Heavy metal uptake and its effect on macronutrients, chlorophyll, protein, and peroxidase activity of Paspalum distichum grown on sludge-dosed soils

This study assessed the heavy metal (Cr, Mn, Ni, Cu, Zn, and Pb) uptake and its effect on biochemical parameters in Paspalum distichum, a wetland plant. Sludge collected from Bhalswa waste dump, New Delhi, was used as heavy metal source and dosed in different proportions viz. 20%, 40%, 60%, and 80% to the garden soil. The plants accumulated metals mostly in belowground organs. The metal accumulation followed the order: Cr>Mn>Cu>Zn>Ni>Pb. The range of heavy metal concentration in tissue of belowground organs after 180 days of growth was 1,778.65–4,288.01 ppm Cr, 828.11–1,360 ppm Mn, 236.52–330.07 ppm Ni, 155.79–282.35 ppm Cu, 27.05–91.16 ppm Zn, and 27.09–50.87 ppm Pb. The biochemical parameters viz. chlorophyll and protein contents and peroxidase (POD) activity exhibited no considerable adverse effect indicating the plants’ tolerance towards heavy metals. The high POD activity and synthesis of new protein bands at high sludge-dosed plants were also in support of this fact.     

Speciation and assessment of heavy metals in surface sediments of Jinjiang River tidal reach, southeast of China

The concentration and speciation of heavy metals (Cr, Ni, Cu, Zn, Cd, Pb) in surface sediments (??≤ 63 μm) of Jinjiang River tidal reach are determined to evaluate the metal behavior. A modified BCR three-step sequential extraction procedure is carried out, and the residual fraction is undertaken by microwave-assisted acid digestion. The index of geo-accumulation indicates that Cd appeared highest among all these heavy metals in surface sediments, Cr, Cu, Zn lower, and Ni, Pb the least. The percentage of Zn, Cd is comparatively higher in the acid soluble fraction, Pb and Cu higher in the reductive fraction, indicating larger potential danger to the environment. So it is essential for developing the future remediation plans and pollution control strategies.     

Bioaccumulation of selected metals in bivalves (Unionidae) and Phragmites australis inhabiting a municipal water reservoir

Urbanization can considerably affect water reservoirs by, inter alia, input, and accumulation of contaminants including metals. Located in the course of River Cybina, Maltański Reservoir (Western Poland) is an artificial shallow water body built for recreation and sport purposes which undergoes restoration treatment (drainage) every 4 years. In the present study, we demonstrate an accumulation of nine metals (Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, Zn) in water, sediment, three bivalve species (Anodonta anatina, Anodonta cygnea, Unio tumidus), and macrophyte Phragmites australis collected before complete drainage in November 2012. The mean concentrations of metals in the sediment, bivalves, and P. australis (roots and leaves) decreased in the following order: Fe > Mn > Zn > Cu > Cr > Ni > Pb > Co > Cd. A considerably higher bioconcentration of metals was observed in samples collected from the western and southern sites which undergo a higher degree of human impact. Sediments were found to be a better indicator of metal contamination than water samples. Interspecific differences in levels of metal accumulation were found between investigated unionids. U. tumidus accumulated higher levels of Cr, positively correlated with ambient concentrations, predisposing this species as a potential bioindicator of this metal in aquatic environments. On the other hand, species of Anodonta genus demonstrated higher accumulation of Cu and Cd. Positive correlations were found between Pb content in the sediments and tissues of all three bivalve species. In P. australis, metals were largely retained in roots except for Cd and Pb for which higher concentrations were found in leaves suggesting additional absorption of these metals from aerial sources. P. australis and bivalve from the Maltański Reservoir may be a potential source of toxic metals for animals feeding upon them and contribute to further contamination in the food chain.     

Vertical distribution of heavy metals in soil profile in a seasonally waterlogging agriculture field in Eastern Ganges Basin

The accumulation of heavy metals in soil and water is a serious concern due to their persistence and toxicity. This study investigated the vertical distribution of heavy metals, possible sources and their relation with soil texture in a soil profile from seasonally waterlogged agriculture fields of Eastern Ganges basin. Fifteen samples were collected at ～0.90-m interval during drilling of 13.11 mbgl and analysed for physical parameters (moisture content and grain size parameters: sand, silt, clay ratio) and heavy metals (Fe, Mn, Cr, Cu, Pb, Zn, Co, Ni and Cd). The average metal content was in the decreasing order of Fe?>?Mn?>?Cr?>?Zn?>?Ni?>?Cu?>?Co?>?Pb?>?Cd. Vertical distribution of Fe, Mn, Zn and Ni shows more or less similar trends, and clay zone records high concentration of heavy metals. The enrichment of heavy metals in clay zone with alkaline pH strongly implies that the heavy metal distributions in the study site are effectively regulated by soil texture and reductive dissolution of Fe and Mn oxy-hydroxides. Correlation coefficient analysis indicates that most of the metals correlate with Fe, Mn and soil texture (clay and silt). Soil quality assessment was carried out using geoaccumulation index (I _geo), enrichment factor (EF) and contamination factor (CF). The enrichment factor values were ranged between 0.66 (Mn) and 2.34 (Co) for the studied metals, and the contamination factor values varied between 0.79 (Mn) and 2.55 (Co). Results suggest that the elements such as Cu and Co are categorized as moderate to moderately severe contamination, which are further confirmed by I _geo values (0.69 for Cu and 0.78 for Co). The concentration of Ni exceeded the effects-range median values, and the biological adverse effect of this metal is 87 %. The average concentration of heavy metals was compared with published data such as concentration of heavy metals in Ganga River sediments, Ganga Delta sediments and upper continental crust (UCC), which apparently revealed that heavy metals such as Fe, Mn, Cr, Pb, Zn and Cd are influenced by the dynamic nature of flood plain deposits. Agricultural practice and domestic sewage are also influenced on the heavy metal content in the study area.     

Distribution and chemical partitioning of heavy metals in marine near-shore sediment cores: a case study from the Xugou, Lianyungang, China

The concentrations and chemical partitioning of heavy metals (Co, Cr, Ni, Zn, Cu, and Pb) in the marine near-shore sediment cores were investigated. Typically, the mean concentrations from Core B sediment samples were 98.6, 21.1, 47.0, 46.4, 107.6, and 31.9 mg kg^???1 for Cr, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, and Pb, respectively. The heavy metal concentrations were normalized to commonly used reference elements Al, Li, Sc, and total organic carbon. Based on Pearson coefficients, Li was found to be a good normalizer for Co (r?= 0.974), Cr (r?= 0.967), Ni (r?= 0.898), and Zn (r?= 0.929) in 80 sediment samples from three sampling sites. However, the correlation coefficients between Li and Cu, and Li and Pb were relatively low. Multivariate statistic approaches (Principal Component Analysis and Cluster Analysis) were adopted for data treatment, allowing the identification of two main factors controlling the heavy metal variability in the sediments. Heavy metals in the enrichment sections were evaluated by a sequential extraction method for possible chemical forms in sediments. The results showed that the residual, Fe/Mn oxides and Organic/sulfide fractions were dominant geochemical phases in the enriched sections, indicating low bioavailability of heavy metals in sediments.     

Competitive sorption of Cd, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb and Zn in polluted and unpolluted calcareous soils

The objectives of this study were to investigate competitive sorption behaviour of heavy metals (Cd, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb and Zn) under different management practices and identify soil characteristics that can be correlated with the retention and mobility of heavy metals using 65 calcareous soil samples. The lowest sorption was found for Mn and Ni in competition with the other metals, indicating the high mobility of these two cations. The Freundlich equation adequately described heavy metals adsorption. On the basis of Freundlich distribution coefficient, the selectivity sequence of the metal adsorption was Cu?>?Pb?>?Cd?>?Zn?>?Ni?>?Mn. The mean value of the joint distribution coefficient (K _dΣsp) was 182.1, 364.1, 414.7, 250.1, 277.7, 459.9 and 344.8 l kg^?1 for garden, garlic, pasture, potato, vegetables, wheat and polluted soils, respectively. The lowest observed K _dΣsp in garden soil samples was due to the lower cation exchange capacity and lower carbonate content. The results of the geochemical modelling under low and high metal addition indicated that Cd, Ni, Mn and Zn were mainly retained via adsorption, while Pb and Cu were retained via adsorption and precipitation. Stepwise forward regression analysis showed that clay, organic matter and CaCO₃ were the most important soil properties influencing competitive adsorption of Cd, Mn, Ni and Zn. The results in this study point to a relatively easy way to estimate distribution coefficient values.     

Hazard assessment of metals in invasive fish species of the Yamuna River,India in relation to bioaccumulation factor and exposure concentration for human health implications

Monitoring of heavy metals was conducted in the Yamuna River considering bioaccumulation factor, exposure concentration, and human health implications which showed contamination levels of copper (Cu), lead (Pb), nickel (Ni), and chromium (Cr) and their dispersion patterns along the river. Largest concentration of Pb in river water was 392 μg L^?1; Cu was 392 μg L^?1 at the extreme downstream, Allahabad and Ni was 146 μg L^?1 at midstream, Agra. Largest concentration of Cu was 617 μg kg^?1, Ni 1,621 μg kg^?1 at midstream while Pb was 1,214 μg kg^?1 at Allahabad in surface sediment. The bioconcentration of Cu, Pb, Ni, and Cr was observed where the largest accumulation of Pb was 2.29 μg kg^?1 in Oreochromis niloticus and 1.55 μg kg^?1 in Cyprinus carpio invaded at Allahabad while largest concentration of Ni was 174 μg kg^?1 in O. niloticus and 124 μg kg^?1 in C. carpio in the midstream of the river. The calculated values of hazard index (HI) for Pb was found more than one which indicated human health concern. Carcinogenic risk value for Ni was again high i.e., 17.02?×?10^?4 which was larger than all other metals studied. The results of this study indicated bioconcentration in fish due to their exposures to heavy metals from different routes which had human health risk implications. Thus, regular environmental monitoring of heavy metal contamination in fish is advocated for assessing food safety since health risk may be associated with the consumption of fish contaminated through exposure to a degraded environment.     

<Emphasis Type="Italic">Mazzaella laminarioides</Emphasis> and <Emphasis Type="Italic">Sarcothalia crispata</Emphasis> as possible bioindicators of heavy metal contamination in the marine coastal zone of Chile

The suitability of Mazzaella laminarioides and Sarcothalia crispata as heavy metal biomonitors of Cd, Cu, Hg, Pb, and Zn was assessed by comparing bioaccumulation of these elements in different life stages and frond sizes in samples from three locations, San Vicente Bay (industrial area), Coliumo, and Quidico (the latter as a reference station), where different degrees of heavy metal pollution are recorded. Bioaccumulation and bioconcentration factors of Cd, Cu, Hg, Pb, and Zn were evaluated. The two macroalgae species showed similar patterns, with higher values of Cu, Hg, Pb, and Zn in polluted areas. M. laminarioides bioaccumulated higher concentrations of all metals assessed than S. crispata, independent of life stage and frond size. The results also showed significantly higher Cu, Hg, Pb, and Zn concentrations (p < 0.05) in water samples from San Vicente Bay than those measured in Coliumo and Quidico. Concentrations of Cd, Hg, Pb, and Zn in San Vicente Bay and Cd, Hg, and Pb in Coliumo and Quidico exceed the mean values considered to represent natural concentrations (Cu = 3.00 μg L^?1; Zn = 5.00 μg L^?1; Pb = 0.03 μg L^?1; Cd = 0.05 μg L^?1; Hg = 0.05 μg L^?1); however, the concentrations recorded do not cause negative effects on the growth and survival of macroalgae. The assessment of heavy metals bioaccumulated in M. laminarioides and S. crispata, particularly Hg, Pb, and Zn, offers a reliable approach for pollution assessment in rocky intertidal environments. Cu and Cd concentrations in seawater samples from San Vicente and Coliumo Bays were significantly higher than in those from Quidico (p value < 0.05); no significant differences in Cd concentrations were observed between San Vicente and Coliumo Bays (p < 0.05). Exceptionally, Cd is bioaccumulated at high levels independent of its availability in the water, thus reaching high concentrations in control areas. High concentrations of metals like Cu and Zn may limit or inhibit Cd uptake in macroalgae, since the transport channels are saturated by some metals, reducing the accumulation of others. These macroalgae species offer good potential for the development of suitable heavy metal pollution survey tools in rocky intertidal environments.     

Metal speciation in sediment and bioaccumulation in <Emphasis Type="Italic">Meretrix lyrata</Emphasis> in the Tien Estuary in Vietnam

The concentrations of seven toxic metals (cadmium (Cd), nickel (Ni), chromium (Cr), arsenic (As), lead (Pb), copper (Cu), and zinc (Zn)) were determined in sediments and the soft tissues of a bivalve species (Meretrix lyrata) collected from the Tien Estuary in Tien Giang Province, South Vietnam. The total metal concentrations in sediments (mg/kg dry weight) increased as Cd (0.06) < Cu (5.0) < Pb (13.9) < As (16.3) < Ni (24) < Cr (50) < Zn (62). Speciation analysis revealed that these metals existed mainly in the residual fraction (43–94%), followed by the Fe-Mn oxide-bound (5–35%) and organic/sulfide-bound (0.6–9.2%) fractions. The metal concentrations in M. lyrata (mg/kg dry weight) were in the ranges of 1.3–1.9 (Cd), 1.5–2.8 (Ni), 1.8–3.4 (Cr), 11–16 (As), 0.3–0.6 (Pb), 6.9–8.7 (Cu), and 95–128 (Zn), which are safe for human consumption. The order of the mean biota-sediment accumulation factor (BSAF) of the metals in the non-residual fractions of the sediment for M. lyrata was Cd > Cu > As > Zn > Cr > Ni > Pb. The Risk Assessment Codes (RACs) suggest that the highest mobility of Cd (with RAC = 37%) poses greater environmental risk to aquatic biota. Correlation analysis results show that M. lyrata can be used as a biomonitor of Cd and Cu pollution in the exchangeable, acid-soluble, and non-residual sediment fractions.     

Contamination assessment of arsenic and heavy metals in a typical abandoned estuary wetland—a case study of the Yellow River Delta Natural Reserve

Coastal and estuarine areas are often polluted by heavy metals that result from industrial production and agricultural activities. In this study, we investigated the concentration trait and vertical pattern of trace elements, such as As, Cd, Ni, Zn, Pb, Cu, and Cr, and the relationship between those trace elements and the soil properties in coastal wetlands using 28 profiles that were surveyed across the Diaokouhe Nature Reserve (DKHNR). The goal of this study is to investigate profile distribution characteristics of heavy metals in different wetland types and their variations with the soil depth to assess heavy metal pollution using pollution indices and to identify the pollution sources using multivariate analysis and sediment quality guidelines. Principal component analysis, cluster analysis, and pollution level indices were applied to evaluate the contamination conditions due to wetland degradation. The findings indicated that the concentration of trace elements decreased with the soil depth, while Cd increases with soil depth. The As concentrations in reed swamps and Suaeda heteroptera surface layers were slightly higher than those in other land use types. All six heavy metals, i.e., Ni, Cu, As, Zn, Cr, and Pb, were strongly associated with PC1 (positive loading) and could reflect the contribution of natural geological sources of metals into the coastal sediments. PC2 is highly associated with Cd and could represent anthropogenic sources of metal pollution. Most of the heavy metals exhibited significant positive correlations with total concentrations; however, no significant correlations were observed between them and the soil salt and soil organic carbon. Soil organic carbon exhibited a positive linear relationship with Cu, Pb, and Zn in the first soil layer (0–20 cm); As, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, and Zn in the second layer (20–40 cm); and As, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, and Zn in the third layer (40–60 cm). Soil organic carbon exhibited only a negative correlation with Cd (P?I _geo values), which averaged less than 0 in the three soil layers, this finding indicates that the soils have remained unpolluted by these heavy metals. The mean concentrations of these trace elements were lower than Class I criteria. The degradation wetland restoration suggestions have also been provided in such a way as to restore the reserved flow path of the Yellow River. The results that are associated with trace element contamination would be helpful in providing scientific directions to restore wetlands across the world.     

Heavy metal enrichment in the seagrasses of Lakshadweep group of islands—A multivariate statistical analysis

An assessment on heavy metal (Al, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mg, Mn, Ni, Pb and Zn) accumulation by seven seagrass species of Lakshadweep group of islands was carried out using multivariate statistical tools like principal component analysis (PCA) and cluster analysis (CA). Among all the metals, Mg and Al were determined in higher concentration in all the seagrasses, and their values varied with respect to different seagrass species. The concentration of the four toxic heavy metals (Cd, Pb, Zn and Cu) was found higher in all the seagrasses when compared with the background values of seagrasses from Flores Sea, Indonesia. The contamination factor of these four heavy metals ranged as Cd (1.97–12.5), Cu (0.73–4.40), Pb (2.3–8.89) and Zn (1.27–2.787). In general, the Pollution Load Index (PLI) calculated was found to be maximum for Halophila decipiens (58.2). Results revealed that Halophila decipiens is a strong accumulator of heavy metals, followed by Halodule uninervis and Halodule pinifolia, among all the tested seagrasses. Interestingly, the small-leaved seagrasses were found to be efficient in heavy metal accumulation than the large-leaved seagrass species. Thus, seagrasses can better be used for biomonitoring, and seagrasses can be used as the heavy metal sink as the biomass take usually long term to get remineralize in nature.     

Enhanced uptake of heavy metals in municipal solid waste compost by turfgrass following the application of EDTA

Enhancement of multiple heavy metal uptake from municipal solid waste (MSW) compost by Lolium perenne L. in a field experiment was investigated with application of EDTA. EDTA was added in solution at six rates (0–30 mmol kg^???1) after 50 days of plant growth. Two weeks later, plants were harvested for the first crop and then all the turfgrasses were mowed. After another 30 days of growth, EDTA was added again at above six rates to the corresponding sites and the second crop was harvested 2 weeks later. The results showed that EDTA significantly increased heavy metal accumulation in both crops of L. perenne. For the first crop, the concentrations of Mn, Ni, Cd, and Pb in the shoots increased remarkably with increasing EDTA supply, peaked at 25 mmol kg^???1 EDTA, and shoots of 0–5 cm height (shoots from medium surface to 5 cm height) had higher metal concentrations than 5–10 cm and >10 cm shoots. The highest concentration of Mn, Ni, Cd, and Pb was 2.3-, 2.3-, 2.6-, and 3.2-fold, respectively, in 0–5 cm shoots higher than control. For the second crop, the concentrations of Mn, Cu, and Pb in shoots were, in general, less than those in the first crop. However, the second crop was significantly higher (P?< 0.05) than the first crop in dry biomass, so the total amount of metals removed by the second crop was more than the first crop. In addition, EDTA significantly increased the translocation ratios of most heavy metals from roots to shoots. For the first crop, 38% of the total Zn, 51% of Cd, 49% of Pb, 60% Mn, 55% Ni, and 45% Cu taken up by the plant was translocated in the shoots of 0–5 cm height. Turfgrass would have potential for use in remediation of heavy metals in MSW compost or contaminated soils.     

Effects of multi-metal toxicity on the performance of sewage treatment system during the festival of colors (Holi) in India

The present study investigated the effects of heavy metals (Ni, Zn, Cd, Cu, and Pb) toxicity on the performance of 18 MLD activated sludge process-based sewage treatment plant (STP) during celebration of Holi (festival of colors in India). The composite sampling (n?=?32) was carried out during the entire study period. The findings show a significant decrease in chemical oxygen demand removal efficiency (20%) of activated sludge system, after receiving the heavy metals laden wastewater. A significant reduction of 40% and 60% were observed in MLVSS/MLSS ratio and specific oxygen uptake rate, which eventually led to a substantial decrease in biomass growth yield (from 0.54 to 0.17). The toxic effect of metals ions was also observed on protozoan population. Out of the 12 mixed liquor species recorded, only two ciliates species of Vorticella and Epistylis exhibited the greater tolerance against heavy metals toxicity. Furthermore, activated sludge shows the highest metal adsorption affinity for Cu, followed by Zn, Pb, Ni, and Cd (Cu?>?Zn?>?Pb?>?Ni?>?Cd). Finally, this study proves the robustness of activated sludge system against the sudden increase in heavy metal toxicity since it recovered the earlier good quality performance within 5?days.     

Spatial and temporal variability of metals in inter-tidal beach sediment of Mumbai, India

Nine metals were monitored in the beach sediment in Mumbai from May 2011 to March 2012 to evaluate the spatial and temporal distributions. The average heavy metal concentrations exhibited the following order: Fe > Mn > Cr > Co > Ni > Pb > Zn > Cu > Cd for the four sampling sites. The mean concentrations (± SD) of Fe, Mn, Cr, Co, Ni, Pb, Zn, Cu and Cd were estimated to be 31.15?±?10.02 g kg^?1, 535.04?±?76.42, 151.98?±?97.90, 92.76?±?14.18, 67.52?±?11.32, 59.57?±?15.19, 54.65?±?15.01, 32.24?±?8.07 and 18.75?±?1.76 mg kg^?1, respectively. The results indicated that the sediments were polluted with Cd, Cr, Co and Pb due to high anthropogenic influences. Spatial variation of metals revealed that most of the metals were high in Dadar beach and low in Aksa beach. Cd was the highest contaminant metal studied with a mean contamination factor of 93.75. The pollution load indices of the studied beaches ranged from 1.63 (Aksa) to 1.91 (Dadar) and indicated that the beach sediments were polluted with heavy metals. The heavy metal contents increased in relation to monsoon, and most of the heavy metals showed significantly high concentrations in November during the post-monsoon. The statistical analysis revealed significant effect of study site on all the metals studied. Further, there was a significant difference on metal accumulation on bimonthly basis in relation to weather pattern in Mumbai beaches.     

Determination of heavy metal contents in water,sediments, and fish tissues of Shizothorax plagiostomus in river Panjkora at Lower Dir,Khyber Pakhtunkhwa,Pakistan

The present study was conducted to investigate the contamination of water, sediments, and fish tissues with heavy metals in river Panjkora at Lower Dir, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. Water, sediments, and fish (Shizothorax plagiostomus) samples were collected from September 2012 to January 2013 at three different sites (upstream site at Sharigut, sewage site at Timergara, and downstream site at Sadoo) of river Panjkora. The concentrations of heavy metals in water were in the order Zn?>?Cu?≈?Pb?>?Ni?≈?Cd with mean values of 0.30, 0.01, 0.01, 0.0 and 0.0 mg/l, respectively, which were below the maximum permissible limits of WHO for drinking water. In sediments, heavy metals were found in the order Cu?>?Zn?>?Ni?>?Pb?>?Cd with mean concentrations of 50.6, 38.7, 9.3, 8, and 0.4 mg/kg, respectively. Ni and Cd were not found in any fish tissues, but Zn, Cu, and Pb were detected with the mean concentration ranges of 0.04–1.19, 0.03–0.12, and 0.01–0.09 μg/g, respectively. The present study demonstrates that disposal of waste effluents causes a slight increase in the concentration of heavy metals in river Panjkora as revealed by variation in metal concentrations from upstream to downstream site. Sewage disposal was also found to change physicochemical characteristics of Panjkora water. At present, water and fish of river Panjkora are safe for human consumption, but the continuous sewage disposal may create problems in the future.     

濮阳工业园区土壤重金属背景值及质量评价

为了研究濮阳工业园区土壤重金属背景值,采集了该园区及周边土壤46个样品,测定了土壤中重金属Cu、Zn、Pb、Cr、Cd和Ni的含量,并采用污染负荷指数法和潜在生态危害指数法对土壤质量进行了评价。结果表明:工业园区土壤中Cu、Zn、Pb、Cr、Cd、Ni的背景值分别为36.2、118、49.2、40.6、0.125、15.3 mg/kg;Cu、Zn、Pb、Cd的含量高于河南省土壤重金属背景值;Pb为极强污染,Cu、Zn、Cd为中等污染,重金属污染程度从重到轻的排序为PbZnCuCd,表明濮阳工业园区土壤重金属具有轻微的潜在生态危害。     

Total metal levels in crayfish Astacus leptodactylus (Eschscholtz, 1823), and surface sediments in Lake Terkos, Turkey

The aim of this study was to determine the total metal accumulation (aluminium, copper, manganese, lead, cadmium and iron) in different organs and eggs of Astacus leptodactylus (Eschscholtz, 1823) and sediments total metal contents (aluminium, copper, manganese, lead, cadmium, iron, zinc, chromium, nickel) in Lake Terkos. Water and sediment samples were collected from two stations at two different depths (1 and 2 m) of Lake Terkos in May 2008. Crayfish samples were collected by trammel net at the same region. Primary hydrographic conditions, such as temperature (13.6–19.4°C), salinity (0.27–0.34‰), dissolved oxygen (7.04–12.30 mg l^???1) and pH (7.42–8.51), were recorded for each sampling point. Moreover, the total organic carbon (1.65–5.44%) and the total calcium carbonate contents (19.44–41.16%) of sediment samples were determined. According to the Turkish Food Codex (J Zool 26:283–288, 2002), the maximum allowable Pb and Cd levels in crayfish are 0.5 mg/kg wet weight. Accordingly, the Pb and Cd levels determined in A. leptodactylus samples are below this limit. However, when compared with the acceptable metal limits defined by WHO, Australian National Health and Medical Research Council and Ministry of Agriculture in United Kingdom (UK), it is clear that the Cu level is at the limit and the Cd results exceed the limit. When the metal contents in sediment samples from Lake Terkos are examined, it is seen that the Al, Fe, Mn, Ni and Cu contents are lower while Zn, Cr, Cd and Pb contents are higher than the crustal average values. The high values draw attention to the land-based domestic and industrial inputs. Lake Terkos sediments have high enrichment factors (EF) of Zn, Cr, Cd and Pb metals which corroborate this result. The low EFs of Fe, Ni and Cu are due to the natural (terrigeneous) inputs. Additionally, there is no Al, Fe, Ni and Cu metal enrichment in these lake sediments because of the low contamination factor (CF) values. However, it is moderately contaminated by Zn, Cr and Pb, and heavily contaminated by Cd.     

Spatial distribution and risk assessment of heavy metals in sediments from a hypertrophic plateau lake Dianchi, China

The sediment in Dianchi Lake, a hypereutrophic plateau lake in southwest China, was investigated and the concentration of heavy metals (Cu, Cr, Ni, Zn, Pb, Fe, Mn, and Cd) in the sediment and sediment properties were determined. Their spatial distribution and sources were analyzed using multivariate statistics. The result indicated that the studied metals exhibited three distinct spatial patterns; that is, Cu, Pb, Zn, and Ni had a similar distribution, with a concentration gradient from the north to the south part of the lake; Cd and Cr presented a similar distribution; Fe and Mn presented a quite different distribution than other metals, which indicated their different sources and geochemistry processes. Correlation and cluster analysis (CA) provided origin information on these metals and the CA result was observed corresponding to those three spatial patterns. Principal component analysis further displayed metal source and driving factors; that is, Cu, Pb, Zn, Ni, Cd, and Cr were mainly derived from anthropogenic sources, and Fe and Mn were mainly the result of natural processes. Sediment assessment was conducted using geoaccumulation index (Igeo), potential ecological risk indices, and USEPA guidelines. The result indicated that, generally, Cd was the most serious risk metal; Pb and Cu posed moderate potential ecological risk; Cr, Zn, and Ni had slight ecological risk; Fe and Mn had little risk. Comparison of the assessment tools showed that each of the methods had its limitation and could bias the result, and the combined use of the methodologies and local knowledge on lithology or metal background value of soil in the practice would give a more comprehensive understanding of the metal risk or pollution. Statistical analysis also indicated that nutrients had different impacts on Fe, Mn, and trace elements, which implied that in the assessment of metal risk, nutrients impact should be taken into consideration especially for eutrophic waters.     

Trace metals: Inputs, sedimentation and accumulation in San Vicente Bay, Chile

The present study deals with sediment dynamics affecting sediment-associated metal distributions in an embayment system experiencing pollution from coastal industries. Sedimentary metal content may originate from diagenetic processes of foundation rock on the bottom, allochthonous minerals from natural sources, and metals from industrial effluents along the coast. The study presents experimental estimations of quantities of metals entering the bay in industrial wastewater, measurements of metal content in particulate material captured in sediment traps, and metals distribution in surface sediments. Quantitative estimations of metals entering the system in industrial effluent showed the relation Pb Zn > Cu > Cr Ni > Cd. That of metals associated with particulate material from traps was Zn > Cr Cu > Pb > Ni > Cd and the abundance of metals in sediments was Zn > Cr > Cu > Pb > Ni > Cd. Finally, rates of bottom sediment accumulation are estimated in relation to the time of residence of water in the bay. The experimental data on sedimentation and sediment abundance were consistent with field observations on distribution and accumulation at sites of major sedimentation in this bay.     

Macroalgae and DGT as indicators of available trace metals in marine coastal waters near a lead–zinc smelter

The levels of Cd, Cu, Pb, and Zn were determined in the commonest species of green, red, and brown algae collected from five coastal sites in south-western Sardinia (Italy), an area with a long history of mining and smelting. The usefulness of employing Enteromorpha sp. and Padina pavonica (L.) Thivy to monitor metal pollution was evaluated, while diffusive gradients in thin films (DGT) devices were used to measure dissolved metals in seawater. Levels of Cd and Pb were high enough to be of environmental concern in the whole study area. A significant relationship was found between the content of Pb in P. pavonica and DGT-labile Pb in seawater, suggesting that gross elemental concentrations of nonessential metals such as Pb in algal tissues are apparently controlled by the abundance of dissolved metal species in the ambient seawater. The results pointed out the usefulness of using both DGT and algal methods for a better understanding of trace metal availability in coastal waters.