Sediment DNA metabarcoding and morphology provide complementary insight into macrofauna and meiobenthos response to environmental gradients in an Arctic glacial fjord.

Arctic fjords ecosystems are highly dynamic, with organisms exposed to various natural stressors along with productivity clines driven by advection of water masses from shelves. The benthic response to these environmental clines has been extensively studied using traditional, morphology-based approaches mostly focusing on macroinvertebrates. In this study we analyse the effects of glacially mediated disturbance on the biodiversity of benthic macrofauna and meiobenthos (meiofauna and Foraminifera) in a Svalbard fjord by comparing morphology and eDNA metabarcoding. Three genetic markers targeting metazoans (COI), meiofauna (18S V1V2) and Foraminifera (18S 37f) were analyzed. Univariate measures of alpha diversity and multivariate compositional dissimilarities were calculated and tested for similarities in response to environmental gradients using correlation analysis. Our study showed different taxonomic composition of morphological and molecular datasets for both macrofauna and meiobenthos. Some taxonomic groups while abundant in metabarcoding data were almost absent in morphology-based inventory and vice versa. In general, species richness and diversity measures in macrofauna morphological data were higher than in metabarcoding, and similar for the meiofauna. Both methodological approaches showed different patterns of response to the glacially mediated disturbance for the macrofauna and the meiobenthos. Macrofauna showed an evident distinction in taxonomic composition and a dramatic cline in alpha diversity indices between the outer and inner parts of fjord, while the meiobenthos showed a gradual change and more subtle responses to environmental changes along the fjord axis. The two methods can be seen as complementing rather than replacing each other. Morphological approach provides more accurate inventory of larger size species and more reliable quantitative data, while metabarcoding allows identification of inconspicuous taxa that are overlooked in morphology-based studies. As different taxa may show different sensitivities to environmental changes, both methods shall be used to monitor marine biodiversity in Arctic ecosystems and its response to dramatically changing environmental conditions.

Vertical distribution of 241Am in the southern Baltic Sea sediment profiles.

The contamination of the Baltic Sea with radioactive substances occurred due to the global fallout of atmospheric nuclear weapon tests and the Chernobyl disaster. The knowledge of 241Am in the sediments of the Baltic Sea is limited. Thus, this study aimed to determine 241Am in sediment cores collected from the southern Baltic Sea. Time-based distributions were derived from age-depth profiles using the 210Pb dating method and further corroborated by 137Cs profiles. The activities of 241Am were measured by alpha spectrometry after radiochemical purification. The results show divergences in the concentrations of 241Am at the local level, varying from 0.017 ± 0.001 Bq·kg-1 at the Gotland Basin station to 3.19 ± 0.23 Bq·kg-1 in the Gdansk Basin. These findings enhance our understanding of the radioactive contamination levels in the Baltic Sea and serve as a crucial reference dataset for future assessments and management strategies to mitigate the environmental impact of radionuclides in the region.

Assessment of exposure of benthic organisms to selected organochlorine pollutants in the west Spitsbergen fjords.

Climate-related changes in environmental conditions, such as reduction of sea ice, intensive glacier retreat, and increasing summer precipitation, directly influence the arctic marine environment and, therefore, the organisms living there. Benthic organisms, being an important food source for organisms from higher trophic levels, constitute an important part of the Arctic trophic network. Moreover, the long lifespan and limited mobility of some benthic species make them suitable for the study of the spatial and temporal variability of contaminants. In this study, organochlorine pollutants (polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and hexachlorobenzene (HCB)) were measured in benthic organisms collected in three fjords of western Spitsbergen. Two of these were recommended by the Marine Biodiversity and Ecosystem Functioning (MARBEF) Network of Excellence as European flagship sites, namely Hornsund as the Biodiversity Inventory and Kongsfjorden as the Long-Term Biodiversity Observatory. Adventfjorden, with notable human activity, was also studied. Æ©7 PCB and HCB concentrations in sediments were up to 2.4 and 0.18 ng/g d.w. respectively. Concentrations of Æ©7 PCBs and HCB measured in collected benthic organisms were up to 9.1 and 13 ng/g w.w., respectively. In several samples (41 of 169) the concentrations of ∑7 PCBs were below the detection limit values, yet nevertheless the results of the research show effective accumulation of target organochlorine contaminants by many Arctic benthic organisms. Important interspecies differences were observed. Free-living, mobile taxa, such as shrimp Eualus gaimardii, have accumulated a large quantity of contaminants, most probably due to their predatory lifestyle. ∑7 PCB and HCB concentrations were both significantly higher in Hornsund than in Kongsfjorden. Biomagnification occurred in 0 to 100 % of the predator-prey pairs, depending on the congener analyzed. Although the sampled organisms were proved to have accumulated organochlorine contaminants, the measured levels can be considered low, and not posing a substantial threat to the biota.

Bioaccumulation of PCBs, HCB and PAHs in the summer plankton from West Spitsbergen fjords.

Concentrations of seven polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), hexachlorobenzene (HCB), and twelve polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were examined in plankton collected in summer from different Arctic fjords (Hornsund, Kongsfjorden, Adventfjorden). The levels of all target contaminants in arctic protists have been analyzed for the first time. This is also the first report on PAH levels in arctic fjords zooplankton. ∑7 PCB, HCB and ∑12 PAH concentrations were up to 3.58 ng/g w.w., 0.28 ng/g w.w. and 249 ng/g w.w., respectively. Among the zooplankton species, the highest concentrations of the most analyzed contaminants were detected in Themisto abyssorum. This could be explained by the predatory feeding strategy of this species. The importance of diet was confirmed by the low concentrations of contaminants detected in the herbivorous copepod Calanus spp. Depending on contaminant, bioaccumulation occurred in 50 to 100% studied cases. Studies have shown significant biomagnification of PCBs and PAHs in zooplankton predator-prey pairs.

Sources, fate and distribution of inorganic contaminants in the Svalbard area, representative of a typical Arctic critical environment-a review.

Global environmental changes not only contribute to the modification of global pollution transport pathways but can also alter contaminant fate within the Arctic. Recent reports underline the importance of secondary sources of pollution, e.g. melting glaciers, thawing permafrost or increased riverine run-off. This article reviews reports on the European Arctic-we concentrate on the Svalbard region-and environmental contamination by inorganic pollutants (heavy metals and artificial radionuclides), including their transport pathways, their fate in the Arctic environment and the concentrations of individual elements in the ecosystem. This review presents in detail the secondary contaminant sources and tries to identify knowledge gaps, as well as indicate needs for further research. Concentrations of heavy metals and radionuclides in Svalbard have been studied, in various environmental elements since the beginning of the twentieth century. In the last 5 years, the highest concentrations of Cd (13 mg kg-1) and As (28 mg kg-1) were recorded for organic-rich soils, while levels of Pb (99 mg kg-1), Hg (1 mg kg-1), Zn (496 mg kg-1) and Cu (688 mg kg-1) were recorded for marine sediments. Increased heavy metal concentrations were also recorded in some flora and fauna species. For radionuclides in the last 5 years, the highest concentrations of 137Cs (4500 Bq kg-1), 238Pu (2 Bq kg-1) and 239 + 240Pu (43 Bq kg-1) were recorded for cryoconites, and the highest concentration of 241Am (570 Bq kg-1) was recorded in surface sediments. However, no contamination of flora and fauna with radionuclides was observed.

PCBs, HCB and PAHs in the seawater of Arctic fjords - Distribution, sources and risk assessment.

In the present study, we examine contamination with PCBs, HCB and PAHs in the seawater of Arctic fjords (Hornsund, Kongsfjorden and Adventfjorden) which differ in environmental conditions and are particularly sensitive to climate change. We also investigate how the melting glaciers and ocean currents may affect the distribution and fate of target compounds in the seawater column in the fjords. The ∑7 PCB, HCB and ∑12 PAH concentrations in seawater ranged from, respectively: 0.002 to 41.2 ng/L; from LOQ to 233 ng/L; and from 0.196 to 311 ng/L. The research indicates that the concentrations of contaminants detected in Arctic fjords depend on the physicochemical properties of these compounds, local human activity and occurrence of glacier meltwaters. Detected HCB and PAH concentrations in most of the seawater samples were at levels classified as harmless, however in 30 out of 80 analysed suspended particulate matter samples some compounds were present at toxic levels.

Levels of dioxins and dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls in seawater from the Hornsund fjord (SW Svalbard).

Knowledge of contaminant distribution is important, particularly in the vulnerable first results about the occurrence of seventeen polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and polychlorinated dibenzofurans and twelve dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls in arctic fjord seawater are reported. The contaminants were measured in 10 samples of suspended particulate matter collected in Hornsund (Svalbard). The ∑PCDD/F and ∑dl-PCB concentrations ranged from 0.066 to 231.47 pg/L and from 2.43 to 46.43 pg/L respectively. In terms of total PCDD/Fs, in general highly chlorinated PCDFs constituted the most significant fraction. Among dl-PCB compounds, PCB118 was the dominant congener. The toxicity equivalent for the samples ranged from 0.0008 to 1.90 pg I-TEQ/L for ∑PCDD/Fs, while for ∑dl-PCB it ranged from 0.0002 to 0.024 pg WHO05-TEQ/L. High concentrations of dioxins and dl-PCBs in some samples indicated that those contaminants could pose a threat to marine biota.

Processes driving heavy metal distribution in the seawater of an Arctic fjord (Hornsund, southern Spitsbergen).

The temporal and spatial variability of heavy metal distribution was studied in an Arctic fjord (Hornsund, Spitsbergen). Seawater from 8 sampling stations and 3 sampling depths was collected in 6 successive months and used for measurement of dissolved and particulate heavy metal concentrations. Salinity and temperature profiles were determined prior to sampling and water masses were classified according to their properties. Isotopic lead composition (206Pb/207Pb and 206Pb/208Pb ratios) was studied to find the sources of Pb to the fjord seawater. Hornsund seawater was contaminated with the studied heavy metals (particularly during the summer months). Extremely high contamination with Cd was measured (dissolved up to 488 ng·L-1, while particulate up to 303 ng·L-1), which is most probably connected to high atmospheric deposition. Depending on the season and the region, metal distribution was modified by glacier meltwater and surface run-off discharges, melting of fast ice, direct atmospheric deposition, transport of sea salt, intrusion of Atlantic water, sediment re-suspension, as well as re-mobilization.

Legacy and emerging pollutants in the Gulf of Gdansk (southern Baltic Sea) - loads and distribution revisited.

Coastal marine areas of densely populated countries are exposed to a wide array of human activities having an impact on their ecological status. The Baltic Sea is particularly susceptible to pollution by hazardous substances (limited water exchange, shallowness, and large catchment area). Polish media regularly reports ecological catastrophes in the Gulf of Gdansk area caused by eg. shipwrecks leaking. Thus, there is a need of a broad scientific based report on recent contaminant loads and distribution. In this review paper, we report loads of contaminants from different obvious and non-obvious sources. We also gather data on legacy and new emerging contaminant concentrations measured in the Gulf of Gdansk within the last decade (2008-2018). The paper also includes available biological effect measurements performed recently as well as a summary of needs and gaps to be filled for the development of reliable risk assessment.

Sources of 137Cs to an Arctic fjord (Hornsund, Svalbard).

Although primary sources of anthropogenic 137Cs have decreased nowadays, the Arctic is exposed to a variety of secondary sources. These include riverine run-off, oceanic currents, drifting sea ice, melting glaciers and permafrost. Recent reports underline the role of glaciers, specifically cryoconite holes, in radionuclide accumulation. Therefore, this study investigates the hypothesis that melting glaciers are an important means of delivering 137Cs for Arctic fjord (Hornsund, Svalbard). As marine sediments are the final sink for most contaminants, seven 30-40 cm long sediment cores collected in 2016 were investigated for 137Cs activity concentration. Five were collected in a transect from the central to the outer part of the fjord while two were collected within one km of the different melting tidewater glaciers. Sediment layers were dated using 210Pb to reveal the history of 137Cs accumulation. The measured 137Cs activity concentrations ranged from <0.1 to 7.7 Bq kg-1. The activity concentrations ranging from 0.3 to 3.1 Bq kg-1 were measured in surface (0-2 cm) sediments. The total 137Cs inventories were calculated for five station and ranged from 322 to 908 Bq m-2, of which 29-34 Bq m-2 were deposited within the last decade. At two stations characterized by largest sediment accumulation rates only the last decade inventories were calculated and they ranged from 13 to 444 Bq·m-2. The mean of 137Cs fluxes calculated for last decade ranged from 2.7 to 44.1 Bq m-2yr-1. The history of 137Cs environmental inputs was well revealed in the sediments as the 137Cs penetration depth agreed with the time of its introduction to the Arctic and the most pronounced 137Cs activity concentration peak was found in sediments dated for circa 1963. Although 137Cs fluxes and inventories were largest in the glacial bay (Brepollen), the 137Cs was diluted in a large amount of sedimenting material. Based on the results in this study, the glaciers do not appear to act as important sources of 137Cs to the marine environment in the Hornsund fjord.

History of heavy metal accumulation in the Svalbard area: Distribution, origin and transport pathways.

In this study temporal changes of Pb, Zn, Cd and Cu concentrations were studied in 19 dated sediment cores collected from Svalbard fjords and the Barents Sea. The main aim was to study spatial and historical variations in heavy metal concentrations, deposition rates and sources in the context of different metal transport pathways. Metal concentrations ranged from 5.7 to 45.8 mg kg-1 for Pb, from 13.4 to 54.5 mg kg-1 for Cu, from 0.01 to 0.90 mg kg-1 for Cd and from 55.6 to 130.4 mg kg-1 for Zn. Some fjords were unpolluted by heavy metals while in others a clear signal of metal enrichment was found (outer Kongsfjorden, Hornsund, Adventfjorden). Large-scale processes such as atmospheric and oceanic transport were found to be important drivers of heavy metal contaminant distribution. The significance of global drivers varied among the fjords, due to coupling with local processes. Outer fjord parts, the most impacted by oceanic transport, were characterized by the excess 206Pb/207Pb values of ∼1.17, while the inner basins were characterized by the excess 206Pb/207Pb of ∼1.14 suggesting possible different importance of Pb sources (marine currents and atmospheric transport).

Concentrations and origin of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in sediments of western Spitsbergen fjords (Kongsfjorden, Hornsund, and Adventfjorden).

Contaminant profiles in sediment cores represent valuable natural archives of environmental contamination, by which contaminant sources and historical changes in contaminant input and cycling may be recognized. In the present study, we discuss the sedimentary profiles and historical trends of organic contaminants - polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) - in three fjords of the Svalbard archipelago differing in environmental conditions and anthropogenic impact. The obtained results revealed no significant differences between the fjords Hornsund and Kongsfjorden, in the average levels of the analyzed contaminants. Levels ranging from 0.05 to 1.47 ng/g d.w. for ∑7 PCBs and from 37.3 to 1973 ng/g d.w. for ∑12 PAHs were measured. The observed spatial and temporal differences in contaminant levels are rather related to local variations in the fjords associated with the location of sampling stations. Higher concentrations of the ∑7 PCBs exceeding 1.00 ng/g d.w. were measured in sediment cores collected in the inner parts of both fjords, which remain under the influence of melting glacier outflows. Important concentrations of these contaminants were noticed in layers deposited recently, suggesting intensive supply of these substances from secondary sources. The observed levels are generally low and well below known established no effect levels. Only the concentration of fluoranthene exceeded the threshold effect level at several sampling stations. Moreover, fluoranthene concentrations in almost all Adventfjorden sediment layer samples were above probable effect levels, which can indicate a risk of adverse effects in exposed benthic organisms. The fluoranthene/pyrene and phenthrene/anthracene ratios, which are used for identification of hydrocarbon sources, suggest a dominance of PAHs of pyrolytic genesis in Kongsfjorden and Hornsund. In Adventfjorden, hydrocarbons of petrogenic origin were predominant. However, other sources like coal dust from stores on land are also possible at this location.

Accumulation of atmospheric radionuclides and heavy metals in cryoconite holes on an Arctic glacier.

Surface of glaciers is covered by mineral and organic dust, together with microorganisms forming cryoconite granules. Despite fact that glaciers and ice sheets constitute significance part of land surface, reservoir of freshwater, and sites of high biological production, the knowledge on the cryoconite granules still remain unsatisfactory. This study presents information on radionuclide and heavy metal contents in cryoconites. Cryoconites collected from the Hans Glacier in SW Spitsbergen reveal high activity concentrations of anthropogenic ((238,239,240)Pu, (137)Cs, (90)Sr) and natural ((210)Pb) radionuclides. The (238)Pu/(239+240)Pu activity ratios in these cryoconites significantly exceed the mean global fallout ratio (0.025). The (238)Pu/(239+240)Pu ranged from 0.064 to 0.118. The (239+240)Pu/(137)Cs varied from 0.011 ± 0.003 to 0.030 ± 0.007. Such activity ratios as observed in these cryoconites were significantly higher than the values characterizing global fallout, pointing to possible contributions of these radionuclides from other sources. Heavy metals (Pb, Cd, Cu, Zn, Fe, and Mn) in cryoconites exceed both UCC concentrations and local rocks' concentrations, particularly for cadmium. The concentration ratios of stable lead isotopes ((206)Pb/(207)Pb, (208)Pb/(206)Pb) were determined to discriminate between the natural and anthropogenic sources of Pb in cryoconites and to confirm the strong anthropogenic contribution to heavy metal deposition in the Arctic. In investigated cryoconite holes, two groups of invertebrates, both extremophiles, Tardigrada and Rotifera were detected. Our study indicate that cryoconites are aggregates of mineral and organic substances on surfaces of glaciers are able to accumulate large amounts of airborne pollutants bound to extracellular polymeric substances secreted by microorganisms.

Anthropogenic lead concentrations and sources in Baltic Sea sediments based on lead isotopic composition.

The Gulf of Gdansk is influenced by heavy metals of anthropogenic origin. In this study, temporal concentration changes of Pb, Zn, Cd, and Cu were studied in six, 50 cm long sediment cores. The main aim of the study was to concentrate on the history of Pb fluxes and Pb isotopic composition ((206)Pb/(207)Pb and (208)Pb/(206)Pb) to trace Pb sources. The lowest Pb concentrations (19 µg g(-1)) were measured in sediments deposited circa 1860, while the highest Pb concentrations (63-147 µg g(-1)) were measured in sediments deposited between 1960s and 70s. Pre-industrial Pb fluxes were 7 Pb m(2)year(-1), while after WWII they reached 199 Pb m(2)year(-1). Highest (206)Pb/(207)Pb ratios (∼1.22) were measured in the oldest sediment layers, and the lowest (206)Pb/(207)Pb ratios (∼1.165) were measured in the sediments deposited in 1970s-90s. During the period of highest Pb contamination, the anthropogenic Pb fraction reached up to 93%. A general discussion of the Pb sources, emissions, and loads for Poland is included.

Caesium-137 distribution, inventories and accumulation history in the Baltic Sea sediments.

The Baltic Sea is susceptible to pollution by hazardous substances due to limited water exchange, shallowness, and the large catchment area. Radionuclides, particularly (137)Cs, are one of the most hazardous anthropogenic substances present in the Baltic environment. This study was conducted to present (137)Cs present contamination that should further be a subject of reliable monitoring when the new Nuclear Power Plant is put into operation in the northern Poland. The sea-wide, up to date distribution of (137)Cs activities and inventories in the Baltic Sea bottom sediments are presented. The (137)Cs activity concentrations were measured in 30 cm long sediment cores collected at 22 sampling stations. Sediment accumulation rates were quantified by (210)Pb geochronology to follow the history of (137)Cs accumulation. The (137)Cs inventories and fluxes were calculated. Most of the Baltic Sea sediments accumulated (137)Cs in the range from 750 to 2675 Bq m(-2). The Bothnian Bay is severely contaminated by (137)Cs with inventories up to 95,191 Bq m(-2). This region is moreover characterized by extremely large patchiness of (137)Cs inventories. The (137)Cs annual fluxes are highest at the two stations located at the Bothnian Bay (342 Bq m(-2) and 527 Bq m(-2)) due to large Chernobyl (137)Cs contamination of that region and high sediment accumulation rates. When these stations are excluded, the recent, annual mean value of (137)Cs load to the Baltic Sea deposits is 38 ± 22 Bq m(-2). The distribution of radio-caesium inventories over the Baltic Sea nowadays reflects the pattern of Chernobyl contamination. The radio-caesium deposited in surface sediments is not permanently buried, but may be resuspended and redeposited by currents, bioturbation or anthropogenic activities.

Sources and distributions of 137Cs, 238Pu, 239,240Pu radionuclides in the north-western Barents Sea.

Sediment deposits are the ultimate sink for anthropogenic radionuclides entering the marine environment. The major sources of anthropogenic radionuclides to the Barents Sea are fallout from nuclear weapons tests, long range transport from other seas, and river and non-point freshwater supplies. In this study we investigated activity concentrations, ratios, and inventories of the anthropogenic radionuclides, 137Cs, 238Pu, 239,240Pu in dated sediment cores collected along a north-south transect in the northwestern Barents Sea. The data were used to evaluate the influence of different sources on the derived spatial and temporal patterns of anthropogenic radionuclides in seafloor sediment deposits. Activity concentrations of 137Cs ranged from <0.1 Bq/kg to 10.5 Bq/kg while 239,240Pu ranged from <0.01 Bq/kg to 2.74 Bq/kg and 238Pu activity concentrations ranged from <0.01 Bq/kg to 0.22 Bq/kg. Total inventories of 137Cs ranged from 29.5+/-1.5 Bq/m2 to 152.7+/-5.6 Bq/m2 and for 239,240Pu inventories (6 sediment layers only) ranged from 9.5+/-0.3 Bq/m2 to 29.7+/-0.4 Bq/m2. Source contributions varied among stations and between the investigated radionuclides. The 238Pu/239,240Pu ratios up to 0.18 indicate discharges from nuclear fuel reprocessing plants as a main contributor of plutonium. Based on 238Pu/239,240Pu ratio, it was calculated that up to 19-27% of plutonium is supplied from sources other than atmospheric global fallout. Taking into account Atlantic current flow trajectories and that both activity concentrations and inventories of plutonium negatively correlate with latitude, Sellafield is a major source for the Barents Sea. Concentrations and inventories of 137Cs correlate positively with latitude and negatively with distance from the Svalbard archipelago. The 137Cs concentrations are highest in an area of intensive melting of sea ice formed along the Siberian coast. Thus, sea ice and supplies from Svalbard may be important source of 137Cs to the Barents Sea seafloor.

Intercomparison of alpha and gamma spectrometry techniques used in (210)Pb geochronology.

(210)Pb geochronology is a widely used tool in sedimentological studies aimed at the absolute ages of modern sediments (up to 100 years). (210)Pb activities required to model sedimentation regimes are measured using either alpha, gamma or beta spectrometry. Sediment accumulation rates derived from (210)Pb activity profiles measured by these methods are often used interchangeably in mass balance studies. Yet there is a lack of investigations considering the comparability of data derived using different analytical methods. Differences between methods could be caused by different behaviors of (210)Pb and (210)Po (used for alpha measurement) in the marine environment. In gamma spectrometry errors may arise when many gamma emitters are measured simultaneously and their activity peaks overlap. In alpha spectrometry chemical separation of (210)Po may result in analytical error due to incomplete sample dissolution. In the present study we evaluate total, supported and excess (210)Pb activities and their use in deriving sediment accumulation rates and (210)Pb excess inventories for three sediment cores collected from the Barents Sea. (210)Pb activities derived by alpha and gamma methods are shown to agree within counting error and there is also good agreement in the derived sediment accumulation rates. The inherent compatibility of analytical results based on alpha or gamma techniques is established.