Metals distribution in soils around the cement factory in southern Jordan

Thirty one soil samples were collected from south Jordan around the cement factory in Qadissiya area. The samples were obtained at two depths, 0-10 cm and 10-20 cm and were analyzed by atomic absorption spectrophotometery for Pb, Zn, Cd, Fe, Cu and Cr. Physicochemical factors believed to affect their mobility of metals in soil of the study area were examined such as; pH, TOM, CaCO3, CEC and conductivity. The relatively high concentrations of lead, zinc and cadmium in the soil samples of the investigated area were related to anthropogenic sources such as cement industry, agriculture activities and traffic emissions. It was found that the lead, zinc and cadmium have the highest level in area close to the cement factory, while the concentration of chromium was low. This study indicate that all of the metals are concentrated on the surface soil, and decreased in the lower part of the soil, this due to reflects their mobility and physical properties of soil and its alkaline pH values. The use of factor analysis showed that anthropogenic activities seem to be the responsible source of pollution for metals in urban soils.     

The influence of past metallurgical activity on the concentration of heavy metals in the soil/grass system in Sibenik (Croatia)

Degree of heavy metal pollution in soil caused by a former Ferromanganese Plant (FMP) and aluminium factory was investigated and the potential of metal mobility and bioavailability was estimated. Elemental concentrations in soil, vegetation and soil extracts were determined by EDXRF. In the nearest vicinity of the factory, soil concentrations ranged as follows: Mn 12,700-342,000 ppm, Zn 200-1090, Cu 50-440, Ni 60-330, V 60-410 and Pb 24-320 ppm. Significantly higher concentrations of V, Ni, Cu, Zn and Pb compared with control samples were also found in the soil samples taken in the vicinity of aluminium plant.     

江苏省典型铅酸蓄电池企业周围环境铅污染水平调查

目的调查江苏省典型铅酸蓄电池企业对周围环境的影响。方法按照国家相关标准和规范对该企业内、外的环境样品进行检测。结果下风向区土壤铅含量中位数均明显高于上风向区域(L相似文献   

Exposure to polychlorinated biphenyls in residents near a chemical factory in Italy: the food chain as main source of contamination

High levels of PCBs were recently found in soil, food and some farmers living close to a chemical factory which until the 1980s had produced polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in Brescia, North Italy. We performed a survey on a random sample of subjects aged 20-79 years living in various areas of the town with different levels of soil pollution to investigate factors associated with increased levels of PCB in serum (24 congeners were tested). Total PCB values were closely related to age (Spearman r=0.68; p<0.0001). The 166 consumers of locally produced food had higher PCB levels than non-consumers (median=1143 versus 719; 95th centile=9301 versus 2635ng/g lipid) with the highest levels among consumers of food produced in the most contaminated area close to the factory (median=2551; 95th centile=33464ng/g lipid). A dose-effect relationship between consumption of food produced in this area and PCB blood levels was observed (Spearman r=0.52, p=0.0014). Consumers of only plant food produced in this area had higher levels of PCB than non-consumers (median=1100; 95th centile=10,800ng/g lipid). Three subjects who had worked at the factory in the past showed high PCB levels. Distribution of PCB congeners did not differ between consumers of locally produced food and non-consumers, apart from PCB 209 which was found at high levels in former factory workers and was more common among consumers of food produced in the polluted area. In conclusion, we found high serum PCB levels in humans living in a highly polluted area in an industrialized town in Italy, due mainly to consumption of food produced in polluted areas.     

Predatory insects as bioindicators of heavy metal pollution

Heavy metal concentrations of different predatory insects were studied near by a steel factory and from control sites. Waterstriders (Gerridae), dragon fly larvae (Odonata), antlion larvae (Myrmeleontidae) and ants (Formicidae) were analyzed by AAS. In most cases the metal concentrations were higher near the factory, but e.g. waterstriders had higher cadmium concentrations in control area. Discriminant analysis clearly reveals that all these insect groups can be used as heavy metal indicators. However, the commonly used ants were the least effective in indicating the differences between the factory and control sites. Waterstriders are good in detecting differences in iron and manganese, but seem to be poor in accumulating nickel and lead. Antlions are efficient in detecting differences in iron. Antlions and ants are effective in accumulating manganese; as well antlions are efficient in accumulating cadmium. Waterstriders are poor in accumulating lead, but antlions and ants are effective.     

Distribution of chromium, cadmium, nickel and lead in agricultural soils collected from Kazanli-Mersin, Turkey

This study reports total levels of chromium, cadmium, nickel and lead in the agricultural land adjacent a factory producing chromate compounds in Kazanli-Mersin. Surface soil samples were collected from fields around the factory as well as from fields farther away to measure contamination due to aerial transportation and deposition of dust produced in the industrial process. Heavy metals in soil were extracted using wet digestion, and concentrations were measured by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. The concentrations were compared with Turkish maximum allowable concentration values. The metal concentrations averaged 80, 0.14, 228 and 431mg1kg^-1 for chromium, cadmium, nickel and lead, respectively. Soil samples contaminated with chromium were mainly found 500–20001m from the factory and decreased with increasing distance from the factory. Elevated chromium and nickel concentrations were determined in the soils around the factory, especially to the northwest (prevailing wind) and west. Lead concentrations exceeded the limit in only roadside soils (4000 and 50001m to the west), but tended to increase in the vicinity of industrial activity (especially in the west, the northwest and the north). The cadmium concentration did not exceed the limit and was within the normal range for soils.     

The role of the cement industry in the contamination of air, water, soil and plant with vanadium in Cairo

Levels of vanadium in air, water, soil and plants resulting from the operation of a cement factory in south Cairo were extensively studied. Results obtained were compared with the level of vanadium in a relatively non-polluted residential area. It was concluded that the studied cement factory is the main source of the element to the adjacent environment. This is essentially due to the fact that this cement factory is using fossil fuels and raw materials that both contain high levels of vanadium without adequate control of the release of pollutants. Continuous release of air-borne dust from the cement industry will increase the level of vanadium in the surrounding environment in the long run.     

Dioxin and furan residues in wood mice (Apodemus sylvaticus) following a large scale polyvinyl chloride (PVC) fire

A forest ecosystem was contaminated as a result of a fire involving 600 t of PVC. A wide range of 2,3,7,8-substituted dioxin and furan congeners were elevated (by up to 4-fold) on soil adjacent to the factory compared to a site 200 m from the factory perimeter. Livers of wood mice (Apodemus sylvaticus) caught on these areas were also analysed for dioxins and furans. Toxic equivalents (TEQs) were 9-fold higher in wood mice caught on the site 10 m from the factory perimeter compared with the site 200 m from the perimeter, with individual 2,3,7,8-substituted congeners being elevated by up to 30-fold. Wood mouse liver TEQs were found to be highly correlated with cadmium kidney concentrations, cadmium also being found at elevated concentrations at the accident site. There was also a significant positive correlation between wood mouse liver TEQs and relative liver weights (wet weights expressed as a percentage of total body weight). The results of this study are discussed in the wider context of dioxin contamination in the environment.     

Body burden of dioxins and dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls in pregnant women residing in a contaminated area

A large pentachlorophenol (PCP)-manufacturing plant located in southwestern Taiwan operated between 1965 and 1982. The present study was conducted to ascertain whether an increased body burden of dioxins existed in pregnant women living in an area of Tainan city contaminated by chemicals from this plant. Twenty-eight pregnant subjects, 21-39 years of age and residing in the study area between March and December of 2004 with a mean dwelling time of 6.07+/-6.11 years, were recruited. Concentrations of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins, dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs), and dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in serum of recruited residents were determined. Pregnant women residing in the study area >3 years had significantly higher PCDD (7.48 versus 5.13 pg-toxic equivalents [TEQ]/g-lipid) and dioxin-like PCB (6.70 versus 3.74 pg-TEQ/g-lipid) values as compared to those residing < or = 3 years. Furthermore, dioxin concentrations increased with increasing dwelling time. Statistical analyses performed according to demographic characteristics and socioeconomic and dietary habits revealed that total TEQ values were significantly associated with fish consumption and smoking status. Dioxin congeners with greater degrees of chlorine substitution (e.g., HpCDD/F and OCDD/F) partitioned to greater degrees in the subjects of this study as compared to subjects in the general Taiwanese population. The findings of this study strongly implicate the activity of the PCP manufacturing plant in the observed increase in dioxin body burden. Investigation of the health consequences of this increased body burden is recommended.     

An assessment of dioxin contamination from the intermittent operation of a municipal waste incinerator in Japan and associated remediation

Significant dioxin (polychlorinated dibenzo-para-dioxins (PCDDs)/polychlorinated dibenzo-furans (PCDFs)) pollution from a municipal solid waste incinerator was discovered in 1997 in Osaka prefecture/Japan. The cause and mechanism of pollution was identified by a detailed assessment of the environment and incinerator plant. The primary sources of PCDD/PCDF pollution were high dioxin releases from an intermittently operated waste incinerator with PCDD/PCDF emissions of 150 ng-TEQ/Nm³. PCDD/PCDF also accumulated in the wet scrubber system (3,000 μg TEQ/L) by adsorption and water recirculation in the incinerator. Scrubber water was air-cooled with a cooling tower located on the roof of the incinerator. High concentrations of dioxins in the cooling water were released as aerosols into the surrounding and caused heavy soil pollution in the area near the plant. These emissions were considered as the major contamination pathway from the plant. Decontamination and soil remediation in and around the incinerator plant were conducted using a variety of destruction technologies (including incineration, photochemical degradation and GeoMelt technology). Although the soil remediation process was successfully finished in December 2006 about 3 % of the waste still remains. The case demonstrates that releases from incinerators which do not use best available technology or which are not operated according to best environmental practices can contaminate their operators and surrounding land. This significant pollution had a large impact on the Japanese government’s approach toward controlling dioxin pollution. Since this incident, a ministerial conference on dioxins has successfully strengthened control measures.     

Distribution,origin, and transformation of metal and metalloid pollution in vegetable fields,irrigation water,and aerosols near a Pb-Zn mine

Pollution of arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), lead (Pb), and zinc (Zn) in vegetable fields was investigated near a Pb-Zn mine that has been exploited for over 50 years without a tailing reservoir. A total of 205 water, soil, and aerosol samples were taken and quantified by combined chemical, spectrometric, and mineral analytical methods. The pollution origins were identified by Pb isotopes and the pathways of transformation and transport of the elements and minerals was studied. The data showed that the vegetable fields were seriously polluted by As, Cd, and Pb. Some concentrations in the samples were beyond the regulatory levels and not suitable for agricultural activities. This study revealed that: (1) particulate matter is a major pollution source and an important carrier of mineral particles and pollutants; (2) the elements from the polluted water and soils were strongly correlated with each other; (3) Pb isotope ratios from the samples show that Pb minerals were the major pollution sources in the nearby vegetable fields, and the aerosols were the main carrier of mining pollution; (4) the alkaline, rich-carbonate, and wet conditions in this area promoted the weathering and transformation of galena into the secondary minerals, anglesite and cerussite, which are significant evidence of such processes; (5) the soil and the aerosols are a recycled secondary pollution source for each other when being re-suspended with wind. Highlights ? Mining activities generated heavy metal pollution in fields around a Pb-Zn mine ? The elements from water and soils are strongly correlated ? Anglesite and cerussite are evidence of galena transformation into secondary minerals ? Particulate matter is an important transport carrier of pollution     

Environmental forensic investigation of the air pollution from a cement manufacturing unit

Abstract

Cement manufacturing is a process that results in the emission of significant quantities of suspended particulate matter (SPM) to the ambient air. An environmental forensic investigation was carried out in the surroundings of a major cement manufacturing unit at a place called Coimbatore in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu. The investigation was carried out to identify the contribution of the cement manufacturing unit to the SPM concentration of the surrounding air environment. The sampling points’ selection and sample collection were done following the principles outlined in the INTERPOL Manual for Pollution Crime Forensic Investigation. On-site monitoring of the air samples was carried out using Mini Laser Aerosol Spectrometer (GRIMM, Mini-LAS Model 11R). The instrument was capable of measuring particles ranging from 0.25 to 32 µm and classifying them into 31 size channels. The test results at majority of the monitoring locations were well above the limits specified in the National Ambient Air Quality Standards of India. Microscopic studies of the dust samples were carried out for surface texture and particle shape. The spatial distribution of particles was analysed using geographic information system (GIS) for the visual identification of the extent of the pollution by keeping the cement factory as the focal point. The results from the GIS and microscopic analysis established the role of the cement factory in the particulate matter pollution of its surroundings, specifically in the areas North-West of the factory. The successfully adopted procedure can serve as a guideline for the environmental forensic investigation of similar pollution incidences.     

Endogenous <Emphasis Type="Italic">trans</Emphasis>-zeatin content in plants with different metal-accumulating ability: a field survey

A field survey was conducted to evaluate soil metal pollution and endogenous trans-zeatin content in the leaves of plants growing at six sites in a metal-polluted area located in Gejiu, Yunnan, China. Five plant species were collected, and the physicochemical properties and concentrations of five metals in the soil were analyzed. The trans-zeatin content in plant leaves was measured by high-performance liquid chromatography. Based on the Nemerow pollution index, the six sites were classified into four levels of pollution (i.e., low, medium, high, and severely high). The degree of soil metal pollution was cadmium (Cd) > arsenic (As) > lead (Pb) > zinc (Zn) > copper (Cu). The leaf trans-zeatin content in Pteris vittata (an arsenic hyperaccumulator) increased significantly by 98.6 % in soil with a severely high level of pollution compared with soil at a low level of pollution. However, in non-hyperaccumulators Bidens pilosa var. radiata and Ageratina adenophora, a significant decrease in leaf trans-zeatin content of 35.6 and 87.6 %, respectively, was observed. The leaf trans-zeatin content in Artemisia argyi also decreased significantly by 73.6 % in high metal-polluted soil compared with that in medium metal-polluted soil. Furthermore, significant correlations were observed between leaf trans-zeatin content in Pteris vittata and As, Pb, and Cd concentrations in the soil; however, either no correlation or a negative one was observed in the other plant species. Therefore, a high content of trans-zeatin in the leaves of Pteris vittata may play an important role in its normal growth and tolerance to metals.     

PCDD/PCDF, dl-PCB and PBDE serum levels of Slovak general population

Blood serum specimens from 81 non-occupationally exposed adults residing in four areas close to municipal and waste incinerators as well as metallurgical industry plant and 44 adult subjects coming from control area of Slovakia were analysed for polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs), polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs), dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls (dl-PCBs) and polybrominated diphenylethers (PBDEs). The concentration of total WHO(98)TEQ PCDD/F/dl-PCBs in whole group of donors from areas where known sources causing dioxin contamination are present was significantly higher than in control group of donors (p<0.001). Correlation between the age of donors and PCDD/F and dl-PCB levels was confirmed (Spearman's r(PCDD/Fs)=0.543, r(dl-PCBs)=0.521, p<0.001). Furthermore, this study presents first results concerning the PBDE congeners in human serum of Slovak general population. The total concentration (congeners 28, 47, 99, 100, 153, 154, 183) in control group was approximately 1.5-times higher in comparison to that of residents coming from areas with supposed environmental pollution. The most abundant congeners in all samples were BDE-47 and BDE-153 with median values of 0.24 ng g(-1) lipid and 0.23ngg(-1) lipid, respectively. The positive association between PBDE values and age of donors was not found.     

Plant-mediated effects of heavy metal pollution on host choice of a grass miner

We studied the effects of heavy metal exposure on host plant choice and performance of the grass miner Chromatomyia milii (Diptera, Agromyzidae). Cadmium decreased plant growth in a dose-dependent way. C. milii preferred the control to the cadmium-exposed plants for feeding and oviposition. Moreover, preference for the control plants increased with increasing cadmium exposure of the alternative choice. Adult and offspring performance decreased with increasing plant cadmium exposure. This suggests that, at least under our laboratory conditions, host choice of C. milii is adaptive under pollution stress. Foliar cadmium concentration increased and the soluble sugar concentration decreased with increasing cadmium exposure. Regression analysis showed that both latter components might be responsible for the decrease in performance of C. milii on cadmium-exposed plants. The protein and amino acid concentration of the leaves, the amount of structural defenses, and water concentration were not affected by the cadmium treatment.     

Metal accumulation in soil arthropods in relation to micro-nutrients

Nine species of soil arthropod collected at two sites of different pollution levels were compared for concentrations of seven different elements (Ca, Cd, Cu, Fe, Mn, Pb, Zn) and correlations between the different elements were calculated. Significant effects of site on element concentrations of the animals were found for cadmium, iron, manganese and zinc, whereas calcium, copper and lead concentrations showed no significant difference between the sites. Significant differences between the species were found for all metal. The pattern of accumulation was comparable for some of the metals. Correlations were found between calcium, iron, manganese and lead concentrations and between zinc and cadmium concentrations of the species. No significant correlations were found for copper. The study showed that species can not be easily categorised as accumulators or non-accumulators; the pattern depends on the metal.     

Contribution of vehicular traffic and industrial facilities to PM10 concentrations in a suburban area of Caserta (Italy)

PM10 levels have been recorded in the suburban area of Caserta (Italy) from February to October 2012. The daily limit was exceeded in 13 % of the determinations, with no significant difference between weekdays and weekends. Benzo[a]pyrene concentrations were in the range 0.01–0.46 ng/m³, thus, never exceeding the National Standard. The B(a)P-eq was 0.20 ng/m³. PM10 peaks were associated with wind from east–northeast. The same was observed for Ca concentrations, whereas no relation with wind direction was observed for organic pollutants. The results point to a local limestone quarry and cement factory as the likely major source of PM10 pollution in the area investigated.     

Internal exposure to pollutants measured in blood and urine of Flemish adolescents in function of area of residence

The Centre for Environment and Health in Flanders, the Northern part of Belgium, started a biomonitoring program on adolescents in 2003. 1679 adolescents residing in nine areas with different patterns of pollution participated in the study. Possible confounding effects of lifestyle and personal characteristics were taken into account. The geometric mean levels of cadmium and lead in whole blood amounted to 0.36 and 21.7 microg l(-1), those of PCBs, DDE and HCB in serum to 68, 94 and 20.9 ng g(-1) fat, and those of 1-hydroxypyrene and t,t'-muconic acid in urine to 88 ng g(-1) creatinine and 72 microg g(-1) creatinine. Significant regional differences in internal lead, cadmium, PCBs, DDE and HCB exposure were observed in function of area of residence, even after adjustment for age, sex, smoking (and body mass index for the chlorinated compounds). Compared to a reference mean, internal exposure was significantly higher in one or more of the areas: Cd and Pb in the Antwerp agglomeration, Cd in the Antwerp harbour, PCBs in the Ghent agglomeration, PCBs, DDE and HCB in the Ghent harbour, Cd, PCBs, DDE and HCB in the rural area, DDE in Olen and in the Albert canal areas. Adolescents living in an area with intensive fruit cultivation (showing overall the lowest values) and, surprisingly, in areas around household waste incinerators (average of six areas), had no significantly increased internal exposures. Subjects from separate areas around waste incinerators showed significant differences in body load of various environmental contaminants.     

污泥果肥利用中重金属迁移特征研究

为了厦门城市污泥的安全利用,将石渭头污水处理厂污泥经过好氧堆肥后施用于柚子树,对重金属元素在土壤、树叶及果肉中的迁移特征进行了研究。结果表明：Cd在土壤中的富集能力强;重金属元素从土壤向树叶迁移累积能力比向果肉的大得多,污泥肥料不能用于叶类食用植物的施用;Cr向树叶、Ni向果肉的迁移累积能力强;泥肥的施用加重了土壤中Cd的污染,提高了Cr向树叶、Ni向果肉的迁移能力;污泥果肥利用需降低Ni的浓度,对污泥中含量较高的Cu、Zn、Ni、Cr和Cd需进行跟踪检测。     

Effect of soil pH on availability to crops of metals in sewage sludge-treated soils. II. Cadmium uptake by crops and implications for human dietary intake

Appropriate pH-related permissible soil-limit concentrations for cadmium in sewage sludge-treated agricultural soils were estimated from the proportional changes in concentrations of cadmium in potatoes, oats and ryegrass grown on two sludge-amended soils and at different pH values. Implications for potential human dietary intake of cadmium were also assessed. Yields of crops increased with increasing soil pH, probably in response to decreasing uptake of zinc as soil pH value was raised. In general, cadmium concentrations in peeled potato tubers, potato peelings, oat straw and ryegrass decreased as simple linear functions of increasing soil pH over the range of pH values measured (pH 3.9-7.6). Cadmium concentrations in potato peel were particularly sensitive to changing pH conditions, whereas cadmium levels in oat grain were independent of soil pH. On the basis that a highly precautionary approach is adopted in setting soil standards for heavy metals, appropriate permissible concentrations of cadmium in sludge-treated agricultural soil which protect the human food chain were determined as 2.0 and 2.5 mg Cd Kg(-1) for banded pH ranges of 5.0-5.5 and 5.5-6.0, respectively.