1
|
Guerra A, Azevedo A, Amorim F, Soares J, Neuparth T, Santos MM, Martins I, Colaço A. Using a food web model to predict the effects of Hazardous and Noxious Substances (HNS) accidental spills on deep-sea hydrothermal vents from the Mid-Atlantic Ridge (MAR) region. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2024; 199:115974. [PMID: 38176164 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2023.115974] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2023] [Revised: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024]
Abstract
Deep-sea hydrothermal vents host unique ecosystems but face risks of incidents with Hazardous and Noxious Substances (HNS) along busy shipping lanes such as the transatlantic route. We developed an Ecopath with Ecosim (EwE) model of the Menez Gwen (MG) vent field (MG-EwE) (Mid-Atlantic Ridge) to simulate ecosystem effects of potential accidental spills of four different HNS, using a semi-Lagrangian Dispersion Model (sLDM) coupled with the Regional Ocean Modelling System (ROMS) calibrated for the study area. Food web modelling revealed a simplified trophic structure with low energy efficiency. The MG ecosystem was vulnerable to disruptions caused by all tested HNS, yet it revealed some long-term resilience. Understanding these impacts is vital for enhancing Spill Prevention, Control, and Countermeasure plans (SPCC) in remote marine areas and developing tools to assess stressors effects on these invaluable habitats.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A Guerra
- IMAR Institute of Marine Research, University of the Azores, Rua Prof Frederico Machado, 9901-862 Horta, Portugal; CIMAR/CIIMAR, Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, University of Porto, Terminal de Cruzeiros do Porto de Leixões, Porto, Portugal.
| | - A Azevedo
- CIMAR/CIIMAR, Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, University of Porto, Terminal de Cruzeiros do Porto de Leixões, Porto, Portugal
| | - F Amorim
- CIMAR/CIIMAR, Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, University of Porto, Terminal de Cruzeiros do Porto de Leixões, Porto, Portugal
| | - J Soares
- CIMAR/CIIMAR, Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, University of Porto, Terminal de Cruzeiros do Porto de Leixões, Porto, Portugal; AIR Centre, TERINOV-Parque de Ciência e Tecnologia da Ilha Terceira, Canada de Belém S/N, Terra Chã, 9700-702 Angra do Heroísmo, Portugal
| | - T Neuparth
- CIMAR/CIIMAR, Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, University of Porto, Terminal de Cruzeiros do Porto de Leixões, Porto, Portugal
| | - M M Santos
- CIMAR/CIIMAR, Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, University of Porto, Terminal de Cruzeiros do Porto de Leixões, Porto, Portugal; FCUP, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto, Rua do Campo Alegre s/n, 4169-007 Porto, Portugal
| | - I Martins
- CIMAR/CIIMAR, Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, University of Porto, Terminal de Cruzeiros do Porto de Leixões, Porto, Portugal.
| | - A Colaço
- Institute of Marine Sciences, Okeanos, University of the Azores, Rua Prof Frederico Machado, 9901-862 Horta, Portugal
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Iglesias I, Almeida CMR, Teixeira C, Mucha AP, Magalhães A, Bio A, Bastos L. Linking contaminant distribution to hydrodynamic patterns in an urban estuary: The Douro estuary test case. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2020; 707:135792. [PMID: 31865079 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.135792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2019] [Revised: 11/05/2019] [Accepted: 11/25/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
An increase in anthropogenic activities in coastal regions can put at risk their flora and fauna and their ecosystem services. Therefore, it is important to evaluate possible impacts. In particular, we need to understand the links between contaminants concentrations and the hydrodynamic patterns of these highly productive regions to anticipate the effects of contaminants in the environment. Towards that aim there is the need to carry out regular campaigns to monitor the evolution of the coastal systems. In this work we analyse in-situ measurements of physico-chemical parameters, and look for possible relations between observed contaminants patterns and estuarine hydrodynamics. Data collected in the Douro estuary, one of the main estuarine regions of the Iberian western coast, revealed the presence of 5 hazardous and noxious substances (HNS), 14 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and 6 trace metals in water and sediment samples. Water temperature and salinity analysis revealed a strong variability, which can affect the water solubility properties and the organisms' tolerance to certain toxins. A relationship between the salinity and the HNS and PAHs concentrations was found, caused by the existence of a salt-wedge that triggers the salting-out effect. Sinker contaminants (PAHs and trace metals) can be re-suspended both during low and high flow conditions associated with the salt-wedge and with strong river flows. Floater contaminants (HNS) are completely depended on the tide, which has the capacity to distribute them through the entire estuary, during low river flow regimes. However, strong river flows, with associated river plumes, can distribute both sinker and floater contaminants to the coastal region trapping them over the inner-shelf. The results clearly show that hydrodynamic patterns are a major driver for contaminants dispersion and pathways in coastal areas, inducing harmful effects to the flora and fauna and, consequently, to the ecosystem services of these regions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- I Iglesias
- Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research (CIIMAR/CIMAR), University of Porto, Terminal de Cruzeiros do Porto de Leixões, Av. General Norton de Matos s/n, 4450-208 Matosinhos, Portugal.
| | - C M R Almeida
- Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research (CIIMAR/CIMAR), University of Porto, Terminal de Cruzeiros do Porto de Leixões, Av. General Norton de Matos s/n, 4450-208 Matosinhos, Portugal.
| | - C Teixeira
- Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research (CIIMAR/CIMAR), University of Porto, Terminal de Cruzeiros do Porto de Leixões, Av. General Norton de Matos s/n, 4450-208 Matosinhos, Portugal; Institute of Biomedical Sciences of Abel Salazar (ICBAS), University of Porto, Rua de Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal.
| | - A P Mucha
- Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research (CIIMAR/CIMAR), University of Porto, Terminal de Cruzeiros do Porto de Leixões, Av. General Norton de Matos s/n, 4450-208 Matosinhos, Portugal; Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences of the University of Porto (FCUP), Rua Campo Alegre 687, 4169-007 Porto, Portugal.
| | - A Magalhães
- Astronomic Observatory Professor Manuel de Barros, Faculty of Sciences of the University of Porto (FCUP), Alameda do Monte da Virgem, 4430-146 Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal.
| | - A Bio
- Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research (CIIMAR/CIMAR), University of Porto, Terminal de Cruzeiros do Porto de Leixões, Av. General Norton de Matos s/n, 4450-208 Matosinhos, Portugal.
| | - L Bastos
- Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research (CIIMAR/CIMAR), University of Porto, Terminal de Cruzeiros do Porto de Leixões, Av. General Norton de Matos s/n, 4450-208 Matosinhos, Portugal; Department of Geosciences Environment and Spatial Planning, Faculty of Sciences of the University of Porto (FCUP), Rua Campo Alegre 687, 4169-007 Porto, Portugal.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Fan C, Hsu CJ, Lin JY, Kuan YK, Yang CC, Liu JH, Yeh JH. Taiwan's legal framework for marine pollution control and responses to marine oil spills and its implementation on T.S. Taipei cargo shipwreck salvage. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2018; 136:84-91. [PMID: 30509845 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2018.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2018] [Accepted: 09/05/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Many shipwreck events occur in the neighboring areas of Taiwan due to the volume of maritime traffic and geographical conditions around Taiwan. The oil spills from such events can be devastating for the surrounding sea and coastal areas. The government realized the importance of marine pollution prevention and enforced the Marine Pollution Control Act and the Major Marine Oil Pollution Emergency Response Plan to mitigate the impact of oil spill pollution. The T.S. Taipei shipwreck highlighted the effectiveness of the national marine pollution prevention system. Inter-departmental cooperation and collaboration with private sectors are the keys for effective response. This article is the first detailed documentation of an oil spill response for a maritime incident from the beginning to the final termination of shipwreck removal. It shows the people in Taiwan intend to collaborate with other states to make a significant contribution to marine environment conservation and sustainability.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chihhao Fan
- Department of Bioenvironmental Systems Engineering, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan.
| | - Cheng-Jui Hsu
- Geographic Information Technology Co., Ltd., Taipei 10694, Taiwan.
| | - Jia-Yu Lin
- Geographic Information Technology Co., Ltd., Taipei 10694, Taiwan.
| | - Yung-Kai Kuan
- Geographic Information Technology Co., Ltd., Taipei 10694, Taiwan.
| | - Chieh-Chung Yang
- Department of Bioenvironmental Systems Engineering, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Jui-Hsiang Liu
- Department of Water Quality Protection, Environmental Protection Administration, Taipei, Taiwan.
| | - Jiunn-Horng Yeh
- Department of Water Quality Protection, Environmental Protection Administration, Taipei, Taiwan.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Wickliffe JK, Simon-Friedt B, Howard JL, Frahm E, Meyer B, Wilson MJ, Pangeni D, Overton EB. Consumption of Fish and Shrimp from Southeast Louisiana Poses No Unacceptable Lifetime Cancer Risks Attributable to High-Priority Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons. RISK ANALYSIS : AN OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE SOCIETY FOR RISK ANALYSIS 2018; 38:1944-1961. [PMID: 29534340 PMCID: PMC6136993 DOI: 10.1111/risa.12985] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2017] [Revised: 01/08/2018] [Accepted: 01/31/2018] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Following oil spills such as the Deepwater Horizon accident (DWH), contamination of seafood resources and possible increased health risks attributable to consumption of seafood in spill areas are major concerns. In this study, locally harvested finfish and shrimp were collected from research participants in southeast Louisiana and analyzed for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). PAHs are some of the most important chemicals of concern regarding oil-spill-contaminated seafood resources during and following oil spills. Some PAHs are considered carcinogens for risk assessment purposes, and currently, seven of these can be combined in lifetime cancer risk assessments using EPA approaches. Most PAHs were not detected in these samples (minimum detection limits ranged from 1.2 to 2.1 PPB) and of those that were detected, they were generally below 10 PPB. The pattern of detected PAHs suggested that the source of these chemicals in these seafood samples was not a result of direct contact with crude oil. Lifetime cancer risks were assessed using conservative assumptions and models in a probabilistic framework for the seven carcinogenic PAHs. Lifetime health risks modeled using this framework did not exceed a 1/10,000 cancer risk threshold. Conservative, health-protective deterministic estimates of the levels of concern for PAH chemical concentration and seafood intake rates were above the concentrations and intake rates modeled under this probabilistic framework. Taken together, consumption of finfish and shrimp harvested from southeast Louisiana following the DWH does not pose unacceptable lifetime cancer risks from these seven carcinogenic PAHs even for the heaviest possible consumers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey K. Wickliffe
- Department of Global Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA 70112
| | - Bridget Simon-Friedt
- Department of Global Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA 70112
| | - Jessi L. Howard
- Department of Global Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA 70112
| | - Ericka Frahm
- Department of Global Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA 70112
| | - Buffy Meyer
- Department of Environmental Sciences, College of the Coast and Environment, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA 70803
| | - Mark J. Wilson
- Department of Global Environmental Health Sciences, School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA 70112
| | - Deepa Pangeni
- Department of Environmental Sciences, College of the Coast and Environment, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA 70803
| | - Edward B. Overton
- Department of Environmental Sciences, College of the Coast and Environment, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA 70803
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Cunha I, Oliveira H, Neuparth T, Torres T, Santos MM. Fate, behaviour and weathering of priority HNS in the marine environment: An online tool. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2016; 111:330-338. [PMID: 27389461 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2016.06.090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2016] [Revised: 06/22/2016] [Accepted: 06/27/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Literature data and data obtained with modelling tools were compiled to derive the physicochemical behaviour of 24 priority Hazardous and Noxious Substances (HNS), as a proxy to improve environmental, public health and political issues in relation to HNS spills. Parameters that rule the HNS behaviour in water and those that determine their distribution and persistence in the environment, such as fugacity, physicochemical degradation, biodegradation, bioaccumulation/biotransformation and aquatic toxicity, were selected. Data systematized and produced in the frame of the Arcopol Platform project was made available through a public database (http://www.ciimar.up.pt/hns/substances.php). This tool is expected to assist stakeholders involved in HNS spills preparedness and response, policy makers and legislators, as well as to contribute to a current picture of the scientific knowledge on the fate, behaviour, weathering and toxicity of priority HNS, being essential to support future improvements in maritime safety and coastal pollution response before, during and after spill incidents.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Isabel Cunha
- CIMAR/CIIMAR, Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, University of Porto, Rua dos Bragas 289, 4050-123 Porto, Portugal
| | - Helena Oliveira
- CIMAR/CIIMAR, Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, University of Porto, Rua dos Bragas 289, 4050-123 Porto, Portugal.
| | - Teresa Neuparth
- CIMAR/CIIMAR, Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, University of Porto, Rua dos Bragas 289, 4050-123 Porto, Portugal
| | - Tiago Torres
- CIMAR/CIIMAR, Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, University of Porto, Rua dos Bragas 289, 4050-123 Porto, Portugal
| | - Miguel Machado Santos
- CIMAR/CIIMAR, Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, University of Porto, Rua dos Bragas 289, 4050-123 Porto, Portugal; FCUP, Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto, Rua do Campo Alegre, 4169-007 Porto, Portugal.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Rocha ACS, Reis-Henriques MA, Galhano V, Ferreira M, Guimarães L. Toxicity of seven priority hazardous and noxious substances (HNSs) to marine organisms: Current status, knowledge gaps and recommendations for future research. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2016; 542:728-749. [PMID: 26546768 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2015.10.049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2015] [Revised: 10/07/2015] [Accepted: 10/08/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Shipping industry and seaborne trade have rapidly increased over the last fifty years, mainly due to the continuous increasing demand for chemicals and fuels. Consequently, despite current regulations, the occurrence of accidental spills poses an important risk. Hazardous and noxious substances (HNSs) have been raising major concern among environmental managers and scientific community for their heterogeneity, hazardous potential towards aquatic organisms and associated social-economic impacts. A literature review on ecotoxicological hazards to aquatic organisms was conducted for seven HNSs: acrylonitrile, n-butyl acrylate, cyclohexylbenzene, hexane, isononanol, trichloroethylene and xylene. Information on the mechanisms of action of the selected HNS was also reviewed. The main purpose was to identify: i) knowledge gaps in need of being addressed in future research; and ii) a set of possible biomarkers suitable for ecotoxicological assessment and monitoring in both estuarine and marine systems. Main gaps found concern the scarcity of information available on ecotoxicological effects of HNS towards marine species and their poorly understood mode of action in wildlife. Differences were found between the sensitivity of freshwater and seawater organisms, so endpoints produced in the former may not be straightforwardly employed in evaluations for the marine environment. The relationship between sub-individual effects and higher level detrimental alterations (e.g. behavioural, morphological, reproductive effects and mortality) are not fully understood. In this context, a set of biomarkers associated to neurotoxicity, detoxification and anti-oxidant defences is suggested as potential indicators of toxic exposure/effects of HNS in marine organisms. Overall, to support the development of contingency plans and the establishment of environmental safety thresholds, it will be necessary to undertake targeted research on HNS ecotoxicity in the marine environment. Research should address these issues under more realistic exposure scenarios reflecting the prevailing spatial and temporal variability in ecological and environmental conditions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A Cristina S Rocha
- Centro Interdisciplinar de Investigação Marinha e Ambiental (CIIMAR/CIMAR), Universidade do Porto, Rua dos Bragas, 289, 4050-123 Porto, Portugal.
| | - Maria Armanda Reis-Henriques
- Centro Interdisciplinar de Investigação Marinha e Ambiental (CIIMAR/CIMAR), Universidade do Porto, Rua dos Bragas, 289, 4050-123 Porto, Portugal
| | - Victor Galhano
- Centro Interdisciplinar de Investigação Marinha e Ambiental (CIIMAR/CIMAR), Universidade do Porto, Rua dos Bragas, 289, 4050-123 Porto, Portugal
| | - Marta Ferreira
- Centro Interdisciplinar de Investigação Marinha e Ambiental (CIIMAR/CIMAR), Universidade do Porto, Rua dos Bragas, 289, 4050-123 Porto, Portugal.
| | - Laura Guimarães
- Centro Interdisciplinar de Investigação Marinha e Ambiental (CIIMAR/CIMAR), Universidade do Porto, Rua dos Bragas, 289, 4050-123 Porto, Portugal
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
de los Santos CB, Neuparth T, Torres T, Martins I, Cunha I, Sheahan D, McGowan T, Santos MM. Ecological modelling and toxicity data coupled to assess population recovery of marine amphipod Gammarus locusta: Application to disturbance by chronic exposure to aniline. AQUATIC TOXICOLOGY (AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS) 2015; 163:60-70. [PMID: 25854699 DOI: 10.1016/j.aquatox.2015.03.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2014] [Revised: 03/19/2015] [Accepted: 03/21/2015] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
A population agent-based model of marine amphipod Gammarus locusta was designed and implemented as a basis for ecological risk assessment of chemical pollutants impairing life-history traits at the individual level. We further used the model to assess the toxic effects of aniline (a priority hazardous and noxious substance, HNS) on amphipod populations using empirically-built dose-response functions derived from a chronic bioassay that we previously performed with this species. We observed a significant toxicant-induced mortality and adverse effects in reproductive performance (reduction of newborn production) in G. locusta at the individual level. Coupling the population model with the toxicological data from the chronic bioassay allowed the projection of the ecological costs associated with exposure to aniline that might occur in wild populations. Model simulations with different scenarios indicated that even low level prolonged exposure to the HNS aniline can have significant long-term impacts on G. locusta population abundance, until the impacted population returns to undisturbed levels. This approach may be a useful complement in ecotoxicological studies of chemical pollution to transfer individual-collected data to ecological-relevant levels.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carmen B de los Santos
- Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research (CIIMAR/CIMAR), University of Porto, Rua dos Bragas 289, 4050-123 Porto, Portugal.
| | - Teresa Neuparth
- Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research (CIIMAR/CIMAR), University of Porto, Rua dos Bragas 289, 4050-123 Porto, Portugal
| | - Tiago Torres
- Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research (CIIMAR/CIMAR), University of Porto, Rua dos Bragas 289, 4050-123 Porto, Portugal
| | - Irene Martins
- School of Ocean Sciences, Bangor University, Menai Bridge, Anglesey LL59 5AB, UK
| | - Isabel Cunha
- Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research (CIIMAR/CIMAR), University of Porto, Rua dos Bragas 289, 4050-123 Porto, Portugal
| | - Dave Sheahan
- Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science, Lowestoft NR33 0HT, UK
| | - Tom McGowan
- Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science, Lowestoft NR33 0HT, UK
| | - Miguel M Santos
- Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research (CIIMAR/CIMAR), University of Porto, Rua dos Bragas 289, 4050-123 Porto, Portugal; FCUP - Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto, Rua do Campo Alegre, 4169-007 Porto, Portugal.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Cunha I, Moreira S, Santos MM. Review on hazardous and noxious substances (HNS) involved in marine spill incidents—an online database. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2015; 285:509-516. [PMID: 25559778 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2014.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2014] [Revised: 10/24/2014] [Accepted: 11/02/2014] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
In this review, we have collected information on the behavior, fate, weathering, and impact of hazardous and noxious substances (HNS) accidentally spilled at sea on the marine biota. The information was compiled on a datasheet and converted into a database that can be accessed by the general public (www.ciimar.up.pt/hns). Systematization of data is important to assist stakeholders involved in HNS spill preparedness and response, facilitating the incorporation of lessons from past incidents in the decision process. The database contains 184 entries of HNS spilled in 119 incidents in marine waters around the world. Data were analyzed in terms of HNS physical behavior in water according to SEBC (Standard European Behavior Classification) codes. The most common products involved in accidental spills in the marine environment were identified and major lessons highlighted. From the analysis, it was determined that most HNS spills were poorly documented and information was mistreated. In most cases, no monitoring programs were implemented following the incident. This conduct has occurred in 24 out of 119 incidents analyzed and has consequently limited the information on fate, behavior, and weathering of HNS spilled that could have been recovered. Major gaps were identified, and priorities and recommendations were drawn as a step toward improving preparedness and response to HNS spills.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Isabel Cunha
- CIMAR/CIIMAR - Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, University of Porto, Rua dos Bragas 289, 4050-123 Porto, Portugal.
| | - Susana Moreira
- CIMAR/CIIMAR - Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, University of Porto, Rua dos Bragas 289, 4050-123 Porto, Portugal
| | - Miguel M Santos
- CIMAR/CIIMAR - Interdisciplinary Centre of Marine and Environmental Research, University of Porto, Rua dos Bragas 289, 4050-123 Porto, Portugal; FCUP - Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Porto, Rua do Campo Alegre, 4169-007 Porto, Portugal.
| |
Collapse
|