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Published on: August 29, 2014
Relationships between Potentially Toxic Elements in intertidal sediments and their bioaccumulation by benthic
Tom Sizmur1, Lily Campbell2, Karina Dracott3
1Department of Geography and Environmental Science, University of Reading, Reading, England, United Kingdom.
This study assessed Potentially Toxic Elements (PTEs) in Skeena Estuary sediments and invertebrates. Oregon pill bugs (Gnorimosphaeroma oregonensis) show potential for biomonitoring industrial impacts.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Science
- Ecotoxicology
- Marine Biology
Background:
- Bioaccumulation of Potentially Toxic Elements (PTEs) by benthic invertebrates in estuarine environments is not well understood.
- Estuarine sediments can be impacted by industrial activities, affecting local ecosystems.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine baseline PTE concentrations in sediments and invertebrates in the Skeena Estuary.
- To identify potential biomonitors for assessing industrial impacts on intertidal ecosystems.
Main Methods:
- Sampling and analysis of PTEs in sediments and benthic invertebrates across five sites in the Skeena Estuary.
- Assessment of benthic invertebrate community structure and its relation to sediment characteristics.
- Calculation of Biota-Sediment Accumulation Factor (BSAF) for PTEs in key invertebrate species.
Main Results:
- Sediments near a decommissioned papermill showed elevated concentrations of cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), mercury (Hg), and lead (Pb).
- Benthic invertebrate communities indicated sediment recovery from historical papermill sludge discharge.
- No direct correlation was found between sediment PTEs and invertebrate tissue PTEs, except for a negative relationship between sediment pH and PTE BSAF in Oregon pill bugs (Gnorimosphaeroma oregonensis).
Conclusions:
- Oregon pill bugs (Gnorimosphaeroma oregonensis) are suitable biomonitors for quantifying the impact of the decommissioned papermill.
- This species can serve as a candidate for assessing similar industrial developments in intertidal ecosystems.
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