Combining isotopic signatures of n(87Sr)/n(86Sr) and light stable elements (C, N, O, S) with multi-elemental profiling for the authentication of provenance of European cereal samples

The aim of this work (from the FP6 project TRACE) was to develop methods based on the use of geochemical markers for the authentication of the geographical origin of cereal samples in Europe (cf. EC regulations 2081/92 and 1898/06). For the first time, the potential usefulness of combining n(87Sr)/n(86Sr) and δ13C, δ15N, δ18O and δ34S isotopic signatures, alone or with key element concentrations ([Na], [K], [Ca], [Cu] and [Rb], progressively identified out of 31 sets of results), was investigated through multiple step multivariate statistics for more than 500 cereal samples collected over 2 years from 17 sampling sites across Europe representing an extensive range of geographical and environmental characteristics. From the classification categories compared (north/south; proximity to the Atlantic Ocean/to the Mediterranean Sea/to else; bed rock geologies) the first two were the most efficient (particularly with the ten variables selected together). In some instances element concentrations made a greater impact than the isotopic tracers. Validation of models included external prediction tests on 20% of the data randomly selected and, rarely done, a study on the robustness of these multivariate data treatments to uncertainties on measurement results. With the models tested it was possible to individualise 15 of the sampling sites

Rapid estimation of TOC in a marine urban sewage area by UV spectral deconvolution

A simple and rapid procedure for on-site qualitative and quantitative analysis of organic matter from discharges of municipal wastewater in seawater has been developed. This method is based on the knowledge of the UV signal of both seawater and anthropogenic absorbing matter and on the mathematical deconvolution of the sample spectrum using reference spectra. The main application is the estimation of TOC at the direct outlet of the discharge. This quantitative application is obviously limited by the nature of organic compounds, but the UV estimation allowed us to have an overview of the composition and evolution of organic matter into the polluted area. The application of this procedure has been carried out to study the wastewater dilution into an area receiving urban discharges. Experiments showed satisfactory analytical features with a range of TOC values from 75 to 1500 μM C, and the comparison of the results with those obtained by reference method presented a reasonable correlation (r2 = 0.9636) in the marine discharge. The results have also allowed us to quickly estimate the plume evolution at the sea surface and in depth. This alternative method could be integrated in a portable device for on-site analysis and multiplication of measurements for relevant results, or in a continuous flow analyser. © 2006 Taylor & Francis

Growth, condition and metal concentration in juveniles of two Diplodus species in ports

International audienceHigh abundances of juvenile fish in certain ports suggest they might provide alternative nursery habitats for several species. To further investigate this possibility, post-settlement growth, metal uptake and body condition were estimated in 127 juveniles of two seabream species, collected in 2014-15, inside and outside the highly polluted ports of the Bay of Toulon. This showed that differences in local pollution levels (here in Hg, Cu, Pb and Zn) are not consistently mirrored within fish flesh. Muscle metal concentrations, below sanitary thresholds for both species, were higher in ports for Cu, Pb and V only. Otherwise, fish muscle composition principally differed by species or by year. Juvenile growth and condition were equivalent at all sites. Higher prey abundance in certain ports might therefore compensate the deleterious effects of pollution, resulting in similar sizes and body conditions for departing juvenile fish than in nearby natural habitats

Platinum in sediments and mussels from the northwestern Mediterranean coast: temporal and spatial aspects

International audiencePlatinum (Pt) is considered a Technology Critical Element (TCE) and an emerging metallic contaminant with increasing release into the environment. Gaps in knowledge and understanding of environmental levels, fate and effects of Pt still exist, especially in the marine environment. This work presents Pt concentrations in the northwestern Mediterranean coast including: (i) temporal variability from sediment cores and farmed mussels in the Toulon Bay (historically affected by intense human activities) and (ii) spatial distribution from recent wild mussels collected along ~ 700 km coastline with contrasting ecosystems (including natural reserves), quantified using voltammetry and inductively coupled plasmamass spectrometry. The historical (>100 years) record of Pt in sediments from the Toulon Bay suggests the existence of non-negligible Pt sources older than those related to vehicle emission devices, such as petrol industry and coal-fired activities. A strong Pt increase in more recent sediments (from ~12 to 16 ng g 1) and mussels (8-fold increase from ~0.12 to 0.80 ng g 1) covering the past 25 years reflect the overall evolution of Pt demand in Europe (~20-fold increase for vehicle catalysts in 20 years). Spatial biomonitoring of Pt in mussels along the northwestern Mediterranean coast is assumed to reflect intersite differences of Pt exposure (0.09e0.66 ng g 1) despite seasonal effect on tissue development. This study highlights the need for thorough and regular monitoring of Pt levels in sediments and biota from urbanized coastal areas in order to better assess the environmental impact of this TCE, including potential risks for marine organisms

Platinum - an emerging contaminant in estuarine/coastal systems

2 pages.-- XV International Estuarine Biogeochemistry Symposium, Vigo, June 04-05 2019Continuously increasing mining, use and release of Technology Critical Elements (TCE) pose growing concerns regarding their environmental dispersion, fate, and ecotoxicology. Among them, platinum (Pt) still is an emerging contaminant applied in various relatively recent applications, including car catalytic converters (vehicle emission control) as well as anti-cancer drugs. Environmental Pt levels, its behaviour and reactivity in aquatic systems remain widely unknown, especially in estuarine/coastal environments that are under high anthropogenic pressure. Analytical challenges in terms of sensitivity and interference control required for Pt ultra-trace detection in marine matrices may explain such general lack of information. The inexistence of Certified Reference Materials is an additional problem. The present work presents Inter-comparison and validation of optimised Adsorptive Cathodic Stripping Voltammetry (Ad-CSV) and Inductively Coupled Plasma- Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) methods for Pt measurements in marine bivalves. Field monitoring studies on Pt biogeochemistry have been performed in key estuarine/coastal European systems, including Pt distribution between seawater, particles, and living organisms. Historical Pt contamination in a major fluvial-estuarine system and a highly urbanized harbour reflects past contamination and currently increasing Pt levels. Spatial biomonitoring in marine bivalves from contrasting areas along urbanized coastlines suggests a relation between the degree of “urban exposure” and Pt concentrations in soft tissues. While wild bivalves prove to be good biomonitors of Pt contamination, Pt in coastal water may have the potential to serve as a tracer of modern urban (medical, traffic) sources. Field observations suggest that biogeochemical processes leading to changes in Pt partitioning and carrier phases at short temporal scale may enhance its bioavailability, including in phytoplankton, and ultimately induce toxic effects on marine organismsThis work has greatly benefited from support by the FEDER Aquitaine-1999-Z0061, the COST Action TD1407, and the EU FP7 Ocean 2013.2 Project SCHeMA (Project-Grant Agreement 614002), which is gratefully acknowledgedPeer reviewe

Integrated monitoring of chemicals and their effects on four sentinel species, Limanda limanda, Platichthys flesus, Nucella lapillus and Mytilus sp., in Seine Bay: A key step towards applying biological effects to monitoring

The International workshop on Integrated Assessment of CONtaminants impacts on the North sea (ICON) provided a framework to validate the application of chemical and biological assessment thresholds (BACs and EACs) in the Seine Bay in France. Bioassays (oyster larval anomalies, Corophium arenarium toxicity assay and DR Calux) for sediment and biomarkers: ethoxyresorufin-O-deethylase (EROD) activity, acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity, lysosomal membrane stability (LMS), DNA strand breaks using the Comet assay, DNA adducts, micronucleus (MN), PAH metabolites, imposex, intersex and fish external pathologies were analysed in four marine sentinel species (Platichthys flesus, Limanda limanda, Mytilus sp. and Nucella lapilus). Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and heavy metals were analysed in biota and sediment. Results for sediment and four species in 2008–2009 made it possible to quantify the impact of contaminants using thresholds (Environmental Assessment Criteria/EAC2008: 70% and EAC2009: 60%) and effects (EAC2008: 50% and EAC2009: 40%) in the Seine estuary. The Seine estuary is ranked among Europe's most highly polluted sites.Postprint1,95