Spatial and temporal analysis of the risks posed by metal contamination in coastal and marine sediments of Bahrain.

Nine metals including Al, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb and Zn were analysed from sediment samples collected from 29 stations since 2007 from Bahraini waters. Within this study, it was investigated whether concentrations of these determinants are at concentrations above internationally established Assessment Criteria (AC). The majority of sites were considered not to pose a toxicological risk in terms of metal contamination. Where breaches occurred, they were mainly from historic samples related to Cr, Cu and Ni contamination. A trend assessment revealed that out of 59 significant trends, 36 were downwards and 23 upwards, indicating that some determinants like Al, Zn and Ni are improving strongly across some sites, whilst areas associated with industrial activity still see some increasing trends for Al, Cd, Pb and Zn.

Spatial and temporal analysis of the risks posed by polychlorinated biphenyl and metal contaminants in dab (Limanda limanda) collected from waters around England and Wales.

The metals cadmium, mercury and lead, and the ICES7 CB levels were analysed in the common dab Limanda limanda to investigate whether concentrations of these determinants are at levels above established OSPAR assessment criteria around England and Wales. The results indicate that CB118 is above the OSPAR derived EAC at 22 out of 29 sampled stations, with 15 showing significant reductions. Cadmium is increasing significantly at six stations with two sites in the North Sea breaching corresponding OSPAR EAC. Mean results for all other PCBs and metals stayed below the EAC thresholds, with Hg concentrations even falling below BAC levels at South Eddystone located in the western English Channel. This study shows that PCBs banned over 20years ago are still found at concentrations in fish liver tissues which may pose a health risk to both the individual fish and their predators.

Spatial and temporal analysis of the risks posed by polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon, polychlorinated biphenyl and metal contaminants in sediments in UK estuaries and coastal waters.

The environmental risks of 22 contaminants, comprising 6 metals, 10 PAHs and 6 PCB congeners occurring in UK estuaries and coastal waters were assessed as single substances. Sediment samples were taken within 12 nautical miles of the English and Welsh coastlines between 1999 and 2011. The measured environmental concentrations were compared to quality standards including ERL, ERM and EAC, all of which have been established internationally. Out of a total of 38,031 individual samples analysed, 42.6% and 7.7% exceeded the ERL/EAC and ERM values, respectively. The highest Risk Characterisation Ratios (RCRs) for metals, PAHs and PCBs were observed for copper, fluorene and CB118 (2,3',4,4',5-pentachlorobiphenyl). In general, the highest concentrations of PAHs and PCBs were observed in 2011 in the Lower Medway indicating a potential risk to the aquatic environment. This study suggests that re-suspension of contaminants banned over 20years ago is still an ongoing issue.