ALBERT

Description: Tropical peat swamps are essential ecosystems, which provide numerous services, and also serve as a rich source of dissolved organic carbon (DOC), hydrogen ions and trace elements to peat draining rivers. However, not much is known about trace element export from tropical peat swamps. We investigated trace element dynamics in rivers and estuaries draining tropical peat swamps on Borneo, and examined the influence of estuarine processes as well as dissolved organic carbon (DOC) on the distribution and concentration of trace elements. Our results indicate acidic conditions (pH = 3.3) and high DOC concentration (3500 µmol L −1 ) at salinities〈1. We observed an initial release of trace elements at low salinity (0.05〈S〈 0.5), followed by scavenging to particles at intermediate salinities (0.5〈S〈10) due to an increasing ionic strength and pH. Peak concentrations (µmol kg −1 ) of Al (24.9), Si (96.2), Mn (4.9), Cu (0.035) and Ni (0.047) were observed during the dry season (July), and Fe concentrations (43.2) were highest during the wet season (December). We used the NICA-Donnan model to investigate the combined impact of DOC and pH on the formation of solid iron hydroxide (Fe(OH) 3 (s)). The Maludam river was predicted to be supersaturated for Fe hydroxides and the results affirmed our model prediction. The output showed Fe and Cu had a strong affinity for DOC and to a lesser extent Al and Ni in the conditions prevailing at the study sites. Statistical analyses also indicated strong correlation between Cu and Ni (r 2 = 0.97, 0.94 and 0.82) in Maludam, Sebuyau and Belait rivers and estuaries, respectively. The results obtained in this study are comparable to values published for southeast Asia and other continents for pristine peat draining rivers.

Description: Mercury (Hg) fulminate was used as a primary fuse in World War (WW) munitions, and may consequently be a Hg source for impacted environments. Mercury is a conspicuous and persistent pollutant, with methylmercury (MeHg) acting as a notorious neurotoxin. Considerable amounts of munitions were intentionally dumped in the North Sea and Baltic Sea following the First and Second WWs. After more than 70 years on the seafloor many munitions have corroded and likely release explosive compounds, including Hg fulminate. The Germany coastal city of Kiel was a manufacturing centre for submarines, and accordingly a prominent target for bombing and post-war disarmament. We collected water and sediment samples around Kiel Bay to assess regional levels and quantify any Hg contamination. The munition dump site Kolberger Heide (KH) and a former anti-aircraft training center Dänisch-Nienhof are situated in Kiel Bay, and were targeted for sampling. Sediment Hg concentrations around KH were notably elevated. Average Hg concentrations in KH sediments were 125 ± 76 ng/g, compared to 14 ± 18 ng/g at background (control) sites. In contrast, dissolved Hg in the water column exhibited no site variations, all ranging between 0.8 and 2.1 pM. Methylmercury in sediments and waters did not have enhanced concentrations amongst sites (〈30 pg/g and 〈50 fM, respectively). Sediment-water exchange experiments showed elevated Hg and MeHg fluxes (i.e. 〉400 pmol m−2 d−1 MeHg) at one KH location, however remaining cores had low to no Hg and MeHg output (〈0–27 pmol m−2 d−1 MeHg). Thus, sediments in Kiel Bay proximate to WW munitions could harbor and form a source of Hg, however water column mixing and removal processes attenuate any discharge from the seafloor to overlying waters.

Description: Tropical peat swamp forests are wetland ecosystems characterized by peat accumulation from partially decomposing organic matter in lowland areas. In southeast Asia, tropical peat swamps account for about 11-14% of the carbon stored in all peatlands. However, converting these ecosystems for agricultural activities has potential implications for releasing materials, including trace elements. This study explores the interplay of anthropogenic activities and trace element export to the estuaries and coastal waters. The result indicated the role of pH, salinity, dissolved organic carbon (DOC), and iron (Fe) and manganese (Mn) oxides in regulating the global biogeochemical cycling of trace elements. Seasonal variabilities contribute to trace element fluxes, especially during the wet season (December), with implications for material supplies to the coastal waters. The NICA- Donnan model was used to investigate the combined impact of DOC and pH on the formation of solid iron hydroxide (Fe(OH)3(s)). The Maludam River was predicted to be supersaturated for Fe hydroxides, and the field results affirmed our model prediction. The output showed Fe and Cu had a strong affinity for DOC and, to a lesser extent, Al and Ni in the conditions prevailing at the study sites. Furthermore, the concentration of DOC (12000 μmol L−1) in the natural peat increased, while the concentration of trace elements increased in the disturbed peat. Porewater samples from the disturbed and natural peat also indicated enhanced trace element concentrations in the disturbed peat compared to the natural peat. The observed increase in trace element concentrations reflects the impact of peat conversion on agricultural activities and catchment chemistry.