Radium in the Suwannee River and estuary

A two-year study of radium in the Suwannee River has shown that groundwater discharge, via springs, is a very important source of radium both to the river and to offshore Gulf of Mexico waters. Dissolved radium is maintained within relatively narrow limits in the river by uptake into suspended particles. In the estuary, dissolved radium versus salinity profiles show distinctive nonconservative behavior with radium in significant excess of its linear mixing value at mid-salinities. Unlike the situation in many other estuaries, however, desorption of radium from particles cannot account for most of the observed excess. Thus, the anomalously high radium characteristic of much of the west Florida shelf apparently does not have a riverine source. Direct effusion of high-radium groundwater into these coastal waters is thought to be the major supplier of radium, and perhaps other elements as well.     

Submarine Groundwater Discharge to the Coastal Environment of a Mediterranean Island (Majorca, Spain): Ecosystem and Biogeochemical Significance

This article reports the results of a study of submarine groundwater discharge (SGD) to coastal waters of Majorca (NW Mediterranean). The overall aim is to evaluate the relevance of SGD of the island and chemically characterize the components that are supplied to the coastal waters through this pathway. Although other discharge areas are identified, we particularly focus on SGD in bays and areas of increased sea water residence time where effects of the discharges are expected to be most notable. Analysis at four selected embayments with different land-use characteristics indicated a link between human activities (mainly agriculture and urban) and compounds arriving to the coast. A pathway for these elements is the diffuse discharge along the shoreline, as suggested by the inverse relationship between salinity and nutrients in nearshore porewaters. A general survey was conducted at 46 sites around the island, and used dissolved radium as a qualitative indicator of SGD. Measurements of nutrients (P and N), pCO₂ and TOC were performed to characterize the elements delivered to the coastal environment. Most nearshore samples showed ²²⁴Ra enrichment (mean ± SE, 7.0 ± 0.6 dpm 100 l^?1) with respect to offshore waters (1.1 ± 0.2 dpm 100 l^?1); however, ²²⁴Ra measurements along the coast were highly variable (1.0–38.1 dpm 100 l^?1). Coastal samples with enhanced radium levels showed elevated pCO₂ with respect to atmospheric concentrations, which together with high pCO₂ in groundwater (>5,000 ppm) indicates that SGD is an important vector of CO₂ to coastal waters. Moreover, a relationship between ²²⁴Ra and phytoplankton biomass was established, suggesting an important impact of SGD on coastal productivity. The results presented here provide a first approximation of the SGD effect in the coastal waters of Majorca, and indicate that SGD could be an important source of nutrients and CO₂ to the coast, strongly influencing the productivity and biogeochemical cycling of the coastal waters of Majorca.     

Modelling of Nutrient Emissions in River Systems – MONERIS – Methods and Background

MONERIS is a semi‐empirical, conceptual model, which has gained international acceptance as a robust meso‐ to macro scale model for nutrient emissions. MONERIS is used to calculate nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) emissions into surface waters, in‐stream retention, and resulting loads, on a river catchment scale. This paper provides the first (i) comprehensive overview of the model structure (both the original elements and the new additions), (ii) depiction of the algorithms used for all pathways, and for retention in surface waters, and (iii) illustration of the monthly disaggregation of emissions and the implementation of measures. The model can be used for different climatic conditions, long term historical studies, and for future development scenarios. The minimum validated spatial resolution is 50 km², with a temporal resolution of yearly or monthly time steps. The model considers seven emission pathways (atmospheric deposition on surface waters, overland flow, erosion, tile drainage, groundwater, emissions from sealed urban areas, and point sources), and six emission sources (natural background, fertilizer application, nitrogen atmospheric deposition on arable land and other areas, urban sources, and point sources); and these are calculated separately for different land‐uses. The pathway and source‐related approach is a prerequisite for the implementation of measures to reduce non‐point and point‐source emissions. Therefore, we have modified MONERIS by the addition of a “management alternative” tool which can identify the potential effectiveness of nutrient reduction measures. MONERIS is an appropriate tool for addressing the scientific and political aspects of river basin management in support of a good surface water quality. (© 2011 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)     

An assessment of karstic submarine groundwater and associated nutrient discharge to a Mediterranean coastal area (Balearic Islands, Spain) using radium isotopes

Short and long-lived radium isotopes (²²³Ra, ²²⁴Ra, ²²⁶Ra, ²²⁸Ra) were used to quantify submarine groundwater discharge (SGD) and its associated input of inorganic nitrogen (NO₃ ^?), phosphorus (PO₄ ^3?) and silica (SiO₄ ^4?) into the karstic Alcalfar Cove, a coastal region of Minorca Island (Western Mediterranean Sea). Cove water, seawater and groundwater (wells and karstic springs) samples were collected in May 2005 and February 2006 for radium isotopes and in November 2007 for dissolved inorganic nutrients. Salinity profiles in cove waters suggested that SGD is derived from shallow brackish springs that formed a buoyant surface fresh layer of only 0.3 m depth. A binary mixing model that considers the distribution of radium activities was used to determine the cove water composition. Results showed that cove waters contained 20% brackish groundwater; of which 6% was recirculated seawater and 14% corresponded to freshwater discharge. Using a radium-derived residence time of 2.4 days, a total SGD flux of 150,000 m³ year^?1 was calculated, consisting of 45,000 m³ year^?1 recirculated seawater and 105,000 m³ year^?1 fresh groundwater. Fresh SGD fluxes of NO₃ ^?, SiO₄ ^4? and PO₄ ^3? were estimated to be on the order of 18,000, 1,140 and 4 μmol m^?2 day^?1, respectively, and presumably sustain the high phytoplankton biomass observed in the cove during summer. The total amount of NO₃ ^? and SiO₄ ^4? supplied by SGD was higher than the measured inventories in the cove, while the reverse was true for PO₄ ^3?. These discrepancies are likely due to non-conservative biogeochemical processes that occur within the subterranean estuary and Alcalfar Cove waters.     

Distribution of Bdellovibrio bacteriovorus in sewage works, river water, and sediments.

Bdellovibrio was found in all liquid phases of the sewage works examined. The predator was also found in all the river sediments and sewage-polluted river waters examined but could not be found in some unpolluted river waters. Bdellovibrio was able to multiply on the high numbers of bacteria present in the aerobic percolating filter film but could not survive in anaerobic sludge. Similarly, the predator was present in the aerobic surface layers of river sediments but not in the anaerobic bottom layers. The major source of Bdellovibrio in the polluted rivers examined were sewage works effluents, and numbers in both river water and sediment were correlated with river water quality. It was unlikely that Bdellovibrio was important in reducing numbers of other bacteria in either sewage or river sediment.     

Distribution of Bdellovibrio bacteriovorus in sewage works, river water, and sediments.

Bdellovibrio was found in all liquid phases of the sewage works examined. The predator was also found in all the river sediments and sewage-polluted river waters examined but could not be found in some unpolluted river waters. Bdellovibrio was able to multiply on the high numbers of bacteria present in the aerobic percolating filter film but could not survive in anaerobic sludge. Similarly, the predator was present in the aerobic surface layers of river sediments but not in the anaerobic bottom layers. The major source of Bdellovibrio in the polluted rivers examined were sewage works effluents, and numbers in both river water and sediment were correlated with river water quality. It was unlikely that Bdellovibrio was important in reducing numbers of other bacteria in either sewage or river sediment.     

浑河河水及其沿岸地下水污染特征

选择沈阳地区重要河流浑河及其沿岸地下水进行定量分析,研究并探讨了包括无机物和有机物在内的水质综合污染特征。结果表明,浑河河水中氨氮、硝氮、亚硝氮和酚超过了地表水环境质量标准,最大超标倍数分别为15.8、1.5、82.4和1.8倍,检测出的11种卤代烃、氯苯和六六六等有机物均未超标。浑河沿岸地下水中氨氮、硝氮、亚硝氮、化学需氧量、酚和铅超过地下水质量标准,超标率分别为31.6%、10.5%、26.3%、36.8%、47.4%和26.8%,检测出的4种卤代烃和六六六等有机物均未超标。河水及其沿岸地下水中的污染物,尤其是有机污染物种类和浓度高值基本出现在城西的谟家—大祝断面之间。浑河水质主要受城市工业废水、居民生活污水排放的影响,沿岸地下水的污染来源包括工业生产或农村居民生活造成的地表污染物垂直入渗式的点源污染、浑河水侧向渗透补给式的线源污染以及农药化肥使用产生的面源污染,而有机污染物主要通过点源污染地下水。浑河各区段的使用功能、包气带岩性及沿岸水源地开采井布局等因素都为受污染的河水对沿岸几百米范围内的浅层地下水的补给提供了条件,造成浅层地下水的污染,对当地生态系统及人类健康构成潜在威胁。     

Evaluation of residual soil contamination from commercial oil well drilling activities and its impact on the naturally occurring background radiation environment

Radiation exposure received by individuals living and working on a farmland contaminated with radium was evaluated by measuring the technologically enhanced radiation background using portable survey instruments and a high‐pressure ionization chamber. Analysis of selected organic compounds, metals, and radioactive material in samples of soil and water obtained from the farm demonstrate a potential risk to inhabitants that needs to be evaluated, especially for future generations living and working on this land who may not be aware of the potential hazard. The distribution of radium and several other hazardous waste materials was found to be significantly elevated in areas where sludge ponds and waste pits were formerly located. Transport of these contaminants in soil was detected by in situ measurement of radium, which may be a useful analog for determining the translocation of metals and other contaminants associated with oil well‐drilling activities. Conventional risk assessment models, using default input parameters, assume that exposure to radium in the soil is via the food chain and radon, and that inhalation of resuspended particles is less important. These models also assume that the chemical and physical characteristics of the radium contamination remain constant in time. However, under certain environmental conditions, the radium compounds will become more soluble with time, increasing their significance as a source of radiation exposure, especially as the radium will persist in soil for many thousands of years. Assessment of present and future risk to populations living and working on these contaminated lands must account for the potential change in radium solubility with time and the increased risk from both inhalation and ingestion of radium

This research describes environmental conditions found at one former well site in the Martha oil field in eastern Kentucky and identifies several important concerns related to the current and future risk associated with use of land contaminated with naturally occurring radioactive material.     

Molecular identification of fecal pollution sources in water supplies by host-specific fecal DNA markers and Terminal Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism profiles of 16S rRNA gene

Specific fecal DNA markers were investigated for major pollution sources, cow, human, and pig, and occurrence of the identified markers was analyzed in river waters using Terminal Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (T-RFLP) techniques and sequencing of 16S rDNA of Bacteroides-Prevotella. The unique and specific DNA markers for cow and human were identified as a 222 bp and 60 bp peak in HaeIII T-RFLP profiles, respectively, and the pig-specific marker was not identified but the unique T-RFLP profile of pig could be used as a substitution. Human-specific marker was detected in most of the river waters tested (92.1%) and T-RFLP profiles of river waters were shown to be similar to those of human feces. Cluster analysis of T-RFLP data showed that the fecal sources were multiple (human plus cow and human plus dairy cow) in most of the river waters. The phylogenetic analysis for the clones recovered from the fecal and water samples showed that the clones from cow formed a discreet cluster from those of other sources. The other clones from human, pig, and river water formed two groups all together. The results of this study could be used to identify and control the fecal pollution source in the bodies of water in Korea.     

Source water partitioning as a means of characterizing hydrologic function in mangroves

Mangrove ecosystems rely on seawater, rain-derived flow, and groundwater for hydrologic sustenance, flushing, and inflow of nutrients and sediments. The relative contribution of these source waters and their variability through time and space can provide key information concerning the hydrologic function of ecosystems. We used hydrologic tracers to partition source waters and trace their movements in the Enipoas stream, a river-dominated mangrove ecosystem on the island of Pohnpei, Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) and in the Yela watershed, an interior mangrove ecosystem on the island of Kosrae, FSM. The Enipoas site was characterized as a salt wedge estuary whose source water contributions alternated between predominantly seawater and rain-derived flow, depending on the tide. The source waters in the interior Yela site were also predominantly seawater and rain-derived flow, however the relative contribution of each was much more stable. The mean groundwatercontribution was 5% (SD 5 5.5) for the Enipoas site and 20% (SD 5 11.0) for the Yela site. Although a small contributor to flow, groundwater was a steady source of freshwater for both systems. Hydrologic linkages between mangroves and adjacent ecosystems were demonstrated by the temporal and spatial distribution of source waters.The 0.8 km Enipoas estuary, with its highly dynamic bi-directional flows, transported source waters along a hydrologic continuum comprised of coral reef, mangroves, and palm forest. In the interior mangroves of the Yela watershed, the presence of rain-derived flow and groundwater demonstrated a hydraulic connection between the mangroves and an upstream freshwater swamp. Interior mangroves with such linkages avoid stresses such as desiccation and heightened salinity, and thus are more productive than those with little or no freshwater flows.     

Are the characeae able to indicate the origin of groundwater in former river channels?

The macroscopic algae Characeae are usually assumed to occur in waterbodies supplied by groundwater with low phosphate content, but the indicative value of the species is seldom defined in bibliography. Former braided channels of the Rhône river are supplied with groundwater originating from the main channel (seepage) or from hillslope aquifer. The aim of the present paper was to determine if it possible to use the Characeae as indicators of physicochemical characteristies of water in order to assess the origin of groundwater supplying former river channels. Four former braided channels of the Rhône River colonized by Characeae were investigated, and the physico-chemical characteristics of i) the channels, ii) the groundwater and iii) the river were measured over a period of several months. Species are arranged along a gradient of conductivity, alkalinity, ammonium and phosphate content of the water. Charophyte species can indicate the origin of groundwater, either seepage or hillslope nutrient-poor aquifer, and integrate both the average value of the chemical parameter, and their variations. C. hispida occurs in a nutrient-poor channel mainly supplied by highly calcareous groundwater coming from hillslope aquifer. Chara major has requirements close to those of C. hispida, but is more tolerant to periodic inputs of nutrients. C. vulgaris and N. syncarpa both tolerate mesotrophic waters originating from both hillslope aquifer and seepage, and C. globularis is associated to a channel mainly supplied by mesotrophic to eutrophic river seepage.     

Eutrophication control strategies for three shallow Vecht lakes in the province of North Holland

Like many shallow surface waters in the Netherlands the North Holland Vecht lakes, formerly known for their rich variety of flora and fauna, now face a serious eutrophication problem. Nutrient enrichment has been mainly in the form of (treated) wastewater discharges, and the continuing ingress of nutrient-loaded water from the river Vecht. Yet, this water has to be supplied in order to compensate for water shortages resulting from (i) changes in the groundwater flow pattern due to reclamation of the deep polder Horstermeer, (ii) extensive groundwater extraction in the Gooi hills, and (iii) extensive drainage for agricultural purposes.The present policy of eutrophication abatement and restoration of the Ankeveen and Kortenhoef lakes ecosystems is focused on eliminating wastewater discharges and Vecht water supply. It also allows for additional dredging measures. Because of the un-suitable major ion composition of the Vecht, the aim is to compensate for this water supply by (i) partial restoration of the original groundwater flow from the Gooi hills and (ii) periphere additional supply with fresh seepage water from the skirts of the Horstermeer polder. However, uncertainty exists about the amounts of water needed.Water balances and phosphorus budgets have been established to ascertain the water demands of the lakes and to gain a detailed insight into the nutrient fluxes through the lakes. A groundwater flow model is used to assess the beneficial effects of the proposed measures.The results obtained, question the current unilateral restoration objectives. Calculations reveal that, both in the present situation and after (total) reduction of groundwater extractions in the future, the available quantity of fresh seepage water from the skirts of the polder Horstermeer is not sufficient to replace the inlet from the river Vecht into the Kortenhoef lakes. Additional supply options are available but the ones favoured from an ecological viewpoint are either the most expensive or less favoured from a social point of view. Although the sediments of the lakes appear to be a major source of eutrophication, the possibility of dredging the lakes will be considered only after reviewing results of a pilot-dredging project in the Hollands Ankeveen lakes in 1991.     

香溪河流域水体环境因子研究

基于香溪河及其三大支流古夫河、高岚河与九冲河的8年监测数据,对该流域水体的环境因子及其时空动态进行了比较分析。结果显示,香溪河流域的水体呈中性偏弱碱性,属于中等硬度水,水体溶解氧丰富,还原性物质以及氯化物水平不高,具有较强的缓冲能力。多数环境因子具有明显的季节变化,而年际变化规律不显著。香溪河流域水体的主要营养元素氮含量较高,并以有城镇影响的古夫河为最;高岚河由于受到生活污水与农业活动的影响,水质相对较差;香溪河的磷污染严重;森林覆盖率较高的九冲河的水质最佳。在香溪河流域,氮主要以面源污染的方式进入河道,而香溪河的磷则主要以点源污染的方式进入河道。水土流失是香溪河流域面源污染的主要途径,磷矿和磷化工厂的排污则是磷点源污染的主要途径。从保护三峡水库香溪河库湾的生态学角度考虑,应重点控制香溪河磷的点源污染。     

Adsorption of radium-226 by biological origin absorbents

Selected samples of waste microbial biomass used in industrial fermentation processes and wastewater biological treatment plants have been studied for their radium biosorption ability from aqueous solutions. Equilibrium biosorption isotherms have been used to quantify the radium uptake capacity of the various types of biomass which were also compared to two types of activated carbon. Solution pH affected the observed uptake significantly. In general, the biomass types that showed appreciable sorption capacity exhibited maximum uptake between pH 7 and 10. The uptake was reduced considerably at pH 4 and little or no uptake was observed at pH 2. Radium biosorptive uptake capacities of the order of 4.5 x 10(4) nCi/g, at pH 7 and at an equilibrium radium concentration of 1000 pCi/L, were determined for a mixed culture, while the biomass of Penicillium chrysogenum adsorbed 5 x 10(4) nCi/g radium under the same conditions. The highest uptake value for a sample of F-400 granular activated carbon was 3600 nCi/g at pH 7 and 1000 pCi/L radium concentration. The biosorptive radium uptake of microbial biomass is compared to literature values for other types of adsorbents. The most effective biomass types studied exhibited radium removals in excess of 99% of the radium in solution.     

Terrestrial influences on the Shiraho fringing reef, Ishigaki Island, Japan: high carbon input relative to phosphate

Measurements of CO₂ system parameters and nutrients showed the potential influence of terrestrial inputs on the carbon budget of a fringing coral reef on Ishigaki Island, Japan. Land-derived freshwaters, including river and ground water, make a relatively large contribution (0.5–1.2% by volume) to the water circulation of the reef. These terrestrial waters exhibit extremely high fugacity of CO₂ (fCO₂ up to 6400 μatm), reflecting enrichments in total alkalinity and dissolved inorganic carbon. Since the dissolved inorganic C:P ratio is anomalously high in terrestrial waters compared with the mean C:P ratios of primary production, excess carbon could be released into the atmosphere. Terrestrial inputs deliver a large quantity of C relative to P. The study site was a source of CO₂ at the time of measurement. Such a situation is likely to prevail all year round, and it may occur elsewhere. Accepted: 20 February 2000     

The interactive effects of excess reactive nitrogen and climate change on aquatic ecosystems and water resources of the United States

Nearly all freshwaters and coastal zones of the US are degraded from inputs of excess reactive nitrogen (Nr), sources of which are runoff, atmospheric N deposition, and imported food and feed. Some major adverse effects include harmful algal blooms, hypoxia of fresh and coastal waters, ocean acidification, long-term harm to human health, and increased emissions of greenhouse gases. Nitrogen fluxes to coastal areas and emissions of nitrous oxide from waters have increased in response to N inputs. Denitrification and sedimentation of organic N to sediments are important processes that divert N from downstream transport. Aquatic ecosystems are particularly important denitrification hotspots. Carbon storage in sediments is enhanced by Nr, but whether carbon is permanently buried is unknown. The effect of climate change on N transport and processing in fresh and coastal waters will be felt most strongly through changes to the hydrologic cycle, whereas N loading is mostly climate-independent. Alterations in precipitation amount and dynamics will alter runoff, thereby influencing both rates of Nr inputs to aquatic ecosystems and groundwater and the water residence times that affect Nr removal within aquatic systems. Both infrastructure and climate change alter the landscape connectivity and hydrologic residence time that are essential to denitrification. While Nr inputs to and removal rates from aquatic systems are influenced by climate and management, reduction of N inputs from their source will be the most effective means to prevent or to minimize environmental and economic impacts of excess Nr to the nation’s water resources.     

Superficial and hyporheic oligochaete communities as indicators of pollution and water exchange in the River Moselle, France

Benthic oligochaetes were sampled on three occasions (June, August and October 1992) in the upper (0–10 cm) and hyporheic (35–45 cm depths) sediments at five sites of the River Moselle, from upstream of the town of Epinal to Velle-sur-Moselle. The first site (upstream from Epinal) is considered as unpolluted and the four remaining sites are polluted by industrial effluents. The most polluted stations were generally dominated by the pollution tolerant taxon Limnodrilus. Numbers of individuals of this taxon decreased at the less polluted last site in recovery zone, and were also scarce in the first unpolluted site. It is noteworthy that these tendencies were observed in both superficial and hyporheic substrates and to the greatest degree in hyporheic ones. At the unpolluted site, the hyporheic habitat is dominated by the groundwater species Propappus volki, Pristina spp., Pristinella spp. At the less polluted site (last site), the deep sediments are dominated by groundwater species and the Tubificidae without hair setae decrease from June to October. As a result of water exchange between superficial and subterranean waters, superficial substrates of the first and the last stations tend to be colonised by a high proportion of hyporheic species that suggests that flow is primarily from subterranean to superficial waters. The contrary is the case at other polluted stations which are characterised by the invasion of hyporheic substrates by the pollution tolerant superficial taxa Limnodrilus. This suggests that water flows from the river to the deeper groundwater. These two stations are located near drinking water plants which utilise groundwater, thus increasing the vulnerability of groundwater to surface contaminants.     

Patchiness of River–Groundwater Interactions within Two Floodplain Landscapes and Diversity of Aquatic Invertebrate Communities

In fluvial systems, the interactions between rivers and groundwater significantly affect various ecological structures (for example, riparian vegetation) and functions. To examine the effects of hydrological exchange between groundwater and surface water on the distribution of aquatic invertebrates within a riverine landscape, we investigated the main stem, tributaries, and various surface and subsurface waters of two floodplains of a southern Alpine river (Brenno, Switzerland) in terms of their physicochemical, hydraulic, substratum, and faunal characteristics. The origins of the water were investigated by analyzing geomorphic settings and physicochemical variables. The two floodplains had different hydrological regimes. The middle floodplain was dominated by lateral inputs and exfiltration of hillslope groundwater from two different subcatchments. Bank filtration of river water sustained subsurface water only close to the channel. The aquatic habitats of the middle floodplain formed a rather homogeneous group with high taxon richness and intrahabitat diversities. These aquatic habitats resembled mountain springbrooks in their physicochemical characteristics and faunal compositions. In the lower floodplain, the exchange between river water and groundwater was more extensive. The aquatic floodplain habitats of the lower floodplain were fed mainly by deep and shallow alluvial groundwater, hyporheic exfiltration, and partly by surface water. In contrast to aquatic habitats of the middle floodplain, habitats of the lower floodplain showed a low intrahabitat and a high interhabitat diversity in terms of both substrate characteristics and faunal compositions. For both floodplains, ordination analyses showed a high concordance between the structure of the invertebrate community and the characteristics of the environmental habitat, including chemical, geomorphic, and hydraulic variables. Ordinations grouped aquatic habitats according to the origins of the waters. Taxon richness was related to local structural diversity, but species turnover was related to differential vertical and lateral connectivity. Exfiltration of groundwaters provided aquatic floodplain habitats for several specialized species. The results of this study show the significance of the river–groundwater connectivity for the creation of the habitat mosaic that sustains biodiversity in floodplains and thus have important implications for managing the ecological integrity of floodplains.     

Groundwater Cladocera: A synopsis

A review is given of our present knowledge on the Cladocera that live in subterranean waters. Besides species that are accidentally or passively transported to caves and wells, at least one groundwater habitat, namely that of river gravels, is inhabited by species that either do not occur at the surface at all, or are only rarely thrown up by springs. Such species are now known from three continents.     

Structure et fonctionnement des écosystèmes du Haut-Rhône français

Many abandoned stream channels are provided alternatively by river water or groundwater from the interstitial flow. The cyclopoid populations from an abandoned channel of the Rhône river are compared with those from a neighbouring interstitial station. Among the 18 species of cyclopoids found during the present study, only 4 are common to both stations. During 3 years of sampling, the populations living in interstitial waters were rather stable, while the epigean populations were more fluctuating. The latter seem to be influenced by the origin of the water.