Fung Chi Ko | National Dong Hwa University (original) (raw)

Papers by Fung Chi Ko

Environmental Science and Pollution Research (ESPR) serves the international community in all are... more Environmental Science and Pollution Research (ESPR) serves the international community in all areas of Environmental Science and related subjects with emphasis on chemical compounds. It reports from a broad interdisciplinary outlook. Apart from the strictly scientific contributions as research articles (short and full papers) and reviews, ESPR publishes: news & views from research and technology, legislation and regulation, hardware and software, education, literature, institutions, organizations, conferences. Editorial Policy For maximum benefit to the environmental community, the journal has the following features: ESPR represents the international perspective, with emphasis on the natural sciences but also includes the impacts of legislation, regulation, and the economy on pollution control; and ESPR articles are generally chemically oriented but cover all the broad areas within environmental science. ESPR was conceived as a truly international scientific journal. Information from ESPR should also be useful for planning lectures and university environmental curricula. A global network of editorial board members represents a variety of disciplines and groups of interest: university, industry, administrative bodies, government, consulting companies, public interest groups.

Animals

As people’s focus broadens from animals on farms to zoos and aquaria, the field of welfare scienc... more As people’s focus broadens from animals on farms to zoos and aquaria, the field of welfare science and the public’s concern for animal welfare continue to grow. In captive animals, stress and its causes are topics of interest in welfare issues, and the identification of an objective method that can be used to assess animals’ stress as a physiological state is essential. Both behavioral and physiological parameters can be used as indicators in order to assess animal stress quantitatively. To validate this approach, acoustic activity and the sloughed scrape skin cortisol concentration were used to evaluate the animal welfare of captive beluga whales (Delphinapterus leucas). The acoustic activity (5 min at 10:00 am) of three captive D. leucas was routinely recorded by a transducer and analyzed using audio editing software. The calls were separated into three main categories: whistles, pulses, and combo calls. The sloughed scrape skin samples were collected non-invasively once a week fr...

Journal of Marine Science and Engineering

Bioaccumulation by zooplankton is the outset for persistent organic pollutants that enter the mar... more Bioaccumulation by zooplankton is the outset for persistent organic pollutants that enter the marine food chain. Owing to a full spectrum of anthropogenic activities, the Gaoping waters of southwestern Taiwan are exposed to large quantities of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs). However, information on these contaminants in zooplankton in this study area is lacking. In this study, we analyzed 19 PBDE congeners concentrations in 36 zooplankton samples from the Gaoping waters. A high variation in the total PBDE concentrations in zooplankton (from not detected to 1415 ng g−1 dry weight) was found, with the highest PBDE levels being recorded near the entrance of the Kaohsiung Harbor (KH). Significantly higher levels were noted for the KH transect than for the Gaoping River estuary (GR) and Fengshan Township (FS) transects, indicating that PBDE inputs originate from the ocean sewage outfalls. BDE-15 (43%) and BDE-209 (16%) were the predominant PBDE congeners in the zooplankton. Our r...

World Seas: an Environmental Evaluation, 2019

Environmental monitoring and assessment, 2015

Millions of tourists visit Kenting National Park (KNP) in southern Taiwan every year, causing gre... more Millions of tourists visit Kenting National Park (KNP) in southern Taiwan every year, causing great amount of sewage discharges in this area. This study aimed to assess the impact of sewage on KNP surface waters using zebrafish embryo-larval bioassays combined with chemical analyses of pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs). Surface water samples were collected monthly from May to October in 2010. During the monthly bioassays, zebrafish embryos were exposed to the water samples for 144 h. Hatchability, embryonic heart rate, larval survival rate, and deformities were recorded. Larval swimming behavior was also digitally quantified at the end of exposure. Significant decreases in hatchability and larval survival rate were observed at all sites. Both hatchability and larval survival rate were negatively correlated with nitrite and ammonia concentrations in the water. The field water had little effect on embryonic heart rate and morphology. However, lower swimming speeds and...

Environmental Pollution, 2014

Surface sediments and corals (Acropora sp. and Montipora sp.) from the coastline of Kenting were ... more Surface sediments and corals (Acropora sp. and Montipora sp.) from the coastline of Kenting were analyzed in 2009 and 2010 for content levels of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) using gas chromatographymass spectrometry. The total PAH concentrations (t-PAH) in corasls (143e1715 ng g À1 dw) were significantly higher than in the ambient sediments (2e59 ng g À1 dw) indicating the bioaccumulation of PAHs in corals. The spatial and seasonal variation in PAH levels suggested that land-loaded contaminants may be the main source of PAHs in the Kenting coral reefs. Based on molecular indices, PAHs were substantially of petroleum origin. The major PAH components were phenanthrene, pyrene and fluorine, but PAH congeners in corals and sediments still have characteristic composition patterns which would be altered by the bio/ accumulation mechanisms. Further study is essential to assess and understand the impacts of these chemicals on coral reefs.

Environmental Monitoring and Assessment, 2012

This study is the first measurement of trace elements in sipunculan and their surrounding sedimen... more This study is the first measurement of trace elements in sipunculan and their surrounding sediments. The bioaccumulation characteristics of arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), mercury (Hg), and zinc (Zn) were analyzed and compared in two sipunculan species, Sipuncula nudus and Siphonosoma vastum, which were collected from seagrass beds and wetlands in Taiwan. The sipunculan and sediment samples were analyzed using an inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer. Both sipunculan in the wetlands and seagrass beds had a high Cu bioaccumulation mechanism. Multivariate analysis, principle component analysis, and partial least squares for discriminant analysis of trace element levels and bioaccumulation factors were used to distinguish the element distributions that corresponded to the two habitats (seagrass beds and wetlands). Different levels of certain trace elements in these two sipunculan species may result not only from the environmental factors of various habitats but also from the accumulation characteristics of various species. The As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Hg, and Zn concentrations were markedly lower in sipunculan than in other invertebrates from the adjacent polluted regions. The public health issues regarding the consumption of sipunculan are also discussed.

Chemosphere, 2014

h i g h l i g h t s AhR agonist contaminants were frequently detected in rivers in Southern Taiwa... more h i g h l i g h t s AhR agonist contaminants were frequently detected in rivers in Southern Taiwan. Genotoxicity was often found in dry-season samples collected from Erren River. AhR agonist activity and genotoxicity were caused by different contaminants. PAHs were minor contributors to the AhR agonist activity elicited by sediment. Bioassay analysis is useful in providing combined toxicity in environmental samples.

Environmental Science and Pollution Research, 2020

Surface sediments from the Danshui River basin were collected and analyzed for persistent organic... more Surface sediments from the Danshui River basin were collected and analyzed for persistent organic pollutants (POPs), including polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), and dichloro-diphenyl-trichloroethanes (DDTs). The total concentrations of each category ranged from 96 to 3803 ng g −1 for PAHs, 0.02 to 54.9 ng g −1 for PCBs, and from below the detection limit to 10.3 ng g −1 for DDTs. These values are within the ranges observed for river and estuarine sediments of industrial and urbanized areas in Taiwan and worldwide. A decreasing trend of POP levels was observed in comparison with the levels reported in previous studies. Significant correlations between the levels of compounds and black carbon (BC) were found, suggesting that these POPs and BC may have similar transport processes. Based on sediment quality guidelines (SQGs), the ecological risk posed by these POPs toward sediment-dwelling organisms in the Danshui River basin is relatively low. Long-term monitoring of contaminant levels is necessary to develop appropriate management tools due to the importance of the Danshui river basin as a water source for metropolitan areas.

Additional file 1: Table S1. Basic information of Yanshuei River, Erren River, and Agondian River... more Additional file 1: Table S1. Basic information of Yanshuei River, Erren River, and Agondian River*1. Table S2. Biological parameters of the fish captured at downstream of Yanshuei River, Erren River, and Agondian River. Table S3. Method detection limits (MDLs) and recoveries of target PAHs investigated in this study. Figure S1. Concentration-activity curves of agonist/antagonist compounds for AR (DHT/FLU), ER (17β-E2/OHT), RXR (9cRA), and TR (T3). Figure S2. (A) AR (B) ER (C) RXR (D) TR agonist/antagonist activities elicited by 10−/5-fold concentrated dry-season river water extracts (Water-D) and wet-season river water extracts (Water-W). Figure S3. Concentration-survival rates of Rec+ and Rec– strains exposed to genotoxic standard 4-NQO and dry−/wet-season (D/W) sediment extracts of E1, E7, A1, and A2.

On 8 August 2009, a German chemical tanker known as the W-O Budmo ran aground near Checheng, Ping... more On 8 August 2009, a German chemical tanker known as the W-O Budmo ran aground near Checheng, Pingtung, spilling oil into the Houwan area. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), which have acute toxicity and sublethal effects to aquatic organisms, are major components found in oil and therefore there was great cause for concern. Concentrations of PAHs were monitored in seawater and sediments at several sampling sites near Houwan to evaluate the potential environmental impact caused by this incident. Two sampling sites (C and D) were established near the grounding location to capture the immediate spread of PAHs. Two other sites (B and E) were established 0.5 km north and south of the tanker's position to monitor the potential spread of pollutants. Site A was the water inlet of the National Museum of Marine Biology and Aquarium (NMMBA) to monitor seawater quality input to NMMBA. The reference station, site F, was at Wanliton. Samples were collected from the surface seawater (＜5 ...

Frontiers in Marine Science, 2021

The effects of seagrass on microalgal assemblages under experimentally elevated temperatures (28°... more The effects of seagrass on microalgal assemblages under experimentally elevated temperatures (28°C) and CO2 partial pressures (pCO2; 800 μatm) were examined using coral reef mesocosms. Concentrations of nitrate, ammonium, and benthic microalgal chlorophyll a (chl-a) were significantly higher in seagrass mesocosms, whereas phytoplankton chl-a concentrations were similar between seagrass and seagrass-free control mesocosms. In the seagrass group, fewer parasitic dinoflagellate OTUs (e.g., Syndiniales) were found in the benthic microalgal community though more symbiotic dinoflagellates (e.g., Cladocopium spp.) were quantified in the phytoplankton community. Our results suggest that, under ocean acidification conditions, the presence of seagrass nearby coral reefs may (1) enhance benthic primary productivity, (2) decrease parasitic dinoflagellate abundance, and (3) possibly increase the presence of symbiotic dinoflagellates.

Genes and Environment, 2019

Background Surface waters receive a variety of organic pollutants via wastewater discharge, and s... more Background Surface waters receive a variety of organic pollutants via wastewater discharge, and sediment represents a sink for hydrophobic contaminants. In this study, we used in vitro yeast-based reporter gene assays and a Bacillus subtilis Rec-assay to examine the occurrence of endocrine disrupting activities and genotoxic potentials in samples collected from three Taiwanese rivers. Levels of 51 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in muscles of fish captured from same rivers were also analyzed to assess in vivo pollution of PAHs. Results Antagonist activities for androgen receptor and retinoid X receptor (RXR) were detected in river water extracts at environmentally relevant concentrations., and sediment extracts exhibited RXR agonist, RXR antagonist, and genotoxic potentials concurrently. Σ16 PAHs in fish muscles ranged from 44.9–242.4 ng g− 1 dry weight, representing 38 to 59% of the total 51 PAHs concentrations, and methylated PAHs of low molecular weight PAHs were often de...

PLOS ONE, 2020

Sediment profile and mud shrimp (Austinogebia edulis) from the coastal wetland of central Taiwan ... more Sediment profile and mud shrimp (Austinogebia edulis) from the coastal wetland of central Taiwan in 2017 and 2018 were analyzed for concentration, source, and composition of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) including polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAHs), polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), organochlorine pesticides (OCPs; DDT and HCB), and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). Sediment profiling indicated PAH concentrations reaching 254.38 ng/g dw in areas near industrial areas and PAH concentrations of 41.8 and 58.42 ng/g dw in sampling areas further from industrial areas, suggesting that the determining factor for spatial distribution of POPs might be proximity to contaminant sources in industrial zones. Based on molecular indices, PAHs were substantially of both pyrolytic and petrogenic origins. The main sources for PCBs were Aroclor 1016 and 1260 and the congener BDE-209 was the dominant component among PBDE congeners. While we were unable to obtain live mud shrimp samples from the heavily contaminated areas, in samples from less contaminated areas, the risk assessment on mud shrimp still illustrated a borderline threat, with DDT concentrations almost reaching standardized values of Effects Range-Low (ERL). Bioaccumulation factors for DDTs and PCBs (17.33 and 54.59, respectively) were higher than other POPs in this study. Further study is essential to assess and understand the impact of these chemicals on the wetland ecosystem near this heavily industrialized area.

Science of The Total Environment, 2018

We studied the effect of BP-3 on the social behavior of anemonefish. • Intra-colonial social beha... more We studied the effect of BP-3 on the social behavior of anemonefish. • Intra-colonial social behaviors were quantitatively analyzed. • Social behaviors were affected only by rank but not by the BP-3 exposure. • More research is needed to better understand the behavioral effects of BP-3 in fish.

The Science of the total environment, 2018

Sources, concentrations, and ecological risk of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) were inves... more Sources, concentrations, and ecological risk of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) were investigated in surface sediments from 33 stations in Danshui River basin (Taiwan) in 2015. High spatial variation in total PBDEs (ΣPBDEs) in sediments was found ranging from 2.3 to 10,490 ng g dw. The effects of the physicochemical characteristics, total organic carbons (TOC) and grain size of sediments on the levels and distributions of PBDEs were investigated. Significant linear correlations were observed for PBDE concentrations with TOC (r = 0.45, p < 0.01) and fine sediment fraction (grain size <1 mm; r = 0.2, p < 0.05). Spatial distributions of ΣPBDEs showed that sediment samples were likely impacted by point source inputs. BDE209 was the dominant congener, accounting for 77.5%-99.9% of the ΣPBDEs in sediments suggested that commercial deca-BDE mixtures are the major sources of PBDEs in Danshui River basin. Regarding ecological risk estimation, high molecular PBDEs pose a high ...

PloS one, 2018

Notothenioid fish and invertebrate samples from Antarctica were collected in the austral summer o... more Notothenioid fish and invertebrate samples from Antarctica were collected in the austral summer of 2009, and analyzed for persistent organic pollutants (POPs), including polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), organochlorine pesticides (OCPs), and polybrominated diphenylethers (PBDEs), as well as δ13C and δ15N stable isotopes for trophic level determination. In this study, the POP levels in the Antarctic biota samples were found to be ranked in the following order: OCPs > PAHs > PBDEs. The POP levels in notothenioid fish and krill correlate to trophic levels; however, the POP concentrations in intertidal benthic invertebrates are higher than in notothenioid fish implying that specific biogeochemical factors may affect bioaccumulation in the Antarctica ecosystem. Biomagnification of POPs may have a smaller role than bioconcentration in Antarctica environment. In addition to the source, transport, exposure, and absorption for each group of POPs in the short food chain in Antarc...

Aerosol and Air Quality Research, 2015

Indoor dust serves as a potential sink for various synthetic chemicals used in our daily lives, w... more Indoor dust serves as a potential sink for various synthetic chemicals used in our daily lives, while exposure to these anthropogenic contaminants via dust contact, ingestion, or inhalation may pose potential threats to human health. In this study, in vitro biological assays were used to investigate the endocrine disrupting activity and genotoxicity in dust samples collected from a university located in southern Taiwan. Contents of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in indoor dust were also analysed by gas chromatography mass spectrometry. Our results showed that significant aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) agonist, antiandrogenic, antithyroid hormonal, and genotoxic activities were found in dust samples. In particular, high AhR agonist activities were found in indoor dust collected from computer room and laboratory (16112 and 9686 ng benzo(a)pyrene equivalent/g dust dry weight), whereas AhR agonistic PAHs were responsible for only a small percentage of the bioassay-derived activities. Higher antiandrogenic and genotoxic activities were found in indoor dust from office and classroom, respectively, suggesting that contaminants varied in different indoor dust samples. After fractionating by high performance liquid chromatography, AhR agonist activities were detected in several fractions of indoor dust from computer room and laboratory, indicating the presence of unknown AhR agonist contaminants in these indoor dust samples. Further isolation and identification of novel AhR agonistic and antiandrogenic contaminants is necessary to protect the environment and human health.

Marine pollution bulletin, Jan 21, 2017

In 2009, the container ship Colombo Queen and the oil tanker W-O BUDMO grounded off Jialeshui and... more In 2009, the container ship Colombo Queen and the oil tanker W-O BUDMO grounded off Jialeshui and Houwan, respectively, in southern Taiwan. Water quality was monitored at each site to evaluate the environmental impact caused by the resulting oil spills. The results show that the PAHs, turbidity, and other nutrients increased shortly after oil spill, however levels of these parameters eventually returned to baseline levels. On the other hand, DO saturation, pH and chl. a decreased initially, reached maxima after 10days, and returned to the baseline levels after 14days. The chl. a concentration, pH and DO saturation fluctuated in a similar pattern at both sites during the oil spills, likely driven by algal blooms. In this study, we documented a full environmental recovery at coastal areas before, during and after the oil spills.

Marine pollution bulletin, Jan 16, 2017

The air-water exchange is important for determining the transport, fate, and chemical loading of ... more The air-water exchange is important for determining the transport, fate, and chemical loading of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in the atmosphere and in aquatic systems. Investigations of PAH air-water exchange are mostly based on observational data obtained using complicated field sampling processes. This study proposes a new approach to improve the estimation of long-term PAH air-water exchange fluxes by using a multivariate regression model to simulate hourly gaseous PAH concentrations. Model performance analysis and the benefits from this approach indicate its effectiveness at improving the flux estimations and at decreasing the field sampling difficulty. The proposed GIS mapping approach is useful for box model establishment and is tested for visualization of the spatiotemporal variations of air-water exchange fluxes in a coastal zone. The air-water exchange fluxes illustrated by contour maps suggest that the atmospheric PAHs might have greater impacts on offshore site...