Reduced Metals Concentrations of Water, Sediment and Hyalella Azteca from Lakes in the Vicinity of the Sudbury Metal Smelters, Ontario, Canada

Hyalella azteca (Crustacea: Amphipoda), water and sediments from 12 circum-neutral lakes between Sudbury and North Bay in Ontario, Canada were sampled in August 1998 and analyzed for 10 metals including Cu, Zn, Cd, Ni, Pb, Co, Mo, V, Ba and Ti. Statistical analyses showed that concentrations of the metals in H. azteca, water and sediment differed significantly (ANOVA, P<0.05) among lakes (except for Zn and Pb in H. azteca and Mo in water). There was a trend of declining metal concentration, especially for Cu, Ni and Co (in water, Hyalella and sediment), with distance from the smelters indicating the reduced impact of atmospheric pollution. Metal concentrations of lakes (water) in the Sudbury area were found to be lower compared to data from the 1970s and 1980s indicating an improvement in water quality. Metal concentrations in field-collected amphipods compared favorably with those measured in the laboratory in animals exposed to deep-water sediments, provided metal concentrations were not extremely low (e.g., Pb) and that water chemistry differences (e.g., pH) were taken into account for some metals (especially Cd). In general bioaccumulation of metals in H. azteca was predicted better from surface water than from sediment total metal.     

Speciation of selected heavy metals geochemistry in surface sediments from Tirumalairajan river estuary, east coast of India

Surface sediment samples from the Tirumalairajan river estuary were studied for grain size pattern, organic matter, and heavy metals (Fe, Mn, Zn, and Pb) using the sequential and bulk metal extraction methods to evaluate metal behavior. Ten surface sediment samples were collected during the monsoon and summer seasons of the year 2009. The observed orders of concentrations of heavy metals in the sediments were as follows: Fe?>?Mn?>?Zn?>?Pb. The results obtained from sequential extraction showed that, among the metals studied, a larger portion of the metals were associated with the residual phase, although they are available in other fractions. The low concentration of metals available in bioavailable phases indicated that the sediments of Tirumalairajan river estuary were relatively unpolluted. Correlation analysis was also carried out to understand the associations of metals in different phases with sand, silt, clay, and organic matter. To understand the risk of heavy metals to sediment-dwelling organisms, the data were compared with risk assessment code and sediment quality values using the screening quick reference table. The main source of metals to the estuary is from the irrigation field and its associated activities in the study area.     

Distribution and chemical partitioning of heavy metals in marine near-shore sediment cores: a case study from the Xugou, Lianyungang, China

The concentrations and chemical partitioning of heavy metals (Co, Cr, Ni, Zn, Cu, and Pb) in the marine near-shore sediment cores were investigated. Typically, the mean concentrations from Core B sediment samples were 98.6, 21.1, 47.0, 46.4, 107.6, and 31.9 mg kg^???1 for Cr, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, and Pb, respectively. The heavy metal concentrations were normalized to commonly used reference elements Al, Li, Sc, and total organic carbon. Based on Pearson coefficients, Li was found to be a good normalizer for Co (r?= 0.974), Cr (r?= 0.967), Ni (r?= 0.898), and Zn (r?= 0.929) in 80 sediment samples from three sampling sites. However, the correlation coefficients between Li and Cu, and Li and Pb were relatively low. Multivariate statistic approaches (Principal Component Analysis and Cluster Analysis) were adopted for data treatment, allowing the identification of two main factors controlling the heavy metal variability in the sediments. Heavy metals in the enrichment sections were evaluated by a sequential extraction method for possible chemical forms in sediments. The results showed that the residual, Fe/Mn oxides and Organic/sulfide fractions were dominant geochemical phases in the enriched sections, indicating low bioavailability of heavy metals in sediments.     

Sequential fractionation of phosphorus in lake sediments of Northern Greece

The amounts and forms of potentially mobile P in surface sediments from two lakes, Volvi and Koronia, located in Northern Greece were evaluated using a sequential chemical extraction. Five sedimentary P reservoirs were separately quantified: loosely sorbed P (NH₄Cl-P); iron associated P (BD-P); calcium bound P (HCl-P); metal oxide bound P (NaOH-P) and residual P (organic and refractory P). Samples were taken in two seasons and the average concentration of the fractions of phosphorus were calculated. The results indicated that the TP content and chemically extractable phosphorus in the sediments of Koronia Lake were higher than those of Volvi Lake. Sediment TP was also strongly and positively correlated with sediment Fe. Fine-sized sediments exhibited significantly higher concentrations for both lakes than the sand fraction. The P in the surface sediment mainly consisted of HCl-P and Res-P, while NH₄Cl-P and BD-P only constituted a minor part. The rank order of the different P extracts was the same for the two lakes and was Residual-P > HCl-P > NaOH-P > BD-P > NH₄Cl-P.     

Effects of an oil spill on soil physico-chemical properties of a spill site in the Niger Delta Area of Nigeria

Physico-chemical analysis of soil samples at an oil spill site in the Niger Delta Area of Nigeria showed that the total hydrocarbon content of top soil layers ranged from 0.8 to 12.4 ppm in the heavy impact zone and the oil had penetrated to a depth of 7.2 m. Hydrocarbon concentration in the medium impact zone ranged from 0.02 to 0.40 ppm while hydrocarbons were not detected in 75% of samples from the unimpacted reference zone. Measurement of heavy metal concentrations in the soils revealed a significant build-up (p<0.05) of lead, iron and zinc in the heavy impact zone. Other parameters including electrical conductivity, exchangeable cations, available phosphorus and total nitrogen in impacted soils were comparatively low while the total organic carbon was high, compared with the reference site. Textural class of soil from the different depths showed a predominantly brown sand at the top soil, loamy sand at medium depths and grey coarse sand at greater depths.     

应用地积累指数法评价南通市内河沉积物中重金属污染

对南通市51个沉积物样品中重金属Cu、Pb、Cr、Hg、As、Cd的质量浓度进行了测试,并用地积累指数法评价了河流沉积物的重金属污染。结果表明:南通市沉积物重金属基本上未受污染,只有元素As受到轻度污染。     

Trace metals: Inputs, sedimentation and accumulation in San Vicente Bay, Chile

The present study deals with sediment dynamics affecting sediment-associated metal distributions in an embayment system experiencing pollution from coastal industries. Sedimentary metal content may originate from diagenetic processes of foundation rock on the bottom, allochthonous minerals from natural sources, and metals from industrial effluents along the coast. The study presents experimental estimations of quantities of metals entering the bay in industrial wastewater, measurements of metal content in particulate material captured in sediment traps, and metals distribution in surface sediments. Quantitative estimations of metals entering the system in industrial effluent showed the relation Pb Zn > Cu > Cr Ni > Cd. That of metals associated with particulate material from traps was Zn > Cr Cu > Pb > Ni > Cd and the abundance of metals in sediments was Zn > Cr > Cu > Pb > Ni > Cd. Finally, rates of bottom sediment accumulation are estimated in relation to the time of residence of water in the bay. The experimental data on sedimentation and sediment abundance were consistent with field observations on distribution and accumulation at sites of major sedimentation in this bay.     

Near-shore distribution of heavy metals in the Albanian part of Lake Ohrid

The heavy metal contamination in Lake Ohrid, a lake shared between Albania and Macedonia, was studied. Lake Ohrid is believed to be one of the oldest lakes in the world, with a large variety of endemic species. Different anthropogenic pressures, especially heavy metal influxes from mining activities, might have influenced the fragile equilibrium of the lake ecosystem. Heavy metal concentrations in water, sediment, emergent vegetation, and fish were investigated at selected sites of the lake and a study of the heavy metals in five tributaries was conducted. The lake surface water was found to have low levels of heavy metals, but sediments contained very high levels mostly near river mouths and mineral dump areas with concentrations reaching 1,501 mg/kg for Ni, 576 mg/kg for Cr, 116.8 mg/kg for Co and 64.8 g/kg for Fe. Sequential extraction of metals demonstrates that heavy metals in the sediment are mainly present in the residual fraction varying from 75% to 95% in different sites. High heavy metal levels (400 mg/kg Ni, 89 mg/kg Cr, and 39 mg/kg Co) were found in plants (stem of Phragmites australis), but heavy metals could not be detected in fish tissue (gill, muscle, and liver of Salmo letnica and Salmothymus ohridanus).     

A Numerical Model for the Transport of Chromium and Fine Sediments

A mathematical model which represents the transport processes of heavy metals and fine sediments in a fluvial stream was developed. The model consists of a three-equation system: the first one for total chromium concentration in the water column, C _Tw, the second one for total suspended sediment concentration, S _w, and the third one for chromium concentration in bed sediments, r. The third equation represents the chromium exchange between the water column and bed sediments by two processes: diffusion of soluble chromium and erosion/deposition of chromium sorbed to sediments. The basic assumption of the model is the instantaneous equilibrium. The main parameters are the partition coefficients in the water column and bed sediments, the depth of the active bed sediment layer, and the mass transfer coefficient between the water column and sediment pore water. The numerical model approximates the equations of advection–dispersion for chromium in water and suspended sediments by using a Eulerian third-order scheme. Numerical vs. analytical solutions were considered satisfactory for different initial, boundary, and sedimentological conditions. In order to estimate the impact of a chromium side discharge, the model was implemented for the Salado River in a reach of 65.6-km long (Santa Fe, Argentina). The results showed the effect of chromium discharge on almost the whole reach, then the vulnerability of the water quality in the Salado River when the flow was low was evidenced. When comparing the computed and measured results, the former showed a reasonable representation of the presence of chromium in water and bed sediments.     

Metal levels in sediments from the Minho estuary salt marsh: a metal clean area?

Total-recoverable metals (Al, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb and Zn) in sediments from Minho estuary salt marsh were determined to evaluate possible increase in anthropogenic contamination by metals and to evaluate the possibility of this area to be considered a pristine area in terms of metals, which can be used as a reference site for other metal-contaminated national and international estuaries/salt marshes. This study revealed that the spatial distribution of metals in the salt marsh sediments was not homogeneous and that two sampling sites (sites 5 and 7) had indications of anthropogenic contamination. However, metal levels in these salt marsh sediments were lower than those observed in the wetlands of the main Portuguese estuaries. Comparison with Portuguese and international reference values used in the evaluation of the ecological quality of sediments, indicated that the sediments can be classified as “clean sediment” and that metal levels were lower or similar (only for Cu and Ni) to the values of ERL, which are the values that define the concentrations ranges that are rarely associated to adverse biologic effects in organisms. In addition, metal levels in the sediments were in chemical forms that were not easily available to organisms, indicating that these sediments probably will not have negative influences in the organisms living in the salt marsh, although no life-form ecological safety tests have been carried out. Therefore, the Minho estuary salt marsh area can probably be considered a pristine area in terms of metals and can be used as a reference for other metal-contaminated estuaries/salt marshes.     

A field study of the relationship between sulfide-bound metals and bioaccumulation by Limnodrilus sp. in a heavily polluted river

Acid volatile sulfide (AVS) has been regarded as an important factor controlling metal bioavailability in anoxic sediments, but its effect on metal accumulation under natural conditions is poorly understood. Here, a field study of the influence of AVS on metal accumulation by Limnodrilus sp. in a heavily polluted river is provided. Most of the study area was subject to anaerobic and strongly reducing conditions, and the concentration of trace metals in surface sediments was high, as were the concentration of AVS and simultaneously extracted metals (SEM; average AVS?=?20.3 μmol g^?1, average ∑SEM₅?=?9.42 μmol g^?1; ∑SEM₅ refers to the sum of SEM_Cd, SEM_Cu, SEM_Pb, SEM_Ni, and SEM_Zn). Only a few species and small quantities of benthic invertebrates were found, and Limnodrilus sp. was dominant. There was no correlation between trace metal accumulation and (SEM-AVS), and in stations where (SEM-AVS) <0, the absolute value of bioaccumulation was high (average ∑BIO₅?=?4.07 μmol g^?1; ∑BIO₅ refers to the sum of BIO_Cd, BIO_Cu, BIO_Pb, BIO_Ni, and BIO_Zn), indicating that there was no relationship between (SEM–AVS) and metal accumulation in Limnodrilus sp. This was likely because Limnodrilus sp. ingest sediment particles as their main food source, so pore water metals play a minor role in their bioaccumulation (BIO) of materials. However, ∑BIO₅ was significantly correlated with ∑SEM₅ (r?=?0.795, p?<?0.01), revealing that the large number of sulfide-bound metals (SEM) in sediments may play an important role in metal accumulation in Limnodrilus sp., which can assimilate sulfide-associated metals by the help of the digestive fluids in the digestive systems.     

Heavy metal inputs evolution to an urban hypertrophic coastal lagoon, Rodrigo De Freitas Lagoon, Rio De Janeiro, Brazil

This work discusses the temporal variation of metal concentrations in a hypertrophic coastal lagoon located in the metropolitan area of Rio de Janeiro (Brazil). The lagoon watershed includes one of the mostly densely urbanized areas of the city but without industrial activities. Six sediment cores were collected in the lagoon between May and July 2003 and analyzed for the concentration of metals (Fe, Al, Mn, Zn, Pb, Cu, Cr, and Ni). Typical sedimentation rate was calculated as being 0.75 cm year^???1 and was uniform for at least the past 70 years. Therefore, the alterations in the dynamics of the lagoon caused by changes in its watershed were clearly indicated in sediment cores. The construction of an artificial canal to the sea and the increasing urbanization and soil use changes were the major factors affecting metal accumulation in the lagoon sediments. Metals typical of anthropogenic urban sources (Pb, Zn, and Cu) showed increasing loads following urbanization.     

Sediment load and bioconcentration of heavy metals by shrimp (Peaneus notalis) from Epe Lagoon, Nigeria

In many developing countries, surface waters, especially rivers and lagoons, have become deposition sites for all sorts of wastes. Three sampling sites located trigonally on Epe lagoon, Lagos, Nigeria were identified, and water, sediment, and commonly farmed shrimp, Peaneus notalis, were sampled and assessed for heavy metal concentrations. Zn, Pb, Ni, Cu, Cr, Cd, and Mn were determined in the aqua regia digests of the samples by means of Perkin Elmer AAnalyst 200 atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Heavy metals occurred above detection limits at all sites. The highest load of these trace elements was found in sediment samples followed by the water samples. The levels observed in the shrimp samples, however, were much lower than WHO levels. In the distribution, zinc was the highest metal found in the samples ranging from 17.94 ± 2.60 mg/L in water to 37.85 ± 9.35 μg/g in sediments. The least was Cd 0.03 ± 0.01 mg/L in water and 0.28 ± 0.04 μg/g in sediments. Lead was the most widely varied metal in shrimp with a 84.38% coefficient of variation. Apart from Cr, the metals appeared to be fairly and evenly distributed in the sediment, with coefficient of variation ranging from 14.29% (Cd) to 24.76% (Mn) The variations were between 14.49% (Zn) and 66.67% (Cr) in the water samples. The paired t test carried out between water and sediment, water and shrimp, and shrimp and sediment was significant at p?=?0.05. Three-factor analysis of variance did not reveal any significant difference in metal burdens among the trigonally located sites under investigation. Shrimp samples showed evidence of bioaccumulation but are still below internationally established levels.     

Phosphorus fractions and adsorption characteristics of floodplain sediments in the lower reaches of the Hanjiang River, China

The phosphorus fractions and adsorption characteristics of seven floodplain sediment samples collected in the lower reaches of China’s Hanjiang River were studied. Most phosphorus fractions showed a marked downstream increase in response to point-source inputs from urban areas. Total phosphorus (TP) contents in the sediments ranged from 603.68 to 945.25 mg.kg⁻¹. Inorganic phosphorus (IP) was the major component of TP, and calcium-bound phosphorus (Ca–P) was the major fraction of IP. The distribution characteristics of the phosphorus contents were affected by sediment grain size and hydrodynamic conditions. The maximum phosphorus adsorption capacities (Q _max) and the half-saturation concentration (k) were obtained using an improved Langmuir model. Native adsorbed exchangeable phosphorus content (w _NAP) and the zero-equilibrium phosphorus concentration value (c _EPC0) were subsequently calculated. The effects of sediment grain size, temperature, and disturbance on the phosphorus adsorption isotherms were also studied. The results showed that phosphorus adsorption on floodplain sediments was primarily chemisorption; the particle concentration effect played a more important role at a disturbance intensity of 150 r.min⁻¹ (on a shaker table) than at 100 r.min⁻¹.     

Interlaboratory variability of amphipod sediment toxicity tests in a cooperative regional monitoring program

Marine sediment toxicity tests are widely applied in monitoring programs, yet relatively little is known about the comparability of data from different laboratories. The need for comparability information is increased in cooperative monitoring programs, where multiple laboratories (often with variable skill levels) perform toxicity tests. An interlaboratory comparison exercise was conducted among seven laboratories in order to document the comparability of sediment toxicity measurements during the Bight'98 regional sediment survey in southern California. Sediments from four stations in Los Angeles and Long Beach Harbors were tested using a 10-day survival test of the amphipod Eohaustorius estuarius. All laboratories successfully performed the sediment test and associated reference toxicant test. Statistically significant differences were found in mean amphipod survival rates among some laboratories for the field-collected sediments, but there was little evidence of a consistent bias among laboratories. Although the reference toxicant test indicated a five-fold variation in test sensitivity among laboratories, these results were not accurate predictors of interlaboratory performance for the sediment tests. The laboratories demonstrated excellent concordance (Kendall's W = 0.91) in ranking the field-collected sediments by toxicity. Agreement on classifying the sediments into categories (nontoxic, moderately toxic, and highly toxic) based upon the percent of survival was best for highly toxic sediments. An analysis of test precision based upon the variance among replicates within a test indicated that the measured survival rate for a sample may vary by up to 12 percentage points from the actual response.     

The duckweed Wolffia globosa as an indicator of heavy metal pollution: Sensitivity to Cr and Cd

The potential of Wolffia globosa, a profusely occurring rootless duckweed, was evaluated as an indicator of metal pollution in the water bodies. Plants of W. globosa were cultured in 3% Hoagland's nutrient medium which was supplemented with 0.05, 0.1, 1.0 and 2.0 mg/L of Cr and Cd. Plants showed substantial accumulation of both the metals at lowest concentrations. For example, at 0.05 ppm, the concentration factor (Cf) value for Cr was significantly higher (5616) than for Cd (1018). A high level of tolerance was shown by the plants to both Cr and Cd. The results show that the plants are sensitive to the variations in metal concentration and are capable of high metal enrichment at very low ambient concentration of the metals. This information may be useful for detecting metals in the water.NBRI Research Publication No. 401 (N.S.)     

Native plant restoration combats environmental change: development of carbon and nitrogen sequestration capacity using small cordgrass in European salt marshes

Restoration of salt marshes is critical in the context of climate change and eutrophication of coastal waters because their vegetation and sediments may act as carbon and nitrogen sinks. Our primary objectives were to quantify carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) stocks and sequestration rates in restored marshes dominated by Spartina maritima to provide support for restoration and management strategies that may offset negative aspects of eutrophication and climate change in estuarine ecosystems. Sediment C content was between ca. 13 mg C g^?1and sediment N content was ca. 1.8 mg N g^?1. The highest C content for S. maritima was recorded in leaves and stems (ca. 420 mg C g^?1) and the lowest in roots (361?±?4 mg C g^?1). S. maritima also concentrated more N in its leaves (31?±?1 mg N g^?1) than in other organs. C stock in the restored marshes was 29.6 t C ha^?1; ca. 16 % was stored in S. maritima tissues. N stock was 3.6 t N ha^?1, with 8.3 % stored in S. maritima. Our results showed that the S. maritima restored marshes, 2.5 years after planting, were sequestering atmospheric C and, therefore, provide some mitigation for global warming. Stands are also capturing nitrogen and reducing eutrophication. The concentrations of C and N contents in sediments, and cordgrass relative cover of 62 %, and low below-ground biomass (BGB) suggest restored marshes can sequester more C and N. S. maritima plantations in low marshes replace bare sediments and invasive populations of exotic Spartina densiflora and increase the C and N sequestration capacity of the marsh by increasing biomass production and accumulation.     

Statistical comparison of heavy metal concentrations in various louisiana sediments

The use of statistical t tests were used to determine lead, zinc, and cadmium enrichment in various Louisiana sediments. Both absolute metal concentrations and trace metal/conservative metal concentration ratios were used in comparing sampled sites to a 110 m deep background core taken just off the mouth of the Mississippi River. Concentration ratios were used to reduce the effects of certain chemical and physical sediment characteristics on the quantity of metal contained in a given sediment.Results from the comparison of sample sites to the background reveal metal enrichment at several sites. The University Lake sampling sites exhibit both lead and zinc enrichment when using both the concentration alone and ratio methods of comparison. Additionally, cadmium enrichment is indicated in the sediments of University Lake when using only the ratio method of comparison. Several sampled sediments in and around the New Orleans metropolitan area exhibited lead and cadmium enrichment.     

Detection of hazardous pollutants in chrome-tanned leather using locally developed laser-induced breakdown spectrometer

K?z?l?rmak River has been used as Ankara??s drinking water source for approximately 1.5?years. Therefore, this region??s water, sediment, and fish samples are measured for detecting the heavy metals. This is important for the current situation as well as the future in terms of potential impact. The amount of heavy metals in drinking water should be within the limited values; otherwise, the accumulation of heavy metals will cause many problems to living organisms. Especially high levels of arsenic, cadmium, nickel, mercury, etc. are very dangerous to freshwater ecosystems as for human if the water is being use as drinking water. In this study, water, sediment samples, muscle, and gills of three fish species (Capoeta tinca, Capoeta capoeta, Leuciscus cephalus) were analyzed for the presence of heavy metals such as (Al, Fe, As, Cd, Ni, Mn, Se, Si) to determine present accumulation levels and possible toxic effect. The accumulation pattern of heavy metals in the water, sediment, and fish tissue follows the sequence: Si > Fe > Al > Mn > As > Ni > Se > Cd, Fe > Al > Mn > Ni > As > Se > Cd, and Fe > Al > Mn > As > Ni > Si > Cd. In addition, the detected concentrations of heavy metals in the K?z?l?rmak and Delice Rivers are compared with other heavy metal studies in the other main rivers and lakes in Turkey.     

Geochemical evaluation of present-day Tuul River sediments, Ulaanbaatar basin, Mongolia

The Tuul River flows through the Ulaanbaatar basin of Mongolia and is the main source of water for the capital city, Ulaanbaatar. The Tuul catchment can be divided into three parts around Ulaanbaatar (upper, middle, and lower), according to the extent of urbanization. Sixteen surface water and groundwater samples were collected to evaluate present-day water quality and 34 stream sediment samples taken to examine their geochemical composition in relation to provenance and to assess the impact of urban activity on heavy metal accumulation. Groundwater quality in the upper and central water sources was adequate, but high concentrations of NO ₃ ^? were found in the lower water source. Heavy metal concentrations in the sediments are evaluated by comparison with average upper continental crust (UCC) values, coupled with ecological risk assessment by reference to sediment quality guidelines (SQG). The results show average abundances of potentially toxic metals such as As, Pb, Zn, Cu, Ni, Cr, and V are higher in the middle part (within the city) than in the upper and lower parts. However, all three parts show depletion in some chalcophile and high field strength elements (Cu, Ni, Cr, Sr, Nb, Zr, Th, Sc) relative to UCC, indicating that the river sediments were derived from a highly felsic crustal source. The assessment using SQG shows As and Cr are present in levels that cause adverse aquatic biological effects. Although concentrations of Pb, Zn, Cu, and Ni are generally below their respective threshold effect levels, in the middle reaches, values increase and border on the probable effect level. This suggests significant anthropogenic contamination in the urban areas, increasing values above a naturally low regional background.