Autoclave decomposition method for metals in soils and sediments

Leaching of partially leached metals (Fe, Mn, Cd, Co, Cu, Ni, Pb, and Zn) was done using autoclave technique which was modified based on EPA 3051A digestion technique. The autoclave method was developed as an alternative to the regular digestion procedure passed the safety norms for partial extraction of metals in polytetrafluoroethylene (PFA vessel) with a low constant temperature (119.5° ± 1.5°C) and the recovery of elements were also precise. The autoclave method was also validated using two Standard Reference Materials (SRMs: Loam Soil B and Loam Soil D) and the recoveries were equally superior to the traditionally established digestion methods. Application of the autoclave was samples from different natural environments (beach, mangrove, river, and city soil) to reproduce the recovery of elements during subsequent analysis.     

Monitoring of total and bioavailable heavy metals concentration in agricultural soils

The aim of this paper is to evaluate total and bioavailable concentration of heavy metals in agricultural soils in order to estimate their distribution, to identify the possible correlations among toxic elements and the pollution sources, to distinguish the samples in relation to sampling site or to sampling depth, and to evaluate the available fraction providing information about the risky for plants. In particular, we reinvestigated total concentrations of As, Be, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Hg, Mn, Ni, Pb, Sb, V, and Zn and available concentrations of As, Be, Cd, Cr, Cu, Hg, Ni, Pb, Sb, and Zn in soil from Apulia (Southern Italy). Analytical results showed that total concentrations, for all soils, are in the range permitted by regulations in force in Italy, but some soils evidence slight enrichment of Cd, Cr, Cu, Pb, and Zn. All the heavy metals in the available fraction were below the detection limits of the analytical techniques used except Cu, Ni, Pb, and Zn.     

Reference values for heavy metals in soils of the Brazilian agricultural frontier in Southwestern Amazônia

Guideline values are used to identify polluted or contaminated areas based on background values. Brazilian law establishes three guideline values for pollutants: a quality reference value (QRV), a prevention value, and an intervention value. Reference values refer to the natural concentration of an element or a substance in soils that have not been modified by anthropogenic impacts. These values inform assessments of soil quality and are used to establish maximum permissible limits. The objective of this study was to determine the natural levels and reference values for Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, and Zn in samples from the surface layer (0–20 cm) of 19 representative soils of the states of Mato Grosso and Rondônia, on Brazil’s agricultural frontier. Pseudo-total metal concentrations were obtained following microwave-assisted digestion using the aqua regia and EPA3051 methods. QRVs were calculated for each element as the 75th and 90th percentiles of the frequency distribution of the data. Natural levels of heavy metals in the soil samples followed the order: Cr?>?Zn?>?Cu?>?Co?>?Pb?>?Ni?>?and Cd (aqua regia) and Cr?>?Co?>?Cu?>?Pb?>?Zn?>?Ni?>?Cd (EPA3051). These values are generally lower than those reported in the Brazilian and international literature, which highlights the importance of establishing reference values for each state or for each soil type, taking into account the geomorphological, pedological, and geological diversity of the region under study.     

Accumulation and remobilization of metals in superficial sediments in Tianjin, China

The concentrations of Cr, Ni, Cu, Zn, Cd, and Pb in superficial sediment samples collected from three representative sites (Yuqiao Reservoir, Haihe River, and Haihe River Estuary) in Tianjin, North China, were analyzed using various single extraction and sequential extraction procedures to determine their remobilization, extractability, and distribution patterns. Sediments from the Haihe River had higher metal concentrations and geo-accumulation indices, especially for Cd and Zn, than sediments from the other two sites, suggesting that the Haihe River has been heavily influenced by anthropogenic activities. In addition, over 31% and 28.2% of the total Cd in the Haihe River and the Yuqiao Reservoir, respectively, and 18.2% of the total Zn in the Haihe River were found to be associated with the exchangeable form, indicating the significant remobilization of Cd and Zn when compared with Cr and Ni. However, over 98% of the Ni and 78% of the Cr were most closely associated with the residue and oxidizable fractions, which resulted in their becoming environmentally immobile. Based on the Environmental Protection Agency method 3050B, Cd and Zn had the greatest extraction efficiency when a single extraction procedure using 0.5-mol L^???1 HCl, 0.43-mol L^???1 HAcO, and 0.05-mol L^???1 ethylene-diamine-tetra-acetic acid was conducted, with extraction yields of up to 72%, 68%, and 56% for Cd and 50%, 49%, and 29% for Zn, respectively, being obtained for the Haihe River sediments. This was followed by the yields of Cu and Pb and, finally, those of unpolluted metals such as Cr and Ni. HCl and acetic acid extraction provided equivalent information for predicting Cd and Zn mobility in the sediments studied and produced suitable results for quick screening.     

某铀尾矿库周围农田土壤重金属污染潜在生态风险评价

为能够定量评价铀尾矿库周围农田土壤重金属污染程度及其潜在生态危害性,采用Hakanson潜在生态风险指数法对土壤中重金属进行综合污染评价。结果表明,铀尾矿库周围部分农田土壤中重金属Cd、Ni、As、Cu、Hg、Zn含量存在积累和超标情况,尤以Cd的污染最严重,Ni、As次之;Pb、Cr含量能够满足标准限值要求。潜在生态风险评价结果显示,铀尾矿库周围农田土壤重金属潜在生态风险较高,主要潜在生态风险因子为Cd,其次是Hg、As,Cr、Pb、Ni、Cu、Zn并不构成潜在生态风险。铀尾矿库周围农田土壤中较高水平的Cd在构成环境污染的同时,也构成了较严重的生态危害,应加强对重金属Cd、Hg的生态风险防治。     

Metal Extraction from Road Sediment using Different Strength Reagents: Impact on Anthropogenic Contaminant Signals

Washoff of road deposited sediment into storm drainsystems is one of the major contributors to nonpoint sourcepollution in urban fluvial networks. These sediments contain avariety of potentially toxic organic and inorganic contaminants.Road sediment from 13 locations in an urban (non-industrialized)drainage basin, and soil from 10 background (control) locationswere collected to assess total and labile fractions of Al, Co,Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb and Zn. Four digestions, of varying strength,were used to assess contaminant levels, these included: a totalfour-acid digestion, a microwave-assisted digestion withconcentrated nitric acid (USEPA Method 3051), a 0.5 M `cold' HCl,and a 0.05 M EDTA (pH 7). Road sediment data indicate that Al,Co, Fe, Mn and Ni were primarily lithogenic in origin, while Cu,Pb and Zn showed very significant anthropogenic signals, mostprobably from vehicle-related sources. Median Pb concentrationenrichment ratios for the EDTA extraction were about 42,indicating an extreme anthropogenic signal. The weak extractants(HCl and EDTA) are considered in this study to be superior intheir ability to characterize the degree of anthropogeniccontamination and should be utilized more widely in environmentalcontaminant studies.     

典型涉污企业周边土壤重金属污染特征及潜在生态风险评价

分析和评价典型涉污企业周边土壤环境质量,对于加强企业用地环境风险管控,实施土壤重金属污染精准防控,进一步保障农产品质量安全具有重要意义。以18类典型涉污企业周边土壤为研究对象,对475家企业周边的2 017个监测样点进行土壤重金属Cd、As、Pb、Hg、Cr、Cu、Zn和Ni元素含量测定,并采用主成分分析法、Hakanson 潜在生态风险指数法进行分析及评价。结果表明:典型涉污企业周边土壤重金属污染以Cd、Pb和As元素为主,各元素含量超过土壤污染风险筛选值的样品比例为9.82%~31.0%,超过土壤污染风险管控值的样品比例为4.46%~13.1%,其次是Zn、Cu、Hg和Ni,Cr无明显污染;主要污染元素Cd、Pb、As、Zn和Cu来自相同污染源且主要分布在有色金属矿采选业(B9)、黑色金属冶炼和压延加工业(C31)、有色金属冶炼和压延加工业(C32)、生态保护和环境治理业(N77)等行业企业周边;黑色金属冶炼和压延加工业(C31)、有色金属矿采选业(B9)、有色金属冶炼和压延加工业(C32)等行业企业周边土壤重金属潜在生态风险等级较高,中等风险及以上比例分别为76.0%、53.0%和54.1%。可见,典型涉污企业周边土壤重金属存在一定程度的污染,尤其是有色金属矿采选业(B9)等采矿业以及黑色金属冶炼和压延加工(C31)等制造业等,污染程度高,潜在生态风险大,需要加强监测和管控。     

菏泽市不同类型村庄土壤主要无机元素的监测与评价

为揭示土壤主要无机元素积累成因,制定科学防控措施,以菏泽市养殖型、蔬菜型、粮食型、工业型4种类型村庄为研究对象,分析了11个典型村庄8种土壤主要无机元素含量、分布特征及污染风险。结果表明,土壤镉、汞、砷、铅、铬、铜、镍、锌的质量分数分别为0. 01～0. 53、0. 002～0. 145、5. 51～15. 20、17. 6～75. 8、14. 5～69. 9、13. 3～33. 8、18. 8～46. 9、41. 5～96. 4 mg/kg。蔬菜型村庄镉、汞、铅元素含量最高;粮食型村庄铬、铜、镍含量最高;养殖型村庄砷、锌元素含量最高;工业型村庄铬、铜、镍元素含量较高,其余元素的含量都较低。各主要无机元素平均值均未超过农用地土壤污染筛选值,但除汞外,均超过了黄河故道区域土壤环境背景值,尤以镉最显著。     

Natural concentrations and reference values of heavy metals in sedimentary soils in the Brazilian Amazon

The soils of the Brazilian Amazon exhibit large geochemical diversity reflecting the different soil formation processes in an area covering 49% of the Brazilian territory. Soil contamination by heavy metals is one of the threats to the sustainability of this Biome but establishing quality reference values (QRVs) for the region is a challenging owing to the immense territorial area of the Amazon. This study aimed to determine the natural background of heavy metals in soils from the southwestern Brazilian Amazon in order to propose QRVs for Ba, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, Sb, and Zn for alluvial sedimentary soils. One hundred and twenty-eight soil samples were collected at a depth of 0.0–0.2 m in sites with minimal anthropogenic interference. Soil sample digestion was based on the EPA 3051A method and metal concentrations were determined by ICP-OES. QRVs calculated for the southwestern Brazilian Amazon are among the lowest recorded in Brazil (mg kg^?1): Ba (16.5), Cd (0.1), Cr (6.9), Cu (2.8), Fe (15.4), Mn (13.4), Ni (1.7), Pb (4.4), Sb (0.9), and Zn (5.7). The low metal concentration is likely a result of the sedimentary origin of the soils. The results of this study can serve as a basis for defining public policies to investigate the environmental impacts resulting from changes in land use in areas of the Brazilian Amazon.     

Assessment of heavy metals in sediments from a typical catchment of the Yangtze River, China

An intensive investigation was conducted to study the accumulation, speciation, and distribution of various heavy metals (As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Hg, Ni, Pb, and Zn) in sediments from the Yangtze River catchment of Wuhan, China. The potential ecological risks posed by these heavy metals also were estimated. The median concentrations of most heavy metals (As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, and Zn) were higher than the background values of soils in Wuhan and were beyond the threshold effect level (TEL), implying heavy metal contamination of the sediments. Carbonate-bound Cd and exchangeable Cd, both of which had high bioavailability, were 40.2% and 30.5% of the total for Cd, respectively, demonstrating that Cd poses a high ecological risk in the sediments. The coefficients of the relationship among Pb, Hg, and Cu were greater than 0.797 using correlation analysis, indicating the highly positive correlation among these three elements. Besides, total organic carbon content played an important role in determining the behaviors of heavy metals in sediments. Principal component analysis was used to study the distribution and potential origin of heavy metals. The result suggested three principal components controlling their variability in sediments, which accounted for 36.72% (factor 1: Hg, Cu, and Pb), 28.69% (factor 2: Cr, Zn, and Ni), and 19.45% (factor 3: As and Cd) of the total variance. Overall, 75% of the studied sediment samples afforded relatively low potential ecological risk despite the fact that generally higher concentrations of heavy metals relative to TEL were detected in the sediments.     

乌鲁木齐乌拉泊水库水体中重金属健康风险评价

为了解乌鲁木齐市主要饮用水源地乌拉泊水库水体中重金属含量,特对此进行了调查研究,并应用美国环保局(USEPA)推荐的健康风险评价模型对其进行健康风险的初步评价。结果表明,乌拉泊水库由致癌物质Cr、As、Cd通过饮水途径引起的个人年健康风险值表现为CrAsCd,风险值为10-7~10-5a-1,Cr的风险值高于国际放射防护委员会(ICRP)的推荐值(5×10-5a-1),成为乌拉泊水库水体的主要致癌因子;乌拉泊水库由非致癌物Pb、Cu、Zn、Hg所引起的健康危害的个人年风险以Cu为大,Pb次之,Hg和Zn较小,风险水平为10-10~10-8a-1,远低于ICRP和USEPA推荐的最大可接受风险水平。     

Levels and speciation of heavy metals in soils of industrial Southern Nigeria

A knowledge of the total content of trace metals is not enoughto fully assess the environmental impact of polluted soils. Forthis reason, the determination of metal species in solution isimportant to evaluate their behaviour in the environment andtheir mobilization capacity. Sequential extraction procedure wasused to speciate five heavy metals (Cd, Pb, Cu, Ni and Zn) fromfour contaminated soils of Southern Nigeria into sixoperationally defined geochemical species: water soluble,enchangeable, carbonates, Fe-Mn oxide, organic and residual.Metal recoveries were within ± 10% of the independentlydetermined total Cd, Pb, Cu, Ni and Zn concentrations. The highest amount of Cd (avg. 30%) in the nonresidual fractionswas found in the exchangeable fraction, while Cu and Zn weresignificantly associated with the organic fraction. Thecarbonate fraction contained on average 14, 18.6, 12.6, 13 and11% and the residual fraction contained on average 47, 18, 33,50 and 25% of Cd, Pb, Cu, Ni and Zn respectively. Assuming thatmobility and bioavailability of these metals are related to thesolubility of the geochemical form of the metals, and that theydecrease in the order of extraction sequence, the apparentmobility and potential bioavailability for these five metals inthe soil were: Pb > Zn > Cu > Ni > Cd. The mobility indexes ofcopper and nickel correlated positively and significantly withthe total content of metals, while mobility indexes of cadmiumand zinc correlated negatively and significantly with the totalcontent of metals.     

贵州某流域城市河段沉积物及悬浮物重金属污染研究

通过在丰水期对贵州省某流域城市河段悬浮物和沉积物中的重金属含量进行测定,运用单因子指数法、生态风险评价法、因子分析法,初步探讨了该河段Cu、Zn、Pb、Hg、Cd、Cr、Ni及As等8种重金属元素的含量分布、污染特征、潜在生态风险及主要来源。检测结果显示,沉积物和悬浮物中Hg、Cd、Zn、Pb、As的平均含量较高,是贵州省土壤背景值的1.02～16.97倍。单因子指数评价结果表明：在沉积物中,Zn、Pb、As为轻度污染,Hg和Cd为重度污染;在悬浮物中,Cu、Pb、As为轻度污染,Zn为中度污染,Hg和Cd为重度污染。潜在生态风险指数评价结果显示,Hg和Cd的生态风险最大,为主要污染元素。研究区沉积物样品综合生态风险指数(RI)介于183.27～1 393.96,平均值为912.06,总体处于严重生态风险等级;悬浮物样品RI值介于341.53～612.38,平均值为436.85,总体处于重度生态风险等级。其中,沉积物样品重金属平均生态风险等级高于悬浮物样品,支流样品重金属生态风险等级总体上低于干流下游样品。根据因子分析法分析结果,初步推测沉积物及悬浮物Hg、Cd、Cr、Ni含量主要受工...     

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.     

Fractionation and ecological risk of metals in urban river sediments in Zhongshan City, Pearl River Delta

Surface sediments collected from nine urban rivers located in Zhongshan City, Pearl River Delta, were analyzed for total concentration of metals with digestion and chemical fractionation adopting the modified European Community Bureau of Reference (BCR) sequential extraction procedure. The results showed that concentration and fractionation of metals varied significantly among the rivers. The total concentration of eight metals in most rivers did not exceed the China Environmental Quality Standard for Soil, Grade III. The potential ecological risk of metals to rivers were related to the land use patterns, in the order of manufacturing areas > residential areas > agriculture areas. The concentration of Pb in the reducible fraction was relatively high (60.0-84.3%). The dominant proportions of Cd, Zn and Cu were primary in the non-residual fraction (67.0%, 71.8% and 81.4% on average respectively), while the percentages of the residual fractions of Cr and Ni varied over a wide range (43-85% and 24-71% respectively). The approaches of the H?kanson ecological risk index and Secondary Phase Enrichment Factor were applied for ecological risk assessment and metal enrichment calculation. The results indicated Hg and Cd had posed high potential ecological risk to urban rivers in this region. Meanwhile, there was widespread pollution and high enrichment of Cu in river sediments in this region. Multiple regression analysis showed that five water quality parameters (pH, DO, COD(Mn), NH(4)(+)-N, TP) had little influence on the distribution of metal fractionation. This result revealed that the ecological risk of metals was not eliminated along with the improvement in water quality. Correlation studies showed that among the metals, Group A (Cd, As, Pb, Zn Hg, r = 0.730-0.924) and Group B (Cr, Cu, Ni, r = 0.815-0.948) were obtained, and the metal contaminations were from industrial activities rather than residential.     

Chemical fractionation of heavy metals in urban soils of Guangzhou, China

Knowledge of the total concentration of heavy metals is not enough to fully assess the environmental impact of urban soils. For this reason, the determination of metal speciation is important to evaluate their environment and the mobilization capacity. Sequential extraction technique proposed by the former European Community Bureau of Reference (BCR) was used to speciate Cd, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Zn in urban soils from Guangzhou into four operationally defined fractions: HOAc extractable, reducible, oxidizable, and residual. The Cu, Fe, Ni, and Zn were predominately located in the residual fraction, Pb in the reducible fraction, and Cd and Mn within the HOAc extractable fraction. The order of Cd in each fraction was generally HOAc extractable > reducible > residual > oxidizable; Cu and Fe were residual > reducible > oxidizable > HOAc extractable; Mn was HOAc extractable > residual > reducible > oxidizable; Ni and Zn were residual > reducible > HOAc extractable > oxidizable; and Pb was reducible > residual > oxidizable > HOAc extractable. Cadmium was identified as being the most mobile of the elements, followed by Mn, Zn, Ni, Cu, Pb and Fe. Iron–Mn oxides can play an important role in binding Cd, Cu, Ni, Pb, and Zn and in decreasing their proportion associated with the residual fraction in the soils. With total concentrations of Cd, Cu, Ni, Pb, Zn, and Mn increase, these metals more easily release and may produce more negative effects on the urban environment.     

新疆典型城-郊-乡梯度带土壤微量元素空间分布与来源

从新疆某地典型城-郊-乡梯度带采集了77个表层(0~20 cm)土壤样品,基于GIS技术与多元统计分析方法,研究各梯度带表层土壤中Hg、As、V、Co、Ni、Cu、Zn、Cd、Pb和Sb等10种微量元素的空间分布特征与主要来源。结果表明:Hg元素在城区、郊区和乡村表层土壤中的平均含量均超出研究区土壤背景值,As元素在城区和郊区表层土壤中的平均含量超出背景值,Zn和Pb元素在城区表层土壤中的平均含量超出背景值,其余元素在3个梯度带表层土壤中的平均含量均低于相应的背景值。研究区表层土壤中,V、Co、Ni、Zn、Cd、Pb和Sb等7种元素的空间分布格局基本相似,均呈现沿城市化梯度带分布的地带性格局;As、Cu和Hg等3种元素的空间分布呈现岛状格局。来源分析结果表明,各梯度带表层土壤中的微量元素的来源各不相同。     

典型铝塑厂周边土壤重金属分布特征与健康风险评价

为探究铝塑园区周边土壤重金属污染情况,选取山东省某城市塑料开发区为研究区,按照分层采样方式获取到80个土壤样品,分别测定土壤中As、Cd、Hg、Cr、Cu、Ni、Pb、Zn含量,运用统计分析法探讨土壤重金属等的分布特征和来源,并利用健康风险评价模型确定了土壤重金属对周边居民的健康风险。结果表明:As、Cd、Hg、Cr、Cu、Ni、Pb和Zn均超出山东省土壤背景值,其中Cd、Hg、Cu和Pb分别超出背景值48. 15%、106. 90%、62. 04%和39. 96%,表明土壤中存在一定程度的重金属积累,在周边140～210 m处最为严重,且受人类活动影响强烈,与风向关系不大;土壤重金属垂直分布特征大致呈现随着深度的增加不断增加,在20 cm深度附近达到最高值,其后不断降低并趋于平稳,Cd、Hg、Cu、Pb和Zn变异幅度大,受到人为干扰较大,As、Cr和Ni主要受成土母质控制,属于自然来源,变动幅度较小;研究区内8种元素不存在非致癌风险,Cr、As、Ni和Cd产生的致癌风险处在可接受范围内,但存在的潜在致癌风险应引起足够的重视。     

Distribution and Fractionation of Heavy Metals in Solid Waste from Selected Sites in the Industrial Belt of Delhi, India

Solid waste samples were collected from five small-scale industrial sites in the National Capital Territory (NCT) of Delhi. These industrial sites represent the regional spread of the industrial belt in the NCT of Delhi. Solid waste samples were digested using aqua-regia and HF in air tight teflon bombs for the quantitative analysis of heavy metals (Hg, Pb, Cd, Mn, Fe, Ni, Cu and Zn) by GBC model 902 atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Hg was analysed using hydrid generator attachment. Beside this sequential extraction was used to fractionate five heavy metals (Pb, Ni, Cd, Cu and Zn) into six operationally defined phases, viz. water soluble, exchangeable, carbonate-bound, Fe-Mn oxides, organic-bound and residual fractions to ascertain the relative mobility of these metals. The result obtained showed metal concentration to be in the range of Hg 0.42-2.3; Pb 23-530; Cd 014-224; Mn 494-19 964; Fe 35 684-233 119; Ni 192-1534; Cu 3065-10 144 and Zn 116-23 321 (all units in mg kg(-1)) in all the industrial areas studied. The fractionated toxic metals like Pb, Ni and Cd were observed to be in the range of 25-35, 15-50 and 40-50%, respectively, in mobile or bio-available fractions of solid waste. As this waste is often disposed-off by the roadsides, low lying areas, abandoned quarries or in landfill sites which are often not properly planned, thus posing potential risk to ground and surface water quality to millions of people living downstream.     

长沙市某集中式饮用水水源地周边土壤重金属污染特征和风险评价

以长沙某河库兼用型饮用水水源地一、二级保护区土壤为研究对象,于2018年8月采用网格布点法在一级和二级保护区分别布设3个和7个采样点,在水源地历史采样区布设5个采样点,探究土壤中Cd、Pb、Cr、Cu、Zn、Ni、Hg、As的含量分布及污染水平.结果表明:土壤中As、Cd、Cr、Cu、Hg、Ni、Pb、Zn的含量均值分...