矿冶区周边水稻对不同来源重金属污染的指示作用

有色金属开采与冶炼可对周边环境造成严重的重金属污染,查明重金属污染来源对于矿冶周边重金属污染管理与控制具有重要意义.为探索利用矿冶周边水稻对As、Cd、Pb、Zn和Cu的富集与水稻体内元素的含量平衡特征指示重金属污染来源的可行性,选择了我国著名的水口山Pb-Zn矿山开采与冶炼周边区,根据重金属污染排放和迁移扩散特征,结合当地气象和地貌条件,确定了3个典型采样区,其中两个采样区分别邻近冶炼厂和尾砂库,另一处为位于两者之间的过渡区.采用蛇形采样法在稻田内采集33个成熟水稻及土壤样品,分析水稻不同部位(包括根、茎叶、籽粒)及土壤中As、Cd、Pb、Zn、Cu5种重金属和其他16种元素的含量.结果表明,3个采样区之间土壤中的As、Cd、Pb、Zn和Cu含量均存在显著性差异;各采样区水稻中除根际和籽粒中Cd含量外,各部位重金属含量也均有显著差异.靠近冶炼厂的水稻茎叶中As、Pb含量高于离冶炼厂较远的采样区水稻茎叶.尽管As、Pb在靠近尾砂库采样区土壤中含量最高,但在该区水稻茎叶中的含量却最低;在除As、Cd、Pb、Zn、Cu5种重金属以外的其他16种元素中,水稻根部仅有5种元素含量在各采样区之间存在差异,指示相同的土地利用类型及土壤母质条件;而在茎叶和籽粒中则分别有多达11和10种元素含量出现采样区差异,指示重金属污染来源影响水稻茎叶及籽粒中元素的含量平衡.多元统计分析结果显示,3个采样区水稻茎叶中元素含量平衡存在显著的分异,显示出明显的采样区属性.结合采样区域空间位置、污染物来源、水稻对重金属的富集与转运特征分析,3个采样区重金属主要污染特征可分别确定为水-气混合来源型、大气来源型和尾砂来源型.论文结果证明利用水稻茎叶指示矿冶周边重金属污染来源是可行的.     

Chemistry of tuna otoliths: assessment of base composition and postmortem handling effects

Protocols used to collect and prepare otoliths for chemical analysis may result in either contamination or loss of elements, thus biasing population studies in unknown ways. We evaluated precision and bias associated with collection and cleaning procedures for three Atlantic tuna species: Atlantic bluefin tuna (Thunnus thynnus), yellowfin tuna (T. albacares), and blackfin tuna (T. atlanticus). Elemental concentrations were measured using solution-based inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry and atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Seven elements were present above detection limits in all samples (Na, Mg, K, Ca, Mn, Sr, Ba). Mean concentrations of all seven elements were statistically indistinguishable in fresh pairs of otoliths of T. thynnus (mean error 5%, range 2-8%) and T. albacares (mean error 5%, range 3-7%); no indication of a left versus right otolith effect was observed. Otolith elemental concentrations were size dependent and significant inverse relationships were observed for Mg, Na, and K. Deliberate contamination of previously cleaned samples using a 10-ppm solution of a mixture of elements demonstrated that otoliths easily acquire surface contamination. Recleaning contaminated otoliths restored elemental concentrations to levels similar to control otoliths. Precision of paired comparisons between cleaned otoliths and those exposed to contamination and recleaned was high (mean error 6%). The effects of storage at two temperatures (7 days at -20°C, 3 days at 1°C) were investigated. For K, Ca, Sr, Mn, and Ba, variation between control (removed immediately) and treatment otoliths (in situ freezing or chilling) was similar to variation observed within fresh otolith pairs (mean error: fresh vs frozen 5%, fresh vs iced 5%). Statistically significant but small (<10%) postmortem storage effects were observed for Na and Mg. Estimates of error indexed to natural ranges in otolith chemistry of T. thynnus and T. albacares from different geographic regions in the Atlantic and Pacific showed that error values of several elements (Mg, Mn, Ba, Na, K) accounted for a small proportion of the natural range, suggesting levels of precision achieved in this study are suitable for the purpose of stock delineation.     

Type of disturbance and ecological history determine structural stability.

This study aims to reveal whether complexity, namely, community and trophic structure, of chronically stressed soil systems is at increased risk or remains stable when confronted with a subsequent disturbance. Therefore, we focused on a grassland with a history of four centuries of patchy contamination. Nematodes were used as model organisms because they are an abundant and trophically diverse group and representative of the soil food web and ecosystem complexity. In a field survey, a relationship between contaminants and community structures was established. Following, two groups of soil mesocosms from the field that differed in contamination level were exposed to different disturbance regimes, namely, to the contaminant zinc and a heat shock. The zinc treatment revealed that community structure is stable, irrespective of soil contamination levels. This implies that centuries of exposure to contamination led to adaptation of the soil nematode community irrespective of the patchy distribution of contaminants. In contrast, the heat shock had adverse effects on species richness in the highly contaminated soils only. The total nematode biomass was lower in the highly contaminated field samples; however, the biomass was not affected by zinc and heat treatments of the mesocosms. This means that density compensation occurred rapidly, i.e., tolerant species quickly replaced sensitive species. Our results support the hypothesis that the history of contamination and the type of disturbance determine the response of communities. Despite that ecosystems may be exposed for centuries to contamination and communities show adaptation, biodiversity in highly contaminated sites is at increased risk when exposed to a different disturbance regime. We discuss how the loss of higher trophic levels from the entire system, such as represented by carnivorous nematodes after the heat shock, accompanied by local biodiversity loss at highly contaminated sites, may result in detrimental effects on ecosystem functions.     

Flooding and the Distribution of Selected Metals in Floodplain Sediments in St. Maries, Idaho

The link between sediment contamination and flooding is not well established, since flooding may exacerbate problems by spreading pollutants throughout the floodplain, or alternatively may dilute contaminants in source areas. To determine the substance of such relationships, the pattern of sediment contamination was examined in a small Idaho town following flooding in 1996. Four heavy metals were tested, nickel, chromium, zinc and copper, in 97 soil samples obtained from sites across the floodplain of the St. Joe River. Flood history and land-uses at each sample site were noted. Results showed that contamination levels generally were not high, with flood areas having lower concentrations than non-flood areas. A stronger relationship could be argued for land-use, with higher concentrations of contamination associated with some industrial sites. High levels of contamination were also found in several samples taken from recreational areas. Further research looking at the potential sources of contamination in relation to characteristics of the flood hydrology would seem pertinent.     

Contamination by Cd, Cu, Pb, and Zn in mine wastes from abandoned metal mines classified as mineralization types in Korea

The objective of this study was to investigate heavy metal contamination and geochemical characteristics of mine wastes, including tailings, from 38 abandoned mines classified as five mineralization types. Mine waste materials including tailings and soils were sampled from the mines and the physical and chemical characteristics of the samples were analyzed. The particle size of tailings was in the range of 10–100 μm. The pH of the waste covered a wide range, from 1.73 to 8.11, and was influenced by associated minerals and elevated levels of Cd, Cu, Pb, and Zn, extracted by a Korean Standard Method (digestion with 0.1 mol L⁻¹ HCl), which were found in the wastes. Half of the samples contained heavy metals at levels above those stipulated by the Soil Environmental Conservation Act (SECA) in Korea. In addition, extremely high concentrations of the metals were also found in mine wastes extracted by aqua regia, especially those from mines associated with sulfide minerals. Thus, it can be expected that trace elements in mine wastes may be dispersed both downstream and downslope through water and wind. Eventually they may pose a potential health risk to residents in the vicinity of the mine. It is necessary to control mine wastes by using a proper method for their reclamation, such as neutralization of the mine wastes using a fine-grained limestone.     

Chemical contamination of soils in the New York City area following Hurricane Sandy

This paper presents a unique data set of lead, arsenic, polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB), and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) concentrations in soil samples collected from the metropolitan New York City area in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy. Initial samples were collected by citizen scientists recruited via social media, a relatively unusual approach for a sample collection project. Participants in the affected areas collected 63 usable samples from basements, gardens, roads, and beaches. Results indicate high levels of arsenic, lead, PCBs, and PAHs in an area approximately 800 feet south of the United States Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) Superfund site at Newtown Creek. A location adjacent to the Gowanus Canal, another Superfund site, was found to have high PCB concentrations. Areas of high PAH contamination tended to be near high traffic areas or next to sites of known contamination. While contamination as a direct result of Hurricane Sandy cannot be demonstrated conclusively, the presence of high levels of contamination close to known contamination sites, evidence for co-contamination, and decrease in number of samples containing measureable amounts of semi-volatile compounds from samples collected at similar locations 9 months after the storm suggest that contaminated particles may have migrated to residential areas as a result of flooding.     

Urban geochemistry: A study of element distributions in the soils of tallinn (Estonia)

First results are presented from the Urban geochemistry of Tallinn, a project supported by the Scientific and Environmental Affairs Division of NATO. The distribution of chemical elements in 532 samples of the topsoils from the territory of the biggest industrial centre of Estonia (pop. 500,000) is interpreted. Statistical analysis and mapping of major and trace elements at the territory of the Tallinn region and of the city were performed and background values and local anomalies of chemical elements on the territory were determined. The investigation focussed on the determination of zones with anomalously high concentrations of elements and the relationships of soil contamination with different pollution sources. The increase of the element concentrations has natural as well as anthropogenic origins. A detailed comparative analysis of the element distributions and the results of a factor analysis showed that the distribution of the major chemical elements depended mainly on the composition of the underlying sedimentary rocks.The territory of Tallinn is characterised by relatively high and widespread concentrations of Ba, Cr, Ga, Ni, Ti and Zn. Especially intensive local concentrations were determined for As, Cr, Mn, Ni, Pb, S, V and Zn, which are typical for the local pollution of the soils by industrial sources. The levels of As, Cr, Mn and V are more than three times. Pb and Zn are more than five times higher in the geochemical anomalies than for background levels. For the Tallinn region two major associations of elements connected with industrial pollutions of the soil are typical: the first association includes Ba, Cr, Mn, Ni and partly Fe and the second one includes As, Pb and Zn. For the city of Tallinn an increase of Ag, Ba, Be, La, Pb, Sn and Zn concentration in the soil was detected. Ba, Cr, Mn and Ni occur in high concentrations in the soils around Maardu. Different types of contamination sources can be identified in Tallinn and its suburbs.     

Heavy metal accumulation in water, sediments and fishes of Nallihan Bird Paradise, Turkey

The accumulation of some heavy metals such as Pb, Cd, Cu and Ni was determined in water sediment and fish samples (Albumus escherichii, Cyprinus carpio and Silurus glanis) collected from Nallihan Bird Paradise (NBP) and its vicinity (Sariyar Dam). The results showed that these metals are found widespread throughout the study area, but metal concentrations in the water samples are below the detection limits (BDL). Pb, Cd, Cu and Ni contamination were determined in sediments and in fish tissues (muscle and liver) and it was seen that they were accumulated and biologically magnified in lish tissues. Metal concentration levels in sediment samples were higher than that of water and fish tissues. The highest amount of metal concentrations in sediment samples among seven stations were determined in Usakbuku (Pb: 0.49 ppm), Sakarya River (Cu: 1.12 ppm) and Sariyar (Ni: 0.77 ppm). Unlikely to the other stations, no metal residues were determined in the sediment samples ofAladag Creek Station.     

The chemistry and parent material of urban soils in Bristol (UK): implications for contaminated land assessment

An earlier survey of topsoil from parks and allotment in the city of Bristol (UK) revealed the presence of relatively high levels of “pseudo-total” Cd, As, Cu, Pb and Zn, with Cd and As exceeding present UK soil guidelines. This follow-up work aimed at (1) estimating geochemical thresholds for these elements based on “near-total” soil, bedrock and sediment heavy metals and (2) determining the genetic relationship between soil and bedrock using rare earth elements (REEs or lanthanides) as tracers. “Near-total” concentration of 34 elements (Al, Ca, Fe, K, Mg, Na, As, Ba, Cd, Cr, Cu, Li, Mn, Ni, P, Pb, Sc, Ti, V, Zn, Y and the rare earth elements Ce, Dy, Er, Eu, Gd, Ho, La, Lu, Nd, Pr, Sm, Tb, Yb) were obtained by ICP-MS and ICP-OES. The results show that the soil composition is largely controlled by the soil parent material, though extreme outliers are indicative of contamination at a few sites of parkland and allotments. Cumulative frequency plots show the presence of different data sets for which separate “background” values should be determined. The REE data provide evidence that weathering of the underlying sandstone was a determinant factor leading to the relatively high heavy metal enrichment found in soil samples and sediments. Reference to UK soil guidelines to decide on possible remediation measures could be very misleading due to the natural high background levels of some elements in the underlying bedrock. Before defining land as “contaminated”, a thorough geochemical investigation is required at local scale in order to produce a more realistic and correct environmental assessment.     

Assessment of potentially harmful elements pollution in the Calore River basin (Southern Italy)

The geographical distribution of concentration values for harmful elements was determined in the Campania region, Italy. The study area consists of the drainage basin of the River Calore, a tributary of the river Volturno, the largest Southern Italian river. The results provide reliable analytical data allowing a quantitative assessment of the trace element pollution threat to the ecosystem and human health. Altogether 562 stream sediment samples were collected at a sampling density of 1 site per 5 km². All samples were air-dried, sieved to <100 mesh fraction and analyzed for 37 elements after an aqua regia extraction by a combination of ICP-AES and ICP-MS. In addition to elemental analysis, gamma-ray spectrometry data were collected (a total of 562 measurements) using a hand-held Scintrex GRS-500 spectrometer. Statistical analyses were performed to show the single-element distribution and the distribution of elemental association factor scores resulting from R-mode factor analyses. Maps showing element distributions were made using GeoDAS and ArcGIS software. Our study showed that, despite evidence from concentrations of many elements for enrichment over natural background values, the spatial distribution of major and trace elements in Calore River basin is determined mostly by geogenic factors. The southwestern area of the basin highlighted an enrichment of many elements potentially harmful for human health and other living organisms (Al, Fe, K, Na, As, Cd, La, Pb, Th, Tl, U); however, these anomalies are due to the presence of pyroclastic and alkaline volcanic lithologies. Even where sedimentary lithologies occur, many harmful elements (Co, Cr, Mn, Ni) showed high concentration levels due to natural origins. Conversely, a strong heavy metal contamination (Pb, Zn, Cu, Sb, Ag, Au, Hg), due to an anthropogenic contribution, is highlighted in many areas characterized by the presence of road junctions, urban settlements and industrial areas. The enrichment factor of these elements is 3–4 times higher than the background values. The southwestern area of the basin is characterized by a moderate/high degree of contamination, just where the two busiest roads of the area run and the highest concentration of industries occurs.     

Free ‐ living animals as indicators of environmental pollution by chlorinated hydrocarbons

As some species of game and free‐living animals promptly respond to ecosystem damage by a reaction that is easy to interpret, they are important ecological indicators in assessing the total contamination of the environment. Consumers of the highest order like predators, predatory and fish‐eating birds are among the most important bioindicators of environmental contamination by chlorinated hydrocarbons and PCB.

Data on chlorinated hydrocarbons and PCB levels were collected throughout 1988–1992 and obtained from 16 species of free‐living animals from 9 protected areas of Slovakia. Muscle tissue, liver, kidney and egg samples were examined for HCB, HCH isomers, DDT and its analogues, and PCB.

Levels of organic chlorinated contaminants reveal a decreasing tendency and thus cease to be a toxicologically important risk factor in game, with the exception of predatory birds, as significant values have been recorded in their eggs and reproductive organs.     

Cu胁迫下土壤硝化功能的变化及其影响因素初探

随着养殖业的规模化发展,Cu、Zn等重金属元素作为饲料添加剂被广泛应用于畜禽养殖,并随着畜禽粪便的大量、广泛农用,Cu、Zn等低生物毒性的重金属元素在土壤中的逐渐累积以及污染问题日趋严重,这对土壤生态系统的稳定造成了严重的威胁。为探讨Cu胁迫下土壤生态功能的动态变化,文章采用室内模拟培养法,测定了红壤、黄土等8种典型土壤的潜在硝化势对Cu污染胁迫的时间效应;并利用统计分析手段研究了影响Cu胁迫下土壤的硝化功能恢复的主要因素。研究结果表明,在试验处理剂量下,Cu污染处理一周,各土壤潜在硝化势均受到完全抑制,即抑制率在80%以上;随着污染胁迫时间的延长,各土壤的硝化功能均有不同程度的恢复,且在540 d后,500 mg·kg-1 Cu处理土壤（除pH较低的红壤和黑土外）潜在硝化势的恢复率均达到其初始值的80%,即土壤硝化功能基本完全恢复;1000 mg·kg-1 Cu处理土壤（除褐土、棕壤和黄土3中土壤外）潜在硝化势的恢复率均显著低于80%。这表明Cu污染程度的增加可延迟土壤硝化功能的恢复。多元逐步回归分析表明,Cu 污染胁迫下土壤硝化功能的恢复与其初始硝化功能以及其对 Cu 耐受能力显著相关。由此可知,长期Cu污染胁迫下,土壤的硝化功能的恢复主要取决于土壤初始的硝化活性及其对Cu的耐受能力。     

Application of arsenic baselines in the assessment of soil contamination in Finland

In Finland, a new Government Decree on the Assessment of Soil Contamination and Remediation Needs (214/2007) came into force on 1 June 2007. According to the Decree, natural baseline concentration levels should be taken into account when assessing potential soil contamination and the need for remediation. This applies particularly in the case of toxic metallic elements, since baseline concentrations may naturally be rather high. The new decree prescribes soil screening values for 52 substances or groups of substances. The natural baseline concentrations have been taken into account in the definition of the screening values for inorganic pollutants. The Geological Survey of Finland (GTK) carried out a nation-wide geochemical mapping of till on a reconnaissance scale in 1983 and on a regional scale during 1984–1992. These surveys have provided information on natural elemental distribution in subsoils of the glacial till. However, some important trace elements in regional mapping such as arsenic are missing from the analysis, and subsoil samples do not reflect the diffuse anthropogenic input. Thus, GTK has continued the survey work by determining geochemical baselines around suburban areas. Samples have been taken from humus, topsoil and subsoil layers, and the soil parent material has covered sandy soils, glacial tills and fine-grained sediments. According to the studies, a regional difference in the levels of arsenic and some other trace elements can be clearly seen, especially in minerogenic soils. The results illustrate the importance of information on regional baseline concentrations while assessing potential soil contamination.     

Background levels of microelements in soils of Italy

A systematic survey on the distribution of geochemically and texicologically relevant trace elements in the soils of Italy was carried out on 32 soil profiles, developed in different environmental and pedological conditions. The aim of this study was to collect basic information on the background levels of trace elements, their geochemical behaviour and the relationships between weathering and pedogenetic processes. The statistically processed analytical results led to the following conclusions: (i) Trace element distribution in the profiles studied is consistent with pedochemical behaviour and rock lithology. A comparison with the world soil means shows that there are no significant differences, except for those elements largely utilised in agriculture (Cu, Zn) or, because of pollution, (Pd, Cd), or natural accumulation (Ni, Cr); (ii) data processing by cluster analysis shows marked correlations between some elements, for example, Al-V, Ni-Cr, Mn-Co. Groups of geochemically homogeneous samples, which correspond to the great soil families characteristic of each pedological landscape, are also indicated; (iii) evidence of soil contamination is provided by the high levels of some elements, especially in the A horizon. Cu and Zn seem to be concentrated in the Ap horizon of cultivated soils, while Pd and Cd may be derived from the atmosphere.     

Trace elements distributions at Datoko-Shega artisanal mining site,northern Ghana

Environmental geochemistry classifies elements into essential, non-essential and toxic elements in relationship to human health. To assess the environmental impact of mining at Datoko-Shega area, the distributions and concentrations of trace elements in stream sediments and soil samples were carried out. X-ray fluorescence analytical technique was used to measure the major and trace element concentrations in sediments and modified fire assay absorption spectrometry in soils. The results showed general depletion of major elements except titanium oxide (TiO₂) compared to the average crustal concentrations. The retention of TiO₂ at the near surface environment probably was due to the intense tropical weathering accompanied by the removal of fine sediments and soil fractions during the harmattan season by the dry north-east trade winds and sheet wash deposits formed after flash floods. The results also showed extreme contamination of selenium (Se), cadmium (Cd) and mercury (Hg), plus strong contaminations of arsenic (As) and chromium (Cr) in addition to moderate contamination of lead (Pb) in the trace element samples relative to crustal averages in the upper continental crust. However Hg, Pb and Cd concentrations tend to be high around the artisanal workings. It was recognised from the analysis of the results that the artisanal mining activity harnessed and introduces some potentially toxic elements such as Hg, Cd and Pb mostly in the artisan mine sites. But the interpretation of the trace element data thus invalidates the elevation of As concentrations to be from the mine operations. It consequently noticed As values in the mine-impacted areas to be similar or sometimes lower than As values in areas outside the mine sites from the stream sediment results.

     

Contamination levels and state assessment in the lakes of the Oliveri-Tindari Lagoon (North-Eastern Sicily,Italy)

The Oliveri-Tindari Lagoon, located in North-Eastern Sicily (Italy) and composed of six lakes, is subject to continuous environmental changes. An integrated study focusing on sediment features and levels of contamination was carried out for three of the six lakes, which are of ancient origin: Verde, Mergolo della Tonnara and Marinello. A high primary production (26.89 μg l^?1) was detected at Lake Verde; texture classification showed a typical grain size in the sediments of all lakes; the study of macronutrients highlighted 17.08 of total carbon in sediments from Lake Mergolo della Tonnara; toxic elements were detected at higher concentrations in the sediments of Lake Marinello in comparison to the others, while arsenic was found in high concentrations in all the samples tested, especially in Lake Verde, with a mean value of 17.25 mg kg^?1 dry weight (d.w.). All the organic contaminants, except 4, 4′-dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene, were below the detection limits in the sediments. Minimal microbiological contamination was found in both water and sediment samples. In the latter, we isolated several bacterial strains thriving in the presence of arsenic, which play a role in the biogeochemical cycle of arsenic. These preliminary results, obtained for the first time using a multidisciplinary approach, provide general information about the Oliveri-Tindari Lagoon area.     

Detection of elements and radioactivity in pellets from long-eared owls (Asio otus) inhabiting the city of Belgrade (Serbia)

In this study, we analysed pellets from long-eared owls (Asio otus) collected from four localities in Belgrade (Serbia). The pellets contained the remains of prey, namely voles (Arvicola terrestris) and field mice (Apodemus agrarius). The concentrations of 14 elements (Ca, P, Mg, Na, K, Fe, Zn, Sr, Ba, Mn, Ti, Cu, Si, B) were evaluated in whole pellets and in samples containing only bone tissue, which were dissected from the whole pellet. The increased levels of certain elements, including Mn, Zn, Ba, Cu and radioactive ⁴⁰K, indicate contamination of the soil by various sources, such as industrial plants and agricultural practices. From the results presented in this article, we suggest that the analysis of owl pellets may indicate the quality of the local environment.     

Spatial environmental risk evaluation of potential toxic elements in stream sediments

Potential toxic elements (PTE), in stream sediments, were used as contamination indicators for the definition of high-/low-grade spatial clusters in the Monfortinho area (Central Portugal). A set of 271 stream sediment samples was used for spatial modelling and further definition of rings of enrichment—high and low rings. A three-step multivariate statistical and geostatistical approach was used: (1) principal components analysis for PTE’s association evaluation and dimensionality reduction; (2) ordinary kriging as an unbiased interpolator for content inference and construction of a continuous representation of the considered attributes, at any arbitrary spatial location; (3) G clustering algorithm for the definition of high and low significance clusters. A moderate contamination in stream sediments is observed for almost all the considered PTE and a very high contamination for Ba, Cr and B. High contamination clusters are observed for Fe, Ni, Ba, Cu, B, Zn, V—northwest and southeast clusters—and for Cr—north and southwest clusters. The contamination degree index varies from moderate to high, which is mainly associated with the old mineralizations. The high computed rings often overlap the areas of abandoned Ba–Zn mineralization, as well as the sedimentary gold concentrations, along the Erges River banks. Tin and Cd spatial distribution may be related to former cassiterite exploitations in the survey area. Chromium is possibly connected with the schists. The definition of clusters with a PTE spatial enrichment will allow for the identification of contamination activities and therefore, the definition of adequate monitoring and mitigation actions.     

Roe and red deer as bioindicators of heavy metals contamination in north-western Poland

The present paper examines the degree of environmental contamination in areas covered by the Natura 2000 programme, located in north-western Poland, with selected heavy metals based on their concentration in target organs of roe and red deer. Lead, cadmium, copper, iron, and zinc concentrations were determined by inductively coupled plasma–atomic emission spectrometry. Residues of lead and cadmium were found in most of the analysed samples of roe and red deer organs The concentration of cadmium in the organs of the animals studied was much higher than that of lead. The median for Pb in liver and kidneys was 0.055 and 0.092 μg/g dry weight (d.w.) in roe deer, and 0.067 and 0.081 μg/g d.w. in red deer, respectively. The median for liver and kidney cadmium was 0.770 and 6.139 μg/g d.w. in roe deer, and 0.422 and 6.365 μg/g d.w. in red deer, respectively. Our study has demonstrated that this area is laden with lead and cadmium. This is evidenced by the fact that maximum permissible levels of these elements in the organs of red and roe deer, which were used as bioindicators of environmental contamination, were exceeded.     

Geochemical forms of trace metals in mangrove sediments—Red Sea (Egypt)

Seven sediment samples from mangrove sediments of the Red Sea were taken in order to evaluate the possible contamination of the sediments by trace metals (iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd)). Sequential extraction techniques were performed to study the different geochemical forms of these metals. X-ray diffraction analysis has been performed to correlate the mineralogical composition with the geochemical forms of the studied elements. The results of Fe and Mn contents indicate that they are in large part from lithogenous origin. The elevated concentrations are associated with the residual form ranged from 70 to 93% for Fe and 46 to 70% for Mn. The percentage of Zn, Cu, Cd and Pb in the non-residual form was much greater than that of the residual fractions. This reflects the high mobility and bioavailability of these metals in mangrove sediments of the Red Sea. X-ray diffraction analysis revealed the presence of silicate components including quartz, feldspars and clay minerals in some locality. Non-silicate components recorded in the study area as calcite as well as, Mg-calcite. Quantitatively both components i.e. silicate and carbonate varied according to their source material.