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Wippermann D, Zonderman A, Zimmermann T, Pröfrock D. Determination of technology-critical elements in seafood reference materials by inductively coupled plasma-tandem mass spectrometry. Anal Bioanal Chem 2024; 416:2797-2807. [PMID: 38141077 PMCID: PMC11009730 DOI: 10.1007/s00216-023-05081-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2023] [Revised: 11/01/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023]
Abstract
The certified reference materials (CRMs) BCR-668 (mussel tissue), NCS ZC73034 (prawn), NIST SRM 1566a (oyster tissue) and NIST SRM 2976 (mussel tissue) were analyzed for their mass fractions of 23 elements using inductively coupled plasma tandem-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS/MS). This study focused on the quantification of selected technology-critical elements (TCEs), specifically rare earth elements (REE) and the less studied TCEs Ga, Ge, Nb, In and Ta. Microwave assisted closed vessel digestion using an acid mixture of HNO3, HCl and H2O2 was applied to varying sample masses and two different microwave systems. Recoveries of 76% (Gd, NCS ZC73034) to 129% (Lu, BCR-668) were obtained for the REE and 83% (Ge, NCS ZC73034) to 127% (Nb, NCS ZC73034) for the less studied TCEs across all analyzed CRMs (compared to certified values) using the best-performing parameters. Mass fractions for all analyzed, non-certified elements are suggested and given with a combined uncertainty U (k = 2), including mass fractions for Ga (11 µg kg-1 ± 9 µg kg-1 to 67 µg kg-1 ± 8 µg kg-1) and In (0.4 µg kg-1 ± 0.3 µg kg-1 to 0.8 µg kg-1 ± 0.7 µg kg-1). This study provides mass fractions of possible new emerging contaminants and addresses the relevant challenges in quantification of less studied TCEs, thus allowing the application of existing CRMs for method validation in studies dealing with the determination of TCEs in seafood or other biota.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dominik Wippermann
- Department Inorganic Environmental Chemistry, Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon, Institute of Coastal Environmental Chemistry, Max-Planck-Str. 1, 21502, Geesthacht, Germany
- Department of Chemistry, Inorganic and Applied Chemistry, Universität Hamburg, Martin-Luther-King-Platz 6, 20146, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Alexa Zonderman
- Department Inorganic Environmental Chemistry, Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon, Institute of Coastal Environmental Chemistry, Max-Planck-Str. 1, 21502, Geesthacht, Germany
- Department of Biology, Marine Ecosystem and Fishery Science, Universität Hamburg, Olbersweg 24, 22767, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Tristan Zimmermann
- Department Inorganic Environmental Chemistry, Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon, Institute of Coastal Environmental Chemistry, Max-Planck-Str. 1, 21502, Geesthacht, Germany
| | - Daniel Pröfrock
- Department Inorganic Environmental Chemistry, Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon, Institute of Coastal Environmental Chemistry, Max-Planck-Str. 1, 21502, Geesthacht, Germany.
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2
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Ebeling A, Wippermann D, Zimmermann T, Klein O, Kirchgeorg T, Weinberg I, Hasenbein S, Plaß A, Pröfrock D. Investigation of potential metal emissions from galvanic anodes in offshore wind farms into North Sea sediments. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2023; 194:115396. [PMID: 37582306 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.115396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2023] [Revised: 08/03/2023] [Accepted: 08/05/2023] [Indexed: 08/17/2023]
Abstract
To evaluate potential metal emissions from offshore wind farms (OWFs), 215 surface sediment samples from different German North Sea OWFs taken between 2016 and 2022 were analyzed for their mass fractions of metals and their isotopic composition of Sr. For the first time, this study provides large-scale elemental data from OWFs of the previously proposed galvanic anode tracers Cd, Pb, Zn, Ga and In. Results show that mass fractions of the legacy pollutants Cd, Pb and Zn were mostly within the known variability of North Sea sediments. At the current stage the analyzed Ga and In mass fractions as well as Ga/In ratios do not point towards an accumulation in sediments caused by galvanic anodes used in OWFs. However, further investigations are advisable to evaluate long-term effects over the expected lifetime of OWFs, especially with regard to the current intensification of offshore wind energy development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Ebeling
- Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon, Institute of Coastal Environmental Chemistry, Department Inorganic Environmental Chemistry, Max-Planck-Str. 1, 21502 Geesthacht, Germany; Universität Hamburg, Department of Chemistry, Inorganic and Applied Chemistry, Martin-Luther-King-Platz 6, 20146 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Dominik Wippermann
- Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon, Institute of Coastal Environmental Chemistry, Department Inorganic Environmental Chemistry, Max-Planck-Str. 1, 21502 Geesthacht, Germany; Universität Hamburg, Department of Chemistry, Inorganic and Applied Chemistry, Martin-Luther-King-Platz 6, 20146 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Tristan Zimmermann
- Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon, Institute of Coastal Environmental Chemistry, Department Inorganic Environmental Chemistry, Max-Planck-Str. 1, 21502 Geesthacht, Germany
| | - Ole Klein
- Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon, Institute of Coastal Environmental Chemistry, Department Inorganic Environmental Chemistry, Max-Planck-Str. 1, 21502 Geesthacht, Germany
| | - Torben Kirchgeorg
- Federal Maritime and Hydrographic Agency (BSH), Wüstland 2, 22589 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Ingo Weinberg
- Federal Maritime and Hydrographic Agency (BSH), Wüstland 2, 22589 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Simone Hasenbein
- Federal Maritime and Hydrographic Agency (BSH), Wüstland 2, 22589 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Anna Plaß
- Federal Maritime and Hydrographic Agency (BSH), Wüstland 2, 22589 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Daniel Pröfrock
- Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon, Institute of Coastal Environmental Chemistry, Department Inorganic Environmental Chemistry, Max-Planck-Str. 1, 21502 Geesthacht, Germany.
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den Otter JH, Pröfrock D, Bünning TH, Strehse JS, van der Heijden AEDM, Maser E. Release of Ammunition-Related Compounds from a Dutch Marine Dump Site. TOXICS 2023; 11:toxics11030238. [PMID: 36977003 PMCID: PMC10055382 DOI: 10.3390/toxics11030238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2023] [Revised: 02/16/2023] [Accepted: 02/22/2023] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
After World War II, large amounts of ammunition were dumped in surface waters worldwide, potentially releasing harmful and toxic compounds to the environment. To study their degradation, ammunition items dumped in the Eastern Scheldt in The Netherlands were surfaced. Severe damage due to corrosion and leak paths through the casings were observed, making the explosives in the ammunition accessible to sea water. Using novel techniques, the concentrations of ammunition-related compounds in the surrounding seabed and in the seawater were analyzed at 15 different locations. In the direct vicinity of ammunition, elevated concentrations of ammunition-related compounds (both metals and organic substances) were found. Concentrations of energetic compounds ranged from below the limit of detection (LoD) up to the low two-digit ng/L range in water samples, and from below the LoD up to the one-digit ng/g dry weight range in sediment samples. Concentrations of metals were found up to the low microgram/L range in water and up the low ng/g dry weight in sediment. However, even though the water and sediment samples were collected as close to the ammunition items as possible, the concentrations of these compounds were low and, as far as available, no quality standards or limits were exceeded. The presence of fouling, the low solubility of the energetic compounds, and dilution by the high local water current were concluded to be the main causes for the absence of high concentrations of ammunition-related compounds. As a conclusion, these new analytical methods should be applied to continuously monitor the Eastern Scheldt munitions dump site.
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Affiliation(s)
- J. H. den Otter
- Department of Energetic Materials, TNO, Ypenburgse Boslaan 2, 2496 ZA The Hague, The Netherlands
- Correspondence:
| | - D. Pröfrock
- Department Inorganic Environmental Chemistry, Institute of Coastal Environmental Chemistry, Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon, Max-Planck-Straße 1, 21502 Geesthacht, Germany
| | - T. H. Bünning
- Institute of Toxicology and Pharmacology for Natural Scientists, University Medical School Schleswig-Holstein, Brunswiker Straße 10, 24105 Kiel, Germany
| | - J. S. Strehse
- Institute of Toxicology and Pharmacology for Natural Scientists, University Medical School Schleswig-Holstein, Brunswiker Straße 10, 24105 Kiel, Germany
| | | | - E. Maser
- Institute of Toxicology and Pharmacology for Natural Scientists, University Medical School Schleswig-Holstein, Brunswiker Straße 10, 24105 Kiel, Germany
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Trimmel S, Meisel TC, Lancaster ST, Prohaska T, Irrgeher J. Determination of 48 elements in 7 plant CRMs by ICP-MS/MS with a focus on technology-critical elements. Anal Bioanal Chem 2023; 415:1159-1172. [PMID: 36624195 PMCID: PMC9899746 DOI: 10.1007/s00216-022-04497-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2022] [Revised: 11/23/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Seven plant certified reference materials (NIST SRM1515 Apple Leaves, NIST SRM1547 Peach Leaves, BCR-129 Hay Powder, BCR-670 Aquatic Plant, GBW07603 Bush Twigs and Leaves, GBW10015 Spinach Leaves and NCS ZC73036a Green Tea) were analysed for their mass fractions of 48 elements by inductively coupled plasma tandem-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS/MS): Li, Be, Na, Mg, Al, Ca, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Ga, Ge, As, Se, Rb, Sr, Y, Nb, Mo, Ag, Cd, Sb, Te, Ba, La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, Yb, Lu, Ta, Tl, Pb, Bi, Th, U. Special focus was put on the determination of technology-critical elements (TCEs), to which, e.g. Li, Be, Ga, Ge, Nb, Sb, Ta, Tl, Bi, and the rare-earth elements (REEs, lanthanides and Y) are counted. Closed-vessel microwave digestion was performed using HNO3, H2O2 and HBF4. The average bias for certified values is - 1% ± 13% (SD). Limits of detection (xL) in the measured solutions lie between 13 fg g-1 (Tb) and 52 ng g-1 (Ca). This article seeks to provide an optimised measurement procedure for the determination of element mass fractions of emerging importance in environmental samples, which are challenging to analyse with more traditional techniques such as single-quad ICP-MS. In addition, it aims to improve the characterisation of commonly used plant reference materials by providing mass fraction data for rarely studied elements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone Trimmel
- grid.181790.60000 0001 1033 9225Montanuniversität Leoben, Leoben, Austria
| | - Thomas C. Meisel
- grid.181790.60000 0001 1033 9225Montanuniversität Leoben, Leoben, Austria
| | - Shaun T. Lancaster
- grid.181790.60000 0001 1033 9225Montanuniversität Leoben, Leoben, Austria
| | - Thomas Prohaska
- grid.181790.60000 0001 1033 9225Montanuniversität Leoben, Leoben, Austria
| | - Johanna Irrgeher
- grid.181790.60000 0001 1033 9225Montanuniversität Leoben, Leoben, Austria
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Klein O, Zimmermann T, Hildebrandt L, Pröfrock D. Technology-critical elements in Rhine sediments - A case study on occurrence and spatial distribution. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2022; 852:158464. [PMID: 36057312 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.158464] [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: 04/27/2022] [Revised: 08/26/2022] [Accepted: 08/29/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Despite their presence in almost every technical device, little is known about the occurrence, distribution, and fate of technology-critical elements (TCEs) within the environment. Due to high economic demands and short product lifespans as well as low recycling rates, many TCEs appear to become emerging contaminants. Within the scope of this work, 57 sediment samples from the German part of the Rhine river, as well as various tributaries, were collected to study the occurrence and distribution of TCEs. This specific catchment area has consistently been subjected to strong anthropogenic influences over the last century. Hierarchical cluster analysis, as well as principal component analysis were used to gain first insights into the spatial distribution and possible sources of TCEs along the Rhine. Obtained mass fractions in conjunction with corresponding geoaccumulation indices (Igeo) provide first indications of a possible enrichment along the Rhine for the TCEs of interest (Ga, Ge, Nb, In, Te, rare earth elements, and Ta). Especially the mass fractions of Zn, Ge, In, La, Sm, and Gd exhibit significant anthropogenic inputs. For stations characterized by high Ge and In mass fractions, element fingerprints imply possible atmospheric deposition stemming from e.g. combustion processes. Distinct anomalies of La and Sm most likely originate from discharges located at the city of Worms into the Upper Rhine. Statistical analysis of all analyzed 55 elemental mass fractions revealed similar behavior of TCEs compared to classical heavy metals. Diffuse as well as point sources of TCEs are likely. As a result, this study provides further insight into the role of TCEs as potential emerging contaminants in the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ole Klein
- Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon, Institute of Coastal Environmental Chemistry, Inorganic Environmental Chemistry, Max-Planck Str. 1, 21502 Geesthacht, Germany; Universität Hamburg, Department of Chemistry, Inorganic and Applied Chemistry, Martin-Luther-King-Platz 6, 20146 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Tristan Zimmermann
- Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon, Institute of Coastal Environmental Chemistry, Inorganic Environmental Chemistry, Max-Planck Str. 1, 21502 Geesthacht, Germany
| | - Lars Hildebrandt
- Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon, Institute of Coastal Environmental Chemistry, Inorganic Environmental Chemistry, Max-Planck Str. 1, 21502 Geesthacht, Germany
| | - Daniel Pröfrock
- Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon, Institute of Coastal Environmental Chemistry, Inorganic Environmental Chemistry, Max-Planck Str. 1, 21502 Geesthacht, Germany.
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von der Au M, Zimmermann T, Kleeberg U, von Tümpling W, Pröfrock D. Characteristic regional differences in trace element pattern of 2014 German North Sea surface Wadden sediments - A judge and assessment. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2022; 184:114208. [PMID: 36307946 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2022.114208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2022] [Revised: 09/29/2022] [Accepted: 09/30/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The European Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD) requires good ecological status of the marine environment. This also includes the Wadden Sea located in the southeastern part of the North Sea and its chemical status of sediments. Based on results from campaigns conducted in the 1980s, 32 surface sediment samples were taken in 2014 to check whether the sampling strategy required for characterizing the trace element content in sediments is representative and to determine the degree of pollution and potential changes over the last decades. For this purpose the elemental mass fractions of 42 elements were assessed in the ≤20 μm grain size fraction of the surface sediments. Based on cluster analysis a clear correlation between the element distribution and the geographical location of the sampling locations of the German Wadden Sea could be found. As a result of the principal component analysis, three sub-catchments were significantly separated from each other by the characteristic element distributions in the sediments (Norderney and Weser, Elbe and offshore areas, and North Friesland). With the help of discriminant analysis, the classification was confirmed unambiguously. Small anomalies, such as potentially contaminated sites from WWII, could be identified. This proved that the sampling strategy for sediment characterization with reference to trace elements in the Wadden Sea of the German Bight is representative. The impact of regulation and changes on the overall sediment quality is most evident when looking at the environmentally critical elements such as As, Cd, Hg, and Cr. For these elements the mean mass fractions show a significant reduction over the last three decades. Current sediments feature only slightly elevated mass fractions of Ag, Cd, Ce, Cs, Nd, Pb and Se at some sampling locations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcus von der Au
- Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon, Institute of Coastal Environmental Chemistry, Inorganic Environmental Chemistry, Max-Planck Str. 1, 21502 Geesthacht, Germany; Bundesanstalt für Materialforschung und -prüfung, Fachbereich 1.1, Richard-Willstätter-Straße 11, 12489 Berlin, Germany
| | - Tristan Zimmermann
- Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon, Institute of Coastal Environmental Chemistry, Inorganic Environmental Chemistry, Max-Planck Str. 1, 21502 Geesthacht, Germany
| | - Ulrike Kleeberg
- Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon, Institute of Carbon Cycles, Helmholtz Coastal Data Center, Max-Planck Str. 1, 21502 Geesthacht, Germany
| | - Wolf von Tümpling
- Helmholtz-Zentrum für Umweltforschung, Wateranalytics and Chemometrics, Brückstrasse 3a, 39144 Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Daniel Pröfrock
- Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon, Institute of Coastal Environmental Chemistry, Inorganic Environmental Chemistry, Max-Planck Str. 1, 21502 Geesthacht, Germany.
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Logemann A, Reininghaus M, Schmidt M, Ebeling A, Zimmermann T, Wolschke H, Friedrich J, Brockmeyer B, Pröfrock D, Witt G. Assessing the chemical anthropocene - Development of the legacy pollution fingerprint in the North Sea during the last century. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2022; 302:119040. [PMID: 35202763 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2022.119040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2021] [Revised: 02/15/2022] [Accepted: 02/18/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The North Sea and its coastal zones are heavily impacted by anthropogenic activities, which has resulted in significant chemical pollution ever since the beginning of the industrialization in Europe during the 19th century. In order to assess the chemical Anthropocene, natural archives, such as sediment cores, can serve as a valuable data source to reconstruct historical emission trends and to verify the effectiveness of changing environmental legislation. In this study, we investigated 90 contaminants covering inorganic and organic pollutant groups analyzed in a set of sediment cores taken in the North Seas' main sedimentation area (Skagerrak). We thereby develop a chemical pollution fingerprint that records the constant input of pollutants over time and illustrates their continued great relevance for the present. Additionally, samples were radiometrically dated and PAH and PCB levels in porewater were determined using equilibrium passive sampling. Furthermore, we elucidated the origin of lead (Pb) contamination utilizing non-traditional stable isotopic analysis. Our results reveal three main findings: 1. for all organic contaminant groups covered (PAHs, OCPs, PCBs, PBDEs and PFASs) as well as the elements lead (Pb) and titanium (Ti), determined concentrations decreased towards more recent deposited sediment. These decreasing trends could be linked to the time of introductions of restrictions and bans and therefor our results confirm, amongst possible other factors, the effectiveness of environmental legislation by revealing a successive change in contamination levels over the decades. 2. concentration trends for ΣPAH and ΣPCB measured in porewater correspond well with the ones found in sediment which suggests that this method can be a useful expansion to traditional bulk sediment analysis to determine the biologically available pollutant fraction. 3. Arsenic (As) concentrations were higher in younger sediment layers, potentially caused by emissions of corroded warfare material disposed in the study area after WW II.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Logemann
- Federal Maritime and Hydrographic Agency (BSH), Bernhard-Nocht-Str. 78, 20359, Hamburg, Germany; Universität Hamburg, Department of Earth Sciences, Bundesstraße 55, 20146, Hamburg, Germany
| | - M Reininghaus
- Hamburg University of Applied Sciences, Department of Engineering, Ulmenliet 20, 21033, Hamburg, Germany; RWTH University Aachen, Department of Ecosystem Analysis (ESA), Worringer Weg 1, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - M Schmidt
- Universität Hamburg, Department of Earth Sciences, Bundesstraße 55, 20146, Hamburg, Germany; Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon, Institute of Coastal Environmental Chemistry, Max-Planck Str. 1, 21502, Geesthacht, Germany
| | - A Ebeling
- Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon, Institute of Coastal Environmental Chemistry, Max-Planck Str. 1, 21502, Geesthacht, Germany; Universität Hamburg, Department of Chemistry, Inorganic and Applied Chemistry, Martin-Luther-King-Platz 6, 20146, Hamburg, Germany
| | - T Zimmermann
- Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon, Institute of Coastal Environmental Chemistry, Max-Planck Str. 1, 21502, Geesthacht, Germany
| | - H Wolschke
- Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon, Institute of Coastal Environmental Chemistry, Max-Planck Str. 1, 21502, Geesthacht, Germany
| | - J Friedrich
- Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon, Institute of Carbon Cycles, Max-Planck Str. 1, 21502, Geesthacht, Germany
| | - B Brockmeyer
- Federal Maritime and Hydrographic Agency (BSH), Bernhard-Nocht-Str. 78, 20359, Hamburg, Germany
| | - D Pröfrock
- Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon, Institute of Coastal Environmental Chemistry, Max-Planck Str. 1, 21502, Geesthacht, Germany.
| | - G Witt
- Hamburg University of Applied Sciences, Department of Engineering, Ulmenliet 20, 21033, Hamburg, Germany
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Klein O, Zimmermann T, Ebeling A, Kruse M, Kirchgeorg T, Pröfrock D. Occurrence and Temporal Variation of Technology-Critical Elements in North Sea Sediments-A Determination of Preliminary Reference Values. ARCHIVES OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY 2022; 82:481-492. [PMID: 35474493 PMCID: PMC9079029 DOI: 10.1007/s00244-022-00929-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2021] [Accepted: 03/22/2022] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
As interest in the investigation of possible sources and environmental sinks of technology-critical elements (TCEs) continues to grow, the demand for reliable background level information of these elements in environmental matrices increases. In this study, a time series of ten years of sediment samples from two different regions of the German North Sea were analyzed for their mass fractions of Ga, Ge, Nb, In, REEs, and Ta (grain size fraction < 20 µm). Possible regional differences were investigated in order to determine preliminary reference values for these regions. Throughout the investigated time period, only minor variations in the mass fractions were observed and both regions did not show significant differences. Calculated local enrichment factors ranging from 0.6 to 2.3 for all TCEs indicate no or little pollution in the investigated areas. Consequently, reference values were calculated using two different approaches (Median + 2 median absolute deviation (M2MAD) and Tukey inner fence (TIF)). Both approaches resulted in consistent threshold values for the respective regions ranging from 158 µg kg-1 for In to 114 mg kg-1 for Ce. As none of the threshold values exceed the observed natural variation of TCEs in marine and freshwater sediments, they may be considered baseline values of the German Bight for future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ole Klein
- Institute of Coastal Environmental Chemistry, Inorganic Environmental Chemistry, Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon, Max-Planck Str. 1, 21502, Geesthacht, Germany
- Department of Chemistry, Inorganic and Applied Chemistry, Universität Hamburg, Martin-Luther-King-Platz 6, 20146, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Tristan Zimmermann
- Institute of Coastal Environmental Chemistry, Inorganic Environmental Chemistry, Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon, Max-Planck Str. 1, 21502, Geesthacht, Germany
| | - Anna Ebeling
- Institute of Coastal Environmental Chemistry, Inorganic Environmental Chemistry, Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon, Max-Planck Str. 1, 21502, Geesthacht, Germany
- Department of Chemistry, Inorganic and Applied Chemistry, Universität Hamburg, Martin-Luther-King-Platz 6, 20146, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Madita Kruse
- Department Mechanical Engineering, HTWG Hochschule Konstanz, Alfred-Wachtel-Straße 8, 78462, Konstanz, Germany
| | - Torben Kirchgeorg
- Marine Sciences Department, Marine Chemistry Laboratory - Shipping and Environment, Marine Sediments Section, Bundesamt für Seeschifffahrt und Hydrographie (BSH), Wüstland 2, 22589, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Daniel Pröfrock
- Institute of Coastal Environmental Chemistry, Inorganic Environmental Chemistry, Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon, Max-Planck Str. 1, 21502, Geesthacht, Germany.
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9
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Van Dam BR, Zeller MA, Lopes C, Smyth AR, Böttcher ME, Osburn CL, Zimmerman T, Pröfrock D, Fourqurean JW, Thomas H. Calcification-driven CO 2 emissions exceed "Blue Carbon" sequestration in a carbonate seagrass meadow. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2021; 7:eabj1372. [PMID: 34910519 PMCID: PMC8673765 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abj1372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Long-term “Blue Carbon” burial in seagrass meadows is complicated by other carbon and alkalinity exchanges that shape net carbon sequestration. We measured a suite of such processes, including denitrification, sulfur, and inorganic carbon cycling, and assessed their impact on air-water CO2 exchange in a typical seagrass meadow underlain by carbonate sediments. Eddy covariance measurements reveal a consistent source of CO2 to the atmosphere at an average rate of 610 ± 990 μmol m−2 hour−1 during our study and 700 ± 660 μmol m−2 hour−1 (6.1 mol m−2 year−1) over an annual cycle. Net alkalinity consumption by ecosystem calcification explains >95% of the observed CO2 emissions, far exceeding organic carbon burial and anaerobic alkalinity generation. We argue that the net carbon sequestration potential of seagrass meadows may be overestimated if calcification-induced CO2 emissions are not accounted for, especially in regions where calcification rates exceed net primary production and burial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bryce R. Van Dam
- Institute of Carbon Cycles, Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon, Geesthacht, Germany
- Corresponding author.
| | - Mary A. Zeller
- Geochemistry and Isotope BioGeoChemistry Group, Department of Marine Geology, Leibniz Institute for Baltic Sea Research, Warnemünde, Germany
| | - Christian Lopes
- Institute of Environment, Department of Biological Sciences, Florida International University, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Ashley R. Smyth
- Soil and Water Sciences Department, Tropical Research and Education Center, University of Florida, Homestead, FL, USA
| | - Michael E. Böttcher
- Geochemistry and Isotope BioGeoChemistry Group, Department of Marine Geology, Leibniz Institute for Baltic Sea Research, Warnemünde, Germany
- Marine Geochemistry, University of Greifswald, Friedrich-Ludwig-Jahn Str. 17a, D-17489 Greifswald, Germany
- Department of Maritime Systems, Interdisciplinary Faculty (INF), University of Rostock, Albert-Einstein-Straße 21, D-18059 Rostock, Germany
| | - Christopher L. Osburn
- Department of Marine, Earth and Atmospheric Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - Tristan Zimmerman
- Institute of Carbon Cycles, Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon, Geesthacht, Germany
| | - Daniel Pröfrock
- Institute of Carbon Cycles, Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon, Geesthacht, Germany
| | - James W. Fourqurean
- Institute of Environment, Department of Biological Sciences, Florida International University, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Helmuth Thomas
- Institute of Carbon Cycles, Helmholtz-Zentrum Hereon, Geesthacht, Germany
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Deng F, Hellmann S, Zimmermann T, Pröfrock D. Using Sr-Nd-Pb isotope systems to trace sources of sediment and trace metals to the Weser River system (Germany) and assessment of input to the North Sea. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 791:148127. [PMID: 34118659 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2021.148127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2021] [Revised: 05/26/2021] [Accepted: 05/26/2021] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
In order to trace the sources of sediment materials and trace metals in the Weser River system (Germany), and the riverine input to the North Sea, Sr, Nd and Pb isotopes, together with multi-elemental compositions, were measured for sediments collected over the entire Weser River Basin, from headwaters to the estuary. Mass fractions of metals, including Ag, Cd, and Pb, and of one metalloid, Sb, higher than their crustal abundance, were observed within the entire Weser Basin. Isotope-amount ratio n(87Sr)/n(86Sr) and εNd ranged from 0.71182 ± 0.00005 to 0.72880 ± 0.00009 and -11.3 ± 0.3 to -21.0 ± 0.3, respectively. n(206Pb)/n(204Pb), n(207Pb)/n(204Pb), and n(208Pb)/n(204Pb) ranged from 18.226 ± 0.008 to 18.703 ± 0.012, 15.613 ± 0.007 to 15.653 ± 0.012 and 38.14 ± 0.02 to 38.84 ± 0.02, respectively. Sr and Nd isotope compositions reflected primarily a mixture of natural materials derived from the Weser Basin. Pb isotope signatures indicated strong anthropogenic influences in the middle-lower Weser region. Pb isotopic compositions in the sediments from the Aller (tributary of the Weser) and its tributary suggested influence from historical Pb-Zn ore mining in the Harz Mountains that might contribute to the observed elevated mass fractions of Ag, Cd, Sb and Pb in that region. K-means cluster and principal component analysis of the Sr, Nd, and Pb isotope data yielded results consistent with their isotope systematics, supporting statistical analysis as an unsupervised tool in isotope fingerprinting studies. Sr, Nd, and Pb isotopic signatures in the sediments of the Weser were distinctively different from those of another major river discharging into the North Sea, the Elbe. This suggested that this Sr, Nd, and Pb isotope dataset can be used to distinguish riverine input of sediment materials and metals between the two rivers, thereby assessing their individual contribution to materials transported into the North Sea.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feifei Deng
- Institute of Coastal Research, Helmholtz-Zentrum Geesthacht Center for Materials and Coastal Research, Max-Planck Str.1, 21502 Geethacht, Germany
| | - Steffen Hellmann
- Technical University of Applied Sciences Lübeck, 23562 Lübeck, Germany
| | - Tristan Zimmermann
- Institute of Coastal Research, Helmholtz-Zentrum Geesthacht Center for Materials and Coastal Research, Max-Planck Str.1, 21502 Geethacht, Germany
| | - Daniel Pröfrock
- Institute of Coastal Research, Helmholtz-Zentrum Geesthacht Center for Materials and Coastal Research, Max-Planck Str.1, 21502 Geethacht, Germany.
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