Distribution of radionuclides in surface soils, Singhbhum Shear Zone, India and associated dose

Gamma emitters were estimated in surface soils from a mineralized zone in Eastern India using high purity Germanium detector-based high resolution gamma spectrometry system. Activities of ²³⁸U, ²²⁶Ra, ²³²Th, ²³⁵U, ²²⁷Th, ^234mPa, ²¹⁰Pb, ⁴⁰K, and ¹³⁷Cs were 79?±?50, 81?±?53, 65?±?23, 4?±?2, 5?±?4, 92?±?50, 97?±?45, 517?±?201, and 4?±?2 Bq/kg, respectively. Most radionuclides were observed to follow log-normal distribution. The correlation between physicochemical properties of the samples, like pH, organic matter content, particle size, and moisture content were also studied. Activity ratios of ²²⁶Ra/²³⁸U, ²¹⁰Pb/²²⁶Ra, and ²²⁷Th/²³⁵U indicated deviation from secular equilibrium in some samples. The associated annual effective dose ranged from 0.07 to 0.24 mSv and the mean was calculated to be 0.12?±?0.04 mSv for this region, indicating it to be one of normal natural background radiation.     

Distribution and potential sources of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in soils around coal-fired power plants in South Africa

The distribution and potential sources of 15 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in soils in the vicinity of three South African coal-fired power plants were determined by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. PAH compound ratios such as phenanthrene/phenanthrene + anthracene (Phen/Phen + Anth) were used to provide reliable estimation of emission sources. The total PAH concentration in the soils around three power plants ranged from 9.73 to 61.24 μg g^?1, a range above the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry levels of 1.0 μg g^?1 for significantly contaminated site. Calculated values of Phen/Phen + Anth ratio were 0.48?±?0.08, 0.44?±?0.05, and 0.38?+?0.04 for Matla, Lethabo, and Rooiwal, respectively. Flouranthene/fluoranthene + pyrene (Flan/Flan + Pyr) were found to be 0.49?±?0.03 for Matla, 0.44?±?0.05 for Lethabo, and 0.53?±?0.08 for Rooiwal. Such values indicate a pyrolytic source of PAHs. Higher molecular weight PAHs (five to six rings) were predominant, suggesting coal combustion sources. A good correlation existed between most of the PAHs implying that these compounds were emitted from similar sources. The carcinogenic potency B[a]P equivalent concentration (B[a] Peq) at the three power plants ranged from 3.61 to 25.25 indicating a high carcinogenic burden. The highest (B[a] Peq) was found in samples collected around Matla power station. It can therefore be concluded that the soils were contaminated with PAHs originating from coal-fired power stations.     

Effect of citric acid on metals mobility in pruning wastes and biosolids compost and metals uptake in <Emphasis Type="Italic">Atriplex halimus</Emphasis> and <Emphasis Type="Italic">Rosmarinus officinalis</Emphasis>

To assess metal mobility in pruning waste and biosolids compost (pH?6.9 and total concentration of metals in milligram per kilogram of Cd 1.9, Cu 132, Fe 8,513, Mn 192, Pb 81, and Zn 313), shrubs species Atriplex halimus and Rosmarinus officinalis were transplanted in this substrate and irrigated with citric acid (4 g?L^?1, pH?2.9) and nutrient solution daily for 60 days. Citric acid significantly increased the concentrations of soluble Mn and Fe in the nutrient substrate solution measured by suction probes, while other metals did not vary in concentration (Cu and Zn) or were not observed at detectable levels (Cd and Pb). In plants, citric acid significantly increased the concentrations of Cu (2.7?±?0.1–3.3?±?0.1 mg?kg^?1), Fe (49.2?±?5.2–76.8?±?6.8 mg?kg^?1), and Mn (7.2?±?1.1–11.4?±?0.7 mg?kg^?1) in leaves of R. officinalis, whereas the concentration of only Mn (25.4?±?0.3–42.2?±?2.9 mg?kg^?1) was increased in A. halimus. Increasing Fe and Mn solubility by citric acid addition indicates the possibility of using it to improve plant nutrition. The mobility of metals in this substrate was influenced for the concentration of the metal, the degree of humification of organic matter and its high Fe content.     

Heavy metals concentrations in zooplankton and suspended particulate matter in a southwestern Atlantic temperate estuary (Argentina)

The present work includes part of the first studies of metals concentrations in the zooplankton from a heavily industrialized estuary of Argentina, the Bahía Blanca estuary. Cd, Cu, and Pb concentrations in the zooplankton (macro- and mesozooplankton) and the suspended particulate matter were measured at stations with different degree of pollution. Physicochemical variables and zooplankton composition and abundance were also analyzed. Thus, the aim of the present work was to analyze the spatial and temporal distribution of heavy metals in these two different fractions, and the possible relation among them due to their importance in the biogeochemical cycles of marine environments. Samplings were carried out during a year, from March 2005 to April 2006, every 2 months, at stations located near chemical and petrochemical industries, stations far from these points and one station in an intermediate location. In the mesozooplankton, the mean concentrations of Cd, Cu, and Pb were 3.63?±?1.46, 34.46?±?5.40, and 11.54?±?3.04 μg?g^?1 dry weight (d.w.) respectively, while in the macrozooplankton, 3.20?±?2.28, 21.86?±?4.79, and 8.36?±?1.85 μg?g^?1 d.w. On the other hand, particulate Cd, Cu, and Pb presented a mean concentration of 3.33?±?1.22, 12.75?±?2.67, and 12.53?±?3.20 μg?g^?1 d.w., respectively. Metals’ levels in both the SPM and zooplankton fluctuated throughout the study time and were relatively high in the particulate phase especially for Cu and Pb. Moreover, zooplankton accumulated important concentrations of the three metals. The sources of them are probably the discharges of the industries and domestic sewages located near the estuary.     

Aircraft mass budgeting to measure CO2 emissions of Rome,Italy

Aircraft measurements were used to estimate the CO₂ emission rates of the city of Rome, assessed against high-resolution inventorial data. Three experimental flights were made, composed of vertical soundings to measure Planetary Boundary Layer (PBL) properties, and circular horizontal transects at various altitudes around the city area. City level emissions and associated uncertainties were computed by means of mass budgeting techniques, obtaining a positive net CO₂ flux of 14.7?±?4.5, 2.5?±?1.2, and 10.3?±?1.2 μmol m^?2 s^?1 for the three flights. Inventorial CO₂ fluxes at the time of flights were computed by means of spatial and temporal disaggregation of the gross emission inventory, at 10.9?±?2.5, 9.6?±?1.3, and 17.4?±?9.6 μmol m^?2 s^?1. The largest differences between the two dataset are associated with a greater variability of wind speed and direction in the boundary layer during measurements. Uncertainty partitioned into components related to horizontal boundary flows and top surface flow, revealed that the latter dominates total uncertainty in the presence of a wide variability of CO₂ concentration in the free troposphere (up to 7 ppm), while it is a minor term with uniform tropospheric concentrations in the study area (within 2 ppm). Overall, we demonstrate how small aircraft may provide city level emission measurements that may integrate and validate emission inventories. Optimal atmospheric conditions and measurement strategies for the deployment of aircraft experimental flights are finally discussed.     

Heavy metal contamination of urban soils and dusts in Guangzhou, South China

The heavy metal concentrations of soil and dust samples from roadside, residential areas, parks, campus sport grounds, and commercial sites were studied in Guangzhou, South China. Heavy metals in samples were determined by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrophotometer following acidic digestion with HClO₄ + HF + HNO₃. High concentrations, especially of Cd, Pb, and Zn, were found with mean concentrations of Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, and Zn in the urban dusts being 4.22?±?1.21, 62.2?±?27.1, 116?±?30, 31.9?±?12.6, 72.6?±?17.9, and 504?±?191 mg/kg dry weight, respectively. The respective levels in urban soils (0.23?±?0.19, 22.4?±?13.8, 41.6?±?29.4, 11.1?±?5.3, 65.4?±?40.2, and 277?±?214 mg/kg dry weight, respectively), were significantly lower. The integrated pollution index of six metals varied from 0.25 to 3.4 and from 2.5 to 8.4 in urban soils and dusts, respectively, with 61 % of urban soil samples being classified as moderately to highly polluted and all dust samples being classified as highly polluted. The statistical analysis results for the urban dust showed good agreement between principal component analysis and cluster analysis, but distinctly different elemental associations and clustering patterns were observed among heavy metals in the urban soils. The results of multivariate statistic analysis indicated that Cr and Ni concentrations were mainly of natural origin, while Cd, Cu, Pb, and Zn were derived from anthropogenic activities.     

Heavy metal concentration in deepwater rose shrimp species (Parapenaeus longirostris,Lucas, 1846) collected from the Marmara Sea Coast in Tekirdağ

Zn, Cd, Cr, Hg, As (total), Cu, Pb, and Ni levels of the deepwater rose shrimp (Parapenaeus longirostris, Lucas 1846), which were collected from the Tekirda? coast of the Marmara Sea, were evaluated. The Marmara Sea is the recipient of discharges from both land-based sources and the Black Sea Bosphorus stream. There are large numbers of anthropogenic activities in the coastal region of the northern Marmara Sea that include urban effluent, discharges from touristic resorts, agricultural runoff, fishing, and transportation. Heavy metal contamination of water resources may cause critical health problems for the people living around these water bodies. In deepwater rose shrimp (P. longirostris), the highest concentration level detected for Zn was 22.4?±?24.4 mg/kg in winter 2012, Cd 0.106?±?0.01 mg/kg in summer 2012, Cr 0.77?±?0.05 mg/kg in winter 2012, Hg 0.18?±?0.04 mg/kg in summer 2011, As 9.93?±?1.4 mg/kg in spring 2012, Cu 25.48?±?0.3 mg/kg in winter 2012, Pb 2.12?±?0.8 mg/kg in spring, and Ni 19.25?±?7.1 mg/kg in spring. The values of heavy metal analysis were compared to both the Turkish Food Codex (TFC) limits and international standards for human consumption. The Pb, As, and Cu levels were found to be higher than the maximum allowable limits.     

Spatial and temporal variability of metals in inter-tidal beach sediment of Mumbai, India

Nine metals were monitored in the beach sediment in Mumbai from May 2011 to March 2012 to evaluate the spatial and temporal distributions. The average heavy metal concentrations exhibited the following order: Fe > Mn > Cr > Co > Ni > Pb > Zn > Cu > Cd for the four sampling sites. The mean concentrations (± SD) of Fe, Mn, Cr, Co, Ni, Pb, Zn, Cu and Cd were estimated to be 31.15?±?10.02 g kg^?1, 535.04?±?76.42, 151.98?±?97.90, 92.76?±?14.18, 67.52?±?11.32, 59.57?±?15.19, 54.65?±?15.01, 32.24?±?8.07 and 18.75?±?1.76 mg kg^?1, respectively. The results indicated that the sediments were polluted with Cd, Cr, Co and Pb due to high anthropogenic influences. Spatial variation of metals revealed that most of the metals were high in Dadar beach and low in Aksa beach. Cd was the highest contaminant metal studied with a mean contamination factor of 93.75. The pollution load indices of the studied beaches ranged from 1.63 (Aksa) to 1.91 (Dadar) and indicated that the beach sediments were polluted with heavy metals. The heavy metal contents increased in relation to monsoon, and most of the heavy metals showed significantly high concentrations in November during the post-monsoon. The statistical analysis revealed significant effect of study site on all the metals studied. Further, there was a significant difference on metal accumulation on bimonthly basis in relation to weather pattern in Mumbai beaches.     

Honeybees (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Apis mellifera</Emphasis>) as a biological barrier for contamination of honey by environmental toxic metals

The aim of the study was to investigate the transfer of toxic metals from honeybee workers (Apis mellifera L.) to bee honey in relation to the ecological state of the environment. The materials of the study consisted of samples of honeybee bodies and varietal honeys taken from the same apiary located in three areas: R1—urbanized (16), R2—ecologically clean (16) and R3—industrialized (15) of south-eastern Poland. The contents of 14 elements in all tested samples, including toxic metals (Cd, Pb, Hg, Al, Ni, Tl) as well as bioelements (K, Mg, Ca, Mn, Fe, Zn, Cu, Se), were analysed by the ICP-OES method with prior microwave mineralization. The concentrations of the majority of the studied elements, excluding aluminum and lead, were significantly higher in bee bodies than in honey samples (P?<?0.05). The pollution of bee bodies by toxic metals was dependent on the environmental cleanliness, and the most pollution was observed in the industrialized area. The bee body was the most effective barrier for Cd and Tl transfer to the honey, while the level of Ni was similar in both tested materials. The Al concentration was significantly higher in honey than bee bodies (14.81?±?24.69 and 6.51?±?5.83 mg kg^?1, respectively), which suggests the possibility of secondary contamination of honey. The greatest sensitivity to heavy metal pollution was observed in honeydew honey compared to nectar honeys (P?<?0.05). It was proved for the first time that bees work as biofilters for toxic metals and prevent honey contamination.     

Distribution of selected carcinogenic hydrocarbon and heavy metals in an oil-polluted agriculture zone

Owing to the importance of clean and fertile agricultural soil for the continued existence of man, this study investigated the concentrations of total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPHs), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and some heavy metals in soils and selected commonly consumed vegetables and tubers from oil-polluted active agricultural farmland in Gokana of Ogoniland, Rivers State, Nigeria. Samples from Umuchichi, Osisioma Local Government Area in Abia State, Nigeria, a non-oil-polluted area constituted the control. In test and control, up to 3,830?±?19.6 mgkg^?1 dw and 6,950?±?68.3 mgkg^?1 dw (exceeding DPR set limits) and 11.3?±?0.04 mgkg^?1 dw and 186?±?0.02 mgkg^?1 dw for TPH and PAHs, respectively, were recorded in test soil and plant samples, respectively. Among the metals studied (Pb, Cd, Cr, Mn, Fe and Zn), Pb and Cr uptake exceeded WHO set limits for crops in test samples. Combined sources of pollution were evident from our studies. Bitterleaf and Waterleaf could be tried as bioindicators owing to expressed contaminants uptake pattern.     

Accumulation dynamics and cellular locations of Pb, Zn and Cd in resident and transplanted Flavocetraria nivalis lichens near a former Pb–Zn mine

Accumulation dynamics and cellular locations of lead (Pb), zinc (Zn) and cadmium (Cd) were studied in Flavocetraria nivalis lichens near the former Black Angel Pb–Zn Mine in West Greenland. Natural resident thalli were collected from four dust-contaminated sites near the mine. In addition, thalli were taken from an uncontaminated reference site and transplanted to the contaminated sites followed by a collection 1 year after. Total thalli metal contents were determined, and thalli were subjected to a sequential extraction procedure. After 1 year of transplantation, total Pb thalli contents were significantly elevated compared with initial concentrations at all sites (for Zn and Cd contents only at the two sites closest to the mine). However, transplanted thalli contained significantly less Pb (26?±?12 %), Zn (64?±?13 %) and Cd (34?±?7 %) compared with resident thalli from these sites. Results from the sequential extraction procedure showed marked differences among Pb, Zn and Cd in the extracellular, intracellular and residual fraction. The lower total metal concentrations in transplanted compared with resident thalli at the contaminated sites were mostly due to a larger metal content bound in the residual fraction in resident thalli. In contrast, the metal content bound in the extracellular fraction were not significantly different in transplanted and resident thalli. The results indicate that extracellular-bound Pb, Zn and Cd in F. nivalis can be used as a proxy for recent (annual) atmospheric metal deposition whereas the large residual metal fraction in resident lichens indicate an accumulation of metal-containing particles in the thalli over time that includes several years of uptake.     

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in soils from Urumqi, China: distribution, source contributions, and potential health risks

Concentrations of 16 priority polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were measured in 28 surface soils samples collected from Urumqi, northwest China, for examination of distributions, source contributions, and potential health effects. The results indicated that the sum of 16 PAHs concentration ranged from 331 to 15,799 μg?kg^?1 (dw) in soils, with a mean of 5,018?±?4,896 μg?kg^?1 (n?=?28). The sum of seven carPAHs concentration ranged from 4 to 1,879 μg?kg^?1 (dw; n?=?28). The highest ∑PAHs concentrations were found at roadsides and industrial sites, followed by those at parks, rural areas, and business/residential areas. Coal combustion, emission of diesel and gasoline from vehicles, and petroleum source were four sources of PAHs as determined by PMF analysis, which contributed 51.19, 19.02, 18.35, and 11.42 % to the PAH sources, respectively. Excellent coefficients of correlation between the measured and predicted PAHs concentrations suggested that the PMF model was very effective to estimate sources of PAHs in soils. Incremental lifetime cancer risk values at the 95th percentile due to human exposure to surface soils PAHs in Urumqi were 2.02?×?10^?6 for children and 2.72?×?10^?5 for adults. The results suggested that the current PAHs levels in soils from Urumqi were pervasive and moderately carcinogenic to children and adults.     

Dual character of Sundarban estuary as a source and sink of CO2 during summer: an investigation of spatial dynamics

A comprehensive attempt has been made to evaluate the diurnal and spatial pattern of CO₂ exchange between the atmosphere and water along the estuarine track of Indian Sundarbans during the two summer months, April and May, 2011. Rigorous field observations were carried out which included the hourly measurements of total alkalinity, pH, fugacity of CO₂ in ambient air and water surface, dissolved oxygen, and chlorophyll a. The estuarine water was found rich in total alkalinity and was oversaturated with CO₂ throughout the diurnal cycle in the two stations situated at the inner and middle estuary, respectively, whereas an entirely reverse situation was observed in the outer fringes. The fugacity of CO₂ in water ranged from 152 to 657 μatm during the study period. The percentage of over-saturation in inner and middle estuary varied from 103 to 168 and 103 to 176 %, respectively, whereas the degree of under-saturation in the outer estuary lied between 40 and 99 %. Chlorophyll a concentrations were found higher in the outer estuary (12.3?±?2.2 mg?m^?3) compared to the middle (6.4?±?0.6 mg?m^?3) and inner parts (1.6?±?0.2 mg?m^?3), followed by a similar decreasing pattern in nutrient availability from the outer to inner estuary. The sampling stations situated at the inner and middle estuary acted as a net source of 29.69 and 23.62 mg?CO₂?m^?2 day^?1, respectively, whereas the outer station behaved as a net sink of ?33.37 mg?CO₂ m^?2 day^?1. The study of primary production and community respiration further supports the heterotrophic nature of the estuary in the inner region while the outer periphery was marked by dominant autotrophic character. These contrasting results are in parity with the source characters of many inner estuaries and sinking characters of the outer estuaries situated at the distal continental shelf areas.     

Prediction of the solubility of zinc, copper, nickel, cadmium, and lead in metal-contaminated soils

Risk assessment of metal-contaminated soil depends on how precisely one can predict the solubility of metals in soils. Responses of plants and soil organisms to metal toxicity are explained by the variation in free metal ion activity in soil pore water. This study was undertaken to predict the free ion activity of Zn, Cu, Ni, Cd, and Pb in metal-contaminated soil as a function of pH, soil organic carbon, and extractable metal content. For this purpose, 21 surface soil samples (0–15 cm) were collected from agricultural lands of various locations receiving sewage sludge and industrial effluents for a long period. One soil sample was also collected from agricultural land which has been under intensive cropping and receiving irrigation through tube well water. Soil samples were varied widely in respect of physicochemical properties including metal content. Total Zn, Cu, Ni, Cd, and Pb in experimental soils were 2,015?±?3,373, 236?±?286, 103?±?192, 29.8?±?6.04, and 141?±?270 mg kg^?1, respectively. Free metal ion activity, viz., pZn²⁺, pCu²⁺, pNi²⁺, pCd²⁺, and pPb²⁺, as estimated by the Baker soil test was 9.37?±?1.89, 13.1?±?1.96, 12.8?±?1.89, 11.9?±?2.00, and 11.6?±?1.52, respectively. Free metal ion activity was predicted by pH-dependent Freundlich equation (solubility model) as a function of pH, organic carbon, and extractable metal. Results indicate that solubility model as a function of pH, Walkley–Black carbon (WBC), and ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA)-extractable metals could explain the variation in pZn²⁺, pCu²⁺, pNi²⁺, pCd²⁺, and pPb²⁺ to the extent of 59, 56, 46, 52, and 51 %, respectively. Predictability of the solubility model based on pH, KMnO₄-oxidizable carbon, and diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid-extractable or CaCl₂-extractable metal was inferior compared to that based on EDTA-extractable metals and WBC.     

Application of zirconium–iridium permanent modifier for the simultaneous determination of lead, cadmium, arsenic, and nickel in atmospheric particulate matter by multi-element electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry

A novel and robust method for the simultaneous determination of lead, cadmium, arsenic, and nickel in atmospheric particulate matter by multi-element electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry was developed, using zirconium–iridium coating as permanent modifier (140 μg Zr and 4 μg Ir). After 300 atomization cycles, it was necessary to add 2 μg of Ir. Due to the varying concentrations of Pb in atmospheric particulate matter, lead was monitored at two wavelengths, at the less sensitive line of 261.4 nm for high concentration samples (>20 μg?L^?1) or at 283.3 nm for the low concentration samples. Matrix-matched calibration had to be performed for quantitative recoveries (96–102 %). Following this approach, the four elements were determined in atmospheric particulate matter samples from an industrial area near the city of Athens in two different time periods (cold–warm) with limits of detection of 5.5 ng?m^?3 for Pb at 261.4 nm and 0.29 ng?m^?3 at 283.3 nm, 0.019 ng?m^?3 for Cd, 0.14 ng?m^?3 for As, and 0.22 ng?m^?3 for Ni. Lead, Cd, and As levels were very low, whereas Ni content was at comparable levels with other areas worldwide.     

Residues and ecological risks of organochlorine pesticides in Lake Small Baiyangdian, North China

The levels of hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH) and dichloro-diphenyl-trichloroethane (DDT) in the water, suspended particulate matter (SPM), and sediments from Lake Small Baiyangdian were measured by gas chromatograph with a ⁶³Ni microelectron capture detector. The residual levels of the total HCHs in the water, SPM, and sediments were 1.59?±?2.24 ng L^?1, 25.42?±?1.72 ng g^?1 dw (dry weight), and 0.86?±?1.44 ng g^?1 dw, respectively. DDTs were not detected in the water samples. The concentrations of total DDTs were 158.79?±?1.67 ng g^?1 dw in SPM and 0.46?±?1.97 ng g^?1 dw in the sediments. Compared to other areas in China and abroad, the levels of residual HCH and DDT were relatively low in the water and sediments, but they were moderate to high in the SPM. Organic carbon partition coefficient values for HCH in this study were higher than previously published values and may reflect new input in this area. The residual HCHs in this area could be derived from a mixture of technical HCH and lindane because ongoing lindane use may be occurring. DDT in the majority of the study area was primarily attributed to historical discharge, but some regions may be receiving new input. The ecological risks of γ-HCH in the water were very low according to species sensitivity distribution models. The concentrations of HCH and DDT in the sediments from the study area did not exceed the sediment quality guidelines, which indicate little risk for benthic organisms.     

Suitability of selected bioindicators of atmospheric pollution in the industrialised region of Ostrava,Upper Silesia,Czech Republic

This study is a continuation of our preceding research identifying suitable environmental samples for the tracing of atmospheric pollution in industrial areas. Three additional types of environmental samples were used to characterise contamination sources in the industrial area of Ostrava city, Czech Republic. The region is known for its extensive metallurgical and mining activities. Fingerprinting of stable Pb isotopes was applied to distinguish individual sources of anthropogenic Pb. A wide range of ²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁷Pb ratios was observed in the investigated samples: ²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁷Pb = 1.168–1.198 in mosses; ²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁷Pb = 1.167–1.215 in soils and ²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁷Pb = 1.158–1.184 in tree cores. Black and brown coal combustion, as well as metallurgical activities, is the two main sources of pollution in the area. Fossil fuel burning in industry and households seems to be a stronger source of Pb emissions than from the metallurgical industry. Concentration analyses of tree rings showed that a significant increase in As concentrations occurred between 1999 and 2016 (from 0.38 mg kg^?1 to 13.8 mg kg^?1). This shift corresponds to the use of brown coal from Bílina, Czech Republic, with an increased As concentration. The burning of low-quality fuels in households remains a problem in the area, as small ground sources have a greater influence on the air quality than do industrial sources.     

The high potential of Pelargonium roseum plant for phytoremediation of heavy metals

The major objective of this investigation was to evaluate the potential of scented geraniums, Pelargonium roseum, to uptake and accumulate heavy metals nickel (Ni), cadmium (Cd), or lead (Pb). For this, plants were grown in an artificial soil system and exposed to a range of metal concentrations over a 14-day treatment period. Then, metals from the entire biomass were extracted. The results showed that scented geranium plants accumulated in excess of 20,055 mg of Ni kg^?1 dry weight (DW) of root and 10,889 mg of Ni kg^?1 DW of shoot, and in excess of 86,566 mg of Pb kg^?1 DW for roots and 4,416 mg of Pb kg^?1 DW for shoots within 14 days. Also, the uptake and accumulation of cadmium in roots of scented geranium plants increased with the exposure at low (250, 500 mg?L^?1) and medium level (750 mg?L^?1) followed by a decline at the highest level (1,000 mg?L^?1). The highest accumulation in roots (31,267 mg?kg^?1 DW) was observed in 750 mg?L^?1 cadmium treatment. In the shoots of scented geraniums, the highest amount of metal accumulation (1,957 mg?kg^?1 DW) was detected at 750 and 1,000 mg?L^?1 of cadmium in the culture solution. Finally, since the high concentrations of Ni or Pb accumulated in shoots of scented geranium has far exceeded 0.1 % DW and for Cd has far exceeded 0.01 % DW, P. roseum is a new hyperaccumulator species for these metals and can be used in phytoremediation industry.     

南极大气气溶胶中铅同位素比值的研究

通过对电感耦合等离子体质谱(ICP-MS)的工作条件和参数进行优化,建立了ICP-MS测定铅同位素比值的精确方法,测量了2007—2009年南极中山站采集到的气溶胶样品中208Pb/206Pb、207Pb/206Pb和206Pb/207Pb的比值。结果表明,南极大气气溶胶中铅同位素比值在逐年缓慢地发生线性变化,线性相关系数为0.996 2;气溶胶铅同位素示踪揭示南极附近国家(除南非)释放的铅可能成为南极大气中铅的重要来源。     

Heavy metal contamination in tailings and rocksamples from an abandoned goldminein southwestern Nigeria

Active and abandoned primary and secondary goldmines have been observed to be major sources of metals into the environment. This study assessed the level of metal concentrations in rock and tailing samples collected from the abandoned primary goldmine site at Iperindo. A total of five rock and ten tailing samples were collected for this study. The tailing samples were subjected to physicochemical analysis using standard methods. The samples were analyzed for metals using inductively coupled plasma/optical emission spectrometry technique. The results obtained indicated that tailings were acidic (pH 5.02), with electrical conductivity 133.4 μS/cm, cation exchange capacity 8.95 meq/100 g, available phosphorus was 4.74 mg/L, organic carbon 5.58 %, and organic matter 9.63 %. The trends for metal concentrations within the samples were in the order: Zn?>?Cu?>?Co?>?Pb?>?Cr?>?As?>?Cd for rock samples, Cu?>?Zn?>?Cr?>?Pb?>?As?>?Co?>?Cd in tailing samples. Cd, Pb, and Zn in the rock were above the Abundance of Elements in Average Crustal Rocks standards. Principal component analysis showed higher variations among samples in Iperindo. Cd, Pb, Cr, Co, Cu, As, and Zn were strongly loaded to principal component 1, with these metals significantly contributing to variations in 65.76 % of rock and 53.24 % of tailing. This study suggests that the metal concentration in tailings is a reflection of the metal composition of the rocks.