Characteristic levels of heavy metals in soil profiles of automobile mechanic waste dumps in Nigeria

The characteristic levels of heavy metals (Cd, Cr, Cu, Pb, Ni and Zn) of soil profiles of automobile mechanic waste dumps were studied. The concentration of heavy metals decreased with the depth of the profile and lateral distance from the dumpsites. The levels found in this study exceeded background concentrations and limits for agricultural and residential purposes. The distribution pattern of heavy metals in the soil profiles were in the following order Pb > Zn > Cu > Cd > Ni > Cr. The mechanic waste dumps represent potential sources of heavy metal pollution to environment. The elevated levels of heavy metals in these soil profiles constitute a serious threat to both surface and groundwater.     

Total Contents and Sequential Extraction of Heavy Metals in Soils Irrigated with Wastewater,Akaki, Ethiopia

The Akaki River, laden with untreated wastes from domestic, industrial, and commercial sources, serves as a source of water for irrigating vegetable farms. The purpose of this study is to identify the impact of waste-water irrigation on the level of heavy metals and to predict their potential mobility and bioavailability. Zn and V had the highest, whereas Hg the lowest, concentrations observed in the soils. The average contents of As, Co, Cr, Cu, Ni, Zn, V, and Hg of both soils; and Pb and Se from Fluvisol surpassed the mean + 2 SD of the corresponding levels reported for their uncontaminated counterparts. Apparently, irrigation with waste water for the last few decades has contributed to the observed higher concentrations of the above elements in the study soils (Vertisol and Fluvisol) when compared to uncontaminated Vertisol and Fluvisol. On the other hand, Vertisol accommodated comparatively higher average levels of Cr, Cu, Ni, Zn, etc V, and Cd, whereas high contents of Pb and Se were observed in Fluvisol. Alternatively, comparable levels of Co and Hg were found in either soil. Except for Ni, Cr, and Cd in contaminated Vertisol, heavy metals in the soils were not significantly affected by the depth (0–20 and 30–50 cm). When the same element from the two soils was compared, the levels of Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, Se, Zn, V, Cd at 0–20 cm; and Cr, Ni, Cu, Cd, and Zn at 30–50 cm were significantly different. Organic carbon (in both soils), CEC (Fluvisol), and clay (Vertisol) exhibited significant positive correspondences with the total heavy metal levels. Conversely, Se and Hg contents revealed perceptible associations with carbonate and pH. The exchangeable fraction was dominated by Hg and Cd, whereas the carbonate fraction was abounded with Cd, Pb, and Co. conversely, V and Pb displayed strong affinity to reducible fraction, where as Cr, Cu, Zn, and Ni dominated the oxidizable fraction. Cr, Hg, Se, and Zn (in both soils) showed preference to the residual fraction. Generally, a considerable proportion of the total levels of many of the heavy metals resided in non residual fractions. The enhanced lability is generally expected to follow the order: Cd > Co > Pb > Cu > Ni > Se > V and Pb > Cd > Co > Cu > Ni > Zn in Vertisol and Fluvisol, respectively. For the similar wastewater application, the soil variables influence the status and the distribution of the associated heavy metals among the different soil fractions in the study soils. Among heavy metals that presented relatively elevated levels and with potential mobility, Co, Cu, Ni (either soil), V (Vertisol), Pb, and Zn (Fluvisol) could pose health threat through their introduction into the food chain in the wastewater irrigated soils.     

柴窝堡湖表层底泥重金属污染评价

研究了乌鲁木齐市柴窝堡湖表层底泥的重金属含量,并采用Hakanson潜在生态危害指数法对底泥中的重金属潜在生态风险进行评价。结果表明:底泥中Cu、Zn、Pb、Cd含量均超出乌鲁木齐市土壤背景值。除湖心区外,Cd在5个监测区域中的潜在生态危害均为中等;其它重金属在5个采样点的潜在生态危害均为轻微。各重金属间的相关性分析表明,Zn与Cu,Pb与Cd、Cu呈显著正相关,说明这4种元素污染源可能相同。柴窝堡湖表层底泥受到Cu、Zn、Pb、Cd污染,需采取相应措施防止重金属由底泥进入水相。     

杭州城区河道底泥重金属污染及潜在生态风险评价

对杭州城区34条河道45个点位河道底泥进行采样,分析了pH及汞、砷、铅、铬、镉、铜、锌、镍等重金属含量,并进行污染及潜在生态风险评价。结果表明,监测点位的底泥为中性偏碱性,重金属含量分布不均,且范围波动很大,部分河道底泥重金属中汞、铅、镉、铬、锌、镍等有不同程度的超标,少数河道镉、铬、锌污染严重;按《农用污泥中污染物控...     

Distribution of heavy metals in sediments of Igbede, Ojo and Ojora rivers of Lagos, Nigeria

The distribution of some heavy metals, namely Cd, Pb, Zn, Fe, Cu, Cr and Mn in epipellic sediments of Igbede, Ojo and Ojora rivers of Lagos was studied weekly in the early summer (November) of 2003. The levels of selected trace metals were determined using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (UNICAM 969 AAS SOLAR). Trends in heavy metal burdens in the sediments revealed weekly variations in all the rivers assessed. Statistical analyses also showed different mean levels of trace metals in the aquatic environments, the distribution of which followed the sequence Fe > Zn > Mn > Pb > Cu > Cr > Cd, Fe > Zn > Cu > Mn > Pb > Cr > Cd and Fe > Zn > Mn > Cu > Cr > Pb > Cd in Igbede, Ojo and Ojora rivers respectively. Fe recorded the highest concentration levels (1,582.95 ± 96.57 μ g/g–1,910.34 ± 723.19 μ g/g) in all the sediments investigated while the Cd levels (0.06 ± 0.10 μ g/g–0.47 ± 0.36 μ g/g) were the lowest. Expectedly, trace metal concentrations in fine grain muddy sediments of the Igbede and Ojo coastline were much higher than those of Ojora which consist of coarse and sandy deposits covering the near shore area. Generally, the results obtained fell within tolerable limits stipulated by World Health Organization (WHO).     

Heavy metal content and distribution in surface sediments of the Seyhan River, Turkey

Chemical fractionation of seven heavy metals (Cd, Cr, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb and Zn) was studied using a modified three-step sequential procedure to assess their impacts in the sediments of the Seyhan River, Turkey. Samples were collected from six representative stations in two campaigns in October 2009 and June 2010, which correspond to the wet and dry seasons, respectively. The total metal concentrations in the sediments demonstrated different distribution patterns at the various stations. Cadmium was the only metal that was below detection at all stations during both sampling periods. Metal fractionation showed that, except for Mn and Pb, the majority of metals were found in the residual fraction regardless of sampling time, indicating that these metals were strongly bound to the sediments. The potential mobility of the metals (non-residual fractions) is reflected in the following ranking: Pb > Mn > Zn > Cu > Ni > Cr in October 2009 and Mn > Pb > Zn > Cu > Ni > Cr in June 2010. The second highest proportion of metals was bound to organic matter/sulfides, originating primarily from anthropogenic activities. Non-residual metal fractions for all stations were highest in June 2010, which may be linked to higher organic matter concentrations in the sediment samples with 1.40% and 15.1% in October 2009 and June 2010, respectively. Potential sediment toxicity was evaluated using the Risk Assessment Code (RAC). Based on RAC classification, Cd and Cr pose no risk, Cu and Ni pose low risk, Pb and Zn were classified as medium risk metals, while the environmental risk from Mn was high. In addition, based on the sediment quality guidelines (SQG), the Seyhan River can be classified as a river with no, to moderate, toxicological risks, based on total metal concentrations.     

The characterization of total and leachable metals in foundry molding sands

Waste molding sands from the foundry industry have been successfully used as a component in manufactured soils, but concern over metal contamination must be addressed before many states will consider this beneficial use. Since there is little data available on this topic, the purpose of this study was to characterize total and leachable metals from waste molding sands. A total elemental analysis for Ag, Al, As, B, Ba, Be, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mg, Mn, Mo, Ni, Pb, Sb, V, and Zn was conducted on 36 clay-bonded and seven chemically bonded molding sands. Total metal concentrations in the molding sands were similar to those found in agricultural soils. The leaching of metals (i.e. Ag, As, Ba, Be, Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, Sb, and Zn) was assessed via the toxicity characteristic leaching procedure (TCLP), synthetic precipitation leaching procedure (SPLP), and ASTM water leach test. Based on the TCLP data, none of the 43 molding sands would meet the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) characteristic for toxicity due to high Ag, As, Ba, Cd, Cr, and Pb. Compared to the TCLP results, the metal concentrations were generally lower in the SPLP and ASTM extracts, which is likely related to the buffering capacity of the extraction fluids.     

Characteristics of heavy metals and Pb isotopic signatures in sediment cores collected from typical urban shallow lakes in Nanjing, China

To investigate the contamination levels and sources for heavy metals that have occurred during the development of cities, sediment cores collected from typical urban shallow lakes (Xuanwu Lake and Mochou Lake) in Nanjing, China were analyzed for Cu, Pb, Zn, Cd, Cr, Ni, and for Pb stable isotopic ratios. No significant differences were found in the concentrations of Cu, Ni and Cd among sediment layers from Xuanwu or in the levels of Cr and Ni among sediment layers from Mochou. However, there were significant differences among the layers in the concentrations of Cr, Zn and Pb in Xuanwu and Cu, Zn, Cd and Pb in Mochou. Based on geoaccumulation indexes and enrichment factors, Cd was the primary pollutant at all depths in the sediment cores. The ratios of (206)Pb/(207)Pb and (208)Pb/(206)Pb differ significantly among sediment layers in Xuanwu. No significant differences were found on the ratios of (208)Pb/(206)Pb in Mochou, but the ratios of (206)Pb/(207)Pb differ significantly among some of the sediment layers in Mochou. The range of (208)Pb/(206)Pb and (206)Pb/(207)Pb ratios was found to be 2.098-2.106 and 1.170-1.176, respectively, for sediment cores from Mochou Lake and 2.091-2.104 and 1.168-1.183, respectively, for cores from Xuanwu Lake. The differences in heavy metal concentrations and the Pb isotopic ratios with depth for the cores from Xuanwu and Mochou confirmed that the contamination sources changed during the formation of the different sediment layers. Furthermore, the ratios of (206)Pb/(207)Pb demonstrated that gasoline and vehicular Pb were not the primary sources of Pb contamination at different depths in the sediment cores in Xuanwu Lake and Mochou Lake.     

Sorption of hazardous metals from single and multi-element solutions by saltbush biomass in batch and continuous mode: interference of calcium and magnesium in batch mode

Batch studies were performed to determine the interference of calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg) on the sorption of Cu(II), Cd(II), Cr(III), Cr(VI), Pb(II), and Zn(II) [from CuSO(4), K(2)Cr(2)O(7), Pb(NO(3))(2), Cr(NO(3))(3), ZnCl(2), and Cd(NO(3))(2)] by saltbush (Atriplex canescens) biomass. The results demonstrated that Ca and Mg at concentrations of at least 20 times higher than the concentration of most of the target metals did not interfere with the metal binding. The data show that the batch binding capacity from a multimetal solution at pH 5.0 was (micromol/g) about 260 for Cr(III) and Pb, and about 117, 54, and 49 for Cu, Zn, and Cd, respectively. The use of 0.1M HCl allowed the recovery of 85-100% of the bound Cu, Cr(III), and Pb, and more than 37% of the bound Cd and Zn. The column binding capacity for Pb was about 49 micromol/g from both the single and multimetal solutions, while it was, respectively about 35 and 23 micromol/g for Cr(III). The binding capacity for Cu and Zn from the single and multimetal column experiments was 35 micromol/g and less than 10 micromol/g, respectively. The stripping data from the single column experiment showed that 0.1M HCl allowed the recovery of all the bound Cu and Zn, 90% and 74% of the bound Pb and Cr(VI), respectively, and less than 25% of the bound Cd and Cr(III), while the stripping from the multimetal experiment showed that 0.1M HCl allowed the recovery of all the bound Cu and about 74%, 54%, 43%, and 40% of the bound Pb, Zn, Cd, and Cr(III), respectively.     

密云水库上游土壤重金属污染调查评价

文章对密云水库周边及上游地区（北京境内）的污染状况作了初步评价。研究结果发现密云水库周边及上游地区重金属污染以Cr和Hg为主，丰亡牛河上游为污染最严重地区，清水河上游、潮河下游放马峪地区、德田沟-崎峰茶地区受Cr元素轻度污染。这些地区土壤重金属污染的主要原因是由于金属矿山不合理堆放的尾砂及废矿石等人为因素所致。     

Understanding heavy metal and suspended solids relationships in urban stormwater using simulated rainfall

Urban stormwater from simulated rainfall on three different landuses in Queensland State, Australia (residential, industrial, commercial) was analysed for heavy metals and physico-chemical parameters such as Dissolved Organic Carbon (DOC) and Total Suspended Solids (TSS). Rainfall events were simulated using a specially designed rainfall simulator for paved surfaces. Event mean concentration samples were separated into five different particle sizes and analysed individually for eight metal elements (Zn, Fe, Cr, Cd, Cu, Al, Mn and Pb). Multivariate data analysis was carried out for the data thus generated. It was found that DOC and TSS influence the distribution of the metals in the different particle size classes. Zn was correlated with DOC at all three sites. Similarly, Pb, Fe and Al were correlated with TSS at all sites. The distribution of Cu was found to vary between the three sites, whilst Cd concentrations were too low to assess any relationships with other parameters. No correlation between Electrical Conductivity (EC), pH and heavy metals was found at the three sites. The identification of physico-chemical parameters influencing the distribution process kinetics of heavy metals in urban stormwater will significantly enhance the efficiency of urban stormwater management systems.     

Source-separated municipal solid waste compost application to Swiss chard and basil

A growth room experiment was conducted to evaluate the bioavailability of Cu, Mn, Zn, Ca, Fe, K, Mg, P, S, As, B, Cd, Co, Cr, Hg, Mo, Na, Ni, Pb, and Se from a sandy loam soil amended with source-separated municipal solid waste (SSMSW) compost. Basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) and Swiss chard (Beta vulgaris L.) were amended with 0, 20, 40, and 60% SSMSW compost to soil (by volume) mixture. Soils and compost were sequentially extracted to fractionate Cu, Pb, and Zn into exchangeable (EXCH), iron- and manganese-oxide-bound (FeMnOX), organic-matter (OM), and structurally bound (SB) forms. Overall, in both species, the proportion of Cu, Pb, and Zn levels in different fractions followed the sequence: SB > OM > FeMnOX > EXCH for Cu; FeMnOX = SB > OM > EXCH for Pb; and FeMnOX > SB = EXCH > OM for Zn. Application of SSMSW compost increased soil pH and electrical conductivity (EC), and increased the concentration of Cu, Pb, and Zn in all fractions, but not EXCH Pb. Basil yields were greatest in the 20% treatment, but Swiss chard yields were greater in all compost-amended soils relative to the unamended soil. Basil plants in 20 or 40% compost treatments reached flowering earlier than plants from other treatments. Additions of SSMSW compost to soil altered basil essential oil, but basil oil was free of metals. The results from this study suggest that mature SSMSW compost with concentrations of Cu, Pb, Mo, and Zn of 311, 223, 17, and 767 mg/kg, respectively, could be used as a soil conditioner without phytotoxic effects on agricultural crops and without increasing the normal range of Cu, Pb, and Zn in crop tissue. However, the long-term effect of the accumulation of heavy metals in soils needs to be carefully considered.     

Heavy metals distribution in an Iowa suburban landscape

This study investigated the degree to which human activities through urbanization influence heavy metal concentrations in a suburban landscape in Ankeny, IA. Residential areas from different years in nine time periods of development were identified from aerial photos. Soil cores were collected from the center of the front yard of 10 randomly selected homes. Cores were subdivided into 0- to 5-, 5- to 10-, and 10- to 20-cm increments from a composite of five cores. The soils were analyzed for organic C, pH, and total Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, and Zn. Results showed that organic C increased and pH decreased with time, and that there was a general decreasing trend in heavy metal concentrations from the pre-1939 period until 1983-1990, after which there was a sharp increase in the concentrations of most of the metals. The mean Cu concentration ranged from 21 mg kg(-1) for the pre-1939 time period of development to 14.9 mg kg(-1) for the recent period of development (2003-2005). Nickel concentrations increased significantly with depth with means of 21.3 mg kg(-1) at depth 0 to 5 cm, 22.5 mg kg(-1) at depth 5 to 10 cm, and 23.0 mg kg(-1) at depth 10 to 20 cm. The concentrations of heavy metals were significantly intercorrelated, except Zn, suggesting their coexistence as mineral constituents or common contamination source. The concentrations of Cu and Pb in some locations could be due to anthropogenic inputs or higher organic matter content in soils adjacent to older homes. There appears to have been a source that caused an increase in Cd, Cr, Co, Cu, Pb, and Ni concentrations in soil adjacent to homes built between 1983 and 1990.     

宝山区农用土壤中重金属的监测与评价

在研究的8种重金属元素中,Cd、Cr、Cu、Pb、Zn、Ni的平均值都超过上海市土壤背景值,但均低于国家土壤环境二级标准。与上海优质农产地环境标准相比较,重金属含量平均值超过标准的有Cr、Pb、Zn,但研究区土壤中8种重金属含量的平均值均低于绿色食品产地环境技术条件和无公害食品产地环境技术条件。宝山区7个城镇农业土壤按多因子潜在生态危害指数评价,庙行镇的生态风险指数最高,月浦镇的生态风险指数最低。从宝山区农田土壤重金属含量的整体情况来看:多因子潜在生态评价值为119.08,宝山区农田土壤达到轻微生态危害。     

Assessment of the Effectiveness of Environmental Dredging in South Lake,China

Environmental dredging is a primary remedial option for removal of the contaminated material from aquatic environment. Of primary concern in environmental dredging is the effectiveness of the intended sediment removal. A 5-year field monitoring study was conducted to assess the effectiveness of the environmental dredging in South Lake, China. The concentrations of total nitrogen (TN), total phosphors, and heavy metals (Zn, Pb, Cd, Cu, Cr, Ni, Hg, and As) before and after dredging in sediment were determined and compared. Multiple ecological risk indices were employed to assess the contamination of heavy metals before and after dredging. Our results showed that the total phosphorus levels reduced 42% after dredging. Similar changes for Hg, Zn, As Pb, Cd, Cu, Cr, and Ni were observed, with reduction percentages of 97.0, 93.1, 82.6, 63.9, 52.7, 50.1, 32.0, and 23.6, respectively, and the quality of sediment improved based on the criterion of Sediment Quality Guidelines by USEPA and contamination degree values (C_d) decreased significantly (paired t-test, p < 0.05). Unexpectedly, the TN increased 49% after dredging compared to before dredging. Findings from the study demonstrated that the environmental dredging was an effective mechanism for removal of total phosphorus and heavy metals from South Lake. Nevertheless, the dredging was ineffective to remove total nitrogen from sediment. We conclude that the reason for the observed increase in TN after dredging was likely ammonia release from the sediment impairing the dredging effectiveness.     

不同酸消解方法在土壤重金属测定中的比较研究

分别用三种不同的酸消解方法进行土壤标准样品的前处理,用原子吸收分光光度法测定其中铜、铅、锌、镉、镍、锰、总铬元素的含量。结果表明,电热板/硝酸-过氧化氢-氢氟酸消解方法耗酸量少,消解时间短,适用于土壤中铜、铅、锌、镉、镍、锰元素的前处理,相对标准偏差为1.0%～5.0%;而使用电热板/硝酸-硫酸-氢氟酸方法针对土壤中总铬元素进行消解前处理,准确度更高,相对标准偏差为2.7%～5.1%。     

Use of constructed wetland for the removal of heavy metals from industrial wastewater

This study was conducted to investigate the effectiveness of a continuous free surface flow wetland for removal of heavy metals from industrial wastewater, in Gadoon Amazai Industrial Estate (GAIE), Swabi, Pakistan. Industrial wastewater samples were collected from the in-let, out-let and all cells of the constructed wetland (CW) and analyzed for heavy metals such as lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), iron (Fe), nickel (Ni), chromium (Cr) and copper (Cu) using standard methods. Similarly, samples of aquatic macrophytes and sediments were also analyzed for selected heavy metals. Results indicate that the removal efficiencies of the CW for Pb, Cd, Fe, Ni, Cr, and Cu were 50%, 91.9%, 74.1%, 40.9%, 89%, and 48.3%, respectively. Furthermore, the performance of the CW was efficient enough to remove the heavy metals, particularly Cd, Fe, and Cu, from the industrial wastewater fed to it. However, it is suggested that the metal removal efficiency of the CW can be further enhanced by using proper management of vegetation and area expansion of the present CW.     

Effect of liming on the distribution of heavy metals in untreated industrial sewage sludge produced in Pakistan for the cultivation of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Sorghum bicolor</Emphasis> (L.)

The recycling of sewage sludge on agriculture land represents an alternative, advantageous, disposal of this waste material. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the feasibility of using industrial sewage sludge, produced in Pakistan, as a fertiliser. Agricultural soil amended with 25% (w/w) sewage sludge with or without lime treatment was used for growing a variety of sorghum (PARC-SS-1). The mobility of the heavy metals (HMs) (Cd, Cu, Cr, Ni, Pb and Zn) and metalloid (As) in the untreated industrial waste water sewage sludge (UIWS) samples were assessed by applying a modified BCR (Community Bureau of Reference) sequential extraction procedure. The single extraction procedure comprised of the application of mild extractant (CaCl₂) and water for the estimation of the proportion of easily soluble metal fractions. The precision and accuracy of BCR was evaluated by using a certified reference material of soil amended with sewage sludge BCR 483. The plant available metal contents, as extracted by the deionised water and 0.01 M CaCl₂ solution and exchangeable fraction of BCR sequential, decreased with lime application in the range of 10–44% for As, Cr, Ni, Pb and Zn, except in the cases of Cd and Cu, where their mobility was increased by 10% and 24%, respectively. Sludge amendment enhanced the dry weight yield of sorghum and the increase was more obvious after liming up to 25%. The uptake of HMs were lower in test samples (3.2–21.8%), except for Cu and Cd, which was higher (4%), while they were below the permissible limit of these metals. The present experiment demonstrates that liming was important in factors facilitating the growth of sorghum in sludge-amended soil.     

Removal of heavy metals in rinsing wastewater from plating factory by adsorption with economical viable materials

The removal of heavy metals from plating factory wastewater with economical materials was investigated by the column method. Montmorillonite, kaolin, tobermorite, magnetite, silica gel and alumina were used as the economical adsorbents to wastewater containing Cd(II), Cr(VI), Cu(II) and Pb(II). This removal method of heavy metals proved highly effective as removal efficiency tended to increase with increasing pH and decrease with increasing metal concentration. The removal percentages by adsorption onto montmorillonite, tobermorite, magnetite, and silica gel showed high values for all metals. From the results for the heat of adsorption, the adsorption process in the present study might be chemisorption. The proposed method was successfully applied to the removal of Cd(II), Cr(VI) and Cu(II) in rinsing wastewater from plating factory in Nagoya City, Aichi Prefecture, Japan. Since the economical adsorbents used can be obtained commercially because they are easily synthesized, the wastewater treatment system developed is rapid, simple and cheap for the removal of heavy metals.     

基于GIS的耕地土壤重金属污染与农业功能定位研究——以山东省聊城市为例

按8km×8km的网格将聊城市耕地分为137个采样点，调查砷、镉、铬、铜、汞、镍、铅、锌等重金属的污染状况。采用国家土壤环境质量标准、农产品安全质量标准和绿色食品产地环境条件作为评价标准，采用单因子指数和综合指数为评价方法进行污染评价。研究表明，聊城市土壤污染强度依次为铜〉镍〉锌〉砷〉铬〉镉〉铅〉汞，但均未超标。以GIS为操作平台显示聊城市重金属空间分布状况，并对区域耕地进行了功能的定位。聊城市西南部土壤质量最优，适宜种植绿色食品；无公害蔬菜和安全粮食种植区在各县市均有不同程度的分布。