Year-round monitoring for perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs) along the west coast of South Korea targeting long-term changes in water and coastal organisms has been conducted since 2008. In this study, we ...present the most recent 5-years of accumulated data and scrutinize the relationship between concentrations in water and biota highlighting bioaccumulation characteristics. Twelve individual PFAAs in samples of water (n=43) and biota (n=59) were quantified by use of HPLC–MS/MS after solid phase extraction. In recent years, concentrations of PFAAs in water have been generally decreasing, but profiles of relative concentrations of individual PFAAs vary among location and year. Bioaccumulation of PFAAs in various organisms including fishes, bivalves, crabs, gastropods, shrimps, starfish, and polychaetes varied among species. However, overall bioaccumulation of PFAAs was dependent on corresponding concentrations of PFAAs in water within an area. In organ-specific distributions of PFAAs, greater concentrations of PFAAs were found in intestine of fish (green eel goby). This result suggests that PFAAs are mainly accumulated via dietary exposure, while greater concentrations were found in gill and intestine of bivalve (oyster) which suggests both waterborne and dietary exposures to these organisms. Concentrations of PFAAs in biota did not decrease over time (2008–2010), indicating that continuing bioaccumulation followed by slow degradation or excretion of PFAAs accumulated in biota. Overall, spatio-temporal distributions of PFAAs in water and bioaccumulation characteristics seemed to be associated with recent restrictions of PFOS-based products and uses of PFBS-based substitutes.
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Natural purification of pollutants is highly recognized as regulating ecosystem services; however, the purification capacity of tidal flats remains largely unknown and/or ...unquantified. A 60-day mesocosm transplant experiment was conducted in situ to assess the purification capacity of natural tidal flats. We adopted the advanced sediment quality triad approach, monitoring 10 endpoints, including chemical reduction, toxicity changes, and community recoveries. The results indicated that contaminated sediments rapidly recovered over time, particularly > 50% within a day, then slowly recovered up to ∼ 70% in a given period (60 days). A significant early reduction of parent pollutants was evidenced across all treatments, primarily due to active bacterial decomposition. Notably, the presence of benthic fauna and vegetated halophytes in the treatments significantly enhanced the purification of pollutants in both efficacy and efficiency. A forecast linear modeling further suggested additive effects of biota on the natural purification of tidal flats, reducing a full recovery time from 500 to 300 days. Overall, the triad approach with machine learning practices successfully demonstrated quantitative insight into the integrated assessment of natural purification.
Despite frequent detection of ibuprofen in aquatic environments, the hazards associated with long-term exposure to ibuprofen have seldom been investigated. Ibuprofen is suspected of influencing sex ...steroid hormones through steroidogenic pathways in both vertebrates and invertebrates. In this study, the effect of ibuprofen on sex hormone balance and the associated mechanisms was investigated in vitro by use of H295R cells. We also conducted chronic toxicity tests using freshwater fish, Oryzias latipes, and two freshwater cladocerans, Daphnia magna and Moina macrocopa, for up to 144 and 21d of exposure, respectively. Ibuprofen exposure increased 17β-estradiol (E2) production and aromatase activity in H295R cells. Testosterone (T) production decreased in a dose-dependent manner. For D. magna, the 48h immobilization EC50 was 51.4mg/L and the 21d reproduction NOEC was <1.23mg/L; for M. macrocopa, the 48h immobilization EC50 was 72.6mg/L and the 7d reproduction NOEC was 25mg/L. For O. latipes, 120d survival NOEC was 0.0001mg/L. In addition, ibuprofen affected several endpoints related to reproduction of the fish, including induction of vitellogenin in male fish, fewer broods per pair, and more eggs per brood. Parental exposure to as low as 0.0001mg/L ibuprofen delayed hatching of eggs even when they were transferred to and cultured in clean water. Delayed hatching is environmentally relevant because this may increase the risk of being predated. For O. latipes, the acute-to-chronic ratio of ibuprofen was estimated to be greater than 1000. Overall, relatively high acute-to-chronic ratio and observation of reproduction damage in medaka fish at environmentally relevant ranges of ibuprofen warrant the need for further studies to elucidate potential ecological consequences of ibuprofen contamination in the aquatic environment.
Soil, sediment, water, and biota collected from the western coast of Korea were analyzed to determine occurrence and sources of perfluorinated compounds (PFCs). PFCs were significantly concentrations ...of PFCs were measured in some water and biological samples, while concentrations of PFCs in soils and sediments were relatively low. The most widely detected compound was found to be perfluorooctanesulfonate (PFOS), with a maximum concentration in water of 450 ng/L and in fish of 612 ng/g, dw. PFOS concentrations in water and biota were both less than those thought to cause toxicity. However, in both cases concentrations were within a factor of 10 of the toxicity threshold concentration. Concentrations of PFCs were significantly greater downstream than those upstream on the same river, suggesting point sources. Overall, the detection of PFCs at relatively great concentrations in various environmental matrixes from this region of Korea suggests that further studies characterizing PFCs and their potential risk to both humans and wildlife are needed.
Among various environmental media measured, water and biological samples showed relatively high degrees of PFC contamination with the existence of point sources mainly upstream of coastal areas in Korea.
Inclusion of Perfluorooctane Sulfonate (PFOS) in the Stockholm Convention because of its exemptions, has resulted in increased annual production of PFOS-containing chemicals in China to accommodate ...domestic and overseas demands. Accordingly, concern about environmental contamination with perfluorinated compounds (PFCs), such as PFOS, has arisen. However, little information is available on the status and trends in the distribution, sources or risk of PFCs in aquatic environments of China. In the present study, forty two surface water samples collected from five regions with different levels of industrialization were monitored for concentrations of PFCs by use of solid phase extraction and LC/MS/MS. Mean concentrations (maximum concentration) of PFOA and PFOS, which were the dominant PFCs, were 1.2 (2.3) and 0.16 (0.52)ng/l for Guanting, 1.2 (1.8) and 0.32 (1.1)ng/l for Hohhot, 2.7 (15) and 0.93 (5.7)ng/l for Shanxi, 6.8 (12) and 2.6 (11)ng/l for Tianjin, 27 (82) and 4.7 (31)ng/l for Liaoning, respectively. The greatest concentrations of PFCs (121ng/l), PFOA (82ng/l) and PFOS (31ng/l) were observed in Liaoning, which might originate from tributaries of the Liaohe River, the most polluted watershed in Northeast China. While, concentrations of PFCs in the Guanting and Hohhot regions were 3 to 20 fold less than those from Tianjin and Liaoning. This result is consistent with little contribution of PFCs being released from agricultural and non-industrial activities. The magnitudes of mass flow for PFOA and PFOS in decreasing order were: Guanting<Hohhot<Tianjin<Liaoning<Shanxi and Guanting<Hohhot<Shanxi<Tianjin<Liaoning. The larger mass flows of PFOS were accompanied by relatively larger magnitudes of PFOA. Concentrations of both PFOA and PFOS in waters from all regions were less than suggested allowable concentrations. However, the relatively greater concentrations of PFCs in Tianjin and Liaoning suggest that further studies characterizing their sources and potential risk to both humans and wildlife are needed.
► Concentrations of PFOA and PFOS in rivers of Northern China were directly proportional to levels of industrialization. ► The highest concentrations of PFCs, PFOA and PFOS were observed in the Liaohe River system reflecting point sources. ► PFCs concentrations in Guanting and Hohhot were 3 to 20 fold less than those from Tianjin and Liaoning. ► The larger mass flows of PFOS were accompanied by relative larger magnitudes of PFOA. ► Concentrations of both PFOA and PFOS in waters from all regions were less than those suggested allowable values..
The potential leakage from marine CO2 storage sites is of increasing concern, but few studies have evaluated the probable adverse effects on marine organisms. Fish, one of the top predators in marine ...environments, should be an essential representative species used for water column toxicity testing in response to waterborne CO2 exposure. In the present study, we conducted fish life cycle toxicity tests to fully elucidate CO2 toxicity mechanism effects. We tested sub-lethal and lethal toxicities of elevated CO2 concentrations on marine medaka (Oryzias melastigma) at different developmental stages. At each developmental stage, the test species was exposed to varying concentrations of gaseous CO2 (control air, 5%, 10%, 20%, and 30%), with 96 h of exposure at 0–4 d (early stage), 4–8 d (middle stage), and 8–12 d (late stage). Sub-lethal and lethal effects, including early developmental delays, cardiac edema, tail abnormalities, abnormal pigmentation, and mortality were monitored daily during the 14 d exposure period. At the embryonic stage, significant sub-lethal and lethal effects were observed at pH < 6.30. Hypercapnia can cause long-term and/or delayed developmental embryonic problems, even after transfer back to clean seawater. At fish juvenile and adult stages, significant mortality was observed at pH < 5.70, indicating elevated CO2 exposure might cause various adverse effects, even during short-term exposure periods. It should be noted the early embryonic stage was found more sensitive to CO2 exposure than other developmental stages of the fish life cycle. Overall, the present study provided baseline information for potential adverse effects of high CO2 concentration exposure on fish developmental processes at different life cycle stages in marine ecosystems.
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•Adverse effects of elevated CO2 varied cross developmental stages of marine medaka.•Embryo developmental delay to elevated CO2 showed in concentration-dependent manner.•Middle stage of development was the most sensitive period to CO2 exposure for mortality.•Despite transfer to clean water, CO2 exposed embryos could not be recovered.•Key symptoms by elevated CO2 exposure encompassed mortality and cardiac edema.
Among the various developmental stages of medaka fish tested, the middle embryonic stage (4–8 d) was the most sensitive to CO2 exposure; this was a critical period based on high fish mortality rates.
•Introduction of Phragmites australis enhanced methane emission in temperate tidal salt marsh.•SOM and microbial community in deep soil plays a critical role in methane dynamics.•Reduced competition ...between SRB and methanogen by P. australis.
The introduction of Phragmites australis is known to substantially increase methane emission in the tidal salt marsh. Previous studies suggested that enhanced carbon input by the introduction may stimulate methanogenic activity. However, the exact mechanisms and the effects of the introduction of P. australis to methane dynamics in the deep soil layer are still unclear. In this study we collected 1 m deep intact soil cores and gas samples at native Suaeda japonica- and P. australis-vegetated temperate tidal salt marshes in Suncheon Bay, Republic of Korea. Rates of methane emission and vertical distribution of soil biogeochemistry and microbial communities were analyzed to understand the relationship among chemical and microbiological properties. The introduction of P. australis significantly enhanced methane emission in sites, which was caused by increased DOC and reduced competitive inhibition between sulfate reducer and methanogens. In particular, reduced competitive inhibition between sulfate reducers and methanogens in deep soil layer may play a substantial role in the enhanced methane emission by the introduction of P. australis. Potential methane production was also significantly higher in deeper soil layers than the surface soil layer. We suggest that deep soil layer plays a critical role in the methane dynamics of tidal salt marsh which is introduced by deep root plants, such as P. australis.
Stable isotope analysis was used to investigate the benthic food web dynamics in the Geum River estuary where continuous river flow has been blocked by a sea dike over the past 25 years. In order to ...address the dike effect(s) on distribution of food sources (i.e., organic matters and microphytobenthos) and their utilization by marine predators, a three years monitoring survey (total of 30 surveys) was seasonally conducted at four fixed locations at both inside of dike and outer tidal flats. All the collected biota (total of 19 species; >1100 individuals and microphytobenthos) and abiotic (n = 118) samples were analyzed for carbon (δ13C) and nitrogen (δ15N) stable isotopes. In particular, two dominant marine bivalves inhabiting outer reach of tidal flats, Mactra veneriformis and Cyclina sinensis, were targeted to identify their feeding strategies that being related to a year-round population growth. In general, the stable isotopic signatures of samples indicated dissimilarity in distribution of organic matters between inside and outside of dike, supporting geographical and/or trophic isolation. The taxa-dependent trophic levels are also evidenced in consistent manner, with two to three levels being positioned over the years. Meantime, their dietary contributions varied in time, i.e., seasonal chances in compositions of major food sources (microphytobenthos and particulate organic matters) were observed for two target bivalves. Such temporal variations could be further linked to selective feedings that evidenced by age(size)-dependent and/or tissue specific distributions. Altogether, the present study suggested seasonality, diet preference, and growth dependent food web dynamics in the Geum River estuary. Overall, the present study suggested that the stable isotopic technique could be a powerful tool for characterizing the long-term anthropogenic influences of a sea dike on marine food-web dynamics.
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•Isotopic compositions of marine organisms and food sources identified in a closed estuary•Terrestrial organic matters in discharged water lesser contributed to benthic food web.•Microphytobenthos contributed as key diet for macrobenthos in growth dependent manner.•Benthic bivalves showed organ-specific allocation of organic matter for nutrient storage.•A closed estuary preventing a natural river flow altered typical marine trophic pathways.
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•First examined sediment and mcrophytobenthos fluxes in tidal channel by a mooring system.•Tidal forcings influenced flood-ebb and spring-neap variations of suspended sediment and ...Chl-a.•Coupling, segregation, and resuspension time-lag between sediment and Chl-a are evidenced.•Suspended sediment showed balanced onshore and offshore flux during spring-neap tidal period.•Microphytobenthic Chl-a revealed predominant onshore flux, occupying 65.4% of total flux.
The resuspension dynamics of microphytobenthos (MPB) and sediment fluxes were investigated in a disturbed coastal environment by employing an in situ mooring system. We aimed to identify the interrelationship between microalgal biomass and sediment particles in aspect of their (de)coupling mechanism in a tidal channel system. In specific, the Chl-a (as a proxy of MPB biomass) and the suspended sediment concentration (SSC) were simultaneously measured under natural tidal conditions at different time scales, encompassing daily to fortnightly variations. Looking for the sediment dynamics, the SSC showed a strong positive correlation (p < 0.001) with the Reynolds stress; however, this relationship was not observed for benthic Chl-a. This could be due to more dynamic characteristics of the smaller biological cells, i.e., the decoupled benthic Chl-a from the sediment particles might randomly distribute in the turbid water column above the tidal channel. Notably, the iteration between MPB coupling (prevailing in spring) and segregation (prevailing in neap) with the sediment particles across the flood and ebb tidal cycles was evident during the study period. Meantime, the onshore flux of suspended sediment was almost balanced by its offshore flux, but that of Chl-a appeared to be unbalanced due to an excessive onshore transport. Altogether, the study area seems to experience a time lag in resuspension between MPB and sediment, followed by biological trapping in the tidal channel system, which would support a productive shallow water environment. The present study is the first to address the tidal resuspension of benthic microalgae in relation to sediment dynamics in a disturbed coastal environment of the Yellow Sea.
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•We first address the recovery timeline of the HSOS by 10-years monitoring dataset.•Concentrations of residual oils in the environments rapidly dropped to background levels.•Recovery ...of benthic ecosystem was evaluated based on the number of species and H′.•Damaged benthic communities were fully recovered after ~6 years.•The high tidal mixing and intensive initial cleanup might have contributed to rapid recovery.
The 2007 Hebei Spirit oil spill (HSOS), the largest in the national history, has negatively impacted the entire environment and ecosystem along the west coast of South Korea. Although many studies have reported the damages and impacts from the HSOS, quantitative assessment evaluating the recovery time and status have not been documented. Here, we first address the recovery timeline of the HSOS, by comprehensive analyses of 10-years accumulated data in quantitative manner. Concentrations of residual oils in seawater, sediments, and oysters rapidly dropped to backgrounds in 16, 75, and 33 months, respectively. Also, damaged benthic communities of intertidal and subtidal areas were fully recovered only after ~6 years. The present results collectively indicated unexpectedly fast recovery of the damaged environment and ecosystem from such a huge oil spill. The high tidal mixing (~9 m tidal height) and intensive human cleanup (~1.2 million volunteers) at the initial cleanup period might have contributed to rapid recovery; cf. 4–5 times faster than the Exxon Valdez oil spill. However, potential risk to human health remains unclear. Thus, it is warranted to conduct more in depth epidemiological studies to address chronic health effects associated with the cleanup volunteers as well as the local residents who have been living nearby the oil spill impacted sites.
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