Arsenic and other heavy metals in soils from an arsenic-affected area of West Bengal,India

Domkal is one of the 19, out of 26 blocks in Murshidabad district where groundwater contains arsenic above 0.05 mg/l. Many millions of cubic meters of groundwater along with arsenic and other heavy metals are coming out from both the hand tubewells, used by the villagers for their daily needs and shallow big diameter tubewells, installed for agricultural irrigation and depositing on soil throughout the year. So there is a possibility of soil contamination which can moreover affect the food chain, cultivated in this area. A somewhat detailed study was carried out, in both micro- and macrolevel, to get an idea about the magnitude of soil contamination in this area. The mean concentrations (mg/kg) of As (5.31), Fe (6740), Cu (18.3), Pb (10.4), Ni (18.8), Mn (342), Zn (44.3), Se (0.53), Mg (534), V (44.6), Cr (33.1), Cd (0.37), Sb (0.29) and Hg (0.54) in fallow land soils are within the normal range. The mean As (10.7), Fe (7860) and Mg (733) concentrations (mg/kg) are only in higher side whereas Hg (0.17 mg/kg) is in lower side in agricultural land soils, compared to the fallow land soils. Arsenic concentrations (11.5 and 28.0 mg/kg respectively) are high in those agricultural land soils where irrigated groundwater contains high arsenic (0.082 and 0.17 mg/l respectively). The total arsenic withdrawn and mean arsenic deposition per land by the 19 shallow tubewells per year are 43.9 kg (mean: 2.31 kg, range: 0.53-5.88 kg) and 8.04 kg ha(-1) (range: 1.66-16.8 kg ha(-1)) respectively. For the macrolevel study, soil arsenic concentration decreases with increase of distance from the source and higher the water arsenic concentration, higher the soil arsenic at any distance. A proper watershed management is urgently required to save the contamination.     

Assessment of atmospheric pollution from toxic heavy metals in two cities in India

Atmospheric concentrations of Pb, Cd, Cu and Zn have been measured at different locations in Bombay. The concentration levels of these metals in blood and teeth of Bombay residents were also measured to assess the current and integrated exposure. Higher atmospheric concentrations were observed in higher vehicular traffic zones in Bombay. Environmental monitoring of Pb, Cd, Cu and Zn was also carried out at Moradabad, the largest production and exporting centre of brass wares in India. Surface soil concentrations of these metals were also measured in Moradabad and Bombay. The analysis of samples was carried out by differential pulse anodic stripping voltammetry (DPASV). The study indicates that automobile exhaust is the dominant source for heavy metals in the environment of Bombay whereas the brass industry is responsible for enhanced concentrations of these metals in Moradabad.     

Effects of heavy metals on growth and arsenic accumulation in the arsenic hyperaccumulator Pteris vittata L

The effects of Cd, Ni, Pb, and Zn on arsenic accumulation by the arsenic hyperaccumulator Pteris vittata were investigated in a greenhouse study. P. vittata was grown for 8 weeks in an arsenic-contaminated soil (131 mg As kg(-1)), which was spiked with 50 or 200 mg kg(-1) Cd, Ni, Pb, or Zn (as nitrates). P. vittata was effective in taking up arsenic (up to 4100 mg kg(-1)) and transporting it to the fronds, but little of the metals. Arsenic bioconcentration factors ranged from 14 to 36 and transfer factors ranged from 16 to 56 in the presence of the metals, both of which were reduced with increasing metal concentration. Fern biomass increased as much as 12 times compared to the original dry weight after 8 weeks of growth (up to 19 g per plant). Greater concentrations of Cd, Ni, and Pb resulted in greater catalase activity in the plant. Most of the arsenic in the plant was present as arsenite, the reduced form, indicating little impact of the metals on plant arsenic reduction. This research demonstrates the capability of P. vittata in hyperaccumulating arsenic from soils in the presence of heavy metals.     

Input-export fluxes of heavy metals in the Cochin estuary,southwest coast of India

Cochin estuary (CE) is one of the largest tropical estuaries along the southwest coast of India, sustaining rich bio-resources. Several studies enlighten the environmental changes in the CE caused by anthropogenic activities. In the present study, an attempt has been made to quantify the heavy metal (dissolved and particulate) fluxes brought by the six rivers into the CE with their exchange into the coastal ocean through the major inlet at Cochin during a steady flow period (October–November 2015). The water flux across the inlet was quantified using an acoustic doppler current profiler. The measured daily input of dissolved metals from the rivers was 2.43?×?10³ kg Fe, 334 kg Zn, 259 kg Ni, and 83 kg Cr, while that of particulate metals were 85.30?×?10³ kg Fe, 8. 6?×?10³ kg Mn, 236.9 kg Cr, and 111.9 kg Zn. The net export of metals through the Cochin inlet (per tidal cycle) was 3.3?×?10³ kg Fe, 515 kg Cr, 150 kg Zn, and 5 kg Ni in dissolved form and 3.32?×?10⁵ kg Fe, 1747 kg Mn, 1636 kg Cr, 1397 kg Zn, and 586 kg Ni in particulate form. The high concentrations of metals during ebb tides are clear indications of their contribution from the industrial conglomerates (industrial units of metallurgy, catalyst, fertilizer, and pesticides) located in the Periyar River. The significance of this study is that the export fluxes may increase further during the summer monsoon (June to September), which may impact the abundant fishery emanating in the coastal environment during the period due to intense upwelling.

     

Molecular cloning and expression of novel metallothionein (MT) gene in the polychaete Perinereis nuntia exposed to metals

To report a novel metallothionein (MT) gene and evaluate its potency as a biomarker, we clone this MT gene and measured the expression levels in the metal-exposed polychaete Perinereis nuntia. Accumulated metal contents and metallothionein-like proteins (MTLPs), which have been recognized as potential biomarkers, were compared with the relative mRNA expressions of the MT gene of P. nuntia (Pn-MT). In addition, the metal-binding affinity was estimated by recombinant Pn-MT protein. Pn-MT having high cysteine residues with three metal response elements in the promoter region closely clusters with those of other invertebrates. The accumulation patterns of metals were dependent on the exposure times in lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), and copper (Cu) exposure. Particularly, both MTLP levels and relative mRNA expressions of MT were increased with accumulated metal contents and exposure time in P. nuntia exposed to Pb and Cd. There was no significant modulation of the Pn-MT gene in polychaetes exposed to Zn and As. However, the metal-binding ability of the recombinant Pn-MT protein provides a clear evidence for a high affinity of MT to several metal elements. These results suggest that Pn-MT would play an important role in the detoxification and/or sequestration of specific metals (e.g., Pb and Cd) in P. nuntia and have potential as a molecular biomarker in the monitoring of the marine environment using a polychaete.     

Seasonal variation of heavy metals in seagrasses along Thondi coast,Palk Bay,India

Environmental Science and Pollution Research - The present study deals with the bioaccumulation of heavy metals in different seagrass species (Syringodium isoetifolium, Halodule pinifolia,...     

灯心草部分生理生化指标对土壤复合重金属胁迫的响应

通过盆栽试验,以叶绿素含量和POD、SOD、CAT3种抗氧化酶活性作为观测指标,研究了Cu、Cd、Pb、Zn和As复合重金属胁迫下灯心草部分生理生化指标的变化趋势和机理.结果表明,灯心草的生理毒害效应呈明显的剂量-效应关系.表现为与对照相比,叶绿素含量减少,叶绿素a/b值降低,叶片失绿现象明显.随着复合重金属胁迫浓度的增加,灯心草3种酶活性均呈先升后降的变化趋势,但出现抗性酶活性高峰所对应的重金属浓度不同,表现出不同的特征变化趋势.总体来说,在接近土壤环境质量标准低浓度设计范围内,酶活性有逐渐被激活的趋势.但在高浓度水平下,酶活性普遍受到抑制.生长在铅锌尾矿和模拟矿毒水污染土壤中的灯心草叶绿素合成受到显著抑制(P＜0.05),但POD和CAT两种酶活性均高于对照.     

Effects of bacterial activities on the release of heavy metals from contaminated dredged sediments

The potential impact of indigenous bacterial processes on the release of heavy metals from dredged sediment deposits was investigated. Batch re-suspension experiments were conducted in order to investigate the release of Zn, Cd, Cu and Pb from a polluted anoxic sediment submitted to oxidative perturbations. The concentrations of heavy metals, sulphate and dissolved organic carbon (DOC) were periodically recorded, and cell counts were performed to follow the evolution of several bacterial species. The specific effects of microbial processes were quantified by performing re-suspension assays on sterilised samples. Moreover, the effect of an initial acidification of the system was studied. The results showed that metal release was mainly due to oxidation of sulphide minerals contained in the sediment. Sulphur-oxidising bacteria such as Acidithiobacillus thiooxidans were identified to play a major role in the process, by enhancing the oxidation kinetic. However, the acid production resulting from these reactions was almost totally buffered by the dissolution of the calcite present in the sediment. Copper was released to a lesser extent, and a strong association with organic matter was observed. Lead was not observed in solution, because of its low solubility at neutral conditions and of its re-adsorption on the solid phase. The initial acidification of the system resulted in an faster growth of the acidophilic A. thiooxidans. A subsequent pH drop originating from microbial processes was then observed during the first stages of the experiment. As a consequence, drastic increases in metal (Zn, Cd) release were observed.     

Assessment of heavy metals in faecal pellets of blue rock pigeon from rural and industrial environment in India

Environmental Science and Pollution Research - The study was conducted to monitor concentration of six toxic metals in faecal pellets of blue rock pigeon from six industrial areas of Jaipur, i.e....     

Effects of Ginkgo biloba extract on growth,photosynthesis, and photosynthesis-related gene expression in Microcystis flos-aquae

Environmental Science and Pollution Research - The inhibitory effect of plants on algae offers a new and promising alternative method for controlling harmful algal blooms. Previous studies showed...     

污泥水热联合热解处理对固相产物中重金属的影响

对酸性重金属污泥（AS）、碱性重金属污泥（BS）及其混合物（MS）进行水热联合热解处理,探讨了固相产物中重金属（Cr、Mn、Ni、Cu和Zn）的BCR形态变化与TCLP浸出毒性特征,并开展潜在生态风险评价。结果表明：AS经水热联合热解处理后得到的固相产物（ASC）中重金属的稳定性得到改善,Ni和Zn的残渣态比例显著增加,分别从8.33%和28.08%升至27.04%和51.31%;BS经水热联合热解处理后得到的固相产物（BSC）中重金属的稳定性改善不明显,Cr和Cu的残渣态比例分别从69.25%和65.42%升至82.09%和66.69%,而其他重金属的残渣态比例有所下降。MS经过水热联合热解处理,固相产物（MSC）中重金属的固化效果进一步提高。与理论值相比,Cr、Mn、Ni、Cu和Zn的残渣态比例分别从89.03%、55.85%、47.33%、55.39%和73.19%提高至98.09%、66.72%、48.49%、89.07%和86.70%,其浸出毒性均在USEPA标准以下,潜在风险程度为轻微水平,这为水热联合热解工艺处置重金属污泥提供新的思路。     

乙二胺二琥珀酸和柠檬酸对黑土中外源重金属的活化效应

通过解吸实验和小麦盆栽实验,研究了生物可降解有机配体乙二胺二琥珀酸(EDDS)、柠檬酸(CIT)对黑土中外源Cu、Cd、Zn和Pb的活化效应.不同浓度EDDS﹑CIT对黑土中外源重金属解吸实验表明,EDDS对黑土中外源Cu、Cd、Zn和Pb的解吸远高于CIT.重金属/EDDS摩尔比为1∶1时,4种重金属的解吸率在50.8%～69.2%.小麦盆栽实验表明,EDDS为5 mmol/kg时,对小麦幼苗茎叶和根系中重金属含量影响较大,明显导致小麦幼苗茎叶和根系中Cd、Cu、Pb和Zn的富集量增加.EDDS处理组Cd、Cu、Pb和Zn的茎叶富集系数远高于对照组和CIT处理组.随时间的增加,EDDS处理组和CIT处理组重金属的根系富集量均增加,但对照组和CIT处理组大部分重金属14 d茎叶富集量略低于7 d茎叶富集量.因此,EDDS对黑土中外源重金属有较强的解吸和活化能力,可以较大程度地强化小麦幼苗根系对黑土中外源Cd、Cu、Pb和Zn的吸收并诱导这些重金属由根系向茎叶迁移.     

不同浸提剂对污染河道底泥中重金属的浸出影响

以某有色金属冶炼企业排放口下游河道底泥为研究对象,分别采用无机酸(盐酸、硫酸、硝酸)和有机酸(醋酸、柠檬酸、苹果酸和丁二酸)研究在不同酸性条件(pH为2~6)下Pb、Cd、Zn、Cu的浸出效果。结果表明,有机酸的浸提能力明显高于无机酸,且4种重金属的浸出浓度均随着pH的升高而迅速降低。对无机酸而言,当pH3时,重金属的浸出浓度趋于稳定;对有机酸而言,在pH为2~5的较大范围内,醋酸表现出较高的浸提能力,而柠檬酸对Pb和Cu没有明显的浸出效果。结合泥质特点,从重金属的络合、沉淀、水解、吸附等反应过程对其浸出特征进行了分析,同时提出醋酸良好的缓冲能力是其浸提效果优于其他有机酸的重要原因。     

The effects of exogenous plant growth regulators in the phytoextraction of heavy metals

The term "assisted phytoextraction" usually refers to the process of applying a chemical additive to contaminated soil in order to increase the metal uptake by crop plants. In this study three commercially available plant growth regulators (PGRs) based on cytokinins (CKs) were used to boost the assisted phytoextraction of Pb and Zn in contaminated soil collected from a former manufactured gas-plant site. The effects of EDTA treatment in soil and PGR treatment in leaves of Helianthus annuus were investigated in terms of dry weight biomass, Pb and Zn accumulation in the upper parts of the plants, Pb and Zn phytoextraction efficiency and transpiration rate. Metal solubility in soil and its subsequent accumulation in shoots were markedly enhanced by EDTA. The combined effects of EDTA and cytokine resulted in an increase in the Pb and Zn phytoextraction efficiency (up to 890% and 330%, respectively, compared to untreated plants) and up to a 50% increase in foliar transpiration. Our results indicate that exogenous PGRs based on CKs can positively assist the phytoextraction increasing the biomass production, the metal accumulation in shoots and the plant transpiration. The observed increase in biomass could be related to its action in stimulation of cell division and shoot initiation. On the other hand, the increase in metal accumulation in upper parts of plant could be related to both the role of PGRs in the enhancement of plant resistance to stress (as toxic metals) and the increase in transpiration rate, i.e. flux of water-soluble soil components and contaminants by the regulation of stomatal opening.     

热处理对土壤重金属形态的影响及健康风险

为探究土壤热修复后的土壤重金属形态以及健康风险的变化,以退役电镀企业地块的污染土壤为研究目标,分别在200、400和600℃下处理土壤15 min,以分析热处理对土壤重金属Cu、Pb、Ni和Cd赋存形态的影响、生物可给性变化以及重金属人体健康风险的差异.结果 表明,经热处理后,土壤Cu、Pb和Ni的酸可提取态增加,增加...     

淋洗对污染土壤重金属形态分布及生物可利用性影响研究

淋洗是一种快速高效的土壤重金属修复技术,淋洗条件的选择对不同土地利用类型的重金属污染修复具有重要意义。以Ni、Cu、Cd复合污染土壤为研究对象,在不同淋洗条件(液固比和pH)下考察6种淋洗剂(去离子水、模拟酸雨、柠檬酸、草酸、乙二胺四乙酸二钠(Na2EDTA)和氨三乙酸(NTA))对Ni、Cu、Cd的淋洗效果、形态分布及生物可利用性影响。结果表明:(1)当液固比5∶1mL/g时,柠檬酸、Na2EDTA、NTA表现出良好的淋洗效果,对建设用地土壤Ni、Cu、Cd的去除率分别达到84.53%、92.30%、56.00%以上。(2)淋洗后土壤中可交换态、可还原态Ni、Cu、Cd浓度均明显降低。(3)总体上,淋洗使残余指数升高、迁移系数降低,重金属离子在液固比20∶1 mL/g时生物可利用性最低。(4)根据实际污染土壤效果,pH 5.2的柠檬酸或pH 7.5的Na2EDTA在液固比20∶1mL/g时可降低农业土壤的风险;建设用地土壤使用液固比5∶1mL/g、pH 7.5的Na2EDTA或pH 7.5的NTA对3种重金属的去除率达80.43%以上。     

Effects of sulfur dioxide pollution on the translocation and accumulation of heavy metals in soybean grain

Background  

Open-top chambers were used to study the impact of simultaneous exposure to atmospheric SO₂ pollution and heavy metal contamination in soils on the metal contents and productivity of soybean plant.     

Effects of rare earth elements on the distribution of mineral elements and heavy metals in horseradish

In order to investigate the effects of rare earth elements (REEs) on horseradish, the distribution of the mineral elements and heavy metals in different organs of horseradish have been studied by using inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-AES). Meanwhile, three variable major parameters, namely the concentration of REEs, the type of REEs, and the growth stage of plant were chosen. The results indicated that the test REEs, Ce(III) and Tb(III), could be accumulated in leaves, stems and roots of horseradish. In addition, we found that the content of mineral elements was increased in horseradish treated with 20mgl(-1) of Ce(III), but not those with the 20mgl(-1) of Tb(III). Moreover, the content of mineral elements in horseradish was decreased with the increasing concentration of REEs (100, 300mgl(-1)). Furthermore, we found that there were the opposite effects on the content of the heavy metals in horseradish treated with REEs. Finally, we found that the effect of REEs on the accumulation of REEs, and the content of mineral elements or heavy metals of horseradish during vigorous growth stage, no matter positive or negative, was more obvious than that of the other growth stages. These results demonstrated that the distribution behaviors of mineral elements and heavy metals in horseradish can be affected by the type and concentration of REEs, and the growth period of plant.     

Effects of heavy metals and nitroaromatic compounds on horseradish glutathione S-transferase and peroxidase

Glutathione S-transferase (GST) and peroxidase (POX) activities have a direct relation to the effect of stress on plant metabolism. Changes in the activities of the enzymes were therefore studied. Horseradish hairy roots were treated by selected bivalent ions of heavy metals (HMs) and nitroaromatic compounds (NACs). We have shown differences in GST activity when assayed with substrates 1-chloro-2,4-dinitrobenzene (CDNB) and 1,2-dichloro-4-nitrobenzene (DCNB). The conjugation of DCNB catalysed by GST was inhibited in all roots treated with HMs as compared to non-treated roots, whereas NACs caused induction of the activity in dependence on the exposition time and concentration of compounds. The conjugation of CDNB by GST was not affected to the same extent. The increase of GST activity was determined in cultures treated by nickel (0.1 mM) and diaminonitrotoluenes (DANTs, 0.1 mM) for 6 h, whereas the roots treated by 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT), 4-amino-2,6-dinitrotoluene (ADNT) and dinitrotoluene (DNT, 1.0 mM) needed 27 h treatment to induce the activity. The POX activity of cultures treated by HMs was inhibited to 17-35% in comparison to non-treated cultures. The POX activity of roots treated by TNT (0.1 and 1.0 mM) for 6 and 27 h and by ADNT (0.1 and 1.0 mM) for 6 h was inhibited. A partial increase of POX activity was measured in roots treated by all NACs for 27 h. The content of oxidized glutathione (GSSG) and reduced glutathione (GSH) in the roots differed significantly. It was followed as a symptom of the stress reaction of the plant metabolism to the effect of NACs and HMs.