Article
Environmental Sciences
He Xiao, Asfandyar Shahab, Feng Ye, Gangjian Wei, Jieyue Li, Liming Deng
Summary: This study investigated the distribution, pollution level, quantitative source apportionment, and source-specific ecological risk of 10 heavy metals in surface sediments of the Pearl River Estuary. The results showed that the heavy metals were enriched in the inner Pearl River Estuary, with mercury posing an extremely high pollution level and cadmium and zinc showing moderate to high contamination potential. The study also identified natural geogenic and industrial manufacturing sources as the main contributors to the heavy metal pollution. However, the source-specific risk assessment indicated that mixed anthropogenic sources, particularly from surrounding cities, strongly affected the ecological risks.
MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Jianru Zhao, Kehong Yang, Fengyou Chu, Qian Ge, Dong Xu, Xibin Han, Liming Ye
Summary: The concentrations of six heavy metals in offshore surface sediments of western Pearl River Estuary were analyzed to investigate their sources and spatial variations. Three-scale spatial variations in heavy metal concentrations were identified: nugget, local, and regional scale, representing sample errors, anthropogenic pollution, and natural variation, respectively. The anthropogenic heavy metals showed sharp and heterogeneous variations within a range of 60 km. Potential polluted areas for Cd, Cr, Cu, Pb, Zn, and As were identified in Maoming Port, Hailing Bay, coastal area northeastern Hainan Island, Nandu River, Baoling River, and Wanquan River estuaries. These polluted areas ranged up to 60 km and tended to extend with currents. The natural heavy metals showed continuous and relatively homogeneous variations within a range of 180 km, mainly influenced by riverine input and paleo-sealevel changes.
MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Xufei Liu, Nan Wang, Xiaopu Lyu, Yangzong Zeren, Fei Jiang, Xinming Wang, Shichun Zou, Zhenhao Ling, Hai Guo
Summary: The photochemical O3 pollution over the Pearl River Estuary is mainly affected by VOC and NOx, with different O3 formation mechanisms in two patterns.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Zhe Liu, Zhaoqin Gao, Junhong Bai, Guangliang Zhang, Ruoxuan Tang, Guozhu Chen
Summary: The study found that soil phosphatase activity decreased with longer reclamation age in wetlands, leading to lower phosphorus mineralization potential and Occluded P. High Cd exposure enhanced phosphatase activities and phosphorus mineralization in 100-year and 10-year reclaimed wetlands. Low-dose Cd inhibited phosphorus mineralization in 40-year reclaimed wetlands, while high-dose Cd had minimal effect.
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Lihui Xiang, Jinwei Yang, Yanfen Wang, Qiang Liu, Gang Zhang
Summary: This study assessed the sources and pollution risk of heavy metals in the Old Yellow River estuary by systematically sampling and analyzing surface sediments. Multiple indicators were used to distinguish the sources and assess the pollution risk. The results showed that some heavy metals were derived from natural sources, while mercury and cadmium were derived from anthropogenic sources.
MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Min Shi, Qun Xie, Zhen-Liang Li, Yun-Feng Pan, Zhen Yuan, Lang Lin, Xiang-Rong Xu, Heng-Xiang Li
Summary: In recent years, there has been increasing worldwide attention on the adsorption of heavy metals on microplastics (MPs), which are emerging carriers for environmental pollutants. However, the understanding of heavy metal adsorption on biodegradable MPs in estuarine environments is still limited. This study investigated the aging of biodegradable and conventional MPs in the Pearl River Estuary after long-term exposure and their impacts on heavy metal adsorption from seawater. The results showed that both types of MPs could adsorb heavy metals, with fluctuating adsorption capacities on different MPs and exposure times. The aging characteristics of MPs played a significant role in heavy metal adsorption, accounting for 51.0% of the contribution, while environmental factors only contributed to 13.2%.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Yang Hu, Ning He, Mingxuan Wu, Pengling Wu, Peimin He, Ying Yang, Qinyi Wang, Maoqiu Wang, Shubo Fang
Summary: This study analyzed the sources and concentrations of PTE in the Yangtze River Estuary using data from 30 monitoring stations from 2009 to 2018. The results showed that PTE concentrations decreased over the years and generally met seawater quality standards after 2014. Different behavior patterns were observed for different PTE, with some decreasing further from shore and others affected by local industrial and aquacultural activities. Three clusters and two PTE sources were identified, along with suggestions for pollution control.
ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Bowen Cao, Junliang Qiu, Wenxin Zhang, Xuetong Xie, Xixi Lu, Xiankun Yang, Haitao Li
Summary: This study developed models to quantify suspended sediment concentrations (SSC) in the Pearl River Estuary (PRE) based on in situ spectral data and SSC measurements, and mapped the SSC distribution in the PRE for the period 1986-2020. The results revealed an overall decreasing trend in SSC over the past 35 years, with an abnormal increase observed in shallow waters near Hengmen. The concentration was found to be higher along the west coast compared to the east coast, and a slight increase was observed in the central part of Lingding Bay. The decreased sediment output from the Pearl River Basin was identified as the major cause of the decreasing changes in SSC, while natural factors and human activities could also disturb the spatial distribution of SSC.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Wei Tao, Lixia Niu, Yanhong Dong, Tao Fu, Quansheng Lou
Summary: The study in the Pearl River Estuary revealed a significant increase in nitrogen and phosphorus concentrations over the past two decades, largely influenced by riverine inputs. Phosphorus accumulation in the northeast region led to eutrophication risks and blooms, impacting the aquatic environment. The biogeochemical processes in the estuary were highly sensitive to nutrient pollution, particularly nitrogen and phosphorus, with phosphorus being identified as the limiting factor for phytoplankton growth.
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Marine & Freshwater Biology
Sheng Ke, Peng Zhang, Shujun Ou, Junxiao Zhang, Jiyu Chen, Jibiao Zhang
Summary: Human activities and climate change have altered the ecosystem of the Pearl River Estuary, leading to increased nutrient levels in coastal waters. This study examined the spatiotemporal patterns and composition of dissolved inorganic nitrogen (DIN) and dissolved inorganic phosphorus (DIP) in the estuary, as well as their relationships with eutrophication and environmental factors.
ESTUARINE COASTAL AND SHELF SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Marco Trifuoggi, Luciano Ferrara, Maria Toscanesi, Priyanka Mondal, Jonathan Muthuswamy Ponniah, Santosh Kumar Sarkar, Michele Arienzo
Summary: The study found that trace elements in surface sediments of the Hooghly estuary were contaminated by anthropic sources, especially As, Cd, and Ni, reaching the worst levels post-monsoon. Sediments showed varying degrees of pollution during monsoon seasons and at different locations, with an overall severe ecological risk present.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Siyang Li, Yilin Wang, Lihong Liu, Houwei Lai, Xiancan Zeng, Jianyu Chen, Chang Liu, Qijin Luo
Summary: This study analyzed microplastics pollution in the Pearl River Estuary in the South China Sea, finding that abundance was higher during the rainy season, mainly sourced from rivers, and composed mainly of fibers, granules, and fragments, with polyethylene being a significant component.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Qiang Xie, Fei Liu, Xiyang Zhang, Yuping Wu
Summary: Seafood is considered healthy but also a potential exposure source of contaminants. Analysis of fish species from the eastern and western Pearl River Estuary revealed higher levels of organohalogen contaminants (OHCs) in the eastern region. Species at higher trophic levels had higher OHC levels, indicating the biomagnification potential in the estuary ecosystem.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Forestry
Tao Lang, Ping-Ping Wei, Shen Li, Hui-Lan Zhu, Yi-Jian Fu, Ke-Ying Gan, Steven Jing-Liang Xu, Fred Wang-Fat Lee, Feng-Lan Li, Ming-Guo Jiang, Nora Fung-Yee Tam, Hai-Chao Zhou
Summary: This study aimed to investigate the ecological status of the Kandelia obovata and Sonneratia caseolaris mangrove species on the western coast of Bao'an, Shenzhen, China. Results showed that Sonneratia caseolaris had a stronger adaptability to environmental stress compared to Kandelia obovata.
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Michele Arienzo, Marco Trifuoggi, Luciano Ferrara, Carlo Donadio, Priyanka Mondal, Jonathan Muthuswamy Ponniah, Santosh Kumar Sarkar, Maria Toscanesi
Summary: This study investigated the impact of the monsoon season on heavy metal loads in the sediments of the Hooghly River in India from 2014 to 2017, a previously unexplored time frame. The results revealed significant correlations between certain metals, suggesting contributions from industrial activity. The monsoon season was found to significantly increase the transport of metals, mainly due to weathering of continental detritus. The levels of certain metals, especially nickel, posed a significant threat to the aquatic ecosystem.
JOURNAL OF GEOCHEMICAL EXPLORATION
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Yang-Guang Gu, Xu-Nuo Wang, Zeng-Huan Wang, Hong-Hui Huang, Xiu-Yu Gong
Summary: This study investigated the bioconcentration, bioaccumulation, and biomagnification of metals in the aquacultured fish species seabass (Lateolabrax japonicus). The research found that the gill and stomach contents of the fish had higher levels of metal bioconcentration. The bioaccumulation factor showed that the gill and backbone accumulated the highest levels of zinc, while the viscera accumulated the highest levels of copper. The study also revealed efficient bioaccumulation from commercial feed and the fish's habitat. Health risk assessment indicated no adverse effects from consuming seabass.
BIOLOGICAL TRACE ELEMENT RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Cell Biology
Yangguang Gu, Yu Wang, Yinghua Lan, Jianglong Feng, Wen Zeng, Wei Zhang, Hongguang Lu
Summary: This study demonstrates the presence of RGR in human skin and suggests its critical role in the physiological function of epidermal keratinocytes.
FRONTIERS IN CELL AND DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Zexing Kuang, Zhengqiu Fan, Huijuan Wang, Yangguang Gu, Wanru Zhang, Shoubing Wang, Honghui Huang
Summary: Limited research has been conducted on the exchanges of heavy metals among seawater, sediments, and cultured mussels in mariculture areas. This study analyzed samples from a mariculture area in the South China Sea, and found that sediments retained heavy metals preferentially and there were relatively low ecological risks in mussel raft mariculture areas. Terrestrial input and ocean circulation were found to influence the heavy metals in seawater, and cultured mussels accumulated heavy metals. Health risk assessment showed that children were more susceptible, and Cd, As, and Cr were among the threatening elements.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Yang-Guang Gu, Hong-Hui Huang, Xiu-Yu Gong, Xiu-Li Liao, Ming Dai, Yu-Feng Yang
Summary: This study examined the distribution and ecological risks of rare earth elements (REEs) in Daya Bay using the DGT method. The results showed that Y, Ce, and Yb had potential negative impacts on the nearby environment, but the overall toxicity probability to aquatic organisms was very low.
MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Rui-Ze Liang, Yang-Guang Gu, Hai-Song Li, Yan-Jie Han, Jie Niu, Hong Su, Richard W. Jordan, Xiang-Tian Man, Shi-Jun Jiang
Summary: Surface sediments from the intertidal zone of the Pearl River estuary were analyzed for heavy metal contamination. The concentrations of Mn, Co, Ni, Cu, and Zn were significantly higher than background levels, indicating possible natural and anthropogenic sources.
MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Yan-Jie Han, Rui-Ze Liang, Hai-Song Li, Yang-Guang Gu, Shi-Jun Jiang, Xiang-Tian Man
Summary: This study investigated the occurrence, multi-index assessment, and sources of heavy metals in surface sediments of Zhelin Bay. The concentrations of seven heavy metals were found to be significantly higher than their corresponding background values. The assessment using geo-accumulation index (I-geo) and pollution load index (PLI) indicated that some heavy metals were slightly polluted or moderately polluted in the region. The ecological risk assessment using potential ecological risk index (RI) and mean possible effect level (PEL) quotient showed that the surface sediments of Zhelin Bay had slight ecological risks and a 21% probability of toxicity. Principal component analysis (PCA) combined with correlation analysis (CA) and hierarchical cluster analysis (HAC) revealed three potential sources of heavy metal contamination in Zhelin Bay.
Article
Ecology
Yang-Guang Gu, Yan-Peng Gao, Shi-Jun Jiang, Richard W. Jordan, Yu-Feng Yang
Summary: This study used the DGT technique to assess the overall toxicity of antibiotics in sediments to aquatic biota for the first time. The results showed that the toxicity probability of surface sediments in Zhelin Bay to aquatic organisms was relatively low.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Ziwei Ying, Xiaoyong Xie, Yinkang Li, Yuyuan Bao, Guoling Ye, Xiaohai Chen, Wanling Zhang, Yang-Guang Gu
Summary: Marine and intertidal heavy metal pollution has become a significant concern in recent years. The population of Tachypleus tridentatus has been declining due to environmental pollution and human disturbances for almost four decades. However, the effects of heavy metal pollution on the juvenile T. tridentatus have not been studied before.
ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Hai-Song Li, Yang-Guang Gu, Rui-Ze Liang, Ya-Su Wang, Richard W. Jordan, Liang-Gen Wang, Shi-Jun Jiang
Summary: This study investigated the characteristics, bioavailability, and ecological probability risk of heavy metals in the riverine/estuarine sediments of an aquaculture wetland in Chaoshan metropolis, South China. The surface sediments of the Rongjiang River and its estuary were found to have a 15.71% probability of toxic effects on aquatic biota based on the combined toxicity of heavy metal mixtures.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Yang-Guang Gu, Shi-Jun Jiang, Richard W. Jordan, Hong-Hui Huang, Feng-Xia Wu
Summary: The main objective of this research is to assess the combined toxicity of trace metal mixtures in aquatic biota in coastal sediments. Coastal sediments are a major source of trace metals from industrial wastewater discharge. The study site, Daya Bay in southern China, was chosen due to severe man-made impacts. The Diffusive Gradients in Thin Films (DGT) technique was used to measure the bioavailability of trace metals and investigate their distribution and biological risks in surface sediments. Risk assessments showed that Mn, Cu, Zn, and Pb had toxic effects that should not be ignored, and the probabilistic ecological risk assessment revealed a low probability (9.04%) of adverse effects on aquatic biota in Daya Bay surface sediments.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Feng-Xia Wu, Yang-Guang Gu, Qing-Xia Liu, Shu-Fei Zhang, Yi-Yong Rao, Hua-Xue Liu, Ming Dai, Yan-Guo Wang, Hong-Hui Huang
Summary: In this study, changes in zooplankton composition, abundance, and some species in response to environmental variation were investigated in Daya Bay over four seasons in 2020. A total of 129 taxa of zooplankton were identified, and the communities showed significant seasonal shifts in abundance and taxonomic composition. The results also revealed correlations between zooplankton abundance and indicator species with environmental parameters such as salinity, temperature, pH, and chlorophyll-a. The study highlights the potential impact of certain species on the cooling system of the nuclear power plant in Daya Bay.
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Biology
Yinghua Lan, Wen Zeng, Yu Wang, Xian Dong, Xiaoping Shen, Yangguang Gu, Wei Zhang, Hongguang Lu
Summary: This study reveals that OPN3 is an important photoreceptor in human epidermal keratinocytes, and it is critical for the formation of supranuclear cap mediated by UVA. OPN3 mediates the formation of supranuclear cap through the calcium-dependent G protein-coupled receptor signaling pathway, which ultimately upregulates the expression of Dync1i1 and DCTN1 in human epidermal keratinocytes by activating calcium/CaMKII, CREB, and Akt signal transduction. These findings greatly expand our understanding of the phototransduction mechanisms involved in physiological function in skin keratinocytes.
COMMUNICATIONS BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Yang-Guang Gu, Ya-Su Wang, Richard W. Jordan, Hong Su, Shi-Jun Jiang
Summary: This study is the first to assess the mixture toxicity of heavy metals (HMs) and rare earth elements (REEs) in aquatic biota using the DGT technique in sediments. The Xincun Lagoon, chosen as the case study site, has been contaminated by pollutants and sediment characteristics primarily impact the variety of pollutants observed. The evaluation of single HM-REE toxicity reveals that Y, Yb, and Ce have notable adverse effects that should not be ignored.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Yang-Guang Gu, Xu-Nuo Wang, Zeng-Huan Wang, Richard W. Jordan, Shi-Jun Jiang
Summary: Rare earth elements (REEs) are becoming emerging contaminants due to their global exploitation in high-tech sector. Aquaculture systems in coastal areas are vulnerable ecosystems, affected by urban and aquaculture activities. However, there are no reports on the combined toxicity of REE mixtures on aquatic organisms in sediments of coastal aquaculture systems.
ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Fang Chen, Yang-Guang Gu, Sheng-Zhong Ma, Yan-Mei Wang, Shao-Hua Yu, Yang Zhou, Cong Wu, Zhi-Yuan Peng
Summary: This study investigates the distribution characteristics and potential ecological hazards of rare earth elements (REEs) in the sediment of the Pearl River Estuary (PRE). The findings indicate that the distribution of REEs is mainly controlled by total organic carbon (TOC) and grain size.
JOURNAL OF SOILS AND SEDIMENTS
(2023)
