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Um IK, Choi MS, Han SY, Choi S, Yang D. Revisiting elemental geochemistry in surface sediments of the Ulleung Basin, East/Japan Sea: Signals from ocean dumping materials. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2024; 206:116747. [PMID: 39053259 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2024.116747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2024] [Revised: 07/08/2024] [Accepted: 07/15/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024]
Abstract
A total of 222 surface sediments were collected in the Ulleung Basin, southwestern East/Japan Sea, from the coast to the basin and analyzed for grain size, total organic carbon, biogenic silica and major and trace elements. The metal concentrations of the surface sediments were highly spatially variable, and their distributions were grouped into four types by factor analysis: waste dumping materials (Cr, Cu, Zn, Sn, Sb, and Pb); detrital materials (Al, Fe, and Cs); suboxic diagenetic materials (Mn, Mo, Co, and Ni); and anoxic diagenetic materials (Cd and U). From core samples collected near the dumping site, approximately the top 10 cm was well mixed in the 210Pbex profiles and highly enriched in the above metals related to dumping materials. The enrichment factor of Sn indicates dumping materials well, and its distribution can be used to estimate the dispersion range of the dumped material in this basin.
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Affiliation(s)
- In Kwon Um
- Marine Geology and Energy Division, Korea Institute of Geoscience and Mineral Resources, Daejeon 34132, Republic of Korea.
| | - Man Sik Choi
- Department of Marine Environmental Sciences, Chungnam National University, Daejeon 34134, Republic of Korea; Department of Earth, Environmental & Space Sciences, Chungnam National University, Daejeon 34134, Republic of Korea
| | - Soo Yeon Han
- Geoscience Data Center, Korea Institute of Geoscience and Mineral Resources, Daejeon 34132, Republic of Korea
| | - Seonghu Choi
- Department of Earth, Environmental & Space Sciences, Chungnam National University, Daejeon 34134, Republic of Korea
| | - Dasom Yang
- Department of Earth, Environmental & Space Sciences, Chungnam National University, Daejeon 34134, Republic of Korea
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Jung JM, Kim CJ, Chung CS, Kim T, Gu HS, Kim HE, Choi KY. Applying new regional background concentration criteria to assess heavy metal contamination in deep-sea sediments at an ocean dumping site, Republic of Korea. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2024; 200:116065. [PMID: 38286087 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2024.116065] [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: 08/24/2023] [Revised: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 01/31/2024]
Abstract
It is crucial to establish appropriate background concentrations to discern heavy metal pollution in the marine environment. In this study, we analyzed heavy metals in deep-sea sediment cores to determine regional background concentrations at the East-Sea Byeong Ocean dumping site. The vertical profiles of heavy metals were categorized into three groups based on their contamination characteristics, and regional background levels for 12 metals were determined using pre-1900 averages. The enrichment factor, contamination factor, and pollution load index, calculated using regional background concentrations, indicated significant contamination by Cr, Co, Cu, Zn, Cd, Hg, and Pb during the ocean dumping period. These results differ from those obtained using global average concentrations. This underscores the importance of considering regional characteristics to minimize the risk of misinterpreting anthropogenic impacts. The approach based on local information is considered useful when sediment quality guidelines are absent or inapplicable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun-Mo Jung
- Major of Oceanography, Division of Earth Environmental System Science, Pukyong National University, Busan 48513, Republic of Korea; Marine Environmental Research Department, Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology, Busan 49111, Republic of Korea
| | - Chang-Joon Kim
- Marine Environmental Research Department, Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology, Busan 49111, Republic of Korea
| | - Chang-Soo Chung
- Marine Environmental Research Department, Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology, Busan 49111, Republic of Korea; KIOST School, University of Science and Technology (UST), Busan 49111, Republic of Korea
| | - Taejin Kim
- Major of Oceanography, Division of Earth Environmental System Science, Pukyong National University, Busan 48513, Republic of Korea
| | - Hae-San Gu
- Marine Environmental Research Department, Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology, Busan 49111, Republic of Korea; KIOST School, University of Science and Technology (UST), Busan 49111, Republic of Korea
| | - Hye-Eun Kim
- Marine Environmental Research Department, Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology, Busan 49111, Republic of Korea
| | - Ki-Young Choi
- Marine Environmental Research Department, Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology, Busan 49111, Republic of Korea; KIOST School, University of Science and Technology (UST), Busan 49111, Republic of Korea.
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Kim CJ, Chung CS, Jung JM, Kim YR, Kang DW, Kim HE, Shin KH, Choi KY. Long-term effects of chromium from red mud (bauxite residue) ocean dumping on the benthic environment in South Korea. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2023; 196:115584. [PMID: 37774462 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.115584] [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: 07/04/2023] [Revised: 09/17/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/01/2023]
Abstract
Between 1999 and 2009, 344,000 m3 of red mud was released into the red mud dumping zone in the East Sea-Byeong ocean dumping site in South Korea. This study aimed to assess the impacts before and after the 2010 red mud dumping ban. We quantified total Cr concentrations by depth from core sediment samples at the red mud dumping station and evaluated benthic communities in 2004, 2009, 2012, 2017, and 2019. At the dumping station DB-085, the Cr content in the upper layer (0-10 cm) exceeded the effect range median criteria in all study years and decreased with time. Geochemical fraction studies using sequential extraction methods from core sediment samples in 2004, 2009, and 2017 showed high ratios of non-residual fractions (anthropogenic inputs), indicating persistent potential long-term risk after the 2010 ban. Additionally, we confirmed that Thyasira tokunagai, an opportunistic and contamination-stress-resistant species, dominated the study station.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chang-Joon Kim
- Marine Environment Research Department, Korea Institute of Ocean Science & Technology, Busan 49111, Republic of Korea; Department of Marine Science and Convergence Engineering, Hanyang University ERICA, Ansan 15588, Republic of Korea
| | - Chang-Soo Chung
- Marine Environment Research Department, Korea Institute of Ocean Science & Technology, Busan 49111, Republic of Korea; KIOST School, University of Science and Technology (UST), Busan 49111, Republic of Korea
| | - Jun-Mo Jung
- Marine Environment Research Department, Korea Institute of Ocean Science & Technology, Busan 49111, Republic of Korea; Major of Oceanography, Division of Earth Environmental System Science, Pukyong National University, Busan 48513, Republic of Korea
| | - Young-Ryun Kim
- Marine Eco-Technology Institute, Busan 48520, Republic of Korea
| | - Dong-Won Kang
- Marine Eco-Technology Institute, Busan 48520, Republic of Korea
| | - Hye-Eun Kim
- Marine Environment Research Department, Korea Institute of Ocean Science & Technology, Busan 49111, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyung-Hoon Shin
- Department of Marine Science and Convergence Engineering, Hanyang University ERICA, Ansan 15588, Republic of Korea
| | - Ki-Young Choi
- Marine Environment Research Department, Korea Institute of Ocean Science & Technology, Busan 49111, Republic of Korea; KIOST School, University of Science and Technology (UST), Busan 49111, Republic of Korea.
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Jung JM, Kim CJ, Chung CS, Kim T, Choi KY. Heavy metal characterization of land-based waste dumped at three ocean dumping sites in the Republic of Korea. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2023; 193:115205. [PMID: 37352800 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.115205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2023] [Revised: 06/16/2023] [Accepted: 06/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/25/2023]
Abstract
From 1991 to 2021, 16 categories of land-based waste, totaling 131,400,000 m3, were dumped at three sites in Korea. The concentration of heavy metals varied by waste type, with organic sludge showing higher levels than liquid waste. While wastewater treatment sludge was the most commonly discarded waste, the quantity and types of waste disposed of varied by site. Before the 2015 ban on ocean dumping, 62,330 tons of heavy metals were introduced, including zinc, copper, chromium, lead, arsenic, cadmium, and mercury in descending order of frequency. In each heavy metal category, the portion of land-based waste varied by dumping site. Compared to heavy metals from atmospheric deposition, anthropogenic heavy metal input from dumping was up to 141 times higher for copper. This study serves as a reference for estimating the impact of pollutants from dumped waste.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun-Mo Jung
- Major of Oceanography, Division of Earth Environmental System Science, Pukyong National University, 45, Yongso-ro, Nam-gu, Busan 48513, Republic of Korea; Marine Environmental Research Department, Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology, 385, Haeyang-ro, Yeongdo-gu, Busan 49111, Republic of Korea
| | - Chang-Joon Kim
- Marine Environmental Research Department, Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology, 385, Haeyang-ro, Yeongdo-gu, Busan 49111, Republic of Korea
| | - Chang-Soo Chung
- Marine Environmental Research Department, Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology, 385, Haeyang-ro, Yeongdo-gu, Busan 49111, Republic of Korea
| | - Taejin Kim
- Major of Oceanography, Division of Earth Environmental System Science, Pukyong National University, 45, Yongso-ro, Nam-gu, Busan 48513, Republic of Korea
| | - Ki-Young Choi
- Marine Environmental Research Department, Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology, 385, Haeyang-ro, Yeongdo-gu, Busan 49111, Republic of Korea.
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Kucuksezgin F, Pazi I, Gonul LT. Environmental impact of fish farming: assessment of metal contamination and sediment geochemistry at three aquaculture areas from the eastern Aegean coast. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2022; 194:313. [PMID: 35355139 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-022-09960-3] [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: 11/30/2021] [Accepted: 03/19/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Metal contamination and geochemistry of surface sediments were assessed at three aquaculture sites from the eastern Aegean coast. The chlorophyll degradation products and organic carbon levels were used as indicators of eutrophication status. In Akköy, higher Hg, Pb, and Cd levels were observed around the cages, while maximum concentrations of other elements were determined at stations situated near the Büyük Menderes River estuary. Metal concentrations were less than the central Aegean coast background levels other than Zn, Ni, and Cr in Akköy. Several approximations have been utilized to evaluate potential toxicity of sediments and sediment quality guidelines (SQG) were used to estimate the risks for aquatic life. Ni was the only metal with concentrations exceeding all SQG values, which indicates the highest adverse biological effect in Ildır, Akköy, and occasionally toxic in Güllük. Based on QPEL and QTEL, Ni and Cr were the predominant metal contaminants in all areas. Similarly, Cr and Ni account for the most of the all sediment toxicity in the aquaculture areas according to toxic risk index. It is concluded that sediments around the fish farms are affected by growing input of elements because of aquaculture activity. The levels of chlorophyll degradation products showed oligotrophic and mesotrophic conditions in the three studied aquaculture areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Filiz Kucuksezgin
- Institute of Marine Sciences and Technology, Dokuz Eylul University, Inciralti, Izmir, 35340, Turkey.
| | - Idil Pazi
- Institute of Marine Sciences and Technology, Dokuz Eylul University, Inciralti, Izmir, 35340, Turkey
| | - L Tolga Gonul
- Institute of Marine Sciences and Technology, Dokuz Eylul University, Inciralti, Izmir, 35340, Turkey
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Kim YR, Kang DW, Lee S, Choi KY, Kim HE, Jung JM, Chung CS, Jang YS, Kim CJ. Distribution and assessment of heavy metal concentrations in the East Sea-Byeong ocean dumping site, Korea. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2021; 172:112815. [PMID: 34388444 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2021.112815] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2021] [Revised: 07/27/2021] [Accepted: 08/01/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Sediment cores were collected from three sites, the Control, Dumping, and Resting sites in the East Sea-Byeong ocean dumping site, Korea, and the enrichment and degree of accumulation of heavy metals were investigated. Further, to assess the level of heavy metal pollution and understand the potential effects of the ocean dumping activities that began in 1993, the results obtained corresponding to the different sampling sites were compared, and various criteria were employed. Indices, including the enrichment factor and the modified contamination degree, demonstrated that the sediments were contaminated with various heavy metals at different contamination levels. The results also indicated a significant upward enrichment in heavy metals, with the uppermost 0-10 cm sediment layer showing relatively high concentrations. Overall, this study confirmed that anthropogenic heavy metal contamination at the study sites, and the implementation of continuous monitoring, alongside the application of proper management tools, is recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Young-Ryun Kim
- Marine Eco-Technology Institute, Busan 48520, Republic of Korea
| | - Dong-Won Kang
- Marine Eco-Technology Institute, Busan 48520, Republic of Korea
| | - Sangjin Lee
- Marine Eco-Technology Institute, Busan 48520, Republic of Korea
| | - Ki-Young Choi
- Marine Environmental Research Center, Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology, Busan 49111, Republic of Korea
| | - Hye-Eun Kim
- Marine Environmental Research Center, Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology, Busan 49111, Republic of Korea
| | - Jun-Mo Jung
- Marine Environmental Research Center, Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology, Busan 49111, Republic of Korea
| | - Chang-Soo Chung
- Marine Environmental Research Center, Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology, Busan 49111, Republic of Korea
| | - Young-Suk Jang
- East Sea Environment Research Division, Korea Institute of Ocean Science & Technology, Uljin 36315, Republic of Korea
| | - Chang-Joon Kim
- Marine Environmental Research Center, Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology, Busan 49111, Republic of Korea.
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Eo S, Hong SH, Song YK, Han GM, Seo S, Shim WJ. Prevalence of small high-density microplastics in the continental shelf and deep sea waters of East Asia. WATER RESEARCH 2021; 200:117238. [PMID: 34051457 DOI: 10.1016/j.watres.2021.117238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2020] [Revised: 05/05/2021] [Accepted: 05/06/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Microplastics are widely distributed throughout aquatic environments. Information about the vertical distribution and fate of microplastics in seawater remains limited. To elucidate the vertical distribution of microplastics, three to six vertical water column layers were sampled based on the thermocline depth, from which the vertical distribution and characteristics of microplastics larger than 20 μm were investigated in continental shelf and deep-sea waters around South Korea. In addition, microplastics incorporated into marine aggregates (aggregated fraction) were investigated to determine the contribution of aggregates to vertical transport of microplastics. The abundance of microplastics was in the range of 15-9,400 particles/m3. No consistent trend was observed in the overall vertical profiles. The size, shape and polymer compositions of microplastics at each station were generally comparable throughout the water column. Unexpectedly, high-density (HD; > 1.02 g/cm3) polymers accounted for an average of 73% of total microplastics. As polymer density increased, the proportion of microplastics less than 100 μm in size increased. HD polymers also accounted for 68% of the aerosol samples collected together with water samples. Due to the relatively high proportion of HD polymers in far-offshore waters, high-density solution should be used to extract microplastics, even from surface seawaters. The aggregated fraction accounted for 0-28.6% (average, 3.4%) of total microplastics. Marine aggregates are considered an important mechanism of transport for microplastics less dense than seawater to the deep-water column, but they showed lower proportions than expected in continental shelf and deep-sea waters around South Korea.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soeun Eo
- Oil and POPs Research Group, 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
| | - Sang Hee Hong
- Oil and POPs Research Group, 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
| | - Young Kyoung Song
- Oil and POPs Research Group, Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology, Geoje 53201, Republic of Korea
| | - Gi Myung Han
- Oil and POPs Research Group, Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology, Geoje 53201, Republic of Korea
| | - Seongbong Seo
- Ocean Circulation and Climate Research Center, Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology, Busan 49111, Republic of Korea
| | - Won Joon Shim
- Oil and POPs Research Group, 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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Kucuksezgin F, Pazi I, Gonul LT, Kocak F, Eronat C, Sayin E, Talas E. The impact of fish farming on the water column and marine sediments in three coastal regions from eastern Aegean coast. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2021; 28:29564-29580. [PMID: 33559078 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-021-12695-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2020] [Accepted: 01/25/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The impacts of mariculture activities in the water and sediments were comprehensively evaluated for the first time in this study. Lower dissolved oxygen was detected near the cages during summer due to aquacultural activities and bacterial degradation of organic compounds. However, DO levels were not below the 5 mg L-1 limit recommended for aquatic growth, survival and metabolic processes. Different eutrophication assessment methods showed that Güllük Bay, where intensive aquaculture activities occurred, was characterized by poor status. Assessment of different eutrophication tools for Akköy and Ildır Bay indicated that water quality status was not similar to each other. The most noticeable effect of aquaculture activities is the sedimentation of faeces and uneaten food under the cages. Nutrients in the water indicated gradual decrease with distance from the cages. Comparison of total phosphorus in sediments showed that the most affected area is Güllük Bay owing to cumulative impact of aquaculture. The higher total organic carbon (TOC) in sediments was measured near and under the cages. TOC was a useful indicator to show benthic health, less than 10 mg g-1 corresponded to low risk deteriorations for all aquaculture sites. Sediment monitoring studies should be carried out to provide sustainable use of the aquaculture areas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Filiz Kucuksezgin
- Dokuz Eylul University, Institute of Marine Sciences and Technology, 35340 Inciralti, Izmir, Turkey.
| | - Idil Pazi
- Dokuz Eylul University, Institute of Marine Sciences and Technology, 35340 Inciralti, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Lutfi Tolga Gonul
- Dokuz Eylul University, Institute of Marine Sciences and Technology, 35340 Inciralti, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Ferah Kocak
- Dokuz Eylul University, Institute of Marine Sciences and Technology, 35340 Inciralti, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Canan Eronat
- Dokuz Eylul University, Institute of Marine Sciences and Technology, 35340 Inciralti, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Erdem Sayin
- Dokuz Eylul University, Institute of Marine Sciences and Technology, 35340 Inciralti, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Ezgi Talas
- Dokuz Eylul University, Institute of Marine Sciences and Technology, 35340 Inciralti, Izmir, Turkey
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