Application of zirconium–iridium permanent modifier for the simultaneous determination of lead, cadmium, arsenic, and nickel in atmospheric particulate matter by multi-element electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry

A novel and robust method for the simultaneous determination of lead, cadmium, arsenic, and nickel in atmospheric particulate matter by multi-element electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry was developed, using zirconium–iridium coating as permanent modifier (140 μg Zr and 4 μg Ir). After 300 atomization cycles, it was necessary to add 2 μg of Ir. Due to the varying concentrations of Pb in atmospheric particulate matter, lead was monitored at two wavelengths, at the less sensitive line of 261.4 nm for high concentration samples (>20 μg?L^?1) or at 283.3 nm for the low concentration samples. Matrix-matched calibration had to be performed for quantitative recoveries (96–102 %). Following this approach, the four elements were determined in atmospheric particulate matter samples from an industrial area near the city of Athens in two different time periods (cold–warm) with limits of detection of 5.5 ng?m^?3 for Pb at 261.4 nm and 0.29 ng?m^?3 at 283.3 nm, 0.019 ng?m^?3 for Cd, 0.14 ng?m^?3 for As, and 0.22 ng?m^?3 for Ni. Lead, Cd, and As levels were very low, whereas Ni content was at comparable levels with other areas worldwide.     

A simple extraction procedure for determination of total mercury in crude oil

The determination of mercury in crude oil and petroleum products is particularly difficult due to the volatile nature of both mercury and the matrix, which may lead to significant loss of the analyte. A simple extraction method for total mercury has been developed to determine total mercury in crude oil using cold vapor atomic fluorescence spectrometry. The homogenized crude oil sample was diluted to 5, 10, and 20 % (w/w) in toluene. The diluted crude oil samples were spiked with 10 and 40 μg/kg (w/w). The samples were extracted using an oxidant/acid solution, BrCl/HCl. The mercury was extracted into the aqueous phase; the ionic mercury was then reduced to volatile elemental mercury (Hg⁰) by stannous chloride (SnCl₂). The mercury vapor was detected by Merlin cold vapor atomic fluorescence spectrometry at a 253.7-nm wavelength. The average recoveries for mercury in spiked diluted crude oil (10 and 40 μg/kg, w/w) were between 96 and 103 %, respectively, in 5 and 10 % spiked diluted crude oil. Whereas, low recoveries (<50 %) were recorded in 20 % diluted spiked crude oil. The method detection limit was calculated as t _{(0.01)(n ? 1)}?×?SD where t is the student's value for 99 % confidence level and standard deviation estimate with n???1 degrees of freedom. The method detection limit was found to be 0.38 μg/kg based on 5 g of diluted crude oil sample. The method is sensitive enough to determine low levels of mercury in crude oil.     

Evolution of lead concentration in the particulate matter of Santiago,Chile, since 1978

Santiago is a city of over 4.5 million inhabitants and about 415000 motor vehicles using leaded gasoline. Twenty-four-hour samples were taken of total and fractionated particulate matter using a low-volume system and two Andersen cascade impactors, between 1978 and 1989 at different sites of the city of Santiago. Lead concentrations were determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. The results show that Pb concentrations vary greatly depending on the site selected. Higher values are always detected near the city center. An annual variation with the highest value during the autumn-winter period (May–July) is clearly observed. Lead concentrations versus size are clearly biased to particles smaller than 2 µm. A correlation is observed between Pb concentrations and the suspended particulate matter under 3 µm at different sites of the city. The curves of Pb concentration versus size of the aerosols emitted by the gas exhaust of motor vehicles using leaded gasoline are similar to those of the atmospheric aerosols.     

Silica glass modified with flavonoid derivatives for preconcentration of some toxic metal ions in water samples and their determination with ICP-MS

Quercetin (3,3^′,4^′,5,7-pentahydroxyflavone) chemically bonded through pyran rearrangement on modified controlled pore silica glass (QCPSG) with a capacity 0.213 mmol/g was used for solid phase extraction of some toxic metal and metalloid ions. The newly designed QCPSG quantitatively sorbs As(V), Cd(II), Hg(II), and Pb(II) at the pH range 7.5–8.5 after 10 min of stirring. HCl (1 mol L^???1) instantaneously elutes all the metal ions. The sorption capacity of the ion collector is 0.42, 0.46, 0.53, and 0.49 mmol g^???1 for As(V), Cd(II), Hg(II), and Pb(II), respectively, whereas the preconcentration factor is 200. The effect of NaCl, Na₂SO₄, NaF, NaBr, Na₃PO₄, and other interfering salts on the sorption of metal ions (50 μg L^???1) was reported. Analytical detection limits of As(V), Cd(II), Hg(II), and Pb(II) were 4.18, 2.44, 15.86, and 25.00 pg mL^???1, respectively. QCPSG was used in the separation of the investigated metal ions from some natural water samples collected from diverse origins followed by determination by inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometry. The data were compared with those obtained by the standard methods of determination using atomic absorption (hydride generation, HGAAS and after solvent extraction with ammonium pyrolidine dithiocarbamate/methyl isobutyl ketone). The suggested solid phase extraction method was found accurate with no random error.     

Analysis of mercury and other heavy metals accumulated in lichen Usnea antarctica from James Ross Island,Antarctica

The study was designed to investigate the content and distribution of selected heavy metals (As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Hg, Mn, Ni, Fe, Pb and Zn) in samples of fruticose macrolichen Usnea antarctica from James Ross Island. A special emphasis was devoted to mercury and its species (elemental mercury and methylmercury). It was found that mercury contents were relatively high (up to 2.73 mg kg^?1 dry weight) compared to other parts of the Antarctic Peninsula region, while the concentrations of most other elements were within reported ranges. Mercury contents in lichens originating from the interior were higher than those from the coast, which is probably the result of local microclimate conditions. Similar trends were observed for Hg⁰ and MeHg⁺, whose contents were up to 0.14 and 0.098 mg kg^?1 dry weight, respectively. While mercury did not show a significant correlation with any other element, the mutual correlation of some litophile elements probably refers to the influence on thalli of resuspended weathered material. The influence of habitat and environmental conditions could play an essential role in the bioaccumulation of contaminants rather than just the simple presence of sources. Thus, the study of the thalli of this species can bring a new perspective on the interpretation of contaminant accumulation in lichens of the polar region.     

Assessment of trace metal concentration in feathers of seabird (Larus dominicanus) sampled in the Florianópolis, SC, Brazilian coast

Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Mn, Ni, Zn, and Pb were measured in feather samples of adult, subadult, and juvenile of Larus dominicanus, sampled in the Florianólis, SC, in the south of Brazil in December 2005, by flame atomic absorption spectrophotometry. The average of the distribution of Cd concentration in adult feathers (0.072 μg g^???1) was significantly different than that found in juvenile feathers (0.021 μg g^???1). Cu concentration averages were not significantly different between adults (13.30 μg g^???1), subadults (9.67 μg g^???1), and juveniles (13.76 μg g^???1). For adults and juveniles there was significant difference in feather concentrations for Cd, Co, Cr, Ni, and Pb. The distribution of Mn concentration averages in feathers differs between adults (11.36 μg g^???1) and juveniles (1.184 μg g^???1). Ni concentration averages of adults (5.92 μg g^???1) were significantly higher than those of juveniles (2.23 μg g^???1). For Pb, concentration averages were significantly higher in adults (7.53 μg g^???1) than in juveniles (1.47 μg g^???1). The concentration of Co and Cr in juvenile and subadults are statistically different when compared with the adults. In the present study, levels of Cd, Co, Cr, Mn, Ni, Zn, and Pb increased with age. The concentrations of essential trace elements in L. dominicanus were generally comparable to values reported in other studies. With non-essential metals (Cd, Pb, and Ni), in our study, L. dominicanus had lower values than those reported for their northern Atlantic counterparts.     

The use of silica gel modified with allyl 6-methyl-4-phenyl-2-thioxo-1,2,3,4-tetrahydropyrimidine-5-carboxylate for selective separation and preconcentration of lead in environmental samples

The aim of the present work is the assessment of a new sorbent, prepared using silica gel coated with a pyrimidine derivative (allyl 6-methyl-4-phenyl-2-thioxo-1,2,3,4-tetrahydropyrimidine-5-carboxylate), for extraction and preconcentration trace amount of lead from different samples prior to determination by flame atomic absorption spectrometry. Common coexisting ions did not interfere with the separation and determination of lead at pH?6, so that lead ion completely adsorbed on the column. The limit of detection based on three times the standard deviation of the blank was found to be 0.53 ng?mL^?1 in original solution. Obtained sorption capacity for 1 g sorbent was 5.0 mg Pb. The linearity was maintained in the concentration range of 0.1–30.0 ng?mL^?1 for the concentrated solution. Eight replicate determinations of 2.0 μg?mL^?1 of lead in the final solution gave relative standard deviation of ±2.6 %. The proposed method was successfully applied to the determination trace amounts of lead in the environmental samples such as carrot, rice, zardchoobe, and real water samples.     

Novel solid-phase extractor based on functionalization of multi-walled carbon nano tubes with 5-aminosalicylic acid for preconcentration of Pb(II) in water samples prior to determination by ICP-OES

New solid-phase extractor (MWCNTs-5-ASA) was synthesized via covalent immobilization of 5-aminsalicylic acid onto multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNs). The success of the functionalization process was confirmed using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscope, and surface coverage determination. Batch experiments were conducted as a function of pH to explore MWCNTs-5-ASA efficiency to extract several metal ions viz., Cr(III), Fe(III), Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II), Zn(II), Cd(II) and Pb(II). It was found that Pb(II) exhibits the highest extraction percentage with maximum adsorption capacity 32.75 mg g^?1. Its binding performance was well fitted with Langmuir sorption isotherm. On the other hand, the selective separation and preconcentration of trace Pb(II) under dynamic conditions prior to determination by inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry was investigated under different parameters. These included the rate of flow and volume of sample solution, in addition to the type of the eluate, its volume and concentration. The effect of a variety of foreign ions on the recovery percentage was also evaluated. Trace Pb(II) ions present in 500 mL aqueous solution adjusted to pH 4.0 were retained on 50 mg of MWCNTs-5-ASA and completely eluted using 4.0 mL of 2 M HNO₃. The limit of detection and the precision of the method were 0.25 ng mL^?1 and 2.8 %, respectively (N?=?5). This methodology has been applied for the determination of Pb(II) in water samples with good results.     

Solid-phase extraction and separation procedure for trace aluminum in water samples and its determination by high-resolution continuum source flame atomic absorption spectrometry (HR-CS FAAS)

In the present study, a separation/preconcentration procedure for determination of aluminum in water samples has been developed by using a new atomic absorption spectrometer concept with a high-intensity xenon short-arc lamp as continuum radiation source, a high-resolution double-echelle monochromator, and a charge-coupled device array detector. Sample solution pH, sample volume, flow rate of sample solution, volume, and concentration of eluent for solid-phase extraction of Al chelates with 4-[(dicyanomethyl)diazenyl] benzoic acid on polymeric resin (Duolite XAD-761) have been investigated. The adsorbed aluminum on resin was eluted with 5 mL of 2 mol L^-1 HNO₃ and its concentration was determined by high-resolution continuum source flame atomic absorption spectrometry (HR-CS FAAS). Under the optimal conditions, limit of detection obtained with HR-CS FAAS and Line Source FAAS (LS-FAAS) were 0.49 μg L^?1 and 3.91 μg L^?1, respectively. The accuracy of the procedure was confirmed by analyzing certified materials (NIST SRM 1643e, Trace elements in water) and spiked real samples. The developed procedure was successfully applied to water samples.     

Physicochemical properties and mineral contents of seven different date fruit (Phoenix dactylifera L.) varieties growing from Saudi Arabia

The date (Phoenix dactylifera L.) fruits (Soukari, Soulag, Barhi, Khulas, Rozaiz, Soughi and Monaif) were evaluated with respect to some physical and chemical properties. While crude protein contents of fruits change between 1.51 % (Soulag) to 2.41 % (Soughi), crude fibre contents ranged between 1.91 % (Soukari) to 3.90 % (Barhi). Vitamin C contents of date samples changed between 971.82 mg/kg (Soughi) to 1,453.15 mg/kg (Barhi). Antioxidant activity of date fruits ranged from 80.07 IC₅₀ (Soukari) to 81.21 IC₅₀ (Soulag). The highest phenolic content was found in Khulas with a mean value of 198 mg GAE/100 g. Energy values of date fruits ranged from 3,725 kcal/kg (Soulag) to 3,870 kcal/kg (Soukari). Sucrose contents of date fruits changed between 1.02 % (Soulag) to 55.71 % (Soukari). Mineral contents of several date fruits were determined by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-AES). Date samples contain potassium at a range between 7,468 mg/kg (Khulas) to 9,619 mg/kg (Soulag). Phosphorus contents of fruits were found between 1,848 mg/kg (Soulag) to 3,066 mg/kg (Rozaiz) and followed by magnesium and calcium. The highest Zn (9.33 mg/kg), Cu (4.27 mg/kg) and Mn (3.26 mg/kg) were found in Rozaiz, Soukari and Barhi samples, respectively.     

Lichens as Bioindicators of Atmospheric Heavy Metal Pollution in Singapore

Lichens have been used as bioindicators in various atmospheric pollution assessments in several countries. This study presents the first data on levels of heavy metals (As, Cd, Cu, Ni, Pb, and Zn) in lichens at different locations in Singapore, Southeast Asia. Singapore is a fully industrialised island nation, with a prevailing tropical climate and a population of 4 million people within a confined land area of less than 700 km². The ubiquitous lichen species, Dirinaria picta was collected from six sample sites across Singapore and analysed for heavy metals using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICPMS). No significant relationship existed between metal levels in lichen and soil, indicating that accumulated metals in lichen are primarily derived from the atmosphere. Peak concentrations of zinc (83.55 μg g⁻¹), copper (45.13 μg g⁻¹) and lead (16.59 μg g⁻¹) in lichens were found at Sembawang, Jurong and the National University of Singapore campus which are locations associated with heavy petroleum and shipping industries, and road traffic respectively. The mean heavy metal levels of lichen samples in Singapore were found to be at the upper range of values reported in the literature for temperate countries.     

Study of heavy metal pollution in seawater of Kepez harbor of Canakkale (Turkey)

In this work, the heavy metals cadmium and lead in Kepez harbor were studied with regard to the determination of the environmental pollution levels. Seawater samples of the Dardanelles (Canakkale Strait) were collected from the nearest station to Kepez harbor in July 2007. Then, the concentrations of these metals were determined after simple pretreatment of samples by the proposed inductively coupled plasma?Catomic emission spectrometry (ICP-AES) method. The analysis of a given sample is completed in about 15 min by the ICP-AES method, and the concentrations of Cd and Pb were found to be 73.80 mg L^???1 (relative standard deviation [RSD], 1.07%) and 9.39 mg L^???1 (RSD, 0.70%), respectively. The accuracy of the applied ICP technique was checked by recovery studies, and good recoveries were obtained. The pollution levels of Cd and Pb recorded in this study were compared with those in other studies to analyze the water sample in Kepez harbor.     

<Emphasis Type="Italic">Mazzaella laminarioides</Emphasis> and <Emphasis Type="Italic">Sarcothalia crispata</Emphasis> as possible bioindicators of heavy metal contamination in the marine coastal zone of Chile

The suitability of Mazzaella laminarioides and Sarcothalia crispata as heavy metal biomonitors of Cd, Cu, Hg, Pb, and Zn was assessed by comparing bioaccumulation of these elements in different life stages and frond sizes in samples from three locations, San Vicente Bay (industrial area), Coliumo, and Quidico (the latter as a reference station), where different degrees of heavy metal pollution are recorded. Bioaccumulation and bioconcentration factors of Cd, Cu, Hg, Pb, and Zn were evaluated. The two macroalgae species showed similar patterns, with higher values of Cu, Hg, Pb, and Zn in polluted areas. M. laminarioides bioaccumulated higher concentrations of all metals assessed than S. crispata, independent of life stage and frond size. The results also showed significantly higher Cu, Hg, Pb, and Zn concentrations (p < 0.05) in water samples from San Vicente Bay than those measured in Coliumo and Quidico. Concentrations of Cd, Hg, Pb, and Zn in San Vicente Bay and Cd, Hg, and Pb in Coliumo and Quidico exceed the mean values considered to represent natural concentrations (Cu = 3.00 μg L^?1; Zn = 5.00 μg L^?1; Pb = 0.03 μg L^?1; Cd = 0.05 μg L^?1; Hg = 0.05 μg L^?1); however, the concentrations recorded do not cause negative effects on the growth and survival of macroalgae. The assessment of heavy metals bioaccumulated in M. laminarioides and S. crispata, particularly Hg, Pb, and Zn, offers a reliable approach for pollution assessment in rocky intertidal environments. Cu and Cd concentrations in seawater samples from San Vicente and Coliumo Bays were significantly higher than in those from Quidico (p value < 0.05); no significant differences in Cd concentrations were observed between San Vicente and Coliumo Bays (p < 0.05). Exceptionally, Cd is bioaccumulated at high levels independent of its availability in the water, thus reaching high concentrations in control areas. High concentrations of metals like Cu and Zn may limit or inhibit Cd uptake in macroalgae, since the transport channels are saturated by some metals, reducing the accumulation of others. These macroalgae species offer good potential for the development of suitable heavy metal pollution survey tools in rocky intertidal environments.     

Evaluating the Applicability of Regulatory Leaching Tests for Assessing Lead Leachability in Contaminated Shooting Range Soils

The toxicity characteristic leaching procedure (TCLP) is the current US-EPA standard protocol to evaluate metal leachability in wastes and contaminated soils. However, application of TCLP to assess lead (Pb) leachability from contaminated shooting range soils may be questionable. This study determined Pb leachability in the range soils using TCLP and another US-EPA regulatory leaching method, synthetic precipitation leaching procedure (SPLP). Possible mechanisms that are responsible for Pb leaching in each leaching protocol were elucidated via X-ray diffraction (XRD). Soil samples were collected from the backstop berms at four shooting ranges, with Pb concentrations ranging from 5,000 to 60,600 mg kg⁻¹ soil. Lead concentrations in the TCLP leachates were from 3 to 350 mg l⁻¹, with all but one soil exceeding the USEPA non-hazardous waste disposal limit of 5 mg l⁻¹. However, continued dissolution of metallic Pb particles from spent Pb bullets and its re-precipitation as cerussite (PbCO₃) prevented the TCLP extraction from reaching equilibrium at the end of the standard leaching period (18 h). Thus, the standard one-point TCLP test would either over- or under-estimate Pb leachability in shooting range soils. Lead concentration in the SPLP leachates ranged from 0.021 to 2.6 mg l⁻¹, with all soils above the USEPA regulatory limit of 0.015 mg l⁻¹. In contrast to TCLP, SPLP leaching had reached equilibrium, with regard to both pH and Pb concentrations, within the standard 18 h leaching period, and the analytical SPLP results were in good agreement with those derived from modeling. Thus, we concluded that SPLP is a more appropriate alternative than TCLP for assessing lead leachability in range soils.     

Preconcentration and determination of lead and cadmium levels in blood samples of adolescent workers consuming smokeless tobacco products in Pakistan

The present study was aimed to evaluate the cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb) levels in the blood samples of adolescent boys, chewing different smokeless tobacco (SLT) products in Pakistan. For comparative purpose, boys of the same age group (12–15 years), not consumed any SLT products were selected as referents. To determine trace levels of Cd and Pb in blood samples, a preconcentration method, vortex-assisted liquid–liquid microextraction (VLLME) has been developed, prior to analysis by flame atomic absorption spectrometry. The hydrophobic chelates of Cd and Pb with ammonium pyrrolidinedithiocarbamate were extracted into the fine droplets of ionic liquid (IL) 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate, while nonionic surfactant, Triton X-114 was used as a dispersing medium. The main factors affecting the recoveries of Cd and Pb, such as concentration of APDC, centrifugation time, volume of IL and TX-114, were investigated in detail. It was also observed that adolescent boys who consumed different SLT products have 2- to 3-fold higher levels of Cd and Pb in their blood samples as compared to referent boys (p?<?0.001).     

Suitability of selected bioindicators of atmospheric pollution in the industrialised region of Ostrava,Upper Silesia,Czech Republic

This study is a continuation of our preceding research identifying suitable environmental samples for the tracing of atmospheric pollution in industrial areas. Three additional types of environmental samples were used to characterise contamination sources in the industrial area of Ostrava city, Czech Republic. The region is known for its extensive metallurgical and mining activities. Fingerprinting of stable Pb isotopes was applied to distinguish individual sources of anthropogenic Pb. A wide range of ²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁷Pb ratios was observed in the investigated samples: ²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁷Pb = 1.168–1.198 in mosses; ²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁷Pb = 1.167–1.215 in soils and ²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁷Pb = 1.158–1.184 in tree cores. Black and brown coal combustion, as well as metallurgical activities, is the two main sources of pollution in the area. Fossil fuel burning in industry and households seems to be a stronger source of Pb emissions than from the metallurgical industry. Concentration analyses of tree rings showed that a significant increase in As concentrations occurred between 1999 and 2016 (from 0.38 mg kg^?1 to 13.8 mg kg^?1). This shift corresponds to the use of brown coal from Bílina, Czech Republic, with an increased As concentration. The burning of low-quality fuels in households remains a problem in the area, as small ground sources have a greater influence on the air quality than do industrial sources.     

Evaluation of optimal conditions for determination of low selenium content in shellfish samples collected at Todos os Santos Bay,Bahia, Brazil using HG-AFS

This work proposes a procedure for the determination of total selenium content in shellfish after digestion of samples in block using cold finger system and detection using atomic fluorescent spectrometry coupled hydride generation (HG AFS). The optimal conditions for HG such as effect and volume of prereduction KBr 10 % (m/v) (1.0 and 2.0 ml) and concentration of hydrochloric acid (3.0 and 6.0 mol L^?1) were evaluated. The best results were obtained using 3 mL of HCl (6 mol L^?1) and 1 mL of KBr 10 % (m/v), followed by 30 min of prereduction for the volume of 1 mL of the digested sample. The precision and accuracy were assessed by the analysis of the Certified Reference Material NIST 1566b. Under the optimized conditions, the detection and quantification limits were 6.06 and 21.21 μg kg^?1, respectively. The developed method was applied to samples of shellfish (oysters, clams, and mussels) collected at Todos os Santos Bay, Bahia, Brazil. Selenium concentrations ranged from 0.23?±?0.02 to 3.70?±?0.27 mg kg^?1 for Mytella guyanensis and Anomalocardia brasiliana, respectively. The developed method proved to be accurate, precise, cheap, fast, and could be used for monitoring Se in shellfish samples.     

Accumulation dynamics and cellular locations of Pb, Zn and Cd in resident and transplanted Flavocetraria nivalis lichens near a former Pb–Zn mine

Accumulation dynamics and cellular locations of lead (Pb), zinc (Zn) and cadmium (Cd) were studied in Flavocetraria nivalis lichens near the former Black Angel Pb–Zn Mine in West Greenland. Natural resident thalli were collected from four dust-contaminated sites near the mine. In addition, thalli were taken from an uncontaminated reference site and transplanted to the contaminated sites followed by a collection 1 year after. Total thalli metal contents were determined, and thalli were subjected to a sequential extraction procedure. After 1 year of transplantation, total Pb thalli contents were significantly elevated compared with initial concentrations at all sites (for Zn and Cd contents only at the two sites closest to the mine). However, transplanted thalli contained significantly less Pb (26?±?12 %), Zn (64?±?13 %) and Cd (34?±?7 %) compared with resident thalli from these sites. Results from the sequential extraction procedure showed marked differences among Pb, Zn and Cd in the extracellular, intracellular and residual fraction. The lower total metal concentrations in transplanted compared with resident thalli at the contaminated sites were mostly due to a larger metal content bound in the residual fraction in resident thalli. In contrast, the metal content bound in the extracellular fraction were not significantly different in transplanted and resident thalli. The results indicate that extracellular-bound Pb, Zn and Cd in F. nivalis can be used as a proxy for recent (annual) atmospheric metal deposition whereas the large residual metal fraction in resident lichens indicate an accumulation of metal-containing particles in the thalli over time that includes several years of uptake.     

Heavy metal concentrations in roadside soil and street dust from Petra region,Jordan

Concentrations of Cd, Cu, Fe, Pb, and Zn were measured in the samples of street dust and surface roadside soil before Jordan switched to unleaded fuel usage. The samples were collected from Petra, the most tourist-attractive site in Jordan. The samples were analyzed for heavy metals by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Our results show that the distribution of metals in the soil samples is affected by wind direction in the investigated area. The highest level of metals was found in the eastern parts of the roads due to the westerly-dominant wind in the studied area. The contamination levels of metals decrease as the distance from the edge of the road increases. In the roadside soil samples, the means for the concentrations of the metals at 1 m from the east side of the main road are 1.0, 19.1, 3791.4, 177.0, and 129.0 mg kg^?1 for Cd, Cu, Fe, Pb, and Zn, respectively. In the samples of street dust, the means of the concentrations of the metals in the investigated area are 9.7, 11.8, 4694.4, 31.6, and 24.8 mg kg^?1 for Cd, Cu, Fe, Pb, and Zn, respectively. In conclusion, the lithogenic origins (traffic emissions) are responsible for the diffusion of these metals in the studied region.     

Dispersion and bioaccumulation of elements from an open-pit olivine mine in Southwest Greenland assessed using lichens, seaweeds, mussels and fish

This study investigated dispersion and bioaccumulation of mining-related elements from an open-pit olivine mine at Seqi in Southwest Greenland (64°?N) using lichens (Flavocetraria nivalis), seaweeds (Fucus vesiculosus), mussels (Mytilus edulis) and fish (Myoxocephalus scorpius). The mine operated between 2005 and 2009, and samples were taken every year within a monitoring area 0–17 km from the mine during the period 2004–2011. A total of 46 elements were analysed in the samples. After mining began, highly elevated metal concentrations, especially nickel (Ni), chromium (Cr), iron (Fe) and cobalt (Co), were observed in lichens relative to pre-mining levels (up to a factor of 130) caused by dust dispersion from the mining activity. Elevated metal concentrations could be measured in lichens in distances up to ~5 km from the mine/ore treatment facility. Moderately elevated concentrations of Ni and Cr (up to a factor of 7) were also observed in seaweeds and mussels but only in close vicinity (<1 km) to the mine. Analyses of fish showed no significant changes in element composition. After mine closure, the elevated metal concentrations in lichens, seaweeds and mussels decreased markedly, and in 2011, significantly elevated metal concentrations could only be measured in lichens and only within a distance of 1 km from the mine.