Eutrophication and contamination dynamics of Schweriner See, NE-Germany, during the past 670 years - A multi-proxy approach on lacustrine surface sediments and sediment cores.

A multi-proxy study on sedimentary records from Schweriner See (See = lake), NE-Germany, covering the past 670 years (from 1350 CE to today) combined with sediment surface samples to better understand lake internal dynamics enables to reconstruct local and supra-regional eutrophication and contamination trends. Our approach shows that a thorough understanding of depositional processes is crucial for core site selection since at Schweriner See wave- and wind-induced processes in shallow water areas (e.g.

Organochlorine pesticide contamination in sediments from Richards Bay, South Africa: spatial trends and ecotoxicological risks.

The occurrence and distribution of organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) in aquatic systems is a matter of global concern and poses significant toxicological threats to both organisms and human health. Despite the extensive use of OCPs for pest and disease control in southern Africa, relatively few studies have examined the occurrence and toxicological risks of OCP residues in the region. This study investigates the composition, distribution, and potential sources of OCP contamination in sediments from Richards Bay, a rapidly developing industrial port on the northeast coast of South Africa.

Spatial distribution and consequences of contaminants in harbour sediments - A case study from Richards Bay Harbour, South Africa.

Richards Bay Harbour (RBH) is situated in the industrialized area on the northeast coast of South Africa. To decipher recent human activities and accompanying environmental degradation, surface sediment was collected across RBH and analysed for granulometric and elemental composition, microfaunal assemblages, and microplastics. Microplastics occur most abundantly near recreational areas, whereas metal contamination relates to activities at bulk goods terminals from which they are imported or exported.

The potential of δH and δO for paleoclimate reconstruction - A regional calibration study for South Africa.

The hydrogen isotopic composition of leaf wax-derived n-alkanes (δH) is a widely applied proxy for (paleo)climatic changes. It has been suggested that the coupling with the oxygen isotopic composition of hemicellulose-derived sugars (δO) - an approach dubbed 'paleohygrometer' - might allow more robust and quantitative (paleo)hydrological reconstructions. However, the paleohygrometer remains to be evaluated and tested regionally.

Late Holocene vegetation responses to climate change and human impact on the central Tibetan Plateau.

Understanding long-term environmental changes under natural and anthropic forces is helpful for facilitating sustainable development. Here we present a sedimentary record from the central Tibetan Plateau to investigate the impacts of climate and human activities on alpine vegetation during the late Holocene, based on a 162-cm-long lacustrine sediment core collected from Tangra Yumco. Palynology, charcoal and minerogenic input reveal variations of climate and human activity during the past 3400 cal yr BP.