Leszek Łęczyński

The content of butyl-and phenyltin derivatives in the sediment from the Port of Gdansk

Harbor sediments containing large deposits of organotin compounds constitute a potential threat to the marine environment. Samples of harbor sediments were collected twice in the years 2003 and 2005 from the following locations: Ziółkowskiego, Siarkowe, Wiślane, Weglowe, Chemików and Paliw Płynnych Quays. The cores of 25cm length sliced into 2- and 5-cm segments were analyzed. After drying and homogenization, samples were split into two granulometric fractions, i.e. <2.00 and <0.063mm. The dominant fraction in whole sediment, i.e. fraction grain diameter <2.00mm, was sand (grain diameter 2.00-0.063mm). However, the highest concentrations of butyltin (BT) and phenyltin (PT) compounds were found in the fine sediment fraction. The mean values of tributyltin (TBT), dibutyltin (DBT) and monobutyltin (MBT) in the analyzed samples in the <2.00mm fraction were 2144.9, 434.7 and 148.1ngSng(-1)d.w., respectively, while the corresponding mean values in the <0.063mm fraction were 6556.4, 1593.7 and 450.0ngSng(-1)d.w. The mean concentrations of monophenyltin (MPhT) have been estimated at 29.0 and 49.9ngSng(-1)d.w. for the <2.00 and <0.063mm fraction sizes, respectively. The estimated content levels of diphenyltin (DPhT) and triphenyltin (TPhT) were in most cases below the detection limit of the applied method. The sediment cores collected from the locations characterized by high industrialization and intense exploitation (Wiślane, Weglowe Quays) contained the highest concentrations of BT and PT.

Toxicity assessment of sediments associated with the wreck of s/s Stuttgart in the Gulf of Gdańsk (Poland).

The paper presents the results of toxicity determinations carried out on sediment samples collected in the vicinity of the wreck of the German s/s Stuttgart (the southern part of the Gulf of Gdańsk, off the Polish coast) in relation to the determination of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). The toxicity of surface and core sediment samples was assessed using two biotest organisms-the bioluminescent bacteria Vibrio fischeri and the ostracod Heterocypris incongruens. PAH levels in these samples were determined by GC-MS. The surface sediments collected at W2 (ca. 34 m north of the shipwreck) and W4 (ca. 415 m north-east of the wreck) as well as the core sediments collected at WR3 (ca. 400 m north-east of the wreck) were the most heavily polluted with substances toxic to the biotest organisms. The chronic and acute toxicities in the case of most of the surface sediment samples studied are correlated. This may suggest that not only hydrophobic chemicals (like PAHs from fuel residues) but also more polar chemicals (resulting from the conversion of aromatic hydrocarbons) are responsible for the toxicity levels found. There is a clear dependence between the levels of chronic toxicity and PAH concentrations in the core sediment samples. In addition, a simultaneous decrease in the PAH content and chronic toxicity was noted in all the core sediment samples at depths below 80 cm.

Surface Sediments Pollution Around Small Shipwrecks (Munin and Abille) in the Gulf of Gdańsk: Magnetic and Heavy Metals Study

Heavy metal contents in sediments from the vicinity of small shipwrecks (Munin and Abille) in the Gulf of Gdansk and their relationship with mass magnetic susceptibility (χ) were investigated. The values of χ are not very high, however they reveal significant differences between investigated sites. Magnetic susceptibility values vary from 5.33 to 8.02 × 10−8 m3/kg for Abille and from 3.07 × 10−8 m3/kg to 12.92 × 10−8 m3/kg for Munin. It is mainly carried by fraction <0.1 mm in the case of Abille, whereas for Munin χ for <0.1 mm shows different distribution of values. Organic matter content is in the range of 1.60–18.86%, which is characteristic for this area. The concentration of heavy metals is relatively small, as in the case of χ. The relationship amongst analysed heavy metals is strong, but between PLI, LOI and χ is weak. Generally sediments around Munin wreck demonstrate the strong correlation of mass magnetic susceptibility with toxic elements. This is the result of the shipwrecks location and hydrodynamic conditions of this area. The low heavy metal concentration and χ values indicate low level of contamination around both wrecks.

Magnetometry as a Tool to Estimate the Pollution of Marine Environment Around Small Shipwrecks (Gulf of Gdańsk) — Preliminary Results

Magnetic properties of deposits around the shipwrecks (“Munin” and “Abille”) in the Gulf of Gdańsk were investigated. Values of magnetic susceptibility (χ) are relatively low; however, they reveal significant differences between investigated sites. The values of χ around “Abille” wreck were 5-8×10-8 m3/kg. Around “Munin” wreck results were more diversified reaching value of χ between 3.07×10-8m3/kg and 12.92×10-8 m3/kg. The spatial variability of χ coincided with near-bottom water currents distribution in the Gulf of Gdańsk. Magnetic minerals were identified by thermomagnetic analysis. Around “Abille” wreck we have found magnetite with small amount of maghemite or hematite. The “Munin” sediments include only one magnetic phase; in several samples it is magnetite, in the others — maghemite. Day—Dunlop plot shows that “Abille” set is shifted towards lower magnetization ratio and higher coercivity ratio. The correlation between the distribution of χ and hydrodynamic condition around shipwrecks allows to determine the direction of contaminant transport.

Studies on the presence and spatial distribution of anthropogenic pollutants in the glacial basin of Scott Glacier in the face of climate change (Fiord Bellsund, Spitsbergen)

The study area covered the NW part of the Wedel Jarlsberg Land (SW part of the Svalbard Archipelago). The primary study object was the catchment of the Scott Glacier in the vicinity of the Research Station of of Maria Curie-Sklodowska University in Lublin - Calypsobyen. The Scott River catchment (of glacial hydrological regime) has an area of approximately 10 km2, 40% of which is occupied by the valley Scott Glacier in the phase of strong recession. The present study concerns the determination of physical and chemical parameters (pH, conductivity, TOC) and concentrations of pollutants (phenols, aldehydes).

The magnetic method as a tool to investigate the Werenskioldbreen environment (south-west Spitsbergen, Arctic Norway)

ABSTRACT We used a novel approach of applying magnetic analyses to investigate the material released from the receding glacier Werenskioldbreen on Spitsbergen, Svalbard, Arctic Norway. Surface sediments were taken from the bay Nottinghambukta and the Werenskioldbreen foreland, along two main proglacial streams. Magnetic analyses, namely the low-field mass magnetic susceptibility, anhysteretic susceptibility mass normalized and hysteresis parameters, served to determine magnetic properties and identify the magnetic composition of the study material. We selected two distinct types of sediments. The first group, consisting of magnetite and pyrrhotite, has more single-domain grains in comparison to the second one, containing only magnetite. In the second group, multi-domain particles dominate. Deposits from the north stream, glacier river and an area close to the estuary of Nottinghambukta include magnetite and pyrrhotite. Magnetite was found in the south stream and in the outside part of the bay. Magnetic composition reflects different source rocks of sediments. This study demonstrates the utility of the magnetic method in analysing the current state of glacier environments.

The Impact of Grain Size Composition and Organic Matter Content on Magnetic Susceptibility of Anthropogenically Transformed Bottom Sediments, as Exemplified by the Former Naval Harbour in Hel

The article presents the results of an analysis of the surface layer of bottom sediments in the naval harbour in Hel. During field work conducted in June 2013, 54 sediment samples were collected. The aim of the study was to examine magnetic susceptibility of harbour sediment as a parameter determining the degree of anthropopressure. As part of laboratory tests, grain size analysis was performed in order to determine organic matter content and magnetic susceptibility of the sediment. The study also measured the impact of environmental factors on fluctuations in the other studied parameters. The results demonstrate increased dynamics of sedimentary environment in the open part of the naval harbour, better sediment sorting and reduced percentage share of <0.063 mm grain size fraction. Variability in magnetic susceptibility values measured in isolated parts of the harbour correlates with increased percentage share of the fine fraction and LOI%. A significant impact on the accumulation of pollutants in surface sediments is exerted by the harbour’s closed hydrodynamic conditions.

Application of Magnetic Susceptibility Measurements for Identification of Technogenic Horizons in Soil Profiles on the Example of the Vistula River Cross-Cut Area

Studies on magnetic properties of soils have been recently applied in the soil environment quality monitoring in relation to basic physical and chemical properties. However, the issue of distribution of ferrimagnetic materials in particular genetic soil horizons, especially in altered soils, has not yet been considered in environmental studies. The main subject of the research was to evaluate a potential of magnetic susceptibility measurements as implements for supporting the soil classification through indication of particular distinctive genetic horizons in the soil profile. The study objects were soils whose formation was strictly conditioned by hydrotechnical regulations in the area of the Vistula River Cross-Cut (northern Poland). It has been demonstrated that the magnetic susceptibility test is an accurate supporting tool in recognition and classification of genetic horizons in a soil profile. The obtained results properly reflected the soil morphological variability and also were good indicators of the presence of lithologic discontinuities of technogenic origin.

Optimisation of sample pre-treatment method for the determination of triclosan in marine sediments by high-performance liquid chromatography and marine benthic quality assessment in the southern Baltic Sea

ABSTRACT This study comprises optimisation of sample preparation and HPLC analytical procedure for the determination of a personal care product ingredient, triclosan (TCS), in marine sediments. The testing of several varying pre-treatment parameters confirmed that ultrasonic extraction is an effective method for the isolation of TCS from marine sediments, and that the choice of extraction solvent appeared to be of major importance. The selection of the mobile-phase composition and the absorption wavelength was made for the high-performance liquid chromatography analysis step. Based on the validated method, a preliminary assessment of the benthic ecosystem quality with regards to TCS contamination has been demonstrated in the southern Baltic Sea – a semi-enclosed sea, characterised by poor water exchange, thus particularly susceptible to anthropopression. TCS has been identified and quantified in situ in marine bottom sediments, sediment dwelling isopod – Saduria entomon L. and estimated in silico in pore waters based on the equilibrium partition theory in order to assess the potential exposure and uptake from the aqueous phase. TCS concentrations identified in the bottom sediments of the Gdansk Basin, as the natural habitat for studied S.entomon L., appear to be threatening to the benthic environment. Particularly when considering S. entomon L. as a major nutrition source for cod (Gadus morhua) undergoing the feminisation process, since the recent studies prove TCS to have a potential to induce critical alterations in the endocrine system of marine ichthyofauna.

Human-induced changes in the soil cover at the mouth of the Vistula River Cross-Cut (northern Poland)

Abstract The aim of this paper is to determine the impact of human activity on the soil formation at the mouth of the Vistula Cross-Cut (northern Poland). The detailed research was conducted in the test area (about 500 ha) for which the soil map was created. The three major soil belts were distinguished, grouping the soils formed on marine, aeolian and technogenic sediments, deposited both naturally and anthropogenically as a result of the hydrotechnical works. Initial soils, arenosols, gleysols, brackish marsh soils and industrial soils predominate across the study area. Most of them were characterized by high spatial diversity and multi-layering. Their properties reflected varied dynamics of the local environment on both sides of the river channel, greatly enhanced by the human activity. Based of the obtained results, some proposals concerning arenosols, marsh soils and industrial soils for the Polish Soil Classification (2011) were presented.