Skip to main content

Advertisement

SpringerLink
Log in

Toxicity Testing of Sediment Collected in the Vicinity of Effluent Discharges from Seafood Processing Plants in the Maritimes

  • Published:
Archives of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

There are over 1100 fish-processing plants in Canada and the majority of them discharge untreated effluents directly to marine or estuarine receiving environments. The purpose of this study was to evaluate chemical and toxicological characteristics of sediments near fish-processing plant effluent discharges to assess potential impacts of seafood-processing effluents on receiving environments. Eighteen sediment samples were collected near effluent discharges of six seafood-processing plant outfalls in New Brunswick, Canada in the winter of 2006. Ammonia levels ranged from <0.2 to 3480 μg/g, sulfide levels ranged from <0.4 to 6970 μg/g, and redox ranged from −255 to 443 mV. Only one sample had a Microtox™ Solid-Phase Test IC50 value below 1000 mg/kg, whereas three samples caused greater than 30% reduction to amphipod survival. Redox, sulfide, and ammonia concentrations were all found to be significantly related to both Eohaustorius estuarius survival and Microto (Vibrio fischeri) IC50. An increase in sulfide (R 2 = 0.584; 0.750) and ammonia (R 2 = 0.478; 0.552) and a decrease in redox (R 2 = 0.485; 0.651) were associated with an increase in toxicity to E. estuarius and Microtox, respectively. The highest toxicity to both test organisms, and the most contaminated sediments based on physical/chemical characteristics measured, was observed in samples from Blacks Harbour.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Fig. 1
Fig. 2
Fig. 3

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • AMEC (2003) Management of wastes from fish processing operations. Report submitted to National Programme of Action Atlantic Regional Team.

  • Anderson BS, Hunt JW, Phillips BM et al (1998) Comparison of marine sediment toxicity test protocols for the amphipod Rhepoxynius abronius and the polychaete worm Nereeis (Neanthes) arenaceodentata. Environ Toxicol Chem 17(5):859–866. doi :10.1897/1551-5028(1998)017<0859:COMSTT>2.3.CO;2

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Ankley GT, Katlo A, Arthur J (1990) Identification of ammonia as an important sediment-associated toxicant in the Low Fox River and Green Bay, Wisconsin. Environ Toxicol Chem 9:312–322

    Google Scholar 

  • Bastien-Daigle S, Hardy M, Robichaud G (2007) Habitat management qualitative risk assessment: water column oyster aquaculture in New Brunswick. Canadian Technical Report of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences 2728. http://www.crmc.state.ri.us/projects/riaquaworkinggroup/New_Brunswick_Aquacult_Effects_Rev07.pdf

  • Bower CE, Bidwell JP (1978) Ionization of ammonia in seawater: effects of temperature, ph, and salinity. J Fish Res Board Can 35:1012–1016

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Brodie J (1995) The problem of nutrients and eutrophication in the Australian marine environment. In: Zann LP, Sutton D (eds) State of the marine environment report for Australia: pollution—Technical Annex 2. Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority, Townsville, Australia, pp 1–93

    Google Scholar 

  • Carawan RE, Chamber JV, Zall RR, Wilkowske R (1979) Spinoff on seafood water and wastewater management. Extension Special Report No. AM-18F. North Carolina State University, Cornell University and Perdue University and Science and Education Administration-Extension, USDA Washington DC

  • Carr RS, Long ER, Chapman DC et al (1996) Toxicity assessment studies of contaminated sediment in Tampa Bay, Florida. Environ Toxicol Chem 15:1218–1231. doi :10.1897/1551-5028(1996)015<1218:SQASOT>2.3.CO;2

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Cloern JE (2001) Our evolving conceptual model of the coastal eutrophication problem. Marine Ecol Prog Ser 210:223–253. doi:10.3354/meps210223

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Commons DN, Proni JR, Fergen RE (1996) Coastal oceanographic characteristics and their impact on marine effluent biotoxicity studies during the SEFLOE II project. In: Environmental toxicology and risk assessment, vol 4. ASTM STP 1262. LA Point TW, Price FT and Little EE

  • Dale NG, Dawson AL (1975) Characteristics of fish plant wastes in Nova Scotia and their effects on coastal bays. V: Nearshore effects. EPS-8-AR-75-6. Report by Environment Canada

  • Dominator Marine Services Inc (2001) Letter to Greg Shanks, New Brunswick Department of Environment and Local Government regarding Seafloor Survey of Lamèque Bay, NB

  • Environment Canada (1975) Fish processing operations liquid effluent guidelines. Regulations, codes and protocols. Report EPS 1-WP-75-1. Environment Canada, Ottawa, Ontario

  • Environment Canada (1996) 1996 National compendium monitoring at ocean disposal sites. Environment Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, 1996.

  • Environment Canada (1998a) Reference method for determining acute lethality of sediment to marine or estuarine amphipods. Report EPS 1/RM/35. Environment Canada, Ottawa, Ontario

  • Environment Canada (1998b) National Guidelines for Monitoring Dredged and Excavated Material at Ocean Disposal Sites. Marine Environment Division.

  • Environment Canada (2002) Biological test method: reference method for determining the toxicity of sediment using luminescent bacteria in a solid-phase test. Report EPS 1/RM/42. Environment Canada, Ottawa, Ontario

  • Environment Canada (2005) Pulp and paper EEM technical guidance document. Study design. Chapter 2

  • Ernst B, Hawkins V, Tay KL (1982) Investigation of the cause and extent of PCB contamination of Petit-de-Grat Harbour, NS. EPS-5-AR-82-2. Environment Canada, Ottawa, Ontario

  • Gowen RJ, Brown JR, Bradbury NB, McLusky DS (1988) Investigations into benthic enrichment, hyper-nutrification and eutrophication associated with mariculture in Scottish coastal waters (1984–1988). Report by the Department of Biological Sciences. University of Sterling. ISBN-100901636800

  • Holmer M, Kristensen E (1992) Impact of marine fish farming on metabolism and sulphate reduction of underlying sediments. Marine Ecol Prog Ser 80:191–201. doi:10.3354/meps080191

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Jackman P, Doe K (2006) Results of toxicological testing of sediment samples collected from the vicinities of fish plants. Environment Canada. Toxicology Laboratory, Moncton, NB

    Google Scholar 

  • Jamielson L Gagnon G (2005) Sediment remediation options for Lamèque Bay, NB. Center for Water Resources Studies. Dalhousie University. Report submitted to Chris Morry. Fisheries and Oceans Canada

  • Kohn NP, Word JQ, Niyogi DK, Ross LT, Dillon T, Moore DW (1994) Acute toxicity of ammonia to four species of marine amphipod. Marine Environ Res 38(1):1–15. doi:10.1016/0141-1136(94)90042-6

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Lalonde BA, Garron CA, Ernst W (2007) Characterization and toxicity testing of fish processing plant effluent in Canada. Surveillance Report EPS-5-AR-07-03. Environment Canada, Ottawa, Ontario

  • Mironova TO, Muravjova IP (2007) The organic matter of silt aggregates on the breakwaters in the Bays of Sevastopol, Black Sea. J. Black Sea/Mediterranean Environ 13:139–146

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Modig H, Olafsson E (2001) Survival and bioturbation of the amphipod Monoporeia affinis in sulphide-rich sediments. Marine Biol 138:87–92. doi:10.1007/s002270000445

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Moller A, Murphy T, Thachuk J, Brouwer H (1994) Proceedings of the twentieth Aquatic Toxicity Workshop, October 17–21, 1993, Québec

  • Moore DW, Bridges TS, Gray BR, Duke BM (1997) Risk of ammonia toxicity during sediment bioassays with the estuarine amphipod Leptocheirus plumulosus. Environ Toxicol Chem 16(5):1020–1027. doi :10.1897/1551-5028(1997)016<1020:ROATDS>2.3.CO;2

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Morry CJ, Brideau A, Chadwick MP et al (2006) Practical best management practices for reduction of effluent from seafood processing in Canada: results of research to develop BMP methods designed to control effluents and to conserve water, raw material and energy in the seafood processing industry. Canadian Industry Report of Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences No. 277

  • NovaTec (NovaTec Consultants Inc and EVS Environment Consultants) (1994) Wastewater characterisation of fish processing plant effluents: a report to water quality/waste management committee. Fraser River Management Committee

  • Purnama A, Kay A (1999) Effluent discharge into tidal waters: optimal or economic strategy. Environmentrics 10(5):601–624. doi :10.1002/(SICI)1099-095X(199909/10)10:5<601::AID-ENV375>3.0.CO;2-Q

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Stronkhorst J, Schot ME, Dubbledam MC, Ho KT (2003) A toxicity identification evaluation of silty marine harbour sediments to characterize persistent and non-persistent constituents. Marine Pollut Bull 46:56–64. doi:10.1016/S0025-326X(02)00314-4

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Thériault MH (2006) Les effets des effluents d’usines de transformation des produits marins sur la communauté de poissons côtiers et sur deux espèces sentinelles dans le sud du golfe du St-Laurent. Thèse présentée à la faculté des études supérieures et de la recherche en vue de l’obtention de la Maîtrise ès Sciences en Biologie. Université de Moncton

  • Walton A (1978) Methods for sampling and analysis of marine sediments and dredged materials. Ocean Dumping Report 1. Department of Fisheries and the Environment, Ottawa, Ontario

  • Wang F, Chapman PM (1999) Biological implications of sulfide in sediments: a review focusing on sediment toxicity. Environ Toxicol Chem 18(11):2526–2532. doi :10.1897/1551-5028(1999)018<2526:BIOSIS>2.3.CO;2

  • Wasave SM, Kulakarni GN (2004) Surimi wastewater characteristics and its toxicity to the fingerlings of Tilapia, Oreochromis mossambicus. Pollut Res 22(2):125–130

    Google Scholar 

  • Wells PG, Schneider JR (1975) Characteristics of fish plant wastes in Nova Scotia and their effects on coastal bays III: Toxicity Studies. EPS-8-AR-75-4. Environment Canada, Ottawa, Ontario

  • Wildish DJ, Hargrave BT, Pohle G (2001) Cost-effective monitoring of organic enrichment resulting from salmon mariculture. ICES J Marine Sci 58:469–476. doi:10.1006/jmsc.2000.1030

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Environment Canada, Water Science and Technology Directorate, 45 Alderney Dr, Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, Canada, B2Y 2N6

    Benoit A. Lalonde & Christine Garron

  2. Environment Canada, Science and Technology Branch, Environmental Science Centre, P.O. Box 23005, Moncton, New Brunswick, Canada, E1A 3E9

    Paula Jackman, Ken Doe & Jamie Aubé

Authors
  1. Benoit A. Lalonde
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Paula Jackman
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Ken Doe
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. Christine Garron
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  5. Jamie Aubé
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Benoit A. Lalonde.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Lalonde, B.A., Jackman, P., Doe, K. et al. Toxicity Testing of Sediment Collected in the Vicinity of Effluent Discharges from Seafood Processing Plants in the Maritimes. Arch Environ Contam Toxicol 56, 389–396 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00244-008-9214-6

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00244-008-9214-6

Keywords

Search

Navigation