Plant-available zinc and lead in mine spoils and soils at the mines of Spain, Iowa

To investigate the forms of Zn and Pb and their plant availability in mine spoil long after its abandonment, we studied seven sites in the Mines of Spain, near Dubuque, IA. Ores of Zn and Pb were mined from dolomitic limestone primarily during the 19th century, and there had been no subsequent remediation of metals-contaminated spoil. From both mine spoil and undisturbed areas, we collected root-zone soil samples as well as samples of the dominant ground-level, native plants, aniseroot [Osmorhiza longistylis (Torr.) DC.] and black snakeroot (Sanicular marilandica L.). We determined Zn and Pb concentrations in both the plant tissue and in the soil samples after strong-acid digestion, and we fractionated the solid-phase forms of Zn, Pb, and P in the soil samples by using sequential extraction. Concentrations of total Zn and Pb were 10- to 20-fold greater in the spoil than in the undisturbed soils. Plants growing in the mine spoil had Zn concentrations two to four times greater and Pb concentrations more than 26 times greater than did plants growing in the undisturbed soils. The highest concentrations of Zn and Pb were in the CBD-extractable and the residual fractions in both undisturbed and mine spoil samples. Although the mine spoil contained large amounts of P, Zn, and Pb were available for uptake by the two plant species in amounts proportional to Zn and Pb concentrations in the rooting zone.     

Recovery in Naturally Dynamic Environments: A Case Study from the Sperrgebiet,Southern African Arid Succulent Karoo

Little is known about the process of vegetation recovery and associated time frames in the Succulent Karoo Biome of southern Africa. This study investigated the recovery of vegetation on sites impacted by mining (different types of dumps and mined areas) in the arid succulent karoo. The main aim of this study was to determine the state of recovery, time frames, successional stages, and the influence of environmental factors on recovery of coastal dune and sand plain plant communities. For this purpose, vegetation was recorded on some 121 sites throughout a coastal strip of approximately 100 × 3 km in Namibia’s restricted diamond area (Sperrgebiet). Using the species pool concept to derive vegetation reference sites and dominance-diversity curves, recovery of vegetation (measured in terms of species richness and cover) in these altered landscapes reached about 46% on the oldest, 51-year-old mine dumps. However, based on species richness, richness levels similar to the undisturbed reference sites were recorded after 30 years, following a logarithmic trend. Successional stages of natural recovery were indicated in this dynamic coastal environment and Cladoraphis cyperoides and Galenia fruticosa appear to be early successional species. Scaling up of studies to landscape level and developing a target community using the species pool concept are discussed as means to measure recovery in dynamic biological communities. On these altered, man-made landforms, the availability of seed may be the bottleneck to achieve vegetation cover comparable to undisturbed vegetation in the surrounding. Hence, restoration efforts should focus on this aspect.     

Environmental assessment of mercury dispersion, transformation and bioavailability in the Lake Victoria Goldfields, Tanzania

Environmental dispersion and transformation of mercury discharged from gold mining operations has been investigated in field and laboratory studies in order to provide better understanding of the degree of mercury (Hg) pollution and bioavailability in the Lake Victoria goldfields (LVGF) ecosystems. This paper reviews results already published elsewhere and presents additional data on Hg dynamics in the LVGF. Studies conducted at the Mugusu and Rwamagaza artisanal mines indicated different degrees of Hg contamination and dispersion in environmental matrices. Mercury concentration in contaminated river sediments near the Mugusu mine varied from 6.0 to 0.5 mg/kg on a dry weight basis. The highest Hg contamination levels (165-232 mg/kg) were associated with mine tailings at the Rwamagaza mine. Mercury concentrations in fish representing different dietary habits on the southwestern shore of Lake Victoria at the Nungwe Bay were very low (2-35 microg/kg) and thought to represent background levels. These and other results suggested that the use of Hg in gold extraction in the LVGF has not caused high Hg levels in lake fish. The study of Hg in lichens showed Parmelia lichen to be an effective bioindicator for atmospheric Hg contamination due to Hg emissions from gold-amalgam firing and purification operations. The Hg levels in the lichens around the Mugusu mine ranged from 3.1 to 0.1 microg/g; the highest levels were recorded in the lichens sampled close to gold-amalgam processing sites. The regional background level in the Parmelia lichen was 0.05-0.10 microg/g, with a mean level of 0.07 microg/g. Studies of Hg transformation in the mine tailings revealed unexpectedly high methylmercury (MeHg) levels in the tailings (629-710 ng/g), which indicated that oxidation and methylation of metallic Hg in the tailings occurred at significant levels under tropical conditions. Re-equilibration of the tailings with freshwater (FW) indicated the MeHg was firmly bound in the tailings and therefore very little MeHg was released to the water column (0.2-1.5 ng/L). The methylation of Hg in tropical loamy clay soil contaminated with HgCl(2) (5 mg Hg/kg) yielded MeHg concentrations of 11 and 14 ng/g when inundated with seawater and FW, respectively, for 4 weeks. Little MeHg was transferred from the soil to the equilibrated water (< or = 0.4 ng/L). Atmospheric exposure of the soil pre-inundated with FW resulted in net degradation of MeHg during the 1st week of exposure, followed by net production and accumulation of MeHg in the soil (up to 15.5 ng/g) during atmospheric desiccation. Mercury uptake by fish from the Hg(0)-contaminated aquatic sediment-tailings system in the aquarium experiment was found to be low, suggesting the low availability of MeHg for bioaccumulation in the system. These and other results provide useful insights into Hg transformation, mobility and bioavailability in tropical aquatic systems affected by Hg pollution from gold mining operations.     

Metal release from bottom sediments of Ocoee Lake No. 3, a primary catchment area for the Ducktown Mining District

Ocoee Lake No. 3 is the first reservoir receiving suspended sediments contaminated with trace metals discharged by acid mine effluents from the Ducktown Mining District, Tennessee. Bottom sediments (0-5 cm) from the lake were sampled to assess the potential for future adverse environmental effects if no remediation controls or activities are implemented. The sediments were found to include a major component (173 +/- 19 g kg(-1)) that dissolved in 6 mol L(-1) HCl within 24 h. This acid-soluble and relatively labile fraction contained high concentrations of Fe (460 +/- 40 g kg(-1)), Al (99 +/- 11 g kg(-1)), Mn (10 +/- 8 g kg(-1)), Cu (2000 +/- 700 mg kg(-1)), Zn (1300 +/- 200 mg kg(-1)), and Pb (300 +/- 200 mg kg(-1)). When the pH of water in contact with the sediment was decreased experimentally from 6.4 to 2.6, the concentrations of dissolved trace metals increased by factors of 2200 for Pb, 160 for Cu, 21 for Zn, 9 for Cd, 8 for Ni, and 5 for Co. The order in which metals were released with decreasing pH was the reverse of that reported for pH-dependent sorption of these metals in upstream systems. Substantial release of trace metals from the sediment was observed even by a modest decrease of pH from 6.4 to 5.9. Therefore, the metal-rich sediment of the lake should be considered as potentially hazardous to bottom-dwelling aquatic species and other organisms in the local food chain. In addition, if the reservoir is dredged or if the dam is removed, the accumulated sediment may have to be treated for recovery of sorbed metals.     

Role of mycorrhizal fungi and phosphorus in the arsenic tolerance of basin wildrye

Revegetation of arsenic (As)-rich mine spoils is often impeded by the lack of plant species tolerant of high As concentrations and low nutrient availability. Basin wildrye [Leymus cinereus (Scribner & Merr.) A. L?ve] has been observed to establish naturally in soils with elevated As content and thus may be useful for the stabilization of As-contaminated soils. An experiment was conducted to evaluate how variable phosphorus (P) concentrations and inoculation with site-specific arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi influence As tolerance of basin wildrye. Basin wildrye was grown in sterile sand in the greenhouse for 16 weeks. Pots of sterile sand were amended to create one of four rates of As (0, 3, 15, or 50 mg As kg(-1)), two rates of P (3 or 15 mg P kg(-1)), and +/-mycorrhizal inoculation in a 2 x 4 x 2 factorial arrangement. After 16 weeks of growth, plants were harvested, shoots and roots thoroughly washed, and the tissue analyzed for total shoot biomass, total root and shoot As and P concentrations, and degree of mycorrhizal infection. Basin wildrye was found to be tolerant of high As concentrations allowing for vigorous plant growth at application levels of 3 or 15 mg As kg(-1). Arsenic was sequestered in the roots, with 30 to 50 times more As in the roots than shoots under low P conditions. Mycorrhizal infection did not confer As tolerance in basin wildrye nor did mycorrhizal fungi influence biomass production. Phosphorus concentrations of 15 mg kg(-1) effectively inhibited As accumulation in basin wildrye. Basin wildrye has the potential to be used for stabilization of As-rich soils while minimizing exposure to grazing animals following reclamation.     

Occurrence of metals in soil and ground water near chromated copper arsenate-treated utility poles

To thoroughly investigate the metal contamination around chromated copper arsenate (CCA)/polyethylene glycol (PEG)-treated utility poles, a total of 189 soil samples obtained from different depths and distances near six treated poles in the Montreal area (Canada) were analyzed for Cu, Cr, and As content. Various soil physicochemical properties were also determined. Ground water samples collected below the poles were analyzed for metals and bioassays with Daphnia magna were conducted. Generally, sandy soils had lower contaminant levels than clayey and organic soils. Copper concentrations in soil were highest followed by As and Cr. The highest Cu (1460 +/- 677 mg kg(-1)), As (410 +/- 150 mg kg(-1)), and Cr (287 +/- 32 mg kg(-1)) concentrations were found at the ground line and immediately adjacent to the pole. Contaminant levels then decreased with distance, approaching background levels within 0.1 m from the pole for Cr and 0.5 m for Cu and As. Chromium and Cu levels generally approached background levels at a depth of 0.5 m. Average As content near the pole on all study sites was three to eight times higher than Quebec's Level C criterion (50 mg kg(-1)), although it dropped to 31 mg kg(-1) at 0.1 m. Results also showed that As persisted up to 1 m in soil depth (17-54 mg kg(-1)). Copper and Cr concentrations in ground water samples were always <1.000 mg L(-1) and <0.05 mg L(-1), respectively and Cr(VI) was <0.02 mg L(-1). One sample contained an As concentration >0.025 mg L(-1) but bioassays showed that, overall, ground water had a low ecotoxic potential.     

Rangeland dynamics of southern Ethiopia: (2). Assessment of woody vegetation structure in relation to land use and distance from water in semi-arid Borana rangelands

The structure and advancement of woody vegetation was studied in a semi-arid rangeland of southern Ethiopia under three land-use systems (communal land, a government ranch and a traditional grazing reserve enclosure) and along a distance gradient (near, middle and far) from water sources. A total of 54 woody plant species were identified. Based on the subjective opinions of the pastoralists, 85% of the identified woody plants have forage values to livestock. Cadaba farinsoa, Ormocarpum trichocarpum, Rhus natalensis, Acacia brevispica, Cordia gharaf and Hibiscus sparseaculeatus were reported to have fair to good palatability. Tree equivalent (TE) density of all woody plants combined was greater (P <0.01) in the government ranch (1) 188 TE ha(-1)) and the communal land (1083 TE ha(-1)) than in the traditional grazing reserve (419 TE ha(-1)), whereas this did not vary significantly (P >0.05) along the distance gradient from water. The most important encroaching woody plant species in the study areas were in descending order: Commiphora africana, Acacia drepanolobium, A. brevispica, Acacia. tortilis, Grewia tembensis and Lannea floccosa. The density of individual encroaching woody plant species along the distance gradient from water was not consistent. All encroaching woody species had the highest TE density in the communal land. The prevalence of these species followed the pattern of intensity of use within the communal grazing area. Most of the woody species had the highest abundance in the height class >0-2m regardless of land use and distance gradient from water. This study investigated the advance of severe woody encroachment in the communal and government sites as well as along the distance gradient from water. Some of the important contributing factors that can be suggested are heavy grazing pressure (in both the communal and government sites), expansion of cultivation and reduced mobility of livestock due to settlement of the pastoralists in the communal land.     

TBT contamination of remote marine environments: ship groundings and ice-breakers as sources of organotins in the Great Barrier Reef and Antarctica

Remote marine environments such as many parts of the Great Barrier Reef (GBR) and the Antarctic are often assumed to be among the most pristine natural habitats. While distance protects them from many sources of pollution, recent studies have revealed extremely high concentrations of organotins in areas associated with shipping activities. Sediments at sites of ship groundings on the GBR have been found to contain up to 340,000 microg Sn kg(-1). Very high concentrations (up to 2290 microg Sn kg(-1)) have been detected in nearshore Antarctic sediments adjacent to channels cut through sea ice by ice-breaking vessels. In both cases, the bulk of the contamination is associated with flakes of antifouling paint abraded from vessel hulls, resulting in patchy but locally intense contamination of sediments. These particulates are likely to continue releasing organotins, rendering grounding sites and ice-breaking routes point-sources of contamination of surrounding environments. While the areas exposed to biologically-harmful concentrations of leached chemicals are likely to be limited in extent (1000-10,000 m(2)), deposition of antifouling paints constitutes a persistent ecological risk in otherwise pristine marine environments of high conservation value. The risk of contamination of GBR and Antarctic sediments by organotins needs to be considered against an important alternative risk: that less effective antifouling of ships hulls may increase the frequency of successful invasions by non-indigenous species. Additional options to minimise ecological risk include accident prevention and reducing organotin contamination from grounding sites through removal or treatment of contaminated sediments, as has been done at some sites in the GBR.     

Longevity of acid discharges from underground mines located above the regional water table

The duration of acid mine drainage flowing out of underground mines is important in the design of watershed restoration and abandoned mine land reclamation projects. Past studies have reported that acid water flows from underground mines for hundreds of years with little change, while others state that poor drainage quality may last only 20 to 40 years. More than 150 above-drainage (those not flooded after abandonment) underground mine discharges from Pittsburgh and Upper Freeport coal seams were located and sampled during 1968 in northern West Virginia, and we revisited 44 of those sites in 1999-2000 and measured water flow, pH, acidity, Fe, sulfate, and conductivity. We found no significant difference in flows between 1968 and 1999-2000. Therefore, we felt the water quality data could be compared and the data represented real changes in pollutant concentrations. There were significant water quality differences between year and coal seam, but no effect of disturbance. While pH was not significantly improved, average total acidity declined 79% between 1968 and 1999-2000 in Pittsburgh mines (from 66.8 to 14 mmol H+ L(-1)) and 56% in Upper Freeport mines (from 23.8 to 10.4 mmol H+ L(-1)). Iron decreased an average of about 80% across all sites (from an average of 400 to 72 mg L(-1)), while sulfate decreased between 50 and 75%. Pittsburgh seam discharge water was much worse in 1968 than Upper Freeport seam water. Twenty of our 44 sites had water quality information in 1980, which served as a midpoint to assess the slope of the decline in acidity and metal concentrations. Five of 20 sites (25%) showed an apparent exponential rate of decline in acidity and iron, while 10 of 20 sites (50%) showed a more linear decline. Drainage from five Upper Freeport sites increased in acidity and iron. While it is clear that surface mines and below-drainage underground mines improve in discharge quality relatively rapidly (20-40 years), above-drainage underground mines are not as easily predicted. In total, the drainage from 34 out of 44 (77%) above-drainage underground mines showed significant improvement in acidity over time, some exponentially and some linearly. Ten discharges showed no improvement and three of these got much worse.     

TRACE ELEMENTS IN NORTHERN GREAT PLAINS STRIP MINE AND LIVESTOCK IMPOUNDMENT WATER1

ABSTRACT: The water from 32 strip mine water impoundments and nine livestock watering ponds in North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wyoming were analyzed for trace elements. Because of the high concentrations of trace elements in coal and bentonite clay, the possibility exists for these elements to dissolve or be suspended in the water. Strip mine ponds were not significantly higher in trace element concentrations compared to livestock ponds. All but one of the 41 ponds sampled contained elemental concentrations that would be detrimental for livestock use or aquatic life use. Cadmium and lead were the elements most frequently in excess of water quality crieria. Lead was found in the study ponds about 35 times the median concentration of North American rivers. Manganese concentrations were found to exceed iron in many ponds, which is unusual in natural waters. The potential for detrimental concentrations of trace elements in pond water must be evaluated when designing land use management plans for ponds intended to be used by livestock or aquatic life.     

NITROGEN AND PHOSPHORUS IN SURFACE WATERS OF THE UPPER COLORADO RWER BASIN1

ABSTRACT: As part of a basinwide water-quality study, nitrogen and phosphorus data for the Upper Colorado River Basin from the Colorado-Utah State line to the Continental Divide were analyzed for spatial distributions, concentrations associated with various land uses, and temporal trends. Nitrogen and phosphorus concentrations generally increased in a downstream direction. Some nutrient concentrations were elevated at some sites in the upper parts of the basin in areas influenced by increasing urbanization. Sites were grouped according to land use and site type, and median nutrient concentrations were compared among groups. Sites within the agricultural areas of the basin generally had the highest concentrations of nitrogen and phosphorus; concentrations for main-stem, tributary, and urbanization sites were slightly lower than for the agricultural sites. Background sites, or sites with minimal land-use impacts, had very low median nutrient concentrations. Several sites with long-term data were analyzed for temporal trends in concentrations. Several statistically significant downward trends of low and moderate magnitude were observed for nitrogen and phosphorus species. No upward trends were observed in the data at any site.     

Phytoextraction of heavy metals by willows growing in biosolids under field conditions

Biosolids produced by sewage treatment facilities can exceed guideline thresholds for contaminant elements. Phytoextraction is one technique with the potential to reduce these elements allowing reuse of the biosolids as a soil amendment. In this field trial, cuttings of seven species/cultivars of Salix(willows) were planted directly into soil and into biosolids to identify their suitability for decontaminating biosolids. Trees were irrigated and harvested each year for three consecutive years. Harvested biomass was weighed and analyzed for the contaminant elements: As, Cd, Cu, Cr, Hg, Pb, Ni, and Zn. All Salix cultivars, except S. chilensis, growing in soils produced 10 to 20 t ha(-1) of biomass, whereas most Salix cultivars growing in biosolids produced significantly less biomass (<6 t ha(-1)). Salix matsudana (30 t ha(-1)) and S. × reichardtii A. Kerner (18 t ha(-1)) had similar aboveground biomass production in both soil and biosolids. These were also the most successful cultivars in extracting metals from biosolids, driven by superior biomass increases and not high tissue concentrations. The willows were effectual in extracting the most soluble/exchangeable metals (Cd, 0.18; Ni, 0.40; and Zn, 11.66 kg ha(-1)), whereas Cr and Cu were extracted to a lesser degree (0.02 and 0.11 kg ha(-1)). Low bioavailable elements, As, Hg, and Pb, were not detectable in any of the aboveground biomass of the willows.     

Distribution and mobility of mercury in soils of a gold mining region, Cuyuni river basin, Venezuela

An extensive and remote gold mining region located in the East of Venezuela has been studied with the aim of assessing the distribution and mobility of mercury in soil and the level of Hg pollution at artisanal gold mining sites. To do so, soils and pond sediments were sampled at sites not subject to anthropological influence, as well as in areas affected by gold mining activities. Total Hg in regionally distributed soils ranged between 0.02 mg kg(-1) and 0.40 mg kg(-1), with a median value of 0.11 mg kg(-1), which is slightly higher than soil Hg worldwide, possibly indicating long-term atmospheric input or more recent local atmospheric input, in addition to minor lithogenic sources. A reference Hg concentration of 0.33 mg kg(-1) is proposed for the detection of mining affected soils in this region. Critical total Hg concentrations were found in the surrounding soils of pollutant sources, such as milling-amalgamation sites, where soil Hg contents ranged from 0.16 mg kg(-1) to 542 mg kg(-1) with an average of 26.89 mg kg(-1), which also showed high levels of elemental Hg, but quite low soluble+exchangeable Hg fraction (0.02-4.90 mg kg(-1)), suggesting low Hg soil mobility and bioavailability, as confirmed by soil column leaching tests. The vertical distribution of Hg through the soil profiles, as well as variations in soil Hg contents with distance from the pollution source, and Hg in pond mining sediments were also analysed.     

Non-point source mercury emission from the Idrija Hg-mine region: GIS mercury emission model

A mercury emission model was developed to estimate non-point source mercury (Hg) emissions occurring over the year from the Idrijca River catchment, draining the area of the world's second largest Hg mine in Idrija, Slovenia. Site-specific empirical correlations between the measured Hg emission fluxes and the parameters controlling the emission (comprising substrate Hg content, soil temperature, solar radiation and soil moisture) were incorporated into the mercury emission model developed using Geographic Information System technology. In this way, the spatial distribution and significance of the most polluted sites that need to be properly managed was assessed. The modelling results revealed that annually approximately 51 kg of mercury are emitted from contaminated surfaces in the catchment (640 km(2)), highlighting that emission from contaminated surfaces contributes significantly to the elevated Hg concentrations in the ambient air of the region. Very variable meteorological conditions in the modelling domain throughout the year resulted in the high seasonal and spatial variations of mercury emission fluxes observed. Moreover, it was found that mercury emission fluxes from surfaces in the Idrija region are 3-4 fold higher than the values commonly used in models representing emissions from global mercuriferous belts. Sensitivity and model uncertainty analysis indicated the importance of knowing not only the amount but also the type of mercury species and their binding in soils in future model development.     

Atmospheric ammonia,volatile fatty acids,and other odorants near beef feedlots

Intensive livestock operations can release odorous gases from stored or land-applied manure. We measured concentrations of dust and 14 odor-causing gases at increasing distances from four feedlots near Lethbridge, southern Alberta, Canada. Concentration was determined from the amount of total dust or gas accumulated in the sampIers, and the volume of air sampled. Adjacent the feedlots, the maximum concentration of many volatile fatty acids exceeded reported odor detection thresholds; the maximum ammonia concentration was close to the threshold. Ammonia and butyric acid approached or exceeded their individual odor thresholds as far as 200 m downwind of the feedlots. Highest concentrations were measured adjacent to land where manure was being applied. None of the odorant concentrations exceeded their irritation threshold. There was a positive relationship between ammonia concentration and odor intensity as well as dry deposition. Much of the emitted ammonia was deposited to soil immediately downwind, enough to supply all the nitrogen needed for crop growth. Odorant concentrations declined sharply with distance, though measurable odor occasionally persisted to 1 km from the feedlot, beyond the minimum separation guidelines (Alberta) for a single residential dwelling. The weekly averaged total suspended particulates (> 5 microm) were below the Alberta guideline criterion except for one period. Differences among feedlots in odorant plume concentrations were partly related to the stocking density of feedlots, which presumably affects manure moisture and amount of volatiles within the pens.     

Effect of water table on willows grown in amended mine tailing

Survival and growth characteristics of two montane riparian willow species, Geyer willow (Salix geyeriana Andersson) and mountain willow (Salix monticola Bebb), grown in amended fluvial mine tailing were investigated in a greenhouse study. Willow stem cuttings were planted in lysimeters that simulated a 60-cm amended tailing profile with three static water depths (20, 40, and 60 cm) and a fluctuating water table for a total of four water table treatments. Species and water table treatments affected plant biomass and chemical composition of the soil and plant tissue. Mountain willow leaf, stem, and root biomass were 62, 95, and 164% greater, respectively, than for Geyer willow. Averaging across species, the fluctuating water table negatively affected leaf and stem biomass compared with the 20- and 60-cm water table treatments. Manganese was the only metal in plant tissue to strongly respond to water table treatments. Manganese concentrations in mountain willow leaf tissue were approximately twofold higher in the two most saturated water table treatments (20 cm and fluctuating) than in the least saturated water table treatment (60 cm). This trend was consistent with chemical analyses of the growth media, which reflected higher bioavailable Mn in the saturated tailing profile compared with the unsaturated profile. Results from this study indicate that mountain willow is a more vigorous and possibly more metal-tolerant species than Geyer willow when grown in amended mine tailing and that a fluctuating water table negatively affects willow growth.     

重庆华蓥山山脉药用植物资源调查研究

通过野外考察、标本采集、资料查阅整理及标本鉴定,对重庆华蓥山山山脉药用植物资源进行了调查.结果表明,重庆华蓥山共有药用植物240科1017属2251种(含变种和亚种),其中地衣植物5科8属11种、苔藓植物23科30属36种、蕨类植物40科82属190种、裸子植物9科17属25种、被子植物163科880属1989种.对其种类组成、分布、药用部位、疗效等进行了统计分析,对民间习用药物做了简要介绍,并对其开发利用提出了建议.     

The desorption of antimony(V) from sediments, hydrous oxides, and clay minerals by carbonate, phosphate, sulfate, nitrate, and chloride

The desorption of antimony, Sb(V), from two sediment samples by phosphate, carbonate, sulfate, chloride, and nitrate at pH 8 was examined. One highly contaminated sediment sample was taken from an Sb mine (Goesdorf, Luxembourg); the other sample was the certified reference material PACS-2 (marine sediment). Phosphate was found to have a strong mobilizing ability, whereas that of carbonate was in general weaker. For comparison, and to understand better the possible importance of individual components of the sediments, desorption experiments were performed on pure phases (i.e., hydrous oxides of Fe, Mn, and Al) and the clay minerals kaolinite and montmorillonite. In the cases of hydrous metal oxides, Sb(V) was most effectively desorbed by phosphate, followed by carbonate. Phosphate also desorbed Sb(V) from the clay minerals, whereas carbonate had no effect. The pH dependence of adsorption of Sb(V) in the absence and presence of carbonate revealed that adsorption densities were higher (except in the case of montmorillonite) in the absence of carbonate, suggesting a competition between carbonate and [Sb(OH)] for surface sites generally and a lowering of surface charge in the case of hydrous aluminum oxide. The observations are unlikely to be due to ionic strength effects because activity coefficients in the blank and spiked solutions differ by <4%. Desorption experiments on sediments with varying concentrations of phosphate and carbonate demonstrated that at environmentally relevant concentrations, desorption by phosphate is negligible, whereas the effect of carbonate is not. Sulfate, chloride, and nitrate generally had little effect. The proportion of Sb desorbed in blank experiments coincides with that mobilized in the first fraction of the Bureau Communautaire de Référence (BCR) sequential extraction (easily exchangeable and carbonate-bound fraction).     

Metals distribution and interactions in tissues of shrews (Sorex spp.) from copper- and zinc-contaminated areas in Poland

To assess the risk from heavy metal accumulation to insectivorous species exposed to different pollutants, shrews [Sorex araneus (Linnaeus 1758) and Sorex minutus (Linnaeus 1766)] were collected in the Olkuski Ore Region (OOR; a Zn and Cd smelter area), Legnicko-G?ogowski Copper Mine Region (LGCR; a copper ore-mining area), and Bia?owieza Forest (BF; a control area). A few sites were chosen in each region and a total of 57 animals were collected from them. The liver and kidneys were dissected from the animals, dried, and digested in a 4:1 mixture of HNO3 (nitric acid) and HClO4 (perchloric acid). Cadmium, lead, zinc, copper, and iron were determined in the samples by flame or flameless atomic absorption spectrometry. The interactions between toxic and essential metals were calculated for each tissue. The data showed that accumulation of metals by insectivores is high; shrews accumulated much higher amounts of cadmium and lead than bank voles, studied by other researchers, from the same areas. The expected high tissue accumulation of copper at LGCR and zinc at OOR was not seen, but the levels of both elements were higher in the tissues of shrews from OOR than from LGCR. The lowest copper concentrations were in the tissues of shrews from BF. The highest cadmium and lead concentrations were found in the tissues of shrews from OOR. Some significant correlations were found between the tissue concentrations of xenobiotic and essential metals (e.g., between cadmium and zinc and between lead and iron).