Bivalves as a Mercury Bioindicator: A National Isotopic Survey along the Coast of South Korea.

Mercury (Hg) is a contaminant that poses health risks for human populations relying on seafood consumption. To mitigate its impact, identifying and monitoring Hg sources have become priorities, notably under the Minamata Convention. Bivalves are commonly used as sentinels in contaminant biomonitoring but can accumulate Hg from diverse environmental media.

Characteristics and sources of potentially toxic elements in road-deposited sediments at the Port of Busan, South Korea: A key contributor to port sediments pollution.

This study investigated the spatial distribution and chemical characteristics of potentially toxic elements (PTEs) in road-deposited sediments (RDS) at the Port of Busan by size fraction. Enrichment factor (EF) values for Zn, Cd, and Sb in fine RDS <250 μm were 52-69, 49-78, and 46-44, respectively, indicating 'extremely high enrichment'. Various statistical analyses, including PCA and PMF models, revealed a strong correlation between pollution levels in RDS <250 μm and vehicle type, identifying non-exhaust emissions (NEE) of vehicles as a primary source of PTEs in RDS from the port.

Not on the right rung for me? How status inconsistency leads to avoidance of status-threatening ties in NCAA.

This study examines the impact of status inconsistency on status-threatening activities within NCAA Division I men's basketball teams. Specifically, we focus on a nested form of status that includes both individual and group-level elements. We argue that organizations dealing with status inconsistency stemming from such nested form face challenges in reducing status inconsistency.

Combined copper isotope and elemental signatures in bivalves and sediments from the Korean coast: Applicability for monitoring anthropogenic contamination.

This study investigates the applicability of elemental and Cu isotope compositions in sediments and bivalves from the Korean coast to monitor anthropogenic Cu contamination. Sediments with high Cu (>64.4 mg/kg) and/or moderate enrichment levels (EF) exhibit homogenous δCu values (-0.