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Bravo-Linares C, Ovando-Fuentealba L, Muñoz-Arcos E, Kitch JL, Millward GE, López-Gajardo R, Cañoles-Zambrano M, Del Valle A, Kelly C, Blake WH. Basin scale sources of siltation in a contaminated hydropower reservoir. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 914:169952. [PMID: 38199374 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.169952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2023] [Revised: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 01/12/2024]
Abstract
Siltation and the loss of hydropower reservoir capacity is a global challenge with a predicted 26 % loss of storage at the global scale by 2050. Like in many other Latin American contexts, soil erosion constitutes one of the most significant water pollution problems in Chile with serious siltation consequences downstream. Identifying the sources and drivers affecting hydropower siltation and water pollution is a critical need to inform adaptation and mitigation strategies especially in the context of changing climate regimes e.g. rainfall patterns. We investigated, at basin scale, the main sources of sediments delivered to one of the largest hydropower reservoirs in South America using a spatio-temporal geochemical fingerprinting approach. Mining activities contributed equivalent to 9 % of total recent sediment deposited in the hydropower lake with notable concentrations of sediment-associated pollutants e.g. Cu and Mo in bed sediment between the mine tributary and the reservoir sediment column. Agricultural sources represented ca. 60 % of sediment input wherein livestock production and agriculture promoted the input of phosphorus to the lake. Evaluation of the lake sediment column against the tributary network showed that the tributary associated with both dominant anthropogenic activities (mining and agriculture) contributed substantially more sediment, but sources varied through time: mining activities have reduced in proportional contribution since dam construction and proportional inputs from agriculture have increased in recent years, mainly promoted by recent conversion of steep lands from native vegetation to agriculture. Siltation of major hydropower basins presents a global challenge exemplified by the Rapel basin. The specific challenges faced here highlight the urgent need for co-design of evidence-led, context-specific solutions that address the interplay of drivers both within and without the basin and its communities, enhancing the social acceptability of sediment management strategies to support the sustainability of clean, hydropower energy production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudio Bravo-Linares
- Universidad Austral de Chile, Facultad de Ciencias, Instituto de Ciencias Químicas, Independencia 631, Valdivia, Chile
| | - Luis Ovando-Fuentealba
- Universidad Austral de Chile, Facultad de Ciencias, Instituto de Ciencias Químicas, Independencia 631, Valdivia, Chile; School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Plymouth, PL4 8AA, UK
| | - Enrique Muñoz-Arcos
- School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Plymouth, PL4 8AA, UK
| | - Jessica L Kitch
- School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Plymouth, PL4 8AA, UK
| | - Geoffrey E Millward
- School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Plymouth, PL4 8AA, UK
| | - Ricardo López-Gajardo
- Universidad Austral de Chile, Facultad de Ciencias, Instituto de Ciencias Químicas, Independencia 631, Valdivia, Chile
| | - Marcela Cañoles-Zambrano
- Universidad Austral de Chile, Facultad de Ciencias, Instituto de Ciencias Químicas, Independencia 631, Valdivia, Chile
| | | | - Claire Kelly
- School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Plymouth, PL4 8AA, UK
| | - William H Blake
- School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Plymouth, PL4 8AA, UK.
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Liu X, Sheng Y, Liu Q, Li Z. Ecological and environmental risks of heavy metals in sediments in Dingzi Bay, South Yellow Sea. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2023; 188:114683. [PMID: 36739715 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.114683] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2022] [Revised: 01/26/2023] [Accepted: 01/27/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
As a special geographical location between rivers and oceans, coastal estuaries always face severe heavy metal contaminations, especially in semi-closed bay. In this study, the spatial distribution, chemical fraction, ecological risks, and potential sources of heavy metals (Pb, Cr, Cu, As, Cd, Zn, and Ni) in surface sediments and sediment cores were investigated in Dingzi Bay, Shandong Peninsula. The Igeo values and modified potential ecological risk index (MRI) indicated that Cd and As presented high environmental risks in the surface and sediment cores. The high concentration sites were mainly located in the middle and the mouth of the Dingzi Bay. The source identification indicated that most heavy metals in surface sediments originated from shipping and aquaculture, while As and Ni from industrial pollution. The correlation coefficients showed that high proportion of fine particle, TN, TOC, TP, and AVS in surface sediments could significantly elevate the bioavailability of most heavy metals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaozhu Liu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Coastal Environmental Processes and Ecological Remediation, Yantai Institute of Coastal Zone Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yantai, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yanqing Sheng
- CAS Key Laboratory of Coastal Environmental Processes and Ecological Remediation, Yantai Institute of Coastal Zone Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yantai, China.
| | - Qunqun Liu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Coastal Environmental Processes and Ecological Remediation, Yantai Institute of Coastal Zone Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yantai, China
| | - Zhaoran Li
- CAS Key Laboratory of Coastal Environmental Processes and Ecological Remediation, Yantai Institute of Coastal Zone Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Yantai, China
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Pizzini S, Giuliani S, Polonia A, Piazza R, Bellucci LG, Gambaro A, Gasperini L. PAHs, PCBs, PBDEs, and OCPs trapped and remobilized in the Lake of Cavazzo (NE Italy) sediments: Temporal trends, quality, and sources in an area prone to anthropogenic and natural stressors. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2022; 213:113573. [PMID: 35661732 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2022.113573] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2022] [Revised: 04/29/2022] [Accepted: 05/24/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Under the present climatic emergency, the environmental quality of freshwater reservoirs is an increasingly urgent topic as its deterioration threatens humans and ecosystems. It is evident that pollution by natural and anthropogenic contaminants must be avoided or reduced. The Lake of Cavazzo (NE Italy) is a natural perialpine basin which, from the mid-20th century, has sustained several anthropogenic impacts that added to the effects of the intense regional seismicity. Starting from 2015, in response to concerns raised by local authorities, a multidisciplinary investigation of the lake floor and sub-floor was conducted, including a geophysical survey and the collection of sediment cores. Two of them were studied to detect contamination by Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) and specific Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs; i.e. PolyChlorinated Biphenyls - PCBs, PolyBrominated Diphenyl Ethers - PBDEs, and OrganoChlorine Pesticides - OCPs), and to verify the link with known anthropogenic stressors. Results were interpreted in light of previous studies suggesting modified conditions after the '50s, and recognized the effects of the 1976-1977 MW 6.5 seismic sequence in resuspending sediments within the basin. Analyzed pollutants defined a potential critical situation only for few OCPs, above all 2,4'- and 4,4'-DDT isomers. In addition, PBDEs were found at concentrations exceeding those of other heavily polluted alpine lakes. Mass movements (either seismic or human induced) have likely resuspended and transferred pollutants from shallower locations to the lake depocenter, showing the potential of re-exposing contaminated layers to biomagnification processes along the lacustrine food chain. Local inputs of pollutants prevail over distributed sources, suggesting a link with local agricultural or industrial activities. Indeed, works connected to the construction of the hydroelectric power plant in the '50s might have reworked local sediments perturbing their natural accretion. Results of this work might inspire similar studies in other problematic lacustrine areas that sustain both natural and anthropogenic stressors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Pizzini
- DAIS-Ca' Foscari University of Venice, Via Torino 155, I-30172, Venice, Mestre (VE), Italy
| | | | | | - Rossano Piazza
- DAIS-Ca' Foscari University of Venice, Via Torino 155, I-30172, Venice, Mestre (VE), Italy
| | | | - Andrea Gambaro
- DAIS-Ca' Foscari University of Venice, Via Torino 155, I-30172, Venice, Mestre (VE), Italy
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Odhiambo BK, Rihl G, Hood-Recant S. Historic land use and sedimentation in two urban reservoirs, Occoquan Reservoir and Lake Manassas, Virginia, USA. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2022; 29:11481-11492. [PMID: 34535864 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-021-16461-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2021] [Accepted: 09/06/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Human population growth and subsequent land use intensification are closely linked to contemporary increases in sediment and associated contaminants fluxes to fluvial systems, lakes, reservoirs, and coastal zones worldwide. In most urban areas, reservoirs that are the main source of fresh water supply, if not effectively managed, suffer from water quality decline and loss of capacity associated with accelerated siltation. This study analyzes watershed soil losses and sediment accumulation rates in two reservoirs in the Occoquan river basin, a sub-watershed of the Chesapeake Bay in the suburbs of the greater Washington, DC area. Lake Manassas is located in the upper reaches of the basin, characterized by mixed land use and cover of mostly forest, residential areas, and agriculture, whereas Occoquan Reservoir is located in the more urbanized lower reach of the basin in the heavily populated suburban zone south of Washington, DC. Five sediment cores from each lake were used in 210Pb-based sediment accumulation rates analysis, and GIS-based Revised Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE) model and a sediment delivery ratio (SDR) were used to evaluate basin soil losses and sediment fluxes to the fluvial systems. 210Pb sediment accumulation rate estimates in Occoquan Reservoir range from 0.26 g cm-2 year-1 in the upper reaches to 0.37 g cm-2 year-1 in the lower reaches. Lake Manassas also had comparable accumulation values ranging from 0.22 to 0.40 g cm-2 year-1. RUSLE/SDR estimated watershed sediment fluxes were 0.26 Mg ha-1 year-1 (Mg-mega gram) in the upper watershed, which is significantly higher than 0.07 Mg ha-1 year-1 estimates for the lower reaches of the watershed. The variability in the reservoirs' sediment accumulation rates and basin soil losses reflects the variability of land use and cover, basin slopes, and erosion mitigation efforts within the watershed. The lower reaches, though more urbanized, have well-developed storm drain systems limiting run-off related soil losses. The well-managed riparian zones surrounding both reservoirs also limit sediment fluxes, hence the relatively low sediment accumulation rates. Although surficial sediment sources seem to be well managed, some of these efforts might be associated with the uptick in intrinsic sediment sources, leading to localized high sediment accumulation in the mouth of tributaries draining the high-intensity urban areas of the basin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ben K Odhiambo
- Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Mary Washington, Fredericksburg, VA, USA.
| | - Grace Rihl
- Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Mary Washington, Fredericksburg, VA, USA
| | - Sarah Hood-Recant
- Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Mary Washington, Fredericksburg, VA, USA
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Brown AM, Bass AM, Pickard AE. Anthropogenic-estuarine interactions cause disproportionate greenhouse gas production: A review of the evidence base. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2022; 174:113240. [PMID: 35090288 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2021.113240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2021] [Revised: 12/03/2021] [Accepted: 12/04/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Biologically productive regions such as estuaries and coastal areas, even though they only cover a small percentage of the world's oceans, contribute significantly to methane and nitrous oxide emissions. This paper synthesises greenhouse gas data measured in UK estuary studies, highlighting that urban wastewater loading is significantly correlated with both methane (P < 0.001) and nitrous oxide (P < 0.005) concentrations. It demonstrates that specific estuary typologies render them more sensitive to anthropogenic influences on greenhouse gas production, particularly estuaries that experience low oxygen levels due to reduced mixing and stratification or high sediment oxygen demand. Significantly, we find that estuaries with high urban wastewater loading may be hidden sources of greenhouse gases globally. Synthesising available information, a conceptual model for greenhouse gas concentrations in estuaries with different morphologies and mixing regimes is presented. Applications of this model should help identification of estuaries susceptible to anthropogenic impacts and potential hotspots for greenhouse gas emissions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alison M Brown
- UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology (Edinburgh), Bush Estate, Penicuik, Midlothian EH26 0QB, United Kingdom.
| | - Adrian M Bass
- University of Glasgow, College of Science and Engineering, School of Geographical and Earth Sciences, University Avenue, Glasgow, G12 8QQ, United Kingdom.
| | - Amy E Pickard
- UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology (Edinburgh), Bush Estate, Penicuik, Midlothian EH26 0QB, United Kingdom.
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Environmental Assessment of Trace Metals in San Simon Bay Sediments (NW Iberian Peninsula). MINERALS 2020. [DOI: 10.3390/min10090826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
A gravity core (220 cm depth) was collected to investigate the geochemistry, enrichment, and pollution of trace metals in anoxic sediments from San Simon Bay, an ecosystem of high biological productivity in the northwest of Spain. A five-step sequential extraction procedure was used. The Cu, Pb, and Zn contents decreased with depth, with maximum values in the top layers. Ni and Zn were bound to pyrite fractions, while Cd and Pb were associated with the most mobile fractions. The analyzed metals were associated with the fractions bound to organic matter, mainly with the strongly bound to organic matter fraction. High Cd and Cu values were observed. The fractionation showed a high mobility for Cd (28.3–100%) and Pb (54.0–70.2%). Moreover, the pollution factor and the geoaccumulation index reflected a high contamination for Pb and a moderate contamination for Cu and Zn in the superficial layers, pointing to a possible ecotoxicological risk to organisms in San Simon Bay.
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Watts MJ, An T, Argyraki A, Arhin E, Brown A, Button M, Entwistle JA, Finkelman R, Gibson G, Humphrey OS, Huo X, Hursthouse AS, Marinho-Reis AP, Maseka K, Middleton DRS, Morton-Bermea O, Nazarpour A, Olatunji AS, Osano O, Potgieter-Vermaak S, Saini S, Stewart A, Tarek M, Torrance K, Wong MH, Yamaguchi KE, Zhang C, Zia M. The Society for Environmental Geochemistry and Health (SEGH): building for the future. ENVIRONMENTAL GEOCHEMISTRY AND HEALTH 2020; 42:343-347. [PMID: 31376045 DOI: 10.1007/s10653-019-00381-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Michael J Watts
- Inorganic Geochemistry, British Geological Survey, Nottingham, UK.
| | - Taicheng An
- School of Environmental Science and Engineering, Institute of Environmental Health and Pollution Control, Guangdong University of Technology, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ariadne Argyraki
- Department of Geology and Geoenvironment, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Emmanuel Arhin
- Department of Earth Science, Faculty of Earth and Environmental Sciences, University for Development Studies, Tamale, Ghana
| | | | - Mark Button
- University British Columbia, Kalowna, Canada
| | - Jane A Entwistle
- Engineering and Environment, Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | | | | | | | - Xia Huo
- Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | | | - A Paula Marinho-Reis
- Departamento de Ciências da Terra, Escola de Ciências, Universidade do Minho, Campus de Gualtarl, Braga, Portugal
| | | | | | - Ofelia Morton-Bermea
- Instituto ed Geofísica, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico
| | | | | | - Odipo Osano
- Department of Environmental Biology and Health, School of Environmental Studies, University of Eldoret, Eldoret, Kenya
| | | | | | | | - Moataz Tarek
- Geology Department, Faculty of Science, Arish University, Arish, Egypt
| | | | - Ming Hung Wong
- Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
| | - Kosei E Yamaguchi
- Toho University, Funabashi, Japan
- NASA Astrobiology Institute, Mountain View, USA
| | | | - Munir Zia
- Fauji Fertiliser Company Ltd, Rawalpindi, Pakistan
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