Assessing geochemical influence of traffic and other vehicle-related activities on heavy metal contamination in urban soils of Kerman city,using a GIS-based approach

Heavy metal pollution caused by traffic activities is increasingly becoming a great threat to urban environmental quality and human health. In this paper, soils of Kerman urban and suburban areas were collected to assess the potential effects of traffic and other vehicle-related pollution by heavy metal accumulation in soils. Eighty-six samples were collected along streets and from residential and rural sectors, as well as vehicle-related workshops from depth of 0–5 and 15–20 cm and analyzed by flame atomic absorption spectrometry (FAAS) for heavy metals (Cd, Cr, Cu, Pb, Sn and Zn), as well as major elements (Al, Ca, Fe and Mn). Several hot-spot areas were identified in the composite geochemical maps produced based on Geographical Information System (GIS) technology. The majority of the hot-spot areas were identified to be vehicle-related workshops, fuel stations and road junctions. The most polluted hot-spot in the study area was located in soils close to a car battery processing workshop in the southwestern part of Kerman city, with concentrations of Cd (0.32 mg/kg), Cr (169 mg/kg), Cu (250 mg/kg), Pb (5,780 mg/kg), Sn (27.2 mg/kg) and Zn (178 mg/kg) of 1, 8.5, 8.3, 230, 13.5 and 3 times more than the relevant mean concentrations in natural soils, respectively. Traffic pollution has resulted in significant accumulation of heavy metals in soils and sediments, and that level of accumulation varied remarkably among elements. Based on X-ray diffraction analysis, most parts of soils and sediments of the Kerman basement consist of calcite and clay minerals. Abundance of clay minerals and medium to alkaline pH causes low mobility of heavy metals in soils of Kerman.     

Geochemical index of trace metals in the surficial sediments from the western continental shelf of India, Arabian Sea

The present study focuses on the determination and abundance of trace metals (viz. Cu, Ni, Zn, Cr, Co, Cd, Mn and Fe) in the surficial sediments of west coast of Arabian Sea along the Indian subcontinent. Sediment samples were collected from three transects along the western continental shelf of Arabian Sea. The enrichment of Fe and Mn in coastal oxic-sediments indicates the precipitation of these redox sensitive elements as Fe- and Mn-hydroxides and oxides, whereas the low Fe and Mn concentrations in the oxygen deficient sediments of deeper stations reflects the dissolution of their hydroxides and oxides. Concentrations of fairly redox insensitive trace metals like Cu, Ni, Zn, Cr and Cd (with the exceptions of Cr) showed higher values at nearshore sediments, then it decreased towards seaward and again showed a slight increase at oxygen minimum stations in all the three transects. This geochemical variability in their distributional characteristics is mainly associated with the extent to which the precipitation or dissolution of Fe- and Mn-oxides/hydroxides occur since the scavenging or releasing effects of Fe- and Mn-oxides/hydroxides act as significant ‘sinks’ or ‘sources’ of heavy metals. The change in wind pattern, coastal upwelling and increased productivity are also the reported factors which influence the biogeochemical cycling of trace metals in the surface sediments of west coast of India. Enrichment factor generally showed a high gradient accumulation from nearshore to shelf.     

Application of enrichment factor,geoaccumulation index,and ecological risk index in assessing the elemental pollution status of surface sediments

Environmental Geochemistry and Health - Sediment can accumulate trace elements in the environment. This study profiled the magnitude of As, Ba, Cd, Co, Cu, Cr, Ni, Pb, Se, and Zn pollution in...     

Speciation study of trace elements in surface sediment of Winam Gulf,Lake Victoria,by sequential extraction,aqua-regia acid digestion,and ICP-OES

The speciation of trace metals in surface sediment in Kisumu Carwash area of Winam Gulf, was studied and results compared with those found at Usoma beach which was found to be several orders of magnitude less polluted. High proportions of the metals were bioavailable (fractions 1–6) with BA% ranging from 21.7% (Al) to 94.5% (Pb) at Carwash and 19.6% (Al) to ～100% (for Cd and Pb) at Usoma beach. The readily mobilizable fraction (fractions 1–4) decreased in the order: Pb > Mn > Sn > Cu > Co > Zn > Mg > Cd > Mo > Ni > Cr > Fe > Al at Carwash and Mn > Mo > Sn > Pb > Cd > Mg > Cu > Zn > Co > Ni > Fe > Cr > Al at Usoma beach. The total Zn, Cd, Cr, and Cu sediment concentrations at Carwash were higher than the threshold effect concentrations (TECs), although their bioavailable concentrations were lower than these limits. Both the total and bioavailable concentrations of Pb in surface sediment at Kisumu Carwash area were higher than the TEC threshold limit indicating significant contamination from this heavy metal. Although there was a general good agreement on data obtained by sequential extraction as compared with those obtained by direct aqua-regia digestion, there were large discrepancies for some specific metal analytes which could be accounted for in terms of analytical variations and lack of uniformity in physical and chemical composition of the sediment samples analyzed.     

Assessment of metal contamination in soil banks of the Rhumel wadi (Northeast Algeria)

Levels of six trace metals were assessed in bank soils of the Rhumel wadi (Northeast Algeria) and their association with soil properties was investigated. Samples were collected at 10 sites. The soils are neutral to moderately alkaline, have high contents of carbonate, and are low in organic carbon and clay. Mean metal concentrations are 1.1 (Cd), 63 (Cr), 20 (Cu), 26 (Ni), 31 (Pb), and 98 (Zn) mg kg^?1. The Cd, Cu, Pb, and Zn contents in soil from sites closest to Constantine City were higher than in uncontaminated soils worldwide, indicating accumulation due to human activities (residential, industrial, and agricultural). Statistical analyses (correlation and principal component analysis) demonstrated that Cd, Pb, and Zn are of anthropogenic origin in the urban areas, whereas Cr and Cu enrichment in some situations is caused by industrial activities, while Ni was geogenic.     

Assessment of potentially toxic elements in Swiss chard and sediments of Akaki River,Ethiopia

For the determination of 15 potentially toxic elements (V, Cr, Fe, Mn, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Se, Ag, Cd, Sn, Hg, and Pb) in plant and sediment samples of the Akaki River, Ethiopia, inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometry, inductively coupled plasma–optical emission spectrometry, and a RA-915+ mercury analyzer were applied. Sediment and plant samples were mineralized using a closed-vessel microwave-assisted digestion system. The elemental concentrations varied considerably in plant and sediment samples. The minimum concentration was observed for known toxic elements (As, Hg, and Cd) while the highest concentration was observed for the elements of relatively low toxicity Zn, Mn, and Fe. The concentration of Cr, Fe, Pb, Zn, and As in Swiss chard surpassed the maximum permissible levels at specific sites. At some of the sites, the sediment quality guidelines are surpassed for Cu, Zn, and Pb.     

Relationship between total concentration and dilute HCl extraction of heavy metals in sediments of harbors and coastal areas in Korea

Total concentrations of Cr, Ni, Cu, Zn, Cd and Pb in surface sediments were determined to investigate the regional trends of heavy metal contamination in 11 coastal areas in Korea. Enrichment factor (EF) of heavy metals was calculated by comparing the level of their regional background. The averages of EF values in study areas were 0.99 for Cr, 1.05 for Ni, 4.23 for Cu, 1.80 for Zn, 3.92 for Cd and 1.54 for Pb, respectively. Dilute HCl extractions were useful to deduce the anthropogenic sources of heavy metals and the 1 M HCl extractable fractions of each metal varied from 0.3 to 37.3% for Cr, 1.9 to 66.3% for Ni, 4.2 to 92.9% for Cu, 7.1 to 99.7% for Zn, 10.9 to 98.9% for Cd and 15.0 to 99.1% for Pb. Comparing 1 M HCl extractable fraction to total concentration, large portions of Cu, Zn, Cd and Pb were present as potentially bioavailable fractions from anthropogenic input and were significantly correlated with their EF values showing r > 0.68.     

Speciation of heavy metals in Albanian coastal sediments

This article presents results on heavy metal (Fe, Mn, Cr, Ni, Cu, Cd, Pb and Zn) speciation in the coastal sediments of Albania. Sediment samples were collected within the framework of the activities of the Interreg Italia–Albania Project, carried out in the Southern Adriatic Sea in 2000–01. This study shows that Albanian coastal sediments are highly influenced by river input, as the decreasing concentrations from coast to offshore confirm. Pb represents an exception of the general trend; meteoric inputs are prevalent for this metal. Ni, Cr, Fe, Zn and Cu correlate significantly and positively in the entire area, indicating a common origin for these metals in the analyzed sediments. All metals result mostly associated to the most refractory phases, which constitute up to 80% of the total concentration. Nevertheless a recent input of Cr, Ni, Cu and Mn can be observed, as the result of mining and industrial activities, in some selected areas, such as the Drin Bay and Durres. Their high concentration in the bioavailable phase can determine toxic effect upon biota.     

电子废物不当处置的重金属污染及其环境风险评价 Ⅳ. 电子废物不当回收地区流域水体沉积物的重金属污染

为了解电子废物不当处置活动对小流域内水体沉积物金属污染的影响,采集了位于广东省清远市龙塘镇和石角镇的电子废物焚烧和酸解活动核心区内水塘和水库的0～40cm沉积物以及附近河流大燕河表层(0～5cm)沉积物样本,分析了样本中的金属(水塘、水库:Zn、Cu、Pb、Cd、Cr;大燕河:Zn、Cu、Pb、Cd、Cr、Ni、Mg、Mn)含量.作为对照,对珠江口伶仃洋沉积物中的5种重金属(Zn、Cu、Pb、Cd、Cr)含量也进行了分析.结果表明,1)在核心区内,5种重金属的平均含量在接近酸解作坊的水塘沉积物中呈Cu(766.16mg·kg-1)>Zn(181.12mg·kg-1)>Pb(129.56mg·kg-1)>Cr(1.89mg·kg-1)≈Cd(1.12mg·kg-1),在其下游的水库沉积物中呈现相同的规律,但水塘沉积物的Cu、Zn、Pb含量均高于水库.水塘、水库沉积物重金属含量分布规律明显不同于伶仃洋沉积物,与伶仃洋沉积物相比,核心区水体沉积物Cu含量特别高,是伶仃洋沉积物的7～17倍,Pb和Cd则分别是伶仃洋的2.3～3.0倍和1.9～2.4倍,Zn、Cr含量与伶仃洋沉积物相近.2)Zn含量在核心区水体沉积物中均呈现出在20.0～30.0cm深度最高的趋势,Cu、Pb含量在水库沉积物中也有类似的表现,说明该深度的沉积物可能是电子废物回收处置活动最频繁的时期形成的,近年来随着政府取缔工作的加强,电子废物非法处置活动的减少,Zn、Cu、Pb含量有明显的下降.3)大燕河沉积物中6种重金属(Zn、Cu、Pb、Cr、Cd、Ni)的总含量表现为中游下段(1261.3mg·kg-1)>中游中段(1049.2mg·kg-1)>中游上段(401.8mg·kg-1)>上游(364.6mg·kg-1)>下游(215.4mg·kg-1).Cu、Zn、Pb和Cr含量均在中游下段的沉积物中出现最大值,次大值出现在中游中段,Ni、Cd在中游中段出现最大值,次大值出现在中游下段.中游中、下段沉积物中金属含量最大值和其上游(或中游上段)河段含量最低值的比值呈现Cu(10.1)>Cr(7.8)>Zn(3.8)>Cd(2.0)>Pb(1.9)>Ni(1.8),显示这些重金属主要从中游中、下段进入大燕河沉积物,其中Cu污染最为严重,而Cr污染可能与水土流失或当地其他活动释放的Cr有关.4)比较流域内土壤和各种沉积物以及伶仃洋沉积物中重金属的构成比例发现,核心区土壤和沉积物以及大燕河沉积物中的重金属具有明显的同源性.随着离源区距离的增加,重金属的构成比例中最明显的变化是Cu的比例下降以及Zn的比例上升。     

Heavy metals in albanian coastal sediments

Heavy metals (Fe, Mn, Cr, Ni, Cu, Cd, Pb, Sn) concentration has been determined on 39 coastal sediment samples collected in Albania. The relationship between the heavy metals content and the grain size has been considered. All metals, except Cu and Cd, resulted accumulated in the finest fraction, which constituted up to 95% of most of the considered sediments. A good correlation has been found for Ni, Cr, Fe, Zn, Cu in the entire area, indicating a common origin for these metals in the analyzed sediments. Concentration values fall in the range reported for Dinaric chain derived sediments, revealing, generally, a natural origin of the metal contents. Though in some selected areas such as the Drin and the Skumbin Bay, an antropogenic input of Cr, Fe, Ni and Cu can be observed, as the result of discharging of mines and smelter activities.     

An assessment of contamination and ecological risk of metals in sediments of the Guaracara,Caparo and Couva rivers in Trinidad,West Indies

The presence of metals in an aquatic environment can serve as a biomarker for pollution and can be used to evaluate its contamination status. Rapid industrialisation in recent decades has propelled Trinidad and Tobago to be one of the most developed nations within the Caribbean region and has stimulated the awareness of potential ecological risks from various industrial activities affecting the rivers of Trinidad. Sediment samples from three rivers along the West coast of Trinidad were analysed for Cd, Cr, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb and Zn. For all three rivers, the metal concentrations in sediments were in the range of 0.40–2.31?μg/g, 12.77–33.04?μg/g, 14.51–72.89?μg/g, 224.90–4472.83?μg/g, 8.20–43.08?μg/g, 22.63–38.34?μg/g and 92.0–5462.60?μg/g for Cd, Cr, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb and Zn, respectively. Assessment of the pollution status indicated that all three rivers were considered polluted, with significant contributions from Cr, Cu, Mn, Ni and Zn. The potential ecological risk for all three rivers, however, was low and multivariate statistics revealed that mainly anthropogenic sources contributed to the metal concentrations in sediments of all three rivers.     

Soil pollution by trace metals derived from animal feed and manure in the Bursa region of Turkey

The Bursa region of Turkey has important agricultural production areas. Animal producers use agricultural fields in this region for disposal of manure. Therefore, in this study the concentrations of the seven trace metals Zn, Mn, Cu, Ni, Cr, Pb, and Cd in 324 animal feed and manure samples from three dairy cattle, three laying hens farms, and three broiler farms have been determined. The average concentrations in dairy cattle manure were 130 (Zn), 150 (Mn), 4.2 (Cu), 6.8 (Ni), 44 (Cr), 0.8 (Pb), and 0.09 (Cd) mg kg^?1 dry weight; for laying hens manure 240 (Zn), 190 (Mn), 0.63 (Cu), 3.8 (Ni), 30 (Cr), 0.55 (Pb), and 0.12 (Cd) mg kg^?1 dry weight; and for broiler manure 240 (Zn), 280 (Mn), 1.4 (Cu), 3.8 (Ni), 35 (Cr), 3.4 (Pb), and 0.16 (Cd) mg kg^?1 dry weight. The calculated trace metal loading rate indicated that manure application might pose a potential risk to agricultural fields according to the current soil protection regulations of Turkey.     

Trace Metals in New England Marine Sediments: Casco Bay, Maine, in relation to Other Sites

The concentrations in surface sediments of the trace metals Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb and Zn have been determined at 32 stations in the Casco Bay region of the Gulf of Maine. The metals are not distributed homogeneously but exhibit elevated levels around the Portland waterfront and generally low levels at offshore and tidally scoured stations. Comparison of these results to those from both industrialized and non-industrialized sites throughout New England indicates that the sediments in parts of the Casco Bay region are affected by trace metals.     

Urban Geochemistry: Investigations in the Berlin Metropolitan Area

The distribution of 41 trace and 11 major elements in 4000 samples of topsoils (0–20cm) from the Berlin Megacity is interpreted. The detailed comparative analysis of the element distributions and the results of factor analysis showed that the distributions of the elements Al, K, Na, Rb, Zr, Nb and Ti are mainly natural origin, i.e. related to the composition of the parent material. Industrial and commercial areas often display considerably elevated values for Mo, Ni, As, Ag, Cr, Sb, Fe, Mn, Mg, P, TOC and especially Pb, Hg and electrical conductivity relative to the geogenic background of the area surrounding Berlin. Industrial areas tend to be characterised by contamination of the subsoil with Cu, Cd, Zn, Hg, Pb and Sn. In the area around Berlin, extensive, strong anamalies of Cd, Zn, Pb, Cu and Hg occur near iron and steel industries and construction materials industries, as well as in the vicinity of sewage farms.     

深圳市内某河表层沉积物重金属含量及污染评价

2008年11月,从广东省深圳市内某河采集9个(0—5cm)表层沉积物样品,分析其Cu,Cd,Cr,Pb,Zn,Ni,As和Hg的含量和前6种元素的形态分布,并采用潜在生态风险指数法进行污染评价.结果表明,沉积物中Cu和Zn的含量普遍较高,为5.27—1865mg.kg-1和198.4—1275mg.kg-1,其次是Cr,Ni和Pb,为54.39—908.7mg.kg-1、31.3—445.5mg.kg-1和11.63—814.9mg.kg-1,As,Cd和Hg的含量较少;Cd的残余晶格态、Cr的铁/锰氧化态和残余晶格态、Cu的有机结合态和残余晶格态,以及Ni,Pb和Zn的铁/锰氧化态为各元素的主要存在形态;沉积物中Cd和Cu的潜在生态风险普遍较大,9个样品中6个达到Cd极强生态危害,4个达到Cu很强生态危害,有5个样品的重金属混合污染潜在生态风险达到极强生态危害.     

Trace element geochemistry of the Keana brines field,middle Benue trough,Nigeria

A trace elements study of various samples from the Keana brines field, middle Benue Trough was carried-out to determine the extent to which Pb–Zn–S and BaSO₄ mineralisations have affected the quality of the brines and the waters in the area. Different sample media such as well-water, pond water, brine spring pool water, stream water, stream sediments etc. were analysed. Geochemical results show that Cu, Zn, Pb, As and S are concentrated in the waters (0.3, 0.36, 0.05, 0.07 and 1 1.5 ppm respectively). These elements are more concentrated in both the spring and pond waters, suggesting that the spring water could have acted as the transport medium for these elements released from deep-seated sources. Transitions elements (Ti, V, Cr, Fe, Co, Ni and Sr) are concentrated in the waters. Compared to the World Health Organization (WHO) admissible limits, the well waters present very high concentrations in Cd (0.56 ppm) and Sb (0.40 ppm) (200× and 70× WHO admissible values respectively). There is a preferential concentration of transition elements (Ti, V, Fe, Co and Ni) in the sediments (41.38, 362, 52.21, 269 and 54 ppm respectively) than in the waters (0.70, 0.05, 5.6, 0.04 and 0.02 ppm respectively). Similarly, Cu, Zn, Pb and As are concentrated in the sediments (44, 72, 41 and 14 ppm respectively). The concentrations of transition elements (Ti, V, Cr, Fe, Co and Ni) in the refined salt were highly elevated (784, 363, 283, 105, 59.2 and 42.6 ppm respectively) (7000–10,000× well water). Similarly, the concentrations of As, Pb, Br and Sr in the refined salt were also alarming (11.6, 16.4, 16.4 and 122 ppm respectively), (1000, 700, 3000 and 20,000× well water values respectively). S on the other hand is absent. One of the striking features is the absence of I, Cd, Sb and Se in the refined salt crystals which were detected in the waters and the brines. Compared to WHO admissible values, the refined salt crystal concentrations for Ni (426 ppm) and Cr (283 ppm) were also very high (2000× WHO values respectively) and to a lesser extent Cu (26.9 ppm) and Zn (21.7 ppm) (12 and 7× WHO values respectively).     

Heavy Metals and Arsenic in Sediments, Mussels and Marine Water from Murano (Venice, Italy)

This paper describes a study of the trace element distribution in sediments, marine water and mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis of the Venetian Lagoon around the Island of Murano, an island with a long tradition of glassmaking. Trace elements analysed include Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu, Cr, Pb, Ni, Ag and As. Sediments are contaminated with Zn, Cu, Ag, As and Pb, with levels in the <2m fraction that are likely to cause adverse biological effects to marine organisms. The pelite (<63m) is the main carrier of heavy metals at most sites. However, the fine-grained and coarse sand on the southern coast of Murano accounts for a significant proportion of Fe, Mn, Zn, Cr, Ag, Ni and Pb. Most trace element concentrations found in soft tissue of mussels appear to be within recommended Italian and international guidelines for shellfish for human consumption, the only exception being relatively high As levels. The bioaccumulation of Ag and Cr is more pronounced in the shell of these organisms. In the marine water of the lagoon, trace elements are more enriched than in other areas of the Mediterranean, with particular reference to the dissolved labile species of Zn, Mn, As, Cu, Ni and Cr.     

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.     

Seasonal variation and partition of trace metals (Fe, Zn, Cu, Mn, Cr, Cd and Pb) in surface sediments: relationship with physico-chemical variables of water from the Calabar River, South Eastern Nigeria

The seasonal variation and partition of trace metals (Fe, Cu, Zn, Mn, Cd, Cr and Pb) in the surface sediments of the Calabar River are reported. Chemical partition of the metals in the sediments reveals that 2–30% of the total metal load was contributed by the non-detrital (acid-soluble) fraction, while fine-grained host minerals/compounds are the main carriers of the detrital (acid-insoluble) fraction (70–98%). Using multivariate statistical analysis, the seasonal fluctuations in the distribution of some of the metals show significant influence by physio-chemical changes (dissolved oxygen, pH, salinity and conductivity) in the water column. Fe–Mn oxide grain coatings and sulphide materials have been identified as scavengers of some of the non-detrital and detrital trace metals in the sediments. On the basis of index of geoaccumulation (I-geo) and comparison with previous studies, the Calabar River surface sediments have been classified as unpolluted.     

Heavy metal accumulation in certain marine animals along the East Coast of Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India

Heavy metals disposed through anthropogenic activities find their way into the oceans and seas through the rivers or through direct fall out from factory effluents. These heavy metals resuspend back into the water column along with the sediments and are known to affect the marine animals. Marine animals like fish, prawn, crab and mussel were collected along the East Coast (off Pulicat lake to Chennai Harbour) to evaluate trace metal concentrations in various tissues. The above specimens accumulated heavy metals such as Zn, Pb, Cu, Co, Cr, Ni and Cd. Fish, prawn, crab and mussel revealed higher concentration of heavy metals such as Zn, Pb, Cr Co, Cu and Ni and Cd in low levels. The results revealed that the heavy metal concentrations in the marine animals are below the threshold levels associated with the toxicological effects and the regulatory limits. The bioconcentration factors revealed that the animals have accumulated heavy metals along the food chain rather than from the water column and sediment.