1. Chemical and Physical Characterisation of Inner Dublin Bay
using Geospatial and Geostatistical Planning and Mapping
1Cunningham, A., 1Lee, A., Jordan, S., Murphy, B.T., 2Monteys, X., 1Kelleher, B.,
1School of Chemical Sciences, Dublin City University, Glasnevin, Dublin 9
2Geological Survey of Ireland, Beggar’s Bush, Dublin 4
Aims of Project
To conduct a detailed chemical and physical
characterisation of the sediment in Dublin Bay.
The initial results will enable an investigation of
the type and abundance of organic pollutants and
biomarkers in Dublin Bay. These pollutants
include all 16 poly aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH’s)
and the biomarkers faecal sterols and
phospholipid fatty acids (PLFA’s).
Polyaromatic Hydrocarbons & Biomarkers
16 priority EPA PAH compounds will be
analysed along with faecal sterols and PLFA
biomarkers. PAH’s are significant due to their
environmental impact and their toxicity to
humans and other organisms (Tian et al.
2013). Bioaccumulation of these chemicals in
sediments occurs in sediments and benthic
organisms (Yates et al. 2011).
Extraction and analysis
PAHs, PLFAs and faceal sterols will be extracted
by SPE and analysed via GC-MS separation.
Optimisation of methodology is necessary to
produce highest yield of sample and lowest
background noise.
Funding
This project is joint funded by the GSI and Irish Research
Council through the Enterprise Partnership Scheme (EPS).
Previous Results
Geostatistical & Geospatial Approach
Mapping and sampling protocols will be
conducted with the use of statistical and
geographical tools. This process aims to
minimise sampling points whilst maximising
the knowledge of the sampled area.
Application of kriging and interpolation of the
sampled results will aid the development of
accurate maps.
There is a dearth of information both chemically and
physically on the area of Dublin Bay to be
investigated. However, this work is very much a
continuation of previous work conducted further out
in Dublin Bay which was recently published (Fig. 3)
(Murphy et al, 2016).
Preliminary work and results
Sampling of the bay was conducted at low tide in
March 2016. A sandy sediment, mud sediment and
salt marsh soil sample were taken from Dublin Bay
and Bull Island. An initial characterisation was
conducted but is currently ongoing.
pH %C %TOC %H %N
7.11 1.30 0.28 0.04 0.00
7.60 6.18 5.17 1.02 0.64
6.97 3.07 2.92 0.59 0.21
Sandsediment
Mudsediment
Saltmarshsoil
Fig 1. Bathymetry map of Dublin Bay. The area in green will
be the general sampling area.
Fig 2. Sampling map of Dublin Bay. This plan used the traditional
sampling plan.
Fig 3. Results from the previous study investigation organic
pollutants in Dublin Bay (Murphy et al, 2016).
Fig 4. initial results from the preliminary samples taken in Dublin
Bay and Bull Island.
References
1. Murphy, Brian T. et al. "The Occurrence Of PAHs And
Faecal Sterols In Dublin Bay And Their Influence On
Sedimentary Microbial Communities". Marine Pollution
Bulletin (2016)
2. Tian, Ying-Ze et al. "Relationships Between PAHs And PCBs,
And Quantitative Source Apportionment Of PAHs Toxicity
In Sediments From Fenhe Reservoir And Watershed".
Journal of Hazardous Materials 248-249 (2013): 89-96.
3. Yates, Kyari et al. "Application Of Silicone Rubber Passive
Samplers To Investigate The Bioaccumulation Of PAHs By
Nereis Virens From Marine Sediments". Environmental
Pollution 159.12 (2011): 3351-3356.