Publications by authors named "Lucienne R D Human"
Article Synopsis
- - The study examines the levels of organophosphate flame retardants (OPFRs) in sediments from two South African estuaries (Sundays Estuary and Swartkops Estuary), highlighting their significance for biodiversity and tourism, but noting the lack of previous research on OPFRs in these areas.
- - OPFR concentrations varied, with Sundays Estuary showing levels between 0.71 to 22.5 ng/g and Swartkops Estuary showing levels from 0.61 to 119 ng/g, primarily dominated by alkyl-OPFRs, while certain compounds like TBP, TCPP, and TCrP were most abundant.
- - The ecological risk assessment indicated low to medium risks
Ecological risk assessment of metal pollutants in two agriculturally impacted estuaries.
Mar Pollut Bull
October 2023
Article Synopsis
- A study was carried out to assess the health of two South African estuaries (Kromme and Gamtoos) using four pollution indices to measure metal toxicity.
- The results showed that the estuaries are contaminated, particularly with cadmium (Cd), likely due to agricultural runoff from nearby areas.
- While overall metal contamination appeared low, the researchers emphasized the need for ongoing monitoring due to increasing human impact on these ecosystems, which are crucial for social and economic activities.
Article Synopsis
- This study evaluates how different wetland plants handle metal exposure and their potential to act as metal sinks.
- Seagrass (Zostera capensis) showed significant metal uptake in leaves, while salt marsh plants (Spartina maritima and Salicornia tegetaria) primarily accumulated metals in their roots with minimal translocation.
- The research suggests the need for further analysis of various plant species to understand their ecological roles in wetland environments effectively.
This study assessed the tissue distribution, dietary intake, and potential health risks of eight OPPs in Pomadasys commersonnii (Spotted grunter) and Mugil cephalus (Flathead mullet) from the Sundays and Swartkops estuaries in South Africa. The highest concentration in fish tissues was found in muscles of M. cephalus (178 ± 80.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFBlue carbon and nutrient stocks in salt marsh and seagrass from an urban African estuary.
Sci Total Environ
October 2022
Halophytes in estuaries are effective sinks of carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus. Blue carbon (BC) is carbon stored in coastal habitats such as mangroves, salt marshes and seagrass. The objectives of this study were to firstly assess the biomass and sediment C stocks in salt marsh (Spartina maritima and Salicornia tegetaria) and seagrass (Zostera capensis) habitats of the Swartkops Estuary, South Africa.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFThe seasonal variation, spatial distribution, and ecological risks of thirteen organophosphate pesticides (OPPs) were studied in the Sundays and Swartkops estuaries in South Africa. Ten pesticides were detected in surface water samples from both estuaries, while all OPPs were detected in sediments. The highest concentration of OPPs (18.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFOrganophosphate pesticides (OPPs) are persistent in the environment, but little information is available on their bioaccumulation in seagrass. In this study, the seagrass - Zostera capensis was collected from Swartkops Estuary in South Africa to investigate the bioaccumulation of OPPs from contaminated sediments and the water column. This plant was chosen because it grows abundantly in the estuary's intertidal zone, making it a viable phytoremediator in the urban environment.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFArticle Synopsis
- - The study examined how the common reed, Phragmites australis, absorbs organophosphate pesticides (OPPs) in the polluted Sundays Estuary, South Africa, assessing water, plant, and sediment samples for 13 different OPPs.
- - Findings revealed that leaves of P. australis had the highest pesticide concentrations, while the plant showed the ability to bioaccumulate certain OPPs and effectively transport them from roots to leaves.
- - The research indicates that P. australis could be a useful plant for cleaning up contaminated environments, highlighting its potential for removing OPPs from water and sediment.