Marine Tar Residues: a Review

Abstract Marine tar residues originate from natural and anthropogenic oil releases into the ocean environment and are formed after liquid petroleum is transformed by weathering, sedimentation, and other processes. Tar balls, tar mats, and tar patties are common examples of marine tar residues and can range in size from millimeters in diameter (tar balls) to several meters in length and width (tar mats). These residues can remain in the ocean envi-ronment indefinitely, decomposing or becoming buried in the sea floor. However, in many cases, they are transported ashore via currents and waves where they pose a concern to coastal recreation activities, the seafood industry and may have negative effects on wildlife. This review summarizes the current state of knowledge on marine tar residue formation, transport, degradation, and distribution. Methods of detection and removal of marine tar residues and their possible ecological effects are discussed, in addition to topics of marine tar research that warrant further investigation. Emphasis is placed on ben-thic tar residues, with a focus on the remnants of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill in particular, which are still affecting the northern Gulf of Mexico shores years after the leaking submarine well was capped

Enrichment of metals in the surface sediments of Sapanca Lake

A comprehensive lake sediment study was performed on the Sapanca Lake of Turkey in which certain metal analyses were conducted using inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy. The purpose of the study was to find the enrichment of metals in the surface sediments of Sapanca Lake. A method, namely, the index of geoaccumulation, was used to define the degree of anthropogenic pollution in the Sapanca Lake basin. Results of the geoaccumulation index indicate that only enrichments of trace metals, cadmium, and lead are found

POLLUTION CHRONOLOGY OF THE GOLDEN HORN SEDIMENTS

Sediment accumulation in the Golden Horn has been established by means of a useful geochronological technique; 210Pb Radiometric Dating Method. The 210Pb dating technique revealed a sediment accumulation rate of 3.5 cm yr−1 which is very reasonable given the characteristics of the Golden Horn. The 210Pb profile also revealed three distinct levels in the sediments of the Golden Horn; a surface layer with nearly uniform activities, an exponential decay interval and a lower region with almost constant low activit

CHEMICAL-COMPOSITION OF PARTICLES IN THE BLACK-SEA ATMOSPHERE

Shipborne samples collected from the Black Sea atmosphere were analysed by instrumental neutron activation analysis, atomic absorption spectrometry and ion chromatography for approximately 40 elements and ions. Concentrations of most of the elements are found to be a factor of two higher in the western part of the Black Sea than corresponding concentrations in the eastern part. Main source regions for anthropogenic elements were in Europe. The WNW, WSW and SSW sectors together account for 70% of observed concentrations of elements. Principal component analysis showed a crustal, a marine and three anthropogenic factors. Two of the anthropogenic factors were the result of long-range transport of particles and the third indicated a local iron and steel industry. Atmospheric fluxes of elements to the Black Sea were calculated using observed concentrations. scavenging ratios and precipitation data and results were compared with riverine fluxes of elements. For crustal elements, riverine fluxes were found to be dominant, but for pollution-derived elements, atmospheric fluxes were comparable to riverine fluxes to the Black Sea

TRACE-ELEMENT COMPOSITION OF THE BLACK-SEA AEROSOLS

Shipboard aerosol samples collected from the Black Sea atmosphere were analysed for Al, Ca, Mg, Ti, V, Cl, I, Mn and Na, by using instrumental neutron activation technique. Concentrations of elements were intermediate between continental rural sites and remote marine sites. Back-trajectory calculations showed a general easterly flow. Observed enrichments of elements can be attributed to crustal, marine and anthropogenic sources. The (Mn)ner/(V)ner ratio showed differences with trajectory groups. The average (Mn)ner/(V)ner ratio was more representative of European sources

Biomarkers of exposure to metal contamination and lipid peroxidation in the benthic fish Cathorops spixii from two estuaries in South America, Brazil

Biomarkers as lipid peroxidation, metallothionein and delta-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase were determined in Cathorops spixii to compare the biological responses of this fish from estuaries with distinct anthropogenic influence. Three areas were selected in two estuaries in accordance with the levels of contamination for the polluted (Santos/São Vicente) and with the hydrodynamic characteristics for the non-polluted (Cananéia) estuary. Water characteristics and mercury levels in C. spixii confirmed a high human influence in the polluted system. In general, the biomarkers showed differences between the estuaries, suggesting disturbances in the specific cell mechanisms due to the presence of multiple xenobiotics in the contaminated system. Therefore, these biomarkers are recommended to promote more accurate information about the exposure to pollutants. Additionally, the study of the effect of the multiple xenobiotics on resident species such as the benthic fish C. spixii can favor a better assessment of the environmental quality of these systems.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio