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Roberts LR, Kersting DK, Zinke J, Rose NL. First recorded presence of anthropogenic fly-ash particles in coral skeletons. Sci Total Environ 2024; 921:170665. [PMID: 38311084 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.170665] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2023] [Revised: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 02/06/2024]
Abstract
Fly-ash particles formed during industrial fossil-fuel combustion show a globally observed rapid increase in concentration within natural archives post-1950 and have been proposed as a marker for the Anthropocene Epoch. Here, we present the first record of fly-ash particles incorporated into coral skeletons. Particles are present in Mediterranean corals between CE 1957 and 1992 at concentrations of 8-30 g-1 coral, mirroring the period of increased industrial activity in the area, and corroborating with spheroidal carbonaceous particle (SCP) records globally. The findings have important implications for the use of SCPs as markers in natural archives. With the exception of microplastics, this is the first evidence of particulate contamination in corals collected from natural environments. Further research is needed to understand incorporation pathways into coral skeletons, any subsequent ecotoxicological impact of contaminants, and the influence on overall coral health globally.
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Affiliation(s)
- L R Roberts
- Environmental Change Research Centre, Department of Geography, University College London, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, UK.
| | - D K Kersting
- Instituto de Acuicultura de Torre de la Sal (IATS-CSIC), 12595 Ribera de Cabanes, Castelló, Spain
| | - J Zinke
- School of Geography, Geology and the Environment, University of Leicester, University Road, Leicester LE1 7RH, UK
| | - N L Rose
- Environmental Change Research Centre, Department of Geography, University College London, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, UK
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2
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Liu D, Li X, Liu J, Wang F, Leng Y, Li Z, Lu P, Rose NL. Probing the occurrence, sources and cancer risk assessment of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in PM 2.5 in a humid metropolitan city in China. Environ Sci Process Impacts 2024. [PMID: 38592781 DOI: 10.1039/d3em00566f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
Fifty-two consecutive PM2.5 samples from December 2021 to February 2022 (the whole winter) were collected in the center of Chongqing, a humid metropolitan city in China. These samples were analysed for the 16 USEPA priority polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (16 PAHs) to explore their composition and sources, and to assess their cancer risks to humans. The total concentrations of the 16 PAHs (ng m-3) ranged from 16.45 to 174.15, with an average of 59.35 ± 21.45. Positive matrix factorization (PMF) indicated that traffic emissions were the major source (42.4%), followed by coal combustion/industrial emission (31.3%) and petroleum leakage/evaporation (26.3%). The contribution from traffic emission to the 16 PAHs increased from 40.0% in the non-episode days to as high as 46.2% in the air quality episode during the sampling period. The population attributable fraction (PAF) indicates that when the unit relative risk (URR) is 4.49, the number of lung cancer cases per million individuals under PAH exposure is 27 for adults and 38 for seniors, respectively. It was 5 for adults and 7 for seniors, when the URR is 1.3. The average incremental lifetime cancer risk (ILCR) for children, adolescents, adults and seniors was 0.25 × 10-6, 0.23 × 10-6, 0.71 × 10-6, and 1.26 × 10-6, respectively. The results of these two models complemented each other well, and both implied acceptable PAH exposure levels. Individual genetic susceptibility and exposure time were identified as the most sensitive parameters. The selection and use of parameters in risk assessment should be further deepened in subsequent studies to enhance the reliability of the assessment results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Decai Liu
- College of Environment and Ecology, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400030, China.
| | - Xingquan Li
- College of Environment and Ecology, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400030, China.
| | - Jiaxin Liu
- Chongqing University Cancer Hospital, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400030, China
| | - Fengwen Wang
- College of Environment and Ecology, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400030, China.
- Key Laboratory for Urban Atmospheric Environment Integrated Observation & Pollution Prevention and Control of Chongqing, Chongqing Academy of Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chongqing 401147, China
| | - Yan Leng
- Chongqing Dianjiang Middle School, Dianjiang, Chongqing, 408303, China
| | - Zhenliang Li
- Key Laboratory for Urban Atmospheric Environment Integrated Observation & Pollution Prevention and Control of Chongqing, Chongqing Academy of Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chongqing 401147, China
| | - Peili Lu
- College of Environment and Ecology, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400030, China.
| | - Neil L Rose
- Environmental Change Research Centre, University College London, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, UK
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3
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C Martins C, Adams JK, Yang H, Shchetnikov AA, Di Domenico M, Rose NL, Mackay AW. Earthquake, floods and changing land use history: A 200-year overview of environmental changes in Selenga River basin as indicated by n-alkanes and related proxies in sediments from shallow lakes. Sci Total Environ 2023; 873:162245. [PMID: 36805057 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.162245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2022] [Revised: 02/07/2023] [Accepted: 02/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
The Selenga River basin, located in southern Siberia, is an important component of the Lake Baikal ecosystem, and comprises approximately 80 % of the Baikal watershed. Within the Selenga River basin, two localized study regions were chosen. The first, the Selenga Delta, is one of the largest inland freshwater floodplains in the world and plays an important role in the ecosystem functioning of Baikal. It purifies the river waters before they enter the lake and acts as a refuge for many of Baikal's endemic species. The second location, the Gusinoozersk region, is southwest of Lake Baikal and the Selenga Delta, and was chosen as a more heavily industrialized region within the Selenga River basin. Anthropogenic activities, including industry, urban settlements, aquaculture and agriculture, have historically increased ecological damage within this area. We assessed possible drivers of changes in sedimentary organic matter (OM) composition within two shallow lakes (SLNG04 and Black Lake), located in the Selenga Delta and the Selenga watershed, respectively. We focused on individual n-alkanes, one of the most abundant and common lipids used to provide information on past vegetation and used multivariate statistics to disentangle changes in the sources of sedimentary OM over time. The depositional OM history of SLNG04B core can be divided in four zones: (i) major influence of non-emergent vascular plants, typically found in transitional environments (ca. 1835 to ca. 1875); (ii) increased influence of grasses/herbs (ca. 1880 to ca. 1910); (iii) transition from non-emergent vascular plants and grasses/herbs to submerged and floating macrophytes and phytoplankton (ca. 1915 to ca. 1945); (iv) maintenance of autochthonous OM from submerged and floating macrophytes and phytoplankton (ca. 1945 to ca. 2014). The depositional OM history of the Black Lake core can be divided in two main zones: (i) major influence of non-emergent vascular plants and submerged and floating macrophytes (ca. 1915 to ca. 1980); (ii) increased influence of grasses/herbs and phytoplankton (ca. 1980 to ca. 2010). Natural events (e.g., an earthquake in 1862 caused flooding and subsidence of much of the land surrounding SLNG04 lake and a further catastrophic flood event in 1897) and anthropogenic activities (e.g., nutrient pollution from expansion of agricultural and livestock population) changed the composition of sedimentary OM resulting in ecological shifts across trophic levels in the Selenga River basin.
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Affiliation(s)
- César C Martins
- Centro de Estudos do Mar, Campus Pontal do Paraná, Universidade Federal do Paraná, Caixa Postal 61, 83255-976 Pontal do Paraná, PR, Brazil; Environmental Change Research Centre, Department of Geography, University College London, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, UK.
| | - Jennifer K Adams
- Environmental Change Research Centre, Department of Geography, University College London, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, UK; Biology Department, University of Waterloo, 200 University Avenue West, Waterloo, ON N2L 3G1, Canada.
| | - Handong Yang
- Environmental Change Research Centre, Department of Geography, University College London, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Alexander A Shchetnikov
- Institute of the Earth's Crust, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Irkutsk 664033, Russia; Vinogradov Institute of Geochemistry, Siberian Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences, Irkutsk 664033, Russia; Irkutsk State University, Irkutsk, 664025, Russia
| | - Maikon Di Domenico
- Centro de Estudos do Mar, Campus Pontal do Paraná, Universidade Federal do Paraná, Caixa Postal 61, 83255-976 Pontal do Paraná, PR, Brazil
| | - Neil L Rose
- Environmental Change Research Centre, Department of Geography, University College London, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Anson W Mackay
- Environmental Change Research Centre, Department of Geography, University College London, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, UK
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4
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Dent AR, Chadwick DDA, Eagle LJB, Gould AN, Harwood M, Sayer CD, Rose NL. Microplastic burden in invasive signal crayfish ( Pacifastacus leniusculus) increases along a stream urbanization gradient. Ecol Evol 2023; 13:e10041. [PMID: 37153013 PMCID: PMC10156447 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.10041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2023] [Revised: 04/05/2023] [Accepted: 04/06/2023] [Indexed: 05/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Microplastics are a globally pervasive pollutant with the potential to directly impact species and accumulate in ecosystems. However, there remains a relative paucity of research addressing their accumulation in freshwater ecosystems and a near absence of work in crayfish, despite their high ecological and economic importance. This study investigated the presence of microplastics in the invasive signal crayfish Pacifastacus leniusculus along a stream urbanization gradient. The results demonstrate a ubiquitous presence of microplastics in crayfish digestive tracts at all sites and provide the first evidence of microplastic accumulation in tail tissue. Evidence of a positive linear trend was demonstrated between microplastic concentration in crayfish and upstream urban area size in generalized linear models. Evidence for a positive effect of the upstream urban area and a negative effect of crayfish length on microplastic concentrations in crayfish was demonstrated in multiple generalized linear regression models. Our results extend the current understanding of microplastics presence in freshwater ecosystems and demonstrate their presence in crayfish in the wild for the first time.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Daniel D. A. Chadwick
- Department of GeographyUniversity College LondonLondonUK
- PBA Applied EcologySettle, North YorkshireUK
| | - Lawrence J. B. Eagle
- Department of GeographyUniversity College LondonLondonUK
- PBA Applied EcologySettle, North YorkshireUK
| | | | | | - Carl D. Sayer
- Department of GeographyUniversity College LondonLondonUK
| | - Neil L. Rose
- Department of GeographyUniversity College LondonLondonUK
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5
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Thomas ER, Tetzner DR, Roberts SL, Turner SD, Rose NL. First evidence of industrial fly-ash in an Antarctic ice core. Sci Rep 2023; 13:6529. [PMID: 37085561 PMCID: PMC10121663 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-33849-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2023] [Indexed: 04/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Spheroidal carbonaceous particles (SCPs) are a component of fly-ash, the particulate by-product of industrial high temperature combustion of fuel-oil and coal-series fuels. We provide the first evidence that these indelible markers of industrialisation have been deposited in Antarctic ice, thousands of kilometres from any potential source. The earliest observed particle was deposited in an ice layer from 1936 CE. While depositional fluxes are low, chemical analysis of individual SCPs indicates a coal combustion origin.
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Affiliation(s)
- E R Thomas
- Ice Dynamics and Paleoclimate, British Antarctic Survey, High Cross, Madingley Road, Cambridge, CB3 0ET, UK.
| | - D R Tetzner
- Ice Dynamics and Paleoclimate, British Antarctic Survey, High Cross, Madingley Road, Cambridge, CB3 0ET, UK
| | - S L Roberts
- Environmental Change Research Centre, Department of Geography, University College London, Gower Street, London, WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - S D Turner
- Environmental Change Research Centre, Department of Geography, University College London, Gower Street, London, WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - N L Rose
- Environmental Change Research Centre, Department of Geography, University College London, Gower Street, London, WC1E 6BT, UK
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6
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Stegner MA, Hadly EA, Barnosky AD, La Selle S, Sherrod B, Anderson RS, Redondo SA, Viteri MC, Weaver KL, Cundy AB, Gaca P, Rose NL, Yang H, Roberts SL, Hajdas I, Black BA, Spanbauer TL. The Searsville Lake Site (California, USA) as a candidate Global boundary Stratotype Section and Point for the Anthropocene series. Anthropocene Rev 2023; 10:116-145. [PMID: 37213212 PMCID: PMC10193828 DOI: 10.1177/20530196221144098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
Cores from Searsville Lake within Stanford University's Jasper Ridge Biological Preserve, California, USA, are examined to identify a potential GSSP for the Anthropocene: core JRBP2018-VC01B (944.5 cm-long) and tightly correlated JRBP2018-VC01A (852.5 cm-long). Spanning from 1900 CE ± 3 years to 2018 CE, a secure chronology resolved to the sub-annual level allows detailed exploration of the Holocene-Anthropocene transition. We identify the primary GSSP marker as first appearance of 239,240Pu (372-374 cm) in JRBP2018-VC01B and designate the GSSP depth as the distinct boundary between wet and dry season at 366 cm (6 cm above the first sample containing 239,240Pu) and corresponding to October-December 1948 CE. This is consistent with a lag of 1-2 years between ejection of 239,240Pu into the atmosphere and deposition. Auxiliary markers include: first appearance of 137Cs in 1958; late 20th-century decreases in δ15N; late 20th-century elevation in SCPs, Hg, Pb, and other heavy metals; and changes in abundance and presence of ostracod, algae, rotifer and protozoan microfossils. Fossil pollen document anthropogenic landscape changes related to logging and agriculture. As part of a major university, the Searsville site has long been used for research and education, serves users locally to internationally, and is protected yet accessible for future studies and communication about the Anthropocene. Plain Word Summary The Global boundary Stratotype Section and Point (GSSP) for the proposed Anthropocene Series/Epoch is suggested to lie in sediments accumulated over the last ~120 years in Searsville Lake, Woodside, California, USA. The site fulfills all of the ideal criteria for defining and placing a GSSP. In addition, the Searsville site is particularly appropriate to mark the onset of the Anthropocene, because it was anthropogenic activities-the damming of a watershed-that created a geologic record that now preserves the very signals that can be used to recognize the Anthropocene worldwide.
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7
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McCarthy FM, Patterson RT, Head MJ, Riddick NL, Cumming BF, Hamilton PB, Pisaric MF, Gushulak AC, Leavitt PR, Lafond KM, Llew-Williams B, Marshall M, Heyde A, Pilkington PM, Moraal J, Boyce JI, Nasser NA, Walsh C, Garvie M, Roberts S, Rose NL, Cundy AB, Gaca P, Milton A, Hajdas I, Crann CA, Boom A, Finkelstein SA, McAndrews JH. The varved succession of Crawford Lake, Milton, Ontario, Canada as a candidate Global boundary Stratotype Section and Point for the Anthropocene series. Anthropocene Rev 2023; 10:146-176. [PMID: 37255737 PMCID: PMC10226010 DOI: 10.1177/20530196221149281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
An annually laminated succession in Crawford Lake, Ontario, Canada is proposed for the Global boundary Stratotype Section and Point (GSSP) to define the Anthropocene as a series/epoch with a base dated at 1950 CE. Varve couplets of organic matter capped by calcite precipitated each summer in alkaline surface waters reflect environmental change at global to local scales. Spheroidal carbonaceous particles and nitrogen isotopes record an increase in fossil fuel combustion in the early 1950s, coinciding with early fallout from nuclear and thermonuclear testing - 239+240Pu and 14C:12C, the latter more than compensating for the effects of old carbon in this dolomitic basin. Rapid industrial expansion in the North American Great Lakes region led to enhanced leaching of terrigenous elements by acid precipitation during the Great Acceleration, and calcite precipitation was reduced, producing thin calcite laminae around the GSSP that is marked by a sharp decline in elm pollen (Dutch Elm disease). The lack of bioturbation in well-oxygenated bottom waters, supported by the absence of fossil pigments from obligately anaerobic purple sulfur bacteria, is attributed to elevated salinities and high alkalinity below the chemocline. This aerobic depositional environment, highly unusual in a meromictic lake, inhibits the mobilization of Pu, the proposed primary stratigraphic guide for the Anthropocene.
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8
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Yang H, Macario-González L, Cohuo S, Whitmore TJ, Salgado J, Peréz L, Schwalb A, Rose NL, Holmes J, Riedinger-Whitmore MA, Hoelzmann P, O’Dea A. Mercury Pollution History in Tropical and Subtropical American Lakes: Multiple Impacts and the Possible Relationship with Climate Change. Environ Sci Technol 2023; 57:3680-3690. [PMID: 36802450 PMCID: PMC9996825 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.2c09870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2022] [Revised: 02/02/2023] [Accepted: 02/03/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Sediment cores obtained from 11 tropical and subtropical American lakes revealed that local human activities significantly increased mercury (Hg) inputs and pollution levels. Remote lakes also have been contaminated by anthropogenic Hg through atmospheric depositions. Long-term sediment-core profiles revealed an approximately 3-fold increase in Hg fluxes to sediments from c. 1850 to 2000. Generalized additive models indicate that c. 3-fold increases in Hg fluxes also occurred since 2000 in the remote sites, while Hg emissions from anthropogenic sources have remained relatively stable. The tropical and subtropical Americas are vulnerable to extreme weather events. Air temperatures in this region have shown a marked increase since the 1990s, and extreme weather events arising from climate change have increased. When comparing Hg fluxes to recent (1950-2016) climatic changes, results show marked increases in Hg fluxes to sediments during dry periods. The Standardized Precipitation-Evapotranspiration Index (SPEI) time series indicate a tendency toward more extreme drier conditions across the study region since the mid-1990s, suggesting that instabilities in catchment surfaces caused by climate change are responsible for the elevated Hg flux rates. Drier conditions since c. 2000 appear to be promoting Hg fluxes from catchments to lakes, a process that will likely be exacerbated under future climate-change scenarios.
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Affiliation(s)
- Handong Yang
- Environmental
Change Research Centre, University College
London, Gower Street, London WC1E
6BT, U.K.
| | - Laura Macario-González
- Institut
für Geosysteme und Bioindikation, Technische Universität Braunschweig, Langer Kamp 19c, D-38106 Braunschweig, Germany
- Tecnológico
Nacional de México−I. T. de la Zona Maya, Carretera Chetumal-Escárcega
Km 21.5, Ejido Juan Sarabia, 77965 Juan Sarabia, Quintana
Roo, Mexico
| | - Sergio Cohuo
- Institut
für Geosysteme und Bioindikation, Technische Universität Braunschweig, Langer Kamp 19c, D-38106 Braunschweig, Germany
- Tecnológico
Nacional de México−I. T. Chetumal, Av. Insurgentes 330, Chetumal 77013, Quintana Roo, Mexico
| | - Thomas J. Whitmore
- University
of South Florida, 140 7th Avenue South, St. Petersburg, Florida 33701, United States
| | - Jorge Salgado
- Environmental
Change Research Centre, University College
London, Gower Street, London WC1E
6BT, U.K.
- Programa
de Ingeniería Civil, Grupo de Infraestructura y Desarrollo
Sostenible, Universidad Católica
de Colombia, Bogotá 111311, Colombia
- School
of Geography, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, U.K.
- Smithsonian
Tropical Research Institute, P.O. Box 0843-03092, Balboa 0843-03092, Panama
| | - Liseth Peréz
- Institut
für Geosysteme und Bioindikation, Technische Universität Braunschweig, Langer Kamp 19c, D-38106 Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Antje Schwalb
- Institut
für Geosysteme und Bioindikation, Technische Universität Braunschweig, Langer Kamp 19c, D-38106 Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Neil L. Rose
- Environmental
Change Research Centre, University College
London, Gower Street, London WC1E
6BT, U.K.
| | - Jonathan Holmes
- Environmental
Change Research Centre, University College
London, Gower Street, London WC1E
6BT, U.K.
| | | | - Philipp Hoelzmann
- Institut
für Geographische Wissenschaften, Freie Universität Berlin, Malteser Strasse 74-100, D-12249 Berlin, Germany
| | - Aaron O’Dea
- Smithsonian
Tropical Research Institute, P.O. Box 0843-03092, Balboa 0843-03092, Panama
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9
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Boakes LC, Patmore IR, Bancone CEP, Rose NL. High temporal resolution records of outdoor and indoor airborne microplastics. Environ Sci Pollut Res Int 2023; 30:39246-39257. [PMID: 36600156 PMCID: PMC9812541 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-022-24935-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
There is increasing concern regarding airborne microplastics, but to date, studies have typically used coarse interval sampling (a day or longer) to generate deposition and concentration estimates. In this proof-of-concept study, we used a Burkard volumetric spore trap (intake 10 L min-1; recording airborne particulates onto an adhesive-coated tape moving at 2 mm hr-1) to assess whether this approach has potential to record airborne microplastics at an hourly resolution, thereby providing detailed diurnal patterns. Simultaneous sampling at outdoor and indoor locations at rural and urban sites showed clear daily and weekly patterns in microplastic concentrations which may be related to people and vehicle movement. Indoor residential concentrations of suspected microplastics were the highest (reaching hourly concentrations of 40-50 m-3), whilst rural outdoor concentrations were very low (typically 1-2 m-3 h-1). Whilst the approach shows great potential for high resolution data generation, further development is required for spectroscopic analysis and hence chemical confirmation of visual microplastic identification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucy C Boakes
- Environmental Change Research Centre, Department of Geography, University College London, Gower Street, London, WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Ian R Patmore
- Environmental Change Research Centre, Department of Geography, University College London, Gower Street, London, WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Chiara E P Bancone
- Environmental Change Research Centre, Department of Geography, University College London, Gower Street, London, WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Neil L Rose
- Environmental Change Research Centre, Department of Geography, University College London, Gower Street, London, WC1E 6BT, UK.
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10
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Lin T, Han Y, Wu Z, Hu L, Rose NL, Guo Z. Deposition records of persistent organic pollutants and black carbon in dated sediment cores from China marginal seas: Implications for terrestrial sources and transport processes. Mar Pollut Bull 2022; 181:113874. [PMID: 35777324 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2022.113874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2021] [Revised: 06/15/2022] [Accepted: 06/18/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Black carbon (BC) and persistent organic pollutants (POPs) were analyzed from three sediment cores collected offshore in the East China Marginal Seas. The results showed steadily increasing or stable BC concentrations and fluxes. By contrast, time trends of POPs fluxes were consistent with historical records of commercial production and use in China. Although the POP inventories decreased significantly with increase in offshore distance, the relatively consistent trends for individual POPs in different sea areas confirmed that the main sources are derived from mainland China and that atmospheric input was an important contribution. POPs inventories decreased by 59-91 % during transport from the Yellow Sea to the remote East China Sea and deposition to the sediment. This suggests that the source signal for POPs may be preserved under stable depositional environments, even though only a fraction of those pollutants are buried in open sea sediments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tian Lin
- College of Marine Ecology and Environment, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China.
| | - Yizhen Han
- College of Marine Ecology and Environment, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai 201306, China
| | - Zilan Wu
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Coastal Ecosystem, National Marine Environmental Monitoring Center, Dalian 116023, China
| | - Limin Hu
- College of Marine Geosciences, Key Laboratory of Submarine Geosciences and Prospecting Technology, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266100, China
| | - Neil L Rose
- Environmental Change Research Centre, University College London, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Zhigang Guo
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Atmospheric Particle Pollution and Prevention, Institute of Atmospheric Sciences, Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, China
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11
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Zhang S, Wang W, Wang F, Zhang D, Rose NL. Temporal-spatial variations, source apportionment, and ecological risk of trace elements in sediments of water-level-fluctuation zone in the Three Gorges Reservoir, China. Environ Sci Pollut Res Int 2022; 29:18282-18297. [PMID: 34687419 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-021-17066-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2021] [Accepted: 10/12/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The Three Gorges Reservoir (TGR) plays a crucial role in providing electricity for mega-cities across China. However, since the impoundment was completed in 2006, attention to environmental concerns has also been intensive. In order to determine the distribution, sources, and pollution status of trace elements in the water fluctuation zone of the TGR following ten years of repeated "submergence" and "exposure", we systematically collected 16 paired surface sediment samples (n = 32) covering the entire main body of the TGR in March 2018 (following 6 months of submergence) and September 2018 (after 6 months of exposure), and quantitatively analyzed 13 elements (e.g., Mn, Fe, V, Cr, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Sr, Y, Zr, Ba, and Pb) using X-ray fluorescence spectrophotometry (XRF). The results showed that, except for Sr, concentrations of trace metals following submergence were generally higher than those after exposure due to the less settling of suspended solids at the faster flow velocity during the drawdown period. Assessment using enrichment factors (EFs) and a geo-accumulation index (Igeo) both characterized a relatively serious anthropogenic pollution status of metals in the upper reaches of the TGR with respect to the middle-lower reaches. Source apportionment by positive matrix factorization (PMF) analysis indicated that agricultural activities (24.8 and 24.3%, respectively) and industrial emissions (24.5 and 22.9%, respectively) were the two major sources in these two periods, followed by natural sources, domestic sewage, and ore mining. Ecological risk assessment showed that metalloid arsenic (As) could be the main potential issue of risk to aquatic organisms and human health. A new source-specific risk assessment method (pRI) combined with PMF revealed that agricultural activities could be the major source of potential ecological risk and should be prioritized as the focus of metal/metalloid risk management in the TGR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siyuan Zhang
- Key Laboratory of the Three Gorges Reservoir Region's Eco-Environment, Ministry of Education, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400030, China
- State Key Laboratory of Coal Mine Disaster Dynamics and Control, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400030, China
- Department of Environmental Science, College of Environment and Ecology, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400030, China
| | - Weiru Wang
- Key Laboratory of the Three Gorges Reservoir Region's Eco-Environment, Ministry of Education, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400030, China
- State Key Laboratory of Coal Mine Disaster Dynamics and Control, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400030, China
- Department of Environmental Science, College of Environment and Ecology, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400030, China
| | - Fengwen Wang
- Key Laboratory of the Three Gorges Reservoir Region's Eco-Environment, Ministry of Education, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400030, China.
- State Key Laboratory of Coal Mine Disaster Dynamics and Control, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400030, China.
- Department of Environmental Science, College of Environment and Ecology, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400030, China.
| | - Daijun Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Coal Mine Disaster Dynamics and Control, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400030, China
- Department of Environmental Science, College of Environment and Ecology, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400030, China
| | - Neil L Rose
- Environmental Change Research Centre, University College London, Gower Street, London, WC1E 6BT, UK.
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12
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Schneider L, Rose NL, Myllyvirta L, Haberle S, Lintern A, Yuan J, Sinclair D, Holley C, Zawadzki A, Sun R. Mercury atmospheric emission, deposition and isotopic fingerprinting from major coal-fired power plants in Australia: Insights from palaeo-environmental analysis from sediment cores. Environ Pollut 2021; 287:117596. [PMID: 34426387 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2021.117596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2020] [Revised: 06/09/2021] [Accepted: 06/12/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Despite Australia's high reliance on coal for electricity generation, no study has addressed the extent to which mercury (Hg) deposition has increased since the commissioning of coal-fired power plants. We present stratigraphic data from lake sediments in the Hunter Valley (New South Wales) and Latrobe Valley (Victoria), where a significant proportion of Australia's electricity is generated via coal combustion. Mercury deposition in lake sediments increased in the 1970s with the commissioning of coal-fired power plants, by a factor of 2.9-times in sediments of Lake Glenbawn (Hunter Valley) and 14-times in Traralgon Reservoir (Latrobe Valley). Sediments deposited after the commissioning of power plants have distinct Hg isotope compositions, similar to those of combusted coals. Mercury emission, estimated using an atmospheric model (CALPUFF), was higher in the Latrobe Valley than in the Hunter Valley. This is a result of higher Hg concentrations in lignite coal, lax regulation and older pollution-control technologies adopted by coal-fired power plants in the Latrobe Valley. Near-source deposition of Hg in Australia is significantly higher than North America and Europe, where better emission controls (e.g. wet flue gas desulfurization) have been in effect for decades. The challenge for Australia in years to come will be to ratify the Minamata Convention and develop better regulation policies to reduce Hg emissions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Larissa Schneider
- School of Culture, History and Language. The Australian National University, Coombs Bld. 9, Fellows Rd, 2601, Canberra, ACT, Australia
| | - Neil L Rose
- Environmental Change Research Centre, Dept of Geography, University College London, Gower Street, London, WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Lauri Myllyvirta
- Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA), Helsinki, Finland
| | - Simon Haberle
- School of Culture, History and Language. The Australian National University, Coombs Bld. 9, Fellows Rd, 2601, Canberra, ACT, Australia
| | - Anna Lintern
- Department of Civil Engineering, Monash University, 3800, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Jingjing Yuan
- Institute of Surface-Earth System Science, School of Earth System Science, Tianjin University, 300072, Tianjin, China
| | - Darren Sinclair
- Centre for Change Governance, Institute of Governance and Policy Analysis, University of Canberra, Canberra, Australia
| | - Cameron Holley
- School of Law, Society and Criminology, Faculty of Law & Justice, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
| | - Atun Zawadzki
- Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO), Lucas Heights, NSW, 2234, Australia
| | - Ruoyu Sun
- Institute of Surface-Earth System Science, School of Earth System Science, Tianjin University, 300072, Tianjin, China.
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13
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Peters LI, Rose NL, Yang H, Klánová J, Moehring T, Harrad S. Temporal trends in radiometrically dated sediment cores from English lakes show polybrominated diphenyl ethers correlate with brominated but not mixed bromo/chloro dioxins and furans. Sci Total Environ 2021; 762:143118. [PMID: 33129524 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.143118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2020] [Revised: 10/10/2020] [Accepted: 10/10/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
This paper reports concentrations between ~1950 and present, of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and polybrominated dibenzo-p-dioxins and furans (PBDD/Fs), in radiometrically-dated sediment cores from three English lakes. Mixed bromo/chloro dibenzo-p-dioxins and furans (PXDD/Fs) were measured in two of the same lakes. Concentrations of PXDD/Fs decreased over time to the present. To our knowledge, this is the first report of temporal trends of PXDD/Fs in the environment. In contrast, concentrations of PBDEs increased towards the present and were significantly correlated (R = 0.88-0.98; p < 0.05) with concentrations of PBDFs in all three lakes. These observations suggest that the sources of PXDD/Fs are not related to PBDEs and differ from those of PBDFs. We also report for the first time the presence of octabromodibenzofuran (OBDF) in the two most recent core slices at one lake. The source of OBDF in these samples is unclear. While OBDF has been reported previously as a significant contaminant of some commercial formulations of Deca-BDE, it is also present in Octa-BDE products and in emissions from a variety of combustion activities. Overall, while the positive correlation between PBDEs and PBDFs suggests increased use of PBDEs has contributed substantially to environmental contamination with PBDFs; examination of PBDF homologue patterns implies emissions from combustion activities are likely also important.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leon I Peters
- School of Geography, Earth, and Environmental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK
| | - Neil L Rose
- Environmental Change Research Centre, Department of Geography, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Handong Yang
- Environmental Change Research Centre, Department of Geography, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Jana Klánová
- RECETOX, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Thomas Moehring
- Thermo Fisher Scientific (GmbH) Bremen, Hanna-Kunath-Str. 11, 28199 Bremen, Germany
| | - Stuart Harrad
- School of Geography, Earth, and Environmental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK.
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14
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Rose NL, Milner AM, Fitchett JM, Langerman KE, Yang H, Turner SD, Jourdan AL, Shilland J, Martins CC, de Souza AC, Curtis CJ. Natural archives of long-range transported contamination at the remote lake Letšeng-la Letsie, Maloti Mountains, Lesotho. Sci Total Environ 2020; 737:139642. [PMID: 32546308 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.139642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2020] [Revised: 05/20/2020] [Accepted: 05/21/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Naturally accumulating archives, such as lake sediments and wetland peats, in remote areas may be used to identify the scale and rates of atmospherically deposited pollutant inputs to natural ecosystems. Co-located lake sediment and wetland cores were collected from Letšeng-la Letsie, a remote lake in the Maloti Mountains of southern Lesotho. The cores were radiometrically dated and analysed for a suite of contaminants including trace metals and metalloids (Hg, Pb, Cu, Ni, Zn, As), fly-ash particles, stable nitrogen isotopes, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and persistent organic pollutants such as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), polybrominated flame retardants (PBDEs) and hexachlorobenzene (HCB). While most trace metals showed no recent enrichment, mercury, fly-ash particles, high molecular weight PAHs and total PCBs showed low but increasing levels of contamination since c.1970, likely the result of long-range transport from coal combustion and other industrial sources in the Highveld region of South Africa. However, back-trajectory analysis revealed that atmospheric transport from this region to southern Lesotho is infrequent and the scale of contamination is low. To our knowledge, these data represent the first palaeolimnological records and the first trace contaminant data for Lesotho, and one of the first multi-pollutant historical records for southern Africa. They therefore provide a baseline for future regional assessments in the context of continued coal combustion in South Africa through to the mid-21st century.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neil L Rose
- Environmental Change Research Centre, Department of Geography, University College London, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, UK.
| | - Alice M Milner
- Department of Geography, Royal Holloway University of London, Egham, Surrey TW20 0EX, UK
| | - Jennifer M Fitchett
- School of Geography, Archaeology and Environmental Studies, University of the Witwatersrand, 1 Jan Smuts Avenue, Braamfontein, 2050, South Africa
| | - Kristy E Langerman
- Department of Geography, Environmental Management and Energy Studies, University of Johannesburg, Corner Ditton and University Avenue, Auckland Park, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | - Handong Yang
- Environmental Change Research Centre, Department of Geography, University College London, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Simon D Turner
- Environmental Change Research Centre, Department of Geography, University College London, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Anne-Lise Jourdan
- Bloomsbury Environmental Isotope Facility, Department of Earth Sciences, University College London, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BS, UK
| | - James Shilland
- Environmental Change Research Centre, Department of Geography, University College London, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - César C Martins
- Centro de Estudos do Mar da Universidade Federal do Paraná, Caixa Postal 61, 83255-976 Pontal do Paraná, PR, Brazil
| | - Amanda Câmara de Souza
- Centro de Estudos do Mar da Universidade Federal do Paraná, Caixa Postal 61, 83255-976 Pontal do Paraná, PR, Brazil
| | - Christopher J Curtis
- School of Geography, Archaeology and Environmental Studies, University of the Witwatersrand, 1 Jan Smuts Avenue, Braamfontein, 2050, South Africa; Department of Geography, Environmental Management and Energy Studies, University of Johannesburg, Corner Ditton and University Avenue, Auckland Park, Johannesburg, South Africa
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15
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Salgado J, Vélez MI, González-Arango C, Rose NL, Yang H, Huguet C, Camacho JS, O'Dea A. A century of limnological evolution and interactive threats in the Panama Canal: Long-term assessments from a shallow basin. Sci Total Environ 2020; 729:138444. [PMID: 32380321 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.138444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2019] [Revised: 03/31/2020] [Accepted: 04/02/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Large tropical river dam projects are expected to accelerate over the forthcoming decades to satisfy growing demand for energy, irrigation and flood control. When tropical rivers are dammed the immediate impacts are relatively well studied, but the long-term (decades-centuries) consequences of impoundment remain poorly known. We combined historical records of water quality, river flow and climate with a multi-proxy (macrofossils, diatoms, biomarkers and trace elements) palaeoecological approach to reconstruct the limnological evolution of a shallow basin in Gatun Lake (Panama Canal, Panama) and assess the effects of multiple linked factors (river damming, forest flooding, deforestation, invasive species, pollution and hydro-climate) on the study area. Results show that a century after dam construction, species invasion, deforestation and salt intrusions have forced a gradual change in the study basin from a swamp-type environment towards a more saline lake-governed system of benthic-littoral production likely associated with the expansion of macrophyte stands. Hydrology still remains the most important long-term (decades) structural factor stimulating salinity intrusions, primary productivity, deposition of minerals, and reduction of water transparency during wet periods. During dry periods, physical-chemical conditions are in turn linked to clear water and aerobic conditions while nutrients shift to available forms for the aquatic biota in the detrital-rich reductive sediments. Our study suggests that to preserve the natural riverine system functioning of this area of the Panama Canal, management activities must address long-term ecosystem structural drivers such as river flow, runoff patterns and physical-chemical conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jorge Salgado
- Laboratorio de Palinología y Paleoecología Tropical, Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad de Los Andes, Carrera 1# 18A-12, Bogotá, Colombia; Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, PO Box 0843-03092, Balboa, Panama; Facultad de Ingeniería, Universidad Católica de Colombia, Bogotá, Avenida Caracas # 46-72, Colombia.
| | - María I Vélez
- University of Regina, Department of Geology, 3737 Wascana Parkway, Regina, Saskatchewan S4S 0A2, Canada
| | - Catalina González-Arango
- Laboratorio de Palinología y Paleoecología Tropical, Departamento de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad de Los Andes, Carrera 1# 18A-12, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Neil L Rose
- Environmental Change Research Centre, Department of Geography, University College London, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, United Kingdom
| | - Handong Yang
- Environmental Change Research Centre, Department of Geography, University College London, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, United Kingdom
| | - Carme Huguet
- Departamento de Geociencias, Universidad de Los Andes, Carrera 1#18A-12, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Juan S Camacho
- Departamento de Geociencias, Universidad de Los Andes, Carrera 1#18A-12, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Aaron O'Dea
- Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, PO Box 0843-03092, Balboa, Panama; Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
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16
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Schneider L, Rose NL, Lintern A, Sinclair D, Zawadzki A, Holley C, Aquino-López MA, Haberle S. Assessing environmental contamination from metal emission and relevant regulations in major areas of coal mining and electricity generation in Australia. Sci Total Environ 2020; 728:137398. [PMID: 32371267 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.137398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2019] [Revised: 02/14/2020] [Accepted: 02/16/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The Hunter and Latrobe Valleys have two of the richest coal deposits in Australia. They also host the largest coal-fired power stations in the country. We reconstructed metal deposition records in lake sediments in the Hunter and Latrobe Valleys to determine if metal deposition in freshwater lakes have increased in the region. The current regulatory arrangement applied to metal emissions from coal-fired power stations in Australia are presented, discussing their capacity to address future increases in metal deposition from these sources. Sediment records of spheroidal carbonaceous particles (SCPs), a component of fly-ash, were also used as an additional line of evidence to identify the contribution of industrial activities related to electricity generation to metal deposition in regions surrounding open-cut coal mines and coal-fired power stations. Sediment metal concentrations and SCP counts in the sedimentary records, from the Hunter and Latrobe Valleys, both indicated that open-cut coal mining and the subsequent combustion of coal in power stations has most likely resulted in an increase in atmospheric deposition of metals in the local region. In particular, the metalloids As and Se showed the greatest enrichment compared to before coal mining commenced. Although the introduction of bag filters at Liddell Power Station and the decommissioning of Hazelwood Power Station appear to have resulted in a decrease of metal deposition in nearby lakes, overall metal deposition in the environment is still increasing. The challenge for the years to come will be to develop better regulation policies and tools that will contribute to reduce metal emissions in these major electricity production centres in Australia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Larissa Schneider
- Archaeology and Natural History, School of Culture, History and Language, College of the Asia and the Pacific, Australian National University, 2601, Acton, ACT, Canberra, Australia.
| | - Neil L Rose
- Environmental Change Research Centre, Department of Geography, University College London, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Anna Lintern
- Department of Civil Engineering, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia
| | - Darren Sinclair
- Instituto of Governance and Policy Analysis, University of Canberra, Kirinari Street, Bruce Canberra, ACT 2617, Australia
| | - Atun Zawadzki
- Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation, Lucas Heights 2234, NSW, Australia
| | | | - Marco A Aquino-López
- Maynooth University, Arts and Humanities Institute, Maynooth, Co. Kildare, Ireland
| | - Simon Haberle
- Archaeology and Natural History, School of Culture, History and Language, College of the Asia and the Pacific, Australian National University, 2601, Acton, ACT, Canberra, Australia
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17
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Roberts S, Adams JK, Mackay AW, Swann GEA, McGowan S, Rose NL, Panizzo V, Yang H, Vologina E, Sturm M, Shchetnikov AA. Mercury loading within the Selenga River basin and Lake Baikal, Siberia. Environ Pollut 2020; 259:113814. [PMID: 32023784 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2019.113814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2019] [Revised: 12/11/2019] [Accepted: 12/13/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Mercury (Hg) loading in Lake Baikal, a UNESCO world heritage site, is growing and poses a serious health concern to the lake's ecosystem due to the ability of Hg to transform into a toxic form, known as methylmercury (MeHg). Monitoring of Hg into Lake Baikal is spatially and temporally sparse, highlighting the need for insights into historic Hg loading. This study reports measurements of Hg concentrations from water collected in August 2013 and 2014 from across Lake Baikal and its main inflow, the Selenga River basin (Russia, Mongolia). We also report historic Hg contamination using sediment cores taken from the south and north basins of Lake Baikal, and a shallow lake in the Selenga Delta. Field measurements from August 2013 and 2014 show high Hg concentrations in the Selenga Delta and river waters, in comparison to pelagic lake waters. Sediment cores from Lake Baikal show that Hg enrichment commenced first in the south basin in the late-19th century, and then in the north basin in the mid-20th century. Hg flux was also 20-fold greater in the south basin compared to the north basin sediments. Hg enrichment was greatest in the Selenga Delta shallow lake (Enrichment Ratio (ER) = 2.3 in 1994 CE), with enrichment occurring in the mid-to late-20th century. Local sources of Hg are predominantly from gold mining along the Selenga River, which have been expanding over the last few decades. More recently, another source is atmospheric deposition from industrial activity in Asia, due to rapid economic growth across the region since the 1980s. As Hg can bioaccumulate and biomagnify through trophic levels to Baikal's top consumer, the world's only truly freshwater seal (Pusa sibirica), it is vital that Hg input at Lake Baikal and within its catchment is monitored and controlled.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Roberts
- Canada Centre for Inland Waters, Environment and Climate Change Canada, Burlington, ON, L7S 1A1, Canada; School of Geography, University of Nottingham, University Park, Nottingham, NG7 2RD, United Kingdom.
| | - J K Adams
- Department of Biology, University of Waterloo, 200 University Avenue West, Waterloo, Ontario, N2L 3G1, Canada; Environmental Change Research Centre, Department of Geography, Pearson Building, Gower Street, University College London, London, WC1E 6BT, United Kingdom.
| | - A W Mackay
- Environmental Change Research Centre, Department of Geography, Pearson Building, Gower Street, University College London, London, WC1E 6BT, United Kingdom
| | - G E A Swann
- School of Geography, University of Nottingham, University Park, Nottingham, NG7 2RD, United Kingdom
| | - S McGowan
- School of Geography, University of Nottingham, University Park, Nottingham, NG7 2RD, United Kingdom
| | - N L Rose
- Environmental Change Research Centre, Department of Geography, Pearson Building, Gower Street, University College London, London, WC1E 6BT, United Kingdom
| | - V Panizzo
- School of Geography, University of Nottingham, University Park, Nottingham, NG7 2RD, United Kingdom
| | - H Yang
- Environmental Change Research Centre, Department of Geography, Pearson Building, Gower Street, University College London, London, WC1E 6BT, United Kingdom
| | - E Vologina
- Institute of Earth's Crust, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 128 ul. Lermontov, Irkutsk, 664033, Russia
| | - M Sturm
- Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology EAWAG-ETH, 8600, Dubendorf, Switzerland
| | - A A Shchetnikov
- Institute of Earth's Crust, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 128 ul. Lermontov, Irkutsk, 664033, Russia; Irkutsk State University, 2 Chkalov St., Irkutsk, 664003, Russia; Geological Institute, Russian Academy of Sciences, Pyzhevsky lane 7, 119017, Moscow, Russia; Irkutsk Scientific Centre, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 134 ul, Lermontov, Irkutsk, 664033, Russia
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18
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Sun X, Wang H, Guo Z, Lu P, Song F, Liu L, Liu J, Rose NL, Wang F. Positive matrix factorization on source apportionment for typical pollutants in different environmental media: a review. Environ Sci Process Impacts 2020; 22:239-255. [PMID: 31916559 DOI: 10.1039/c9em00529c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
A bibliometric analysis of published papers with the key words "positive matrix factorization" and "source apportionment" in 'Web of Science', reveals that more than 1000 papers are associated with this research and that approximately 50% of these were produced in Asia. As a receptor-based model, positive matrix factorization (PMF) has been widely used for source apportionment of various environmental pollutants, such as persistent organic pollutants (POPs), heavy metals, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) as well as inorganic cations and anions in the last decade. In this review, based on the papers mainly from 2008 to 2018 that focused on source apportionment of pollutants in different environmental media, we provide a comparison and summary of the source categories of typical environmental pollutants, with a special focus on polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), apportioned using PMF. Based on the statistical average, coal combustion and vehicular emission, are shown to be the two most common sources of PAHs, and contribute much more to emissions than other sources, such as biomass burning, biogenic sources and waste incineration. Heavy metals were mainly from agricultural activities, industrial and vehicular emissions and mining activities. Quantitative source apportionment on pollutants such as VOCs and particulate matter were also apportioned, showing a prominent contribution from fossil-fuel combustion. We conclude that, aside from natural sources, abatement strategies should be focused on changes in energy structure and industrial activities, especially in China. Source apportionment of typical POPs including polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins/dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), halogenated flame retardants (HFRs) and perfluorinated compounds (PFCs) is less comprehensive and further study is required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiang Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Coal Mine Disaster Dynamics and Control, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400030, China and Shanghai Key Laboratory of Atmospheric Particle Pollution and Prevention (LAP3), Department of Environmental Science & Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China
| | - Haoqi Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Coal Mine Disaster Dynamics and Control, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400030, China and Department of Environmental Science, College of Environment and Ecology, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400030, China.
| | - Zhigang Guo
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Atmospheric Particle Pollution and Prevention (LAP3), Department of Environmental Science & Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China
| | - Peili Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Coal Mine Disaster Dynamics and Control, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400030, China and Department of Environmental Science, College of Environment and Ecology, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400030, China.
| | - Fuzhong Song
- Department of Environmental Science, College of Environment and Ecology, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400030, China.
| | - Li Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Coal Mine Disaster Dynamics and Control, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400030, China
| | - Jiaxin Liu
- Chongqing University Cancer Hospital, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400030, China
| | - Neil L Rose
- Environmental Change Research Centre, University College London, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Fengwen Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Coal Mine Disaster Dynamics and Control, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400030, China and Department of Environmental Science, College of Environment and Ecology, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400030, China. and Key Laboratory of Pollution Processes and Environmental Criteria, Ministry of Education, Nankai University, Tianjin 300350, China
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Wang F, Feng T, Guo Z, Li Y, Lin T, Rose NL. Sources and dry deposition of carbonaceous aerosols over the coastal East China Sea: Implications for anthropogenic pollutant pathways and deposition. Environ Pollut 2019; 245:771-779. [PMID: 30502707 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2018.11.059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2018] [Revised: 11/18/2018] [Accepted: 11/20/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
75 paired TSP and PM2.5 samples were collected over four seasons on Huaniao Island (HNI), an island that lies downwind of continental pollutants emitted from mainland China to the East China Sea (ECS). These samples were analyzed for organic carbon (OC) and elemental carbon (EC), with a special focus on char-EC (char) and soot-EC (soot), to understand their sources, and the scale and extent of pollution and dry deposition over the coastal ECS. The results showed that char concentrations in PM2.5 and TSP averaged from 0.13 to 1.01 and 0.31-1.44 μg m-3; while for soot, they were from 0.03 to 0.21 and 0.16-0.56 μg m-3, respectively. 69.0% of the char and 36.4% of the soot were present in PM2.5. The char showed apparent seasonal variations, with highest concentrations in winter and lowest in summer; while soot displayed maximum concentrations in fall and minimum in summer. The char/soot ratios in PM2.5 averaged from 3.29 to 17.22; while for TSP, they were from 1.20 to 7.07. Both of the ratios in PM2.5 and TSP were highest in winter and lowest in fall. Comparisons of seasonal variations in OC/EC and char/soot ratios confirmed that char/soot may be a more effective indicator of carbonaceous aerosol source identification than OC/EC. Annual average atmospheric dry deposition fluxes of OC and EC into ECS were estimated to be 229 and 107 μg m-2 d-1, respectively, and their deposition fluxes significantly increased during episodes. It was estimated that the loadings of OC + EC and EC accounted for 1.3% and 4.1% of the total organic carbon and EC in ECS surface sediments, respectively, implying a relatively small contribution of OC and EC dry deposition to organic carbon burial. This finding also indicates a possibly more important contribution of wet deposition to organic carbon burial in sediments of ECS, and this factor should be considered for future study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fengwen Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Coal Mine Disaster Dynamics and Control, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400030, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Atmospheric Particle Pollution and Prevention (LAP(3)), Department of Environmental Science & Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200438, China; Department of Environmental Science, College of Resources and Environmental Science, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400030, China.
| | - Ting Feng
- Department of Environmental Science, College of Resources and Environmental Science, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400030, China
| | - Zhigang Guo
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Atmospheric Particle Pollution and Prevention (LAP(3)), Department of Environmental Science & Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200438, China
| | - Yuanyuan Li
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Atmospheric Particle Pollution and Prevention (LAP(3)), Department of Environmental Science & Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200438, China
| | - Tian Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang, 550002, China
| | - Neil L Rose
- Environmental Change Research Centre, University College London, Gower Street, London, WC1E 6BT, United Kingdom
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Yang H, Shilland E, Appleby PG, Rose NL, Battarbee RW. Legacy Lead Stored in Catchments Is the Dominant Source for Lakes in the U.K.: Evidence from Atmospherically Derived 210Pb. Environ Sci Technol 2018; 52:14070-14077. [PMID: 30427184 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.8b04099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
There has been a considerable reduction in anthropogenic lead (Pb) emission in the atmosphere in recent decades. However, the reduction in Pb inputs in many lakes does not match this as the Pb stored in catchment upper soil layers, derived from previous deposition, has become an important source although it is difficult to assess quantitatively. This work uses atmospherically deposited 210Pb as a tracer to track Pb movement, and so for the first time, we were able to calculate the relative Pb inputs from direct atmospheric deposition and catchment sources to lakes in the U.K. directly. Within individual lake sites, ratios of 210Pb/Pb in the catchment terrestrial mosses were normally an order of magnitude higher than those in the catchment surface soils, trapped lake sediments, and the surface sediments in the lake bottom. Results suggest that the Pb isotope signatures in the mosses are close to or dominated by atmospheric depositions, and it is reasonable to use the ratios of 210Pb/Pb in terrestrial mosses collected from the lake sites with a high annual rainfall over 2000 mm to represent those in atmospheric depositions. It reveals that after the reduction in Pb emissions, catchment Pb inputs now typically account for more than 95% of the total Pb entering the lakes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Handong Yang
- Environmental Change Research Centre , University College London , Pearson Building, Gower Street , London WC1E 6BT , U.K
| | - Ewan Shilland
- Environmental Change Research Centre , University College London , Pearson Building, Gower Street , London WC1E 6BT , U.K
| | - Peter G Appleby
- Department of Mathematical Science , University of Liverpool , Liverpool L69 3BX , U.K
| | - Neil L Rose
- Environmental Change Research Centre , University College London , Pearson Building, Gower Street , London WC1E 6BT , U.K
| | - Richard W Battarbee
- Environmental Change Research Centre , University College London , Pearson Building, Gower Street , London WC1E 6BT , U.K
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Watt JAJ, Burke IT, Edwards RA, Malcolm HM, Mayes WM, Olszewska JP, Pan G, Graham MC, Heal KV, Rose NL, Turner SD, Spears BM. Vanadium: A Re-Emerging Environmental Hazard. Environ Sci Technol 2018; 52:11973-11974. [PMID: 30358993 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.8b05560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- James A J Watt
- Centre for Ecology & Hydrology , Penicuik , Midlothian, EH26 0QB , U.K
- School of GeoSciences , University of Edinburgh , Edinburgh , EH9 3FF , U.K
| | - Ian T Burke
- Earth Surface Science Institute, School of Earth and Environment , University of Leeds , Leeds , LS2 9JT , U.K
| | - Ron A Edwards
- Craigencalt Rural Community Trust , Kinghorn , Fife, KY3 9YG , U.K
| | - Heath M Malcolm
- Centre for Ecology & Hydrology , Penicuik , Midlothian, EH26 0QB , U.K
| | - William M Mayes
- School of Environmental Sciences , University of Hull , Hull , HU6 7RX , U.K
| | | | - Gang Pan
- School of Animal, Rural and Environmental Sciences , Nottingham Trent University , Nottinghamshire , NG25 0QF , U.K
| | - Margaret C Graham
- School of GeoSciences , University of Edinburgh , Edinburgh , EH9 3FF , U.K
| | - Kate V Heal
- School of GeoSciences , University of Edinburgh , Edinburgh , EH9 3FF , U.K
| | - Neil L Rose
- Environmental Change Research Centre, Department of Geography , University College London , London , WC1E 6BT , U.K
| | - Simon D Turner
- Environmental Change Research Centre, Department of Geography , University College London , London , WC1E 6BT , U.K
| | - Bryan M Spears
- Centre for Ecology & Hydrology , Penicuik , Midlothian, EH26 0QB , U.K
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Adams JK, Martins CC, Rose NL, Shchetnikov AA, Mackay AW. Lake sediment records of persistent organic pollutants and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in southern Siberia mirror the changing fortunes of the Russian economy over the past 70 years. Environ Pollut 2018; 242:528-538. [PMID: 30005265 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2018.07.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2018] [Revised: 05/31/2018] [Accepted: 07/02/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Persistent organic pollutants (POPs) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) have previously been detected in the surface sediments, water, and endemic organisms of Lake Baikal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Selenga River is the primary source of freshwater to Lake Baikal, and transports pollutants accumulating in the Selenga River basin to the lake. Sources of POPs and PAHs in the Selenga River basin grew through the 20th century. In the present study, temporal changes in the concentrations of PAHs and POPs were reconstructed from two lakes in the Selenga River basin over the past 150 years using paleolimnological techniques. Increased concentrations in PAHs and PCBs were recorded initially in the 1930s. The 1940s-1980s was the period of greatest exposure to organic contamination, and concentrations of dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), hexachlorocyclohexanes (HCHs) and many PAHs peaked between the 1960s and 1980s in the two lakes. Declines in concentrations and fluxes were recorded for most PAHs and POPs in the 1980s and 1990s. Temporal trends in concentrations of total and individual compounds/congeners of PAH, PCBs, and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) indicate the contribution of both local and regional sources of contamination in the 20th and 21st centuries. Temporal variations in contaminants can be linked to economic and industrial growth in the former USSR after World War II and the economic decline of Russia in the late-1980s and early-1990s, as well as global trends in industrialization and development during the mid-20th century.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer K Adams
- Environmental Change Research Centre, Department of Geography, University College London, Gower Street, London, WC1E 6BT, UK.
| | - César C Martins
- Centro de Estudos do Mar da Universidade Federal do Paraná, P.O. Box 61, 83255-000, Pontal do Paraná, PR, Brazil
| | - Neil L Rose
- Environmental Change Research Centre, Department of Geography, University College London, Gower Street, London, WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Alexander A Shchetnikov
- Institute of the Earth's Crust, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Irkutsk, 664033, Russia; Vinogradov Institute of Geochemistry, Siberian Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences, Irkutsk, 664033, Russia; Irkutsk Scientific Center, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Irkutsk, 664033, Russia
| | - Anson W Mackay
- Environmental Change Research Centre, Department of Geography, University College London, Gower Street, London, WC1E 6BT, UK
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Rose NL, Turner SD, Yang H, Yang C, Hall C, Harrad S. Palaeotoxicity: reconstructing the risk of multiple sedimentary pollutants to freshwater organisms. Environ Geochem Health 2018; 40:1667-1682. [PMID: 29500539 PMCID: PMC6061110 DOI: 10.1007/s10653-018-0080-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2017] [Accepted: 02/21/2018] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
'Real-world' contaminant exposure of sediment-dwelling biota is typically long-term, low-level and to multiple pollutants. However, sediment quality guidelines, designed to protect these organisms, relate only to single contaminants. This study uses radiometrically dated sediment cores from 7 English lakes with varying contamination histories to reconstruct temporal changes in likely risk to biota (herein termed 'palaeotoxicity'). The Probable Effects Concentration Quotient (PEC-Q) approach was used to combine sediment concentrations from multiple contaminants (trace metals; PCBs; PBDEs) to determine risk allocated to metals and persistent organic pollutants (POPs) separately as well as combined (PEC-Q Mean-All). Urban-influenced lakes were considerably more contaminated, exceeding PEC-Q thresholds of 0.5 and 2.0 over long durations (some since the nineteenth century). This has been mainly due to metals (principally lead) and by factors of up to 10 for individual metals and by > 2 for PEC-Q Mean-Metals. In 6 out of 7 lakes, considerable reductions in risk associated with trace metals are observed since emissions reductions in the 1970s. However, at all lakes, PEC-Q Mean-POPs has increased sharply since the 1950s and at 5 out of 7 lakes now exceeds PEC-Q Mean-Metals. These organic pollutants are therefore now the dominant driver behind elevated contaminant risk to sediment-dwelling biota and recent temporal trends in PEC-Q Mean-All remain above threshold values as a result. Finally, PEC-Q Mean-All values were compared to standard biological toxicity tests for surface sediments at each site. While chironomid growth and daphniid reproduction were significantly reduced compared to controls at 5 out of 7, and all lakes, respectively, the scale of these reductions showed only limited quantitative agreement with predicted risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neil L Rose
- Environmental Change Research Centre, Department of Geography, University College London, Gower St, London, WC1E 6BT, UK.
| | - Simon D Turner
- Environmental Change Research Centre, Department of Geography, University College London, Gower St, London, WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Handong Yang
- Environmental Change Research Centre, Department of Geography, University College London, Gower St, London, WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Congqiao Yang
- Department of Earth Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5S 3B1, Canada
- School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK
| | - Charlotte Hall
- Environmental Change Research Centre, Department of Geography, University College London, Gower St, London, WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Stuart Harrad
- School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK
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Thornalley DJR, Oppo DW, Ortega P, Robson JI, Brierley CM, Davis R, Hall IR, Moffa-Sanchez P, Rose NL, Spooner PT, Yashayaev I, Keigwin LD. Anomalously weak Labrador Sea convection and Atlantic overturning during the past 150 years. Nature 2018; 556:227-230. [DOI: 10.1038/s41586-018-0007-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 219] [Impact Index Per Article: 36.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2017] [Accepted: 02/13/2018] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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Engels S, Fong LSRZ, Chen Q, Leng MJ, McGowan S, Idris M, Rose NL, Ruslan MS, Taylor D, Yang H. Historical atmospheric pollution trends in Southeast Asia inferred from lake sediment records. Environ Pollut 2018; 235:907-917. [PMID: 29353806 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2018.01.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2017] [Revised: 01/02/2018] [Accepted: 01/03/2018] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Fossil fuel combustion leads to increased levels of air pollution, which negatively affects human health as well as the environment. Documented data for Southeast Asia (SEA) show a strong increase in fossil fuel consumption since 1980, but information on coal and oil combustion before 1980 is not widely available. Spheroidal carbonaceous particles (SCPs) and heavy metals, such as mercury (Hg), are emitted as by-products of fossil fuel combustion and may accumulate in sediments following atmospheric fallout. Here we use sediment SCP and Hg records from several freshwater lentic ecosystems in SEA (Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore) to reconstruct long-term, region-wide variations in levels of these two key atmospheric pollution indicators. The age-depth models of Philippine sediment cores do not reach back far enough to date first SCP presence, but single SCP occurrences are first observed between 1925 and 1950 for a Malaysian site. Increasing SCP flux is observed at our sites from 1960 onward, although individual sites show minor differences in trends. SCP fluxes show a general decline after 2000 at each of our study sites. While the records show broadly similar temporal trends across SEA, absolute SCP fluxes differ between sites, with a record from Malaysia showing SCP fluxes that are two orders of magnitude lower than records from the Philippines. Similar trends in records from China and Japan represent the emergence of atmospheric pollution as a broadly-based inter-region environmental problem during the 20th century. Hg fluxes were relatively stable from the second half of the 20th century onward. As catchment soils are also contaminated with atmospheric Hg, future soil erosion can be expected to lead to enhanced Hg flux into surface waters.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Engels
- Centre for Environmental Geochemistry, School of Geography, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, NG7 2RD, UK; School of Geography, Birkbeck University of London, Malet Street, London, WC1E 7HX, UK.
| | - L S R Z Fong
- Department of Geography, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117570, Singapore
| | - Q Chen
- Department of Geography, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117570, Singapore
| | - M J Leng
- Centre for Environmental Geochemistry, School of Geography, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, NG7 2RD, UK; NERC Isotope Geosciences Facilities, British Geological Survey, Nottingham, NG12 5GG, UK
| | - S McGowan
- Centre for Environmental Geochemistry, School of Geography, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, NG7 2RD, UK; School of Environmental and Geographical Sciences, University of Nottingham Malaysia Campus, Jalan Broga, 43500 Semenyih, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia
| | - M Idris
- Tasik Chini Research Centre, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 43600, Malaysia
| | - N L Rose
- Environmental Change Research Centre, Department of Geography, University College London, London, WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - M S Ruslan
- Tasik Chini Research Centre, Faculty of Science and Technology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, 43600, Malaysia
| | - D Taylor
- Department of Geography, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117570, Singapore
| | - H Yang
- Environmental Change Research Centre, Department of Geography, University College London, London, WC1E 6BT, UK
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Barst BD, Ahad JME, Rose NL, Jautzy JJ, Drevnick PE, Gammon PR, Sanei H, Savard MM. Lake-sediment record of PAH, mercury, and fly-ash particle deposition near coal-fired power plants in Central Alberta, Canada. Environ Pollut 2017; 231:644-653. [PMID: 28846985 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2017.08.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2017] [Revised: 07/10/2017] [Accepted: 08/09/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
We report a historical record of atmospheric deposition in dated sediment cores from Hasse Lake, ideally located near both currently and previously operational coal-fired power plants in Central Alberta, Canada. Accumulation rates of spheroidal carbonaceous particles (SCPs), an unambiguous marker of high-temperature fossil-fuel combustion, in the early part of the sediment record (pre-1955) compared well with historical emissions from one of North America's earliest coal-fired power plants (Rossdale) located ∼43 km to the east in the city of Edmonton. Accumulation rates in the latter part of the record (post-1955) suggested inputs from the Wabamun region's plants situated ∼17-25 km to the west. Increasing accumulation rates of SCPs, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and Hg coincided with the previously documented period of peak pollution in the Wabamun region during the late 1960s to early 1970s, although Hg deposition trends were also similar to those found in western North American lakes not directly affected by point sources. A noticeable reduction in contaminant inputs during the 1970s is attributed in part to technological improvements and stricter emission controls. The over one hundred-year historical record of coal-fired power plant emissions documented in Hasse Lake sediments has provided insight into the impact that both environmental regulations and changes in electricity output have had over time. This information is crucial to assessing the current and future role of coal in the world's energy supply.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin D Barst
- INRS-ETE, Université du Québec, 490 de la Couronne, Québec, QC G1K 9A9, Canada
| | - Jason M E Ahad
- Geological Survey of Canada, Natural Resources Canada, 490 de la Couronne, Québec, QC G1K 9A9, Canada.
| | - Neil L Rose
- Environmental Change Research Centre, Department of Geography, University College London, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Josué J Jautzy
- University of Ottawa, Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, 25 Templeton St., Ottawa, ON K1N 6N5, Canada
| | - Paul E Drevnick
- Environmental Monitoring and Science Division, Alberta Environment and Parks, Calgary AB T2E 7L7, Canada
| | - Paul R Gammon
- Geological Survey of Canada, Natural Resources Canada, 601 Booth Street, Ottawa, ON K1A 0E8, Canada
| | - Hamed Sanei
- Geological Survey of Canada, Natural Resources Canada, 3303-33rd Street N.W., Calgary, AB T2L 2A7, Canada
| | - Martine M Savard
- Geological Survey of Canada, Natural Resources Canada, 490 de la Couronne, Québec, QC G1K 9A9, Canada
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Vaughan R, Turner SD, Rose NL. Microplastics in the sediments of a UK urban lake. Environ Pollut 2017; 229:10-18. [PMID: 28575711 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2017.05.057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 127] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2017] [Revised: 05/19/2017] [Accepted: 05/21/2017] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
While studies on microplastics in the marine environment show their wide-distribution, persistence and contamination of biota, the freshwater environment remains comparatively neglected. Where studies on freshwaters have been undertaken these have been on riverine systems or very large lakes. We present data on the distribution of microplastic particles in the sediments of Edgbaston Pool, a shallow eutrophic lake in central Birmingham, UK. These data provide, to our knowledge, the first assessment of microplastic concentrations in the sediments of either a small or an urban lake and the first for any lake in the UK. Maximum concentrations reached 25-30 particles per 100 g dried sediment (equivalent to low hundreds kg-1) and hence are comparable with reported river sediment studies. Fibres and films were the most common types of microplastic observed. Spatial distributions appear to be due to similar factors to other lake studies (i.e. location of inflow; prevailing wind directions; propensity for biofouling; distribution of macroplastic debris) and add to the growing burden of evidence for microplastic ubiquity in all environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Vaughan
- Environmental Change Research Centre, Department of Geography, University College London, Gower Street, London, WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Simon D Turner
- Environmental Change Research Centre, Department of Geography, University College London, Gower Street, London, WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Neil L Rose
- Environmental Change Research Centre, Department of Geography, University College London, Gower Street, London, WC1E 6BT, UK.
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Wilks B, Morgan RM, Rose NL. An experimental study addressing the use of geoforensic analysis for the exploitation of improvised explosive devices (IEDs). Forensic Sci Int 2017; 278:52-67. [PMID: 28692859 DOI: 10.1016/j.forsciint.2017.06.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2016] [Revised: 06/16/2017] [Accepted: 06/27/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
The use of geoforensic analysis in criminal investigations is continuing to develop, with the diversification of analytical techniques, many of which are semi-automated, facilitating prompt analysis of large sample sets at a relatively low cost. Whilst micro-scale geoforensic analysis has been shown to assist criminal investigations including homicide (Concheri et al., 2011 [1]), wildlife crime (Morgan et al., 2006 [2]), illicit drug distribution (Stanley, 1992 [3]), and burglary (Mildenhall, 2006 [4]), its application to the pressing international security threat posed by Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) is yet to be considered. This experimental study simulated an IED supply chain from the sourcing of raw materials through to device emplacement. Mineralogy, quartz grain surface texture analysis (QGSTA) and particle size analysis (PSA) were used to assess whether environmental materials were transferred and subsequently persisted on the different components of three pressure plate IEDs. The research also addressed whether these samples were comprised of material from single or multiple geographical provenances that represented supply chain activity nodes. The simulation demonstrated that material derived from multiple activity nodes, was transferred and persisted on device components. The results from the mineralogy and QGSTA illustrated the value these techniques offer for the analysis of mixed provenance samples. The results from the PSA, which produces a bulk signature of the sample, failed to distinguish multiple provenances. The study also considered how the environmental material recovered could be used to generate information regarding the geographical locations the device had been in contact with, in an intelligence style investigation, and demonstrated that geoforensic analysis has the potential to be of value to international counter-IED efforts. It is a tool that may be used to prevent the distribution of large quantities of devices, by aiding the identification of the geographical location of key activity nodes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beth Wilks
- UCL Centre for the Forensic Sciences, University College London, 35 Tavistock Square, London WC1H 9EZ, United Kingdom; UCL Security and Crime Science, University College London, 35 Tavistock Square, London WC1H 9EZ, United Kingdom; Environmental Change Research Centre, Department of Geography, University College London,Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, United Kingdom
| | - Ruth M Morgan
- UCL Centre for the Forensic Sciences, University College London, 35 Tavistock Square, London WC1H 9EZ, United Kingdom; UCL Security and Crime Science, University College London, 35 Tavistock Square, London WC1H 9EZ, United Kingdom.
| | - Neil L Rose
- Environmental Change Research Centre, Department of Geography, University College London,Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, United Kingdom
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Wang F, Lin T, Li Y, Guo Z, Rose NL. Comparison of PM 2.5 carbonaceous pollutants between an urban site in Shanghai and a background site in a coastal East China Sea island in summer: concentration, composition and sources. Environ Sci Process Impacts 2017; 19:833-842. [PMID: 28513752 DOI: 10.1039/c7em00129k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Nine paired samples of atmospheric particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter less than or equal to 2.5 μm (PM2.5) were collected concurrently from an urban site in Shanghai, China and a background site in Huaniao Island (HNI) in the coastal East China Sea (ECS) between July 21 and 29, 2011. The samples were analyzed for 16 United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) priority polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), n-alkanes (20 species, C14-C33), hopanes (10 species, C29-C32), and steranes (12 species, C27-C29). These two sites, approximately 66 km apart, are both on the pathway of land-based pollutants as they are transported to the ECS by seasonal winds. As expected, concentrations in Shanghai were higher (average: 8.4 and 67.8 ng m-3 for the 16 PAHs and n-alkanes, respectively) than those in HNI (average: 1.8 and 8.5 ng m-3, respectively). The dominant contributor to the 16 PAHs in Shanghai was 5-6-ring PAHs (60.0%), whereas 2-3-ring PAHs contributed the most (72.5%) in HNI. Plant waxes contributed 45.7% and 25.9% of the n-alkanes in Shanghai and HNI, respectively, implying a relatively greater contribution from petroleum residues to the n-alkanes in HNI. Principal component analysis (PCA) and the compositions of hopanes and steranes highlighted a prominent contribution from traffic emissions to carbonaceous PM2.5 aerosols. This study provides comprehensive details about the sources, formation, and transport of pollutants from eastern China to the coastal ECS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fengwen Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Coal Mine Disaster Dynamics and Control, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400030, China.
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Turner SD, Rose NL, Goldsmith B, Bearcock JM, Scheib C, Yang H. Using public participation to sample trace metals in lake surface sediments: the OPAL Metals Survey. Environ Monit Assess 2017; 189:241. [PMID: 28455732 PMCID: PMC5409918 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-017-5946-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2016] [Accepted: 04/07/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Members of the public in England were invited in 2010 to take part in a national metals survey, by collecting samples of littoral sediment from a standing water body for geochemical analysis. To our knowledge, this is the first national sediment metals survey using public participation and reveals a snapshot of the extent of metals contamination in ponds and lakes across England. Hg, Ni, Cu, Zn and Pb concentrations exceeding sediment quality guidelines for the health of aquatic biota are ubiquitous in ponds and lakes, not just in areas with a legacy of industrial activity. To validate the public sampling approach, a calibration exercise was conducted at ten water bodies selected to represent a range of lakes found across England. Sediment concentrations of Hg, Ni, Cu, Zn and Pb were measured in samples of soil, stream and littoral and deep water sediment to assess inputs. Significant differences between littoral sediment metal concentrations occur due to local variability, but also organic content, especially in upland, peat soil catchments. Variability of metal concentrations between littoral samples is shown to be low in small (<20 ha) lowland lakes. Larger and upland lakes with more complex inputs and variation in organic content of littoral samples have a greater variability. Collection of littoral sediments in small lakes and ponds, with or without voluntary participation, can provide a reliable sampling technique for the preliminary assessment of metal contamination in standing waters. However, the heterogeneity of geology, soils and history/extent of metal contamination in the English landscape, combined with the random nature of sample collection, shows that systematic sampling for evaluating the full extent of metal contamination in lakes is still required.
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Affiliation(s)
- S D Turner
- Environmental Change Research Centre, UCL Geography, Gower St, London, WC1E 6BT, UK.
| | - N L Rose
- Environmental Change Research Centre, UCL Geography, Gower St, London, WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - B Goldsmith
- Environmental Change Research Centre, UCL Geography, Gower St, London, WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - J M Bearcock
- Environmental Science Centre, British Geological Survey, Nicker Hill, Keyworth, Nottingham, NG12 5GG, UK
| | - C Scheib
- Environmental Science Centre, British Geological Survey, Nicker Hill, Keyworth, Nottingham, NG12 5GG, UK
| | - H Yang
- Environmental Change Research Centre, UCL Geography, Gower St, London, WC1E 6BT, UK
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Yang H, Turner S, Rose NL. Mercury pollution in the lake sediments and catchment soils of anthropogenically-disturbed sites across England. Environ Pollut 2016; 219:1092-1101. [PMID: 27639616 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2016.09.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2016] [Revised: 08/19/2016] [Accepted: 09/05/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Sediment cores and soil samples were taken from nine lakes and their catchments across England with varying degrees of direct human disturbance. Mercury (Hg) analysis demonstrated a range of impacts, many from local sources, resulting from differing historical and contemporary site usage and management. Lakes located in industrially important areas showed clear evidence for early Hg pollution with concentrations in sediments reaching 400-1600 ng g-1 prior to the mid-19th century. Control of inputs resulting from local management practices and a greater than 90% reduction in UK Hg emissions since 1970 were reflected by reduced Hg pollution in some lakes. However, having been a sink for Hg deposition for centuries, polluted catchment soils are now the major Hg source for most lakes and consequently recovery from reduced Hg deposition is being delayed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Handong Yang
- Environmental Change Research Centre, University College London, Pearson Building, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, UK.
| | - Simon Turner
- Environmental Change Research Centre, University College London, Pearson Building, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Neil L Rose
- Environmental Change Research Centre, University College London, Pearson Building, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, UK
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Abstract
Background Public participation in scientific data collection is a rapidly expanding field. In water quality surveys, the involvement of the public, usually as trained volunteers, generally includes the identification of aquatic invertebrates to a broad taxonomic level. However, quality assurance is often not addressed and remains a key concern for the acceptance of publicly-generated water quality data. The Open Air Laboratories (OPAL) Water Survey, launched in May 2010, aimed to encourage interest and participation in water science by developing a ‘low-barrier-to-entry’ water quality survey. During 2010, over 3000 participant-selected lakes and ponds were surveyed making this the largest public participation lake and pond survey undertaken to date in the UK. But the OPAL approach of using untrained volunteers and largely anonymous data submission exacerbates quality control concerns. A number of approaches were used in order to address data quality issues including: sensitivity analysis to determine differences due to operator, sampling effort and duration; direct comparisons of identification between participants and experienced scientists; the use of a self-assessment identification quiz; the use of multiple participant surveys to assess data variability at single sites over short periods of time; comparison of survey techniques with other measurement variables and with other metrics generally considered more accurate. These quality control approaches were then used to screen the OPAL Water Survey data to generate a more robust dataset. Results The OPAL Water Survey results provide a regional and national assessment of water quality as well as a first national picture of water clarity (as suspended solids concentrations). Less than 10 % of lakes and ponds surveyed were ‘poor’ quality while 26.8 % were in the highest water quality band. Conclusions It is likely that there will always be a question mark over untrained volunteer generated data simply because quality assurance is uncertain, regardless of any post hoc data analyses. Quality control at all stages, from survey design, identification tests, data submission and interpretation can all increase confidence such that useful data can be generated by public participants.
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Affiliation(s)
- N L Rose
- Environmental Change Research Centre, Department of Geography, University College London, Gower St, London, WC1E 6BT, UK.
| | - S D Turner
- Environmental Change Research Centre, Department of Geography, University College London, Gower St, London, WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - B Goldsmith
- Environmental Change Research Centre, Department of Geography, University College London, Gower St, London, WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - L Gosling
- Centre for Environmental Policy, Imperial College London, 13-15 Prince's Gardens, London, SW7 1NA, UK
| | - T A Davidson
- Department of Bioscience, Aarhus University, Vejlsøvej 25, Silkeborg, Denmark
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Wang F, Guo Z, Lin T, Rose NL. Seasonal variation of carbonaceous pollutants in PM2.5 at an urban 'supersite' in Shanghai, China. Chemosphere 2016; 146:238-244. [PMID: 26735723 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2015.12.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2015] [Revised: 12/04/2015] [Accepted: 12/09/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Multiple PM2.5 samples collected through different seasons from October 2011 to August 2012 at an urban site in Shanghai, China were analyzed for carbonaceous pollutants. Data from this site, a 'super' air quality monitoring station at Fudan University, has been used by researchers to investigate the formation mechanism of haze episodes. The characteristics and concentrations of organic carbon (OC), elemental carbon (EC), n-alkanes, as well as relative abundances of hopanes, in these samples were determined. The concentrations showed a pronounced annual cycle with higher values in cold seasons (spring and winter, mean: 8.6 μg/m(3), 3.3 μg/m(3) and 136.4 ng/m(3) for OC, EC and n-alkanes, respectively) and lower values in warm seasons (fall and summer, mean: 6.6 μg/m(3), 2.6 μg/m(3) and 73.8 ng/m(3) for OC, EC and n-alkanes, respectively). EC generally displayed a common source with that of OC in all seasons. Petroleum residue was the major source of n-alkanes, contributing 71.4% to the targeted C14-C33n-alkanes over four seasons. Principal components analysis and the composition of hopanes showed that emissions from vehicle exhaust contributed more carbonaceous aerosols than coal combustion. These data could provide important information for measures to reduce carbonaceous pollutant emissions and improve air quality in Shanghai, and other urban centers across China.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fengwen Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Coal Mine Disaster Dynamics and Control, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400030, China; Department of Environmental Science, College of Resources and Environmental Science, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400030, China.
| | - Zhigang Guo
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Atmospheric Particle Pollution and Prevention, Center for Atmospheric Chemistry Study, Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Tian Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang 550002, China
| | - Neil L Rose
- Environmental Change Research Centre, University College London, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, United Kingdom
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Rose NL, Yang H, Turner SD. A gradient of mercury concentrations in Scottish single malt whiskies. Environ Geochem Health 2016; 38:309-313. [PMID: 25893487 DOI: 10.1007/s10653-015-9704-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2015] [Accepted: 04/15/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Mercury (Hg) concentrations were measured in 26 Scottish single malt whiskies, and all found to be very low (<10 ng L(-1)), posing no threat to human health through reasonable levels of consumption. However, a significant south-to-north declining gradient in Hg concentrations was observed reflecting that reported for atmospheric deposition. We speculate that this gradient could be due to a combination of contemporary deposition and the legacy of industrial mercury emissions and deposition over the last 200 years affecting concentrations in local waters used in whisky production. As UK atmospheric emissions of mercury have declined by 90 % since the 1970s, we suggest that whisky being produced today should have even lower Hg concentrations when consumed in 10- to 15-years time. This reduction may be compromised by the remobilisation of contaminants stored in catchment soils being transferred to source waters, but is very unlikely to raise the negligible health risk due to Hg from Scottish single malt whisky consumption.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neil L Rose
- Department of Geography, Environmental Change Research Centre, University College London, Gower Street, London, WC1E 6BT, UK.
| | - Handong Yang
- Department of Geography, Environmental Change Research Centre, University College London, Gower Street, London, WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Simon D Turner
- Department of Geography, Environmental Change Research Centre, University College London, Gower Street, London, WC1E 6BT, UK
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Arinaitwe K, Rose NL, Muir DCG, Kiremire BT, Balirwa JS, Teixeira C. Historical deposition of persistent organic pollutants in Lake Victoria and two alpine equatorial lakes from East Africa: Insights into atmospheric deposition from sedimentation profiles. Chemosphere 2016; 144:1815-1822. [PMID: 26539705 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2015.10.061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2015] [Revised: 10/11/2015] [Accepted: 10/14/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Information on historical deposition of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) for African lakes is very limited. We investigated historical deposition trends and sources of POPs in sediment cores from Lakes Victoria (SC1), Bujuku (Buju2) and Mahoma (Maho2). The latter two lakes are situated in the Rwenzori mountain range in western Uganda. SC1 was taken from a central depositional area within the Ugandan part of the lake. Profiles in Buju2 and Maho2 were used as a reference for historical atmospheric deposition. For the post-1940 sediment deposits in SC1, average focusing factor-adjusted fluxes (FFFs) of ΣDDTs, polychlorinated biphenyls (ΣPCBs), hexachlorocyclohexanes (ΣHCHs) and chlordanes (ΣCHLs) were 390, 230, 210 and 120 ng m(-2) yr(-1). Higher fluxes of ΣDDTs, ΣPCBs, and ΣCHLs were observed in Buju2 and Maho2. The average FFF of HCB in Buju2 was the highest while the values for Maho2 and SC1 were similar. The endosulfan FFFs in SC1 were lower than in the alpine lake cores. Generally, Buju2 was a better reference for historical atmospheric deposition of POPs than Maho2 probably due to distortion of the latter's profile by Lake Mahoma's forested catchment. Profiles of p,p'-DDE, ΣCHLs and HCB in SC1 were consistent with atmospheric deposition while profiles of PCBs and HCHs were indicative of particle-bound loadings from additional sources. Profiles of endosulfans, DDTs, and chlordanes were consistent with influence of other factors such as anoxia, and dilution. Further studies of spatial resolution of historical deposition, especially in near-shore deposition areas of the lake are recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Neil L Rose
- Environmental Change Research Centre, University College London, London, UK
| | - Derek C G Muir
- Aquatic Contaminants Research Division, Environment Canada, Burlington, ON, Canada
| | | | - John S Balirwa
- National Fisheries Resources Research Institute (NaFIRRI), Jinja, Uganda
| | - Camilla Teixeira
- Aquatic Contaminants Research Division, Environment Canada, Burlington, ON, Canada
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Yang C, Rose NL, Turner SD, Yang H, Goldsmith B, Losada S, Barber JL, Harrad S. Hexabromocyclododecanes, polybrominated diphenyl ethers, and polychlorinated biphenyls in radiometrically dated sediment cores from English lakes, ~1950-present. Sci Total Environ 2016; 541:721-728. [PMID: 26433331 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2015.09.102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2015] [Revised: 08/30/2015] [Accepted: 09/19/2015] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
This paper reports input fluxes between ~1950 and present, of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), and hexabromocyclododecanes (HBCDs) in radiometrically-dated sediment cores from 7 English lakes. Fluxes of PCBs at all but one location prone to significant sediment resuspension peaked in the late-1960s/early-1990s, before declining thereafter. Input fluxes of HBCDs at all sites increased from first emergence in the mid-1960s. Thereafter, fluxes peaked in the late-1980s/early-2000s, before declining through to the present, except at the most urban site where HBCD fluxes are still increasing. Trends of PBDEs predominant in the Penta-BDE and Octa-BDE formulations vary between sites. While at some locations, fluxes peaked in the late-1990s/early-2000s; at others, fluxes are still increasing. This suggests the full impact of EU restrictions on these formulations has yet to be felt. Fluxes of BDE-209 have yet to peak at all except one location, suggesting little discernible environmental response to recent EU restrictions on the Deca-BDE product. Strikingly, fluxes of BDE-209 in the most recent core slices either exceed or approach peak fluxes of ΣPCBs, implying substantial UK use of Deca-BDE. Excepting HBCDs, inventories of our target contaminants correlated significantly with local population density, implying substantial urban sources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Congqiao Yang
- School of Geography, Earth, and Environmental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK.
| | - Neil L Rose
- Environmental Change Research Centre, Department of Geography, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Simon D Turner
- Environmental Change Research Centre, Department of Geography, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Handong Yang
- Environmental Change Research Centre, Department of Geography, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Ben Goldsmith
- Environmental Change Research Centre, Department of Geography, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Sara Losada
- Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science, Cefas Lowestoft Laboratory, Pakefield Road, Lowestoft, Suffolk NR33 0HT, UK
| | - Jonathan L Barber
- Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science, Cefas Lowestoft Laboratory, Pakefield Road, Lowestoft, Suffolk NR33 0HT, UK
| | - Stuart Harrad
- School of Geography, Earth, and Environmental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK
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Ruppel MM, Gustafsson Ö, Rose NL, Pesonen A, Yang H, Weckström J, Palonen V, Oinonen MJ, Korhola A. Spatial and Temporal Patterns in Black Carbon Deposition to Dated Fennoscandian Arctic Lake Sediments from 1830 to 2010. Environ Sci Technol 2015; 49:13954-13963. [PMID: 26575216 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.5b01779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Black carbon (BC) is fine particulate matter produced by the incomplete combustion of biomass and fossil fuels. It has a strong climate warming effect that is amplified in the Arctic. Long-term trends of BC play an important role in assessing the climatic effects of BC and in model validation. However, few historical BC records exist from high latitudes. We present five lake-sediment soot-BC (SBC) records from the Fennoscandian Arctic and compare them with records of spheroidal carbonaceous fly-ash particles (SCPs), another BC component, for ca. the last 120 years. The records show spatial and temporal variation in SBC fluxes. Two northernmost lakes indicate declining values from 1960 to the present, which is consistent with modeled BC deposition and atmospheric measurements in the area. However, two lakes located closer to the Kola Peninsula (Russia) have recorded increasing SBC fluxes from 1970 to the present, which is likely caused by regional industrial emissions. The increasing trend is in agreement with a Svalbard ice-core-BC record. The results suggest that BC deposition in parts of the European Arctic may have increased over the last few decades, and further studies are needed to clarify the spatial extent of the increasing BC values and to ascertain the climatic implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meri M Ruppel
- Department of Environmental Sciences, University of Helsinki , 00790 Helsinki, Finland
| | | | - Neil L Rose
- Environmental Change Research Centre, Department of Geography, University College London , London, WC1E 6BT United Kingdom
| | | | - Handong Yang
- Environmental Change Research Centre, Department of Geography, University College London , London, WC1E 6BT United Kingdom
| | - Jan Weckström
- Department of Environmental Sciences, University of Helsinki , 00790 Helsinki, Finland
| | | | | | - Atte Korhola
- Department of Environmental Sciences, University of Helsinki , 00790 Helsinki, Finland
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Rose NL. Spheroidal carbonaceous fly ash particles provide a globally synchronous stratigraphic marker for the Anthropocene. Environ Sci Technol 2015; 49:4155-62. [PMID: 25790111 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.5b00543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Human impacts on Earth are now so great that they have led to the concept of a new geological epoch defined by this global human influence: the Anthropocene. While not universally accepted, the term is increasingly popular and widely used. However, even among proponents, there is considerable debate regarding when the epoch may have started, from coeval with the Holocene, through the Industrial Revolution, to the mid-20th century when unprecedented human activities resulted in exponential increases in population, resource consumption, and pollutant emission. Recently, this latter period, known as the Great Acceleration, appears to be becoming the more widely accepted start date. To define any start point, a global stratigraphic marker or Global Boundary Stratotype Section and Point (GSSP) is typically required. Here, spheroidal carbonaceous fly ash particles (SCPs), byproducts of industrial fossil-fuel combustion, are proposed as a primary marker for a GSSP at the time of the Great Acceleration. Data from over 75 lake sediment records show a global, synchronous, and dramatic increase in particle accumulation starting in c. 1950 driven by the increased demand for electricity and the introduction of fuel-oil combustion, in addition to coal, as a means to produce it. SCPs are morphologically distinct and solely anthropogenic in origin, providing an unambiguous marker. This is a clear signal of great stratigraphic utility representing a primary driving force for global anthropogenic change.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neil L Rose
- Environmental Change Research Centre, Department of Geography, University College London, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, United Kingdom
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Heard AM, Sickman JO, Rose NL, Bennett DM, Lucero DM, Melack JM, Curtis JH. 20th century atmospheric deposition and acidification trends in lakes of the Sierra Nevada, California, USA. Environ Sci Technol 2014; 48:10054-10061. [PMID: 25078969 DOI: 10.1021/es500934s] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
We investigated multiple lines of evidence to determine if observed and paleo-reconstructed changes in acid neutralizing capacity (ANC) in Sierra Nevada lakes were the result of changes in 20th century atmospheric deposition. Spheroidal carbonaceous particles (SCPs) (indicator of anthropogenic atmospheric deposition) and biogenic silica and δ(13)C (productivity proxies) in lake sediments, nitrogen and sulfur emission inventories, climate variables, and long-term hydrochemistry records were compared to reconstructed ANC trends in Moat Lake. The initial decline in ANC at Moat Lake occurred between 1920 and 1930, when hydrogen ion deposition was approximately 74 eq ha(-1) yr(-1), and ANC recovered between 1970 and 2005. Reconstructed ANC in Moat Lake was negatively correlated with SCPs and sulfur dioxide emissions (p = 0.031 and p = 0.009). Reconstructed ANC patterns were not correlated with climate, productivity, or nitrogen oxide emissions. Late 20th century recovery of ANC at Moat Lake is supported by increasing ANC and decreasing sulfate in Emerald Lake between 1983 and 2011 (p < 0.0001). We conclude that ANC depletion at Moat and Emerald lakes was principally caused by acid deposition, and recovery in ANC after 1970 can be attributed to the United States Clean Air Act.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea M Heard
- Department of Environmental Sciences, University of California , Riverside, California 92521, United States
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Yang C, Harrad S, Abdallah MAE, Desborough J, Rose NL, Turner SD, Davidson TA, Goldsmith B. Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) in English freshwater lakes, 2008-2012. Chemosphere 2014; 110:41-47. [PMID: 24880597 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2014.03.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2013] [Revised: 03/05/2014] [Accepted: 03/15/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Concentrations of tri-to-hexa-BDEs were determined in water samples taken from 9 English lakes on 13 occasions between April 2008 and February 2012. Across all sites, concentrations of ΣBDEs in individual samples ranged from 9.2 to 171.5pgL(-)(1), with an average of 61.9pgL(-)(1). Notwithstanding the far greater use of the Penta-BDE commercial formulation in the USA, concentrations in this study are comparable to the limited data available for the Great Lakes. PBDE concentrations showed no evidence of a decline at any monitored location over the study period. This may be because this study commenced 4years after the introduction of restrictions on the Penta- and Octa-BDE formulations. While concentrations normalised to water volume at the different locations were statistically indistinguishable; significant spatial variation was apparent when the data were normalised to total suspended solids (TSS) content. However, this spatial variation was not correlated with factors such as population density and lake catchment area, suggesting that concentrations of PBDEs in lake water in this study are a complex integral of numerous factors. BDE-47:99 ratios and concentrations of ΣBDEs respectively decreased and increased significantly with increasing TSS content. As TSS content was elevated in colder compared with warmer periods, such seasonal variation in TSS content appears a major contributor to the observed elevation of ΣBDE concentrations in colder periods, and higher BDE-47:99 ratios in warmer periods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Congqiao Yang
- Division of Environmental Health and Risk Management, School of Geography, Earth, and Environmental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK.
| | - Stuart Harrad
- Division of Environmental Health and Risk Management, School of Geography, Earth, and Environmental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | | | - Jennifer Desborough
- Division of Environmental Health and Risk Management, School of Geography, Earth, and Environmental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Neil L Rose
- Environmental Change Research Centre, Department of Geography, University College London, London, UK
| | - Simon D Turner
- Environmental Change Research Centre, Department of Geography, University College London, London, UK
| | - Thomas A Davidson
- Environmental Change Research Centre, Department of Geography, University College London, London, UK
| | - Ben Goldsmith
- Environmental Change Research Centre, Department of Geography, University College London, London, UK
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Rose NL, Munthe J, McCartney A. Winter peaks of methylmercury in deposition to a remote Scottish mountain lake. Chemosphere 2013; 90:805-811. [PMID: 23123118 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2012.09.088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2012] [Revised: 09/20/2012] [Accepted: 09/25/2012] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Depositional records of methylmercury (MeHg) are rare, especially for remote and mountainous areas. Our data from Lochnagar, a mountain lake in Scotland, covering a 7-year period from 2001-2008, show an unusual seasonal pattern in that elevated MeHg concentrations occur each winter while concentrations each summer fall below the limit of detection. To our knowledge this is the first time this seasonal pattern has been reported. Peak concentrations at the site in October 2006 (1.2 ng L(-1)) are amongst the highest reported depositional values in the literature. As the soils and lakes in the region are frozen or snow covered for much of each winter, we consider possible sources of this winter deposited MeHg to be either aqueous phase methylation in the atmosphere or marine evasion. However, the factor driving this seasonal pattern is likely to be scavenging by snow, as elevated concentrations in deposition coincide with periods of snowfall at the site. If this mechanism is correct, then predicted impacts of climate change, which will reduce annual snowfall at the site by between 50% and 100% by 2080, will effectively eliminate this input source. However, other climate-influenced inputs of mercury, such as remobilisation from catchment soils, are likely to increase and negate any benefit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neil L Rose
- Environmental Change Research Centre, University College London, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, UK.
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Rose NL, Jones VJ, Noon PE, Hodgson DA, Flower RJ, Appleby PG. Long-range transport of pollutants to the Falkland Islands and Antarctica: evidence from lake sediment fly ash particle records. Environ Sci Technol 2012; 46:9881-9. [PMID: 22891669 DOI: 10.1021/es3023013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
(210)Pb-dated sediment cores taken from lakes on the Falkland Islands, the South Orkney Islands, and the Larsemann Hills in Antarctica were analyzed for fly ash particles to assess the temporal record of contamination from high temperature fossil-fuel combustion sources. Very low, but detectable, levels were observed in the Antarctic lakes. In the Falkland Island lakes, the record of fly ash extended back to the late-19th century and the scale of contamination was considerably higher. These data, in combination with meteorological, modeling, and fossil-fuel consumption data, indicate most likely sources are in South America, probably Chile and Brazil. Other southern hemisphere sources, notably from Australia, contribute to a background contamination and were more important historically. Comparing southern polar data with the equivalent from the northern hemisphere emphasizes the difference in contamination of the two circumpolar regions, with the Falkland Island sites only having a level of contamination similar to that of northern Svalbard.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neil L Rose
- Environmental Change Research Centre, Department of Geography, University College London, London, United Kingdom.
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Drevnick PE, Muir DCG, Lamborg CH, Horgan MJ, Canfield DE, Boyle JF, Rose NL. Increased accumulation of sulfur in lake sediments of the high arctic. Environ Sci Technol 2010; 44:8415-8421. [PMID: 20973547 DOI: 10.1021/es101991p] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
We report a synchronous increase in accumulation of reduced inorganic sulfur since c. 1980 in sediment cores from eight of nine lakes studied in the Canadian Arctic and Svalbard (Norway). Sediment incubations and detailed analyses of sediment profiles from two of the lakes indicate that increases in sulfur accumulation may be due ultimately to a changing climate. Warming-induced lengthening of the ice-free season is resulting in well-documented increases in algal production and sedimentation of the resulting detrital matter. Algal detritus is a rich source of labile carbon, which in these sediments stimulates dissimilatory sulfate reduction. The sulfide produced is stored in sediment (as acid volatile sulfide), converted to other forms of sulfur, or reoxidized to sulfate and lost to the water column. An acceleration of the sulfur cycle in Arctic lakes could have profound effects on important biogeochemical processes, such as carbon burial and mercury methylation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul E Drevnick
- INRS-ETE, Université du Québec, 490 de la Couronne, Québec, QC G1K 9A9, Canada.
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Yang H, Engstrom DR, Rose NL. Recent changes in atmospheric mercury deposition recorded in the sediments of remote equatorial lakes in the Rwenzori Mountains, Uganda. Environ Sci Technol 2010; 44:6570-6575. [PMID: 20681571 DOI: 10.1021/es101508p] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
We analyzed sediment cores collected from three equatorial zone lakes in the Rwenzori Mountains of Uganda for Hg and dated them using 210Pb. The results show that the lakes have been contaminated by anthropogenic Hg from atmospheric deposition and that the onset of Hg pollution in the region began at least by the late 19th century. Mercury accumulation in all sediment cores increased by about 3-fold since the mid-19th century, a similar increase to that shown in other remote regions worldwide. These results from tropical high-elevation sites are the first for this region and contribute to our understanding of global Hg pollution trends. The atmospheric boundary layer is at a higher altitude in equatorial areas than at midlatitudes, and therefore, Hg deposition in these regions may not be enhanced by diurnal penetration of tropospheric air and associated reactive gaseous mercury as has been reported for mountain lakes at higher latitudes. Furthermore, the relatively low abundance of atmospheric oxidants may limit the amount of gaseous elemental mercury oxidized to the reactive gaseous form in equatorial Africa. These Rwenzori Hg records therefore have important implications for the understanding of Hg dynamics at high elevations in equatorial regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Handong Yang
- Environmental Change Research Centre, University College London, Pearson Building, Gower Street, London WC1E 6BT, United Kingdom.
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Yang H, Battarbee RW, Turner SD, Rose NL, Derwent RG, Wu G, Yang R. Historical reconstruction of mercury pollution across the Tibetan Plateau using lake sediments. Environ Sci Technol 2010; 44:2918-24. [PMID: 20345131 DOI: 10.1021/es9030408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
The Tibetan Plateau is described as the "Roof of the World" averaging over 4000 m above sea level; it is remote, isolated, and presumed to be a pristine region. In order to study the history of atmospheric mercury (Hg) pollution and its spatial variation across the Plateau, lakes were chosen from three areas forming a north to south transect. Sediment cores were taken from three sites in each area and dated using the radionuclides 210Pb and 137Cs. Analysis of the cores yielded the first comprehensive Hg reconstructions for the Plateau, showing clear Hg pollution at all sites. The first indication of Hg pollution is much earlier than the onset of the industrial revolution in Europe, but the most significant pollution increase is from the 1970s, followed by a further marked increase from the 1990s. The mean post-2000 atmospheric pollution Hg accumulation rates for the sampling sites were estimated at between 5.1 and 7.9 microg m(-2) yr(-1). The increase in Hg pollution over the last few decades is synchronous with the recent economic development in Asia (especially China and India), and pollution Hg levels continue to increase. Furthermore, contemporary sediment Hg accumulation rate data are in broad agreement with Hg deposition values derived from global models that attribute pollution to sources mainly within southeast Asia. As most of the sites are exceptionally remote and situated above the atmospheric boundary layer, these results underline the need to understand the local Hg cycle in both regional and global context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Handong Yang
- Environmental Change Research Centre, University College London, Pearson Building, Gower Street, London WC1E6BT, U.K.
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Martins CC, Bícego MC, Rose NL, Taniguchi S, Lourenço RA, Figueira RCL, Mahiques MM, Montone RC. Historical record of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and spheroidal carbonaceous particles (SCPs) in marine sediment cores from Admiralty Bay, King George Island, Antarctica. Environ Pollut 2010; 158:192-200. [PMID: 19665270 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2009.07.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2009] [Revised: 07/06/2009] [Accepted: 07/17/2009] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
This paper describes the first results of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and spheroidal carbonaceous particles (SCPs) in sediment cores of Admiralty Bay, Antarctica. These markers were used to assess the local input of anthropogenic materials (particulate and organic compounds) as a result of the influence of human occupation in a sub-Antarctic region and a possible long-range atmospheric transport of combustion products from sources in South America. The highest SCPs and PAHs concentrations were observed during the last 30 years, when three research stations were built in the area and industrial activities in South America increased. The concentrations of SCPs and PAHs were much lower than those of other regions in the northern hemisphere and other reported data for the southern hemisphere. The PAH isomer ratios showed that the major sources of PAHs are fossil fuels/petroleum, biomass combustion and sewage contribution generally close to the Brazilian scientific station.
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Affiliation(s)
- César C Martins
- Centro de Estudos do Mar da Universidade Federal do Paraná, Caixa Postal 50.002, 83255-000 Pontal do Sul, Pontal do Paraná - PR, Brazil.
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Harrad S, Abdallah MAE, Rose NL, Turner SD, Davidson TA. Current-use brominated flame retardants in water, sediment, and fish from English lakes. Environ Sci Technol 2009; 43:9077-9083. [PMID: 19921842 DOI: 10.1021/es902185u] [Citation(s) in RCA: 186] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Concentrations are reported of hexabromocyclododecanes (HBCDs) and tetrabromobisphenol-A (TBBP-A) in water (n = 27), sediment (n = 9), and fish samples (n = 30) from nine English lakes. Seasonal variation in concentrations in water is minimal. Concentrations of TBBP-A range from 140 to 3200 pg L(-1) (water), 330 to 3800 pg g(-1) dry weight (sediment), and <0.29 to 1.7 ng g(-1) lipid weight (fish). Those of SigmaHBCDs range between 80 and 270 pg L(-1) (water), 880 and 4800 pg g(-1) dry weight (sediment), and 14 and 290 ng g(-1) lipid weight (fish). Aqueous concentrations of SigmaHBCDs and TBBP-A are significantly positively correlated, indicating a common source. Average +/-sigma(n) "freely-dissolved" phase proportions are 47 +/- 4.7% (SigmaHBCDs) and 61 +/- 2.9% (TBBP-A). Average field-derived bioaccumulation factors are 5900, 1300, 810, and 2100 for alpha-, beta-, gamma-, and SigmaHBCDs, respectively. Tetrabromocyclododecadienes are detected in all sediments, with pentabromocyclododecenes present in some. This suggests HBCD degrades via sequential loss of HBr. The delta-HBCD meso form was quantified in 43% of fish samples (1.0-11% SigmaHBCDs). Its absence from temporally and spatially consistent water and sediment samples suggests it is formed via bioisomerization. While HBCD chiral signatures are racemic in water and sediment, our data reveal enantiomeric enrichment of (-)alpha-HBCD and (+)gamma-HBCD in fish.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stuart Harrad
- Division of Environmental Health and Risk Management, School of Geography, Earth, and Environmental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK.
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Battarbee RW, Jones VJ, Flower RJ, Appleby PG, Rose NL, Rippey B. Palaeolimnological Evidence for the Atmospheric Contamination and Acidification of High Cairngorm Lochs, with Special Reference to Lochnagar. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2009. [DOI: 10.1080/03746609609480375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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Chirinos L, Rose NL, Urrutia R, Muñoz P, Torrejón F, Torres L, Cruces F, Araneda A, Zaror C. Environmental evidence of fossil fuel pollution in Laguna Chica de San Pedro lake sediments (Central Chile). Environ Pollut 2006; 141:247-56. [PMID: 16226361 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2005.08.049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2005] [Accepted: 08/19/2005] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
This paper describes lake sediment spheroidal carbonaceous particle (SCP) profiles from Laguna Chica San Pedro, located in the Biobío Region, Chile (36 degrees 51' S, 73 degrees 05' W). The earliest presence of SCPs was found at 16 cm depth, corresponding to the 1915-1937 period, at the very onset of industrial activities in the study area. No SCPs were found at lower depths. SCP concentrations in Laguna Chica San Pedro lake sediments were directly related to local industrial activities. Moreover, no SCPs were found in Galletué lake (38 degrees 41' S, 71 degrees 17.5' W), a pristine high mountain water body used here as a reference site, suggesting that contribution from long distance atmospheric transport could be neglected, unlike published data from remote Northern Hemisphere lakes. These results are the first SCP sediment profiles from Chile, showing a direct relationship with fossil fuel consumption in the region. Cores were dated using the 210Pb technique.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Chirinos
- Centro de Ciencias Ambientales EULA-Chile, Universidad de Concepción, PO Box 160-C, Concepción, Chile.
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