Lead content of plants and soils from three abandoned smelter areas in and near Socorro,New Mexico

Two primary lead smelters and one secondary lead smelter have been active in the Socorro, New Mexico (USA) area in the last 110 years: the Billing smelter from 1883 to 1894, the Cuba Road smelter from 1881 to 1900, and Cal West from 1979 to 1984. Samples of plants and surface soil under each plant from all three sites were analysed for lead. The plants consisted of sparse grasses, cacti, creosote bush, snakeweed, mesquite and fourwing saltbush. Lead levels in the plants increased (2-440 g g^–1) as the lead in the alkaline soils (25-10000 ng g^–1) increased. However, the BAC (biological absorption coefficient), which is the ratio of lead content in the plant to the lead content in the soil, a measure of relative accumulation, decreased by one to two orders of magnitude, except for grasses and snakeweed. At background lead levels, there was little difference between lead in rootsversus foliage. At high lead levels, there was higher lead in roots versus foliage at the Billing and Cuba Road sites. The reverse was noted at Cal West. Because this is a recent operation, the higher lead in foliage may be due to foliar uptake. Plant growth at all sites appeared healthy.     

Vehicle-Induced Lead and Cadmium Contamination of Roadside Soil and Plants in Italy

Lead and cadmium concentrations in spontaneous vegetation and in soil sampled at various distances (0–208 m) from several motorways throughout Italy were measured. Lead and cadmium concentrations appear to be correlated to distance from the motorway and to traffic levels. A comparison with data from a remote and unpolluted site shows that foliar lead concentrations can be up to 40 times higher, and foliar cadmium concentrations up to 3 times higher. Plants behave differently in their accumulation of lead and cadmium; conifers present the highest levels. Also the various receptors and compartments of the roadside ecosystem differ in their accumulation of lead and cadmium; soil and bark have consistently higher concentrations, while the leaves and twigs of trees have consistently lower levels. the data recorded by ad hoc introduced bio-accumulating plants (Lolium multiflorum L.) are consistent with those of the spontaneous vegetation. the concentrations of both lead and cadmium in Lolium vary from June to November, following in part the fluctuation in traffic density.     

Lead and copper in the sclerotium of the mushroom Pleurotus tuber-regium (Osu): assessment of contribution to dietary intake in southeastern Nigeria

The concentrations of lead and copper in sclerotium of the mushroom Pleurotus tuber-regium widely consumed in Southeastern Nigeria were determined. The specimens purchased from different markets were mineralized with H₂SO₄ and H₂O₂ and analyzed using flame atomic absorption spectrophotometer. The concentrations of Pb ranged from 0.2?±?0.1?mg?kg^?1 to 0.8?±?0.5?mg?kg^?1 with approximately 91% of the results being below 1?mg?kg^?1. The concentrations of Cu ranged from 0.5?±?0.2?mg?kg^?1 to 1.2?±?0.6?mg?kg^?1 with 78% of the results below 1?mg?kg^?1. The results were compared with the literature and levels set by regulatory authorities, with the conclusion that the consumption of sclerotium does not pose a toxicological risk. The low Pb content of the studied products would contribute to only about 1% of the provisional tolerable weekly intake of Pb. The Cu contents would contribute to nutritional intake of the metal in the general population. It is recommended that the outer layers of the sclerotia be properly scrapped before use to reduce metal contamination from exogenous sources.     

Lead contamination in the roadside soils of Slovenia

The level of lead contamination along the roadway Ljubljana to Zagreb was established in 184 soil samples. The samples were taken from two depths (0–5cm and 15–20cm) and at different distances from the roadway. The influence of terrain morphology, prevailing winds, geological parent material and type of vegetation was estimated. Heavy traffic is confirmed as main source of lead contamination (average enrichment factor 17) in soils. The highest lead accumulation is localised in the top soil layer and within 10m from the roadside. Contamination with lead is more pronounced in soil samples from cuttings and slopes than in soils from plains and mounds. Soils derived from carbonate rocks contain higher lead concentration than those derived from other parent material.     

Mapping Soil Lead and Remediation Needs in Contaminated Soils

For the past two decades, the Taiwan Environmental Protection Administration has made a systematic investigation of As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Pb, Hg, Ni and Zn in agricultural soils to identify soil pollution from industrial production. The EPA has cooperated with local governmental agencies to establish a soil quality monitoring system that would upgrade the land recovery ability and prohibit polluted lands from being cultivated or turned over to other uses. Based on an island-wide soil survey, more than 1,000 hectares of arable soils in Taiwan were found to be considerably contaminated by heavy metals. One of the heavy metal contaminated sites, located near a ceramic product manufacturing factory in Nantou County, was identified as lead contaminated. According to the Nantou Environmental Protection Bureau, the lead content in contaminated sites showed a great variation of several mg Pbkg^–1 soil to several thousands mg Pbkg^–1 soil. Therefore, it is appropriate to estimate the lead spatial distribution through geostatistics such as Kriging. The soil lead concentration contour maps obtained by Kriging can help us to identify the pollution patterns and delineate the range of contaminated sites. The purpose of this study is to determine the Pb concentrations at each location by performing detailed soil sampling on those Pb contaminated sites and estimating the lead spatial distributions by Kriging. A total of 70 soils were sampled from different locations at two experiment sites. Lead contents were determined with 0.1M HCl extractable lead content of the soils. The results obtained by investigating the lead contents in each 15cm segment down to a 60cm depth, revealed that lead contents were greater in arable land near the ceramic products manufacturing factory, and lead concentrations decreased with depth. In addition, Pb concentrations in heavily contaminated soils showed heavy concentrations of Pb in specific locations. Results from Pb content spatial distributions indicated that the Kriging model is a useful tool and can provide decision-makers with critical information for delineating hazardous areas in heavy metal contaminated sites.     

Distribution of heavy metals in soil and accumulation in plants at an agricultural area of Umudike,Nigeria

This study assessed the distribution of heavy metals in soil and their subsequent accumulation in plants at a site at Umudike, Nigeria, that had been contaminated by agrochemicals. Soil and plant samples were analysed for zinc (Zn), chromium (Cr) and cadmium (Cd). The highest concentrations of Zn (251.50 mg/kg) and Cd (61.33 mg/kg) were obtained at a soil depth of 0–10 cm. The highest concentrations of Zn (16.52 mg/kg), Cd (27.12 mg/kg) and Cr (164.07 mg/kg) were accumulated by Baphia nitida. The levels of Cd, Cr and Zn in soil were 27.97–61.33, 24.97–45.43 and 148.57–251.50 mg/kg, and their concentrations in B. nitida were 16.18–27.13, 97.99–164.07 and 0.10–16.52 mg/kg, respectively. There were significant correlations between Cd and Cr and Cd and Zn in soil, as well as between Cd and Cr in plants. The concentration of Cd in soil reflected a state of pollution relative to Dutch criteria for soil and the FAO/WHO Codex Alimentarius Commission.     

Major and minor element contents of calabash clay (nzu) from Abia State,Nigeria: evaluation of potential intake benefits and risks

Major and trace elements were determined in nzu (calabash clay) from Abia State, Nigeria, by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Mean calcium content was 1900 ± 100 mg/kg dry weight, followed by Na 1400 ± 96, Fe 1500 ± 480, K 260 ± 150, and Mg 100 ± 48 mg/kg. The mean concentration of Zn was 35 ± 5, Cu 16 ± 2.0, Mn 17 ± 5.0, Cr 10 ± 1.0, Ni 9.0 ± 2.0, Cd 4.3 ± 1.7, Co 3.9 ± 1.1, and Pb 3.0 ± 0.8 mg/kg. The contents of Ba and V were <0.4 mg/kg. The mean Pb content was higher than the WHO safe limit (0.4 mg/kg) and EU (1 mg/kg) limit for food. Estimates of daily intake of Cd, Cr, Fe, and Ni upon consuming 30–80g of nzu were above the recommended daily intake values. The Ba, Ca, Co, K, Mg, Na, and Zn contents should not exceed the recommended daily intake while Cd, Ni, and Pb would pose health risks, especially in pregnancy. The total target hazard quotient indicated potential health risks to consumers.     

Seasonal variation of nitrate-N in surface and ground-waters of South Western Nigeria: a preliminary survey

Two surveys of nitrate-N concentrations in surface and ground water in Ogun and parts of Lagos and Oyo States of south-western Nigeria were undertaken between October 1997 and December 1998, and between July 2000 and May 2001 (covering both dry and rainy seasons). The study was conducted to ascertain the extent of nitrate-N pollution of the surface/ground water in some parts of the three states. Seventy-two water points (33 rivers/streams, 21 wells and 18 boreholes) were sampled three times during each of the two seasons. Nitrate-N was detected in all the river/stream samples analysed with concentrations ranging from 0.5 to 15.3 mg/l and 1.0 to 7.7 mg/l during the rainy and dry seasons, respectively (average value 2.7 and 2.4 mg/l for rainy and dry season, respectively). 98.5% of the rivers/streams sampling points contained nitrate-N in amounts equal to or less than 10 mg/l. 88.1% of wells and 97.2% of boreholes had a nitrate-N content less than 5 mg/l. Nitrate-N concentrations in the sampled wells ranged from 1.4 to 7.4 mg/l and 1.1 to 6.0 mg/l during the rainy and dry seasons, respectively (average value 2.6 and 2.2 mg/l, respectively). The sampled boreholes had a lower nitrate-N concentration ranging from 0.1 to 5.2 mg/l and from below the detection limit to 5.0 mg/l during the rainy and dry seasons, respectively (average value 1.8 and 1.6 mg/l, respectively). Nitrate-N concentrations in boreholes were below detection limit in 22% of the samples. Generally, for most of the sampling points, nitrate-N concentrations were slightly higher during the rainy season compared with the dry season. The present results indicated that nitrate-N concentrations in all the water points (except one) were below the World Health Organization (WHO) maximum acceptable limit in potable waters (10 mg/l). Therefore, contamination of the surface and ground water of the study area is not indicated. This study provides background data against which future changes in nitrate-N concentrations of surface and ground waters in the study area can be measured.     

A Geochemical Survey of Topsoil in the City of Oslo, Norway

The city of Oslo is situated centrally in the Oslo-graben, which is a Permian rift basin consisting of different kinds of volcanic and sedimentary rocks. In the summer of 1998, approximately 300 samples of surface soil (2–3cm) were taken systematically, 1km^–2. The investigated area covers about 500km². Samples were dissolved in 7M HNO₃ and analysed for 29 elements with ICP-AES, mercury with cold-vapour technique (CV-AAS) and arsenic and cadmium with a graphite furnace (GF-AAS). A factor analysis is frequently used to identify relationships among sets of interrelated variables. To describe the covariant relationships among the elements, a factor analysis has been completed. The first factor contains the elements Sc, Fe, Li, Co, Al, Cr, Be, K, Ni, V, Mg, Y, Ba, Zr, Mn and As (listed with decreasing communality). These elements are typical for the minerals in the area and most of these elements have a near normal distribution. Sources for this factor are probably geological. The second factor contains Cd, Hg, P, Zn, Cu, Ba and Pb. They have a log-normal distribution. Road traffic is probably one of the sources contributing to this factor. In Norway studded tyres are used frequently in the winter season which results in large amounts of road dust. Leaded petrol has been a major source for Pb but is not in use any more. Wear and tear of tyres and brakes contribute also to this factor. Other sources contributing to this factor are probably industry, rubbish incineration, crematoria and release of some of these elements from structural material by fire. Factors 3, 4 and 6 with elements such as Ca, Na, La, Ti and Sr probably have geological sources. They are associated with minerals like amphiboles, pyroxenes and feldspars and some of the elements are from sea aerosols. Factor 5 contains Mn, Cd, Zn, As and Pb. Manganese may be derived from many different sources such as rock weathering, windblown dust, agriculture and traffic. Since As and Mn are placed in both factor 1 and 5 they probably have both geological and anthropogenic sources. Concentrations of the elements in the second factor are much higher in the central parts of Oslo, than in the rest of Oslo. The median value of Hg in the centre is 0.48mgkg^–1, which is 8 times higher than that in the rest of the city. Also, the other elements have much higher levels in the centre. The industrial district north-east of the centre also has high values. The distribution of arsenic is regular throughout the whole city, but has a slightly higher level in the centre. Norm values for contaminated land used by the Norwegian authorities are 2mg As kg^–1 and 25mg Cr kg^–1. Of 297 samples, 61% contain more than 25mg Cr kg^–1 and 79% more than 3mg As kg^–1, which is the detection limit of the analysis. These samples will therefore be regarded as contaminated. Factor analysis places these elements in the geological factor. The Norm value of zinc is 150mgkg^–1, and 40% of the samples contain more than this. The Norm value of lead is 150mgkg^–1, and 35% of the samples contain. Road traffic is probably the major source for these elements.     

Heavy metals contents of roadside mosses in the northern and south-eastern regions of Nigeria

Levels of lead, zinc, cadmium, copper and nickel were determined in roadside moss samples within towns in the northern and south-eastern regions of Nigeria. Average lead level in the south-east (59 ppm) was higher than the average for the northern region (44 ppm). Average levels of zinc, cadmium, copper and nickel did not differ significantly between the two regions, with overall averages for the entire study area being 50.9, 1.2, 11.3 and 5.6 ppm for these metals. Lead levels were poorly correlated with those of the other metals, indicating that automobile emissions may not be the main source for these metals in the moss. In comparison with a previous study of the south-west region, the results indicate a generally slightly higher level of metal pollution in the south-west region than in both the northern and south-eastern regions.     

Environmental Impacts of a Secondary Lead Smelter in Landskrona, Southern Sweden

Scandinavia has one secondary lead smelter that recycles lead from approximately 85% of used car batteries in Scandinavia and which has been active since the 1940s. The smelter, situated in Landskrona, has undergone a comprehensive clean up programme during the last decade, during which time production has doubled, while at the same time discharges of dust and lead to the atmosphere have decreased.Top and depth soil samples were taken on a 0.5km×0.5Km grid throughout the city of Landskrona, which covers an area of approximately 15km². Samples were analysed by ICPAES for a number of elements including Pb, Zn, Cu, Cd, As, Sb and Hg. Road dust samples from selected sites were collected and similarly analysed. Blood samples were taken from 37 volunteer schoolchildren (aged 8–11) from two schools in Landskrona. House dust samples were taken from each child's home. Soil samples were taken from homes which had gardens, public and school play areas. Elevated heavy metal concentrations were found in close proximity to the secondary lead smelter, and this soil enrichment influences the whole of the town, modified to some extent by the prevailing wind. The smelter does not influence the soil lead concentration at distances greater than 3.5km, where the soil reflects the background value for the area.Road dust samples also show decreases in lead concentrations with distance from the smelter. The average level of lead in house dust was considerably lower than that found in Birmingham, UK. Blood lead levels in the child population ranged from 1.5–5.1gdl^–1, with a mean of 3.05gdl^–1, showing a distinct decrease from those measured in 1978–82. No significant difference in blood lead concentrations with distance of the home from the smelter, nor between attenders at the two schools was revealed in the limited number of children studied.     

Heavy Metals Contamination of Topsoil in the Vicinities of Auto-Repair Workshops,Gas Stations and Motor-Parks in a Nigerian City

Concentrations of Pb, Zn, Cd, Cu,Cr, Co and Ni were determined in topsoil obtained from vicinities of auto-repair workshops, gas-stations and motor-parks in Ibadan, Nigeria. The levels were elevated above background concentrations in control sites. Lead and copper were the most significant contaminants, and the degree of contamination was highest in auto-repair workshops. Factors of accumulation for Pb and Cu were: auto-repair workshops: Pb - 95.8, Cu - 117; gas stations: Pb - 46.6, Cu - 33.5; motor-parks: Pb - 31.6, Cu - 16.8. For Zn, Cd, Cr, Co and Ni, the factors of accumulation were much lower and did not vary much among the three study areas. Average values for all locations were: Zn - 5.2, Cd - 4.4, Cr - 3.7, Co - 1.5, Ni - 1.7. Improper disposal of waste lubricants is the likely source of high copper contamination.     

Disturbance of the Macroinvertebrate communities of bank-root biotope of a river in southern Nigeria

The impact of disturbance on the macroinvertebrate community was investigated in the biotope of a river catchment area. A total of 56 and 18 taxa were recorded at Stations 1 and 2, accounting for 71 and 29% individual organisms, respectively. Twelve taxa were common at both stations. Baetidae (Ephemeroptera) constituted the predominant group with the 46% density at the upstream biotope of Station 1, whereas, family Hydrobidae (Mollusca) dominated numerically the downstream Station 2. Data revealed that months of sampling at stations significantly influenced the occurrence and abundance of the major groups. Three distinct patterns of seasonal affiliation among the benthos were observed. Monthly variation in species diversity occurred. The macroinvertebrate community was affected by disturbances at the downstream bank-root biotope, limiting the occurrence of life forms to a few adaptable groups.     

Accumulation of organochlorine insecticides in the blood of the general population of Nigeria

Gas Chromatographic determination of blood levels of organochlorine pesticides in people of Southern Nigeria is described. Among the compounds detected and quantified were the HCH‐isomers, DDT and its metabolites and dieldrin, the major pollutants being DDT, DDE and the HCH‐isomers. Delta‐HCH, HCB and Endrin were also detected in a few samples. Total DDT (DDT + DDE + DDD) ranged from 0.04–7.24 ppm, total HCH (alpha + beta + gamma) 0.08–5.64 ppm, and dieldrin 0.03–0.28 ppm.     

Assessment of As and Heavy Metal Contamination in the Vicinity of Duckum Au-Ag Mine, Korea

In order to assess the potential of As and heavy metal contamination derived from past mining activity and to estimate the human bioavailability quotients for As and heavy metals. Tailings, soils and crop samples were collected and analysed for As, Cd, Cu, Pb and Zn. The mean concentrations of As, Cd, Cu, Pb and Zn in the tailings were 68.5, 7.8, 99, 3,754 and 733 µg g^–1, respectively. Maximum Pb concentration in tailings was up to 90 times higher than its tolerable level. The concentrations of these metals were highest in the soils from the dressing plant area, and decreased in the order: farmland soil to paddy soil. In particular, some of the soils from the dressing plant area contained more than 1% of Pb and Zn. The pollution index ranged from 0.19 to 1.93 in paddy soils, and from 1.47 to 3.60 in farmland soils. The average concentrations of heavy metals in crops collected from farmland were higher than those in rice stalks or rice grains, and higher than the internationally accepted limits for vegetables. Element concentrations extracted from farmland soils within the simulated human stomach for 1 h are 9.4 mg kg^–1 As, 3.8 mg kg^–1 Cd, 37 mg kg^–1 Cu, 250 mg kg^–1 Pb and 301 mg kg^–1 Zn. In particular, the extracted concentrations of Cd, Pb and Zn are in excess of the tolerable levels. The results of the simple bioavailability extraction test (SBET) indicate that regular ingestion (by inhalation and from dirty hands) of soils by the local population could pose a potential health threat due to long-term toxic element exposure.     

Comparative study of plasma lead levels in the staff of Dandy Zinc Factory of Zanjan and in normal individuals

Pollution is a global problem which affects various human population functions. Despite the decline in plasma lead (Pb) levels among the general population during the past 20 years, this metal continues to be a public health concern for individuals with past and present exposures. The objective of this study was to determine blood lead levels (BPbL) in the staff of Dandy Zinc Company and compare them to control subjects. The test group included 40 staff of Dandy Zinc Company of Zanjan, while controls were selected from general population. Five milliliters of blood and plasma was sent to Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AOEI) reference lab to measure BPbL by Flameless Atomic Absorption. BPbL in test group (16.6 + 8.18 µg dL^?1) was significantly higher than control (10.47 + 2.10 µg dL^?1). In both groups BPbL was significantly higher in smokers than non-smokers. Blood lead levels in molding workers were significantly higher than other workers. BPbL in exposed workers were directly related to duration of work and age. Data indicate Pb exposure was of significant magnitude to be a public health concern especially in zinc-and Pb-related industries.     

中国近海和河口环境铜污染的状况

我国铜消费量已稳居世界前列,但随之而来的是铜带来的环境污染压力。铜污染问题不但在内陆环境逐渐突出,而且在近海和河口环境也日趋严重。通过分析近年来发表的我国近海河口海水、沉积物、牡蛎的铜含量数据,评估我国近海和河口环境的铜污染现状。数据显示,我国近海和河口环境大部分地区铜污染水平较低,但存在个别污染严重的区域。沉积物柱状样的数据显示,我国近海河口环境铜污染水平在过去几十年中呈逐渐上升趋势。铜污染已经开始威胁我国近海和河口环境的健康发展。"蓝牡蛎"和"绿牡蛎"是我国近海河口生物受铜污染影响的一个典型例子。多地发现"蓝牡蛎"的现象印证了铜污染源在近海河口环境普遍存在的观点。牡蛎受重金属污染而变色是一个值得研究的污染现象,它包含了复杂的生物学和生态学因素。本文探讨了"蓝牡蛎"和"绿牡蛎"形成的机制。     

Chemical composition of rivers and streams in the forest and savanna zones of Nigeria

The aim of this study is to investigate the differences in the chemical conditions of lotic waterbodies in the two major ecosystems in Nigeria, the forest and savanna zones. The forest waters were slightly acidic (mean±SD pH = 6.72±0.58) while the savanna waters were slightly alkaline (pH = 7.11±0.33). The cationic order of dominance in the forest waters was Na⁺ > Ca²⁺ > Mg²⁺ > K⁺ in contrast to Ca²⁺ > Mg²⁺ > Na⁺ > K⁺ in savanna waters. The forest waters were chlorided (typical of coastal and/or marine waters) whereas the savanna waters were carbonated in nature, typical of the worldwide freshwater. Organic carbon was significantly higher in forest waters than in the savanna waters (p < 0.05) while nutrient compounds were significantly higher in savanna waters than in forest waters. The seasonal variation of the chemical parameters was generally more evident in savanna than in forest waters. The differences in water quality between the two major vegetation zones reflect the differences in the biogeochemical processes and nutrient cycling that characterise forest and savanna ecosystems.