兰州市冬季细颗粒中微量金属元素及无机可溶性离子来源分析

通过对兰州市区4个在线大气监测点冬季细颗粒成分进行测定,测得微量金属元素和无机可溶性离子分别占细颗粒浓度的1%、52%。微量金属元素中Pb的检出量最高,占本文所测微量金属元素总含量的39.3%;无机可溶性离子含量最高的是SO2-4,其次为NO-3、Na+,分别占本文所测9种无机可溶性离子的23.3%、20.5%和19.7%。采用富集因子法与因子分析法对微量金属元素来源进行分析,结果表明,微量金属元素的来源为燃煤源、风沙土壤源、金属加工,燃煤源成因率最高,为61.2%;采用因子分析法对无机可溶性离子来源进行分析,结果表明,无机可溶性离子的来源为二次转化、人为排放、土壤源(包括风沙土壤尘和道路扬尘),土壤源成因率最高,为49.5%。     

Spatial and seasonal variation of major and trace elements in settling particulate matter in an estuarine-like archipelago area in the Northern Baltic proper

This study describes the spatial and the seasonal variation of flux and concentration of 11 metals (Al, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Hg, Mn, Ni, Pb, Zn), organic matter and C and N in settling particulate matter collected with sediment traps during seven interconnective, continuous periods totalling 15 months. Ten sediment traps were placed out along the metropolis-affected fresh water outflow of Lake M?laren, out through a non-tidal estuarine-like region with a low salt content, through the Stockholm archipelago to the Baltic. The metal concentrations of the particles were analysed with AAS using the flame technique and the amounts of C and N were determined with elemental analysis (CHN). The flux of particulate matter and of all metals decreased rapidly outwards in a gradient from the innermost stations. The distribution and composition of the particles were dominated by variations in the runoff from Lake M?laren and by the seasonal dependence on primary production. However, they were also influenced locally by the supply of nutrients via water treatment plant effluents and probably by the special sedimentation conditions in the mixing zones and by resuspension. The concentrations of Cu, Hg, Pb and Cd in the interior of the area under investigation were the most elevated of the elements and decreased markedly further out in the archipelago, indicating local anthropogenic input. Zn, Cr and Fe also showed signs of supply from the urbanized environment. The flux of most of the metals studied displayed both spatial and seasonal correlation with the weight (TPM) of the material, whereas seasonal variation of Cd was correlated to its volume (TPV) and concentration of organic matter (POM, PC and PN).     

Heavy metal levels in two biennial pine insects with sap-sucking and gall-forming life-styles

The concentrations of cadmium, copper, nickel and lead were studied in two biennial pine insects in relation to the deposition of heavy metals in the environment around the industrialised town of Harjavalta in southwestern Finland. Sap-sucking pine bark bugs, Aradus cinnamomeus (Heteroptera, Aradidae), and gall-forming pine resin gall moths, Petrova resinella (Lepidoptera, Tortricidae) were collected on sample plots located at logarithmic distances along 9 km-long transects from the distinctive emission source. The responses of these insects representing different life-style were compared. Heavy metal concentrations in A. cinnamomeus were highest (Cd 17 microg g(-1), Cu 1900 microg g(-1), Ni 220 microg g(-1), Pb 32 microg g(-1)) in the vicinity of the factor complex, and lowest in the outermost zones. This trend followed a linear regression model. The pattern was less clear in P. resinella, the concentrations being only one-tenth of those recorded in A. cinnamomeus. Correlations between metal levels in A. cinnamomeus and previously examined Sphagnum moss bags proved to be highly significant in every case. The differences in the heavy metal concentrations of these two insect species, which occupy the same trophic position, would appear to be due to the differences in their feeding characteristics. Heavy metals accumulate in the posterior bulb of the midgut in the discontinuous alimentary system of A. cinnamomeus, while P. resinella is likely to secrete most of the metals into the walls of the galls. The almost total absence of these two insect species near the factory complex seems to be associated with the high concentrations of metals.     

Preliminary assessment of trace elements in surface and deep waters of an urban river (Korotoa) in Bangladesh and associated health risk

Environmental Science and Pollution Research - Korotoa River is one of the most important urban rivers in Bangladesh for its utilization in various activities like agriculture, aquaculture,...     

Interactions between accumulation of trace elements and macronutrients in Salix caprea after inoculation with rhizosphere microorganisms

Although the beneficial effects on growth and trace element accumulation in Salix spp. inoculated with microbes are well known, little information is available on the interactions among trace elements and macronutrients. The main purpose of this study was to assess the effect of phytoaugmentation with the rhizobacteria Agromyces sp., Streptomyces sp., and the combination of each of them with the fungus Cadophora finlandica on biomass production and the accumulation of selected trace elements (Zn, Cd, Fe) and macronutrients (Ca, K, P and Mg) in Salix caprea grown on a moderately polluted soil. Dry matter production was significantly enhanced only upon inoculation with Agromyces sp. Regarding the phytoextraction of Cd and Zn, shoot concentrations were mostly increased after inoculation with Streptomyces sp. and Agromyces sp. + C. finlandica. These two treatments also showed higher translocation factors from roots to the leaves for both Cd and Zn. The accumulation of Cd and Zn in shoots was related to increased concentrations of K. This suggests that microorganisms that contribute to enhanced phytoextraction of Cd and Zn affect also the solubility and thus phytoavailability of K. This study suggests that the phytoextraction of Zn and Cd can be improved by inoculation with selected microbial strains.     

Bioaccumulation of 10 trace elements in juvenile fishes of the Lower Paraná River,Argentina: implications associated with essential fish growing habitat

This study assessed the concentration, bioconcentration, and bioaccumulation of As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Mg, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Zn in juvenile fishes (Acestrorynchus pantaneiro, Brycon orbygnianus, Cyphocharax voga, Megaleporinus obtusidens, Odontesthes bonariensis, Pimelodus maculatus, Prochilodus lineatus, Salminus brasiliensis, and Schizodon borelli) in the Lower Paraná River (Argentina), the most extensive floodplain from the Plata Basin. The floodplain is crucial for the reproduction and growth of various species such as P. lineatus, M. obtusidens, and S. brasiliensis, which complete their life cycle in this environment. In total, 90 individuals were sampled for nitrogen stable isotope, and trace element analysis in muscle tissue, water, and sediment was analyzed. The results show that all the studied species bioaccumulate Cr, Mg, Ni, and Zn. In particular, B. orbygnianus and P. maculatus presented the highest bioaccumulation factor for Cr. A biodilution of Co through the food chain was observed. No positive correlation was found between element concentration and trophic level, but we observed significant differences between trophic guilds (herbivorous, omnivorous, and carnivorous). Our findings suggest that feeding habits determine trace element concentrations. To establish differential behavior between different species within the aquatic web further studies are necessary, particularly in the floodplain of the Paraná, which is a crucial nursery area for most commercially important fishes from the Plata Basin.

Graphical abstract

     

Specific accumulation of cadmium and other trace elements in Sarcodon imbricatus using ICP-MS with a chemometric approach

Fungi can effectively accumulate various metallic elements, metalloids and non-metals in fruiting bodies. This study provides information on the accumulation of Ag, As, Ba, Cd, Co, Cs, Cu, Cr, Li, Mn, Ni, Pb, Rb, Sr, V, Tl, U and Zn in the edible mushroom Sarcodon imbricatus (L.) P. Karst. using the technique of inductively coupled plasma – mass spectrometry with a dynamic reaction cell mode. Mushrooms were foraged from four regions in Poland. Baseline concentrations of minerals, expressed in mg kg^?1 dry biomass (db), were in the composite samples of caps in the range: for Ag (0.27–0.29), As (1.0–1.9), Ba (0.31–0.45), Cd (4.5–6.3), Co (0.23–1.9), Cu (28–35), Cr (0.19–0.29), Cs (20–38), Li (0.013–0.020), Mn (5.9–8.8), Ni (0.81–1.4), Pb (0.94–1.6), Rb (490–700), Sr (0.14–0.19), Tl (0.058–0.11), U (0.002–0.002), V (0.044–0.054) and Zn (140–160). Concentration levels of Ag, As, Cd, Cs, Pb and Zn were higher in caps than in stipes of S. imbricatus, whereas for other elements the distribution between caps and stipes was nearly equal or for some differed depending on the location. Certainly, the content of toxic Cd in S. imbricatus was elevated (0.45–0.63 mg kg^?1 in fresh caps) and therefore eating this mushroom could increase exposure to Cd. In addition, the content of toxic As in S. imbricatus was elevated.     

Toxic and essential trace elements in human milk from Greek lactating women: association with dietary habits and other factors

The aim of this study was to determine the concentration of some essential and toxic metals in the colostrum and transitory human milk in conjunction with various factors that may influence their concentrations i.e. diet, supplementation, place of residence, smoking, as well as socioeconomic and somatometric characteristics. Zinc, iron, copper, manganese, cadmium and lead were measured by AAS in 180 colostrum samples from healthy lactating women collected on third day postpartum. A second milk sample was collected in 95 (53%) subjects 14 days later. Dietary habits were assessed by a 7-day food frequency questionnaire and various characteristics and socio-economic factors were also recorded. The mean (+/-standard deviation) values of colostrum samples were: Zn 4905 +/- 1725 microg l(-1), Fe 544 +/- 348 microg l(-1), Mn 4.79 +/- 3.23 microg l(-1), Cu 381 +/- 132 microg l(-1), Cd 0.190 +/- 0.150 microg l(-1), Pb 0.48 +/- 0.60 microg l(-1). All metals with the exception of copper were found in lower concentrations in transitory samples. Cadmium and lead weekly intakes were found to be below the Maximum Tolerable Weekly Intakes as they have been established for infants by WHO or NRC. Our results revealed: higher Pb concentration in the samples from urban areas; effect of smoking on Cu level; dietary habits seem to play a role in metal levels in human milk as the logistic regression models revealed.     

Distribution of genetic elements associated with antibiotic resistance in treated and untreated animal husbandry waste and wastewater

Environmental Science and Pollution Research - Animal breeding for meat production based on swine, cattle, poultry, and aquaculture is an activity that generates several impacts on the environment,...     

Microbial and physicochemical parameters associated with Legionella contamination in hot water recirculation systems

Hot water recirculation systems (HWRS) in hotels and nursing homes, which are common in countries such as Spain, have been related to outbreaks of legionellosis. To establish the relationships of microbial and physicochemical parameters, especially protozoa, with the occurrence of Legionella in HWRS, 231 samples from hotels and nursing homes were analysed for Legionella, protozoa, heterotrophic plate counts (HPC) at 22 and 37 °C, Pseudomonas, metals, temperature and others. Legionella pneumophila was the dominant species isolated, and 22 % were sg. 1. The sampling method became particularly important in order to define which factors were involved on the occurrence of Legionella. Results showed that the bacteria and the accompanying microbiota were more abundant in the first flush water whose temperature was lower. The bacteria occurred in those samples with high HPC and were inversely correlated with high temperatures. Multivariate regression showed that a concentration above 1?×?10⁵?CFU/100 mL of HPC at 37 °C, Fe above 0.095 ppm and the presence of protozoa increased significantly the risk of Legionella colonization, while univariant regression showed that the presence of Cu above 0.76 ppm and temperature above 55 °C diminished it. Therefore, to reduce the risk associated with Legionella occurrence in HWRS these parameters should be taken into consideration.     

Pollution status and risk assessment of trace elements in Portuguese water,soils, sediments,and associated biota: a trend analysis from the 80s to 2021

Pollution of water bodies and sediments/soils by trace elements remains a global threat and a serious environmental hazard to biodiversity and human’s health. Globalization and industrialization resulted in the increase and availability of these substances in the environment posing unpredictable adverse effects to living organisms. To determine pollution status and risk contamination by trace elements, data available in the literature of the last 40 years on trace elements occurrence in three environmental matrices (water bodies, sediments/soils, and biota) from Continental Portugal were collected (about 90 studies). Data were compared to water and sediment quality guidelines to assess potential ecological risks. Most environmentally relevant hazardous elements include Zn, Cu, Cd, Pb, and As. Various studies found trace elements at levels higher than those considered safe by environmental guidelines. In surface waters, Al, Zn, Se, and Ag were found above aquatic life limits in about 60% of the reviewed papers, while Cu, Zn, and As exceed those values in more than 60% of mining waters. Hg and Cd in sediments from mining areas exceeded aquatic life limits and potential ecological risk showed extremely high risk for most of the elements. The data compiled in this review is very heterogenous, varying in terms of sampling schemes, trace elements analysed, and spatiotemporal settings. This heterogenicity leads to data differences that make meaningful comparisons difficult. Nevertheless, the compilation of scattered environmental spatial and temporal trace elements data, of either natural sources or human activity as well as the ultimate effect on biological systems, is of the upmost importance to broaden its knowledge, risk assessment, and implementation of mitigation measures.

     

Heavy metal accumulation by poplar in calcareous soil with various degrees of multi-metal contamination: implications for phytoextraction and phytostabilization

The object of this study was to assess the capacity of Populus alba L. var. pyramidalis Bunge for phytoremediation of heavy metals on calcareous soils contaminated with multiple metals. In a pot culture experiment, a multi-metal-contaminated calcareous soil was mixed at different ratios with an uncontaminated, but otherwise similar soil, to establish a gradient of soil metal contamination levels. In a field experiment, poplars with different stand ages (3, 5, and 7 years) were sampled randomly in a wastewater-irrigated field. The concentrations of cadmium (Cd), Cu, lead (Pb), and zinc (Zn) in the poplar tissues and soil were determined. The accumulation of Cd and Zn was greatest in the leaves of P. pyramidalis, while Cu and Pb mainly accumulated in the roots. In the pot experiment, the highest tissue concentrations of Cd (40.76 mg kg^?1), Cu (8.21 mg kg^?1), Pb (41.62 mg kg^?1), and Zn (696 mg kg^?1) were all noted in the multi-metal-contaminated soil. Although extremely high levels of Cd and Zn accumulated in the leaves, phytoextraction using P. pyramidalis may take at least 24 and 16 years for Cd and Zn, respectively. The foliar concentrations of Cu and Pb were always within the normal ranges and were never higher than 8 and 5 mg kg^?1, respectively. The field experiment also revealed that the concentrations of all four metals in the bark were significantly higher than that in the wood. In addition, the tissue metal concentrations, together with the NH₄NO₃-extractable concentrations of metals in the root zone, decreased as the stand age increased. P. pyramidalis is suitable for phytostabilization of calcareous soils contaminated with multiple metals, but collection of the litter fall would be necessary due to the relatively high foliar concentrations of Cd and Zn.     

Lichens and mosses as biomonitors of trace elements in areas with thermal springs and fumarole activity (Mt. Amiata, central Italy)

The contribution of thermal springs and fumaroles to environmental levels of Al, As, B, Cd, Cu, Fe, Hg, Mo, Pb, S, Sb and Zn was evaluated by means of lichens (Parmelia sulcata) and mosses (Hypnum cupressiforme) used as bioaccumulators. Compared to the data reported for unpolluted areas, accumulation of Hg, S and Al was found, with values of Hg and S in the same range as in the vicinity of geothermal power plants. Furthermore, fumaroles turned out to be a significant source of atmospheric arsenic.     

Determination of trace rare earth elements in coal fly ash and atmospheric particulates by electrothermal vaporization inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry with slurry sampling

A method of fluorination assisted electrothermal vaporization (FETV)-ICP-MS with polytetrafluoroethylene as fluorinating reagent was developed for the direct determination of trace rare earth elements (REEs) in coal fly ash and atmospheric particulates. Under the optimal conditions, the detection limits for REEs were 0.1 pg m(-3)(Eu) to 6.7 pg m(-3)(Nd) with the precisions of 4.1%(Yb) to 10%(La) (c=1 microg L(-1), n=9). The proposed method was applied to determine trace REEs in coal fly ash, airborne particulates and NIES SRM No. 8 Vehicle Exhaust Particulates. It was found that the determined values for Y, La, Pr and Nd obtained by slurry sampling FETV-ICP-MS with external calibration coincided with that obtained by pneumatic nebulization (PN)-ICP-MS and slurry sampling FETV-ICP-MS with standard addition. However, the determined values for Ce and Sm obtained by slurry sampling FETV-ICP-MS with external calibration were lower than that obtained by PN-ICP-MS and slurry sampling FETV-ICP-MS with standard addition.     

Heavy metal bioaccumulation in selected medicinal plants collected from Khetri copper mines and comparison with those collected from fertile soil in Haridwar,India

Heavy metal distribution in medicinal plants is gaining importance not only as an alternative medicine, but also for possible concern due to effects of metal toxicity. The present study has been focused on emphasizing the heavy metal status and bioaccumulation factors of V, Mn, Fe, Co, Cu, Zn, Se (essential metals) and Cr, Ni, Cd, As and Pb (potentially toxic metals) in medicinal plants grown under two different environmental conditions e.g., near to Khetri copper mine and those in fertile soils of Haridwar, both in India, using Instrumental Neutron Activation Analysis (relative method) and Atomic Absorption Spectrometry. The copper levels in the medicinal plants from Khetri were found to be 3-4 folds higher (31.6–76.5 mg kg^?1) than those from Haridwar samples (7.40–15.3 mg kg^?1), which is correlated with very high copper levels (763 mg kg^?1) in Khetri soil. Among various heavy metals, Cr (2.60–5.92 mg kg^?1), Cd (1.47–2.97 mg kg^?1) and Pb (3.97–6.63 mg kg^?1) are also higher in concentration in the medicinal plants from Khetri. The essential metals like Mn (36.4–69.3 mg kg^?1), Fe (192–601 mg kg^?1), Zn (24.9–49.9 mg kg^?1) and Se (0.13–0.91 mg kg^?1) and potentially toxic metals like Ni (3.09–9.01 mg kg^?1) and As (0.41–2.09 mg kg^?1) did not show much variations in concentration in the medicinal plants from both Khetri and Haridwar. The medicinal plants from Khetri, e.g., Ocimum sanctum, Cassia fistula, Withania somnifera and Azadirachta Indica were found rich in Ca and Mg contents while Aloe barbadensis showed moderately high Ca and Mg. Higher levels of Ca-Mg were found to correlate with Zn (except Azadirachta Indica). The bioaccumulation factors (BAFS) of the heavy metals were estimated to understand the soil-to-plant transfer pattern of the heavy metals. Significantly lower BAF values of Cu and Cr were found in the medicinal plants from Khetri, indicating majority fraction of these metals are precipitated and were immobilized species unsuitable for plant uptake. Overall, Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha) showed very high metal bioaccumulation.     

Trace element levels in adults from the west coast of Canada and associations with age, gender, diet, activities, and levels of other trace elements

The purpose of this study was to assess trace element levels in whole blood, serum and urine of 61 non-smoking adults living on the west coast of Canada and to determine their association with the following variables: age, gender, diet, participation in certain hobby and/or occupational activities, and levels of other trace elements. Participants or their spouses were employed as oyster growers and were originally recruited to study the absorption of cadmium from oyster consumption. Trace elements were measured using inductively-coupled plasma mass spectrometry. A telephone interview was used to assess participant's intake of selected foods and the amount of time they have spent on certain activities over the lifetime. Comparison of results to previous studies revealed that blood lead, blood mercury, serum nickel, serum selenium and urine molybdenum levels were generally higher in this study than have previously been measured, possibly due to higher consumption of seafood in this sample. Men had statistically higher levels of serum iron, blood lead, and serum selenium, while women had statistically higher levels of serum copper and blood manganese. Blood lead levels increased with age. Diet had a statistically significant association with several elements. Consumption of spinach, seaweed, organ meats, and shellfish tended to be positively correlated with trace element concentrations and consumption of various forms of potatoes tended to be negatively correlated. Several statistically significant correlations were also observed between trace elements.     

Probabilistic public health risks associated with pesticides and heavy metal exposure through consumption of common dried fish in coastal regions of Bangladesh

Environmental Science and Pollution Research - The chemical contaminants in dried fish are of great food safety concern and an emerging public health issue in Bangladesh. The aim of this study was...