Effects of Spatial and Temporal Variation of Acid-Volatile Sulfide on the Bioavailability of Copper and Zinc in Freshwater Sediments

Metadata:

Identification_Information:
Citation:
Citation_Information:
Originator:
John M. Besser, Christopher G. Ingersoll, and John P. Giesy
Publication_Date: 1996
Title:
Effects of Spatial and Temporal Variation of Acid-Volatile Sulfide on the Bioavailability of Copper and Zinc in Freshwater Sediments
Publication_Information:
Publication_Place: Columbia, Missouri
Publisher:
U.S. Geological Survey, Biological Resources Division, Columbia Environmental Research Center
Description:
Abstract:
Variation in concentrations of acid-volatile sulfide (AVS) in sediments from the upper Clark Fork River of Montana was associated with differences in bioaccumulation of Cu and Zn and growth of larvae in the midge, Chironomus tentans. Growth of midge larvae was significantly greater and bioaccumulation of Cu was significantly less in surface sections (0-3 cm depth) of sediment cores, which had greater concentrations of AVS and lesser ratios of simultaneously extracted metals to AVS (SEM:AVS ratios) than in subsurface sediments (6-9 cm). Concentrations of AVS were significantly less in sediments incubated with oxic overlying water for 9 weeks than in the same sediments incubated under anoxic conditions. Bioaccumulation of Cu differed significantly between incubation treatments, corresponding to differences in concentrations of AVS and SEM:AVS ratios, although midge growth did not. Bioaccumulation of Zn did not differ significantly between depth strata of sediment cores or between incubation treatments. When results from the two sets of bioassays were combined, bioaccumulation of Cu and Zn, but not growth, was significantly correlated with SEM:AVS ratios and other estimates of bioavailable metal fractions in sediments. Growth of midge larvae was significantly correlated with bioaccumulation of Zn, but not Cu, suggesting that Zn was the greater contributor to the toxicity of these sediments. Assessments of the toxicity of metal-contaminated freshwater sediments should consider the effects of spatial and temporal variation in AVS concentrations on metal bioavailability.
Purpose:
The objective of this research was to evaluate whether spatial and temporal variation in AVS concentrations and SEM:AVS ratios is associated with variation in metal bioaccumulation and toxicity in freshwater sediments.
Time_Period_of_Content:
Time_Period_Information:
Single_Date/Time:
Calendar_Date: 199308
Currentness_Reference: ground condition
Status:
Progress: Complete
Maintenance_and_Update_Frequency: None planned
Spatial_Domain:
Description_of_Geographic_Extent:
Seven sites in the upper Clark Fork River drainage of western Montana, two sites in the upper Clark Fork River, downstream from the historic mining and smelting district, and four sites in Milltown Reservoir (Milltown), including one riverine site at the upper end of the reservoir, two sites in the main stem of the reservoir and one site in a shallow backwater area. These six sites were selected to represent the range of metal contamination and habitat types in the upper Clark Fork River and Milltown Reservoir.
Bounding_Coordinates:
West_Bounding_Coordinate: -114
East_Bounding_Coordinate: -113.5
North_Bounding_Coordinate: 46.87
South_Bounding_Coordinate: 46.75
Keywords:
Theme:
Theme_Keyword_Thesaurus: None
Theme_Keyword: bioavailability
Theme_Keyword: sediment
Theme_Keyword: metals
Theme_Keyword: acid-volatile sulfide
Place:
Place_Keyword_Thesaurus: None
Place_Keyword: Missoula, Montana
Place_Keyword: Milltown, Montana
Place_Keyword: Upper Clark Fork River
Place_Keyword: Montana
Place_Keyword: MT
Taxonomy:
Taxonomic_Keywords: midge
Taxonomic_Coverage:
Specific_Taxonomic_Information:
Kingdom: Animal
Division-Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Diptera
Family: Chironomidae
Genus: Chironomus
Species: Chironomus tentans
General_Taxonomic_Coverage: midge
Access_Constraints: None
Use_Constraints: None
Point_of_Contact:
Contact_Information:
Contact_Person_Primary:
Contact_Person: John M. Besser
Contact_Organization:
U.S. Geological Survey, Biological Resources
Division, Columbia Environmental Research Center
Contact_Address:
Address_Type: mailing and physical address
Address: 4200 New Haven Road
City: Columbia
State_or_Province: Missouri
Postal_Code: 65201
Contact_Voice_Telephone: (573) 876-1818
Contact_Facsimile_Telephone: (573) 876-1896
Contact_Electronic_Mail_Address: John_Besser@usgs.gov
Cross_Reference:
Citation_Information:
Originator:
John M. Besser, Christopher, G. Ingersoll and John P. Giesy
Publication_Date: 1996
Title:
Effects of Spatial and Temporal Variation of Acid-Volatile Sulfide
Series_Information:
Series_Name: Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry
Issue_Identification: Vol. 15, No. 3
Data_Quality_Information:
Attribute_Accuracy:
Attribute_Accuracy_Report:
Precision and accuracy of analyses of metals and AVS were evaluated by analyses of duplicate samples, standard reference materials, and matrix spikes. The mean relative percent difference (RPD) for duplicate analyses of metals in midge sample was 9.2% for Cu and 5.7% for Zn. Mean recoveries of metals from a standard reference tissue (SRM 1577a, bovine liver; National Institutes of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, MD) were 80% for Cu and 105% for Zn. Average RPDs were 12% for AVS analyses and 19% for SEM analyses. Recoveries of sulfide spikes averaged 88% from spiked blanks and 71% from spiked sediments. Recovery of Cu spikes from SEM extracts averaged 70% but was highly variable (range 9-151%). A previous study of Clark Fork sediments also reported low and variable recoveries of spikes of Cu and other metals in the SEM procedure. Concentrations of Cu in SEM extracts in this study averaged only 15% of those reported for the same sites in the previous study, which used a stronger extractant (3 N vs. 1 N HCl), whereas concentrations of Zn averaged 87% of those in the previous study. The difference in the recoveries of Cu and Zn is consistent with the greater stability of Cu sulfides compared to Zn sulfides and may indicate incomplete dissolution of amorphous C sulfides or sorption of Cu to insoluble phases such as pyrites.
Logical_Consistency_Report: not applicable
Completeness_Report:
Sediments wre collected from seven sites in the Clark Fork River drainage of western Montana.
Lineage:
Methodology:
Methodology_Type: Field
Methodology_Identifier:
Methodology_Keyword_Thesaurus: None
Methodology_Keyword: sediment sampling
Methodology_Description:
Sediments were collected in August 1993 from seven sites in the upper Clark Fork River drainage of western Montana. Surface grab samples and sediment cores were collected from two sites in the upper Clark Fork River, downstream from the historic mining and smelting district, and four sites in Milltown Reservoir (Milltown), including one riverine site at the upper end of the reservoir, two sites in the main stem of the reservoir and one site in a shallow backwater area. These six sites were selected to represent the range of metal contamination and habitat types in the upper Clark Fork River and Milltown Reservoir, based on the results of previous studies. Additional grab samples were collected from Rock Creek, an uncontaminated tributary of the Clark Fork, for use as a reference sediment in bioassays.
Methodology_Type: Field
Methodology_Identifier:
Methodology_Keyword_Thesaurus: None
Methodology_Keyword: sediment sampling
Methodology_Description:
Sample containers, sampling gear, and laboratory apparatus were cleaned in the laboratory with laboratory detergent, tap water, 10% HCl, and deionized water. Sampling gear was acid washed in the field between sampling stations and rinsed with site water. Surface grabs were collected with a polypropylene scoop (from sites in the Clark Fork and Rock Creek) or with a petite Ponar dredge (from sites in the Milltown Reservoir) and combined to produce 8-L composite samples. Twelve core samples were collected from each of the six primary sites in 5 cm diameter polybutyrate tubes. Cores were obtained from Clark Fork sites by direct insertion of the core tubes into the sediment and from the deeper Milltown sites with a manual core sampler with a polypropylene nosepiece, which held the core tube inside a stainless steel core barrel (Wildco, Saginaw, MI, USA). Cores were extruded in the field to obtain surface (0-3 cm) and deep (6-9) cm) core sections. Sections from three cores were combined into each of four composite samples for each site and depth. Sediment samples were placed in polyethylene or polycarbonate containers, shipped on ice to the laboratory within 24 h of collection, and stored at 4 degrees C. Sediments were homogenized by stirring before samples were withdrawn.
Methodology_Type: Lab
Methodology_Identifier:
Methodology_Keyword_Thesaurus: None
Methodology_Keyword: sediment incubations
Methodology_Description:
Sediments from the six Clark Fork and Milltown sites were incubated in 30-cm X 15-cm glass aquaria equipped with polystyrene under-gravel platforms (Wolverton's, Lansing, MI) covered with nylon mesh to allow water to recirculate above and below the sediment layer. Two liters of sediment was placed in thin (4 cm) layer on the platform of each aquarium, and 4L of moderately hard reconstituted water (MHRW; hardness 90-100 mg/L as CaCO3, pH 7.8-8.2 [20]) was added. Water was lifted from below the sediment layer by gas bubbled up through polystyrene gas-lift tubes in one corner of the platform and passed back through another tube in the opposite corner of the platform. One group of sediment samples, one from each site, received compressed room air (the oxic treatment); and an identifical group (the anoxic treatment) received nitrogen, with oxygen removed by an in-line oxygen trap (Baxter Scientific Products, McGaw Park, IL). Aquaria were covered with plexiglas lids and sealed with tape, except for small holes for the gas tubing inlet and for gas escape. Aquaria were placed in water baths at 18 to 20 C in continuous darkness. Samples of sediment were removed from each aquarium periodically during the incubation for analysis of acid-volatile sulfides (AVS), and the incubation was terminated after 63 days. At the end of the incubation period, samples of sediment were removed for sediment bioassays and analysis of metals, AVS, and porewater characteristics.
Methodology_Type: Lab
Methodology_Identifier:
Methodology_Keyword_Thesaurus: None
Methodology_Keyword: bioassays
Methodology_Description:
Sediment bioassays with larvae of the midge, Chironomus tentans, were conducted with a static-renewal method. Bioassays with core sections were conducted within 30 days of collection, and bioassays with incubated sediments were started within 24 hours after the end of the incubations. Experimental designs for the two sets of bioassays were similar: two treatment groups (core sections or incubation treatment) were tested with sediments from all six sites, with four replicates per group. Groups of four exposure chambers containing sediments from the reference site (RC) were carried through both sets of bioassays. Four replicate exposure chambers per site or treatment group were placed in a 9-Liter all-glass aquarium. Exposure chambers were 300-ml glass beakers with two 17-mm windows covered with stainless steel screen (250 micrometer mesh). Each aquarium received two water replacements per day from a polyethylene head tank, with replacement of overlying water (MHRW) in the test chambers facilitated by a drain tube with an intermittent siphon. Bioassays with sediments from the oxic incubation (and one group of reference sediments) received gentle aeration.
Methodology_Type: Lab
Methodology_Identifier:
Methodology_Keyword_Thesaurus: None
Methodology_Keyword: bioassays
Methodology_Description:
Cohorts of midge larvae for bioassays were startled from egg masses collected on the same date and reared in the water used for bioassays (MHRW). Larvae of uniform age (10-12 days after hatching) and uniform size (approximately 5 mm long) were selected for bioassays. Midge larvae were added randomly to the exposure chambers to a total of 10 larvae per test chamber. A suspension containing 6 mg dry weight of flake fish food (Tetramin; Tetra-Werke, Berlin, Germany) was added to each chamber daily during the 10 day exposure period. At the end of the exposure, groups of exposure chambers were removed in random order and the number of survivors for each chamber was recorded. Surviving larvae from each chamber were transferred to 30 ml plastic cups that contained dilution water and a small amount of acid-washed sand, fed a daily ration, and set aside to allow clearance of gut contents. After 12 hours, larvae from each cup were rinsed with ultrapure water, dried for 24 hours at 60 degrees, and weighed to the nearest 0.01 mg.
Methodology_Type: Lab
Methodology_Identifier:
Methodology_Keyword_Thesaurus: None
Methodology_Keyword: chemical analyses
Methodology_Description:
Samples of midge larvae were prepared for metal analysis by digestion with high purity reagents (J.T. Baker Instra-Analyzed or Ultrex) at 90 to 95 degrees C in Teflon Centrifuge tubes. Concentrated nitric acid (1.5 ml at 70%) was added for the first 24 hours of digestion, the sample was cooled, a solution of 30% hydrogen peroxide (1.0 ml) was added, and the digestion was resumed for an additional 24 hours. Digested samples were diluted with ultrapure water to a final volume of 10 ml and a final concentration of 10% (v/v) nitric acid.
Process_Step:
Process_Description:
Statistical analyses were performed with procedures in the SAS statistical package (SAS Institute, 1989). Concentration of metals and AVS in porewater, sediment extracts, and midge samples were log base 10 transformed before statistical analyses, to improve normality and homogeneity of variance. Comparisons of bioassay results among study sites and between treatment groups (core sections or incubation treatments), and interactions of the main effects of site and treatment (site x treatment interactions) were evaluated by two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). If site x treatment interactions were significant, differences between treatment pairs within each site were assessed with t tests. Statistical significance was assessed at a 5% significance level (p < 0.05). Associations between bioassay responses and concentrations of SEM metals, AVS, and un-ionized ammonia were assessed with least-squares linear regression.
Process_Date: 1994
Spatial_Data_Organization_Information:
Indirect_Spatial_Reference: Based on local reference names.
Entity_and_Attribute_Information:
Overview_Description:
Entity_and_Attribute_Overview:
Entity - Chironomus tentans, midge; copper and zinc; Associated attributes - growth of midge larvae.
Entity_and_Attribute_Detail_Citation: unknown
Distribution_Information:
Distributor:
Contact_Information:
Contact_Organization_Primary:
Contact_Organization:
U.S. Geological Survey, Biological Resources
Division, Columbia Environmental Research Center
Contact_Person: Christopher Henke
Contact_Position: Webmaster
Contact_Address:
Address_Type: mailing and physical address
Address: 4200 New Haven Rd
City: Columbia
State_or_Province: MO
Postal_Code: 65201
Contact_Voice_Telephone: 573-875-5399
Contact_Facsimile_Telephone: 573-876-1896
Contact_Electronic_Mail_Address: chris_henke@usgs.gov
Distribution_Liability:
Although these data have been processed successfully on a computer system at the U.S. Geological Survey, no warranty expressed or implied is made regarding the accuracy or utility of the data on any other system or for general or scientific purposes, nor shall the act of distribution constitute any such warranty. This disclaimer applies both to individual use of the data and aggregate use with other data. It is strongly recommended that these data are directly acquired from a U.S. Geological Survey server, and not indirectly through other sources which may have changed the data in some way. It is also strongly recommended that careful attention be paid to the contents of the metadata file associated with these data. The U.S. Geological Survey shall not be held liable for improper or incorrect use of the data described and/or contained herein.
Custom_Order_Process: Please contact distributor.
Metadata_Reference_Information:
Metadata_Date: 200003
Metadata_Contact:
Contact_Information:
Contact_Organization_Primary:
Contact_Organization:
Raytheon Information Technology and Scientific
Services (ITSS)
Contact_Person: Cheryl Solomon
Contact_Position: Ecosystem Coordinator
Contact_Address:
Address_Type: Mailing and Physical Address
Address: 4500 Forbes Boulevard
City: Lanham
State_or_Province: MD
Postal_Code: 20706
Country: USA
Contact_Voice_Telephone: 301 794-3049
Contact_Facsimile_Telephone: 301 794-3164
Contact_Electronic_Mail_Address: solomon@gcmd.nasa.gov
Metadata_Standard_Name:
NBII Content Standard for National Biological Information Infrastructure Metadata
Metadata_Standard_Version: December 1995
Metadata_Access_Constraints: None
Metadata_Use_Constraints: None
Generated by mp on Tue May 23 08:54:02 2000