Concentrations of heavy metal and radioactivity in surface water and sediment of Hazar Lake (Elaziğ, Turkey)

Concentration of heavy metals and natural gross radioactivity were measured in the surface water and sediment of Hazar Lake (Elazi?, Turkey). Eight sampling sites were pre-defined in different locations of the lake. A preliminary study on heavy metals (Zn, Fe, Mn, Ni, Cu, Cr, Co and Pb), major elements (Na, K, Ca, Mg) concentrations and natural radioactivity related to 226Ra, gross-alpha and gross-beta radiations in the surface water and deep sediments were determined. The obtained results showed that, in general, the heavy metals (Zn, Fe, Mn, Ni, Cu and Pb) and major elements (Na, K, Ca, Mg) concentrations in water did not exceed WHO (World Health Organization, 1999), EC (Europe Community, 1998), EPA (Environment Protection Agency, 2002) and TSE-266 (Turkish Standard, 1997) guidelines. Generally, heavy metals and major elements concentration of the sediments were found decrease in sequence of Fe>Mg>Ca>Mn>Zn>Ni>Cr>Cu>Co>Pb. The results of this study indicated that a general absence of serious pollution in the Hazar Lake. The results obtained from the radioactivity determination indicate that the surface water radioactivity concentration of 226Ra, gross-alpha and gross-beta were ranging from 0.52+/-0.02 to 2.02+/-0.06 Bq/l and from 0.65+/-0.03 to 2.52+/-0.07 Bq/l and from 0.01+/-0.01 to 0.14+/-0.01 Bq/l, respectively. Deep sediment radioactivity concentrations of 226Ra is ranging from 0.07+/-0.03 to 0.32+/-0.07 Bq/g.     

Mercury in sediment and fish communities of Lake Vänern, Sweden: recovery from contamination

The past effluents of mercury (Hg) into Lake V?nern were considerable. The consequences of, and recovery from these have been monitored through continuous measurements of mercury in sediment and fish. Mercury levels in lake sediments in the vicinity of the main source of mercury, a chloralkali plant on the northern shore, have only decreased by slightly more than a half since the mid-1970s, despite a radical decrease in effluents from the source, already during the 1960s. The mercury levels in pike (Esox lucius) have decreased to a similar extent during this time period. They are now about 30% higher in the worst affected parts of the lake compared to the least affected parts. Lower levels have been measured in perch (Perca fluviatilis) and salmonoid fish in the lake. Despite the increased presence of mercury in the sediment of Lake V?nern, the mercury levels in the fish of the lake are relatively low compared to fish in lakes situated in the same region, but not affected by any local mercury effluents. As calculated, the total fish biomass of L. V?nern holds less than 1000th of the amount of mercury contained in the upper, biologically active layers of the bottom sediment of the lake. This demonstrates the potential influence of various environmental factors and motivates continued monitoring of mercury levels in the lake in the future.     

Occurrence, distribution, and ecological risk assessment of DDTs and heavy metals in surface sediments from Lake Awassa—Ethiopian Rift Valley Lake

Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethanes (DDTs) and heavy metals are ubiquitous contaminants with high bioaccumulation and persistence in the environment, which can have adverse effects on humans and animals. Although applications of DDTs have been banned in many countries, developing countries like Ethiopia are still using these for agricultural and medicinal purposes. In addition, heavy metals are naturally present in the aquatic environment and distributed globally. In this study, the occurrence, distribution, and ecological risk of DDTs and heavy metals in surface sediments from one of the Ethiopian rift valley lakes were studied. Twenty-five surface sediment samples from Lake Awassa, Ethiopia were collected and analyzed for DDTs and heavy metals. Results showed that concentrations of total DDTs ranged from 3.64 to 40.2 ng/g dry weight. High levels of DDTs were observed in the vicinity of inflow river side and coastal areas with agricultural activities. The heavy metals content were followed the order Zn?>?Ni?>?Pb?>?Cu?>?Cr?>?Co?>?As?>?Cd?>?Hg. Correlation analysis and principal components analysis demonstrated that heavy metals were originated from both natural and anthropogenic inputs. The levels of DDE and DDD in surface sediments exceeded the sediment quality guideline values, indicating that adverse effects may occur to the lake. A method based on toxic-response factor for heavy metals revealed that the calculated potential ecological risk indices showed low ecological risk for the water body.     

Possible health risk assessment for heavy metal concentrations in water,sediment, and fish species and Turkmen pregnant women’s biomonitoring in Miankaleh Peninsula,Iran

Environmental Science and Pollution Research - This study investigated the human biomonitoring of heavy metals in the water, sediments, and tissues of mostly consumed fish species using Turkmen...     

Vertical and horizontal distribution,source identification,ecological and toxic risk assessment of heavy metals in sediments of Lake Aygır,Kars, Turkey

Surface and core sediment samples were collected from Lake Ayg?r, Turkey, to determine heavy metal distribution, probable sources and potential ecological and toxic risks for the lake. Heavy metals, total sulfur, total phosphate, total organic carbon, chlorophyll degradation products, and CaCO₃ content were established. The enrichment factor, PLI, potential ecological risk index, and toxic risk index were calculated. Zn was determined to have the highest accumulation in surface sediment, followed by Cr, Pb, and Cd, respectively. Cd was the only element that exceeded the critical value of 40 and posed a moderate potential ecological risk. According to TRI, no ecotoxic risk was found. It is thought that local fossil fuel consumption is responsible for the accumulation of heavy metals since there is a lack of urbanization, industrialization, and agricultural activities around the lake.     

Concentrations,bioaccumulation, and health risk assessments of heavy metals in fishes from Nigeria’s freshwater: a general overview

Environmental Science and Pollution Research - Heavy metals (HMs) have attracted global attention due to their toxicity, persistence, and accumulation in aquatic fish in the polluted water...     

Concentrations of heavy metals in Sotalia fluviatilis (Cetacea: Delphinidae) off the coast of Ceará, northeast Brazil

Lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd) and mercury (Hg) concentrations on liver and kidney of Sotalia fluviatilis (Cetacea: Delphinidae) stranded in the coast of Ceará, Brazil, were studied from 1996 to 1999. Pb levels were usually lower than the detection limit (0.1 microg/g). Concentrations of Cd were significantly higher in kidney than liver, averaging 0.8 microg/g. Mercury accumulation took place mainly in liver with an average concentration of 4.6 microg/g. Both metals were significantly higher in larger mature individuals, but differences between sexes were not significant. The detection of Cd, Hg and Pb in tissue samples of S. fluviatilis off the coast of Ceará indicated that heavy metals are locally available in the water, and bioaccumulation may be occurring through the food web. Contamination levels were not considered critical, but could be related to Ceará's growing industrial development. The associated risks of pollution outfalls may pose a threat to marine organisms in a near future, especially for top predators such as S. fluviatilis.     

Results and evaluation of the first study of organochlorine contaminants (PCDDs, PCDFs, PCBs and DDTs), heavy metals and metalloids in birds from Baja California, México

Organochlorine compounds (OCs) including polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs), dibenzofurans (PCDFs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and 1,1-dichloro-2,2-bis(p-chlorophenyl)ethylene (p-p'-DDE), heavy metals (Pb, Cd, Zn, Cu), and arsenic were measured in house sparrows (Passer domesticus) and common ground doves (Columbina passerina) from Baja California Sur, México. Concentrations of PCDD/Fs were low, with 21 pg/g for house sparrows, and 7.7 pg/g for common ground doves. Non-ortho-PCB concentrations in house sparrow and common ground doves were 58 and 254 pg/g, respectively, and are within the highest concentrations reported in species that are in the low levels of food webs. The major differences in organochlorine levels between species were found for ortho-PCBs and DDTs. ortho-PCB levels were higher in the seedeater species, whereas DDT levels were higher in the omnivorous species. Heavy metal levels were far below those associated with negative effects.     

Use of EO-1 Advanced Land Imager (ALI) multispectral image data and real-time field sampling for water quality mapping in the Hirfanlı Dam Lake, Turkey

This paper focuses on the evaluation of water quality variations in Hirfanl? Water Reservoir, which is one of the most important water resources in Turkey, through EO-1 (Earth Observing-1) Advanced Land Imager (ALI) multispectral data and real-time field sampling. The study was materialized in 20 different sampling points during the overpass of the EO-1 ALI sensor over the study area. A multi-linear regression technique was used to explore the relationships between radiometrically corrected EO-1 ALI image data and water quality parameters: chlorophyll a, turbidity, and suspended solids. The retrieved and verified results show that the measured and estimated values of water quality parameters are in good agreement (R ²?>?0.93). The resulting thematic maps derived from EO-1 multispectral data for chlorophyll a, turbidity, and suspended solids show the spatial distribution of the water quality parameters. The results indicate that the reservoir has average nutrient values. Furthermore, chlorophyll a, turbidity, and suspended solids values increased at the upstream reservoir and shallow coast of the Hirfanl? Water Reservoir.     

Residues of organochlorine pesticides,polychlorinated biphenyls and heavy metals in the eggs of predatory birds from Doñana National Park (Spain), 1980–1983

Abstract

Organochlorine pesticides and heavy metal residues were determined in 54 eggs of five species of predatory birds collected at Doñana National Park (Spain) during the nesting season between 1980 and 1983. The species analyzed were the imperial eagle (Aquila heliaca), the red kite (Milvus milvus), the black kite (Milvus migrans), the hobby (Falco subbuteo) and the booted eagle (Hieraetus pennatus). DDE, DDT and PCBs were detected in all samples. α‐HCH, α‐HCH, aldrin, dieldrin, heptachlor, heptachlor epoxide, TDE and dichlorobenzophenone were also detected but less frequently. The DDE content of eggs decreased in the period between 1972/1976 and 1980/1983, but the PCBs contents were stable. The declines are attributed to the restrictions on the use of DDT in most countries. Mercury, lead, cadmium, copper and zinc were detected in all samples. The levels of organochlorine pesticides, PCBs and heavy metals in these Falconiforme eggs are generally below the levels known to cause direct effects on survival or reproduction of birds.     

Biota–sediment accumulation factor (BSAF), bioaccumulation factor (BAF), and contaminant levels in prey fish to indicate the extent of PAHs and OCPs contamination in eggs of waterbirds

Samples of pond sediment, fish, and shrimp were collected from the Ramsar site at Mai Po marshes, Hong Kong (south China), and samples of pond sediment, fish, and shrimp, as well as eggs of water birds (Chinese Pond Herons (Ardeola bacchus) and Little Egrets (Egretta garzetta)), were collected from two smaller wetland sites at Jiangsu Province (mid-China), between 2004 and 2007. Accumulation levels of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) in the biota were used to calculate biota–sediment accumulation factor (BSAF) and bioaccumulation factor (BAF). For fish and shrimp, BSAFs of OCPs (3.8–56) were greater than those of PAHs (0.12–6.3). BSAFs and BAFs of 11–79 and 4–34, respectively, were registered for OCPs in eggs of the birds and were greater than those for PAHs (0.11–1.5 and 0.02–1.3, respectively). Assuming that fish were the main prey of the birds, greater bioaccumulation of OCPs was detected for both bird species (BAFs?=?4.5–34), while accumulation of PAHs was only detected in Little Egret (BAF?=?1.3). A significant linear relationship (p?<?0.01) was observed between concentrations of OCPs in bird eggs and in the prey fish. The present study provides a new possibility of using OCP levels detected in prey fish to predict the extent of OCPs contamination in eggs of waterbirds including the endangered species, as a noninvasive method.     

Influence of algal bloom degradation on nutrient release at the sediment–water interface in Lake Taihu, China

Algal bloom could drastically influence the nutrient cycling in lakes. To understand how the internal nutrient release responds to algal bloom decay, water and sediment columns were sampled at 22 sites from four distinct regions of China’s eutrophic Lake Taihu and incubated in the laboratory to examine the influence of massive algal bloom decay on nutrient release from sediment. The column experiment involved three treatments: (1) water and sediment (WS); (2) water and algal bloom (WA); and (3) water, sediment, and algal bloom (WSA). Concentrations of dissolved oxygen (DO), total nitrogen (TN), total phosphorus (TP), ammonium (NH ₄ ⁺ -N), and orthophosphate (PO ₄ ^3? -P) were recorded during incubation. The decay of algal material caused a more rapid decrease in DO than in the algae-free controls and led to significant increases in NH ₄ ⁺ -N and PO ₄ ^3? -P in the water. The presence of algae during the incubation had a regionally variable effect on sediment nutrient profiles. In the absence of decaying algae (treatment WS), sediment nutrient concentrations decreased during the incubation. In the presence of blooms (WSA), sediments from the river mouth released P to the overlying water, while sediments from other regions absorbed surplus P from the water. This experiment showed that large-scale algal decay will dramatically affect nutrient cycling at the sediment–water interface and would potentially transfer the function of sediment as “container” or “supplier” in Taihu, although oxygen exchange with atmosphere in lake water was stronger than in columns. The magnitude of the effect depends on the physical–chemical character of the sediments.     

Historical trends in persistent organic pollutants and metals recorded in sediment from Lake Ellasjøen, Bjørnøya, Norwegian Arctic

Ellasj?en receives contaminants from both atmospheric and biological transport (seabird guano). Historical trends of selected persistent organic pollutants and metals were determined by interpretation of down-core contaminant profiles in conjunction with sediment layer ages, determined by the (210)Pb method. Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and dichloro-diphenyl-trichloroethane and metabolites (DDTs) increased from about 1930 until 1970 (max. sum PCBs 71.8 ng/g dry weight (dw), max sum DDTs 4.0 ng/g dw), declining afterwards to 46.4 ng/g dw and 1.6 ng/g dw, respectively. Polybrominated diphenylethers (PBDEs) concentrations are increasing in Ellasj?en, reaching 0.73 ng/g dw in 2001. Hexabromocyclododekane (HBCD) was measured only in sediment from 1-2 cm depth (0.43 and 3.88 ng/g dw of alpha- and gamma-HBCD, respectively). Most metals (As, Cd, Co, Ni and Zn) showed a similar pattern as PCBs. No clear trends were observed for Cr, Pb or V. Mercury (Hg) has increased gradually since the beginning of the industrial era.     

Mercury in two fish species from the Paraná river floodplain, Paraná, Brazil

Total mercury concentrations were measured in dorsal muscle tissue of two edible fish species, Prochilodus scrofa 'curimba' and Pseudoplatystoma corruscans 'pintado', respectively detritivorous and carnivorous. Fish species were sampled monthly between February 1993 and January 1994 and bimonthly between April 1994 and February 1995 in three subsystems of Paraná river' system (Ivinhema River/Lake Patos; Baía River/Lake Guaraná and Paraná River/Cortado Channel), between Paraná and Mato Grosso do Sul. Total mercury was determined by HNO3/H2SO4/V2O5 digestion, SnCl2 reduction, and vapour generation method analysis (CGCH 900), adapted to Atomic Absorption Spectrometer (CGAA 7000 ABC). The mean mercury concentrations varied from 82.0 to 310.5 ng g(-1) and from 68 to 294.4 ng g(-1) in 'curimbas' and 'pintados', respectively. Mercury level increases in sexually mature 'curimbas'. Mercury values detected do not exceed the prevailing criteria for issuance of fish consumption advisories (< 500 ng g(-1)).     

Mercury levels in muscle of two fish species and sediments from the Cartagena Bay and the Ciénaga Grande de Santa Marta, Colombia

Mercury (Hg) content in sediments and muscle from two fish species were determined in Cartagena Bay and Ciénaga Grande de Santa Marta, an industrialized bay and an unpolluted estuary in the Caribbean coast of Colombia. Sampling was conducted four times during March-November 1996, including both the dry and rainy seasons. Significant differences in Hg concentration were detected both for fish and sediments between the two waterbodies. Hg values ranged from 94 to 10,293 microg/kg dry weight (dw) in sediments from Cartagena Bay and between 20 and 109 microg/kg dw in Ciénaga Grande de Santa Marta. Highest Hg concentrations were observed for the omnivorous species Eugerres plumieri, and lowest concentrations were found in the detritivorous Mugil incilis. High Hg concentrations in sediments of Cartagena Bay were detected in front of the sewage discharge of an extinct chlor-alkali plant, with decreasing concentrations in stations far from the source. Our results suggest that Hg can be persistent in the sediments of previously exposed ecosystems and that the use of their biological resources should be avoided until decontamination programs guarantee safe levels of the metal in the environment.     

Assessment of heavy metal concentrations in the food web of lake Beyşehir, Turkey

The accumulation of heavy metals (Cd, Pb, Hg and Cr) was measured by atomic absorption spectrophotometry in water, sediment, plankton and fish samples collected from Lake Bey?ehir, which is important bird nesting and visiting areas, and irrigation and drinking water sources. In Lake Bey?ehir, the accumulation orders of heavy metals were Cd>Pb>Cr>Hg in water, Pb>Cd>Cr>Hg in sediment, Pb>Cd>Cr>Hg in plankton, and Cd>Pb>Cr>Hg in the muscles and gills of chub, carp, tench, except for the muscle of pikeperch, in which it was Pb>Cd>Cr>Hg (P<0.05). In addition to this, accumulation orders of heavy metals in the food web was also found to be water>plankton>sediment>fish tissues, except for Cr. According to international criterias and Turkish regulations, heavy metal concentrations especially Cd and Pb in Lake Bey?ehir were markedly above the permissible levels for drinking water.     

Deposition of acidic components and heavy metals in the Federal Republic of Germany for the period 1979–1981

The paper discusses the results of the measurement of wet and dry deposition of sulfate, nitrate, chloride and heavy metal aerosols which were obtained from a network established in the Federal Republic of Germany during 1979 to 1981. The results characterize the deposition-pattern with respect to time and space.     

Oxygen,carbon, and nutrient exchanges at the sediment–water interface in the Mar Piccolo of Taranto (Ionian Sea,southern Italy)

In the shallow environment, the nutrient and carbon exchanges at the sediment–water interface contribute significantly to determine the trophic status of the whole water column. The intensity of the allochthonous input in a coastal environment subjected to strong anthropogenic pressures determines an increase in the benthic oxygen demand leading to depressed oxygen levels in the bottom waters. Anoxic conditions resulting from organic enrichment can enhance the exchange of nutrients between sediments and the overlying water. In the present study, carbon and nutrient fluxes at the sediment–water interface were measured at two experimental sites, one highly and one moderately contaminated, as reference point. In situ benthic flux measurements of dissolved species (O₂, DIC, DOC, N-NO₃ ^?, N-NO₂ ^?, N-NH₄ ⁺, P-PO₄ ^3?, Si-Si(OH)₄, H₂S) were conducted using benthic chambers. Furthermore, undisturbed sediment cores were collected for analyses of total and organic C, total N, and biopolymeric carbon (carbohydrates, proteins, and lipids) as well as of dissolved species in porewaters and supernatant in order to calculate the diffusive fluxes. The sediments were characterized by suboxic to anoxic conditions with redox values more negative in the highly contaminated site, which was also characterized by higher biopolymeric carbon content (most of all lipids), lower C/N ratios and generally higher diffusive fluxes, which could result in a higher release of contaminants. A great difference was observed between diffusive and in situ benthic fluxes suggesting the enhancing of fluxes by bioturbation and the occurrence of biogeochemically important processes at the sediment–water interface. The multi-contamination of both inorganic and organic pollutants, in the sediments of the Mar Piccolo of Taranto (declared SIN in 1998), potentially transferable to the water column and to the aquatic trophic chain, is of serious concern for its ecological relevance, also considering the widespread fishing and mussel farming activities in the area.     

Bioindication of heavy metals in the town Wrocław (Poland) with evergreen plants

In this paper the results are reported of a study on the concentration of macroelements (N, P, K, Ca, Mg, S and Fe) and heavy metals (Ni, Cr, Co, V, Zn, Mn, Pb, Cd, Cu, Hg, Ba and Sr) in soil and in three species of the evergreen plants Ilex aquifolium, Mahonia aquifolium and Rhododendron catawbiense. These plants are collected in the Botanical Garden of the Polish town Wrocław (which is exposed to atmospheric exhausts of heavy traffic, chemical factories, metal smelters and a heat and power plant partly alimented with lignite and coals) and in two presumed unpolluted reference (background) sites, one in Poland (the Dendrological Garden in Wojslawice near Niemcza, south from Wrocław) and the other in The Netherlands (the Botanical Garden of the University of Nijmegen).Analyses of both soil and plant samples point to the pollution of the Wrocław Botanical Garden by Ni, Cr, Co, Cd via the atmosphere and pollution by Zn, Pb and Hg probably via atmosphere and soil. Especially pollution with Hg via soil is supported by a significant positive correlation between Hg content in soil and in all the examined species of which Ilex aquifolium seemed to be the best monitor of soil pollution with this element.     

Residues of chlorpyrifos‐methyl in balsam fir foliage,forest litter,soil, stream water,sediment and fish tissue after double aerial applications of Reldan®

Abstract

Chlorpyrifos‐methyl was applied twice at 70 g A.I./ha by means of a fixed‐wing aircraft to a mixed coniferous forest near Allardville, New Brunswick. Residue in balsam fir foliage was highest (1 ppm wet wt) 1 hr after spraying and rapidly declined to about 30% within 1 day, but persisted at a very low level (0.03 ppm wet wt) for 125 days. Current year's foliage contained a higher level of residue than old foliage. Chlorpyrifos‐methyl persisted longer in forest litter than in soil. After 125 days, trace amounts (< 6 ppb wet wt) were still found in litter but were not detected in soil. In stream water the residue dissipated very rapidly; more than 90% disappeared 3 hours after the second application and were not detected after 4 days. Low‐level residue (< 0.1 ppm wet wt) was present in the sediment and persisted for 10 days. Although brook trout and slimy sculpin captured in the stream within 3 days of the second application contained residues (< 0.05 ppm fresh wt) none were detected in any fish captured, 9 and 47 days later.