Cleaning of water contaminated by heavy metals using beetroot fibers as biofilter

We report for the first time the use of beetroot fibers to eliminate heavy metals from polluted water. This biomass is used to remove lead, copper and zinc ions. The kinetics and beetroot fibers fixation capacities of lead, zinc and copper according to various physico‐chemical parameters such as pH, and the concentration of metal solutions were studied. The experiments were carried out in a laboratory column with fixed bed. For kinetic studies, samples of metal solutions were taken at regular intervals and measured by atomic absorption spectrometry. pH at 6.6 shows a maximum retention of the above cited metals by beetroot fibers (98%, 92%, 90% respectively). Quantity of cations retained by this biomass in simple and mixture solution is respectively estimated to be 23.6, 14.02 and 14.64 mg/g. Results indicate the usefulness of this biomass in the remediation of water contaminated by heavy metals by a rapid, practical and efficient method.     

干旱区绿洲土壤中重金属的形态分布及生物有效性研究

测定了Cd、Pb、Zn和Ni等重金属在不同处理土壤中的全量和各赋存形态,以及它们在盆栽试验油菜（Brassica cole）中的质量分数,并利用Pearson相关系数分析了该区土壤-油菜体系的生物有效性。结果表明,供试绿洲土壤原状土中,Cd、Pb、Zn和Ni均以稳定的残渣态形式存在;而在处理土壤中,重金属被钝化的量有限,Cd的存在形式主要以碳酸盐态为主,Pb、Zn和Ni则主要以铁锰氧化态为主。根据相关性分析,油菜根部和叶部的Ni质量分数均与土壤中Ni的各非残渣态分布系数有相关性,表明当土壤中Ni以非残渣态存在时,活动性Ni的质量分数较高,其被生物吸收利用的可能性也较大;油菜根部的Zn质量分数与土壤中Zn的碳酸盐结合态分布系数显著的正相关性;油菜各部位Cd和Pb的质量分数与土壤中Cd和Pb的各形态分布系数之间无显著相关关系。     

Heavy metals in surface water and stream sediments in Jamaica

The levels of heavy metals in water and stream sediments in Jamaica are presented and compared to levels in soils and environmental standards. Heavy metals (cadmium, chromium, copper, mercury, nickel, lead and zinc) appear to be less of a problem to Jamaica's freshwater environment than might be expected given the concentrations in soils. This can be explained by taking into account the dynamics of the Jamaican water environment and the relative absence of anthropogenic sources. The dynamics of the freshwater system on the other hand, could pass any environmental threat to the coastal environment. Because the stream sediments are relatively coarse and contain little organic material the bio-availability of micropollutants such as heavy metals from the sediments can be expected to be relatively high.     

Sources, spatial variation, and speciation of heavy metals in sediments of the Tamagawa River in Central Japan

Sediments of the Tamagawa River in central Japan were studied to explain the spatial variation, to identify the sources of heavy metals, and to evaluate the anthropogenic influence on these pollutants in the river. Sediment samples were collected from 20 sites along the river (five upstream, four midstream, and 11 downstream). Heavy metal concentrations, viz. chromium, nickel, copper, zinc, lead, cadmium, and molybdenum, in the samples were measured using inductively coupled plasma-mass spectroscopy. The chemical speciations of heavy metals in the sediments were identified by the widely used five-step Hall method. Lead isotopes were analyzed to identify what portion is contributed by anthropogenic sources. The total heavy metal concentrations were compared with global averages for continental crust (shale) and average values for Japanese river sediments. The mean heavy metal concentrations were higher in downstream sediments than in upstream and midstream samples, and the concentrations in the silt samples were higher than those in the sand samples. Speciation results demonstrate that, for chromium and nickel, the residual fractions were dominant. These findings imply that the influence of anthropogenic chromium and nickel contamination is negligible, while copper, zinc, and lead were mostly extracted in the non-residual fraction (metals in adsorbed/exchangeable/carbonate forms or bound to amorphous Fe oxyhydroxides, crystalline Fe oxides, or organic matter), indicating that these elements have high chemical mobility. The proportion of lead (Pb) isotopes in the downstream silt samples indicates that Pb accumulation is primarily derived from anthropogenic sources.     

Sources,spatial variation,and speciation of heavy metals in sediments of the Tamagawa River in Central Japan

Sediments of the Tamagawa River in central Japan were studied to explain the spatial variation, to identify the sources of heavy metals, and to evaluate the anthropogenic influence on these pollutants in the river. Sediment samples were collected from 20 sites along the river (five upstream, four midstream, and 11 downstream). Heavy metal concentrations, viz. chromium, nickel, copper, zinc, lead, cadmium, and molybdenum, in the samples were measured using inductively coupled plasma-mass spectroscopy. The chemical speciations of heavy metals in the sediments were identified by the widely used five-step Hall method. Lead isotopes were analyzed to identify what portion is contributed by anthropogenic sources. The total heavy metal concentrations were compared with global averages for continental crust (shale) and average values for Japanese river sediments. The mean heavy metal concentrations were higher in downstream sediments than in upstream and midstream samples, and the concentrations in the silt samples were higher than those in the sand samples. Speciation results demonstrate that, for chromium and nickel, the residual fractions were dominant. These findings imply that the influence of anthropogenic chromium and nickel contamination is negligible, while copper, zinc, and lead were mostly extracted in the non-residual fraction (metals in adsorbed/exchangeable/carbonate forms or bound to amorphous Fe oxyhydroxides, crystalline Fe oxides, or organic matter), indicating that these elements have high chemical mobility. The proportion of lead (Pb) isotopes in the downstream silt samples indicates that Pb accumulation is primarily derived from anthropogenic sources.     

Eco-friendly approach for leaching out heavy metals from sewage sludge

Sewage sludge contains rich organic matter and nutrients essential for the growth of plants but the presence of toxic heavy metals restricts its land application. To overcome this, the study aims an eco-friendly approach for leaching out heavy metals. Sewage sludge from sewage treatment plant, Chennai, India was characterised. The analysis of total heavy metal concentration was done by digesting in nitric acid and different forms were extracted by community bureau of reference sequential method. Heavy metals: As, Cd, Cr, Cr, Ni, Pb and Zn were determined using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry Perkin Elmer Optima 5300 DV. The experimental set-up for heavy metal leaching was held for five consecutive days at different concentrations of humic acid (0.1%, 0.5% and 1%) at varied pH (5–9). Results revealed that at the end of fifth day at pH 8, 1% humic acid is capable of leaching out 75.5% cadmium, 66.0% nickel, 52.0% lead, 51.2% zinc, 31.2% copper and 8.5% cadmium from sewage sludge. Statistically positive correlation (0.7088) existed between the percentage of heavy metals leached out and the sum of soluble and reducible fractions. Thus, from ecological point of view, humic acid can be used to leach out heavy metals from sewage sludge serving the need in restoration of soil fertility upon land application.     

Amberlite XAD-7 impregnated with morpholine dithiocarbamate as trace metal extractant

Application of Amberlite XAD-7 impregnated with morpholine dithiocarbamate (MDTC) for separation and preconcentration of trace amounts of lead, copper, cobalt, iron, nickel, cadmium and zinc and determination by ICP-AES has been described. The optimum experimental parameters, such as pH, sample flow rate, eluent and effect of matrix ions on the preconcentration were investigated. Simultaneous enrichment of the seven metals was accomplished. The t _1/2 values for sorption are 2.9, 3.3, 3.7, 3.6, 2.8, 4.1 and 2.8 respectively for Pb(II), Cu(II), Co(II), Fe(III), Ni(II), Cd(II) and Zn(II). The method was applied for the determination of trace metal ions in seawater and natural water samples. The results have been compared with extraction GFAAS method.     

The role of echinoderms as bioindicators of seawater pollution: A case study from patraicos and corinthiacos Gulf,N. Peloponnesus,Greece

To determine the role of echinoderms as bioindicators of seawater pollution we collected sea‐water and urchin samples from two sites in N. Peloponnesus, Greece. One site was in Patraicos gulf (Patras) and was influenced by point source pollution (urban sewage outfalls) while the second was in Korinthiacos gulf (Akoli) with no evident habitat pollution.

Three heavy metals (copper, nickel and zinc) have been measured in the gonads of two edible species of echinoderms, Arbacia lixula and Paracentrotus lividus.

Statistical treatment of the results showed statistically significant differences in bioaccu‐mulation related to the dry‐weight of gonads, to species, to sex of echinoderms, to season of sampling and to sampling station.

The concentrations of zinc were higher than those of Ni and Cu at in both sampling sites.

Microbiological analysis showed that contamination of the urchins was correlated to that of the surrounding seawater.

Finally both sampling sites seems to be influenced, directly or indirectly, by heavy metal and bacterial habitat pollution.     

Effect of lime on speciation of heavy metals during composting of water hyacinth

Composting is attractive and inexpensive method for treatment and biomass disposal of water hyacinth. However, the major disadvantage of water hyacinth composting is the high content of heavy metals in the final compost. Addition of lime sludge significantly reduced most bioavailable fractions (exchangeable and carbonate) of heavy metals. Studies were carried on composting of water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) with cattle manure and sawdust (6:3:1 ratio) and effects of addition of lime (1%, 2% and 3%) on heavy metal speciation were evaluated during 30 days of composting period. The Tessier sequential extraction method was employed to investigate the changes in speciation of heavy metals such as Zinc (Zn), Copper (Cu), Manganese (Mn), Iron (Fe), Lead (Pb), Nickel (Ni), Cadmium (Cd) and Chromium (Cr) during water hyacinth composting. Effects of physicochemical parameters such as temperature, pH and organic matter on speciation of heavy metals were also studied during the process. Results showed that, the total metal content was increased during the composting process. The higher reduction in bioavailability factor (BF) of Cu, Fe, Ni, Cd and Cr was observed in lime 2 treatment about 62.1%, 64.4%, 71.9%, 62.1% and 58.9% respectively; however higher reduction in BF of Zn and Pb was observed in lime 1 treatment during the composting process. Reducible and oxidizable fractions of Ni, Pb and Cd were not observed during the process. Addition of lime was very effective for reduction of bioavailability of heavy metals during composting of water hyacinth with cattle manure and sawdust.     

Heavy metals in three commercially valuable cyprinids in the river Panjkora,district Lower Dir,Khyber Pakhtunkhwa,Pakistan

This study was conducted in river Panjkora (Khall, upstream; Timergara, downstream) and its tributary (Konhaye stream, reference site) at district Lower Dir. The study was aimed to assess heavy metal load in gills, liver, kidneys, and muscles of three fish species, namely Schizothorax esocinus, Racoma labiata, and Crossocheilus diplocheilus. The heavy metals, including nickel, cadmium, lead, copper, zinc, chromium, iron, and manganese were determined using an atomic absorption spect-rophotometer. Nickel and cadmium were not detected in any of the collected specimens at all sampling sites. Concentration of the detected metals varied significantly depending upon fish species and tissue type. Crossocheilus diplocheilus showed higher accumulated concentration of heavy metals while R. labiata contained the least. Schizothorax esocinus and R. labiata displayed significant differences in their concentrations of metals. The order of accumulation of heavy metals in different tissues was liver>kidneys>muscles>gills. Data demonstrated that heavy metal levels in the studied species were within permissible limits and thus, apparently suitable for human consumption. Currently, the river contains a sewage burden, and continued heavy pollution may ultimately lead to serious problems in the future.     

Freshwater Mussel,Lamellidens Marginalis (Lamarck) (Mollusca: Bivalvia: Unionidae) As an Indicator of River Pollution

Abstract

Analyses were made of heavy metals, manganese, nickel, copper, zinc and lead in water samples and soft body, shell and different tissues (gills, digestive glands, mantle and viscera) of the Unionid mussel, Lamellidens marginalis collected from two tributaries of the Cauvery river. Water samples from Station I contained higher concentrations of the metals than those from Station II. the concentration of metals in water at both stations were in the descending order: Mn > Zn > Pb > Ni > Cu. However, the concentrations of metals in the soft body were in the descending order: Zn > Mn > Pb > Ni > Cu at both stations in all size groups of mussels tested. the concentration of zinc maintained a linear relationship with the size of the mussels, but manganese showed a reverse trend. Small size (4-5 cm) mussels accumulated more manganese (105.5 μg.g^?1 dry wt.) than larger ones (7-8 cm; 6.5 μg.g^?1 dry wt.). Both young and old is accumulate the same level of lead, copper and nickel in the soft body. the order of concentrations of metals (Mn, Pb, Zn, Ni and Cu) in the shell of mussels from both stations coincided with the order of concentrations of background water except for lead. the accumulation of lead was higher in shell (30.4-36.2 μg.g^?1 dry wt.) than in soft body (6.4-12.0 μg.g^?1 dry wt.). the pattern of concentration of metals in the various tissues reveal that the digestive glands have greater ability than other tissues to concentrate most metals under study. the concentration factors for soft body, shell and different tissues are presented. the advantages in using the common mussel for biomonitoring of contaminants in water is also discussed.     

Calcareous electrochemical precipitation,a new method to trap nickel in seawater

There are few efficient, rapid and cheap methods to remove toxic metals from contaminated waters. Here we hypothesised that cathodic protection, an existing method used to control the corrosion of metallic structures, may trap toxic metals. Indeed, in seawater, the application of a cathodic current on a metallic structure induces the precipitation of limestone (CaCO₃) and magnesium dihydroxyde (Mg(OH)₂), thus forming a calcareous deposit on the metal surface. We therefore presumed that such calcareous deposit may trap metals dissolved in waters. Actually calcareous deposit formation has never been studied in the presence of dissolved metallic contaminants such as nickel. Here we tested ionic nickel (Ni²⁺) precipitation in calcareous deposit with a galvanized steel electrode by spiking artificial seawater with a NiCl₂ salt during 7 days of applied current. We analysed deposit surface and cross section by µ-Raman spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with X-ray microanalysis. Ni concentration in the deposit was quantified by inductively coupled plasma analysis, after deposit dissolution in 60% HNO₃. Results show that in 7 days up to 24% of nickel can be trapped in the calcareous deposit. Scanning electron microscopy reveals that Ni is trapped under a pure CaCO₃ layer of aragonite. Raman spectra show that nickel is incorporated as nickel dihydroxyde (Ni(OH)₂), as evidence by vibration bands at 446 and 510 cm^?1. Overall our findings disclose a new and efficient method, calcareous electrochemical precipitation, which has potential applications to remove toxic metals from contaminated waters.     

The relationships of urbanization to surface water quality in four lakes of Hanyang,China

By converting rural land into urban land, urbanization impacts on surface water quality, because cities produce more pollutants than farmlands, especially heavy metals. Ways to reduce urbanization impacts on water quality are now being highlighted worldwide. Considering that land use can be a source or sink in pollution runoff, an understanding of the relationship between urbanization and surface water quality, as well as effects of specific land uses on water quality, is crucial. Corresponding management and controlling steps can then be put forward towards non-point source (NPS) pollution control and urban sustainable development. China has experienced rapid urbanization, especially since the 1980s. However, the environmental impacts of this process are not fully investigated. Hanyang, Hubei Province was selected as a typical city to study the impacts of urbanization on lake water quality. Pearson's correlation analysis was performed to elucidate the correlation between different land uses and water quality indicators at both whole lake watershed and small catchment scales. The results indicated that land uses play different roles, either source or sink, in pollution flow processes. Bottomland had a negative and residential land a positive correlation to most water quality indicators, especially heavy metals. These proved to be indicative and crucial land uses in NPS pollution control. Finally, a strategy for regulating urban land uses is proposed for improving surface water quality in cities similar to Hanyang, in southern China.     

The adsorption of lead and copper from aqueous solution on modified peat-resin particles

Raw peat was modified with sulfuric acid, then mixed modified with resin to prepare the modified peat-resin particles. Using the batch experimental systems, the removal of heavy metals (copper and lead) on the modified peat-resin particles was investigated. The data of the adsorption isotherm could be fitted by the Langmuir equation well. The adsorption rate of heavy metals on modified peat-resin particles was very swift. The removal processes of heavy metals on modified peat-resin particles could be well described by pseudo-second order model. The adsorption rate of lead was affected by the initial heavy metal concentration, initial pH, particle size, agitation speed and particle mass. In the adsorption of heavy metals (lead and copper) on the modified peat-resin particles, ion exchange was the major reaction mechanism. Desorption data showed that the lead adsorbed by modified peat-resin particle could be desorbed by 0.5 N or 1.0 N HNO3. The desorption rate was swift. The experiments indicated that the modified peat-resin particles have great potential for the removal of heavy metals from wastewater.     

沉积物充气过程对锌的影响

在缺氧沉积物中,酸可挥发硫（ＡＶＳ）是总硫含量中的一个活性最大的部分。它控制着还原状态沉积物内孔隙水的重金属浓度又通过与重金属形成硫化物,影响着沉积物中重金属的形态。现已证明,ＡＶＳ与重金属反应是重要方面。ＡＶＳ的变化来自人类活动和自然现象。本项研究通过对香港河流和海湾沉积物３２ｄ的连续充气实验,探索硫含量变化对Ｚｎ对影响。     

Imprägnierte Filterpapiere für die Wasserreinigung

With special filter materials it is possible to eliminate the heavy metals lead, copper and nickel and arsenic from water by sorption resp. chemical bounding. After a reaction time of 24 hours the reduction rates were between 97% and >99,9%.     

Seasonal variations in physico-chemical parameters and heavy metals in water and sediments of Uppanar estuary, Nagapattinam, India

The present study was carried out to determine the physico-chemical characteristics and heavy metals in water and sediments in Uppanar Estuary, Nagapattinam, Southeast coast of India during January to December 2007. The minimum and maximum values of atmospheric and surface water temperatures (degrees C), salinity (per thousand), pH and dissolved oxygen (ml l(-1)) were: 26.0-35.0; 25.0-33.5; 8.0-35.0; 7.2-8.2 and 2.8-5.5 respectively. The ranges of nitrate, nitrite, phosphate and silicate were: 7.05-24.23; 0.82-3.15; 0.31-2.18 and 40.0-198.0 (microM) respectively. The ranges of heavy metals in water (microg 1(-1)) and sediment (microg g(-1)) copper zinc, cadmium and mercury were: 2.45-18.25; 26.43-101.24; 1.23-24.35 and 0.01-0.22 and 5.02-81.27; 22.47-75.42; 2.25-10.06 and 0.01-0.16 respectively.     

污泥土地利用对土壤中重金属形态的影响

土地利用是资源化利用城市污水厂污泥的有效途径，随污泥中的营养成分一起进入土壤中的还有其中的重金属元素，它们有可能成为一种环境安全的隐患。本实验所用的土壤为污泥经过无害化及稳定化处理后，与上海潮滩沙土按不同比例(干污泥质量比)混配而成。种植前后分别对沙土、污泥及混配土的重金属含量及形态进行测试。选择几种花卉植物，如菊花(Calendula officinalis）等进行植物种植试验，一个生长季后对植物中的重金属含量及形态进行测试。应用Tessler连续提取法，对污泥中的重金属进入土壤后，土壤中重金属的含量、赋存状态等方面的规律进行研究，发现污泥的土地利用会明显增加土壤中的重金属含量，而且重金属的形态也有明显的变化，可交换态和碳酸盐结合态的重金属含量有明显的增加；如长期使用，则必须采取相应的措施，以消除有害的影响。     

Metal pollution status of Tajan River – Northern Iran

The monitoring of surface water quality of rivers is crucial to protect aquatic life and receiving water bodies of economic importance. The aim of the current study was to examine selected physicochemical parameters of River Tajan due to its ecological importance in Iran. Water samples from nine points covering the entire Tajan River and Caspian Sea estuary were collected and analyzed for pH, electrical conductivity (EC), total dissolved solids (TDS), carbonates, chlorides and selected heavy metals including zinc, cadmium, lead and chromium. The pH and levels of EC, TDS, chlorides, carbonates and all metals were within the USEPA reference guidelines for surface water quality standards. Although these water quality parameters are considered safe, continuous monitoring and assessment is recommended in order to protect the coastal receiving waters of Caspian Sea which serves as a tourist attraction in northern Iran.     

Uncommon heavy metals,metalloids and their plant toxicity: a review

Heavy metals still represent a group of dangerous pollutants, to which close attention is paid. Many heavy metals are essential as important constituents of pigments and enzymes, mainly zinc, nickel and copper. However, all metals, especially cadmium, lead, mercury and copper, are toxic at high concentration because of disrupting enzyme functions, replacing essential metals in pigments or producing reactive oxygen species. The toxicity of less common heavy metals and metalloids, such as thallium, arsenic, chromium, antimony, selenium and bismuth, has been investigated. Here, we review the phytotoxicity of thallium, chromium, antimony, selenium, bismuth, and other rare heavy metals and metalloids such as tellurium, germanium, gallium, scandium, gold, platinum group metals (palladium, platinum and rhodium), technetium, tungsten, uranium, thorium, and rare earth elements yttrium and lanthanum, and the 14 lanthanides cerium, dysprosium, erbium, europium, gadolinium, holmium, lutetium, neodymium, promethium, praseodymium, samarium, terbium, thulium and ytterbium.