Displaying publications 41 - 60 of 172 in total

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  1. Assessment of swimming associated health effects in marine bathing beach: an example from Morib beach (Malaysia)
    Praveena SM, Pauzi NM, Hamdan M, Sham SM
    Mar Pollut Bull, 2015 Mar 15;92(1-2):222-6.
    PMID: 25597267 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2015.01.003
    A survey among beachgoers was conducted to determine the swimming associated health effects experienced and its relationship with beach water exposure behaviour in Morib beach. For beach water exposure behaviour, the highest frequency of visit among the respondents was once a year (41.9%). For ways of water exposure, whole body exposure including head was the highest (38.5%). For duration of water exposure, 30.8% respondents prefer to be in water for about 30 min with low possibilities of accidental ingestion of beach water. A total of 30.8% of beachgoers in Morib beach were reported of having dermal symptoms. Bivariate analysis showed only water activity, water contact and accidental ingestion of beach water showed significant association with swimming associated health effects experienced by swimmers. This study output showed that epidemiological study can be used to identify swimming associated health effects in beach water exposed to faecal contamination.
  2. Sterols as biomarkers in the surface microlayer of the estuarine areas
    Alsalahi MA, Latif MT, Ali MM, Dominick D, Khan MF, Mustaffa NI, et al.
    Mar Pollut Bull, 2015 Apr 15;93(1-2):278-83.
    PMID: 25682566 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2015.01.011
    This study aims to determine the concentration of sterols used as biomarkers in the surface microlayer (SML) in estuarine areas of the Selangor River, Malaysia. Samples were collected during different seasons through the use of a rotation drum. The analysis of sterols was performed using gas chromatography equipped with a flame ionisation detector (GC-FID). The results showed that the concentrations of total sterols in the SML ranged from 107.06 to 505.55 ng L(-1). The total sterol concentration was found to be higher in the wet season. Cholesterol was found to be the most abundant sterols component in the SML. The diagnostic ratios of sterols show the influence of natural sources and waste on the contribution of sterols in the SML. Further analysis, using principal component analysis (PCA), showed distinct inputs of sterols derived from human activity (40.58%), terrigenous and plant inputs (22.59%) as well as phytoplankton and marine inputs (17.35%).
  3. Total petroleum hydrocarbons in sediments from the coastline and mangroves of the northern Persian Gulf
    Mohebbi-Nozar SL, Zakaria MP, Ismail WR, Mortazawi MS, Salimizadeh M, Momeni M, et al.
    Mar Pollut Bull, 2015 Jun 15;95(1):407-11.
    PMID: 25843439 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2015.03.037
    To provide baseline information for the marine ecosystem of Hormozgan province, the distribution of petroleum hydrocarbons was evaluated in 52 stations involved in the mangrove and coastline ecosystem. Coastline sampling sites included areas facing harbor, river, domestic and industrial discharge. Sediment samples were analyzed based on ultraviolet fluorescence spectroscopy. Petroleum hydrocarbons showed narrow variations ranging from non-detectable (ND) to 1.71 and from 0.2 to 0.63μg/g dry weight for coastline and mangrove sediments, respectively. The detected concentrations for total petroleum hydrocarbons were lower than guideline values for ecological risk. Furthermore, the minimum environmental risk was confirmed by background levels for the Persian Gulf, the Sea of Oman, and detected values for reference areas. The results were regarded as background data in the studied area, and, considering the rapid expansion of activities related to the petroleum industry in Hormozgan province, the continuous monitoring of pollutants is recommended.
  4. Surfactants in the sea-surface microlayer and sub-surface water at estuarine locations: Their concentration, distribution, enrichment, and relation to physicochemical characteristics
    Huang YJ, Brimblecombe P, Lee CL, Latif MT
    Mar Pollut Bull, 2015 Aug 15;97(1-2):78-84.
    PMID: 26093815 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2015.06.031
    Samples of sea-surface microlayer (SML) and sub-surface water (SSW) were collected from two areas-Kaohsiung City (Taiwan) and the southwest coast of Peninsular Malaysia to study the influence of SML on enrichment and distribution and to compare SML with the SSW. Anionic surfactants (MBAS) predominated in this study and were significantly higher in Kaohsiung than in Malaysia. Industrial areas in Kaohsiung were enriched with high loads of anthropogenic sources, accounted for higher surfactant amounts, and pose higher environmental disadvantages than in Malaysia, where pollutants were associated with agricultural activities. The dissolved organic carbon (DOC), MBAS, and cationic surfactant (DBAS) concentrations in the SML correlated to the SSW, reflecting exchanges between the SML and SSW in Kaohsiung. The relationships between surfactants and the physiochemical parameters indicated that DOC and saltwater dilution might affect the distributions of MBAS and DBAS in Kaohsiung. In Malaysia, DOC might be the important factor controlling DBAS.
  5. Forensic investigation of aliphatic hydrocarbons in the sediments from selected mangrove ecosystems in the west coast of Peninsular Malaysia
    Vaezzadeh V, Zakaria MP, Shau-Hwai AT, Ibrahim ZZ, Mustafa S, Abootalebi-Jahromi F, et al.
    Mar Pollut Bull, 2015 Nov 15;100(1):311-320.
    PMID: 26323864 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2015.08.034
    Peninsular Malaysia has gone through fast development during recent decades resulting in the release of large amounts of petroleum and its products into the environment. Aliphatic hydrocarbons are one of the major components of petroleum. Surface sediment samples were collected from five rivers along the west coast of Peninsular Malaysia and analyzed for aliphatic hydrocarbons. The total concentrations of C10 to C36 n-alkanes ranged from 27,945 to 254,463ng·g(-1)dry weight (dw). Evaluation of various n-alkane indices such as carbon preference index (CPI; 0.35 to 3.10) and average chain length (ACL; 26.74 to 29.23) of C25 to C33 n-alkanes indicated a predominance of petrogenic source n-alkanes in the lower parts of the Rivers, while biogenic origin n-alkanes from vascular plants are more predominant in the upper parts, especially in less polluted areas. Petrogenic sources of n-alkanes are predominantly heavy and degraded oil versus fresh oil inputs.
  6. Merits of partial shielding in dumping sediment spoils
    Jensen JH, Saremi S, Jimenez C, Hadjioannou L
    Mar Pollut Bull, 2015 Dec 15;101(1):61-68.
    PMID: 26597564 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2015.11.023
    The commonly adopted method of dumping dredge spoil at sea using split-hull barges leads to considerable sediment loss to the water column and a subsequent dispersion of fine material that can pose a risk to sensitive "downstream" habitats such as coral reefs. Containing sediment loads using stitched closed geotextile bags is practiced for minimizing loss of contaminated sediment, but is expensive in terms of operational efficiency. Following promising observations from initial laboratory trials, the plunging of partially shielded sediment loads, released on open sea, was studied. The partial shielding was achieved with rigid, open containers as well as flexible, open bags. The loss of sediment from these modes of shielding was measured, and it was observed that even limited and unstitched shielding can be effective in debilitating the entrainment of water into the descending load. In particular, long-sleeved flexible bags practically self-eliminated the exposure of the load and thus losses.
  7. Three decades of sea water abstraction by Kapar power plant (Malaysia): What impacts on tropical zooplankton community?
    Chew LL, Chong VC, Wong RCS, Lehette P, Ng CC, Loh KH
    Mar Pollut Bull, 2015 Dec 15;101(1):69-84.
    PMID: 26581817 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2015.11.022
    Zooplankton samples collected before (1985-86) and after (2013-14) the establishment of Kapar power station (KPS) were examined to test the hypothesis that increased sea surface temperature (SST) and other water quality changes have altered the zooplankton community structure. Elevated SST and reduced pH were detected between before and after impact pairs, with the greatest impact at the station closest to KPS. Present PAHs and heavy metal concentrations are unlikely causal factors. Water parameter changes did not affect diversity but community structure of the zooplankton. Tolerant small crustaceans, salps and larvaceans likely benefited from elevated temperature, reduced pH and shift to a more significant microbial loop exacerbated by eutrophication, while large crustaceans were more vulnerable to such changes. It is predicted that any further rise in SST will remove more large-bodied crustacean zooplankton, the preferred food for fish larvae and other meroplankton, with grave consequences to fishery production.
  8. Baseline distribution and sources of linear alkyl benzenes (LABs) in surface sediments from Brunei Bay, Brunei
    Alkhadher SAA, Zakaria MP, Yusoff FM, Kannan N, Suratman S, Keshavarzifard M, et al.
    Mar Pollut Bull, 2015 Dec 15;101(1):397-403.
    PMID: 26478457 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2015.10.011
    Sewage pollution is one of major concerns of coastal and shoreline settlements in Southeast Asia, especially Brunei. The distribution and sources of LABs as sewage molecular markers were evaluated in surface sediments collected from Brunei Bay. The samples were extracted, fractionated and analyzed using gas chromatography- mass spectrometry (GC-MS). LABs concentrations ranged from 7.1 to 41.3 ng g(-1) dry weight (dw) in surficial sediments from Brunei Bay. The study results showed LABs concentrations variably due to the LABs intensity and anthropogenic influence along Brunei Bay in recent years. The ratio of Internal to External isomers (I/E ratio) of LABs in sediment samples from Brunei Bay ranged from 0.56 to 2.17 along Brunei Bay stations, indicating that the study areas were receiving primary and secondary effluents. This is the first study carried out to assess the distribution and sources of LABs in surface sediments from Brunei Bay, Brunei.
  9. Klebsiella sp. FIRD 2, a TBT-resistant bacterium isolated from contaminated surface sediment along Strait of Johor Malaysia
    Abubakar A, Mustafa MB, Johari WLW, Zulkifli SZ, Ismail A, Mohamat-Yusuff FB
    Mar Pollut Bull, 2015 Dec 15;101(1):280-283.
    PMID: 26434791 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2015.09.041
    A possible tributyltin (TBT)-degrading bacterium isolated from contaminated surface sediment was successfully identified as Klebsiella sp. FIRD 2. It was found to be the best isolate capable of resisting TBT at a concentration of 1000 μg L(-1). This was a concentration above the reported contaminated level at the sampling station, 790 μg L(-1). Further studies revealed that the isolate was Gram negative and resisted TBT concentrations of up to 1500 μg L(-1) in a Minimal Salt Broth without the addition of any carbon source within the first 48 h of incubation. It is expected that additional work could be conducted to check the degradation activity of this new isolate and possibly improve the degradation capacity in order to contribute to finding a safe and sustainable remediation solution of TBT contamination.
  10. Evaluation of the status and distributions of heavy metal pollution in surface sediments of the Langat River Basin in Selangor Malaysia
    Kadhum SA, Ishak MY, Zulkifli SZ, Hashim RB
    Mar Pollut Bull, 2015 Dec 15;101(1):391-396.
    PMID: 26476862 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2015.10.012
    The concentration of four metals: Cd, Ni, Cr, and Sn, in the surface sediment samples from the Langat River were evaluated. Multivariate techniques were used to apportion the sources of the metals. The results showed that the highest concentration of metals in the Langat River were found at Jenjarom station, with the concentration of these metals decreasing in the order of Sn>Cr>Ni>Cd (114.27, 21.03, 7.84, 0.59 μg g(-1) dry weight). The level of pollution in the sediment was assessed using contamination factor (CF), pollution load index (PLI), geo-accumulation index (Igeo), and enrichment factor (EF). The results of the pollution assessment showed that the Langat River sediments have severe enrichment of Sn and moderate to severe enrichment of Cd. The results of the PLI for the Langat River suggest that the sampling stations are not polluted with the exception of the Jugra, Jenjarom, and Jalan Hulu Langat stations.
  11. Characterization of spatial and temporal variability in hydrochemistry of Johor Straits, Malaysia
    Abdullah P, Abdullah SMS, Jaafar O, Mahmud M, Khalik WMAWM
    Mar Pollut Bull, 2015 Dec 15;101(1):378-385.
    PMID: 26476861 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2015.10.014
    Characterization of hydrochemistry changes in Johor Straits within 5 years of monitoring works was successfully carried out. Water quality data sets (27 stations and 19 parameters) collected in this area were interpreted subject to multivariate statistical analysis. Cluster analysis grouped all the stations into four clusters ((Dlink/Dmax) × 100<90) and two clusters ((Dlink/Dmax) × 100<80) for site and period similarities. Principal component analysis rendered six significant components (eigenvalue>1) that explained 82.6% of the total variance of the data set. Classification matrix of discriminant analysis assigned 88.9-92.6% and 83.3-100% correctness in spatial and temporal variability, respectively. Times series analysis then confirmed that only four parameters were not significant over time change. Therefore, it is imperative that the environmental impact of reclamation and dredging works, municipal or industrial discharge, marine aquaculture and shipping activities in this area be effectively controlled and managed.
  12. Anthropogenic waste indicators (AWIs), particularly PAHs and LABs, in Malaysian sediments: Application of aquatic environment for identifying anthropogenic pollution
    Masood N, Zakaria MP, Halimoon N, Aris AZ, Magam SM, Kannan N, et al.
    Mar Pollut Bull, 2016 Jan 15;102(1):160-75.
    PMID: 26616745 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2015.11.032
    Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and linear alkylbenzenes (LABs) were used as anthropogenic markers of organic chemical pollution of sediments in the Selangor River, Peninsular Malaysia. This study was conducted on sediment samples from the beginning of the estuary to the upstream river during dry and rainy seasons. The concentrations of ƩPAHs and ƩLABs ranged from 203 to 964 and from 23 to 113 ng g(-1) dry weight (dw), respectively. In particular, the Selangor River was found to have higher sedimentary levels of PAHs and LABs during the wet season than in the dry season, which was primarily associated with the intensity of domestic wastewater discharge and high amounts of urban runoff washing the pollutants from the surrounding area. The concentrations of the toxic contaminants were determined according to the Sediment Quality Guidelines (SQGs). The PAH levels in the Selangor River did not exceed the SQGs, for example, the effects range low (ERL) value, indicating that they cannot exert adverse biological effects.
  13. A review of polymer nanofibres by electrospinning and their application in oil-water separation for cleaning up marine oil spills
    Sarbatly R, Krishnaiah D, Kamin Z
    Mar Pollut Bull, 2016 May 15;106(1-2):8-16.
    PMID: 27016959 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2016.03.037
    The growths of oil and gas exploration and production activities have increased environmental problems, such as oil spillage and the resulting pollution. The study of the methods for cleaning up oil spills is a critical issue to protect the environment. Various techniques are available to contain oil spills, but they are typically time consuming, energy inefficient and create secondary pollution. The use of a sorbent, such as a nanofibre sorbent, is a technique for controlling oil spills because of its good physical and oil sorption properties. This review discusses about the application of nanofibre sorbent for oil removal from water and its current developments. With their unique physical and mechanical properties coupled with their very high surface area and small pore sizes, nanofibre sorbents are alternative materials for cleaning up oil spills.
  14. Spatial assessment and source identification of heavy metals pollution in surface water using several chemometric techniques
    Ismail A, Toriman ME, Juahir H, Zain SM, Habir NL, Retnam A, et al.
    Mar Pollut Bull, 2016 May 15;106(1-2):292-300.
    PMID: 27001716 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2015.10.019
    This study presents the determination of the spatial variation and source identification of heavy metal pollution in surface water along the Straits of Malacca using several chemometric techniques. Clustering and discrimination of heavy metal compounds in surface water into two groups (northern and southern regions) are observed according to level of concentrations via the application of chemometric techniques. Principal component analysis (PCA) demonstrates that Cu and Cr dominate the source apportionment in northern region with a total variance of 57.62% and is identified with mining and shipping activities. These are the major contamination contributors in the Straits. Land-based pollution originating from vehicular emission with a total variance of 59.43% is attributed to the high level of Pb concentration in the southern region. The results revealed that one state representing each cluster (northern and southern regions) is significant as the main location for investigating heavy metal concentration in the Straits of Malacca which would save monitoring cost and time.

    CAPSULE: The monitoring of spatial variation and source of heavy metals pollution at the northern and southern regions of the Straits of Malacca, Malaysia, using chemometric analysis.

  15. Isolation, identification and diesel-oil biodegradation capacities of indigenous hydrocarbon-degrading strains of Cellulosimicrobium cellulans and Acinetobacter baumannii from tarball at Terengganu beach, Malaysia
    Nkem BM, Halimoon N, Yusoff FM, Johari WLW, Zakaria MP, Medipally SR, et al.
    Mar Pollut Bull, 2016 Jun 15;107(1):261-268.
    PMID: 27085593 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2016.03.060
    In this study, we isolated two indigenous hydrocarbon-degrading bacteria from tarball found in Rhu Sepuluh beach, Terengganu, Malaysia. These bacteria were identified based on their physiological characteristic and 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis, and they showed 99% similarity with Cellulosimicrobium cellulans DSM 43879 and Acinetobacter baumannii ATCC 19606 respectively. Their hydrocarbon-degrading capabilities were tested using diesel-oil as sole carbon source. Results analysed using GC-MS, showed diesel-oil alkanes were degraded an average 64.4% by C. cellulans and 58.1% by A. baumannii with medium optical density reaching 0.967 (C. cellulans) and 1.515 (A. baumannii) in minimal salt media at 32°C for 10days. Individual diesel-oil alkanes were degraded between 10%-95.4% by C. cellulans and 0.2%-95.9% by A. baumannii. Both strains utilized diesel-oil for growth. The study suggests both strains are part of indigenous hydrocarbon-degrading bacteria in tarball with potential for bioremediation of oil-polluted marine environment.
  16. Origins of suspended particulate matter based on sterol distribution in low salinity water mass observed in the offshore East China Sea
    Kim M, Jung JH, Jin Y, Han GM, Lee T, Hong SH, et al.
    Mar Pollut Bull, 2016 Jul 15;108(1-2):281-8.
    PMID: 27167134 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2016.04.049
    The molecular composition and distribution of sterols were investigated in the East China Sea to identify the origins of suspended particulate matter (SPM) in offshore waters influenced by Changjiang River Diluted Water (CRDW). Total sterol concentrations ranged from 3200 to 31,900pgL(-1) and 663 to 5690pgL(-1) in the particulate and dissolved phases, respectively. Marine sterols dominated representing 71% and 66% in the particulate and dissolved phases, respectively. Typical sewage markers, such as coprostanol, were usually absent at ~250km offshore. However, sterols from allochthonous terrestrial plants were still detected at these sites. A negative relationship was observed between salinity and concentrations of terrestrial sterols in SPM, suggesting that significant amounts of terrestrial particulate matter traveled long distance offshore in the East China Sea, and the Changjiang River Diluted Water (CRDW) was an effective carrier of land-derived particulate organic matter to the offshore East China Sea.
  17. Temporal and spatial changes in persistent organic pollutants in Vietnamese coastal waters detected from plastic resin pellets
    Le DQ, Takada H, Yamashita R, Mizukawa K, Hosoda J, Tuyet DA
    Mar Pollut Bull, 2016 Aug 15;109(1):320-324.
    PMID: 27262498 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2016.05.063
    Plastic resin pellets collected at Minh Chau island and Ba Lat estuary between 2007 and 2014 in Vietnam were analyzed for dichloro-diphenyl-trichloroethanes (DDTs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and hexachlorocyclohexanes (HCHs). The study was carried out as part of the International Pellet Watch program for monitoring the global distribution of persistent organic pollutants (POPs). Higher levels of DDTs compared to PCBs indicated agricultural inputs rather than industrial discharges in the region. Most POP concentrations on both beaches decreased over the period, with the exception of HCH isomers. Though the concentration of DDTs showed a drastic decline on both beaches between 2007/2008 and 2014, DDTs accounted for 60-80% of total DDTs, suggesting that there is still a fresh input of these chemicals in the region. This study strongly recommends further investigations to track temporal and spatial patterns of POP levels in the marine environment using plastic resin pellets.
  18. A comprehensive guide of remediation technologies for oil contaminated soil - Present works and future directions
    Lim MW, Lau EV, Poh PE
    Mar Pollut Bull, 2016 Aug 15;109(1):14-45.
    PMID: 27267117 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2016.04.023
    Oil spills result in negative impacts on the environment, economy and society. Due to tidal and waves actions, the oil spillage affects the shorelines by adhering to the soil, making it difficult for immediate cleaning of the soil. As shoreline clean-up is the most costly component of a response operation, there is a need for effective oil remediation technologies. This paper provides a review on the remediation technologies for soil contaminated with various types of oil, including diesel, crude oil, petroleum, lubricating oil, bitumen and bunker oil. The methods discussed include solvent extraction, bioremediation, phytoremediation, chemical oxidation, electrokinetic remediation, thermal technologies, ultrasonication, flotation and integrated remediation technologies. Each of these technologies was discussed, and associated with their advantages, disadvantages, advancements and future work in detail. Nonetheless, it is important to note that no single remediation technology is considered the best solution for the remediation of oil contaminated soil.

    CAPSULE: This review provides a comprehensive literature on the various remediation technologies studied in the removal of different oil types from soil.

  19. Monsoonal variations in atmospheric surfactants at different coastal areas of the Malaysian Peninsula
    Jaafar SA, Latif MT, Razak IS, Shaharudin MZ, Khan MF, Wahid NBA, et al.
    Mar Pollut Bull, 2016 Aug 15;109(1):480-489.
    PMID: 27230987 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2016.05.017
    This study determined the effect of monsoonal changes on the composition of atmospheric surfactants in coastal areas. The composition of anions (SO4(2-), NO3(-), Cl(-), F(-)) and the major elements (Ca, K, Mg, Na) in aerosols were used to determine the possible sources of surfactants. Surfactant compositions were determined using a colorimetric method as methylene blue active substances (MBAS) and disulphine blue active substances (DBAS). The anion and major element compositions of the aerosol samples were determined by ion chromatography (IC) and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), respectively. The results indicated that the concentrations of surfactant in aerosols were dominated by MBAS (34-326pmolm(-3)). Monsoonal changes were found to significantly affect the concentration of surfactants. Using principal component analysis-multiple linear regressions (PCA-MLR), major possible sources for surfactants in the aerosols were motor vehicle emissions, secondary aerosol and the combustion of biomass along with marine aerosol.
  20. Fecal indicator bacteria in tropical beach sand: Baseline findings from Port Dickson coastline, Strait of Malacca (Malaysia)
    Praveena SM, Shamira SS, Ismail SNS, Aris AZ
    Mar Pollut Bull, 2016 Sep 15;110(1):609-612.
    PMID: 27289286 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2016.06.024
    This pilot study aims to assess Escherichia coli (E. coli) contamination and its perceived health risks among beachgoers in ten tropical beach sands along Port Dickson coastline (Malaysia). This study also aims to determine the relationship between perceived health symptoms and tropical beach sand exposure behavior. The concentration of E. coli in tropical beach sand ranged from 60cfu/100g to 4113cfu/100g. E. coli contamination was the highest at Tanjung Gemuk (4113±30cfu/100g) and the lowest at Tanjung Tuan (60±15cfu/100g); the high level of contamination could be due to the location of the former at the sewage outlet of nearby hotels. Skin symptoms were the most predominant among the health symptoms indicated by beachgoers. Exposure duration was significantly correlated with the perceived health symptoms among beachgoers in the beaches studied.
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