Empowering Participatory Research in Urban Health: Wearable Biometric and Environmental Sensors for Activity Recognition

Participatory exposure research, which tracks behaviour and assesses exposure to stressors like air pollution, traditionally relies on time-activity diaries. This study introduces a novel approach, employing machine learning (ML) to empower laypersons in human activity recognition (HAR), aiming to reduce dependence on manual recording by leveraging data from wearable sensors. Recognising complex activities such as smoking and cooking presents unique challenges due to specific environmental conditions. In this research, we combined wearable environment/ambient and wrist-worn activity/biometric sensors for complex activity recognition in an urban stressor exposure study, measuring parameters like particulate matter concentrations, temperature, and humidity. Two groups, Group H (88 individuals) and Group M (18 individuals), wore the devices and manually logged their activities hourly and minutely, respectively. Prioritising accessibility and inclusivity, we selected three classification algorithms: k-nearest neighbours (IBk), decision trees (J48), and random forests (RF), based on: (1) proven efficacy in existing literature, (2) understandability and transparency for laypersons, (3) availability on user-friendly platforms like WEKA, and (4) efficiency on basic devices such as office laptops or smartphones. Accuracy improved with finer temporal resolution and detailed activity categories. However, when compared to other published human activity recognition research, our accuracy rates, particularly for less complex activities, were not as competitive. Misclassifications were higher for vague activities (resting, playing), while well-defined activities (smoking, cooking, running) had few errors. Including environmental sensor data increased accuracy for all activities, especially playing, smoking, and running. Future work should consider exploring other explainable algorithms available on diverse tools and platforms. Our findings underscore ML's potential in exposure studies, emphasising its adaptability and significance for laypersons while also highlighting areas for improvement.

Simulating the impact of particulate matter exposure on health-related behaviour: A comparative study of stochastic modelling and personal monitoring data

Epidemiological and exposure studies concerning particulate matter (PM) often rely on data from sparse governmental stations. While low-cost personal monitors have some drawbacks, recent developments have shown that they can provide fairly accurate and fit-for-purpose data. Comparing a stochastic, i.e., agent-based model (ABM), with environmental, biometric and activity data, collected with personal monitors, could provide insight into how the two approaches assess PM exposure and dose. An ABM was constructed, simulating a PM exposure/dose assessment of 100 agents. Their actions were governed by inherent probabilities of performing an activity, based on population data. Each activity was associated with an intensity level, and a PM pollution level. The ABM results were compared with real-world results. Both approaches had comparable results, showing similar trends and a mean dose. Discrepancies were seen in the activities with the highest mean dose values. A stochastic model, based on population data, does not capture well some specifics of a local population. Combined, personal sensors could provide input for calibration, and an ABM approach can help offset a low number of participants. Implementing a function of agents influencing others transport choice, increased the importance of cycling/walking in the overall dose estimate. Activists, agents with an increased transport influence, did not play an important role at low PM levels. As concentrations rose, higher shares of activists (and their influence) caused the dose to increase. Simulating a person's PM exposure/dose in different scenarios and activities in a virtual environment provides researchers and policymakers with a valuable tool.

Assessment of Individual-Level Exposure to Airborne Particulate Matter during Periods of Atmospheric Thermal Inversion

Air pollution exposure is harmful to human health and reducing it at the level of an individual requires measurements and assessments that capture the spatiotemporal variability of different microenvironments and the influence of specific activities. In this paper, activity-specific and general indoor and outdoor exposure during and after a period of high concentrations of particulate matter (PM), e.g., an atmospheric thermal inversion (ATI) in the Ljubljana subalpine basin, Slovenia, was assessed. To this end, personal particulate matter monitors (PPM) were used, worn by participants of the H2020 ICARUS sampling campaigns in spring 2019 who also recorded their hourly activities. ATI period(s) were determined based on data collected from two meteorological stations managed by the Slovenian Environmental Agency (SEA). Results showed that indoor and outdoor exposure to PM was significantly higher during the ATI period, and that the difference between mean indoor and outdoor exposure to PM was much higher during the ATI period (23.0 µg/m3) than after (6.5 µg/m3). Indoor activities generally were associated with smaller differences, with cooking and cleaning even having higher values in the post-ATI period. On the other hand, all outdoor activities had higher PM values during the ATI than after, with larger differences, mostly >30.0 µg/m3. Overall, this work demonstrated that an individual-level approach can provide better spatiotemporal resolution and evaluate the relative importance of specific high-exposure events, and in this way provide an ancillary tool for exposure assessments.

Exploring the 2013-2018 degassing mechanism from the Pesje and Preloge excavation fields in the Velenje Coal basin, Slovenia: insights from molecular composition and stable isotopes

Gas samples were collected from 25 m long horizontal boreholes drilled into the excavation field at 10° inclination to the longwall face in two mining areas, Pesje and Preloge, in the Velenje Coal Mine, Slovenia, from 2013 to 2018. The degassing mechanism of coalbed gas and its stable isotopic composition (δ¹³C_CO2, δ¹³C_CH4, and δ²H_CH4) were investigated in boreholes in advance of eight working faces. The major coalbed gas constituents were CO₂ and methane. Gas concentrations and isotope values revealed that the methane is biogenic in origin with δ¹³C_CH4 values of -69.4 to -29.5 ‰, δ²H_CH4 values of -301 to -222 ‰, and a fractionation factor (α_CO2-_CH4) of 0.998-1.073, suggesting that methane derives from microbial acetate fermentation and CO₂ reduction. The carbon dioxide methane index values ranged from 50.0-98.3 vol.% and δ¹³C_CO2 values from -11.8 to -0.5 ‰, indicating that CO₂ is biogenic and endogenic in origin. The degassing mechanism results in isotope fractionation of methane and CO₂ for carbon isotopes up to 39.9 ‰ and up to 8.5 ‰, respectively, depending on the position of the excavation fields in space, e.g. under pre-mined coal area, fresh overburden.

User-Centred Design of a Final Results Report for Participants in Multi-Sensor Personal Air Pollution Exposure Monitoring Campaigns

Using low-cost portable air quality (AQ) monitoring devices is a growing trend in personal exposure studies, enabling a higher spatio-temporal resolution and identifying acute exposure to high concentrations. Comprehension of the results by participants is not guaranteed in exposure studies. However, information on personal exposure is multiplex, which calls for participant involvement in information design to maximise communication output and comprehension. This study describes and proposes a model of a user-centred design (UCD) approach for preparing a final report for participants involved in a multi-sensor personal exposure monitoring study performed in seven cities within the EU Horizon 2020 ICARUS project. Using a combination of human-centred design (HCD), human-information interaction (HII) and design thinking approaches, we iteratively included participants in the framing and design of the final report. User needs were mapped using a survey (n = 82), and feedback on the draft report was obtained from a focus group (n = 5). User requirements were assessed and validated using a post-campaign survey (n = 31). The UCD research was conducted amongst participants in Ljubljana, Slovenia, and the results report was distributed among the participating cities across Europe. The feedback made it clear that the final report was well-received and helped participants better understand the influence of individual behaviours on personal exposure to air pollution.

Uranium isotopes as a possible tracer of terrestrial authigenic carbonate

The concentration and isotopic composition of uranium (δ²³⁸U, ²³⁴U/²³⁸U activity ratio) in combination with traditional isotopes (δ¹⁸O, δ¹³C) were examined as potential tracers of authigenic carbonate formation in a karst aquifer. The U concentration and ²³⁴U/²³⁸U activity ratios in the tufa-precipitating sections of two connected karst rivers (Krka and Zrmanja, Croatia) decreased downstream in water and in precipitated carbonate due to active self-purification processes, i.e. adsorption of isotopically lighter U(VI) on mineral particles, sedimentation and co-precipitation with carbonate. The isotopic composition of carbonate in tufa mostly resembled the ²³⁴U/²³⁸U activity ratio and the δ²³⁸U values of dissolved U in water but was also affected by the presence of detrital carbonate flushed into the river from soil and weathered bedrock. This interpretation was supported by the δ¹⁸O and δ¹³C values of tufa, which were shifted out of equilibrium with river water and dissolved in organic carbon and in their isotopic signature, which showed the presence of lithic carbonate. Large fluctuations of the δ²³⁸U values of water, leachable U (eluted in acetic acid buffered with Na-acetate) and residual U fraction could not be fully explained by available data due to the overlapping U isotopic signatures of leachable (mainly carbonate) and residual fractions of soil, bedrock and tufa. Therefore, a long-term, systematic, seasonal and event-based observation of the isotopic composition of dissolved and suspended particulate U in water is necessary. Nevertheless, the U isotopes were found to have the potential to be used as identifiers of authigenic carbonate and the storage of CO₂ in terrestrial river sediments, to improve knowledge on fluxes within local and global biogeochemical carbon cycle.

Harmonization and Visualization of Data from a Transnational Multi-Sensor Personal Exposure Campaign

Use of a multi-sensor approach can provide citizens with holistic insights into the air quality of their immediate surroundings and their personal exposure to urban stressors. Our work, as part of the ICARUS H2020 project, which included over 600 participants from seven European cities, discusses the data fusion and harmonization of a diverse set of multi-sensor data streams to provide a comprehensive and understandable report for participants. Harmonizing the data streams identified issues with the sensor devices and protocols, such as non-uniform timestamps, data gaps, difficult data retrieval from commercial devices, and coarse activity data logging. Our process of data fusion and harmonization allowed us to automate visualizations and reports, and consequently provide each participant with a detailed individualized report. Results showed that a key solution was to streamline the code and speed up the process, which necessitated certain compromises in visualizing the data. A thought-out process of data fusion and harmonization of a diverse set of multi-sensor data streams considerably improved the quality and quantity of distilled data that a research participant received. Though automation considerably accelerated the production of the reports, manual and structured double checks are strongly recommended.

NPAHs and OPAHs in the atmosphere of two central European cities: Seasonality, urban-to-background gradients, cancer risks and gas-to-particle partitioning

Derivatives of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) such as nitrated- and oxygenated-PAHs (NPAHs and OPAHs) could be even more toxic and harmful for the environment and humans than PAHs. We assessed the spatial and seasonal variations of NPAHs and OPAHs atmospheric levels, their cancer risks and their gas-to-particle partitioning. To this end, about 250 samples of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and 50 gaseous samples were collected in 2017 in central Europe in the cities of Brno and Ljubljana (two traffic and two urban background sites) as well as one rural site. The average particulate concentrations were ranging from below limit of quantification to 593 pg m-3 for Σ9NPAHs and from 1.64 to 4330 pg m-3 for Σ11OPAHs, with significantly higher concentrations in winter compared to summer. In winter, the particulate levels of NPAHs and OPAHs were higher at the traffic site compared to the urban background site in Brno while the opposite was found in Ljubljana. NPAHs and OPAHs particulate levels were influenced by the meteorological parameters and co-varied with several air pollutants. The significance of secondary formation on the occurrence of some NPAHs and OPAHs is indicated. In winter, 27-47% of samples collected at all sites were above the acceptable lifetime carcinogenic risk. The gas-particle partitioning of NPAHs and OPAHs was influenced by their physico-chemical properties, the season and the site-specific aerosol composition. Three NPAHs and five OPAHs had higher particulate mass fractions at the traffic site, suggesting they could be primarily emitted as particles from vehicle traffic and subsequently partitioning to the gas phase along air transport. This study underlines the importance of inclusion of the gas phase in addition to the particulate phase when assessing the atmospheric fate of polycyclic aromatic compounds and also when assessing the related health risk.

Presence of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) fibers in hyporheic zone alters colonization patterns and seasonal dynamics of biofilm metabolic functioning

Worldwide, the production of plastics is increasing, and plastic pollution in aquatic environments is a major global concern. Under natural conditions, plastic weathers to smaller pieces called microplastics (MP), which come in various shapes, with fibers often being the most common in freshwater sediments. The hyporheic zone, an ecotone between surface and groundwater, is important for the transport and fate of all MP particles. The main metabolic pathways in rivers take place in the hyporheic zone and are driven by a diverse microbial community. The objective of this study was to investigate in situ whether the presence of PET fibers in riverbed sediments affects patterns of colonization and the seasonal dynamics of microbial metabolic activities in the hyporheic zone. The effects of the presence of PET on microbial metabolism were evaluated in situ over a month (colonization study) and over a year (seasonal study) by measuring total protein content (TPC), and microbial respiration as respiratory electron transport system activity (ETSA) and by community-level physiological profiling (CLPP). Additionally, PET fibers were examined under a scanning electron microscope (SEM), and isotopic analysis (δ¹³C) of PET was performed after one year of exposure to field conditions. The findings demonstrated that during colonization and biofilm formation, and also over the seasons, the date had a large and significant impact on biofilm growth and activity, while PET presence slightly suppressed microbial biomass (TPC) and respiratory activity (ETSA). Overall microbial activity was repressed in the presence of PET fibers but there was a higher capacity for the utilization of complex synthetic polymer substrates (i.e., Tween 40) which have previously been linked to polluted environments. SEM micrographs showed diverse microbial communities adhering to PET fibers but little surface deterioration. Similarly, isotopic analysis suggested little deterioration of PET fibers after one year of in situ conditions. The study indicated that PET fibers present in riverbed sediments could have impacts on the metabolic functioning in rivers and thus affect their self-cleaning ability.

Organohalogens: A persisting burden in Slovenia?

Persistent organic pollutants (POPs) represent a concern for the environment and human health due to their persistence and toxicity. Exposure in Slovenia is geographically differentiated because the country, as part of former Yugoslavia, has a history of industry and regional contamination and is - at the same time - known for its clean nature. The PCB pollution of the Krupa River drew the public's attention to the chemical burden of Slovenians, and the demand for studies has been rising since. We assessed the exposure of men (n = 548) and primiparous women (n = 536) to POPs in 12 regions of Slovenia as well as exposure pathways via questionnaires. Most PCDD/Fs, PCBs, and PBDEs could be determined in pooled samples of maternal milk at low concentrations (1.57 pg/gTEQ, 1.47 pg/gTEQ, and 1076 pg/g fat, respectively), but a much lower number of compounds could be measured above the LOQ in pooled men's plasma samples (PCDD/Fs 0.08 pg/gTEQ, PCBs 0.007 pg/gTEQ, ΣPBDE 920 pg/g), and only HCB, p,p'-DDE, ΣDDT, and the non-dioxin-like PCB congeners 138, 153, and 180 could be determined in individual samples of milk (concentration range 5-60 ng/g fat). In individual samples of men's serum, only p,p'-DDE and ΣPCB were detected at concentrations of 0.25 ng/g and 0.3 ng/g, respectively. Nonetheless, we were able to differentiate between polluted and unpolluted areas on a national level, with higher exposure levels in the PCB polluted region of Bela Krajina, the industrial region Zasavje, and the capital, Ljubljana. Despite low concentrations, determinants of exposure, such as age, proximity to roads, old building materials, private water supplies, and consumption of alcohol, fish, meat, and eggs that have previously been observed only at higher levels could still be identified. Furthermore, levels of PCBs and PBDEs were highly correlated suggesting common exposure sources and pathways, whereas PCDD/Fs were correlated to a lesser extent. The calculated ratio between DDT and DDE in maternal milk samples was decreasing with the year of sampling, suggesting no ongoing exposure to DDT. The study findings suggest low exposure of men and lactating women to legacy pollutants in Slovenia, which gave rise to the hypothesis that Slovenia's geographical location might provide shelter from the long-range transport of POPs via Westerly winds. This hypothesis remains to be confirmed within future studies.

Multi-city comparative PM2.5 source apportionment for fifteen sites in Europe: The ICARUS project

PM_2.5 is an air pollution metric widely used to assess air quality, with the European Union having set targets for reduction in PM_2.5 levels and population exposure. A major challenge for the scientific community is to identify, quantify and characterize the sources of atmospheric particles in the aspect of proposing effective control strategies. In the frame of ICARUS EU2020 project, a comprehensive database including PM_2.5 concentration and chemical composition (ions, metals, organic/elemental carbon, Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons) from three sites (traffic, urban background, rural) of five European cities (Athens, Brno, Ljubljana, Madrid, Thessaloniki) was created. The common and synchronous sampling (two seasons involved) and analysis procedure offered the prospect of a harmonized Positive Matrix Factorization model approach, with the scope of identifying the similarities and differences of PM_2.5 key-source chemical fingerprints across the sampling sites. The results indicated that the average contribution of traffic exhausts to PM_2.5 concentration was 23.3% (traffic sites), 13.3% (urban background sites) and 8.8% (rural sites). The average contribution of traffic non-exhausts was 12.6% (traffic), 13.5% (urban background) and 6.1% (rural sites). The contribution of fuel oil combustion was 3.8% at traffic, 11.6% at urban background and 18.7% at rural sites. Biomass burning contribution was 22% at traffic sites, 30% at urban background sites and 28% at rural sites. Regarding soil dust, the average contribution was 5% and 8% at traffic and urban background sites respectively and 16% at rural sites. Sea salt contribution was low (1-4%) while secondary aerosols corresponded to the 16-34% of PM_2.5. The homogeneity of the chemical profiles as well as their relationship with prevailing meteorological parameters were investigated. The results showed that fuel oil combustion, traffic non-exhausts and soil dust profiles are considered as dissimilar while biomass burning, sea salt and traffic exhaust can be characterized as relatively homogenous among the sites.

Geostatistical evaluation of the design of the precipitation stable isotope monitoring network for Slovenia and Hungary

A detailed knowledge of the stable isotope signature of precipitation is the basis of investigations in a variety of scientific fields and applications. To obtain robust and reliable results, the representativity of the currently operating (at least, as of 2018) precipitation stable isotope monitoring stations across Slovenia (n = 8) and Hungary (n = 9) was evaluated on the basis of amount-weighted annual averages with the aim of revealing any redundantly (i.e. over-) represented or un(der)represented areas. In the case of the latter, optimal locations for additional sites were suggested in Slovenia and Hungary. The networks of both countries are design-based systems that need to be fine-tuned for long-term optimized operation. The evaluation of the monitoring network was performed taking into consideration the stations operating in Slovenia and Hungary, as well as closely situated ones operating in neighboring countries. The evaluation was carried out in nine different combinations, using spatial simulated annealing, with regression kriging variance as a quality measure. The results showed that (i) there are over- and un(der)represented areas in the network, an issue requiring remedial action, (ii) the mutual information exchange of the precipitation stable isotope monitoring networks of Slovenia and Hungary increases the precision of precipitation δ¹⁸O estimation by ~0.3‰ in a 15-30 km wide zone near the borders, and (iii) by an even greater degree in the neighboring countries' stations. The current research may be termed pioneering in the matter of the detailed geostatistical assessment of spatial representativity of a precipitation stable isotope monitoring network, and as such, can serve as an example for future studies aiming for the spatial optimization of other regional precipitation stable isotope monitoring networks.

Comparing Airborne Particulate Matter Intake Dose Assessment Models Using Low-Cost Portable Sensor Data

Low-cost sensors can be used to improve the temporal and spatial resolution of an individual's particulate matter (PM) intake dose assessment. In this work, personal activity monitors were used to measure heart rate (proxy for minute ventilation), and low-cost PM sensors were used to measure concentrations of PM. Intake dose was assessed as a product of PM concentration and minute ventilation, using four models with increasing complexity. The two models that use heart rate as a variable had the most consistent results and showed a good response to variations in PM concentrations and heart rate. On the other hand, the two models using generalized population data of minute ventilation expectably yielded more coarse information on the intake dose. Aggregated weekly intake doses did not vary significantly between the models (6-22%). Propagation of uncertainty was assessed for each model, however, differences in their underlying assumptions made them incomparable. The most complex minute ventilation model, with heart rate as a variable, has shown slightly lower uncertainty than the model using fewer variables. Similarly, among the non-heart rate models, the one using real-time activity data has less uncertainty. Minute ventilation models contribute the most to the overall intake dose model uncertainty, followed closely by the low-cost personal activity monitors. The lack of a common methodology to assess the intake dose and quantifying related uncertainties is evident and should be a subject of further research.

Modelling the effects of multiple stressors on respiration and microbial biomass in the hyporheic zone using decision trees

Integrity of freshwater surface- and groundwater ecosystems and their ecological and qualitative status greatly depends on ecological processes taking place in streambed sediments overgrown by biofilm, in the hyporheic zone (HZ). Little is known about the interactions and effects of multiple stressors on biologically driven processes in the HZ. In this study, machine learning (ML) tools were used to provide evidence-based information on how stressors and ecologically important environmental factors interact and drive ecological processes and microbial biomass. The ML technique of decision trees using the J48 algorithm was applied to build models from a data set of 342 samples collected over three seasons at 24 sites within the catchments of five gravel-bed rivers in north-central Slovenia. Catchment-scale land use data and reach-scale environmental features indicating the HZ morphology and physical and chemical characteristics of water were used as predictive variables, while respiration (R) and microbial respiratory electron transport system activity (ETSA) were used as response variables indicating ecological processes and total protein content (TPC) indicating microbial biomass. Separate models were built for two HZ depths: 5-15 cm and 20-40 cm. The models with R as a response variable have the highest predictive performance (67-89%) showing that R is a good indicator of complex environmental gradients. The ETSA and TPC models were less accurate (42-67%) but still provide valuable ecological information. The best model show that temperature when combined with selected water quality elements is an important predictor of R at depth of 5-15 cm. The ETSA and TPC models show the combined effects of temperature, catchment land use and selected water quality elements on both response variables. Overall, this study provides new knowledge on how ecological processes occurring in the HZ respond to catchment and reach-scale variables, and provides evidence-based information about complex interactions between temperature, catchment land use and water quality. These interactions are highly dependent on the selection of the response variable, i.e., each response variable is influenced by a specific combination of predictive environmental variables.

Environmental status of the NE Adriatic Sea, Istria, Croatia: Insights from mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis condition indices, stable isotopes and metal(loid)s

The environmental status of the marine environment in the NE Adriatic Sea was assessed, using as a bioindicator species the Mediterranean mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis Lamarck, 1819. Samples were collected seasonally from mariculture sites and from major Istrian ports between the years 2010 and 2013. The condition indices of mussels ranged from 13.3 to 20.9% at mariculture sites and from 14.3 to 23.3% at port locations. The seasonally δ¹³C_DIC values of seawater varied between -10.9 to 0.7‰. Pollution by sewage sludge (based on δ¹⁵N values) was confirmed only in two ports. Tissue concentrations of Mn, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Se, Cd, and Pb were significantly higher in the tissue of the mussels collected from the ports (polluted sites). Arsenobetaine was the major As compound present in the samples and there was no significant difference in the levels of total As in mussel tissues from mariculture and port sites.

Environmental assessment of freshwater ecosystems of the Sava River watershed and Cerkniško Lake, Slovenia, using the bioindicator species Fontinalis antipyretica: insights from stable isotopes and selected elements

Ten locations in the Notranjska region, Slovenia, with different land use in the catchment (town, village and agricultural areas), including reference points with different geological composition considered as unpolluted sites, were sampled for water and aquatic moss to evaluate environmental assessment in fresh water systems of the Sava River watershed. Samples of fresh water and Fontinalis antipyretica were taken in all four seasons during the years 2010 and 2012. The water chemistry of the investigated locations was dominated by [Formula: see text], while concentrations of [Formula: see text] seasonally ranged from 2.1 to 6.4 mg L(-1) and at one of the reference sites did not exceed 1.3 mg L(-1). δ(13)CDIC values seasonally ranged from -13.3 to -8.1 ‰ and indicated waters dominated by degradation of organic matter and dissolution of carbonates. δ(13)Cplant values of F. antipyretica seasonally ranged from -45 to -32.9 ‰ and of δ(15)Nplant from -0.2 to 6.5 ‰. The higher δ(15)N value of 6.5 ‰ found in F. antipyretica was related to agricultural activity in the watershed. The content of minor and trace elements in F. antipyretica ranged from 4-38 µg g(-1) for Ni, 17-105 µg g(-1) for Zn, 2-28 µg g(-1) for Pb, 0.26-1.95 µg g(-1) for Cd, 4-27 µg g(-1) for Cu, 4-49 µg g(-1) for Cr, 1-6 µg g(-1) for As and 0.33-3.24 µg g(-1) for Se. The most polluted watershed was the Pšata stream (agricultural area, cattle farm with the highest concentration of nitrate in water) also with highest values for Ni, Cr, Pb, Zn and As.

Groundwater drift as a tracer for identifying sources of spring discharge

Groundwater invertebrate drift, collected from the spring outlets at the interface of vadose and phreatic zones, has been examined for its potential for identifying sources of discharge from a karst aquifer. Concurrently, major ion geochemistry, dissolved inorganic carbon (δ13CDIC), particulate organic carbon (δ13CPOC), and naturally occurring stable isotopes of oxygen and tritium (δ18O, 3H) were investigated over a period of 1 year in two outlets, a temporary (TS) and a perennial (PS) spring. A few differences in major ion geochemistry and stable isotope composition were found between the two springs together with moderate seasonal variability. In contrast, invertebrate drift showed clear differences between TS and PS springs in density and composition. Canonical correspondence analysis showed the presence of two distinct groups of samples from TS and PS, with Ca2+ as the only significant explanatory variable for differences in drift composition. Finally, certain species from the drift were found to be useful tracers for distinguishing between the phreatic and the epikarst and vadose zones as the origin of spring water.

Assessment of pollution level using Mytilus galloprovincialis as a bioindicator species: The case of the Gulf of Trieste

A multidisciplinary approach was used to estimate the pollution level of the marine environment in the North Eastern Adriatic by measurement of the isotopic composition of carbon and nitrogen (δ(13)C, δ(15)N), metal/metalloids analyses (Fe, Cu, Zn, As, Se, Cd and Pb, including As speciation) in the Mytilus galloprovincialis, as well by using metallothioneins (MT) concentrations, micronuclei (MN) in gill cells and biological parameters (condition index and gonadosomatic index). Concentrations of MT were in the range from 44 to 175 μg g(-1) wet matter tissue and were higher at the end of the winter season. The frequency of MN did not indicate an elevated level. Sewage sludge pollution was not confirmed. Elevated As concentrations in mussel are related to salinity and low nutrients concentrations and not to pollution. Elevated concentrations of Cu, Zn and Pb were found in the Bay of Koper in comparison with the Bays of Strunjan and Piran.