Assessment of the Impact of Heavy Metals on Benthic Communities at the Clinch River (Virginia): Evaluation of an Index of Community Sensitivity

1992 ◽  
Vol 49 (8) ◽  
pp. 1686-1694 ◽  
Author(s):  
William H. Clements ◽  
Donald S. Cherry ◽  
John H. Van Hassel
Keyword(s):  
Heavy Metals ◽  
Water Quality ◽  
Benthic Communities ◽  
Benthic Community Structure ◽  
Stream Discharge ◽  
Highly Sensitive ◽  
Clinch River ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Metal Impact ◽  
Good Agreement

Benthic communities (sampled once annually from 1986 to 1989) at stations impacted by copper and zinc were characterized by reduced species richness, reduced abundance, and a shift in community composition from sensitive to tolerant taxa. Benthic community structure varied annually due to fluctuations in stream discharge and improvements in water quality. Sensitivity of 13 dominant taxa to Cu was measured in outdoor experimental streams by exposing organisms to Cu (25 μg/L) for 10 d. Sensitivities (si), defined as proportioned reduction in abundance in treated streams relative to controls, ranged from 1.00 for several species of Ephemeroptera that were completely eliminated to −0.14 for taxa that increased in treated streams (Chironomidae: Orthocladiini). An index of community sensitivity (ICS) based on si and relative abundance of dominant taxa (pi) was developed for the Clinch River. The ICS was highly sensitive to heavy metals and useful for distinguishing reference and impacted stations. There was good agreement between the ICS and other community-level approaches in identifying impacted stations. We suggest that specific ICS values, based on si estimates of dominant taxa within a region, may be employed to predict the degree of metal impact in other streams within that region.

scholarly journals Spatial Variation of Water Chemistry in Aries River Catchment Western Romania

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (14) ◽  
pp. 6592
Author(s):  
Ana Moldovan ◽  
Maria-Alexandra Hoaghia ◽  
Anamaria Iulia Török ◽  
Marius Roman ◽  
Ionut Cornel Mirea ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Heavy Metals ◽  
Water Quality ◽  
Water Chemistry ◽  
Water Samples ◽  
Mine Drainage ◽  
Pollution Indices ◽  
Mining Activities ◽  
River Catchment ◽  
High Concentrations ◽  
The Impact

This study aims to investigate the quality and vulnerability of surface water (Aries River catchment) in order to identify the impact of past mining activities. For this purpose, the pollution and water quality indices, Piper and Durov plots, as well vulnerability modeling maps were used. The obtained results indicate that the water samples were contaminated with As, Fe, Mn, Pb and have relatively high concentrations of SO42−, HCO3−, TDS, Ca, K, Mg and high values for the electrical conductivity. Possible sources of the high content of chemicals could be the natural processes or the inputs of the mine drainage. Generally, according to the pollution indices, which were correlated to high concentrations of heavy metals, especially with Pb, Fe and Mn, the water samples were characterized by heavy metals pollution. The water quality index classified the studied water samples into five different classes of quality, namely: unsuitable for drinking, poor, medium, good and excellent quality. Similarly, medium, high and very high vulnerability classes were observed. The Durov and Piper plots classified the waters into Mg-HCO3− and Ca-Cl− types. The past and present mining activities clearly change the water chemistry and alter the quality of the Aries River, with the water requiring specific treatments before use.

scholarly journals Kū Hou Kuapā: Cultural Restoration Improves Water Budget and Water Quality Dynamics in Heʻeia Fishpond

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paula Mohlenkamp ◽  
Charles Kaiaka Beebe ◽  
Margaret A. McManus ◽  
Angela Hiʻilei Kawelo ◽  
Keliʻiahonui Kotubetey ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Water Quality ◽  
Exchange Rates ◽  
Positive Impact ◽  
Discharge Rate ◽  
Quality Parameters ◽  
Stream Discharge ◽  
Bacterial Indicator ◽  
Average Abundance ◽  
Tidally Driven ◽  
The Impact

In Hawaiʻi, the transition from customary subsistence flooded taro agroecosystems, which regulate stream discharge rate trapping sediment and nutrients, to a plantation-style economy (c. the 1840s) led to nearshore sediment deposition - smothering coral reefs and destroying adjacent coastal fisheries and customary fishpond mariculture. To mitigate sediment transport, Rhizophora mangle was introduced in estuaries across Hawai’i (c. 1902) further altering fishpond ecosystems. Here, we examine the impact of cultural restoration between 2012-2018 at Heʻeia Fishpond, a 600-800-year-old walled fishpond. Fishpond water quality was assessed by calculating water exchange rates, residence times, salinity distribution, and abundance of microbial indicators prior to and after restoration. We hypothesized that R. mangle removal and concomitant reconstruction of sluice gates would increase mixing and decrease bacterial indicator abundance in the fishpond. We find that Heʻeia Fishpond’s physical environment is primarily tidally driven; wind forcing and river flux are secondary drivers. Post-restoration, two gates in the northeastern region account for >80% of relative flux in the fishpond. Increase in exchange rates during spring and neap tide and shorter minimum water residence time corresponded with the reconstruction of a partially obstructed 56 m gap together with the installation of an additional sluice gate in the fishpond wall. Lower mean salinities post-restoration suggests increased freshwater influx due to R. mangle removal. Spatial distribution of microbial bio-indicator species inversely correlated with salinity. Average abundance of Enterococcus and Bacteroidales did not significantly change after restoration efforts, however, average abundance of a biomarker specific to birds nesting in the mangroves decreased significantly after restoration. This study demonstrates the positive impact of biocultural restoration regimes on water flushing and water quality parameters, encouraging the prospect of revitalizing this and other culturally and economically significant sites for sustainable aquaculture in the future.

scholarly journals ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT OF HEAVY METALS EFFLUIENT (CHROMIUM & NICKEL) RELEASED INTO ROMI RIVER, KADUNA STATE: A CASE STUDY

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (3) ◽  
pp. 704-707
Author(s):  
Muhammad Mudassir Usman ◽  
Muhammad Nuruddeen Abdulkareem ◽  
Abdullahi Muhammad ◽  
Kabiru Hamza
Keyword(s):  
Heavy Metals ◽  
Water Quality ◽  
Industrial Effluents ◽  
World Health ◽  
Refinery Effluent ◽  
Iron Nickel ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Health Organization ◽  
The Impact

Industrial effluents discharged into the river poses a serious threat to our environment; the research examines the impact of some heavy metals of Kaduna refinery effluent into the Romi River. It asserts the nature of effluent released into the water body and also the impact of effluent on water quality. However the important water quality became relatively slowly as early human could only judge water quality through the physical senses of sight, taste and smell, now a days there is an increase of contamination of natural water bodies by industrial effluents in developing and densely populated countries like Nigeria, because rivers are major means of waste disposal and especially effluents from industries nearby. The data used in this research were generated from direct field measurement of pH, Conductivity, and Turbidity, heavy metal profiles (Chromium & Nickel) from Kaduna Refinery Effluent. The mean concentrations of the metals; chromium, iron, nickel, and zinc with the standard deviation were found to be: < 0.01 ± 0.1 mg/kg, and 0.06 ± 0.1 mg/kg. This study has shown that the mean concentration of chromium and Nickel found to be lower than the World Health Organization (WHO) acceptable limits while the concentration values of nickel 0.06 ± 0.1 mg/kg and iron 0.06 ± 0.1 mg/kg as found to be higher than the WHO, acceptable limits of the metals) obtained at the effluent points and this implicate the industry adjacent to the area as one of the sources of heavy metals in the river.

scholarly journals The oxbow lakes of the central part of the River Labe - comparative study of water quality and heavy metals concentrations in sediment

Geografie ◽  
2005 ◽  
Vol 110 (3) ◽  
pp. 229-242
Author(s):  
Dagmar Chalupová ◽  
Bohumír Janský
Keyword(s):  
Heavy Metals ◽  
Water Quality ◽  
Comparative Study ◽  
Oxygen Saturation ◽  
Human Activity ◽  
Oxbow Lakes ◽  
Water Loading ◽  
Physical Chemical ◽  
Water Analyses ◽  
The Impact

In the years 2000 and 2002, the research of three fluvial lakes of the central part of the River Labe was carried out. All three localities were chosen to evaluate the environmental state and the impact of human activity. The research included physical, chemical, hydrobiological analyses of water, analyses of sediments and bathymetric measurements. In spite of the identical origin of these lakes, major differences were found e.g. oxygen saturation, BOD5, water loading with nutrients, calcium and chlorides concentrations. Considering the heavy metals in sediments significant differences in concentration - depth relation were determined at each locality as well.

Integrated Simulation of Particle-Bound Contaminants in Urbanised Catchments Using High-Resolution Data

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Karen L. Rojas-Gómez ◽  
Jakob Benisch ◽  
Julian D. Reyes-Silva ◽  
Renato Mariano ◽  
Soohyun Yang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Heavy Metals ◽  
Water Quality ◽  
High Resolution ◽  
Urban Areas ◽  
Storm Water ◽  
Transport Mechanisms ◽  
Rainfall Events ◽  
Integrated Simulation ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Urbanised Catchments

&lt;p&gt;During heavy rainfall events, the large amounts of generated runoff in urban areas mobilise particulate matter from different surfaces. These particles have attached other contaminants such as heavy metals, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and, faecal microorganisms. In urbanised areas, particle-bound contaminants (PBCs) may reach rivers through surface runoff, combined sewer overflows or storm water discharges. This may affect the water quality of receiving water bodies and creates health risks to humans and ecosystems. Due to the spatial variability of PBCs, associated to different land uses and pollution sources, the quantification and characterisation of contaminant pathways remain a challenge. Despite high investments, the implemented management alternatives to improve river water quality are still inefficient due to late identification of pressures and lack of a real paradigm shift towards holistic approaches. Therefore, it is necessary to better understand and describe the main factors controlling PBCs pathways in urban areas. This is expected to facilitate the selection of appropriate technologies and strategies to reduce the impact of urban discharges on receiving water bodies.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;In this context, the aim of this study is to evaluate the influence of spatial and temporal variability of sediments and PBCs sources on river water quality in an urbanised catchment, considering land-use distribution within the sewersheds. This is expected to provide a better understanding of the relationship between drivers of relevant PBCs and the response of the urban water system under dynamic conditions (i.e. variable sediment load, urban runoff, storm water discharge and river flow).&amp;#160;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Data for this study is obtained from an integrated monitoring network in a small watershed (Lockwitzbach) located in Dresden, Germany. This urban observatory consists of four water quality monitoring stations within the stream and in the sewer network. High-resolution (1min) discharge and turbidity data are collected. This allows to understand the dynamic transport mechanisms of sediments in the catchment, providing insights in complex runoff and discharge processes.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Integrated simulation of sediments and PBCs (i.e. heavy metals) is done by using EPA SWMM to evaluate surface build-up and wash-off. Additionally, the impact of sedimentation, accumulation and re-suspension of sediments and heavy metals within the sewer network and river are analysed using a simplified block developed in Simba#. Calibration and validation of the integrated model was done using online monitoring data and water samples taken during the period 2018-2020. Turbidity was used as a proxy for total suspended solids and PBCs. We identified and prioritised urban areas that are hotspots for high sediment and PBCs loads. Those represent potential locations for an optimal control and reduction of water pollution strategies. Results suggest that integrated simulation is an effective approach to analyse transport mechanisms and pathways of sediments and PBCs within urbanised catchments. Furthermore, high-resolution discharge and turbidity data are especially useful to represent the wash-off of contaminants associated to the first flush process during rainfall events.&lt;/p&gt;

scholarly journals The effects of industrial and agricultural activity on the water quality of the Sitnica River (Kosovo)

Geoadria ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
pp. 13
Author(s):  
Albona Shala ◽  
Fatbardh Sallaku ◽  
Agron Shala ◽  
Shkëlzim Ukaj
Keyword(s):  
Heavy Metals ◽  
Water Quality ◽  
Reference Station ◽  
Polluted Water ◽  
Pollution Level ◽  
Wastewater Discharge ◽  
Agricultural Lands ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Monitoring Stations

An important issue in Kosovo is water pollution. The use of polluted water has a direct impact on human health and cause long-term consequences. The longest and most polluted river in Kosovo is the Sitnica, a 90 km long river with its source located near the village of Sazli. The river flows into the Ibar River in Northern Kosovo. Agriculture is prevailing activity in the basin of Sitnica which is why agricultural as well as industrial waste are the biggest water pollutants. The purpose of this study was to evaluate water quality of the river and analyse the pollution level along the Sitnica River caused by agricultural activities and industrial discharges. In order to assess the impact of pollutants on this river, a measurements were carried out in four (five) monitoring stations: the first station represents the reference station which has not undergone or has not been affected by polluting pressures, two stations in water areas affected by the irrigation of farming land and two monitoring stations in water areas affected by industrial wastewater discharge. Some of the parameters of water quality analysed are temperature, turbidity, electrical conductivity, pH, DO, COD, BOD, P total, nitrates, sulfates, and heavy metals iron, manganese, zinc, nickel. Compared to the reference station the results obtained from the Gracka and Pestova monitoring stations prove that the dominant form of pollution is that from agricultural lands irrigation, while the Plemetin and Mitrovica stations show that the Sitnica River is affected by wastewater discharge which contains significant concentrations of heavy metals, as well as metal ions selected in this paper. It can be concluded that the irrigation of agricultural lands and discharges from mining significantly affect water quality of the Sitnica River.

scholarly journals Assessment of water quality and state of waterbasins of different types from characteristics of benthic animal communities

2016 ◽  
Vol 320 (3) ◽  
pp. 262-279
Author(s):  
E.V. Balushkina
Keyword(s):  
Water Quality ◽  
Primary Production ◽  
Large Scale ◽  
Structural Parameters ◽  
Benthic Communities ◽  
River Estuary ◽  
Neva River ◽  
Relationship Of ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Neva Bay

Studies on waterbasins of different type have shown the impact of eutrophication and pollution by toxic and organic matter on the structural and functional characteristics of zoobenthos. A major factor determining quantitative development of non-predatory zoobenthos in lakes is, undoubtedly, the level of development of primary producers. Relationship of zoobenthos biomass and primary production is particularly pronounced in shallow lakes. Analysis of relationship of zoobenthos with abiotic and biotic factors in shallow hyperhaline lakes of Crimea has shown that the most significant parameters determining the values of biomass of macrozoobenthos were salinity and primary production, second in significance were oxygen concentration and depth. The changes in structure and quantitative characteristics of benthic communities of the Neva River estuary occur under impact of a complex combination of organic and toxic pollution. For the assessment of water quality and state of ecosystem in the Neva River estuary we used IP' integrated index specially devised by us for water-bodies and watercourses of north-western Russia. It is based on structural parameters of zoobenthic communities and makes it possible to take into consideration pollution with toxic and organic substances. On average the water quality of the Neva Bay judging from IP' values was relatively stable during 1982–2014. It was assessed as “polluted” with exception for abnormality in 2006 (“polluted–dirty”) caused by large-scale dredging work. As a result of stronger pollution, species diversity of benthic animals in the Resort District of the eastern part of the Gulf of Finland is lower than in the Neva Bay.

Histological Description and Histopathology in Polypedilum sp. (Diptera: Chironomidae): A Potential Biomarker for the Impact of Mining on Tributaries

2020 ◽  
Vol 113 (5) ◽  
pp. 359-372
Author(s):  
Rosa N Grueso-Gilaberth ◽  
Keiner S Jaramillo-Timarán ◽  
Erika M Ospina-Pérez ◽  
Vinicius S Richardi ◽  
Paula A Ossa-López ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Water Quality ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
Anthropogenic Activities ◽  
Benthic Communities ◽  
Water Quality Monitoring ◽  
Neotropical Region ◽  
Mining Pollution ◽  
Target Organs ◽  
Potential Biomarker ◽  
The Impact

Abstract The Neotropical region has a wide aquatic biodiversity, which is affected by anthropogenic activities. Mining has caused a negative impact on these ecosystems, directly affecting benthic communities. Aquatic macroinvertebrates are effective bioindicators of water quality, especially Chironomidae larvae, since these show high species richness, abundance, and sensitivity to human activities. The genus Polypedilum is among the most representative of the family Chironomidae. Research on these species is focused on their abundance and dominance in water bodies. In addition, several studies have addressed alterations in the external morphology of some Chironomidae due to mining pollution (heavy metals). However, little is known about the effects of mining on the internal morphology of these species. This study provides the first histological description of different systems and organs of Polypedilum sp. larvae. Furthermore, we report histopathological alterations in larvae collected from two tributaries affected by mining, namely Toldafría and La Elvira streams located in the municipalities of Villamaría and Manizales (Caldas – Colombia). Our findings show target organs of mining pollution in a species of Polypedilum, which represent potential early-warning histopathological biomarkers with relevant implications for water quality monitoring.

A Computer Simulation of Water Quality Change Due to Dredging of Heavy Metals Contaminated Sediments in the Old Harbour of Montreal

2001 ◽  
Vol 36 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-19 ◽  
Author(s):  
Antonina Degtiareva ◽  
Maria Elektorowicz
Keyword(s):  
Heavy Metals ◽  
Water Quality ◽  
Water Column ◽  
Solid Phase ◽  
Metal Speciation ◽  
Anoxic Sediments ◽  
Sediment Removal ◽  
Area Of Concern ◽  
And Control ◽  
The Impact

Abstract Aquatic sediments accumulate heavy metals that are discharged into the environment. This study investigates possible water quality changes due to release of heavy metals such as Cd, Ni, Zn and Pb into the water column during dredging of anoxic sediments in the Old Harbour of Montreal. An environmental impact assessment of the sediment removal requires estimating the speciation of heavy metals in the water column with and without the solid phase. Chemical equilibria in the St. Lawrence River water are calculated using the program EQUILIB from the software FACT. Results show that the water is oversaturated with respect to CaMg(CO3)2 and Fe(OH)3. It is speculated that (ZnO)(Fe2O3) and (NiO)(Fe2O3) control the solubility of Zn and Ni in the water. The speciation of heavy metals in pore water of anoxic sediments is calculated, taking into account that the corresponding sulfides are solid phases and control their solubility. The impact of various scenarios on the area of concern is reviewed from an ecotoxicological perspective. Dredging might change the redox and acid-base conditions in the water column. Dredging can lead to an increase in the concentration of heavy metals in the water column and a change of metal speciation, but its impact will be less visible if the sediments contain high levels of calcium acting as a buffer.

Impact of Heavy Metals on Insect Communities in Streams: A Comparison of Observational and Experimental Results

1988 ◽  
Vol 45 (11) ◽  
pp. 2017-2025 ◽  
Author(s):  
Williams H. Clements ◽  
Donald S. Cherry ◽  
John Cairns Jr.
Keyword(s):  
Heavy Metals ◽  
Benthic Communities ◽  
Macroinvertebrate Community ◽  
Experimental Results ◽  
Macroinvertebrate Communities ◽  
Insect Communities ◽  
Copper And Zinc ◽  
Stream Mesocosms ◽  
Clinch River ◽  
Number Of Individuals

This research compares effects of heavy metals on macroinvertebrate communities in outdoor experimental streams with those observed at impacted field sites. Natural assemblages of aquatic macroinvertebrates were established on substrate-filled trays which were then transferred to outdoor stream mesocosms. Exposure of these communities to low levels of copper and zinc (target concentration = 12 μg/L) significantly reduced the number of taxa, number of individuals, and abundance of most dominant taxa within 4 d. After 10 d, control streams were dominated by Ephemeroptera and Tanytarsini chironomids, whereas treated streams were dominated by Hydropsychidae and Orthocladiini. Responses of benthic communities to metals observed at the Clinch River (Russell Co., Virginia), a system impacted by copper and zinc, were similar to those in experimental streams. Ephemeroptera and Tanytarsini, which comprised 38–46% of the macroinvertebrate community at upstream reference stations, were significantly reduced at all effluent sites. As in treated experimental streams, impacted stations were dominated by Hydropsychidae and Orthocladiini. The similarity of our experimental results to those obtained from Clinch River field sites suggests that outdoor stream mesocosms may be employed to predict macroinvertebrate community responses to heavy metals.

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