Distribution of potentially harmful elements in soils around a large coal-fired power plant

An understanding of the spatial distribution and contribution of a power plant to local soil contamination is important for the planning of soil use and prioritizing remedial actions for public safety. Consequently, the aim of this study was to map the spatial distribution of potentially hazardous elements (PHEs; Cu, Pb, Zn, Ni, Cr, Fe, Mn, Cd, As, and Se) in soils around a large (796 MW) coal-fired power plant in Brazil. For the purpose, 33 soil samples were collected in the area within a radius of approximately 17.5 km from the plant and subsequently analyzed for PHEs. The frequency and direction of winds were also obtained from a meteorological station in the region. The sampling area was divided into four quadrants (northwest: N-NW; northeast: N-NE; southeast: S-SE; southwest: S-SW), and there were significant negative correlations between the distance and the concentrations of Se in the S-SE quadrant and As in the S-SW and S-SE quadrants. There were positive correlations between distance from the plant and the concentration of Mn in the N-NE quadrant and the concentration of Cd in the S-SW quadrant. The dominant direction of the winds was N-NE. The indexes used in this study showed low-to-moderate enrichment factor, but detailed analysis of the dominant quadrant of the winds showed a correlation with higher concentrations in the soils closer to the power plant for at least seven of the PHEs analyzed, especially with regard to As. Therefore, we conclude that the distribution of the metalloid As can be used as a marker of the spatial distribution of contamination from the thermoelectric plant, but the dynamics of the other elements suggests that the presence of other sources of contamination may also compromise the quality of local soils.

     

济南市不同来源大气颗粒物的特征分析

本文对济南市几个典型来源的大气颗粒物用Ｘ光光电子能谱和电子自共振波谱仪（ＥＳＲ）进行表征,并模型酸雨对这些颗粒物进行了淋洗,分析淋洗液中的金属含量,结果表明：电厂颗粒物中的硫主要以ＳＯ３,ＳＯ＾２－４,ＳＯ２,ＳＯ＾２－３和Ｓ等多种形式存在,钢厂颗粒物中的表面硫主要以ＳＯ＾２－４和Ｓ＾２－的形式存在,炼油厂颗粒表面硫以ＳＯ＾２－４和ＳＯ２的形式存在,但颗粒物内层的硫主要以ＳＯ＾２－４形式存在,而且     

Accumulation and translocation of heavy metals in soil and plants from fly ash contaminated area

The present investigation deals with the accumulation of heavy metals in fields contaminated with fly ash from a thermal power plant and subsequent uptake in different parts of naturally grown plants. Results revealed that in the contaminated site, the mean level of all the metals (Cd, Zn, Cr, Pb, Cu, Ni, Mn and Fe) in soil and different parts (root and shoots) of plant species were found to be significantly (p<0.01) higher than the uncontaminated site. The enrichment factor (EF) of these metals in contaminated soil was found to be in the sequence of Cd (2.33) > Fe (1.88) > Ni (1.58) > Pb (1.42) > Zn (1.31) > Mn (1.27) > Cr (1.11) > Cu (1.10). Whereas, enrichment factor of metals in root and shoot parts, were found to be in the order of Cd (7.56) > Fe (4.75) > Zn (2.79) > Ni (2.22) > Cu (1.69) > Mn (1.53) > Pb (1.31) > Cr (1.02) and Cd (6.06) approximately equal Fe (6.06) > Zn (2.65) > Ni (2.57) > Mn (2.19) > Cu (1.58) > Pb (1.37) > Cr (1.01) respectively. In contaminated site, translocation factor (TF) of metals from root to shoot was found to be in the order of Mn (1.38) > Fe (1.27) > Pb (1.03) > Ni (0.94) > Zn (0.85) > Cd (0.82) > Cr (0.73) and that of the metals Cd with Cr, Cu, Mn, Fe; Cr with Pb, Mn, Fe and Pb with Fe were found to be significantly correlated. The present findings provide us a clue for the selection of plant species, which show natural resistance against toxic metals and are efficient metal accumulators.     

Assessment of drain water receiving effluent from tanneries and its impact on soil and plants with particular emphasis on bioaccumulation of heavy metals

In the present study, impact of tannery and other industrial effluents on the physico-chemical characteristics of loamy drain water and their consequent impact on soil and plants irrigated with effluent have been studied. The study reveals most of the parameter pH, BOD5 and COD at sampling station I was higher than station II. Waste water quality at both Stations I and II exceeded prescribed limits (BIS) for safe disposal of effluents into the surface water Samples of soil and vegetables from the land irrigated with loamy drain water has been collected and analyzed for Cu, Zn, Ni, Cr Pb and Cd. The different metals showed different enrichment factor for loamy drain water irrigated soil and are as follows: Cd 30% (max), Pb 26%, Zn 18%, Cr 5%, Cu 5%, Ni 2% (min). For plant samples collected at polluted sites are Ni 46% spinach (whole plant) (max), Zn 42% spinach (whole plant), Cr 39% spinach (whole plant), Cu 33% spinach (whole plant), Pb 20% potato tuber, Cd 20% potato tuber (min). The levels of Zn 145, Cu 5.25, and Ni 39.25 microg/ g in spinach, Pb 29.25, Cr 38. 25 and Cd 3.2 microg/g in potato tuber grown on polluted soil irrigated with contaminated drain water were found more than the reference value, which may create chronic health hazard problem to human and cattle through food chain in long run. Accumulation of toxic heavy metals may be build up in the agriculturally productive land where it is treated with contaminated effluent enrich with metals in turn bio-concentrated in the edible fodder/plants.     

东莞市不同区域菜地土壤重金属污染状况研究

对东莞市及其不同区域菜地土壤重金属污染情况进行了调查和分析，参照国家土壤环境质量标准，运用单因子污染指数法和综合污染指数法对上述土壤质量进行了评价。结果表明，全市和各区土壤受到了不同程度的重金属污染，具体表现为：全市土壤Cd、Cu、Ni和Pb的超标率分别为4．9％，6．6％，3．3％和95．1％，均处于轻污染状态，以Pb污染最严重；土壤Cr未有超标，仅西北区域达到了警戒级水平。全市土壤重金属含量各样点间变异较大(Zn、Cr、Pb、Cd、Cu、Ni和有效Cu、Zn的变异系数分别为51．5％，54．1％，37．5％，48．8％，60．2％，57．3％和85．3％，64．7％)，但对各重金属元素而言却存在着不同程度的区域差异。     

Sources and risk assessment of metal contamination in soils at the international airport of Shanghai,China

Concentrations of Cd, Pb, Zn, Cr, Cu, and Ni in soils at the Pudong International Airport (PIA) of Shanghai, China, were determined to assess the sources and potential ecological risks. Compared to the soil background values of Shanghai, 31 soil samples out of 33 were highly contaminated with Cd, and 76% were moderately contaminated by Cr, Ni, Pb, and Zn. Principal component analysis and clustering analysis indicated that Pb and Cd mainly originated from anthropogenic sources, while Zn, Cr, Ni, and Cu were mainly from natural sources. Relatively high concentrations of Cd and Pb were observed at sampling points near the landing or take-off sites or a close-by highway. Both air and highway traffic affected the quality of the soils at PIA.     

神木煤矿区土壤重金属污染特征研究

通过对神府煤田开采区3个煤矿区周围土壤Cu、Cd、Cr、Mn、Ni质量分数进行测定及分析,评价了煤田开采对周围土壤的污染程度。结果表明,长期的煤炭资源开发、运输等活动,已导致周围土壤受到重金属不同程度的累积性污染,土壤中Cd、Ni质量分数高于陕西省土壤背景值,且Cd污染程度较高,Ni污染程度较低,而Cu、Cr、Mn基本不受污染。3个煤矿表层土壤各重金属元素质量分数均表现出污染区大于对照区,但这种变化幅度存在一定差异;Cu、Cr、Mn 3种重金属元素虽没有超出背景值,但已表现出一定程度的累积;煤矿周围土壤重金属污染受到开采年限、土壤质地、风向等因素的影响。3个煤矿污染区土壤剖面样品中,5种重金属元素质量分数基本上随着土壤深度的增加呈现降低的趋势,且这种趋势具有波动性。     

Phylogenetic analysis of hyperaccumulator plant species for heavy metals and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons

Increasing concentration of heavy metals (HMs) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in the soil may impose a serious threat to living organisms due to their toxicity and the ability to accumulate in plant tissues. The present review focuses on the phylogenetic relationships, sources, biotransformation and accumulation potential of hyperaccumulators for the priority HMs and PAHs. This review provides an opportunity to reveal the role of hyperaccumulators in removal of HMs and PAHs from soils, to understand the relationships between pollutants and their influence on the environment and to find potential plant species for soil remediation. The phylogenetic analysis results showed that the hyperaccumulators of some chemicals (Co, Cu, Mn, Ni, Zn, Cd) are clustered on the evolutionary tree and that the ability to hyperaccumulate different pollutants can be correlated either positively (Cd–Zn, Pb–Zn, Co–Cu, Cd–Pb) or negatively (Cu–PAHs, Co–Cd, Co–PAHs, Ni–PAHs, Cu–Ni, Mn–PAHs). Further research needs to be extended on the focus of commercializing the techniques including the native hyperaccumulators to remediate the highly contaminated soils.

     

Heavy metals in soils and crops in Southeast Asia

In a reconnaisance soil geochemical and plant survey undertaken to study the heavy metal uptake by major food crops in Malaysia, 241 soils were analysed for cation exchange capacity (CEC), organic carbon (C), pH, electrical conductivity (EC) and available phosphorus (P) using appropriate procedures. These soils were also analysed for arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), cobalt (Co), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), mercury (Hg), nickel (Ni), lead (Pb) and zinc (Zn) using aqua regia digestion, together with 180 plant samples using nitric acid digestion. Regression analysis between the edible plant part and aqua regia soluble soil As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Hg, Ni, Pb and Zn concentrations sampled throughout Peninsular Malaysia, indicated a positive relationship for Pb in all the plants sampled in the survey (R2 = 0.195, p < 0.001), for Ni in corn (R2 = 0.649, p < 0.005), for Cu in chili (R2 = 0.344, p < 0.010) and for Zn in chili (R2 = 0.501, p < 0.001). Principal component analysis of the soil data suggested that concentrations of Co, Ni, Pb and Zn were strongly correlated with concentrations of Al and Fe, which is suggestive of evidence of background variations due to changes in soil mineralogy. Thus the evidence for widespread contamination of soils by these elements through agricultural activities is not strong. Chromium was correlated with soil pH and EC, Na, S, and Ca while Hg was not correlated with any of these components, suggesting diffuse pollution by aerial deposition. However As, Cd, Cu were strongly associated with organic matter and available and aqua regia soluble soil P, which we attribute to inputs in agricultural fertilisers and soil organic amendments (e.g. manures, composts).     

Rieselfelder

Soils of the large sewage farm area south of Berlin are contaminated with heavy metals such as Cd, Cr, Cu, Hg, Ni, Pb, Zn. Based on earlier studies the total amount and the bioavailable proportions of heavy metals in soil samples were analysed. In some samples very high levels of total heavy metal concentrations were detected. For Pb, Cd, Cu and Hg the maximum values were 1360, 29.7, 817 and 40.8 mg/kg soil dry matter, respectively. The biovailable fractions of heavy metals which were found primarily in the acetate and EDTA fractions and to a lesser degree in the water extract account for about 50 % (Pb, Ni), 70 % (Cd) or 90% (Zn) of their total amount and may therefore pose a considerable environmental risk.     

Spatial distribution and risk assessment of soil heavy metal contamination along roadsides of the northwestern Sichuan Plateau,China北大核心CSCD

Traffic activities in roadways are the major source of heavy metal contamination on the northwestern Sichuan Plateau, China. To characterize the spatial pattern of heavy metal distribution, we collected soil samples and measured the concentrations of five heavy metals (Cd, Cu, Ni, Pb, and Zn) from nine sites in Hongyuan County, Sichuan Province, including three transects that reflected typical gradients of traffic density. Each transect consisted of three levels of traffic density sites. We calculated single pollution index, Nemerow multi-factor index, and potential ecological risk index, to assess the ecological risk of the heavy metal contamination. Results showed that the soils were contaminated by Cd and Zn, with higher concentrations than that of the natural soil background values in all sampling sites. Moreover, Cd and Zn concentrations increased with increasing traffic density, suggesting that traffic activities were potentially responsible for the metal contaminations. The single pollution index indicated that the study sites were heavily contaminated by Cd and slightly polluted by Ni, Pb, and Zn, and the Nemerow multi-factor and potential ecological risk indexes indicated moderate potential ecological risks at the study sites. Specifically, the sites with high traffic density were moderately contaminated and the sites with low traffic density were mildly contaminated. In general, Cd and Zn were highly accumulated in soils of the study region; therefore focus should be on the high ecological hazard associated with soil heavy metal contamination, even in undeveloped regions. © 2018 Science Press. All rights reserved.     

Enrichment and solubility of trace metals associated with magnetic extracts in industrially derived contaminated soils

Magnetic fractions (MFs) in industrially derived contaminated soils were extracted with a magnetic separation procedure. Total, soluble, and bioaccessible Cr, Cu, Pb and Zn in the MFs and non-magnetic fractions (NMFs) were analyzed using aqua regia and extraction tests, such as deionized water, toxicity characteristic leaching procedure (TCLP), and gastric juice simulation (GJST) test. Compared with the non-magnetic fractions, soil MFs were enriched with Fe, Mn, Pb, Cd, Cr, Cu, and Ni. Extraction tests indicated that soil MFs contained higher water, TCLP, and GJST-extractable Cr, Cu, Pb, and Zn concentrations than the soil NMFs. The TCLP-extractable Pb concentration in the MFs exceeded the USEPA hazardous waste criteria, suggesting that soil MFs have a potentially environmental pollution risk. Solubility of trace metals was variable in the different extraction tests, which has the order of GJST?>?TCLP?>?water. TCLP test showed Cu and Zn were more mobile than Cr and Pb while bioaccessibility of trace metal defined by GJST test showed the order of Cu?≈?Cr?≈?Zn?>?Pb. These findings suggested that the MFs in the industrially derived contaminated soils had higher possibility of polluting water bodies, and careful environmental impact assessment was necessary.     

硫磺对土壤中Pb和Zn形态的影响

研究了添加硫磺对Pb和Zn污染土壤的pH值、土壤中SO4^2-含量、土壤中Pb和Zn的NH4OAc浸提态含量及土壤中Pb和Zn的BCR(欧共体标准物资局)三步分级提取态含量的影响．结果表明：Pb和Zn污染土壤中添加硫磺后,土壤pH值降低,土壤中SO4^2-含量增加,土壤中Pb和Zn的NH4OAc浸提态含量随施硫水平的增加而增加;在对Pb和Zn的BCR三步分级提取态含量分析中,添加硫磺后,二者的B1态都有增加,Zn的B1态增加的比例要高于Pb,二者的B2和B3态都有不同程度的变化．     

Phytoremediation of bauxite-derived red mud by giant reed

In 2010 the pond dam of an aluminium manufacturing plant in Hungary broke and flooded many towns with toxic red mud. At least 10 people were dead and over 150 hospitalized. Bauxite residue is often referred as red mud due to the colour of the bauxite ore and iron oxides. Red mud is separated during the refining process. The production of 1 t of alumina generally results in the creation of 1–1.5 t of red mud. Red mud is toxic for the environment due to high alkalinity, salinity and trace metals. Here, we used the plant Arundo donax L. (giant reed) to uptake trace metals and decrease salinity and pH of red mud. We measured plant toxicity, trace metal availability and biomass production. Results show a 25 % decrease in electrical conductivity of red mud and a 6 % decrease in electrical conductivity of mud-polluted soil. Giant reed cultivation decreases available Cd, Pb, Co, Ni and Fe. Biomass of giant reed seedlings in red mud and mud/control soil mixture was increased by 40.4 and 47.2 %, respectively, comparing with control soil. Our findings show that giant reed is promising to decontaminate soils contaminated by red mud.     

Phytoremediation potential of weed plants’ oxidative biomarker and antioxidant responses

The purpose of this study was to assess the oxidative biomarkers responses, antioxidant potential and metal accumulation tendency of weed plants collected from the control and metal-contaminated site. The metal contamination was found to be higher in soil and plant parts collected from contaminated site and the most serious problem seemed to be metal elevations above than the safe limit for Cd, Pb and Ni in the aerial parts of weed plants. There were variations in metal accumulation in different weed plants that was justified by principal component analysis. The enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants were found to be higher in plant parts collected from contaminated site. Based upon metal accumulation tendency, weed plants showed a translocation ratio (>1) that reflect their potential for metal remediation. The values of metal pollution index also showed higher tendency of metal accumulation in weed plants, particularly in Solanum nigrum, Euphorbia hirta, Amaranthus hybridus and Xanthium strumarium, and they can also flourish at contaminated sites with more production of antioxidants. So, it suggests that studied weed species can be classified as phytoremediation plants and can be used as eco-friendly and economically feasible technique for restoring the land contaminated with toxic metals.     

华北平原地区某铅冶炼厂附近土壤重金属有效性研究(Heavy Metal Availability in Soil near a Lead Smelter in the North China Plain)

为研究华北平原地区某铅冶炼厂对附近农田土壤和居民点内土壤重金属有效性的影响,在距离冶炼厂烟囱1000m和2500m处设置A1和A2两个采样断面(两断面间有一居民点),采取0～20cm土样,测定DTPA-Ni、Cu、Pb、Zn和Cd含量.结果表明,A1断面DTPA-Ni、Cu、Pb、Zn和Cd平均含量均低于A2断面.A1断面土壤DTPA-Pb和Cd变化范围分别为7.18～37.8和0.250～0.950mg·kg-1,平均值分别为25.2和0.580mg·kg-1;A2断面DTPA-Pb和Cd变化范围分别为14.7～133和0.280～2.35mg·kg-1,平均值分别为59.9和1.16mg·kg-1.所有样品的DTPA-Ni、Cu和Zn含量均小于5.5mg·kg-1.随着采样点距离冶炼厂烟囱距离的增加,土壤中DTPA-Ni、Cu、Pb、Zn和Cd含量呈非线性下降,可用幂方程(Ni、Cu和Pb)或对数方程(Zn和Cd)拟合.用Pb和Cd的拟合方程计算得到的研究区内居民点中心位置土壤DTPA-Pb和Cd含量分别为30.0和0.731mg·kg-1,高于地带性土壤背景值.DTPA-Ni、Cu、Pb、Zn和Cd的含量之间均存在极显著线性正相关关系(p<0.01).以上结果表明,冶炼厂造成研究区内土壤Pb和Cd有效性远高于正常水平,并导致Ni、Cu和Zn有效性有一定程度的升高,附近居民点内居民受到土壤高铅和高镉有效性的威胁;土壤铅和镉升高的范围达到距离冶炼厂烟囱2.8km以外区域.     

藿香蓟(Ageratum conyzoides)对土壤铅胁迫的生理响应

为了解日益增加的城市土壤铅(Pb)胁迫对城市园林地被植物的影响,采用盆栽实验研究土壤Pb胁迫对藿香蓟(Ageratum conyzoides)叶片生理特性的影响.结果显示,Pb胁迫处理降低了藿香蓟叶片的叶绿素总量及叶绿素a和b含量,质膜透性增大,丙二醛(MDA)含量上升.随着Pb浓度增加,同一时期内藿香蓟叶片SOD、POD和CAT酶活性均上升,但土壤Pb浓度超过750 mg kg-1或1 000 mg kg-1后保护酶活性开始逐渐下降.随着胁迫处理时间的延长,SOD活性在d 20、d 40和d 60时都高于胁迫处理d 7时的活性,POD活性是在d 20时急剧下降,CAT活性则在胁迫处理d 60时急剧下降.研究表明,藿香蓟能在一定程度上适应土壤Pb胁迫,但Pb胁迫浓度超过750 mg kg-1后将影响其生理代谢过程.图4参20     

Mobilization of different metals between Tamarix parts and their crystal salts – soil system at the banks of river Nile,Aswan, Egypt

In order to study the relation of the mobility and distribution of metals between Tamarix parts and their crystal salts – soil system, different experiments were conducted with plant-rich and plant-free soils at the banks of river Nile, Aswan, Egypt. For these purposes, Tamarix top and subsoil samples near and far from the plant were collected from six different locations at the banks of river Nile. Elemental analysis of Fe, Mn, Ca, Mg, Cr, Cu, Ni, Zn, Cd and Pb in soil, and in different parts of Tamarix and their crystal salt samples was carried out by atomic absorption spectrometry, whereas Na and K were measured by atomic emission spectrophotometry. The bioavailability of metals in the soil samples was evaluated by determining their contents using sequential extraction single-step, providing higher metal concentrations in occluded Fe/Mn oxide fraction. The ratio of heavy metal concentrations in topsoil to that in subsoil enhancement (RTE) ranged from 0.67 to 4.4 and 0.22 to 4.61 for soil Tamarix and soil free from plant, respectively for all measured total element concentrations. Data indicate that the mobility expressed as transfer factor (TF) was obtained as Fe?>?Mg?>?Cr?>?Mn?>?Ca?>?K?>?Na, for Tamarix leaves. The major part of accumulated Na in Tamarix is retained in the plant leaves, while roots accumulated high concentration of Co.     

Heavy metals in soils and crops in Southeast Asia

In a reconnaissance soil geochemical and plant survey undertaken to study the heavy metal uptake by major food crops in Malaysia, 241 soils were analysed for cation exchange capacity (CEC), organic carbon (C), pH, electrical conductivity (EC) and available phosphorus (P) using appropriate procedures. These soils were also analysed for arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), cobalt (Co), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), mercury (Hg), nickel (Ni), lead (Pb) and zinc (Zn) using aqua regia digestion, together with 180 plant samples using nitric acid digestion. Regression analysis between the edible plant part and aqua regia soluble soil As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Hg, Ni, Pb and Zn concentrations sampled throughout Peninsular Malaysia, indicated a positive relationship for Pb in all the plants sampled in the survey (R ² = 0.195, p < 0.001), for Ni in corn (R ² = 0.649, p < 0.005), for Cu in chilli (R ² = 0.344, p < 0.010) and for Zn in chilli (R ² = 0.501, p < 0.001). Principal component analysis of the soil data suggested that concentrations of Co, Ni, Pb and Zn were strongly correlated with concentrations of Al and Fe, which is suggestive of evidence of background variations due to changes in soil mineralogy. Thus the evidence for widespread contamination of soils by these elements through agricultural activities is not strong. Chromium was correlated with soil pH and EC, Na, S, and Ca while Hg was not correlated with any of these components, suggesting diffuse pollution by aerial deposition. However As, Cd, Cu were strongly associated with organic matter and available and aqua regia soluble soil P, which we attribute to inputs in agricultural fertilisers and soil organic amendments (e.g. manures, composts).     

EDTA-assisted phytoextraction of lead from lead-contaminated soils by Echinochloa crusgalli var. frumentacea

The herbaceous plant Echinochloa crusgalli var. frumentacea is highly resistant to a wide range of heavy metal concentrations. In this study we tested the phytoextraction capacity of E. crusgalli var. frumentacea. Specifically, we compared the effect of EDTA on lead (Pb) accumulation in two groups of plants: those sown in lead contaminated soil and those transplanted to the contaminated soil as seedlings. The result of the time development of the Pb concentrations in the plants in the seedling and seed groups shows that for the seedling group, the effect of adding EDTA to the Pb-contaminated soil was even more pronounced in the shoots than the roots, which showed Pb concentrations 32-fold higher. Compared to the seedling group, the Pb concentrations in the roots of plants in the seed group were approximately 5 times higher in controls and 2 to 10 times higher in the presence of EDTA. Collectively, these results might be considered that EDTA elevates the bioavailability of Pb in soil and this native species is particularly suited to use in Pb phytoextraction.