Heavy metal pollution in sediments at shipbreaking area of Bangladesh

The research was carried out to assess the trace metal concentration in sediments of ship breaking area in Bangladesh. The study areas were separated into Ship breaking Zone and Reference Site for comparative analysis. Metals like Iron ( Fe) was found at 11932 to 41361.71µg.g-1 in the affected site and 3393.37 µg.g-1 in the control site. Manganese (Mn) varied from 2.32 to 8.25 µg.g-1 in the affected site where as it was recorded as 1.8 µg.g-1 in the control area. Chromium(Cr), Nickel (Ni), Zinc(Zn) and Lead (Pb) were also varied from 22.89 to 86.72 µg.g-1; 23.12 to 48.6;83.78 to 142.85 and 36.78 to 147.83 µg.g-1 respectively in the affected site whereas these were recorded as 19; 3.98; 22.22 and 8.82 µg.g-1 in the control site. Copper (Cu); Cadmium (Cd) and Mercury (Hg) concentration were varied from 21.05 to 39.85; 0.57 to 0.94 and 0.05 to 0.11 µg.g-1 in the affected site and 33.0; 0.115 and 0.01 µg.g-1 in the control site. It may conclude that heavy metal pollution in sediments at ship breaking area of Bangladesh is at alarming stage.

Pollution and water quality control of the River Tejo. Report on a visit to Portugal, Sep 27th - October 10th, 1987

Fundamental changes in the management of water resources in Portugal are now evolving. Five regional organisations termed Administracaos de Regiao Hidrographic (ARH), will be created to manage water resources within their respective geographical areas. These areas will be catchment based. As a fore-runner to the implementation of the five ARH's a foundation project has been established within the Direcao-Geral do Recursos Naturais to examine the practical implications of the new system. This project has been divided into a number of sub-projects and complementary projects to include the Tejo complementary project. The Tejo complementary project is the focus of this report. The report is to advise on the role of biology in the proposed ARH, to establish priorities for biological studies within the present Projecto de Gestao Integrada dos Recursos Hidricos da Bacia Hidrografica do Rio Tejo (PGIRH/T) and to assist with the planning of laboratory facilities for biology at the new PGIRH/T laboratory at Alges, Lisboa.

Molecular biomarkers and toxic consequences of impact by organic pollution in aquatic organisms

Organic contaminants are readily bioaccumulated by aquatic organisms. Exposure to and toxic effects of contaminants can be measured in terms of the biochemical responses of the organisms (i.e. molecular biomarkers). The hepatic biotransformation enzyme cytochrome P4501A (CYP1A) in vertebrates is specifically induced by organic contaminants such as aromatic hydrocarbons, PCBs and dioxins, and is involved in chemical carcinogenesis via catalysis of the covalent binding of organic contaminants to DNA (DNA-adducts). Hepatic CYP1A induction has been used extensively and successfully as a biomarker of organic contaminant exposure in fish. Fewer but equally encouraging studies in fish have used hepatic bulky, hydrophobic DNA-adducts as biomarkers of organic contaminant damage. Much less is known of the situation in marine invertebrates, but a CYPlA-like enzyme with limited inducibility and some potential for biomarker application is indicated. Stimulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) production is another potential mechanism of organic contaminant-mediated DNA and other damage in aquatic organisms. A combination of antioxidant (enzymes, scavengers) and pro-oxidant (oxidised DNA bases, lipid peroxidation) measurements may have potential as a biomarker of organic contaminant exposure (particularly those chemicals which do not induce CYP1A) and/or oxidative stress, but more studies are required. Both CYP1A- and ROS-mediated toxicity are indicated to result in higher order deleterious effects, including cancer and other aspects of animal fitness.

Alterations of the global water cycle and their effects on river structure, function and services

River structure and functioning are governed naturally by geography and climate but are vulnerable to natural and human-related disturbances, ranging from channel engineering to pollution and biological invasions. Biological communities in river ecosystems are able to respond to disturbances faster than those in most other aquatic systems. However, some extremely strong or lasting disturbances constrain the responses of river organisms and jeopardise their extraordinary resilience. Among these, the artificial alteration of river drainage structure and the intense use of water resources by humans may irreversibly influence these systems. The increased canalisation and damming of river courses interferes with sediment transport, alters biogeochemical cycles and leads to a decrease in biodiversity, both at local and global scales. Furthermore, water abstraction can especially affect the functioning of arid and semi-arid rivers. In particular, interception and assimilation of inorganic nutrients can be detrimental under hydrologically abnormal conditions. Among other effects, abstraction and increased nutrient loading might cause a shift from heterotrophy to autotrophy, through direct effects on primary producers and indirect effects through food webs, even in low-light river systems. The simultaneous desires to conserve and to provide ecosystem services present several challenges, both in research and management.

Estimation des niveaux de pollution organique et bacterienne des eaux à proximité des berges de la ville d'Abidjan (Lagune Ebrié - Côte d'Ivoire)

This article presents the results of three surveys, which were undertaken in order to estimate the levels of organic and bacterial pollutions of the Ebrié lagoon banks in the urban area of Abidjan.

La pollution bacterienne de la lagune et de la mer autour d'Abidjan

The total coliforms, fecal coliforms and fecal streptococci were counted over 1 year at 33 stations in the Ebrié Lagoon near Abidjan (Ivory Coast). Most of the waters show high numbers of bacteria, (D category of the American standards). For the sea-beaches, high numbers of fecal germs are found where the human population is abundant.

L'oxygène dissous en Lagune Ebrié: Influences de l'hydroclimat et des pollutions

The hydrology of the Ebrie coastal lagoon in Abidjan area is summarized. The authors describe the oxygenation in that area during the two extreme seasons of the hydrological cycle: the low-water season (March-April) and the high-water season (Sept-Oct). The influences of the continental and oceanic waters, photosynthesis, exchanges with the atmosphere and pollution are considered. The oxigen consumption of primary organic pollution represents from 9 to 12% of the content of the waters that circulates in the area. It is geographically very heterogeneous. The central basin, swept by strong marine and fresh water currents, shows a rather high level of water oxygenation. In the peripheric bays, water circulation and mixing are less important and pollution accelerates the natural eutrophic processes. During the low-water season, a vertical stratification is responsible for a bottom anoxic layer and the deposit of reduced organic silts. On the contrary, supersaturations, up to 200%, are recorded on the surface layer. During the high-water season the break of the vertical stratification sets the loose reduced silts into suspension and partly reoxygenates the bottom waters. A classification of the different areas, based on the oxygen vertical profiles is proposed.

Étude de la pollution bacterienne en lagune Ebrié

Details are presented of a bacteriological study in Ebrié Lagoon (Abidjan-Côte d'Ivoire) conducted during Oct-Dec 1974. Sampling sites are shown, and estimated and confirmed values for coliforms are given. The significance of the values obtained is briefly discussed, but further important factors, such as meteorological conditions and state of the sea, need clarification before definite conclusions can be made.

Can nitrogen pollution from aquaculture be reduced?

Nitrogen is essential for the normal growth of fish. It is an important ingredient in fish feed but is very expensive. There is evidence that nitrogen loading from feeding and metabolic activities of fish can cause pollution of the receiving waters. This paper reviews nitrogen losses and nitrogen retention in fish and suggests ways of reducing nitrogen loading to the environment for a sustainable aquaculture program.

Aspects of phosphorus pollution from aquaculture

Phosphorus is an essential element for living organisms and exists in waterbodies as dissolved and particulate forms. Phosphorus is required for optimum growth, feed efficiency, bone development and maintenance of acid-base regulation in fish. The presence of high concentration of phosphates in water may indicate presence of pollution as it may accelerate plant growth and disrupt the aquatic ecosystem thereby benefiting certain species and altering species diversity in affected areas. Eutrophication of waterbodies is often correlated with the phosphorus loading into the environment and aquaculture has been identified as one of the sources of phosphorus pollution. Details of the impacts of eutrophication is given in Bernhardt (1981). Phosphorus must be provided in fish feed because of its low concentration in water. Studies made in Europe and Northern America have revealed a phosphorus surplus in most commercial feeds which is above actual requirements; or is supplied in a form which is unavailable to the fish. Surplus phosphorus is excreted, while unavailable phosphorus is passed out in the feces. Discharge of phosphorus from fish farms and hatchery effluents have caused phosphorus pollution in Nordic countries, North America and Europe. This article examines the path of phosphorus pollution, quantification/prediction of phosphorus load from aquaculture and remedial measures.

The effect of water quality on coarse fish productivity and movement in the Lower River Irwell and Upper Manchester Ship Canal a watercourse recovering from historical pollution

This is the Effect of water quality on coarse fish productivity and movement in the Lower River Irwell and Upper Manchester Ship Canal: a watercourse recovering from historical pollution report produced by the Environment Agency in 2003. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of water quality upon coarse fish population dynamics in a lowland, urban watercourse. All of the research carried was undertaken in the lower River Irwell and upper Manchester Ship Canal, between February 1998 and December 2001. Of particular interest was the natural sustainability of the urban fishery given recent concern raised in the angling community over an apparent decline in coarse fish populations in lowland rivers. The research described in this report has concentrated upon the role of water quality in determining coarse fish population dynamics, and in particular: The impact of water quality upon fish growth and productivity; The impact of poor water quality and low dissolved oxygen concentrations upon fish distribution and movement; The impact of water quality upon the sexual development of fish.

River Lune Pollution at Lancaster in July 1949

Houses close to River Lune at Lancaster, North West England, UK. This photo shows the polluted River Lune in July 1949. This photo is part of a Photo Album that includes pictures from 1935 to 1954.

Climate change and fisheries: perspectives from small-scale fishing communities in India on measures to protect life and livelihood

Through consultations with key fisheries-based stakeholders in four States of India, this study attempts to assess perceptions of fishing communities about the impact of climate change on their lives and livelihoods. It also evaluates the traditional knowledge, institutions and practices of fishing communities that are relevant to climate-change preparedness. The study identifies adaptation and mitigation measures that may need to be adopted by fishing communities and the State in relation to climate change. Based on this overall analysis, the study proposes measures to protect the lives and livelihoods of small-scale fishing communities in the context of climate-change policies and programmes at different levels. This study will be useful for researchers, policymakers, students and anyone interested in climate change and its potential effects on the lives and livelihoods of small-scale fishing communities.

International legal instruments relevant to fisheries and fishing communities : a handbook. Theme IV. Environmental pollution

This handbook provides detailed information for a wide range of legal instruments relevant to fisheries and fishworkers. It covers 114 legal instruments, categorized into the following seven themes: Theme I. Human Rights, Food Security, Women and Development. Theme II. Environment and Sustainable Development. Theme III. Oceans and Fisheries Management. Theme IV. Environmental Pollution Theme V. Fishing Vessels and Safety at Sea Theme VI. Labour Theme VII. Trade The handbook also includes the working of the instruments (decision-making bodies, monitoring and implementation agencies, periodicity of meetings, rules for participation in meetings of the decision-making bodies and implementation agencies for States and non-governmental organizations), regional instrument and agencies. Apart from being a ready reckoner to the instruments, it highlights the important sections of relevance to fisheries or small-scale fisheries and fishworkers. The companion CD-ROM provides the full texts of the instruments in a searchable database. The handbook will be useful for fishworker and non-governmental organizations, and also for researchers and others interested in fisheries issues.