Geochemistry of leachates from the El Fraile sulfide tailings piles in Taxco, Guerrero, southern Mexico

Leachates from the El Fraile tailings impoundment (Taxco, Mexico) were monitored every 2 months from October 2001 to August 2002 to assess the geochemical characteristics. These leachates are of interest because they are sometimes used as alternative sources of domestic water. Alternatively, they drain into the Cacalotenango creek and may represent a major source of metal contamination of surface water and sediments. Most El Fraile leachates show characteristics of Ca–SO₄, (Ca+Mg)–SO₄, Mg–SO₄ and Ca–(SO₄+HCO₃) water types and are near-neutral (pH=6.3–7.7). Some acid leachates are generated by the interaction of meteoric water with tailings during rainfall events (pH=2.4–2.5). These contain variable levels of SO₄ ²⁻ (280–29,500 mg l⁻¹) and As (<0.01–12.0 mg l⁻¹) as well as Fe (0.025–2352 mg l⁻¹), Mn (0.1–732 mg l⁻¹), Zn (<0.025–1465 mg l⁻¹) and Pb (<0.01–0.351 mg l⁻¹). Most samples show the highest metal enrichment during the dry seasons. Leachates used as domestic water typically exceed the Mexican Drinking Water Guidelines for sulfate, hardness, Fe, Mn, Pb and As, while acidic leachates exceed the Mexican Guidelines for Industrial Discharge Waters for pH, Cu, Cd and As. Speciation shows that in near-neutral solutions, metals exist mainly as free ions, sulfates and bicarbonates, while in acidic leachates they are present as sulfates and free ions. Arsenic appears as As^(V) in all samples. Thermodynamic and mineralogical evidence indicates that precipitation of Fe oxides and oxyhydroxides, clay minerals and jarosite as well as sorption by these minerals are the main processes controlling leachate chemistry. These processes occur mainly after neutralization by interaction with bedrock and equilibration with atmospheric oxygen.     

Potentially toxic elements in some fresh water bodies in Ethiopia

A total of thirty three water samples were collected from Tinishu Akaki River, Lake Awassa, and Lake Ziway, Ethiopia. Multi-element determination of trace elements (V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Se, Ag, Cd, Sn, Hg, and Pb) in water samples was carried out by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry after acidification with 1% HNO₃. The concentration (in µg?L^?1) of the elements were in the range of 1.0–19, <0.42–83, 1.1–1580, <45–1760, <0.11–2.0, 0.43–13, 0.77–13, 6–300, <0.94–2.0, <0.3–1.5, <0.012–0.63, 0.13–4.8, <0.29, and 0.2–7.2 for V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Se, Ag, Cd, Sn, Hg, and Pb, respectively. The concentrations of all the quantified elements, with the exception of Mn, were in the range of the permissible limits of the Ethiopian, European Community, and World Health Organization for both drinking water quality guidelines and irrigation water guidelines. The accuracy of the method was validated by analyzing trace elements in water standard reference material (SRM 1643e). The measured values of trace elements in the SRM agreed well with the certified values at the 95% confidence level.     

Metal partitioning in sediment pore water from the Ondo coastal region,Nigeria

Distribution and equilibrium partitioning of metals (Cd, Cu, Cr, Fe, Ni, Pb, Mn, and Zn) between pore water and surface sediments at the Ilaje coast of Ondo State, Nigeria, were studied. The Ilaje River can be one of the interesting research locations because of its economic nature and history of oil pollution. Seasonal variations were observed to investigate possible variations in the availability of metals for organisms throughout the year. The concentrations in both sediments and pore water during the dry and wet seasons were as follows: Cu?>?Fe???Mn?>?Pb?>?Ni?>?Cr?>?Cd?>?Zn. The pore water–sediment partition coefficient (K _p) showed that Zn and Cd were highly mobile while Fe and Cu have restricted mobility. Dissolved organic carbon (DOC) in pore water had a strong influence on mobility and bioavailability of all the metals (p?K _oc), increased levels of Fe and Cu were linked to lithological origin. Concentrations of Pb and Ni were associated with petroleum-related sources. The significance of the field-based techniques for ecotoxicological purposes is discussed.     

Toxicity of metals to tadpoles of the common Sunda toad,Duttaphrynus melanostictus

Tadpoles of the common freshwater Sunda toad, Duttaphrynus melanostictus (Amphibia, Bufonidae), were exposed for a 4-day period under laboratory conditions to copper (Cu), cadmium (Cd), zinc (Zn), lead (Pb), nickel (Ni), iron (Fe), aluminum (Al), and manganese (Mn) at various concentrations. Mortality was assessed and median times of death (LT₅₀) and lethal concentrations (LC₅₀) were calculated. LT₅₀ and LC₅₀ increased with the decrease in mean exposure times and concentrations for all metals. LC₅₀ (96?h) for Cu, Cd, Zn, Pb, Ni, Fe, Al, and Mn were 0.03, 0.3, 4.2, 1.5, 8.8, 0.4, 1.9, and 39?mg?L^?1, respectively. Cu was the most toxic to D. melanostictus, followed by Cd, Fe, Al, Pb, Zn, Ni, and Mn (Cu?>?Cd?>?Fe?>?Al?>?Pb?>?Zn?>?Ni?>?Mn). Duttaphrynus melanostictus is similarly sensitive to these metals as other amphibian tadpoles.     

The Impact of the Hyperacid Ijen Crater Lake. Part I: Concentrations of Elements in Crops and Soil

In Asembagus (East Java, Indonesia) irrigation water is contaminated with effluent from the hyperacid Ijen Crater Lake resulting in a low pH and high levels of various elements. As a first step towards a risk assessment, locally produced food items (rice, maize, cassava leaf, cassava root, peanuts) were collected and concentrations of As, B, Ca, Cd, Co, Cu, Fe, Mg, Mn, Mo, Ni, Pb, V, Zn were compared to samples from a reference area and with literature values. Further, concentrations in rice were compared to total soil concentrations in paddy fields. Compared to the reference area, food items produced in the contaminated area had increased levels of Cd, Co, Ni and Mn in particular, while levels of Mo were lower. In contrast, total soil concentrations of Cd and Mn in particular have decreased whereas especially Mo was increased. In combination with the observed soil acidification, it is likely that the bioavailable concentration of most elements in the contaminated soil is higher (except for Mo) due to an increased weathering rate and/or input via the contaminated irrigation water. In terms of human health, concentrations in foods were generally within normal literature values. However, it was observed that essential elements (in particular Fe) known for their inhibitory effects on e.g. Cd and Mn toxicity did not accumulate in crops whereas Cd and Mn did.     

Determination of the levels of selected metals in seeds,flowers and fruits of medicinal plants used for tapeworm treatment in Ethiopia

The level of accumulation of selected essential and non-essential metals, namely; Ca, Cu, Fe, Zn, Mn, Cd, Pb, and Cr have been investigated in the seeds, fruits, and flowers of some medicinal plants utilized for tapeworm treatment in Ethiopia and their respective soil samples. These include seed of Cucurbita maxima (Duba), fruit of Embelia abyssinica (Ankoko), flowers of Hagenia abyssinica (Kosso), and fruits of Rosa abyssinica (Kega) and their respective soil samples. A wet digestion procedure with a mixture of conc. HNO₃ and HClO₄ for the plant samples and a mixture of conc. HNO₃, HCl, and H₂O₂ for soil samples were used to solubilize the metals. Ca (1280–12,670?mg?kg^?1) was the predominant metal followed by Fe (104–420?mg?kg^?1), and Zn (18–185?mg?kg^?1) in all the plant materials except for Hagenia abyssinica flower from Hirna in which Mn (16–42?mg?kg^?1) followed by Fe. Among the non-essential toxic metals, Pb was not detected in Cucurbita maxima of Boji, Gedo and Hirna origins and in Rosa abyssinica of Hirna site. Similarly, Cr was not detected in Rosa abyssinica fruits of Boji and Gedo sites. The sampled soils were found to be between strongly acidic to weakly basic (pH: 4.7–7.1). In the soil samples, Ca (8528–18,900?mg?kg^?1) was the most abundant metal followed by Fe (417–912?mg?kg^?1), Zn (155–588?mg?kg^?1), Mn (54–220?mg?kg^?1), Cr (21–105. mg?kg^?1), Cu (11–58?mg?kg^?1), Pb (13–32?mg?kg^?1) and Cd (2.8–4.8?mg?kg^?1). The levels of most of the metals determined in the medicinal plants and the respective soil samples are in good agreement with those reported in the literature and the standards set for the soil by various legislative authorities.     

Heavy metal concentration in water,sediment, and tissues of fish species (Heteropneustis fossilis and Puntius ticto) from Kali River,India

The river Kali has been one of the major recipients of industrial effluents in the Muzaffarnagar district of western Uttar Pradesh. The present studies revealed the occurrence and bioaccumulation of heavy metals (Cd, Cr, Pb, Zn, Mn) in riverine water, sediment, and muscles of two fish species, Heteropneustis fossilis and Puntius ticto. Data showed that the order of occurrence of heavy metals was Pb > Zn > Mn > Cr > Cd in river water, Mn > Zn > Pb > Cr > Cd in sediment, Zn > Mn > Cr > Cd > Pb in Puntius ticto and Cr > Zn > Mn > Cd > Pb in Heteropneustis fossilis. Results indicate that the concentrations of Cd, Pb, and Zn in river water, Pb, Zn, and Mn in sediment, Cd, Cr, Pb, and Zn concentration in muscles of Puntius ticto and Cr, Pb, and Zn concentration in in muscles of Heteropneustis fossilis are higher than the permissible standard limits. The presence of heavy metals contributed to toxicity in different organs of fish in River Kali. The bioaccumulation of heavy metals in different biotic organisms in river ecosystem may have adverse consequences on humans and livestock.     

Stabilization of metals in acidic mine spoil with amendments and red fescue (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Festuca rubra</Emphasis> L.) growth

Stabilization of metals with amendments and red fescue (Festuca rubra, cv. Keszthelyi 2) growth was studied on an acidic and phytotoxic mine spoil (pH_KCl 3.20–3.26; Cd 7.1 mg kg^?1, Cu 120 mg kg^?1, Pb 2154 mg kg^?1 and Zn 605 mg kg^?1) from Gyöngyösoroszi, Hungary in a pot experiment. Raising the pH above 5.0 by lime (CaCO₃), and supplementing with 40 mg kg^?1nitrogen (NH₄NO₃) made this material suitable for plant growth. All cultures were limed with 0.5% (m/m) CaCO₃ (treatment 1), which was combined with 5% (m/m) municipal sewage sludge compost (treatment 2), 5% (m/m) peat (treatment 3), 7.5% (m/m) natural zeolite (clinoptilolite) (treatment 4), and 0.5 (m/m) KH₂PO₄ (treatment 5). Treatments 1–5 were combined with each other (treatment 6). After 60 days of red fescue growth, pH of the limed mine spoil decreased in all cultures units. Application of peat caused the highest pH decrease (1.15), while decrease of pH was less than 0.23 in treatments 2, 5 or 6. Application of lime significantly reduced concentrations of metals in the ‘plant available’ fraction of mine spoil compared to non-limed mine spoil. Amendments added to limed mine spoil changed variously the ratio of Cd, Cu, Pb and Zn in exchangeable or ‘plant available’ fractions, differently influencing the phytoavailability of these metals. Most of the metals were captured in the roots of test plants. Treatment 2 caused the appearance of less Cd in shoots (<0.1 μg g^?1) or roots (3.11 μg g^?1), while treatment 5 resulted in the highest Cd concentration (2.13 μg g^?1) in shoots. Treatments did not influence significantly the Cu accumulation in shoots. The Pb accumulation of roots (44.7 μg g^?1) was most effectively inhibited by combined treatment, while the highest value (136 μg g^?1) was found in the culture treated with potassium phosphate. Pb concentration in shoots was below the detection limit, except for treatments 5 and 6. Peat application resulted in higher Zn concentration (448 μg g^?1) in shoots than other amendments, where these values were around 100 μg g^?1. All amendments influenced positively the dry matter yield of red fescue grown in limed mine spoil, however the application of 0.5 phosphate was less favourable. Liming, application of amendments and growth of red fescue can stabilize metals in acidic and phytotoxic mine spoil, and by phytostabilization they can reduce the risk of metal contamination of the food chain.     

Application of eggshell waste for the immobilization of cadmium and lead in a contaminated soil

Liming materials have been used to immobilize heavy metals in contaminated soils. However, no studies have evaluated the use of eggshell waste as a source of calcium carbonate (CaCO₃) to immobilize both cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb) in soils. This study was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of eggshell waste on the immobilization of Cd and Pb and to determine the metal availability following various single extraction techniques. Incubation experiments were conducted by mixing 0–5% powdered eggshell waste and curing the soil (1,246 mg Pb kg^?1 soil and 17 mg Cd kg^?1 soil) for 30 days. Five extractants, 0.01 M calcium chloride (CaCl₂), 1 M CaCl₂, 0.1 M hydrochloric acid (HCl), 0.43 M acetic acid (CH₃COOH), and 0.05 M ethylendiaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), were used to determine the extractability of Cd and Pb following treatments with CaCO₃ and eggshell waste. Generally, the extractability of Cd and Pb in the soils decreased in response to treatments with CaCO₃ and eggshell waste, regardless of extractant. Using CaCl₂ extraction, the lowest Cd concentration was achieved upon both CaCO₃ and eggshell waste treatments, while the lowest Pb concentration was observed using HCl extraction. The highest amount of immobilized Cd and Pb was extracted by CH₃COOH or EDTA in soils treated with CaCO₃ and eggshell waste, indicating that remobilization of Cd and Pb may occur under acidic conditions. Based on the findings obtained, eggshell waste can be used as an alternative to CaCO₃ for the immobilization of heavy metals in soils.     

电镀企业周边大气颗粒物PM_(2.5)、PM_(10)和TSP中重金属分布特征及健康风险评价

以东莞市5个镇区为研究对象,采集电镀企业周边大气样品,分析了样品中重金属(包括As、Co、Cd、Cr、Cu、Mn、Ni、Pb、Sb、V、Zn和Hg)的含量分布,使用富集因子(enrich factor)、地累积指数(index of geoaccumulation)、Hakanson法和美国国家环境保护局(US EPA)的人体暴露健康风险评价模型,对PM_(2.5)、PM_(10)、总悬浮颗粒物(TSP)中重金属进行人体健康风险评价。结果表明,PM_(2.5)、PM_(10)和TSP中As、Cd和Cr平均浓度皆超标。Cr、Ni和V元素在3种颗粒物中非富集,主要为自然源;As、Co、Cu、Pb和Zn,可能来源于自然源和叠加的工业污染。Cd、Hg和Sb浓度受人为污染影响严重。Cd、Sb、Cu、Zn、Pb为生物可利用元素(K>0.6),在环境中的可迁移性高且易于被生物体和人体吸收。Mn元素的非致癌风险值较其他重金属要高1~4个数量级,且儿童的非致癌暴露风险值HQ均高于成人的。3种颗粒物中重金属元素通过呼吸吸入途径产生的非致癌风险HI值均高于人体可接受的上限1.0,其主要贡献来源于Mn的影响,研究区非致癌风险较为严重。除PM_(10)中Co元素和TSP中Co、Cr的成人致癌风险CR值大于10-4之外,其余大部分重金属元素通过呼吸途径产生的致癌风险CR值均在可接受范围之内,此外,3种颗粒物中的成人的致癌暴露风险值CRT均高于儿童的CRT值,并且除了PM_(2.5)中儿童的重金属致癌暴露风险CRT值(4.70E-05)低于人体可接受范围的上限(10-4),其余CRT值均高于10-4,致癌风险较为严重。     

Characteristics,sources and health risk assessment of toxic heavy metals in PM<Subscript>2.5</Subscript> at a megacity of southwest China

Twenty trace elements in fine particulate matters (i.e., PM_2.5) at urban Chengdu, a southwest megacity of China, were determined to study the characteristics, sources and human health risk of particulate toxic heavy metals. This work mainly focused on eight toxic heavy metal elements (As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb and Zn). The average concentration of PM_2.5 was 165.1 ± 84.7 µg m^?3 during the study period, significantly exceeding the National Ambient Air Quality Standard (35 µg m^?3 in annual average). The particulate heavy metal pollution was very serious in which Cd and As concentrations in PM_2.5 significantly surpassed the WHO standard. The enrichment factor values of heavy metals were typically higher than 10, suggesting that they were mainly influenced by anthropogenic sources. More specifically, the Cr, Mn and Ni were slightly enriched, Cu was highly enriched, while As, Cd, Pb and Zn were severely enriched. The results of correlation analysis showed that Cd may come from metallurgy and mechanical manufacturing emissions, and the other metals were predominately influenced by traffic emissions and coal combustion. The results of health risk assessment indicated that As, Mn and Cd would pose a significant non-carcinogenic health risk to both children and adults, while Cr would cause carcinogenic risk. Other toxic heavy metals were within a safe level.     

Spatial and temporal characterization of trace elements and nutrients in the Rawal Lake Reservoir,Pakistan using multivariate analysis techniques

Rawal Lake Reservoir is renowned for its ecological significance and is the sole source of drinking water of the third largest city of Pakistan. However, fish kill in recent years and anthropogenic impacts from human-related activities in its catchment area have resulted in deterioration of its surface water quality. This study aims to characterize spatial and temporal variations in surface water quality, identify contaminant sources, and compare their levels with quality guidelines. Surface water samples were collected from 10 sites and analyzed for 27 physicochemical parameters for a period of 2 years on a seasonal basis. Concentration of metals in surface water in pre-monsoon were in the order: Fe > Mg > Ca > Mn > Zn > Ni > Cr > Cu > Co > Pb, whereas in post-monsoon, the order of elemental concentrations was: Ca > Mg > Na > Fe > K > Zn > Cr > Li > Pb > Co > Ni > Cu > Mn > Cd. Metals (Ni, Fe, Zn, and Ca), pH, electrical conductivity (EC), dissolved oxygen (DO), chemical oxygen demand (COD), and nutrients (PO₄³⁻, NO₃–N, and SO₄²⁻) were measured higher in pre-monsoon, whereas concentration of Cu, Mn, Cr, Co, Pb, Cd, K, Na, Mg, Li, Cl⁻, and NH₄–N were recorded higher in post-monsoon. Results highlighted serious metal pollution of surface water. Mean concentration of Zn, Cd, Ni, Cu, Fe, Cr, and Pb in both seasons and Mn in post-monsoon were well above the permissible level of surface water quality criteria. Results stress the dire need to reduce heavy-metal input into the lake basin and suggest that heavy-metal contamination should be considered as an integral part of future planning and management strategies for restoration of water quality of the lake reservoir.     

Performance and mechanism for cadmium and lead adsorption from water and soil by corn straw biochar

Cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb) in water and soil could be adsorbed by biochar produced from corn straw. Biochar pyrolyzed under 400°C for 2 h could reach the ideal removal efficiencies (99.24%and 98.62% for Cd and Pb, respectively) from water with the biochar dosage of 20 g·L^–1 and initial concentration of 20 mg·L^–1. The pH value of 4–7 was the optimal range for adsorption reaction. The adsorption mechanism was discussed on the basis of a range of characterizations, including X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and Raman analysis; it was concluded as surface complexation with active sorption sites (-OH, -COO-), coordination with π electrons (C = C, C = O) and precipitation with inorganic anions (OH^-, CO₃ ^2–, SO₄ ^2–) for both Cd and Pb. The sorption isotherms fit Langmuir model better than Freundlich model, and the saturated sorption capacities for Cd and Pb were 38.91 mg·g^-1 and 28.99 mg·g^–1, respectively. When mixed with soil, biochar could effectively increase alkalinity and reduce bioavailability of heavy metals. Thus, biochar derived from corn straw would be a green material for both removal of heavy metals and amelioration of soil.

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Levels and distribution of trace metals in surface sediments from Kongsfjorden, Svalbard, Norwegian Arctic

Trace metal contents (Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Hg, Mn, Ni, Pb and Zn) have been measured in 27 surface sediment samples collected from Kongsfjorden, Svalbard, Norwegian Arctic. The analyses yielded concentration values (in mg kg^?1) of 0.13–0.63 for Cd, 11.89–21.90 for Co, 48.65–81.84 for Cr, 21.26–36.60 for Cu, 299.59–683.48 for Mn, 22.43–35.39 for Ni, 10.68–36.59 for Pb, 50.28–199.07 for Zn and 8.09–65.34 for Hg (in ng g^?1), respectively. Relative cumulative frequency method has been used to define the baseline values of these metals, which (in mg kg^?1) were 0.14 for Cd, 13.56 for Co, 57.86 for Cr, 25.14 for Cu, 364.08 for Mn, 26.22 for Ni, 17.46 for Pb, 70.49 for Zn and 9.76 for Hg (in ng g^?1), respectively. The enrichment factor analysis indicated that Hg showed some extent of anthropogenic pollution, while Pb, Zn and Cd showed limited anthropogenic contamination in the study areas.     

Concentrations of cadmium,manganese, copper,zinc, and lead in the tissues of the oyster (Crassostrea iredalei) obtained from Setiu Lagoon,Terengganu, Malaysia

Heavy metals pollution in aquatic environments is a major problem contributing to human health issues. The study of these pollutants through bioindicators such as the oyster Crassostrea iredalei is important for (1) determining the levels and sources and (2) regulating the quantity of pollutants. The concentrations of cadmium (Cd), manganese (Mn), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), and lead (Pb) in tissues of C. iredalei, sediment and surrounding water was measured, and data was analyzed to determine the relationship between sampling periods and between oyster tissue, sediment, and water. The highest concentration of metals in oyster tissue was Zn, followed by Cu, Mn, Cd, and Pb. Concentrations of Cd, Cu, and Zn exceeded the maximum level allowed according to the Malaysian Food Act of 1983, which is equivalent to the WHO recommended levels of heavy metals in organisms used for consumption. The highest metal concentration in sediment was Mn followed by Zn, Pb, Cu, and Cd. Concentrations of heavy metals in surrounding water were Zn, Pb, Cu, Mn, and Cd. There was no correlation between metal concentration in oyster tissue and in sediment for all five metals.     

A comparison of metals in sediments and water in the River Nahr-Ibrahim,Lebanon: 1996 and 1999

Rivers whose basins are underlain by carbonate rocks exhibit high pH, lower desorption of metals and possess high buffering capacity against acidic inputs to the river. The catchment of River Nahr-Ibrahim, Lebanon, is largely underlain by limestone. Compared to neighbouring countries, Lebanon is relatively fortunate since precipitation is high. However, recently a warming in temperature and a drop in precipitation has occurred, thus causing low water levels in rivers. The objective of this study is to investigate the variation of the total metal content (Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu, Pb and Cd) in bed sediments and water of River Nahr-Ibrahim between 1996 and 1999 (two years); and relate these variations to the effect of changes in human activities and/or due to the variations of precipitation rate, temperature and pH of water. Bed load sediments and stream water were collected simultaneously from five sampling sites. Water pH and temperature were determined in situ. Sediment samples were dried at room temperature and sieved; the sediment size <75 m size was retained. Water was analysed for major constituents and trace metals. Metals were extracted from sediments with aqua regia. Metal concentration in water and sediments were determined using ICP-MS technique. Data revealed a drop in metal concentrations (Zn, Cu, Pb, Cd) in sediments at quarry site after its closure. The decrease in precipitation rate, lowering the level of water and the dilution of industrial discharges and decrease in water pH led most probably to the desorption of metals from sediments into the water.     

上坝村井水中重金属的污染状况和分布特征分析

调查了上坝村重污染区的上樟组、群樟组和群联组共29个井水中的pH、Eh和重金属.结果表明,上坝村井水的Cu、Pb含量不超标,但Zn、Cd和Mn浓度均值分别是国家生活饮用水卫生标准的1.24倍、1.96倍和10.8倍;Zn、Cd、Mn的浓度和Eh值随着水井离横石河越远而越低,即呈现上樟组群樟组群联组的关系;当Eh小于300mV或上樟组pH值大于5.5、群樟组pH值大于4、群联组pH值介于5.1—5.4时,随着Eh的降低或pH值升高,井水中Zn、Cd、Mn的浓度急剧下降且趋向零.     

Identifying the source and accessing the spatial variations,contamination status,conservation threats of heavy metal pollution in the river waters of Sunderban biosphere reserve,India

This study emphasizes on identification of source and accessing the spatial variation of dissolved heavy metals (Cu, Cd, Fe, Ni, Pb and Zn) in the rivers of Sundarban Biosphere Reserve India, the UNESCO world heritage site. ANOVA (Analysis of Variance), PCA (Principal Component Analysis) as well as FA (Factor Analysis) are used for assessing the significant difference in means of metals concentration among the sites and understanding the sources of these pollutants. Three principal components with cumulative variance of 32, 55, and 73 %, show that Pb, Ni and Cd are closely associated with each other indicating an anthropogenic origin of these metals. Heavy metal evaluation index (HEI) values indicate that areas close to densely populated sites are affected by elevated metals concentration due to anthropogenic activities. The ratio between the concentration of Cd, Ni and Pb in sites and the maximum respective permissible limit for these metals for conserved habitat is Log₁₀ normalized to understand the threats of these pollutants over the distributaries of Sundarbans. Pb pollution is prevalent in the areas that rely on the fossil fuel-operated boats, for transport, whereas higher Cd concentration is found in the areas dependent on rechargeable batteries to meet their energy demand. So these anthropogenic activities and mal-practices may be responsible for the heavy metal pollution in this region. The study concludes that gradual increase in metal pollution in river water due to anthropogenic activities, particularly Pb and Cd, could have a negative impact on the conserved flora and fauna of this ecosystem.     

贵阳市冬季PM_(2.5)中典型重金属元素的化学形态分析与健康风险评价

为了更准确地研究重金属的生物有效性和对环境与人体的潜在生态危害,采用改进BCR法分析了贵阳市冬季PM_(2.5)中Cu、Mn、Co、Cd、Pb这5种重金属元素的化学形态,并评价了它们的生物有效性和健康风险。结果表明:不同重金属元素形态分布存在差异,Cu主要是弱酸溶态,其次是可氧化态;Mn主要是弱酸溶态,其次是残渣态;Co没有检测出可还原态,而在其他3种形态分布比较平均;Pb和Cd绝大部分都是弱酸溶态。生物有效性系数(K)分析结果表明:重金属生物有效性强弱顺序为CdPbMnCuCo,其中Cd和Pb的K0.8,属于生物可利用性元素;Mn、Cu、Co的K值在0.4~0.7之间,属于潜在生物可利用性元素。健康风险评价表明:成人的致癌风险比儿童大,尤其Cd对成年人存在潜在的致癌风险,且成年男性高于成年女性;Mn存在潜在非致癌风险,且对儿童的风险最大。     

Influence of fertilizer and sewage sludge compost on yield and heavy metal accumulation by lettuce grown in urban soils

Previous research has demonstrated that many urban soils are enriched in Pb, Cd and Zn. Culture of vegetable crops in these soils could allow transfer of potentially toxic metals to foods. Tanya lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) was grown in pots of five urban garden soils and one control agricultural soil to assess the effect of urban-soil metal enrichment, and the effect of soil amendments, on heavy metal uptake by garden vegetables. The amendments included NPK fertilizer, limestone, Ca(H₂PO₄)₂, and two rates of limed sewage sludge compost. Soil Cd ranged from 0.08 to 9.6 mg kg^–1; soil Zn from 38 to 3490 mg kg^–1; and soil Pb from 12 to 5210 mg kg^–1. Lettuce yield on the urban garden soils was as great as or greater than that on the control soil. Lettuce Cd, Zn and Pb concentrations increased from 0.65, 23, and 2.2 mg kg^–1 dry matter in the control soil to as high as 3.53, 422 and 37.0 mg kg^–1 on the metal-rich urban garden soils. Adding limestone or limed sewage sludge compost raised soil pH and significantly reduced lettuce Cd and Zn, while phosphate fertilizer lowered soil pH and had little effect on Zn but increased Cd concentration in lettuce. Urban garden soils caused a significant increase in lettuce leaf Pb concentration, especially on the highest Pb soil. Adding NPK fertilizer, phosphate, or sludge compost to two high Pb soils lowered lettuce Pb concentration, but adding limestone generally did not. On normally fertilized soils, Pb uptake by lettuce was not exceptionally high until soil Pb substantially exceeded 500 mg kg^–1. Comparing garden vegetables and soil as potential sources of Pb risk to children, it is clear that the risk is greater through ingestion of soil or dust than through ingestion of garden vegetables grown on the soil. Urban dwellers should obtain soil metal analyses before selecting garden locations to reduce Pb risk to their children.