/g), Pyrene (3.625-83.10 ng/g), Fluoranthene (3.363-66.48 ng/g), Phenanthrene (3.115-52.48 ng/g), Chrysene (3.532-43.98 ng/g), Naphthalene (6.606-36.20 ng/g), Benzo(g,h,i)perylene (3.316-41.73 ng/g) and Indeno(1,2,3-c,d)pyrene (3.453-38.84 ng/g) are the dominant PAH compounds. PAH pollution may be caused by the village-town settlements near the dam and the O7-D020 highway. Total OCP concentration ranged from 2.233 ng/g (A12) to 7.337 ng/g (A1), while total PCB concentration ranged from 0.246 ng/g (A13) to 3.708 ng/g (A1). The lowest total OCP and PCB concentrations were found in surface sediments taken from Kazandere, Papuçdere and Alibey Dam lakes. DDT p,p (0.072-5.177 ng/g) has the highest concentration among all sediment samples. While the most dominant OCP compounds in the samples were DDT p,p, DDE p,p and DDD p,p, HCH alpha, HCH beta, respectively, PCB 153, 138 and 180 were the highest detected PCB congeners in the same samples. Total heavy metal concentration varied from 77,812 mg/kg to 267,072 mg/kg. According to PAH diagnostic analysis, the surface sediments of Terkos, Büyükçekmece, Elmalı, Darlık, Sazlıdere, Alibey and Ömerli Dams were polluted by petrogenic sources, while the surface sediments of Kazandere and Papuçdere Dams were affected by pyrogenic sources. None of the levels of POPs in the samples exceeded the ERM values. Slight and moderate contamination of heavy metals, such as Pb and Zn, were present in most of the sampling points according to CD, CF, PLI and I_geo values. The quality criteria of heavy metals showed that almost all of the sampling points had Cd, Pb and Hg concentrations below the ERL values. The Ni concentrations at most of the sampling points significantly exceeded the ERM values. The concentrations of As, Cr, Cu and especially Ni and Zn exhibit a significant toxic risk to aquatic organisms to sediment quality criteria.

Trace metals, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and polychlorinated biphenyls in the surface sediments from Sanya River, China: Distribution, sources and ecological risk

The urban inland river ecosystems are now facing comprehensive pollution and governance pressures. Up to now, few works related to the multiple pollution assessment of trace metals, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) for the urban inland river sediments have been reported in China. Our study investigated the spatial distribution, ecological risk and potential sources of trace metals, PAHs and PCBs in surface sediment collected from 20 sampling sites of Sanya River, Hainan Province, China. The pollution status and potential ecological risk of trace metals were evaluated using the contamination indexes including geoaccumulation index (I_geo), individual potential ecological risk (E_rⁱ), potential ecological risk index (RI) and pollution load index (PLI). Considering the carcinogenicity and toxicity of PAHs and PCBs to human health and the ecological environment, we also analyzed the distributions, sources and adverse biological effects of PAHs and PCBs according to the sediment quality guidelines (SQGs), principal component analysis (PCA) and other source analysis. This study revealed that the surface sediments in Sanya River were extremely slight pollution and showed a very low ecological risk according to I_geo, E_rⁱ, PLI and RI results for trace metals. Besides, PAHs and PCBs pollution detected may not pose considerable adverse biological effect to ecological environment in a foreseeable period on the basis of comprehensive research results. The overall surface sediments quality of the Sanya River not seem to pose a serious pollution and ecological risk based on the evaluation results of multiple pollution factors. The study provided detailed information on the multiple pollution status and location of surface sediments, one of the key environmental indicators of international tourism cities, in the Sanya River, which would be useful for the water quality improvement of Sanya River and the environmental remediation of the other coastal ecosystems from different regions.

Occurrence, distribution, and ecological risk assessment of emerging and legacy contaminants in the Kadicha river in Lebanon

The Kadicha river basin in Northern Lebanon is an illustrative example of multiple pressures encountered in the Mediterranean region: it is a small coastal river affected by rapid urbanization, population growth (drastically impacted by the influx of Syrian refugees), and a chronic default of wastewater treatment. In this context, multiple classes of contaminants may attain the river accumulating in sediment. However, very little information is available in the literature on the contamination status in such stressed Mediterranean contexts. This study proposed a first contamination evaluation of a small Mediterranean river submitted to multiple pressures. Two sediment sampling campaigns along sites impacted by increasing urban gradient within the Kadicha river basin were performed to determine the occurrence and the environmental risks of both emerging and legacy contaminants. The results revealed the detection of the 41 studied compounds. The highest concentrations were attained by PAHs and polycyclic musks (up to 311.79, 94.22, and 81.13 ng/g of dry weight for PAH, cashmeran, and galaxolide, respectively). The discontinuous urbanized upstream area and the estuary were the most contaminated areas of the river. An environmental risk assessment showed a hazard quotient (HQ) higher than 1 for both legacy and emerging compounds (EHMC and 4-MBC), indicating a potential risk to benthic species. Monitoring campaigns and implementation of wastewater treatment plants should be encouraged as the anthropogenic pressure on small Mediterranean rivers will increase over the years.

Assessment of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in three environmental components from a tropical estuary in Northeast Brazil

The evaluation of occurrence, risk quotient (RQ), bioaccumulation factor (BAF), and sources of PAH was conducted in Sergipe-Poxim estuarine system. PAH distribution that ranged from 7.1 to 30.9 ng L^-1 (surface water, SW), 5.4 to 19.5 ng g^-1 (sediment, S), and 4.3 to 18.1 ng g^-1 (oyster, O), characterized the environment with low contamination; 2-3 (SW), 5-6 (S), and 4 (O) PAH rings accounted for 54.5%, 68.7%, and 87.7%, respectively, along with naphthalene (SW), dibenzo(a,h)anthracene (S), and pyrene (O) as the prevailing compounds. PCA suggested the predominance of particular groups related to SW (LMW-PAH), S (HMW-PAH), and O (pyrene and fluoranthene). Furthermore, one sample of O presented a high PAH bioavailability as shown through the BAF, with emphasis on pyrene (BAF = 26.8). The RQ showed a low to moderate range in SW and S; hence, in-depth information about the possible toxic effect in organisms of this region is required.

Bioremediation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in contaminated mangroves: Understanding the historical and key parameter profiles

Sensitive biomes, such as coastal ecosystems, have become increasingly susceptible to environmental impacts caused by oil logistics and storing, which, although more efficient nowadays, still cause spills. Thus, bioremediation techniques attract attention owing to their low impact on the environment. Among petroleum-based compounds, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are known for their potential impact and persistence in the environment. Therefore, PAH bioremediation is notably a technique capable of reducing these polluting compounds in the environment. However, there is a lack of understanding of microbial growth process conditions, leading to a less efficient choice of bioremediation methods. This article provides a review of the bioremediation processes in mangroves contaminated with oils and PAHs and an overview of some physicochemical and biological factors. Special attention was given to the lack of approach regarding experiments that have been conducted in situ and that considered the predominance of the anaerobic condition of mangroves.

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in surficial sediments from selected rivers in the western Niger Delta of Nigeria: Spatial distribution, sources, and ecological and human health risks

This study assessed the concentrations, sources, and risks of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in sediments from the Rivers Niger, Ase and Forcados in the western Niger Delta. The concentrations of PAHs (in μg kg^-1 dry weight), as determined by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, in sediments from these rivers varied from 2400 to 19,000, 2930 to 16,100, and from 1620 to 19,800 for the Niger, Ase and Forcados Rivers respectively. High molecular weight (HMW) PAHs were the most prevalent compounds present in these sediments. An assessment of the possible ecological and human health risks suggested high risks for both organisms and humans. The PAH source analysis suggested that sediments from these river systems were contaminated with PAHs arising from burning of biomass, gasoline/diesel emissions, burning of natural gas, and oil spillages.

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in sediments and fish species from the White Nile, East Africa: Bioaccumulation potential, source apportionment, ecological and health risk assessment

The impact of oil exploration and production activities on the environment of sub-saharan African countries is not well studied. This study aimed at determining concentrations, sources, and bioaccumulation of 13 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in sediments and fish from the White Nile near Melut oil fields, South Sudan. The study also assessed the ecological and human health risk associated with PAHs in this aquatic system. Total (∑₁₃) PAH concentrations ranged from 566 to 674 ng g^-1dry weight (dw) in sediments, while those in fish were 191-1143 ng g^-1 wet weight (ww). ∑₁₃PAH concentrations were significantly higher in C. gariepinus than in other fish species. Low molecular weight PAHs (LPAHs) dominated the profile of PAHs in sediments (constituted 95% of ∑₁₃PAHs) and fish (97% of ∑₁₃PAHs). Compared to Sediment Quality Guidelines of the United States Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the levels of LPAHs in this study were all above the threshold effect limits, but below the probable effect level, while those of high molecular weight PAHs (HPAHs) were all below the lowest effect levels. The carcinogenic potency equivalent concentrations of PAHs in L. niloticus and C. gariepinus were above the US EPA screening level; suggesting consumption of these species could adversely affect human health. Biota-sediment accumulation factor values (range: 0.006-3.816 g OC g^-1 lipid) for PAHs showed high bioaccumulation of LPAHs in fish muscle, and that bioaccumulation decreased with increase in hydrophobicity of the compounds. This is possibly because LPAHs have higher aqueous solubilities which increases their bioavailability through water-gill transfers compared to HPAHs. Profiles of PAHs in the White Nile environment indicate predominant contribution from petrogenic sources, which could be attributed to presence of crude oil reservoirs and oil production operations. More research into the levels of other environmental pollutants in the oil-rich area is recommended.

Distribution and Sources of n-Alkanes and Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in Sediments Around Oil Production Facilities in the Escravos River Basin, Niger Delta, Nigeria

This study provides data on the characteristic levels, spatial patterns, sources, and risk of n-alkanes (AHs) [octane, n-C₈, to tetracontane, n-C₄₀] and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in surficial sediments from the Escravos River Basin (ERB), Nigeria. The n-alkane and PAH concentrations in sediments were quantified by chromatographic methods. The concentrations of AHs and PAHs in the ERB sediments varied from 95 to 3430 µg g^-1 and from 0.75 to 213 µg g^-1, respectively. Both the concentrations of AHs and PAHs in ERB sediments exceeded their respective guideline values. The carbon preference index and other AH markers provide evidence that the AHs in the ERB sediments originated from petroleum sources. Ecological risk assessment indicated that the ecological risk relating to an organism's contact with PAHs in the ERB sediments was high. The possible carcinogenic risk arising from human exposure with PAHs in surface sediments through accidental oral ingestion and skin contact exceeded the safe level of 10^-6, indicating a considerable probable cancer risk for fishermen and other inhabitants of the ERB. PAH isomer ratios and multivariate statistics suggested that the PAHs in sediments from the ERB originated from gas flaring inputs, discharges from oil drilling platforms, diesel engines, ships, and speed boats, and combustion of wood and other biomass.

After remediation - Using toxicity identification evaluation of sediment contamination in the subtropical Erren river basin

This study utilized the freshwater amphipod (Hyalella azteca) for the indication of contamination risk levels of sediment-associated contaminants in the Erren (ER1∼ER10) and Sanye Rivers (SY1∼SY5) which were contaminated by metal scrap and smelting industries for decades. Toxicity identification evaluations involving the manipulation of pore water and whole-sediment samples were conducted to identify causative pollutants. Impacts on the aquatic environment were then evaluated in order to explore how industrial development led to contaminant accumulation in sediments and resulted in biological effects. A whole-sediment TIE indicated that the major toxicant at sampling sites ER8 and SY5 was ammonia and that its toxicity was significantly reduced by the addition of zeolite. Toxicity at sampling sites ER4 and ER9 was induced by ammonia and heavy metals (Zn, Cd, Cr, As), whereas Cr was at toxic levels at ER6. ∑PAHs was another major class of contaminants at site ER2. Metals (Zn, Ni, Pb, Cd, Cr, and As) were identified as major toxic contaminants at three sites (ER3, SY1, and SY3). The application of TIEs confirmed that a causative toxicant can be identified and that its measured toxicity correlated with its concentration. In conclusion, a TIE approach was successful in demarcating most effective contaminant groups (ammonia, heavy metals, and non-polar organic compounds) in whole-sediment cores, their porewaters and potential toxicities from a highly polluted river after remediation in southern Taiwan to an invertebrate animal model H. azteca.

The impact of anthropogenic activity at the tropical Sergipe-Poxim estuarine system, Northeast Brazil: Fecal indicators

The individual concentrations and sources of sterols in sediments samples collected in two periods 2017 (dry period /March and rainy period/August) were determined along with the Sergipe-Poxim estuarine system, Aracaju, Brazil. The individual sterols concentration ranged from 135 to 21,746 ng g^-1 (March) and 191 to 144,748 ng g^-1 (August) and the distribution was mainly dominated by β-sitosterol in both periods with 37.2% (March) and 70.8% (August) of the total sterols found. In all the sampling sites, the coprostanol levels were higher than 100 ng g¹ (March) and 500 ng g^-1 (August), indicating sewage contamination. Diagnostic ratios between sterols suggested the predominance of sewage sources. Pearson correlation assessed a correlation significant (March) and negligible (August) between coprostanol concentration levels and organic matter. The principal component analysis (PCA) showed that the sterols levels influenced strongly C1, as well as C2 distinguished between the plant sterols and from sewage.

Coupled photocatalytic-bacterial degradation of pyrene: Removal enhancement and bacterial community responses

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are a class of pollutants that ubiquitously present in environment and hard to be degraded by microorganisms. Herein, we reported a novel photocatalytic-bacterial coupled removal system to treat PAH-polluted water. Using pyrene as the model pollutant, we demonstrated that the removal percentage of different groups was in order: 63.89% ± 1.03% (Vis-Biological) > 61.27% ± 1.08% (UV-Biological) > 59.58% ± 1.15% (UV) > 57.41% ± 1.13% (Vis) > 6.65% ± 0.72% (Biological) > 1.70% ± 0.34% (Control), showing the coupled system significantly improved the removal percentage of pyrene. Additionally, we observed that the coupled system driven by visible light showed higher removal percentage than UV light, exhibiting a good potential for future application. Sequencing analysis of 16S rRNA genes showed that alpha diversity (richness, evenness and diversity) got promoted and data of the relative abundance showed that Pseudomonadaceae was substituted as the dominant bacteria for Planococcaceae, with some other functional bacteria quickly acclimatizing in the bacterial community. Difference analysis indicated that over half of top fifteen genera were generally different significantly (p < 0.001) among two different samples, and UV light altered structure and composition of bacterial community more than visible light. Functional features' change suggested that the bacterial community not only protected itself but also participated in degrading pyrene. Overall, our study offered a new method for PAH degradation and contributed to further understanding of coupled catalytic-bacterial degradation processes.

The distinct response of phenanthrene enriched bacterial consortia to different PAHs and their degradation potential: a mangrove sediment microcosm study

Understanding the microbial community succession to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and identification of important degrading microbial groups are crucial for the designing of appropriate bioremediation strategies. In the present study, two distinct phenanthrene enriched bacterial consortia were treated against high molecular weight (Pyrene, Benzo (a) pyrene and Benzo (a) fluoranthene) and the response was studied in term of taxonomic variations by using High Throughput Illumina sequencing and qPCR analysis. Overall, the type of PAHs significantly affected the composition and the relative abundance of bacterial communities while no obvious difference was detected between bacterial communities of benzo (a) pyrene and benzo (a) fluoranthene treatments. Genera, Novosphingobium, Pseudomonas, Flavobacterium, Mycobacterium, Hoeflae, and Algoriphagus dominated all PAHs treatment groups indicating that they could be the key PAHs degrading phylotypes. Due to the higher abundance of gram-negative PAH-ring hydroxylating dioxygenase gene than that of gram-positive bacteria in all treated groups, we speculated that gram-negative bacteria may contribute more in the PAH degradation. The studied sediments harbored rich PAHs degrading bacterial assemblages involved in both low and high molecular weight PAHs and these findings provided new insight into the perspective of microbial PAHs bioremediation in the mangrove ecosystem.

Characterization, source identification and risk associated with polyaromatic and chlorinated organic contaminants (PAHs, PCBs, PCBzs and OCPs) in the surface sediments of Hooghly estuary, India

The spatial distribution, source identification and ecotoxicological impact of a group of persistent organic pollutants (POPs: dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT), hexachlorocyclohexanes (HCHs), polychlorobiphenyls (PCBs), polychlorobenzenes (PCBzs)), and polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were investigated in surface sediment samples (0-5 cm, <63 μm grain size) along the ecologically stressed Hooghly River estuary, East India. The results demonstrated a wide range of concentrations (ng/g dry weight) with the following decreasing order: ∑₁₆PAHs (3.3-630) > ∑₆DDTs (0.14-18.6) > ∑₇PCBs (0.28-7.7) > ∑₂PCBzs (0.01-1.3) > ∑₅HCH (0.10-0.6), with a dominance of p,p'-DDT and higher molecular weight PAHs. Selected diagnostic ratios indicated a mixture of both pyrolytic and petrogenic sources of PAHs, inputs of weathered DDT and their degradation in oxidizing environment, and a predominance of industrial input over the agricultural wastes. The cumulative impact of the pollutants (effective range medium quotient (ERMq): 0.01-0.16) reflected minimal to low ecotoxicological risk, with highest probability of toxic effects towards surrounding biota at Barrackpore (21%). ∑₆DDTs exceeded the effect range low value resulting occasional adverse impact to the sediment dwelling organisms. Among the PAHs, the 4-ringed compounds accounted for 68% of the PAHs. Further, carcinogenic PAHs (BaA, Chry, BbF, BkF, BaP, DahP, Inp) possessed highest cancer risk (CR = 2.09 × 10^-3) to the local population when exposed to the sediments from the studied area and ingestion was found to be the primary process of contamination. The study strongly recommends a systematic monitoring of POPs and PAHs, being the Hooghly River water used by local people for their livelihood.

Fungal communities in oil contaminated mangrove sediments - Who is in the mud?

Mangroves are ecosystems located in tropical and subtropical regions of the world and are vital for coastal protection. Their unique characteristics make them hotspots for carbon cycling and biological diversity. Studies on isolated filamentous fungi and environmental and anthropogenic factors that influence sediments offer new understandings on how to preserve mangroves. Here we report on the filamentous fungi isolated from four mangroves. We correlated fungal community composition with sediment texture, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons concentration (oil pollution), pH, salinity, organic matter, total and thermotolerant coliforms (sewage pollution). In total we identified 34 genera and 97 species. The most polluted sites had highest species richness whereas the best preserved site showed the lowest species richness. Oil spill and sewage pollution were identified as the drivers of fungal community composition in the most polluted sites. We found very distinct fungal communities with no >5 species shared between any two mangrove sites.

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in sediments of the Amazon River Estuary (Amapá, Northern Brazil): Distribution, sources and potential ecological risk

The distribution, sources and potential ecological risk of priority polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in sediment from the Amazon River Estuary (Macapá and Santana, Amapá, Northern Brazil) were investigated. The total PAHs concentration (∑PAH) ranged from 22.2 to 158.9 ng g^-1 dw (mean value 49.4 ng g^-1 dw). PAHs levels in the study area were relatively low than those in nearby areas and other coastal zones worldwide, and could be considered as baseline for PAHs in Amazonic sediments. PAHs ratios and the statistical analysis showed that fossil fuel and biomass combustions, primarily from local sources, were the dominant PAHs origins. The potential ecological risk was assessed on the basis of the sediment quality guidelines, and it was found that PAHs in the sediments of the Amazon River Estuary do not cause adverse effects on living organisms; however, the abundance of naphthalene and the presence of dibenzo[a,h]anthracene and benzo[a]pyrene deserve more attention.

Occurrence, source and ecological assessment of petroleum related hydrocarbons in intertidal marine sediments of the Bay of Fundy, New Brunswick, Canada

Total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPH), n-alkanes, petroleum-related biomarkers of terpanes and steranes, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were analyzed in the intertidal sediments in the Bay of Fundy, Nova Scotia/New Brunswick, Canada. Sites close to the harbour and more densely populated areas had higher TPH levels than other pristine areas. n-Alkanes presented a typical single bell-shape in n-C₁₆ to n-C₃₅ range and an obvious odd to even carbon preference. Most sites had trace amounts of petroleum biomarkers. Abundant non-alkylated PAHs and lower amounts of alkylated PAHs represented the major input of the incomplete combustion of solid (e.g., coal, coke, biomass, and coal tar) and liquid fuels. The toxicity estimation for PAHs indicates that they did not have potential toxicity to benthic organisms at most sampling sites. However, possible to probable negative effects from the measured PAH concentrations were found for the two samples from Courtenay Bay and Saint Andrews.