Work

Sediments near industrial ports can be hotspots of fossil carbon accumulation

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Industries near ports rely on fossil fuels and are likely to release fossil carbon into nearby ecosystems. Release of hazardous compounds such as heavy metals and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons can be directly coupled with the fossil carbon use and those compounds can be accumulated in port sediments. However, fossil carbon fractions in sedimentary organic carbon (SOC) at ports have not been investigated. We analyzed both concentrations and radiocarbon isotope ratios of SOC in three types of ports: fishery, steelmaking, and multipurpose (where a ship terminal and a cement plant are included). Results demonstrated a clear distinction. The sediment at steelmaking port showed the highest fossil carbon proportion (up to 84%), while the sediment at fishery port consisted mostly of modern carbon. The sediment at multipurpose port had an intermediate, 36% of fossil carbon contribution. Our findings suggest that sediments near steel and other heavy industries are hotspots of fossil carbon, potentially harming benthic ecosystems. • Organic 14 C in surface sediments of three different ports were analyzed. • Up to 84% of sedimentary carbon in ports originated from fossil carbon. • 14 C can be a powerful indicator for outlining pollution level of port sediments.

Source: Marine Pollution Bulletin

DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2025.117636

Authors: Seung-Cheol Lee, Kyung-Hoon Shin, Neung-Hwan Oh

Institutions: Seoul National University, Hanyang University

Language: English

Topic: Isotope Analysis in Ecology

Subfield: Ecology

Field: Environmental Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Responsible consumption and production, Life below water, Climate action

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,740