Bożena Graca | University of Gdansk (original) (raw)

Papers by Bożena Graca

Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety, Nov 1, 2018

The main source of toxic mercury (Hg) in the human body is the consumption of fish and seafood. T... more The main source of toxic mercury (Hg) in the human body is the consumption of fish and seafood. Therefore, it is particularly important to indicate the processes that condition Hg accumulation in marine organisms, especially those in the basal links of the food chain, which are rather poorly investigated compared to top predators. The aim of the study was to determine the seasonal variability of Hg concentrations in macrozoobenthic organisms and the factors that condition it. The research was conducted in 2012-2013 in a temperate coastal zone (Gulf of Gdańsk). The obtained results showed that both Hg concentrations within one trophic level, and their seasonal variation, may differ significantly if the organisms have different feeding habits. The research also indicated that the seasonal variability of Hg level in macrozoobenthos depended on a number of both biotic factors (primary production volume, biomass and rate of fauna metabolism) and abiotic factors (salinity and ionic composition of water, Eh). The variability of Hg concentrations in macrozoobenthos during the study period was different at the research stations, which were subjected to different land influence (e.g. surface runoff , coastal erosion), and consequently differed in the quantity and quality of organic matter. The increased load of suspended particulate matter (SPM) was also an important factor influencing the increase in Hg concentration in macrozoobenthos, regardless of their trophic status. This indicates that SPM is an important source of food for zoobenthos, even in species that prefer a different feeding strategies. The obtained results also showed the role of climate changes observed in the temperate zone-in particular, the warming of the winter season-in shaping the Hg level in macrozoobenthos. The accumulation of Hg in the bottom fauna occurred most intensively in spring immediately after a long period of icing-Hg concentrations were then much higher than those measured after a mild winter, during which the ice cover persisted for a short time. The warming of the winter season and the extension of the vegetation season contributed to an increase in macrozoobenthic biomass, and consequently to the biodilution of Hg, which could have had a negative effect on the Hg load introduced into the trophic chain.

Social Science Research Network, 2022

Page 1. Oceanological and Hydrobiological Studies International Journal of Oceanography and Hydro... more Page 1. Oceanological and Hydrobiological Studies International Journal of Oceanography and Hydrobiology Vol. XXXV, No.3 Institute of Oceanography (237-256) 2006 University of Gdańsk Copyright© by Institute of Oceanography, University of Gdańsk, Poland ...

Biogeochemistry, Nov 26, 2018

Deterioration of oxygen conditions in water below the halocline has been observed in the Baltic S... more Deterioration of oxygen conditions in water below the halocline has been observed in the Baltic Sea. Deoxygenation is linked to the reduced frequency and volume of inflows of highly saline surface water from the North Sea (major Baltic inflows-MBIs) in the second half of the twentieth century and the increased organic matter respiration due to eutrophication. In the present study, the impact of worsening oxygen conditions on pyrite content in the Gdańsk Deep (max. depth of 118 m, southern Baltic Sea) sediments was determined. Geochemical parameters (acid volatile sulfides, pyrite sulfur, reactive iron, organic carbon, sedimentation rate and sediment age) were analyzed in relation to the variation in bottom water oxygen concentration and the occurrence of MBI. The obtained results demonstrate that pyrite content in the study area decreased after 1960. The declining pyrite content coincided with the deterioration of oxygen conditions (concentration \ 2 ml l-1) in bottom water. In the same period, reactive iron concentration decreased and organic carbon increased in sediment. In the period 1616-1960, average pyrite accumulation rate was 322 lmol m-2 day-1. In the subsequent years, its average accumulation rate decreased to 210 lmol m-2 day-1. Fluctuations of oxygenation of bottom water in the study area were manifested by highly variable degree of pyritization (36 ± 11%) and particulate organic carbon to pyrite sulfur ratio (2.8-37).

Environmental Science and Pollution Research, Mar 2, 2016

This paper reports the reconstruction of the pollution history of 4-tert-octylphenol (OP) and 4-n... more This paper reports the reconstruction of the pollution history of 4-tert-octylphenol (OP) and 4-nonylphenol (NP) in the Baltic Sea. Alkylphenols are endocrinedisrupting compound and therefore toxic to aquatic organisms. Sediment cores were collected from regions with relatively stable sedimentation conditions. The cores were dated by the 210 Pb method. The OP and NP were determined using HPLC-FL. The highest inventory of these compounds was observed in the Gotland Deep (610 μg m 2 of NP and 47 μg m 2 of OP) and the lowest-on the slope of the Gdansk Deep (24 μg m 2 of NP and 16 μg m 2 of OP). Such spatial distribution was probably, among other factors, the result of the uplift of the sea floor. The pollution trends of OP and NP in sediments coincided with the following: (1) the beginnings of eutrophication (1960s/1970s of the twentieth century) and (2) strong increase in the areal extent and volume of hypoxia and anoxia in the Baltic (present century).

Oceanological and Hydrobiological Studies, Mar 1, 2007

In this study psychrophilic, mesophilic and denitrifying bacterial abundances were studied season... more In this study psychrophilic, mesophilic and denitrifying bacterial abundances were studied seasonally (summer, autumn, winter and spring) in the water column and surface sediment layer (0-5 cm) in the post dredging pit Kuźnica II and natural areas of Puck Bay. The research was conducted between VI 2001 and III 2003. In the pit area an increase in mesophilic bacteria and a decrease in denitrifying bacteria numbers were observed, when compared to the natural areas. In the case of the mesophilic bacteria, the increase was visible in the near-bottom waters and surficial sediments during the period of well developed vegetation-in summer and autumn. In the case of denitrifying bacteria, the decrease of number concerned the sediments. Numbers of psychrophilic bacteria in both the natural and dredged areas did not differ significantly over the course of the study. These results suggest that deep dredging can cause the self-purification potential of the ecosystem to be diminished and induce strong bacteriological pollution.

Marine Biology Research, Jan 17, 2018

The native area of gammarids from the so-called 'Caspian complex', Pontogammarus robustoides (G.O... more The native area of gammarids from the so-called 'Caspian complex', Pontogammarus robustoides (G.O. Sars, 1894), Obesogammarus crassus (G.O. Sars, 1894), Dikerogammarus haemobaphes (Eichwald, 1841) and D. villosus (Sowinsky, 1894), is associated with brackish waters. Over the last several decades they have colonized the European inland waters and part of the brackish Baltic Sea. It is believed that anthropogenic increase in the salinity of inland waters facilitated their expansion. However, the influence of salinity on the dispersal of gammarid species outside their native area is not fully understood. We tested the hypothesis that salinity was a major factor in determining distribution, based on the abundance of Gammaridae in three coastal areas of low salinity (brackish Baltic), i.e. 0.3, 3.4 and 7.3 PSU, successfully inhabited by them. Additionally, for the first time, the effect of water salinity on the osmoregulatory capacity of O. crassus was examined under laboratory conditions, for the salinities given above. The experiments showed that similarly as in the case of other Caspian complex species, salinity values of about 7 PSU create better conditions for osmoregulation in O. crassus than lower salinities (i.e. 0.3 and 3.4 PSU). In the environmental part of the study, we observed that only D. villosus achieved a significantly higher abundance in the area of 7.3 PSU. Thus, we concluded that in the range of 0.3-7.3 PSU, salinity is not a key factor governing the distribution of Ponto-Caspian gammarids.

Marine Chemistry, Aug 1, 2018

Pore water alkalinity below the permanent halocline in the Gdańsk Deep (Baltic Sea)concentration ... more Pore water alkalinity below the permanent halocline in the Gdańsk Deep (Baltic Sea)concentration variability and benthic fluxes The impact of pyrite formation on the sedimentary efflux of alkalinity in the Gdańsk Deep (southern Baltic Sea

Environmental Science and Pollution Research, Jan 25, 2017

Microplastics' (particles size ≤5 mm) sources and fate in marine bottom and beach sediments of th... more Microplastics' (particles size ≤5 mm) sources and fate in marine bottom and beach sediments of the brackish are strongly polluted Baltic Sea have been investigated. Microplastics were extracted using sodium chloride (1.2 g cm −3). Their qualitative identification was conducted using micro-Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (μFT-IR). Concentration of microplastics varied from 25 particles kg −1 d.w. at the open sea beach to 53 particles kg −1 d.w. at beaches of strongly urbanized bay. In bottom sediments, microplastics concentration was visibly lower compared to beach sediments (0-27 particles kg −1 d.w.) and decreased from the shore to the open, deep-sea regions. The most frequent microplastics dimensions ranged from 0.1 to 2.0 mm, and transparent fibers were predominant. Polyester, which is a popular fabrics component, was the most common type of microplastic in both marine bottom (50%) and beach sediments (27%). Additionally, poly(vinyl acetate) used in shipbuilding as well as poly(ethylene-propylene) used for packaging were numerous in marine bottom (25% of all polymers) and beach sediments (18% of all polymers). Polymer density seems to be an important factor influencing microplastics circulation. Low density plastic debris probably recirculates between beach sediments and seawater in a greater extent than higher density debris. Therefore, their deposition is potentially limited and physical degradation is favored. Consequently, low density microplastics concentration may be underestimated using current methods due to too small size of the debris. This influences also the findings of qualitative research of microplastics which provide the basis for conclusions about the sources of microplastics in the marine environment.

Marine and Freshwater Behaviour and Physiology, Jul 4, 2014

The effect of salinity and ionic composition of ambient water on the mortality of the Ponto-Caspi... more The effect of salinity and ionic composition of ambient water on the mortality of the Ponto-Caspian gammarid amphipod Dikerogammarus haemobaphes (Eichwald, 1841) was measured in the laboratory and an osmoregulatory curve plotted. A three-day experiment showed that salinities both higher (15, 20 PSU) and lower (0.1, 3.5 PSU) than 7 PSU reduced survival. Salinity levels of 0.1 and 20 PSU were lethal after 20 and 55 h of exposure, respectively. Among the ions analysed (Cl−, , Na+, K+, Ca2+, Mg2+), Cl− and K+, and the ratios of Na+/K+ and Na+/Cl− had the greatest influence on the mortality of D. haemobaphes. Mortality was zero in waters where the concentrations and ratios of these ions most closely resembled those prevailing in the Caspian Sea. The osmoregulatory curve shows that D. haemobaphes is a eurytopic species i.e. osmoregulation is hyperosmotic within the salinity range of 0.1–20 PSU. The results of this study indicate ways in which inherent physiological capabilities affect the ability of an organism to tolerate environmental conditions outside its historical range. The results suggest some ways in which anthropogenic changes may have affected the spread of this species beyond its original range.

Applied Geochemistry, May 1, 1998

ÐThe occurrence of total P (P-TOT) and the mineral forms of P (P-MIN) [P bonded with Ca (P±Ca), F... more ÐThe occurrence of total P (P-TOT) and the mineral forms of P (P-MIN) [P bonded with Ca (P±Ca), Fe (P±Fe) and Al (P±Al)] in sediments from the Gulf of GdanÂ sk were investigated. Signi®cant variations in the forms of P with depth in the sediment column were observed. P±Ca is the dominant form in the sediments except in the surface sediments of the deep areas of the Gulf of GdanÂ sk where organic P (P-ORG) is dominant. These areas also contain the highest contents of P-TOT in the region.

Oceanological and Hydrobiological Studies, 2004

E3S web of conferences, 2018

Oceanological and Hydrobiological Studies, Jun 1, 2009

The presented study is a review of available geochemical data concerning a dredge area in the Puc... more The presented study is a review of available geochemical data concerning a dredge area in the Puck Bay. It is a small, semi-closed and degraded water body on the Polish Baltic coast. In this region very deep dredging was conducted in the years 1989-95. Five dredge pits were created in the bottom of the bay. Only two of them have been geochemically investigated so far. In the deepwater parts of both the dredge pits organic matter accumulation resulted in sulfate reduction and subsequent hydrogen sulfide production in the sediment, as well as elevated nutrient concentrations in the interstitial waters. Moreover, temporal oxygen deficits in the near bottom waters were observed. Such conditions favor nitrogen and phosphorus release to the water column and potentially enhance the eutrophication. The impact of deep dredging on the chemical conditions in the dredged area seems to be controlled by a complex interplay of the season, phytoplankton biomass production and hydrodynamic conditions. Areas with high biomass production and low water dynamic are probably more vulnerable to environmental degradation due to deep dredging. This implies that some of the dredge pits require different methods of recultivation than others. However the decision if, and with which methods, to remediate dredge pits in the Puck Bay requires successive research including all the pits in all four seasons.

Science of The Total Environment, Mar 1, 2021

In this study, the quantitative and qualitative compositions of microplastics (MPs) deposited fro... more In this study, the quantitative and qualitative compositions of microplastics (MPs) deposited from the atmosphere in the coastal zone were analysed. Moreover, links between MP deposition and meteorological factors (air humidity, wind speed, precipitation height, and air mass trajectories) were investigated. MP deposition samples were collected in the southern Baltic area in 2017 and 2018 for 286 days in total. The morphological features of MPs (shape and size) were analysed using a digital microscope. Qualitative analysis was performed using micro-attenuated total reflectance Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (μATR FT-IR). The size of the deposited MPs ranged from 5 μm to 5000 μm, and smaller size classes (<720 μm) were predominant (70%). Fibres were of the dominant type (60%). Films and fragments constituted 26% and 14% of the total MPs, respectively, while 55% of the MPs found in the study were polymers often used in textiles, packaging materials, and fishing gear (polyesters and polypropylene). The atmospheric MP deposition ranged from 0 m-2·d-1 to 30 m-2·d-1 (average: 10 ± 8 m-2·d-1; median: 8 m-2·d-1). Based on the air mass trajectory cluster analysis, MPs deposited in Gdynia mainly originated from local sources (<100 km). Furthermore, higher MP deposition occurred when the inflowing air masses were terrestrial, and lower deposition occurred when they were marine. On average, during wet periods twice the amount of MPs was deposited in comparison with dry periods. During dry periods deposition increased with increasing wind speed and was intensified by high relative humidity.

Water Science and Technology, 2017

In this study, the role of nanoparticles in complex aqueous matrices such as the Baltic Sea was i... more In this study, the role of nanoparticles in complex aqueous matrices such as the Baltic Sea was investigated in batch-mode experiments in which titanium dioxide nanoparticles (nano-TiO2) were tested for their ability to remove heavy metals (Cr, Pb, Cu, Zn, Cd, Ni, Co) from multicomponent spiked and non-spiked Baltic Sea water. The experimental data were analyzed using different isotherms (Langmuir, Freundlich, Dubinin–Kaganer–Radushkevich (DKR)) and models (pseudo-first-order and pseudo-second-order models, the double-exponential model, and the Weber–Morris model). The equilibria and kinetic investigations showed that metal sorption to nano-TiO2 occurs in a two-step, multilayer process and that there is strong competition for sorption sites. The results of the DKR isotherm and dilution experiment indicated weak electrostatic bonds, except for Pb. The distribution coefficient values (1.8 × 103 to 2.8 × 105 ml g−1) were consistent with the good sorbent properties of nano-TiO2 and supp...

Oceanological Studies, 2000

Rozprawy Naukowe i Zawodowe Państwowej Wyższej Szkoły Zawodowej w Elblągu, 2011

Water, Air, & Soil Pollution, 2004

In this study, the results of investigations of organic matter decomposition in natural and dredg... more In this study, the results of investigations of organic matter decomposition in natural and dredged areas of the inner Puck Bay (Baltic Sea) are presented. The dredging of relatively deep pits causes environmental problems. Researched post-dredging pits are sediment traps in which 3 times more organic carbon (C org), 3.5 times more total nitrogen (N tot), about 1.5 times more organic phosphorus (P org) and 1.7 times more total phosphorus (P tot) accumulate as compared to the nondredged regions; they are also characterized by very intensive decomposition of organic matter. About 42, 44, 95 and 50% of the annual load of, respectively, C org , N tot , P org and P tot undergo decomposition in the dredged area, whereas the respective values for natural seabed are ca. 11, 44, 41 and 21%. Reduction of nitrogen in the pit occurs mainly through ammonification, while in the natural areas of seabed denitrification prevails. In non-dredged sediments, 84% of the released nitrogen comes from denitrification whereas in the pit, it is only 18%. Organic matter degradation in the pit sediments manifests itself by a 7-fold increase in the phosphate flux into near-bottom water as compared to natural seabed. The observed phosphate flux originated from the organic matter as well as from the decomposition of inorganic phosphorus compounds. Periodically, sulphate reduction in the pit sediments resulted in hydrogen sulfide occurrence.