Contamination assessment of arsenic and heavy metals in a typical abandoned estuary wetland—a case study of the Yellow River Delta Natural Reserve

Coastal and estuarine areas are often polluted by heavy metals that result from industrial production and agricultural activities. In this study, we investigated the concentration trait and vertical pattern of trace elements, such as As, Cd, Ni, Zn, Pb, Cu, and Cr, and the relationship between those trace elements and the soil properties in coastal wetlands using 28 profiles that were surveyed across the Diaokouhe Nature Reserve (DKHNR). The goal of this study is to investigate profile distribution characteristics of heavy metals in different wetland types and their variations with the soil depth to assess heavy metal pollution using pollution indices and to identify the pollution sources using multivariate analysis and sediment quality guidelines. Principal component analysis, cluster analysis, and pollution level indices were applied to evaluate the contamination conditions due to wetland degradation. The findings indicated that the concentration of trace elements decreased with the soil depth, while Cd increases with soil depth. The As concentrations in reed swamps and Suaeda heteroptera surface layers were slightly higher than those in other land use types. All six heavy metals, i.e., Ni, Cu, As, Zn, Cr, and Pb, were strongly associated with PC1 (positive loading) and could reflect the contribution of natural geological sources of metals into the coastal sediments. PC2 is highly associated with Cd and could represent anthropogenic sources of metal pollution. Most of the heavy metals exhibited significant positive correlations with total concentrations; however, no significant correlations were observed between them and the soil salt and soil organic carbon. Soil organic carbon exhibited a positive linear relationship with Cu, Pb, and Zn in the first soil layer (0–20 cm); As, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, and Zn in the second layer (20–40 cm); and As, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, and Zn in the third layer (40–60 cm). Soil organic carbon exhibited only a negative correlation with Cd (P?I _geo values), which averaged less than 0 in the three soil layers, this finding indicates that the soils have remained unpolluted by these heavy metals. The mean concentrations of these trace elements were lower than Class I criteria. The degradation wetland restoration suggestions have also been provided in such a way as to restore the reserved flow path of the Yellow River. The results that are associated with trace element contamination would be helpful in providing scientific directions to restore wetlands across the world.     

Spatial patterns of heavy metals in soil under different geological structures and land uses for assessing metal enrichments

One hundred and thirty composite soil samples were collected from Hamedan county, Iran to characterize the spatial distribution and trace the sources of heavy metals including As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, V, Zn, and Fe. The multivariate gap statistical analysis was used; for interrelation of spatial patterns of pollution, the disjunctive kriging and geoenrichment factor (EF_G) techniques were applied. Heavy metals and soil properties were grouped using agglomerative hierarchical clustering and gap statistic. Principal component analysis was used for identification of the source of metals in a set of data. Geostatistics was used for the geospatial data processing. Based on the comparison between the original data and background values of the ten metals, the disjunctive kriging and EF_G techniques were used to quantify their geospatial patterns and assess the contamination levels of the heavy metals. The spatial distribution map combined with the statistical analysis showed that the main source of Cr, Co, Ni, Zn, Pb, and V in group A land use (agriculture, rocky, and urban) was geogenic; the origin of As, Cd, and Cu was industrial and agricultural activities (anthropogenic sources). In group B land use (rangeland and orchards), the origin of metals (Cr, Co, Ni, Zn, and V) was mainly controlled by natural factors and As, Cd, Cu, and Pb had been added by organic factors. In group C land use (water), the origin of most heavy metals is natural without anthropogenic sources. The Cd and As pollution was relatively more serious in different land use. The EF_G technique used confirmed the anthropogenic influence of heavy metal pollution. All metals showed concentrations substantially higher than their background values, suggesting anthropogenic pollution.     

Spatial distribution and risk assessment of heavy metals in sediments from a hypertrophic plateau lake Dianchi, China

The sediment in Dianchi Lake, a hypereutrophic plateau lake in southwest China, was investigated and the concentration of heavy metals (Cu, Cr, Ni, Zn, Pb, Fe, Mn, and Cd) in the sediment and sediment properties were determined. Their spatial distribution and sources were analyzed using multivariate statistics. The result indicated that the studied metals exhibited three distinct spatial patterns; that is, Cu, Pb, Zn, and Ni had a similar distribution, with a concentration gradient from the north to the south part of the lake; Cd and Cr presented a similar distribution; Fe and Mn presented a quite different distribution than other metals, which indicated their different sources and geochemistry processes. Correlation and cluster analysis (CA) provided origin information on these metals and the CA result was observed corresponding to those three spatial patterns. Principal component analysis further displayed metal source and driving factors; that is, Cu, Pb, Zn, Ni, Cd, and Cr were mainly derived from anthropogenic sources, and Fe and Mn were mainly the result of natural processes. Sediment assessment was conducted using geoaccumulation index (Igeo), potential ecological risk indices, and USEPA guidelines. The result indicated that, generally, Cd was the most serious risk metal; Pb and Cu posed moderate potential ecological risk; Cr, Zn, and Ni had slight ecological risk; Fe and Mn had little risk. Comparison of the assessment tools showed that each of the methods had its limitation and could bias the result, and the combined use of the methodologies and local knowledge on lithology or metal background value of soil in the practice would give a more comprehensive understanding of the metal risk or pollution. Statistical analysis also indicated that nutrients had different impacts on Fe, Mn, and trace elements, which implied that in the assessment of metal risk, nutrients impact should be taken into consideration especially for eutrophic waters.     

太原市大气颗粒物中重金属的污染特征及来源解析

为了解太原市采暖期大气颗粒物不同粒径中重金属的污染特征及其来源,于2012年10月—2013年2月对环境空气中颗粒物采样,用原子吸收分光光度法测定样品中Fe、Pb、Cu、Ni、Cr、Cd、Mn、Zn等8种元素的含量。结果表明,太原市采暖期重金属浓度从高到低依次为FePbMnZnCrCuNiCd。重金属Pb、Mn、Zn、Ni、Cd主要富集在PM2.5中;Cr主要富集在PM10中;Cu主要富集在PM5中;Fe主要在粒径大于2.5μm的粗粒子中富集。除Zn外,其他7种元素浓度均表现为灰霾期采暖期采暖前。通过主因子分析表明,太原市大气颗粒物中重金属主要来源于冶金、有机合成工业、燃煤、汽车尾气、土壤尘等。     

Identifying the origin of atmospheric inputs of trace elements in the Prades Mountains (Catalonia) with bryophytes, lichens, and soil monitoring

The biomonitors Hypnum cupressiforme and Xanthoria parietina were used to assess the deposition of trace elements and their possible origin in the Prades Mountains, a protected Mediterranean forest area of NE Spain with several pollution sources nearby. Al, As, Cd, Co, Cu, Cr, Ni, Pb, Sb, Ti, V, and Zn were determined in 16 locations within this protected area. Soil trace element concentrations were also ascertained to calculate enrichment factors (EF) and use them to distinguish airborne from soilborne trace element inputs. In addition, lichen richness was measured to further assess atmospheric pollution. EF demonstrated to be useful not only for the moss but also for the lichen. Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, and Zn presented values higher than three in both biomonitors. These trace elements were also the main ones emitted by the potential sources of pollutants. The distance between sampling locations and potential pollution sources was correlated with the concentrations of Cu, Sb, and Zn in the moss and with Cr, Ni, and Sb in the lichen. Lichen richness was negatively correlated with lichen Cu, Pb, and V concentrations on dry weight basis. The study reflected the remarkable influence that the pollution sources have on the presence of trace elements and on lichen species community composition in this natural area. The study highlights the value of combining the use of biomonitors, enrichment factors, and lichen diversity for pollution assessment to reach a better overview of both trace elements’ impact and the localization of their sources.     

Monitoring of total and bioavailable heavy metals concentration in agricultural soils

The aim of this paper is to evaluate total and bioavailable concentration of heavy metals in agricultural soils in order to estimate their distribution, to identify the possible correlations among toxic elements and the pollution sources, to distinguish the samples in relation to sampling site or to sampling depth, and to evaluate the available fraction providing information about the risky for plants. In particular, we reinvestigated total concentrations of As, Be, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Hg, Mn, Ni, Pb, Sb, V, and Zn and available concentrations of As, Be, Cd, Cr, Cu, Hg, Ni, Pb, Sb, and Zn in soil from Apulia (Southern Italy). Analytical results showed that total concentrations, for all soils, are in the range permitted by regulations in force in Italy, but some soils evidence slight enrichment of Cd, Cr, Cu, Pb, and Zn. All the heavy metals in the available fraction were below the detection limits of the analytical techniques used except Cu, Ni, Pb, and Zn.     

渭河陕西段表层沉积物重金属污染特征及潜在风险

为了解渭河陕西段表层沉积物重金属的污染特征，采用ICP-MS分析了13个采样断面表层沉积物中As、Cd、Cr、Cu、Mn、Ni、Pb和Zn 8种重金属的含量，并对其来源和生态风险进行了评价。结果表明：渭河陕西段8种重金属的平均含量顺序依次为Mn > Zn > Cr > Cu > Ni > Pb > As > Cd；除Ni外的其余7种重金属的平均含量均超过陕西省A层土壤背景值。各断面表层沉积物重金属的潜在生态风险指数（RI）介于111.4~7 043.7，其中23.1%的断面有极强生态风险，46.2%的断面为中等生态风险，其余为轻微生态风险。Cd污染最为严重，对各断面的潜在生态风险介于较强生态风险与极强生态风险之间，对RI的贡献平均为85.2%；其余7种重金属在所有断面均属于轻微生态危害。渭河陕西段表层沉积物As、Cd、Cu和Zn主要为工业与农业来源；Cr和Ni主要为自然来源；Pb和Mn与城市污水和交通污染来源有关。     

Heavy metals assessment and identification of their sources in agricultural soils of Southern Tehran, Iran

A detailed investigation was conducted to evaluate heavy metal sources and their spatial distribution in agricultural fields in the south of Tehran using statistics, geostatistics, and a geographic information system. The content of Cd, Cu, Co, Pb, Zn, Cr, and Ni were determined in 106 samples. The results showed that the primary inputs of Cr, Co, and Ni were due to pedogenic factors, while the inputs of Zn, Pb, and Cu were due to anthropogenic sources. Cd was associated with distinct sources, such as agricultural and industrial pollution. Ordinary kriging was carried out to map the spatial patters of heavy metals, and disjunctive kriging was used to quantify the probability of heavy metal concentrations higher than their recommended threshold values. The results show that Cd, Cu, Ni, and Zn exhibit pollution risk in the study area. The sources of the high pollution levels evaluated were related to the use of urban and industrial wastewater and agricultural practices. These results are useful for the development of proper management strategies for remediation practices in the polluted area.     

Historical trace metal fluxes in the Mexico City Metropolitan Zone as evidenced by a sedimentary record from the Espejo de los Lirios lake

The accumulation of selected trace metals (Ag, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Hg, Ni, Pb, V and Zn) was studied in a sediment core collected at Espejo de los Lirios lake, a precipitation-dominated seepage lake in Northern Mexico City Metropolitan Zone (MCMZ). A (210)Pb-derived chronology, obtained from the same core, was used to reconstruct the historical metal fluxes at the site, allowing evaluation of the impact of environmental changes promoted by the development of the City during the last approximately 125 years. The highest levels of metal enrichment above natural concentration levels (NCL) in the sediments from Espejo de los Lirios lake were found for Ag and Pb (approximately 250%) as well as a slight enrichment for Cd (55%), Cr (84%), Co (20%), Cu (60%), Hg (47%), Ni (45%), V (59%) and Zn (66%). Fluxes of trace metals appeared to have noticeably increased from the last 45 years showing the maximum increments for Cd, Co, Cr, Ni, V and Zn during the 1980's (9 to 13 fold natural fluxes), for Ag and Cu (17 and 12 fold, respectively) during the 1990's and for Hg and Pb (2 and 13 fold) during the middle 1970's. Low levels of metal enrichment observed have evidenced that the most conspicuous consequences of the expansive growth of this area of the MCMZ, are mostly related to deforestation and erosion of the surrounding areas, rather than to trace metal pollution. Based on PCA, it can be assumed that atmospheric deposition, weathering of bedrock and soil within the watershed and authigenic production, are the most important processes that explain the trace metal distribution in the site.     

图们市大气颗粒物中重金属含量及分布特征

采集了图们市2006年秋、冬两季的TSP和PM10样品,采用湿法消解-原子吸收分光光度法测定了其中的铅、镉、饲、锌、铬、铁、锰7种重金属.结果表明,图们市大气颗粒物中重金属含量由高到低的顺序是Fe>Cr>Zn>Pb>Mn>Cu>Cd.多数重金属元素含量冬季高于秋季,在一天之内早晨的重金属浓度也往往高于晚上争中午,说明大气颗粒物的来源包括天然源和人为源.     

Source discrimination of heavy metals in sediment and water of To Lich River in Hanoi City using multivariate statistical approaches

The concentrations of Mn, Fe, Ni, Cr, Cu, Pb, Zn, As, and Cd were determined to evaluate the level of contamination of To Lich River in Hanoi City. All metal concentrations in 0–10-cm water samples, except Mn, were lower than the maximum permitted concentration for irrigation water standard. Meanwhile, concentrations of As, Cd, and Zn in 0–30-cm sediments were likely to have adverse effects on agriculture and aquatic life. Sediment pollution assessment was undertaken using enrichment factor and geoaccumulation index (I _geo). The I _geo results indicated that the sediment was not polluted with Cr, Mn, Fe, and Ni, and the pollution level increased in the order of Cu < Pb < Zn < As < Cd. Meanwhile, significant enrichment was shown for Cd, As, Zn, and Pb. Cluster and principal component analyses suggest that As and Mn in sediment were derived from both lithogenic and anthropogenic sources, while Cu, Pb, Zn, Cr, Cd, and Ni originated from anthropogenic sources such as vehicular fumes for Pb and metallic discharge from industrial sources and fertilizer application for other metals.     

Monitoring of trace metals and pharmaceuticals as anthropogenic and socio-economic indicators of urban and industrial impact on surface waters

The research focuses on the monitoring of trace metals and pharmaceuticals as potential anthropogenic indicators of industrial and urban influences on surface water. This study includes analysis of tracers use for the indication of water pollution events and discussion of the detection method of these chemicals. The following criteria were proposed for the evaluation of indicators: specificity (physical chemical properties), variability (spatial and temporal), and practicality (capacity of the sampling and analytical techniques). The combination of grab and passive water sampling (i.e., diffusive gradient in the thin film and polar organic chemical integrated samplers) procedure was applied for the determination of dissolved and labile trace metals (Ag, Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, and Zn) and pharmaceuticals (carbamazepine, diazepam, paracetamol, caffeine, diclofenac, and ketoprofen). Samples were analyzed using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (MS; trace metals) and liquid chromatography–tandem MS electrospray ionization+/? (pharmaceuticals). Our results demonstrate the distinctive spatial and temporal patterns of trace elements distribution along an urban watercourse. Accordingly, two general groups of trace metals have been discriminated: “stable” (Cd and Cr) and “time varying” (Cu, Zn, Ni, and Pb). The relationship Cd???Cu?>?Ag?>?Cr?≥?Zn was proposed as an anthropogenic signature of the industrial and urban activities pressuring the environment from point sources (municipal wastewaters) and the group Pb–Ni was discussed as a relevant fingerprint of the economic activity (industry and transport) mainly from non-point sources (runoff, atmospheric depositions, etc.). Pharmaceuticals with contrasting hydro-chemical properties of molecules (water solubility, bioaccumulation, persistence during wastewater treatment processes) were discriminated on conservative, labile, and with combined properties in order to provide information on wastewater treatment plant efficiency, punctual events (e.g., accidents on sewage works, runoff), and uncontrolled discharges. Applying mass balance modeling, medicaments were described as relevant socio-economic indicators, which can give a picture of main social aspects of the region.     

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.     

Comparison of leaching tests for the study of trace metals remobilisation in soils and sediments

Several leaching tests were applied and compared to study metal remobilisation on various unpolluted and contaminated soils and on several contaminated sediments. The trace elements considered were Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb and Zn, and leaching tests consisted of the application of reagents with contrasting characteristics and strengths in order to assess the information provided. An extraction with aqua regia permitted the estimation of the pseudo-total metal content in the sample. Mild extractants such as H2O, CaCl2 and NaNO3 showed low and similar leaching capacities. Acid (CH3COOH) and complexing (EDTA) agents were more effective in remobilising trace metals from soils and sediments. Cd and Zn showed similar extraction characteristics under both extractant solutions, whereas Cu and Pb were more sensitive to complexation, and Ni and Cr to acidification processes. Sequential chemical extractions provided additional information on the association of the trace elements with the different soil and sediment phases. Cd and Zn showed the highest mobility, Pb was associated to reducible solid phases, Cu and Ni to oxidisable phases, and Cr remained mostly in the residual fraction. The results obtained in this paper provided valuable information for choosing a leaching test, which is an instrument of environmental analysis for the estimation of trace metal mobility.     

Spatial and temporal variation of metal concentrations in adult honeybees (Apis mellifera L.)

Honeybees (Apis mellifera L.) have great potential for detecting and monitoring environmental pollution, given their wide-ranging foraging behaviour. Previous studies have demonstrated that concentrations of metals in adult honeybees were significantly higher at polluted than at control locations. These studies focused at a limited range of heavy metals and highly contrasting locations, and sampling was rarely repeated over a prolonged period. In our study, the potential of honeybees to detect and monitor metal pollution was further explored by measuring the concentration in adult honeybees of a wide range of trace metals, nine of which were not studied before, at three locations in the Netherlands over a 3-month period. The specific objective of the study was to assess the spatial and temporal variation in concentration in adult honeybees of Al, As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Li, Mn, Mo, Ni, Pb, Sb, Se, Sn, Sr, Ti, V and Zn. In the period of July-September 2006, replicated samples were taken at 2-week intervals from commercial-type bee hives. The metal concentration in micrograms per gram honeybee was determined by inductive coupled plasma-atomic emission spectrometry. Significant differences in concentration between sampling dates per location were found for Al, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Mn Sr, Ti and V, and significant differences in average concentration between locations were found for Co, Sr and V. The results indicate that honeybees can serve to detect temporal and spatial patterns in environmental metal concentrations, even at relatively low levels of pollution.     

乌鲁木齐市米东污灌区农田土壤重金属污染评价

对米东污灌区农田土壤重金属含量进行监测分析,利用不同的评价方法和标准对土壤重金属的环境质量进行评价。结果表明:米东污灌区农田土壤重金属含量分别为Cd(0.12±0.06)mg/kg,Cu(40.43±5.30)mg/kg,Zn(78.38±11.04)mg/kg,Pb(11.66±11.79)mg/kg,Ni(20.24±8.05)mg/kg,Cr(75.81±8.05)mg/kg。以国家土壤环境质量标准(二级)为标准评价,各元素的污染指数排序为Cu>Ni>Cr>Zn>Cd>Pb,综合污染指数为0.337,污染程度为安全。以食用农产品产地土壤环境质量要求为标准评价,各元素的污染指数排序为Cu>Ni>Cr>Zn>Cd>Pb,综合污染指数为0.343,污染程度为安全。表明米东污灌区农田土壤重金属含量尚能达到食用农产品产地土壤环境质量要求。Pb、Cu、Zn的平均含量超过乌鲁木齐市土壤背景值,这说明污灌区土壤重金属Pb、Cu、Zn近年来已有所累积,存在一定的污染风险。     

贵州某流域城市河段沉积物及悬浮物重金属污染研究

通过在丰水期对贵州省某流域城市河段悬浮物和沉积物中的重金属含量进行测定，运用单因子指数法、生态风险评价法、因子分析法，初步探讨了该河段Cu、Zn、Pb、Hg、Cd、Cr、Ni及As等8种重金属元素的含量分布、污染特征、潜在生态风险及主要来源。检测结果显示，沉积物和悬浮物中Hg、Cd、Zn、Pb、As的平均含量较高，是贵州省土壤背景值的1.02～16.97倍。单因子指数评价结果表明：在沉积物中，Zn、Pb、As为轻度污染，Hg和Cd为重度污染；在悬浮物中，Cu、Pb、As为轻度污染，Zn为中度污染，Hg和Cd为重度污染。潜在生态风险指数评价结果显示，Hg和Cd的生态风险最大，为主要污染元素。研究区沉积物样品综合生态风险指数(RI)介于183.27～1 393.96,平均值为912.06,总体处于严重生态风险等级；悬浮物样品RI值介于341.53～612.38,平均值为436.85,总体处于重度生态风险等级。其中，沉积物样品重金属平均生态风险等级高于悬浮物样品，支流样品重金属生态风险等级总体上低于干流下游样品。根据因子分析法分析结果，初步推测沉积物及悬浮物Hg、Cd、Cr、Ni含量主要受工...     

洪泽湖溧河洼水生植物体内重金属调查

对洪泽湖溧河洼区域的水生植物进行了Cu、Zn、Pb、Cr和Cd等重金属元素的污染调查与监测分析,结果表明:水生植物对重金属元素的吸收与积累反映了环境中的重金属污染水平,不同水生植物对各种重金属元素的吸收富集状况具有相对一致性,即Zn>Cu>Cr>Pb>Cd。水生植物对各种重金属元素的平均富集系数大小顺序为:Cd>Cu>Zn>Cr>Pb,这与各元素迁移性强弱的顺序也是相一致的,Cd、Cu、Zn等各元素较易为植物所吸收,而Pb的移动性较差。大部分水生植物根部的重金属含量比茎叶部分高。研究表明:可以从中筛选出具有高富集作用的植物,作为修复水体或土壤重金属污染的实验植物,为植物修复作用的研究提供参考。     

Metal Pollution Assessment of Sediment and Water in the River Hindon, India

The metal pollution in water and sediment of the River Hindon in western Uttar Pradesh (India) was assessed for Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb and Zn. The metal concentrations in water showed wide temporal variation compared with bed sediment because of variability in water discharge and variations in suspended solid loadings. Metal concentrations in bed sediments provided a better evaluation of the degree and the extent of contamination in the aquatic environment, Santagarh and Atali being the most polluted sites of the river. The ratio of heavy metals to conservative elements (Fe, Al, etc.) may reveal the geochemical imbalances due to the elevated metal concentrations normally attributed to anthropogenic sources. Metal/Al ratios for the bed sediments of the river Hindon were used to determine the relative mobility and general trend of relative mobility occurred Fe > Mn > Zn > Cr > Ni > Pb > Cu > Cd.     

濮阳工业园区土壤重金属背景值及质量评价

为了研究濮阳工业园区土壤重金属背景值,采集了该园区及周边土壤46个样品,测定了土壤中重金属Cu、Zn、Pb、Cr、Cd和Ni的含量,并采用污染负荷指数法和潜在生态危害指数法对土壤质量进行了评价。结果表明:工业园区土壤中Cu、Zn、Pb、Cr、Cd、Ni的背景值分别为36.2、118、49.2、40.6、0.125、15.3 mg/kg;Cu、Zn、Pb、Cd的含量高于河南省土壤重金属背景值;Pb为极强污染,Cu、Zn、Cd为中等污染,重金属污染程度从重到轻的排序为PbZnCuCd,表明濮阳工业园区土壤重金属具有轻微的潜在生态危害。