Article
Environmental Sciences
Jaime Rendon-von Osten, Jorge A. Benitez-Torres, R. Isaac Rojas-Gonzalez, Fernando Morgado, Merle M. Borges-Ramirez
Summary: Approximately 23 Mt of plastics reach the ocean annually, fragmenting into microplastics (MP). MPs are widely dispersed in the sea and deposited in sediments. MPs act as carriers of pollutants and pose a high health risk when ingested by biota. This study analyzed the presence of metals and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in sedimentary microplastics from the Gulf of Mexico. The results showed that MP density is correlated with sediment depth, and different polymers and pollutants were found in specific areas.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Itzamna Z. Flores-Ocampo, John S. Armstrong-Altrin
Summary: The study investigated the abundance and characteristics of microplastics (MPs) in coastal sediments from Tampico beach, Gulf of Mexico. MPs were extracted using a density separation method and classified based on shape, color, and size. Surface identification was done using a Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), and polymer types were detected using Fourier-transformed infrared (FTIR) Spectroscopy. The most prevalent polymer identified was polyester (PES).
MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Beth Polidoro, Cole W. Matson, Mary Ann Ottinger, D. Abigail Renegar, Isabel C. Romero, Daniel Schlenk, John Pierce Wise, Jesus Beltran Gonzalez, Peter Bruns, Kent Carpenter, Dorka Cobian Rojas, Tracy K. Collier, Thomas F. Duda, Patricia Gonzalez-Diaz, Richard Di Giulio, R. Dean Grubbs, J. Christopher Haney, John P. Incardona, Guillermo Horta-Puga, Christi Linardich, Jon A. Moore, Daniel Pech, Susana Perera Valderrama, Gina M. Ralph, Kyle Strongin, Amy H. Ringwood, Bernd Wursig
Summary: Understanding the impact of petrochemicals and other stressors on marine biodiversity is crucial for effective management. A trait-based assessment can help rank species vulnerabilities to petrochemical activities, allowing for better prioritization of species, habitats, and ecosystems for management, restoration, and recovery efforts. The developed framework can be applied to a wide range of species and regions, with recommendations for specific petrochemical exposure scenarios.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Jose A. Corcho-Alvarado, Misael Diaz-Asencio, Stefan Rollin, Juan Carlos Herguera
Summary: New data on plutonium isotopes from deep-sea sediment cores in the southern Gulf of Mexico reveal the influence of global fallout and nuclear testing in Nevada on the activity concentrations and inventories. The study shows that only a small fraction of global fallout plutonium reaches deep-sea sediments, while the Nevada testing site is an important source. The findings highlight the need for further research on the application of plutonium isotopes in establishing sediment chronologies in deep-sea sediments.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Abraham Guerrero, Alexei F. Licea, M. L. Lizarraga-Partida
Summary: The community structure of bacterial populations in selected water masses and sediment samples from the Southern Gulf of Mexico was studied using 16S rRNA sequencing. The results revealed significant differences in bacterial community composition between water masses and sediment samples.
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
John S. Armstrong-Altrin, Mayla A. Ramos-Vazquez, Jayagopal Madhavaraju, Mario Emilio Marca-Castillo, Maria Luisa Machain-Castillo, Antonio Zoilo Marquez-Garcia
Summary: The provenance of GoM45 and GoM63 core sediments in the deep-sea area of the Gulf of Mexico was analyzed based on their textural, mineralogical, and geochemical variations. The sediments showed low weathering intensity and indicated an oxic depositional environment, consistent with a passive margin setting. The trace element concentrations and Eu anomaly suggested that the sediments were derived from the natural erosion of andesitic and basaltic rocks in the Los Tuxtlas region of the Gulf of Mexico.
APPLIED GEOCHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
A. Dotor-Almazan, G. Gold-Bouchot, E. Lamas-Cosio, M. A. Huerta-Diaz, V. Ceja-Moreno, I. Oceguera-Vargas, O. Zapata-Perez, F. Arcega-Cabrera
Summary: This study analyzed the spatial-temporal distribution of V and Cd in surface sediment samples from the Tamaulipas Continental shelf. The variability in V and Cd concentrations is influenced by local hydrodynamics and hydrology, with inputs potentially coming from hydrocarbon and anthropogenic contributions from South and North of the Gulf of Mexico. Baseline concentrations could not be established due to significant differences in both metals, suggesting a reference interval for V and Cd in sediments from the Tamaulipas platform.
BULLETIN OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Allison L. Bryan, Alexander J. Dickson, Fern Dowdall, William B. Homoky, Don Porcelli, Gideon M. Henderson
Summary: The study found that cadmium in continental margin sediments exists mainly in organically bound and sulfide forms, with isotopic compositions lighter compared to seawater. These observations indicate a downward diffusive flux of seawater cadmium and redox-driven removal of cadmium during sulfide precipitation.
EARTH AND PLANETARY SCIENCE LETTERS
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Megan Woodyard, Beth A. Polidoro, Cole W. Matson, Ryan A. McManamay, Steven Saul, Kent E. Carpenter, Tracy K. Collier, Richard Di Giulio, R. Dean Grubbs, Christi Linardich, Jon A. Moore, Isabel C. Romero, Daniel Schlenk, Kyle Strongin
Summary: This article introduces a trait-based petrochemical vulnerability index for assessing the sensitivity and resilience of marine fish populations in the Gulf of Mexico to oil and gas activities. Based on current knowledge, marine fish species with high vulnerability scores are primarily found in areas of high petrochemical activity, with low reproductive turnover rates and highly specialized diet and habitat requirements.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
A. Dotor-Almazan, G. Gold-Bouchot, E. Lamas-Cosio, M. A. Huerta-Diaz, V. Ceja-Moreno, I. Oceguera-Vargas, O. Zapata-Perez, F. Arcega-Cabrera
Summary: The study investigated the spatial and temporal distribution of V and Cd in surface sediments of the Yucatan Shelf to establish average values. Concentrations of V and Cd were found to be similar to internationally reported values for limestone rocks and surface marine sediments. Variability in V concentrations between cruises may be attributed to changes in ocean current direction, while Cd variations could also be linked to particulate inputs from upwelling events.
BULLETIN OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Diptimayee Behera, S. Krishnakumar, Ambili Anoop
Summary: This study assessed the distribution of saturated hydrocarbons and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in sediment samples from Mandapam island groups in the Gulf of Mannar, India. Differentiation between biogenic and anthropogenic sources was achieved using hydrocarbon distribution patterns and n-alkane indices. The results indicate high petroleum contamination in areas associated with shipping activities, tourism, and those located near the mainland and accessible portions of the islands.
MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN
(2023)
Article
Ecology
Maryam A. Abdulla, Azenith B. Castillo, Christopher Collins, Tom Sizmur
Summary: This study examined the composition, sources, and ecological risk of aliphatic hydrocarbons (AH) and polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) in marine sediments along the western coast of Qatar. The results indicated low pollution levels based on established criteria, but continuous long-term monitoring is necessary to ensure these pollutants do not exceed current levels.
REGIONAL STUDIES IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Alexander J. Dickson
Summary: The controls on Zn burial fluxes into marine sediments are not well understood, but new Zn-isotope data from late-Holocene age sediments show that Zn associated with organic matter burial and oxyhydroxide burial accounts for a large portion of the non-detrital Zn content. However, additional burial flux of Zn is needed to balance the sedimentary budget.
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Jonathan Garcia-Orozco, Miguel Angel Huerta-Diaz, Karla Gabriela Mejia-Pina, Francisco Delgadillo-Hinojosa, Jacob Alberto Valdivieso-Ojeda, Flor Arcega-Cabrera
Summary: This study analyzed the concentrations of iron in deep sediment samples from the Gulf of Mexico and surface sediment samples from the Yucatan continental shelf. The study found that the deep sediments in the Gulf of Mexico had higher concentrations of iron compared to samples influenced by turbidite events. The study also estimated the iron flux and pyrite burial in the Gulf of Mexico.
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
John S. Armstrong-Altrin, Jayagopal Madhavaraju, Fabiola Vega-Bautista, Mayla A. Ramos-Vazquez, Barbara Yaneth Perez-Alvarado, Juan J. Kasper-Zubillaga, Armel Zacharie Ekoa Bessa
Summary: Mineralogical and geochemical studies were conducted on beach sediments in Tecolutla and Coatzacoalcos in the Gulf of Mexico. The analysis revealed moderate weathering intensity, high compositional maturity, and different sources for the sediments. Additionally, trace metal pollution and urban waste activities were found to impact the sediment composition.
APPLIED GEOCHEMISTRY
(2021)
Editorial Material
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Yu Hu, Xinxin Zhang, Dong Feng, Jorn Peckmann, Junxi Feng, Hongbin Wang, Shengxiong Yang, Duofu Chen
Article
Environmental Sciences
Zihan Zheng, Yuncheng Cao, Wenyue Xu, Duofu Chen
Summary: The lack of quantification of deep dissolved methane flux in hydrate systems limits our understanding of methane accumulation and distribution. This study proposes a numerical model to quantify the dissolved methane flux based on parameters related to gas bubble distribution. The model is then applied to ODP Site 995 at the Blake Ridge, showing consistent results with seismic data. The study also explores the influence of upward methane flux on hydrate accumulation and provides insights into regional methane flux estimation.
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Xudong Wang, Danling Fan, Steffen Kiel, Shanggui Gong, Qiangyong Liang, Jun Tao, Duofu Chen, Dong Feng
Summary: This study investigates the distribution patterns of trace elements in the shells of chemosymbiotic bivalves from the Haima cold seeps. The results show that the distribution patterns are largely controlled by mineral composition or age, indicating the influence of physiological and environmental factors on the incorporation of trace elements during the biomineralization process. Additionally, the study highlights the potential of using high-resolution element geochemistry of bivalve shells to reveal the factors that control bivalve growth and the history of fluid discharge at cold seeps.
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Huiwen Huang, Dong Feng, Yangrui Guo, Xudong Wang, Shanggui Gong, Jorn Peckmann, Wen Yan, Harry H. Roberts, Duofu Chen
Summary: The fate of organic matter in deep-buried marine sediments plays a crucial role in hydrocarbon reservoir formation, the deep biosphere, and the global carbon cycle. This study investigates the presence of microbial sulfate reduction in deep-buried sediments using authigenic carbonates recovered from the Gulf of Mexico. The results confirm the occurrence of microbial sulfate reduction and its impact on the formation of carbonate minerals.
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Shanggui Gong, Gareth Izon, Yongbo Peng, Yunchen Cao, Qiangyong Liang, Jorn Peckmann, Duofu Chen, Dong Feng
Summary: Our study highlights the importance of mass transport dynamics on the isotopic composition of pyrite, a factor that needs to be considered in any attempt to reconstruct the origin of early diagenetic pyrite and the paleoenvironmental setting with multiple sulfur isotopes.
EARTH AND PLANETARY SCIENCE LETTERS
(2022)
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Niu Li, Meng Jin, Joern Peckmann, Duofu Chen, Dong Feng
Summary: Large amounts of methane stored as methane hydrate along continental margins can release substantial quantities of methane when destabilized. Microorganisms in the marine subsurface convert methane into organic matter, which acts as a long-term carbon sink and mitigates the effect of methane as a greenhouse gas. However, the controls on the formation and consumption of sedimentary organic matter at marine seeps are poorly understood, hindering the accurate quantification of carbon burial and its role in the marine carbon cycle.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Jingqian Xie, Gaoxin Zhang, Qiang Wu, Min Luo, Duofu Chen, Yu Zhang, Lisheng He, Yingming Li, Qinghua Zhang, Tian Lin, Guibin Jiang
Summary: This study analyzed the concentrations, influencing factors, and potential sources of PBDEs and NBFRs in hadal sediments and amphipods from the Mariana, Mussau, and New Britain trenches. The dominant PBDEs congener was BDE 209, and the dominant NBFRs was DBDPE. There was no significant correlation between TOC contents and PBDEs or NBFRs levels in sediment. The lipid content and body length were important factors affecting pollutant concentrations in amphipods, while the pollution levels of viscera were mainly influenced by sex and lipid content. PBDEs and NBFRs might reach trench surface seawater through long-range atmospheric transport and oceans currents but with little contribution from the Great Pacific Garbage Patch. Determination of carbon and nitrogen isotopes indicated that the pollutants were transported and accumulated in amphipods and sediment via different pathways. This study provides new insights into the influencing factors and sources of PBDEs and NBFRs in the deepest oceans.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Pengfei Di, Niu Li, Linying Chen, Junxi Feng, Duofu Chen
Summary: Cold seeps are an important source of methane in the ocean. This study analyzed the variations in Chl-alpha, nutrients, environmental parameters, and CH4 concentrations in the overlying water of Haima cold seeps. The results showed that the overlying water had low nutrient and low Chl-alpha levels, but phosphate and Chl-alpha were significantly elevated in the cold seeps compared to control stations. Spearman correlation analysis indicated that Chl-alpha in cold seep was positively correlated with salinity and negatively correlated with nutrient and CH4 concentrations.
MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Tingcang Hu, Min Luo, Yulin Qi, Ding He, Linying Chen, Yunping Xu, Duofu Chen
Summary: Pore water samples from Haima cold seeps sediments and non-seep reference sediments in the northern South China Sea were analyzed. The results showed that the seep sediments had higher abundance of labile DOM, indicated by protein-like DOM, H/Cwa, and MLBL%. The presence of sulfidic environment in the seep sediments led to increased S-containing formulas and biotic sulfurization, which increased DOM lability.
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Yu Hu, Dong Feng, Joern Peckmann, Xinxin Zhang, Linying Chen, Junxi Feng, Hongbin Wang, Duofu Chen
Summary: Methane (CH4) is a powerful greenhouse gas with a large reservoir in marine sediments. It is mainly stored in gas-hydrate reservoirs and deep sedimentary strata along continental margins. The amount of deep-sourced CH4 and its role in subseafloor carbon and sulfur cycling are poorly understood.
GEOSCIENCE FRONTIERS
(2023)
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Pengfei Di, Niu Li, Shanggui Gong, Joern Peckmann, Shuhong Wang, Duofu Chen, Wen Yan
Summary: This study investigates the resilience of carbonate-associated sulfate (CAS) isotopic signatures in reef carbonates, providing new insights for the reconstruction of ancient seawater sulfate sulfur and oxygen isotopes. The results indicate that reef carbonates can faithfully record changes in coeval seawater sulfur isotopes, regardless of diagenetic alteration, including dolomitization. However, the oxygen isotope composition of CAS is more susceptible to alteration during diagenesis.
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Yu Hu, Min Luo, Joern Peckmann, Xinxin Zhang, Linying Chen, Junxi Feng, Qianyong Liang, Duofu Chen, Dong Feng
Summary: This study analyzes the methods for quantifying the extent of authigenic carbonate formation in marine sediments and proposes a new approach for quantifying this formation in modern and ancient oceans. By analyzing pore-water parameters from areas affected by methane diffusion in the northern South China Sea, a significant positive correlation between carbonate precipitation rate and sulfate flux is found. This finding can be used to quantify the formation of authigenic carbonate in shallow sediments along continental margins and is important for understanding past carbon cycling and its relation to climate.
GEOPHYSICAL RESEARCH LETTERS
(2023)
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Qingwang Chen, Yu Hu, Jorn Peckmann, Linying Chen, Dong Feng, Qianyong Liang, Duofu Chen
Summary: The formation of authigenic phosphorus minerals in methane-rich sediment is closely related to carbon and iron cycling. The formation of bacterial sulfide and calcium phosphate in the zone between the current and fossil sulfate-methane transition is likely associated with methane depletion conditions stabilized by gas hydrate. Preferential release of phosphorus during organic matter degradation is observed at the fossil sulfate-methane transition. This study provides insights into the formation processes of authigenic phosphorus minerals and associated carbon and iron cycling in methane-rich sediments.
MARINE AND PETROLEUM GEOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Zhiwei Zhu, Yuncheng Cao, Zihan Zheng, Nengyou Wu, Duofu Chen
Summary: This study applied the van der Waals-Platteeuw model to investigate the formation of CH4-H-2 hydrates in marine serpentinization environments, taking into account the effects of salinity. The model accurately predicted the three-phase equilibrium temperature and pressure for CH4-H-2 hydrates in pure water and provided theoretical insights for gas hydrate research in areas with marine serpentinization.
FRONTIERS IN MARINE SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Linying Chen, Pengfei Di, Junxi Feng, Duofu Chen, Niu Li, Yazi Li
Summary: This study reveals the impact of aeolian dust on microbial communities and highlights the importance of iron-bearing minerals in dust for microbial growth.
MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN
(2023)