Characteristics of re-suspended road dust and its impact on the atmospheric environment in Beijing

A sampling campaign of re-suspended road dust samples from 53 sites that could cover basically the entire Beijing, soil samples from the source regions of dust storm in August 2003, and aerosol samples from three representative sites in Beijing from December 2001 to September 2003, was carried out to investigate the characteristics of re-suspended road dust and its impact on the atmospheric environment. Ca, S, Cu, Zn, Ni, Pb, and Cd were far higher than its crustal abundances and Ca²⁺, SO₄²⁻, Cl⁻, K⁺, Na⁺, NO₃⁻ were major ions in re-suspended road dust. Al, Ti, Sc, Co, and Mg in re-suspended road dust were mainly originated from crustal source, while Cu, Zn, Ni, and Pb were mainly derived from traffic emissions and coal burning, and Fe, Mn, and Cd were mainly from industrial emissions, coal combustion and oil burning. Ca²⁺ and SO₄²⁻ mainly came from construction activities, construction materials and secondary gas-particle conversions, Cl⁻ and Na⁺ were derived from industrial wastewater disposal and chemical industrial emissions, and NO₃⁻ and K⁺ were from vehicle emissions, photochemical reactions of NO_X, biomass and vegetable burning. The contribution of mineral aerosol from inside Beijing to the total mineral aerosols was ∼30% in spring of 2002, ∼70% in summer of 2002, ∼80% in autumn of 2003, ∼20% in PM₁₀ and ∼50% in PM_2.5, in winter of 2002. The pollution levels of the major pollution species, Ca, S, Cu, Zn, Ni, Pb, Fe, Mn, and Cd in re-suspended road dust reached ∼76%, ∼87%, ∼75%, ∼80%, ∼82%, ∼90%, ∼45%, ∼51%, and ∼94%, respectively. Re-suspended road dust from the traffic and construction activities was one of the major sources of pollution aerosols in Beijing.     

Trace and major elements in atmospheric deposition in the ‘Campo de Gibraltar’ region

The total (wet and dry) deposition of trace and major elements from the atmosphere was measured throughout 1 year at twelve sampling stations in the ‘Campo de Gibraltar’, an industrial zone where there are important residential areas. The data included in this paper have contributed to a better knowledge of the regional deposition of Al, Cr, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, V, Zn, Ca, Mg, K, Na, Cl⁻, NH₄⁺, NO₃⁻and SO₄²⁻ in both soluble and insoluble form.     

应用地质累积指数评价抚顺市PM10中元素的污染

2006-2007年采暖季、风沙季和非采暖季分别在抚顺市的6个采样点采集PM10样品,用等离子体原子发射光谱(ICP-AES)法测定样品中Ti、Al、Mn、Mg、Ca、Na、K、Cu、Zn、As、Pb、Cr、Ni、Co、Cd、Fe、V等17种元素的含量,并用地质累积指数对其污染状况进行初步评价。结果表明:(1)从PM10中元素在不同采样点的含量看,抚顺市PM10中Ti、Mn、Mg、Cu、Zn、Pb、Cr、Ni、Co这9种元素在各采样点间的差别较大;Al、Ca、Na、K、As、Cd、Fe、V这8种元素差别较小。(2)从PM10中元素在不同采样季的含量看,抚顺市PM10中Mn、Mg含量的季间差别较大,其余15种元素季间差别较小。(3)Zn、Cd污染较重;Ti、Al、Mg、Ca、Na、K、As、Fe和V污染较轻;其他6种元素在6个采样点和3个采样季污染程度差别较大。(4)水库采样点各元素污染级别均不是最高;新华采样点PM10中Cu、Zn、Pb、Cr、Ni、Co、Cd污染级别均较高。(5)3个采样季PM10中Cd、Zn污染均较重,属于重度或严重污染;在采暖季PM10中Cu、Pb、Cr的地质累积指数较风沙季、非采暖季大;在非采暖季PM10中Mn、Co受到的污染比采暖季和风沙季稍严重。     

Trace elements in size-segregated urban aerosol in relation to the anthropogenic emission sources and the resuspension

Size segregated particulate samples of atmospheric aerosols in urban site of continental part of Balkans were collected during 6 months in 2008. Six stages impactor in the size ranges: Dp?≤?0.49 μm, 0.49?2?≈?30 %) followed by traffic (PC2, σ²?≈?20 %) that are together contributing around 50 % of elements in the investigated urban aerosol. The EF model shows that major origin of Cd, K, V, Ni, Cu, Pb, Zn, and As in the fine mode is from the anthropogenic sources while increase of their contents in the coarse particles indicates their deposition from the atmosphere and soil contamination. This approach is useful for the assessment of the local resuspension influence on element’s contents in the aerosol and also for the evaluation of the historical pollution of soil caused by deposition of metals from the atmosphere.     

Identification of sources of pollutants in precipitation measured at the mid-Atlantic US coast using potential source contribution function (PSCF)

Potential source contribution function (PSCF) was employed to study the source receptor relationships for 14 chemical species (Mn, SO₄²⁻, Zn, Al, Fe, Cu, Cr, Ni, Cd, NO₃, NH₄⁺, K⁺, Mg²⁺,and Pb) found in precipitation collected at Lewes, Delaware. This study identified areas of the Eastern United States as possible emission source areas that could have contributed to the 14 element concentrations observed at Lewes. The identified regions in the Eastern United States generally coincide well with known emission source areas. The likely emission sources for these chemical species include oil- and coal-fired power plants, incinerators, motor vehicles, and iron and steel mills.     

Distribution of elements in needles of Pinus massoniana (Lamb.) was uneven and affected by needle age

Macronutrients (P, S, K, Na, Mg, Ca), heavy metals (Fe, Zn, Mn, Cu, Pb, Cr, Ni, Cd) and Al concentrations as well as values of Ca/Al in the tip, middle, base sections and sheaths of current year and previous year needles of Pinus massoniana from Xiqiao Mountain were analyzed and the distribution patterns of those elements were compared. The results indicated that many elements were unevenly distributed among the different components of needles. Possible deficiency of P, K, Ca, Mn and Al toxicity occurred in needles under air pollution. Heavy metals may threaten the health of Masson pine. Needle sheaths were good places to look for particulate pollutants, in this case including Fe, Cu, Zn, Pb, Cr, Cd and Al.     

Distribution of elements in needles of Pinus massoniana (Lamb.) was uneven and affected by needle age

Macronutrients (P, S, K, Na, Mg, Ca), heavy metals (Fe, Zn, Mn, Cu, Pb, Cr, Ni, Cd,) and Al concentrations as well as values of Ca/Al in the tip, middle and base sections, and sheaths of current year and previous year needles of Pinus massoniana from Xiqiao Mountain were analyzed and the distribution patterns of those elements were compared. The results indicated that many elements were unevenly distributed among the different components of needles. Possible deficiency of P, K, Ca, Mn and Al toxicity occurred in needles under air pollution. Heavy metals may threaten the health of Masson pine. Needle sheaths were good places to look for particulate pollutants, in this case including Fe, Cu, Zn, Pb, Cr, Cd and Al.     

Effects of pollution on humic substances

Abstract

To assess effects of industrial and environmental pollution on analytical characteristics of humic substances, we isolated humic acids (HA's) and fulvic acids (FA's) from unpolluted and polluted soils and sediments. Following purification, the HA's and FA's were characterized by elemental (C, H, O, N, S) and functional group (CO₂H, phenolic OH, total acidity) analyses, infrared (IR) spectrophotometry, differential thermal analysis (DTA) and by metal (Fe, Al, Cu, Mn, Pb, Ni, Co, Zn, Cr, Cd, Hg, Ca and Mg) analyses. Si was also determined in all samples.

Polluted HA's and FA's contained more N and S but less 0 and were richer in all metals and Si than were unpolluted ones. IR spectra showed that polluted humic materials were enriched in COO^‐ groups, secondary non‐cyclic amides and possible also in SO₃H groups. DTA curves indicated that polluted HA's and FA's were more thermostable than unpolluted HA's and FA's. Unusually high N, S, Cu, Cr, Zn and Hg contents of humic materials appear to be useful indicators of soil and sediment pollution.     

Heavy metal contamination in surface sediments of Yangtze River intertidal zone: An assessment from different indexes

Surface sediments (0-5 cm) from 59 stations within the Yangtze River intertidal zone (YRIZ) were sampled for metal contamination analysis in April and August 2005. The concentrations ranged (in mg kg⁻¹ dry weight): Al, 40,803-97,213; Fe, 20,538-49,627; Cd, 0.12-0.75; Cr, 36.9-173; Cu, 6.87-49.7; Mn, 413-1,112; Ni, 17.6-48.0; Pb, 18.3-44.1; and Zn, 47.6-154; respectively. Among the 59 sampling stations, enrichment factors (EF) indicate enrichment of Cd (52 stations), Cr (54 stations), Cu (5 stations), Ni (26 stations), Pb (5 stations) and Zn (5 stations). Geoaccumulation indexes (I_geo) also suggest individual metal contamination in localized areas. This study indicates that Cd, Cr and Ni enrichment in the YRIZ sediment is widespread whereas Cu, Mn, Pb and Zn enrichment is localized or nonexistent. Factor and cluster analyses indicate that Cd is associated with total organic carbon whereas Cu, Cr, Ni, Pb and Zn have a close association with Mn.     

Application of positive matrix factorization in source apportionment of particulate pollutants in Hong Kong

An advanced algorithm called positive matrix factorization (PMF) in receptor modeling was used to identify the sources of respirable suspended particulates (RSP) in Hong Kong. The compositional data obtained from the Hong Kong Environmental Protection Department from 1992 to 1994 were analyzed. The species analyzed in this study are Al, Ca, Mg, Pb, Na⁺, V, Cl⁻, NH₄⁺, SO₄²⁻, Br⁻, Mn, Fe, Ni, Zn, Cd, K⁺, Ba, Cu, and As. Unlike the conventional receptor modeling algorithm, factor analysis PMF only generates non-negative source profiles. To eliminate sulfate from such factors where it is not physically plausible, special penalty terms were included in the model so that sulfate concentrations could be selectively decreased in specified factors. A 9-factor model containing non-zero sulfate concentrations in three factors gives the most satisfactory source profiles. Ammonium sulfate, chloride depleted marine aerosols and crustal aerosols are the three non-zero sulfate sources. Other factors are marine aerosols, non-ferrous smelters, particulate copper, fuel oil burning, vehicular emission and bromide/road dust. The last two sources can be combined as a single source of vehicle/road dust. The compositional profiles of these factors were also developed. The mass profiles obtained can be improved by further refinement of distribution of sulfate in the sources.     

Accumulation of selected metals and concentration of macroelements in liver and kidney tissues of sympatric golden jackal (Canis aureus) and red fox (Vulpes vulpes) in Somogy County,Hungary

Environmental Science and Pollution Research - This study examined the concentrations of Al, Ca, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, Na, Ni, Pb, and Zn in the liver and kidney samples of golden jackals (n =...     

The use of olive tree (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Olea europaea</Emphasis> L.) leaves as a bioindicator for environmental pollution in the Province of Aydın,Turkey

Introduction  

In this study, olive tree leaves, collected from 50 sampling sites throughout the Province of Aydın, Turkey, were used to estimate level of pollution by measuring Al, As, B, Ba, Ca, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, K, Li, Mg, Mn, Na, Ni, Pb, Sr, and Zn concentrations and calculating pollution factor (PF) values.     

Influence of tobacco smoke on the elemental composition of indoor particles of different sizes

Tobacco smoking is one of the greatest sources of indoor inhalable (PM₁₀) particles. In the past, the studies conducted on indoor particulates were mostly related to PM₁₀, however in the last decade respirable particles (PM_2.5) and even smaller particles (PM₁) began to be more important as they penetrate deeper in the respiratory system, causing severe health effects. Therefore, more information on fine particles is needed. Aiming to evaluate the impact of tobacco smoke on public health, this work evaluates the influence of tobacco smoke on the characteristics of PM₁₀, PM_2.5, and PM₁ considering concentration and elemental composition. Samples were collected at sites influenced by tobacco smoke, as well as at reference sites, using low-volume samplers; the element analyses were performed by proton induced X-ray emission (PIXE); Mg, Al, Si, P, S, Cl, K, Ca, Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Se, Br, Cd, I, Ba, La, Ce and Pb were quantified. At the sites influenced by tobacco smoke concentrations were 270–560% higher for PM₁₀ and 320–680% higher for PM_2.5 than at reference sites. Tobacco smoke increased the total concentrations of five carcinogenic elements (Cr, Ni, As, Cd and Pb) 1100–2400% for PM₁₀ and 840–2200% for PM_2.5. The elements associated with tobacco smoke (S, K, Cr, Ni, Zn, As, Cd and Pb) were predominantly present in the fine fraction; the elements mostly originating from building erosion (Mg, Al, Si and Ca) predominantly occurred in the coarse particles. The analysis of enrichment factors confirmed that tobacco smoking mainly influenced the composition of the fine fraction of particles; as these smaller particles have a strong influence on health, these conclusions are relevant for the development of strategies to protect public health.     

Wet-deposition fluxes of soluble chemical species and the elements in insoluble materials

From March to June 1996, eight rain events were collected by sequential sampling on time and volume basis in Kyoto University, Uji, Japan. Soluble chemical species Cl⁻, NO₃⁻, SO₄²⁻, Na⁺, NH₄⁺, K⁺, Ca²⁺ and Mg²⁺ were measured by Ion Chromatography (IC); and the elements Si, Cl, K, Ca, Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Ni, Cu, Zn, Br and Pb in insoluble materials were measured by proton-induced X-ray emission (PIXE) technique. The wet-deposition flux of a soluble chemical species (or an element in insoluble materials) was calculated by the product of the chemical species (or the element) concentration and the corresponding rain intensity. The characteristics of sequential cumulative wet-deposition flux of the soluble chemical species and the elements in insoluble materials were examined. The factor controlling wet-deposition flux was discussed.     

Bioindication of heavy metals in the town Wrocław (Poland) with evergreen plants

In this paper the results are reported of a study on the concentration of macroelements (N, P, K, Ca, Mg, S and Fe) and heavy metals (Ni, Cr, Co, V, Zn, Mn, Pb, Cd, Cu, Hg, Ba and Sr) in soil and in three species of the evergreen plants Ilex aquifolium, Mahonia aquifolium and Rhododendron catawbiense. These plants are collected in the Botanical Garden of the Polish town Wrocław (which is exposed to atmospheric exhausts of heavy traffic, chemical factories, metal smelters and a heat and power plant partly alimented with lignite and coals) and in two presumed unpolluted reference (background) sites, one in Poland (the Dendrological Garden in Wojslawice near Niemcza, south from Wrocław) and the other in The Netherlands (the Botanical Garden of the University of Nijmegen).Analyses of both soil and plant samples point to the pollution of the Wrocław Botanical Garden by Ni, Cr, Co, Cd via the atmosphere and pollution by Zn, Pb and Hg probably via atmosphere and soil. Especially pollution with Hg via soil is supported by a significant positive correlation between Hg content in soil and in all the examined species of which Ilex aquifolium seemed to be the best monitor of soil pollution with this element.     

Relationship between heavy metals concentrations in egret species,their environment and food chain differences from two Headworks of Pakistan

Concentration of ten metals (Cd, Cr, Co, Cu, Fe, Li, Mn, Ni, Pb and Zn) were analyzed in the egg contents, prey and soil samples of little egret (Egretta garzetta) and cattle egret (Bubulcus ibis) from two Headworks to determine habitat and species-specific differences; to assess the importance of prey and habitat contamination as an exposure source for heavy metals. Concentration of Cu, Mn, Cr and Pb in egg contents, Fe, Co, Cu, Mn, Zn in prey and Fe, Co, Cu, Ni, Li in surface soils were significantly different (P < 0.05). Mean metal concentrations of Cr, Pb and Cd were relatively higher in little egret whereas Cu and Mn were higher in the egg contents of cattle egret. The mean concentrations of Cu, Mn and Zn were higher in prey samples of cattle egrets and Cr, Cd and Pb in prey samples of little egrets. In soil samples collected from little egret heronries metal concentrations were higher except Cu and Ni. Correlation Analysis and Hierarchical Agglomerative Cluster Analysis (HACA) identified relatively similar associations of metals and their source identification. Metals such as Fe, Cu, Mn, and Li were related with geochemical origin from parent rock material as well as anthropogenic input whereas Cr, Cd, Pb, Ni, Co and Zn were associated mostly with anthropogenic activities. The study suggested that eggs are useful bio-monitor of local heavy metal contamination.     

Temporal variability in 20 chemical elements content of Parasol Mushroom (Macrolepiota procera) collected from two sites over a few years

Mature specimens of Parasol Mushroom were collected annually in the outskirts of the Siemiany (2000–2003) and Rafa (2001–2003) sites in the northern part of Poland to examine temporal variations and similarities in the composition of 20 chemical elements. Analysis was done under the same condition and using well-validated analytical methods. Elements were determined by inductively coupled plasma–atomic emission spectroscopy and cold vapour–atomic absorption spectroscopy (Hg). The ranges of Ag, Al, Ba, Ca, Cd, Co, Cu, Cr, Fe, Hg, K, Mg, Mn, Na, Ni, P, Pb, Rb, Sr and Zn concentrations in the caps of fruiting bodies were similar (p > 0.05; Mann-Whitney U test) for both geographically distant sites, and these specimens from Rafa were more contaminated with Pb (p < 0.05; Mann-Whitney U test). The annual collections of caps in the Siemiany site varied in Ag, Al, Ba, Ca, Cd, Co, Cu, Fe, Hg, Na, Rb and Sr and contents (0.05 < p < 0.001), while they were similar in Cr, K, Mg, Mn, Ni, P, Pb and Zn (p > 0.05; Mann-Whitney U test). The annual collections of specimens from the Rafa site varied in contents of Ag, Al, Ba, Ca, Fe, Hg, K, Mg, Mn, P, Rb and Zn (p > 0.05), while they were similar in Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Na, Ni, Pb and Sr (p < 0.05). The results of this study imply that metallic elements content of Parasol Mushroom collected at the same undisrupted sites, and hence keeping the same geochemical condition for mushroom development and fructification (the same stands and probably the same mycelia), can fluctuate over the years or the life-span of mycelium. Hence, when assessing the nutritional value of essential metallic elements and status of non-essential or toxic metallic elements in Parasol's Mushroom caps (and probably also of other mushrooms species) to man, the possible fluctuation in contents over time have to be taken into account.     

Grit ingestion as a source of metal exposure in the spruce grouse, Dendragapus canadensis

The objective of this study was to determine if ingestion of grit was a source of metal exposure to the spruce grouse, Dendragapus canadensis. A secondary objective was to assess whether grit could provide a supplemental source of essential minerals to their diet. Ca, P, Mg, S, Zn, Cu, Ni, Co, Cr, Fe, Mn, Al, Pb and Cd of liver (adult, yearling, chicks), crop and gizzard contents (adults) were determined for grouse collected from a relatively pristine boreal forest region of north-central Ontario, Canada. With the exception of Cd liver, concentrations were independent of age [one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA); p>0.004). Zn liver concentrations tended to be greater in adults than yearlings and chicks (one-way ANOVA; p=0.02). Liver concentrations of Cd increased with age (r=0.99; p<0.001). The contribution of crop items to total gizzard elemental content was element specific; crop contents contributed 90-100% of Mn and Zn, 70% for P and Ca, 60% for Pb, 50% for S, and 0-25% for Cu, Mg, Ni, Al, Fe, Co, Cr and Cd to the total elemental concentration of gizzard contents (crop plus grit). Incorporation of grit by grouse could, therefore, constitute an important source of essential macro-(Ca, P, Mg, S) and trace elements (Cu, Fe) but not for Mn or Zn. However, in addition to providing nutrients to the bird, ingestion of grit results in exposure to toxic trace metals such as Cd which in turn is accumulating in the liver. Research directed at determining grit turnover time, and hence metal exposure rates, in bird species which ingest grit to aid in food digestion is required. The toxicological significance of Cd exposure to grit-ingesting birds needs attention.     

巢湖表层沉积物中重金属的分布特征及其污染评价

以巢湖表层沉积物为研究对象,利用BCR连续提取法研究了沉积物中Cr、Co、Ni、Cu、Cd、Zn、V和Pb等8种重金属元素的分布特征,同时运用潜在风险指数法和地累积指数法综合评价了巢湖沉积物中重金属的生态风险。结果表明,巢湖沉积物中的重金属含量在空间上表现出东西高、中间低的分布特征。巢湖表层沉积物中Cr、Co、Ni、V和Cu 5种重金属都主要以残渣态为主,Zn和Cd主要以弱酸提取态为主,Pb以可还原态为主,同时,Co和Cu 2种元素的可交换态及可还原态含量占有较高比例,具有潜在危害性。相关性分析显示,Cr、Cu、Pb、Ni、Zn和Cd 6种重金属元素的来源和分布可能具有相似性,Co和V 2种重金属元素具有相似的地球化学行为且其主要来源可能与其他几种重金属不同。潜在生态风险指数评价结果表明,巢湖表层沉积物中8种重金属元素构成的生态危害顺序为:Cd>Pb>Co>Cu>Ni>Zn>V>Cr,Cd具有高的生态危害等级,其他7种重金属元素均为低生态危害等级。地累积指数法评价结果表明:巢湖沉积物重金属元素的富集程度为Cd>Zn>Pb>Co>Cu>V>Ni>Cr,Cr属于清洁级别,Co、Cu、V和Ni处于轻度污染水平,Zn和Pb处于偏中度污染,Cd达到了重污染水平。     

Temporal variability in 20 chemical elements content of Parasol Mushroom (Macrolepiota procera) collected from two sites over a few years

Mature specimens of Parasol Mushroom were collected annually in the outskirts of the Siemiany (2000-2003) and Rafa (2001-2003) sites in the northern part of Poland to examine temporal variations and similarities in the composition of 20 chemical elements. Analysis was done under the same condition and using well-validated analytical methods. Elements were determined by inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectroscopy and cold vapour-atomic absorption spectroscopy (Hg). The ranges of Ag, Al, Ba, Ca, Cd, Co, Cu, Cr, Fe, Hg, K, Mg, Mn, Na, Ni, P, Pb, Rb, Sr and Zn concentrations in the caps of fruiting bodies were similar (p > 0.05; Mann-Whitney U test) for both geographically distant sites, and these specimens from Rafa were more contaminated with Pb (p < 0.05; Mann-Whitney U test). The annual collections of caps in the Siemiany site varied in Ag, Al, Ba, Ca, Cd, Co, Cu, Fe, Hg, Na, Rb and Sr and contents (0.05 < p < 0.001), while they were similar in Cr, K, Mg, Mn, Ni, P, Pb and Zn (p > 0.05; Mann-Whitney U test). The annual collections of specimens from the Rafa site varied in contents of Ag, Al, Ba, Ca, Fe, Hg, K, Mg, Mn, P, Rb and Zn (p > 0.05), while they were similar in Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Na, Ni, Pb and Sr (p < 0.05). The results of this study imply that metallic elements content of Parasol Mushroom collected at the same undisrupted sites, and hence keeping the same geochemical condition for mushroom development and fructification (the same stands and probably the same mycelia), can fluctuate over the years or the life-span of mycelium. Hence, when assessing the nutritional value of essential metallic elements and status of non-essential or toxic metallic elements in Parasol's Mushroom caps (and probably also of other mushrooms species) to man, the possible fluctuation in contents over time have to be taken into account.