Understanding heavy metal and suspended solids relationships in urban stormwater using simulated rainfall

Urban stormwater from simulated rainfall on three different landuses in Queensland State, Australia (residential, industrial, commercial) was analysed for heavy metals and physico-chemical parameters such as Dissolved Organic Carbon (DOC) and Total Suspended Solids (TSS). Rainfall events were simulated using a specially designed rainfall simulator for paved surfaces. Event mean concentration samples were separated into five different particle sizes and analysed individually for eight metal elements (Zn, Fe, Cr, Cd, Cu, Al, Mn and Pb). Multivariate data analysis was carried out for the data thus generated. It was found that DOC and TSS influence the distribution of the metals in the different particle size classes. Zn was correlated with DOC at all three sites. Similarly, Pb, Fe and Al were correlated with TSS at all sites. The distribution of Cu was found to vary between the three sites, whilst Cd concentrations were too low to assess any relationships with other parameters. No correlation between Electrical Conductivity (EC), pH and heavy metals was found at the three sites. The identification of physico-chemical parameters influencing the distribution process kinetics of heavy metals in urban stormwater will significantly enhance the efficiency of urban stormwater management systems.     

重金属污染土壤的修复方法及其在几类典型土壤修复中的应用

文中首先阐述了重金属污染土壤的途径与特点。介绍了当前几类主要的重金属污染土壤修复方法:物理化学方法、植物修复法、微生物修复法、动物修复法等的技术要点,详述了各自的技术特点及机理,并对它们的修复效能、环境友好性等进行了比较。从土壤的特性出发,区分出了3种典型的遭受重金属污染的土壤:农业土壤、城市土壤、矿区土壤,并从国内外最新的重金属污染修复实践中选取了适合各自土壤类型的修复方法进行了重金属污染土壤的治理探讨。最后,对土壤重金属污染修复技术的发展进行了展望。     

水库型与河流型水源地保护区土壤重金属污染评价与研究——以广安市为例

为摸清广安市城市集中式饮用水水源地一、二级保护区周边土壤环境状况,采用单项污染指数评价法和内梅罗综合污染指数法,对广安市河流型、水库型两种典型饮用水水源地保护区土壤污染状况进行评估,并简要分析周边环境敏感点。结果表明:水库型水源地29个、河流型水源地44个土壤检测样品均未检出镉,铜、锌、铅、镍、总铬、汞、砷均检出,变异系数分别在16.6%~62.1%和15.3%~56.6%之间,说明水源地周边土壤环境受到外界的干扰显著;水库型、河流型水源地土壤中铜、锌、铅、镍、总铬、汞、砷污染指数均小于1,表明两处水源地均未受到已检重金属污染;水库型、河流型水源地内梅罗综合污染指数范围分别为0.16~0.68、0.14~0.44,全部点位内梅罗综合污指数评价等级均为Ⅰ级,表明这两处的饮用水水源地周边土壤是清洁安全的。     

Changes in the rhizosphere of metal-accumulating plants evidenced by chemical extractants

The plants Salix viminalis L. (common osier) and Thlaspi caerulescens J. Presl & C. Presl have been studied often because of their high potential to extract heavy metals from soils. The soil properties favoring this phytoextraction are not yet fully known. In this study we compared three frequently used single-extracting agents (NaNO3, diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid [DTPA], and ethylenediaminetetra-acetic acid [EDTA]) with a sequential extraction procedure to describe changes in the different Cd, Cu, and Zn pools in the rhizosphere of S. viminalis and T. caerulescens grown on calcareous and acidic Swiss soils in a pot experiment. The sequential extraction was used to assess the chemical affinities of these heavy metals (HM) in the soil whereas the single extractants were used for estimating the bioavailable HM pools in the soils. Cadmium depletion in several pools was most apparent in the acidic soil, with a significant decrease observed in the NaNO3-, DTPA-, and EDTA-extractable fractions following T. caerulescens growth compared with control pots. The sequential extraction showed that most Cd extracted by the plant from the acidic soil originated from the organic pool, which implies that heavy metals bound to organic matter may constitute a significant part of the bioavailable Cd pool in soils. In the calcareous soil only a small amount of Cd was taken up by T. caerulescens, and this came mainly from the carbonate-bound fraction. This study shows that T. caerulescens, and to a lesser extent S. viminalis, can alter the heavy metal distribution in different soil pools within 90 d.     

铁尾矿路用对土壤环境质量影响及安全修复研究

为分析铁尾矿路用对道路沿线土壤环境质量影响的程度,对铁尾矿化学成分及有害物质进行测定,以秦巴山区的山地黄棕壤作为道路建设的耕土环境,把铁尾矿按70%~90%的推荐比例掺入,铁尾矿中的重金属按照最不利的全浸入式扩散进行分析,对黄棕壤中重金属含量超过限制要求的重金属进行安全修复,使铁尾矿道路沿线黄棕壤的重金属含量满足限制要求。结果表明:铁尾矿硫化物含量高达到2.89%,不满足配制混凝土的硫化物限量要求;铁尾矿路用的土壤中重金属Cr最大含量103.24 mg/kg、Cu最大含量116.4 mg/kg,国评标准污染等级均为Ⅱ级,其余重金属元素含量都在国家标准正常范围以内;高生物量的非超富集植物、细菌微生物、城市的污泥、工业粉煤灰(5%粉煤灰+50%尾矿砂+45%黄褐土)能够很好修复重金属Cr、Cu污染的土壤;含钙类物质的钝化剂处置重金属Cr、Cu污染效果好,腐殖酸、凹凸棒土、膨润土可以钝化土壤中的重金属Cu;高生物量非超富集植物、微生物钝化剂联合使用,具有更好的修复效果;当控制铁尾矿掺加比例不超过73%时,铁尾矿道路沿线的土壤重金属含量能够满足国家标准限值的要求。     

污泥农用对土壤环境的影响

土地利用是解决城市污泥处理处置的有效途径之一,本文从土壤理化性质、重金属污染风险以及有机污染风险3方面综述城市污泥农用对土壤环境的影响。城市污泥利用为植物提供营养元素,改良土壤结构,提高土壤肥力。污泥施用年限的长短与土壤中重金属的含量高低关系不明显,导致土壤重金属含量增加的主要因素是污泥施用量和污泥中重金属含量。在正常...     

ACCUMULATION OF SELECTED TRACE METALS IN SOILS OF URBAN RUNOFF DETENTION BASINS1

ABSTRACT Field investigations were conducted at three sites in the Washington, D.C., area to detect accumulation patterns of the trace metals, cadmium, copper, lead, and zinc in the soils of urban stormwater detention basins. The research results seemed to indicate that the use of detention basins to control urban stormwater runoff had few harmful effects to fine textured soils with respect to the study trace metals. Although the trace metals, especially lead and zinc, were found to accumulate in the surface soils of the basins, little significant downward movement of metals in the soil profiles had occurred. Accumulations of metals in the surface soils appeared to be a function of microtopography and the resultant residence time of standing water. The fractions of trace metals that were present in a leachable form in surface soils and stormwater solids were small, with median values ranging from 7.7 percent of the total concentration for Cd to 0.01 percent for Pb.     

Five-wheel framework for system-based monitoring of heavy metal pollution in rivers

Sectorial approach for monitoring heavy metal pollution in rivers has failed to report realistic pollution status and associated ecological and human health risks. The increasing spread of heavy metals from different sources and emerging risks to human and environmental health call for reexamining heavy metal pollution monitoring frameworks. Also, the sources, spread, and load of heavy metals in the environment have changed significantly over time, requiring consequent modification in the monitoring frameworks. Therefore, studies on heavy metal monitoring in rivers conducted in the last decade were evaluated for experimental designs, research frameworks, and data presentations. Most studies (∼99%) (i) lacked inclusiveness of all environmental compartments; (ii) focused on “one pollutant – one/two compartment” or sometimes “one pollutant – one compartment – one effect” approach; and (iii) remained “data-rich but information poor.” An ecological approach with integrative system thinking is proposed to develop a holistic approach for monitoring river pollution. It is visualized that heavy metal monitoring, risk analyses, and water management must incorporate tracking pollutants in different environmental compartments of a river (water, sediment, and floodplain/bank soil) and consider correlating it with riverbank land use. The systems-based pollution monitoring and assessment studies will reveal the critical factors that drive heavy metals pollutant movement in ecosystems and associated potential risks to the environment, wildlife, and humans. Also, water quality and pollution indexing tools would help better communicate complex pollution data and associated risks among all stakeholders. Therefore, integrating systems approaches in scientific- and policy-based tools would help sustainably manage the health of rivers, wildlife, and humans.     

Characteristic levels of heavy metals in soil profiles of automobile mechanic waste dumps in Nigeria

The characteristic levels of heavy metals (Cd, Cr, Cu, Pb, Ni and Zn) of soil profiles of automobile mechanic waste dumps were studied. The concentration of heavy metals decreased with the depth of the profile and lateral distance from the dumpsites. The levels found in this study exceeded background concentrations and limits for agricultural and residential purposes. The distribution pattern of heavy metals in the soil profiles were in the following order Pb > Zn > Cu > Cd > Ni > Cr. The mechanic waste dumps represent potential sources of heavy metal pollution to environment. The elevated levels of heavy metals in these soil profiles constitute a serious threat to both surface and groundwater.     

Field reconnaissance and estimation of petroleum hydrocarbon and heavy metal contents of soils affected by the Ebocha-8 oil spillage in Niger Delta, Nigeria

Field reconnaissance of the Ebocha-8 oil spill-affected site at Obiobi/Obrikom in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria was carried out to assess the extent of damage to the terrestrial ecosystem and delimit the epicenter of oil spillage. Following three successive reconnaissance surveys, the area to be sampled was delimited (200 x 200 m2), and soil samples were collected using the grid method from three replicate quadrats at two depths, surface (0-15 cm) and subsurface (15-30 cm). A geographically similar area located 50 m adjacent to the oil-polluted area was used as a reference (control) site. Total hydrocarbon content (THC) and heavy metal concentrations were later determined in the laboratory by extraction and spetrophotemetric techniques. Generally, the THC of soils at surface and subsurface depths of the oil-polluted plots was 2.06 x 10(4) +/- 4.97 x 10(3) mg/kg and 1.67 x 10(3) +/- 3.61 x 10(2) mg/kg soil, respectively, (no overlap in standard errors at 95% confidence limit) while concentrations of heavy metals(Pb, Cd, V, Cu and Ni) were enhanced, especially at the surface. The high levels of THC and heavy metals may predispose the site, which hitherto served as arable agricultural land, to impaired fertility and possible conflagration. When concentrations of heavy metals reach the levels obtained in this study, they may become toxic to plants or possibly bio-accumulate, thus leading to toxic reactions along the food chain. While the spilled-oil may have contributed to the enhanced levels of the metals in the affected soils, physico-chemical properties of the soils, mobility of metals, and the intense rainfall and flooding that preceded the period of study may have also contributed in part to their enhanced concentrations. The presence of high hydrocarbon content may cause oxygen deprivation, which may result in the death of soil fauna by asphyxiation. There is, therefore, an urgent need to clear the affected site of these excess hydrocarbon deposits so as to enhance the rehabilitation process of the affected mat layer of soils. Other appropriate mitigating measures, such as subsequent monitoring of hydrocarbon levels at suitable intervals after the clean up activities, are also recommended, with reference to the findings of this study, for effective management of the affected area.     

西溪湿地底泥质量现状与生态风险初步评价

为了解西溪湿地底泥质量现状,2012年9月采集保护区内不同干扰类型的底泥样本,测试了底泥中重金属和POPs中PCBs、OCPs和PAHs的含量,并对湿地底泥污染进行了生态风险初步评价。结果表明,底泥中未检出PCBs和OCPs,但检测出14种EPA优控PAHs,总PAHs的浓度范围为115.9～217.8 ng·g^-1,低于潜在生态风险的效应区间低值ERL,其中列入中国＂水中优先控制污染黑名单＂的7种PAHs均有检出并且其总量占∑PAHs 1/2左右（平均为50.08%）;底泥中8种重金属含量平均值低于《土壤环境质量标准》（GB 15618—1995）的二级标准,但Hg、Zn、Pb、Ni含量在多个位点已超过一级标准;分别采用土壤背景值和国家一级标准为参比值对湿地底泥中重金属进行单因子污染风险指数评价,发现分别有7种和4种元素的污染指数大于1;综合分析不同干扰类型的底泥质量,发现底泥疏浚能有效降低有机质含量、全氮和PAHs含量,但对全磷、重金属含量则无明显效果,封闭水体的干塘措施能显著减少污泥量和有机物含量。研究结果表明,西溪湿地底泥中高环PAHs和重金属污染水平可能对西溪湿地生物具有潜在的生物毒性作用及不利的生态影响效应,其疏浚底泥农用则无生态风险。     

Converting wasteland into wonderland by earthworms—a low-cost nature’s technology for soil remediation: a case study of vermiremediation of PAHs contaminated soil

Earthworms in general are tolerant to many chemical contaminants including heavy metals and organic pollutants in soil and can bio-accumulate them in their tissues. Earthworms species like Eisenia fetida, Eisenia tetraedra, Lumbricus terrestris, Lumbricus rubellus and Allobophora chlorotica have been found to remove heavy metals (Cd, Pb, Cu, Hg, etc.) pesticides and lipophilic organic micropollutants like the polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) from the soil. They ‘absorb’ the dissolved chemicals through the moist ‘body wall’ in the interstitial water and also ‘ingest’ by mouth while the soil passes through the gut. They either ‘bio-transform’ or ‘biodegrade’ the chemical contaminants rendering them harmless in their bodies. Meanwhile the quality of the soil is improved significantly in terms of physical, chemical and biological properties as the worms thoroughly upturn and disperse the soil, ingest large volumes of soil and excrete nutritive materials (NKP and micronutrients) in the form of ‘vermicasts’ along with millions of beneficial soil microbes including nitrogen fixers.     

Formulation of criteria for pollution control on cement products produced from solid wastes in China

The process of producing cement products from solid waste can increase the level of pollutants in the cement products. Therefore, it is very important to establish a pollution control standard for cement products to protect the environment and human health. This paper presents acceptance limits for the availability of heavy metals in cement products which have been produced from solid wastes and explains how the limits have been calculated. The approach and method used to formulate these criteria were based on EN 12920. The typical exposure scenarios used in this paper involve concrete being used for drinking water supply pipelines and concrete pavements and are based on an analysis of typical applications of cement in China, and the potential for contact with water. The parameters of a tank test which was based on NEN 7375 were set in accordance with the environmental conditions of typical scenarios in China. Mechanisms controlling the release of heavy metals in concrete and a model for that release were obtained using the leaching test. Finally, based on acceptance criteria for drinking water and groundwater quality in China, limit values for the availability of heavy metals in concrete were calculated.     

DISSOLVED HEAVY METALS IN SHALLOW GROUND WATER IN A SOUTHEASTERN MICHIGAN URBAN WATERSHED1

ABSTRACT: The occurrence of dissolved heavy metal concentrations in shallow ground water were measured at 126 sites within an urban watershed in southeastern Michigan. A total of 1,140 samples were collected from the first saturated zone, and the mean concentrations of 11 heavy metals (arsenic, barium, cadmium, chromium, copper, lead, mercury, nickel, selenium, silver, and zinc) were obtained and compared to their corresponding mean concentrations within surface soil. The results suggest that former and current land use processes have resulted in significant adverse impacts on the study region. Levels of Cr 20 to 30 times the maximum contaminant level (MCL) have been detected in the ground water beneath industrial sites. In addition, Cd and Pb have been found at levels exceeding their MCLs where surface soils are clay‐rich, and in sandy soils at more than 10 times their MCLs. The high levels of Cr in ground water strongly suggest that the chromium is in a hexavalent form, and this likelihood is supported by current studies. Given the hydraulic connection between the watershed's surface waters and the Great Lakes, these findings raise significant ecological and public health concerns.     

National benefits,local costs? Local residents' views on environmental and social effects of large‐scale mining in Chingola,Zambia

This study examined the environmental and social effects of large‐scale mining in Chingola, Zambia. Data was collected through semi‐structured interviews with 164 residents living close to Zambia's largest open pit mine, key informants and desk analysis of secondary data. Quantitative data was analysed using the chi‐square test, one sample T‐test and two sample Z‐proportions test, while qualitative data was analysed using content analysis. Results show that the residents reported being most affected by sulphur dioxide air emissions and noise pollution due to the proximity of the copper smelter and heavy moving machinery to their residences. The residents received domestic water containing rust and copper ore particles from the water utility company which draws raw water from the mine. Although the mine was a source of employment for locals, over 4,000 jobs (representing a 33% decrease) have been lost over a period of 4 years, negatively affecting the local economy. Mine management attributed the job losses to high production costs and mechanization of mining processes. The residents perceived the job losses to have led to crime, alcohol abuse and prostitution among youths as well as a general increase in poverty levels. Analysis of air emissions data from the mine found elevated levels of dust, cadmium, copper and lead pollutants. Key informants from Nchanga Mine reported implementing bioremediation to reduce soil contamination by the heavy metals and recycling SO₂ to produce sulphuric acid. The study recommends an increase in social corporate responsibility from the mine management to ensure residents derive more substantive benefits from their proximity to the mine.     

表面活性剂修复重金属污染土壤的研究

本文探讨了3种常用表面活性剂,十二烷基苯磺酸钠(SDBS)、十二烷基硫酸钠(SDS)、聚山梨脂(Tween-80)对被重金属铬、镉污染了的土壤的修复洗脱作用,以及被污染土壤对3种表面活性剂的吸附作用。淋洗实验结果表明,3种表面活性剂对土壤中的铬、镉有明显去除效果,聚山梨脂(Tween-80)对污染土壤中铬和镉的去除率分别为61.2%和37.06%。实验表明,土壤对3种表面活性剂均有较强的吸附作用,这种吸附作用对土壤重金属的去除会产生不利的影响。     

施入城市生活垃圾堆肥对玉米植株重金属分布及土壤养分的影响

以玉米为供试作物,研究施入生活垃圾堆肥对土壤和玉米各器官重金属分布规律及对土壤养分的影响。结果表明：连续3年施肥,土壤速效养分的含量明显增加;土壤重金属呈现累积,但含量远远低于二级土壤标准（GB 15618—1995）;植株中重金属含量表现为根部〉茎秆〉叶片〉籽粒,Cd在植株根部富集,但未大量向其他部位转移,玉米植株地上部分重金属含量明显低于饲料卫生标准（GB 13078—2001）。由此推断,在短期内（3年）,年施入60 000 kg·hm^-2的垃圾堆肥能提高土壤肥力,且暂时不会引起土壤重金属污染,也不影响玉米植株的饲用;使用多年后应及时监测,以保证安全性。     

Nutrients and Heavy Metals in Legacy Sediments: Concentrations,Comparisons with Upland Soils,and Implications for Water Quality

Concentrations of nutrients and heavy metals in streambank legacy sediments are needed to estimate watershed exports and to evaluate against upland inputs. Concentrations of nutrients and heavy metals were determined for legacy sediments in 15 streambanks across northeastern Maryland, southeastern Pennsylvania, and northern Delaware. Samples were collected from multiple bank depths from forested, agricultural, urban, and suburban sites. Analyses were performed for fine (<63 μm) and coarse sediment fractions. Nutrient and heavy metal concentrations were significantly higher in fine than coarse legacy sediments and water extractable nutrient concentrations were significantly greater for fine sediments. Nutrient and heavy metal concentrations were highest in streambank legacy sediments associated with urban land use, but few differences were found with bank depth. Total N (40–3,970 mg/kg) and P (25–1,293 mg/kg) and bioavailable P (0.25–48.8 mg/kg) concentrations for legacy sediments were lower than those for upland soils. This suggests that legacy sediments could serve as sink or source of N and P depending on the redox conditions and stream water nutrient concentrations. However, despite low concentrations, caution should be exercised since streambank erosion and legacy sediment mass loadings could be high, these sediments are in immediate proximity of aquatic ecosystems, and biogeochemical transformations could result in release of the nutrients.     

Geochemical properties and pollution assessment of heavy metals in the sediments of Daechung Lake,Korea

In order to examine the forms, sources, and pollution of heavy metals—arsenic (As), aluminum (Al), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), nickel (Ni), lead (Pb), and zinc (Zn)—in Daechung Lake, Korea, sediment samples were collected in November 2014. Daechung Lake was constructed to supply water for human consumption, agricultural use, and industrial use as well as to generate electric power. The lake is stratified in the summer and surrounded mostly by agricultural and mining areas. Our results indicate that the heavy metals (except As and Cd) displayed similar concentrations at all of the sampling stations. As and Cd were high in locations where fine sediments had built up. Based on the enrichment factor of the metals, the sediments collected from all of the sampling stations were highly polluted by As and Cd. Therefore, deposition of heavy metals in Daechung Lake is possibly controlled by grain size and anthropogenic activity, such as drainage from abandoned mines, agricultural activities, and/or the release of wastewater. The most dominant forms for all of the metals were oxide and silicate forms. This suggests that the sediments of Daechung Lake are not highly sulfidic. However, the sediment samples were collected after the collapse of seasonal stratification. Therefore, future studies should include elucidation of major sources for As and Cd and the collection of sediments during months of stratification.     

Responses of a non N-limited forest plantation to the application of alkaline-stabilized dewatered dairy factory sludge

Amendment of forest soils with dewatered dairy factory sludge (DDFS), characterized by low heavy metal contents and high amounts of degradable C, can prevent the depletion of soil nutrients that results from intensive harvesting in forest plantations. However, this practice involves environmental risks when N supplies exceed the demand of plants or when the strong acidity of the soil favors the mobility of trace metals. These aspects were assessed in a young radiata pine plantation growing in a sandy, acidic, and organic N-rich soil for the 7 yr after application of a DDFS. The supply of limiting nutrients (mainly P, Mg, and Ca) provided by application of the DDFS, along with control of the ground vegetation, improved the nutritional status of the stand and led to increases in timber volume of more than 60 to 100%. Increases in soil inorganic N were observed during the first months after amendment. Data from soil incubation experiments revealed that some of the additional N was immobilized and, to a lesser extent, denitrified due to the readily available organic C content of the DDFS. Leaching and increased plant uptake of N were prevented by a combination of the latter processes and the low rate of nitrification. The strong acidity of the soil enhanced the availability of Mn and Zn to plants, although the maximum concentrations did not reach levels harmful to organisms. We conclude that although application of DDFS has positive effects on tree nutrition and growth and the environmental risks are low, repeated application may favor mobility of N and availability of heavy metals.