Source identification and risk assessment of heavy metal contaminations in urban soils of Changsha,a mine-impacted city in Southern China

The urban soils suffered seriously from heavy metal pollutions with rapid industrialization and urbanization in China. In this study, 54 urban soil samples were collected from Changsha, a mine-impacted city located in Southern China. The concentrations of heavy metals (As, Cd, Co, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Zn) were determined by ICP-MS. The pollution sources of heavy metals were discriminated and identified by the combination of multivariate statistical and geostatistical methods. Four main sources were identified according to the results of hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA), principal component analysis (PCA), and spatial distribution patterns. Co and Mn were primarily derived from soil parent material. Cu, Pb, and Zn with significant positive relationships were associated with mining activities and traffic emissions. Cd and Ni might be affected by commercial activities and industrial discharges. As isolated into a single group was considered to have correlation with coal combustion and waste incineration. Risk assessment of heavy metals in urban soils indicated an overall moderate potential ecological risk in the urban region of Changsha.     

Size distribution and anthropogenic sources apportionment of airborne trace metals in Kanazawa, Japan

Aerosol samples were collected from Kanazawa, Japan to examine the size distribution of 12 elements and to identify the major sources of anthropogenic elements. Key emission sources were identified and, concentrations contributed from individual sources were estimated as well. Concentrations of elements V, Ca, Cd, Fe, Ba, Mg, Mn, Pb, Sr, Zn, Co and Cu in aerosols were determined with ICP-MS. The results showed that Ca, Mg, Sr, Mn, Co and Fe were mainly associated with coarse particles (>2.1 μm), primarily from natural sources. In contrast, the elements Zn, Ba, Cd, V, Pb and Cu dominated in fine aerosol particles (<2.1 μm), implying that the anthropogenic origin is the dominant source. Results of the factor analysis on elements with high EF_Crust values (>10) showed that emissions from waste combustion in incinerators, oil combustion (involving waste oil burning and oil combustion in both incinerators and electricity generation plants), as well as coal combustion in electricity generation plants were major contributors of anthropogenic metals in the ambient atmosphere in Kanazawa. Quantitatively estimated sum of mean concentrations of anthropogenic elements from the key sources were in good agreement with the observed values. Results of this study elucidate the need for making pollution control strategy in this area.     

Size distribution and anthropogenic sources apportionment of airborne trace metals in Kanazawa,Japan

Aerosol samples were collected from Kanazawa, Japan to examine the size distribution of 12 elements and to identify the major sources of anthropogenic elements. Key emission sources were identified and, concentrations contributed from individual sources were estimated as well. Concentrations of elements V, Ca, Cd, Fe, Ba, Mg, Mn, Pb, Sr, Zn, Co and Cu in aerosols were determined with ICP-MS. The results showed that Ca, Mg, Sr, Mn, Co and Fe were mainly associated with coarse particles (>2.1 μm), primarily from natural sources. In contrast, the elements Zn, Ba, Cd, V, Pb and Cu dominated in fine aerosol particles (<2.1 μm), implying that the anthropogenic origin is the dominant source. Results of the factor analysis on elements with high EF_Crust values (>10) showed that emissions from waste combustion in incinerators, oil combustion (involving waste oil burning and oil combustion in both incinerators and electricity generation plants), as well as coal combustion in electricity generation plants were major contributors of anthropogenic metals in the ambient atmosphere in Kanazawa. Quantitatively estimated sum of mean concentrations of anthropogenic elements from the key sources were in good agreement with the observed values. Results of this study elucidate the need for making pollution control strategy in this area.     

Size distributions of trace metals in atmospheric aerosols in the United Kingdom

The size distributions of Ba, Cd, Co, Cu, Hg, Mn, Ni, Pb, Sn, Se, Sr, Zn and Fe in atmospheric aerosols were measured using impactors at three background sites in central England and southern Scotland. Coarse aerosols (>10.0 μm) were found to be undercollected by a micro-orifice uniform deposit impactor (MOUDI) when compared to an isokinetic technique, to a degree dependent on the size distribution of individual metals. The size distributions obtained in Scotland, which were typically trimodal, differed from those in central England, where modes were more variable.Characteristic size distributions allowed identification of three main behavioural types: (i) metals whose mass resided mainly within the accumulation mode (Cd, Sn, Pb, Se), (ii) those which were distributed between fine, intermediate and coarse modes (Ni, Zn, Cu, Co, Mn, Hg), and (iii) those which were mainly found within coarse particles (Fe, Sr, Ba). The measured distributions are believed to result from a combination of processes including local anthropogenic and natural sources, long-range transport and resuspension.     

Anthropogenic metal enrichment of snow and soil in north-eastern European Russia

Trace metal composition of winter snowpack, snow-melt filter residues and top-soil samples were determined along three transects through industrial towns in the Usa basin, North-East Russia: Inta, Usinsk and Vorkuta. Snow was analysed for Ag, Al, As, Ba, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb, Sr and Zn using ICP-MS (Ca and K by F-AAS for Vorkuta only), pH and acidity/alkalinity. Filter residues were analysed for: Al, Ba, Ca, Cd, Cu, K, Mg, Mn, Ni, Pb, Sr and Zn using F-AAS and GF-AAS; top-soil samples were analysed for Ba, Cu, Mg, Mn, Na, Ni, Pb, Sr, Zn using F-AAS. Results indicate elevated concentrations of elements associated with alkaline combustion ash around the coal mining towns of Vorkuta and Inta. There is little evidence of deposition around the gas and oil town of Usinsk. Atmospheric deposition in the vicinity of Vorkuta, and to a lesser extent Inta, added significantly to the soil contaminant loading as a result of ash fallout. Acid deposition was associated with pristine areas whereas alkaline combustion ash near to emission sources more than compensated for the acidity caused by SO2.     

Size distribution of airborne particulate matter and associated heavy metals in the roadside environment

The size distributions of airborne particulate matter (PM) and associated heavy metals Pb, Cd, Ni, Cr, V, Mn, Cu and Fe in different inhalable fractions (< 0.8 microm, 0.8-1.3 microm, 1.3-2.7 microm, 2.7-6.7 microm and > 6.7 microm) were determined at a traffic-orientated urban site in the city of Thessaloniki, northern Greece. The airborne PM displayed a bimodal distribution with most of the mass (52%) contained in the submicron size range (< 0.8 microm) and an additional minor mode (20%) in the coarse size fraction (> 6.7 microm). Characteristic size distributions of heavy metals allowed identification of three main behavioral types: (a) metals whose mass was resided mainly within the accumulation mode (Pb,Cd), (b) those which were distributed between fine, intermediate and coarse modes (Ni,Cu,Mn), and (c) those which were mainly found within particles larger than 2.7 microm in diameter (Fe). The mean mass median aerodynamic diameter (MMAD) of PM was found at 0.85+/-0.71 microm, while the mean MMADs of heavy metals followed the order Pb (0.96 +/- 0.71 microm) < Cd (1.14 +/- 0.82 microm) < V (1.38 +/- 0.63 microm) < Ni (1.45 +/- 0.88 microm) < Cu (2.04 +/- 0.77 microm) < Mn (2.61 +/- 1.23 microm) < Cr (2.91 +/- 1.40 microm) < Fe (3.82 +/- 0.88 microm). The measured distributions are believed to result from a combination of processes including local anthropogenic and natural sources, such as traffic, industrial emissions and resuspension of road dust.     

垃圾焚烧重金属迁移特性及其影响因素

综述了城市固体垃圾(MSW)焚烧过程中的Hg、Cd、Pb、Cu、Zn、As和Cr等几种主要重金属污染源在焚烧过程中的迁移特性及其主要影响因素。将重金属在焚烧过程中的迁变归结为:蒸发、气相和表面反应、冷凝成核团聚和飞灰吸附等4个主要过程;而垃圾中重金属的初始浓度、原始垃圾的基体盐分(如A l、S i和K、Na等的存在形式)、垃圾中的C l(PVC和NaC l)和S的含量、垃圾的含水量以及焚烧过程中的运行参数(温度、滞留时间、氧化-还原气氛)等都会对焚烧过程的迁移规律产生影响。     

南京大气细粒子中重金属污染特征及来源解析简

利用2011年1月、4月、7月和10月在南京市区和北郊采集的气溶胶样品,研究了南京大气细粒子中Zn、Pb、Hg、As和Cd 5种重金属的污染水平,通过元素相关性分析和因子分析方法,对细粒子中这些重金属的污染来源进行了初步解析。结果表明,南京大气细粒子及其重金属污染严重,北郊普遍比市区严重;As严重超标,Cd在南京北郊超标约5倍,Zn在市区与北郊的质量浓度均高于其他重金属元素。每种重金属的浓度均随季节而变化。市区细粒子中,As和Zn可能主要与燃煤、轮胎灰尘和建筑扬尘等有关,Pb、Hg和Cd主要来自交通尘、城市垃圾焚烧等。北郊细粒子中,As、Hg和Zn主要来源于燃煤、钢铁冶炼等工业,Pb和Cd主要与农作物秸秆燃烧、汽车尾气、道路扬尘等影响有关。     

南京大气细粒子中重金属污染特征及来源解析

利用2011年1月、4月、7月和10月在南京市区和北郊采集的气溶胶样品,研究了南京大气细粒子中zn、Ph、Hg、As和cd5种重金属的污染水平,通过元素相关性分析和因子分析方法,对细粒子中这些重金属的污染来源进行了初步解析。结果表明,南京大气细粒子及其重金属污染严重,北郊普遍比市区严重;As严重超标,cd在南京北郊超标约5倍,zn在市区与北郊的质量浓度均高于其他重金属元素。每种重金属的浓度均随季节而变化。市区细粒子中,As和zn可能主要与燃煤、轮胎灰尘和建筑扬尘等有关,Pb、Hg和cd主要来自交通尘、城市垃圾焚烧等。北郊细粒子中,As、Hg和zn主要来源于燃煤、钢铁冶炼等工业,Pb和cd主要与农作物秸秆燃烧、汽车尾气、道路扬尘等影响有关。     

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.     

Source origin of trace elements in PM from regional background,urban and industrial sites of Spain

Despite their significant role in source apportionment analysis, studies dedicated to the identification of tracer elements of emission sources of atmospheric particulate matter based on air quality data are relatively scarce. The studies describing tracer elements of specific sources currently available in the literature mostly focus on emissions from traffic or large-scale combustion processes (e.g. power plants), but not on specific industrial processes. Furthermore, marker elements are not usually determined at receptor sites, but during emission. In our study, trace element concentrations in PM₁₀ and PM_2.5 were determined at 33 monitoring stations in Spain throughout the period 1995–2006. Industrial emissions from different forms of metallurgy (steel, stainless steel, copper, zinc), ceramic and petrochemical industries were evaluated. Results obtained at sites with no significant industrial development allowed us to define usual concentration ranges for a number of trace elements in rural and urban background environments. At industrial and traffic hotspots, average trace metal concentrations were highest, exceeding rural background levels by even one order of magnitude in the cases of Cr, Mn, Cu, Zn, As, Sn, W, V, Ni, Cs and Pb. Steel production emissions were linked to high levels of Cr, Mn, Ni, Zn, Mo, Cd, Se and Sn (and probably Pb). Copper metallurgy areas showed high levels of As, Bi, Ga and Cu. Zinc metallurgy was characterised by high levels of Zn and Cd. Glazed ceramic production areas were linked to high levels of Zn, As, Se, Zr, Cs, Tl, Li, Co and Pb. High levels of Ni and V (in association) were tracers of petrochemical plants and/or fuel-oil combustion. At one site under the influence of heavy vessel traffic these elements could be considered tracers (although not exclusively) of shipping emissions. Levels of Zn–Ba and Cu–Sb were relatively high in urban areas when compared with industrialised regions due to tyre and brake abrasion, respectively.     

Metal contamination of short-term snow cover near urban crossroads: correlation analysis of metal content and fine particles distribution

Snow samples were collected near crossroads in Novi Sad, Serbia, during December 2009 to assess metal concentrations (Ca, K, Zn, Fe, Cu, Mn, Al, Pb and Na), fine particle distribution and pH value. The filtered samples of melted snow were analysed, with a focus on particles smaller than a few μm. The most common values of the frequency number distribution curve were either in the range of 0.05-0.07 μm or one order of magnitude higher (0.2-0.5 μm). At examined locations metal concentrations varied from 0.0004 mg L⁻¹ for Pb to 18.9 mg L⁻¹ for Na. Besides Na, which mostly originated from de-icing salt, Ca is found to be the most abundant element in snow indicating the dominant influence of natural factors on snow chemistry. No significant difference was found in concentration of the elements at locations near crossroads with either low or high traffic volume, except for Na and Zn.To investigate how metals were related a correlation analysis was done for the concentrations of metals and with respect to the particle size distribution parameters and pH values. The major influence on the fine particle volume (mass) was concluded to be due to the elements from anthropogenic sources. This conclusion was based on the significant positive correlation between Fe, Zn and Al and the fine particle volume based distribution parameters.     

Distribution behavior of heavy metals investigated in a laboratory-scale incinerator

The distribution behavior of Pb, Cd, Fe, Cu, Mo and Zn was determined in a laboratory-scale incinerator. Points of interest were the influence of the temperature and combustion atmosphere on the emission rates of those metals, orientating at frequent combustion conditions of accidental fires. The experiments were carried out at 600 degrees C and 800 degrees C in N2, air, N2 + HCl and air + HCl atmospheres. Furthermore, the influence of the matrix (quartz, polyethylene and cellulose powder) on the distribution behavior of the heavy metals was investigated as well. It was determined whether the distribution behavior of Cu, Pb and Cd were affected by the other heavy metals. In conclusion, it was found that in air and N2 atmosphere a temperature increase from 600 degrees C to 800 degrees C and the addition of the matrix had no effect on the evaporation rates of the heavy metals, except for Cd. Addition of gaseous HCl led to increased evaporation of the heavy metals. The increase of the evaporation rates during the experiments with matrix was higher for Fe, remained the same for Pb, Cd, Zn, and lower for Mo and Cu compared to the experiments without matrix.     

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。     

Concentrations,spatial distribution,and pollution assessment of heavy metals in surficial sediments from upstream of Yellow River,China

Surface sediments were collected from 122 sites in the upstream of the Yellow River, China. The concentration of Fe, Mn, Cu, Ni, Zn, Cr, Pb, and Cd in sediments was investigated to explore the spatial distribution based on statistics and interpolation method. The results suggested that the concentrations of heavy metals were lower than potential effect levels (PEL). The samples above threshold effect level (TEL) for Pb and Zn were less than 10%, while almost 50% of samples for Ni exceeded PEL. Pb and Zn in sediments performed little or no adverse effects on the aquatic ecosystems. Higher concentrations of all heavy metals occurred in Qinghai and Gansu sections; the concentrations of Cu, Ni, and Zn were significantly higher than the Inner Mongolia section. Lower concentration of Fe, Mn, Cu, Ni, and Zn appeared in Qinghai section; the concentrations of Fe, Mn, Cr, and Pb manifested relatively steady and similar distributions and approximately decreasing tendency along the upstream of Yellow River.

     

The study of fine and coarse particles, and metallic elements for the daytime and night-time in a suburban area of central Taiwan, Taichung

Daily average concentrations of fine and coarse particulates, and TSP samples have been measured simultaneously at daytime and night-time periods by using Universal and PS-1 sampler in a suburban area of central Taiwan from June to August 1998. The samples were analyzed by atomic absorption spectrometry to determine the fine and coarse particulate concentrations of metallic elements (Ca, Fe, Mn, Pb, Cu, Zn and Cr). The concentration of PM2.5 and TSP showed a decreased trend for the daytime period. The fine particle concentrations were about two times as that of coarse particulate concentrations. The averaged fine particulate concentrations at daytime are higher than at night-time. Ca and Fe were mostly in the coarse particulate mode. The correlation coefficients were 0.63 and 0.69 for elements Ca and Fe in the coarse particle mode for day and night periods. Pb showed a similar distribution ratio with Mn for the fine to coarse particle ratios at both day and night period. Pb and Mn are highly correlated for the day (R = 0.78) and night period (R = 0.61) at particle size <2.5 microm. Cu and Zn were mainly in fine particles at both day and night period. Fe and Ca consist of the major parts of all the elements. Elemental Mn is the lowest among the rest of the heavy metals.     

Highway increases concentrations of toxic metals in giant panda habitat

The Qinling panda subspecies (Ailuropoda melanoleuca qinlingensis) is highly endangered with fewer than 350 individuals inhabiting the Qinling Mountains. Previous studies have indicated that giant pandas are exposed to heavy metals, and a possible source is vehicle emission. The concentrations of Cu, Zn, Mn, Pb, Cr, Ni, Cd, Hg, and As in soil samples collected from sites along a major highway bisecting the panda’s habitat were analyzed to investigate whether the highway was an important source of metal contamination. There were 11 sites along a 30-km stretch of the 108th National Highway, and at each site, soil samples were taken at four distances from the highway (0, 50, 100, and 300 m) and at three soil depths (0, 5, 10 cm). Concentrations of all metals except As exceeded background levels, and concentrations of Cu, Zn, Mn, Pb, and Cd decreased significantly with increasing distance from the highway. Geo-accumulation index indicated that topsoil next to the highway was moderately contaminated with Pb and Zn, whereas topsoil up to 300 m away from the highway was extremely contaminated with Cd. The potential ecological risk index demonstrated that this area was in a high degree of ecological hazards, which were also due to serious Cd contamination. And, the hazard quotient indicated that Cd, Pb, and Mn especially Cd could pose the health risk to giant pandas. Multivariate analyses demonstrated that the highway was the main source of Cd, Pb, and Zn and also put some influence on Mn. The study has confirmed that traffic does contaminate roadside soils and poses a potential threat to the health of pandas. This should not be ignored when the conservation and management of pandas is considered.     

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.     

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.