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.     

Biomonitoring in the forest zone of Ghana: the primary results obtained using neutron activation analysis and lichens

The first heavy metal deposition survey using biological indicators in the forest belt of Ghana was carried out in the year 2002–2003. The selected sampling areas included two mining centres, industrial areas and farming communities. Levels of ten chemical elements namely, Al, As, Cr, Fe, Hg, Mn, Sb, Th, Ti and V present in the lichens at high concentrations that are suspected to be resulting from anthropogenic activities were reported in these areas. The result shows that, the farming communities are relatively clean with the gold mining areas being the most polluted areas with respect to As, Sb and Cr. The industrial areas were found to be relatively polluted with Al, Fe and Ti.     

Characterization of the Khamaseen (spring) dust in Jordan

During the spring each year, the Eastern Mediterranean is affected by Khamaseen dust cyclones sourced from the North African Sahara. In order to characterize Khamaseen dust in Jordan, we collected dust from ten localities during the spring of 2006. The collected dust was analyzed for grain size, mineralogy, and chemical composition. The dust is predominantly aluminosilicates (clay minerals and feldspars), quartz and carbonates with minor amounts of phosphate. The particles are mostly subrounded to subangular and generally between 5 and 20 μm in size. The majority of the elements analyzed have a natural abundance and distribution. However, several elements such as As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Pb, Se and Zn have higher than natural abundances due to anthropogenic enrichment by various enrichment factors. The analyzed dust samples are chemically homogenous, indicating a similar provenance and good mixing by the Khamaseen winds. The rare earth elements patterns are similar to those of the upper continental crust composition and average shale. Total amount of dust deposited on Jordan during the spring of 2006 is around 0.3 million tons.     

Heavy metals in soils from a typical industrial area in Sichuan,China: spatial distribution,source identification,and ecological risk assessment

Anthropogenic activities could result in increasing concentrations of heavy metals in soil and deteriorating in soil environmental quality. Topsoil samples from a typical industrial area, Shiting River Valley, Sichuan, Southwest China, were collected and determined for the concentrations of Cu, Zn, Cr, Cd, As, and Hg. The mean concentrations of these metals were lower than the national threshold values, but were slightly higher than their corresponding background values, indicating enrichment of these metals in soils in the valley, especially for Cu, Zn, and Hg. The topsoils in this area demonstrated moderate pollution and low potential ecological risk. Principal component analysis coupled with cluster analysis was applied to analyze the data and identified possible sources of these heavy metals; the results showed that soil Cd, Hg, As, Cu, and Zn were predominantly controlled by human activities, whereas Cr was mainly from the parent material. The spatial distribution of the heavy metals varied distinctly and was closely correlated to local anthropogenic activities. Furthermore, the concentrations of heavy metals in the industrial land demonstrated relatively higher levels than those of other land use patterns. Soil metal concentrations decreased with the distance increase from the traffic highway (0–1.0 km) and water system (0–2.0 km). Additionally, soil properties, especially pH and soil organic matter, were found to be important factors in the distribution and composition of metals.     

An assessment of metal contamination along the Irish coast using the seaweed Ascophyllum nodosum (Fucales, Phaeophyceae)

The relative abundance and variation of Cr, Co, Cd and Pb in Ascophyllum nodosum and intertidal surface sediments from six locations around the coast were assessed over six seasons. Higher Cd and Pb levels in Galway Docks and Cork Harbour were attributed to localised inputs of these metals from municipal and domestic waste, while at a reference site (Ballyconneely), high algal Cr concentrations were considered a function of geological setting rather than anthropogenic loading. Little seasonal variation was observed, with the exception of higher Co levels in plants in winter, associated with growth dynamics and increased fluvial inputs. In comparison with previously published data for metals in A. nodosum from the North Atlantic, with the exception of localised hot spots, the Irish coastline is still a relatively pristine environment. A. nodosum may be successfully and easily used as a biomonitor of metal contamination in coastal waters.     

Source characterization for atmospheric trace metals over Kiel Bight

Atmospheric concentrations of Na, Al, K, Ca, Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Se, Rb, Sr, Ba and Pb are reported for 59 weekly air filter samples collected over the Kiel Bight. The contributions of sea salt, mineral dust and anthropogenic emissions to each of these elements were assumed to be represented by the concentrations of indicator elements, which were Na, Al and Zn, respectively. Based on this assumption a multiple regression analysis was applied to the concentration data. The results showed that atmospheric sea salt contributed significantly only to Sr and, of course, Na. Considerable portions of Al, K, Ca, Ti, Cr, Mn, Fe, Rb, Sr and Ba were derived from mineral dust. Anthropogenic sources were responsible for total V, Ni, Cu, Zn, As and Pb, and there was an anthropogenic component for most of the other elements.Moreover, the anthropogenic contribution was characterized by a nearly constant composition with respect to Ca, Ti, Cr, Mn, Fe, Cu, Zn, As, Rb, Sr, Ba and Pb, indicating that trace metals over the Kiel Bight are mainly derived from one source area. This conclusion was confirmed by correlating anthropogenic trace metal concentrations with the wind direction. A 40° wind sector directed to the south of the sampling site was identified as the major pathway for the transport of anthropogenic trace metals to the Kiel Bight.     

Dry atmospheric inputs of trace metals at the Mediterranean coast of Israel (SE Mediterranean): sources and fluxes

This study presents the first detailed data on aerosol concentrations of trace metals (Cd, Pb, Cu, Zn, Cr, Mn, Fe and Al) at the SE Mediterranean coast of Israel, and assesses their sources and fluxes. Aerosol samples were collected at two sampling stations (Tel-Shikmona and Maagan Michael) along the coast between 1994 and 1997. Two broad categories of aerosol trace metal sources were defined; anthropogenic (Cd, Cu, Pb and Zn) and naturally derived elements (Al, Fe, Mn and Cr). The extent of the anthropogenic contribution was estimated by the degree of enrichment of these elements compared to the average crustal composition (EF_crust). High values (median >100) were calculated for Cd, Pb and Zn, minor values for Cu and relatively low values (<10) for Fe, Mn and Cr. The crustal-derived elements exhibited a statistically significant seasonal pattern of higher concentrations during spring and autumn (e.g. Al concentrations in some cases during these periods were observed to be in excess of 1500 ng m⁻³). In the eastern Mediterranean basin crustal-dominated elements are enriched by 2–3 times while others (Cd and Pb) are comparable to the northwestern Mediterranean. The Pb : Cd ratios of ∼150 are higher than in coastal European sites (60–116) or emission materials (∼50). It is speculated that these differences are attributed mainly to the mixing of crustal material with local and European emissions. At present, it is impossible to quantify the latter two fractions. Back trajectory analysis and the subsequent categorization of two main aerosol populations, ‘European’ and ‘North Africa–Arabian’, exhibited a significantly different geochemical imprint on the aerosol chemical composition. ‘European’-derived air masses indicated significantly higher EF_crust values for Cd and Pb due to the greater anthropogenic character of the aerosol population, with a dilution by crustal material of this population leading to comparatively lower EF_crust values associated with the North African–Arabian air masses.     

Characterization of atmospheric particulates, particle-bound transition metals and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons of urban air in the centre of Athens (Greece)

The concentrations of trace metals and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) adsorbed to total suspended particulate (TSP) and finer fractions of airborne particulate matter (PM) were determined from a site in the centre of Athens (Greece), which is characterized by heavy local traffic and is densely populated, during the winter and summer periods in 2003-2004. Also, we collected and analyzed samples of diesel and gasoline exhaust particles from local vehicles (buses, taxis and private cars) and from chimney exhaust of residential central heating appliances. A seasonal effect was observed for the size distribution of aerosol mass, with a shift to larger fine fractions in winter. The most commonly detected trace metals in the TSP and PM fractions were Fe, Pb, Zn, Cu, Cr, V, Ni and Cd and their concentrations were similar to levels observed in heavily polluted urban areas from local traffic and other anthropogenic emissions. Analysis of 16 PAHs bound to PM showed that they are mostly traffic related. In general, the fine particulate PAHs concentrations were higher than coarse particles. The most common PAHs in PM(10.2) and PM(2.1) were pyrene, phenanthrene, acenapthylene and fluoranthene, which are associated with diesel and gasoline exhaust particles. The results of this study underlined the importance of local emission sources, especially vehicular traffic, central heating and other local anthropogenic emissions. Compared with other big cities, Athens has much higher levels of airborne particles, especially of the finer fractions PM(10) and PM(2.5), correlated with traffic-related air pollution.     

Heavy metals contents in agricultural topsoils in the Ebro basin (Spain). Application of the multivariate geoestatistical methods to study spatial variations

In this work the content of seven heavy metals (Cd, Cr, Cu, Hg, Ni, Pb and Zn) and other parameters (the pH, organic matter, carbonates and granulometric fraction) in agricultural topsoil in the Ebro basin are quantified, based on 624 samples collected according to an 8 by 8 km square mesh. The average concentrations (mg/kg) obtained were: Cd 0.415+/-0.163, Cr 20.27+/-13.21, Cu 17.33+/-14.97, Ni 20.50+/-22.71, Pb 17.54+/-10.41, Zn 17.53+/-24.19 and Hg 35.6+/-42.05 microg/kg. The concentration levels are relatively low in areas of high pH and low organic matter content concentration. The results of factor analysis group Cd, Cu, Hg, Pb and Zn in F1 and Cr y Ni in F2. The spatial heavy metals component maps based on geostatistical analysis, show definite association of these factors with the soil parent material. The local anomalies (found in Cu, Zn and Pb) are attributed to anthropogenic influence.     

Transport and chemical composition of the summer aerosol in the Norwegian Arctic

The chemical composition and transfer routes of the Arctic aerosol during summer have been studied at Ny-Alesund, Bjørnøya, Hopen and Jan Mayen in the period August/September 1983. Samples were also collected on mainland Norway to assess the origin of aerosols transported to the Norwegian Arctic. The concentrations of Si, Al, S, Cl, K, Ca, Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Ni, Pb, Zn and Cu were measured in samples from a six-stage cascade impactor of Battelle design by particle-induced X-ray emissions (PIXE). The concentrations of Cd, Ni, Pb and Zn were also measured in samples from high-volume samplers by atomic absorption spectrophotometry (AAS).Three interesting periods were identified from the element concentrations. At the beginning of the measurement campaign, the air pollutants measured at Ny-Alesund and Hopen most likely originated in northern America and Greenland. A few days later, very high concentrations of Cd and Zn at Ny-Alesund seemed to be due to air mass transfer from the Soviet Union. During the last episode, observed at Ny-Alesund and Hopen in September, elevated concentrations of several anthropogenic pollutants appeared to be due to emissions in Europe.The results show that anthropogenic emissions from sources in western Europe, Eurasia and northern America may pollute the Arctic air not only in winter but in summer as well. Present levels of air pollutants in the Norwegian Arctic in summer are within the range of levels observed in other remote regions, but are one order of magnitude higher than in Antarctica.     

Biomass Burning in the Amazon-Fertilizer for the Mountaineous Rain Forest in Ecuador (7 pp)

Background Biomass burning is a source of carbon, sulfur and nitrogen compounds which, along with their photochemically generated reaction products, can be transported over very long distances, even traversing oceans. Chemical analyses of rain and fogwater samples collected in the mountaineous rain forest of south Ecuador show frequent episodes of high sulfate and nitrate concentration, from which annual deposition rates are derived comparable to those found in polluted central Europe. As significant anthropogenic sources are lacking at the research site it is suspected that biomass burning upwind in the Amazon basin is the major source of the enhanced sulfate and nitrate imput. Methods Regular rain and fogwater sampling along an altitude profile between 1800 and 3185 m has been carried out in the Podocarpus National Park close to the Rio SanFrancisco (3°58'S, 79°5'W) in southern Ecuador. pH values, electrical conductivity and chemical ion composition were measured at the TUM-WZW using standard methods. Results and Discussion Results reported cover over one year from March 2002 until May 2003. Annual deposition rates of sulfate were calculated ranging between 4 and 13 kg S/ha year, almost as high as in polluted central Europe. Nitrogen deposition via ammonia (1.5–4.4 kg N/ha year) and nitrate (0.5–0.8 kg N/ha year) was found to be lower but still much higher than to be expected in such pristine natural forest environment. By means of back trajectory analyses it can be shown that most of the enhanced sulfur and nitrogen deposition is most likely due to forest fires far upwind of the Ecuadorian sampling site, showing a seasonal variation, with sources predominantly found in the East/NorthEast during January–March (Colombia, Venezuela, Northern Brazil) and East/SouthEast during July–September (Peru, Brazil). Conclusion Our results show that biomass burning in the Amazon basin is the predominant source of sulfur and nitrogen compounds that fertilize the mountaineous rain forest in south Ecuador. Recommendation and Outlook The mountaineous rain forest in south Ecuador has developed on poor and acid soils, with low nutrient availability. The additional fertilization resulting from anthropogenic biomass burning constitutes a significant disturbance of this ecosystem, its functioning and biodiversity. Thus it is planned to employ isotope analyses for quantifying the pathways of nitrate and sulfate deposition in these natural forests.     

Spatial and seasonal variation of PM10 mass concentrations in Taiwan

Hourly data of PM10 concentration collected from an air quality-monitoring network has been analyzed over Taiwan from 1994 to 1999. Fourteen sites from 72 monitoring stations were selected to evaluate the spatial and seasonal variations in the regions of north, southwest, south, east and National Park. The selected monitoring sites are located in a suburban environment, except Nantz and Linyuan that are located in industrial areas. Moreover, Yangming and Hengchuen are located in National Park. Spatial and seasonal variations of PM10 concentrations are rather large over Taiwan. Annual average in south is approximately six times higher than in National parks. In northern sites, the highest concentration occurs in March–May, which is attributed to the occurrence of dust storms in arid regions of central Asia and the transport of dust by northeasterly monsoon. A marked seasonal variation of PM10 concentrations can be observed both in southwestern and southern regions. The pattern is characterized by high concentrations in winter and low in summer. Appearance of the highest monthly PM10 concentration in winter of south may be in part due to the lowest number of monthly precipitation days and low temperature, both of which occurred in winter. The frequency of PM10 daily mean concentration for exceeded 150 μg m⁻³ is 15% during winter in south, which reflects the serious pollution problem there. Monitoring sites in National Park are representatives of remote environments, but the PM10 concentrations are still affected by the dust storms and human activities.     

Origin and distribution of trace elements in high-elevation precipitation in southern China

Introduction

During a 2009 investigation of the transport and deposition of trace elements in southern China, 37 event-based precipitation samples were collected at an observatory on Mount Heng, China (1,269?m asl).

Methods

Concentrations of trace elements were analyzed using inductively coupled plasma?Cmass spectrometry and the wet deposition fluxes were established. A combination of techniques including enrichment factor analysis, principal component analysis, and back trajectory models were used to identify pollutant sources.

Results

Trace element concentrations at Mount Heng were among the highest with respect to measured values reported elsewhere. All elements were of non-marine origin. The elements Pb, As, Cu, Se, and Cd were anthropogenic, while Fe, Cr, V, Ba, Mn, and Ni were of mixed crustal/anthropogenic origin. The crustal and anthropogenic contributions of trace elements were 12.8 % (0.9?~?17.4 %) and 87.2 % (82.6?~?99.1 %), with the maximum crustal fraction being 17.4 % for Fe. Coal combustion, soil and road dust, metallurgical processes, and industrial activities contributed to the element composition.

Conclusions

Summit precipitation events were primarily distant in origin. Medium- to long-range transport of trace elements from the Yangtze River Delta and northern China played an important role in wet deposition at Mount Heng, while air masses from south or southeast of the station were generally low in trace element concentrations.     

Total,dissolved, and bioavailable metals at Lake Texoma marinas

Dissolved metals in water and total metals in sediments were measured at marina areas in Lake Texoma during June 1999 to October 2001, and October 2001, respectively. The metals most often found in the highest concentrations in marina water were Na and Ca, followed by Mg and K. Elevated Cu levels detected in lake water appeared to be associated with Cu based anti-fouling paint used on boats. Metal concentrations in sediment were much higher than in water. The relative order of the concentration in sediment was Ca > Al > Fe > K > Mg > Na. Elevated Cu level at specific locations appeared to be associated with local anthropogenic sources of boat repair activities. There were positive relationships between several metal elements in water and sediment. Metals in 16 sediments from lake marinas were extracted with a weak electrolyte solution [0.1 M Ca(NO3)2] to predict the bioavailability of metals. Among the five heavy metals studied (As, Cd, Cr, Cu and Zn), Cu was the most bioavailable in Lake Texoma marinas.     

Tracing sources of atmospheric sulphur using epiphytic lichens

The overall objective of this work was to measure the spatial variation of sulphur isotopic composition of lichens across the island of Newfoundland in order to assess the degree to which the atmosphere is being affected by long-range transport of anthropogenic sulphur from eastern North America, and/or local pollution sources. A contour map (based on over 80 composite samples of the lichen Alectoria sarmentosa) illustrates the spatial distribution of sulphur isotopic composition of the Newfoundland atmosphere. It shows a gradient of delta(34)S of sulphur in lichen, decreasing from the coast to the interior of the island. It also shows local anomalies corresponding to the city of St. John's, the Come-By-Chance Oil Refinery, mining areas and fossil-fuel powered pulp and paper mills in central and western Newfoundland. The study strongly suggests that the isotopic composition of sulphur in the Newfoundland atmosphere is influenced more by the ocean (sea salt sulphate) and local anthropogenic activities in the province, than by long-range transport of continental North American sulphate.     

Effects of pollutant accumulation by the invasive weed saltcedar (Tamarix ramosissima) on the biological control agent Diorhabda elongata (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae)

Hydroponic greenhouse studies were used to investigate the effect of four anthropogenic pollutants (perchlorate (ClO₄⁻), selenium (Se), manganese (Mn), and hexavalent chromium (Cr (VI))) on the biological control agent Diorhabda elongata Brullé. Contaminant concentrations were quantified for experimental Tamarix ramosissima Ledab. plants and D. elongata beetles. Growth of larvae was significantly reduced by Se contamination, but was not affected by the presence of perchlorate, Mn, or Cr (VI). All of the contaminants were transferred from plants to D. elongata beetles. Only Cr (VI) was accumulated at greater levels in beetles than in their food. Because T. ramosissima grows in disturbed areas, acquires salts readily, and utilizes groundwater, this plant is likely to accumulate anthropogenic pollutants in contaminated areas. This study is one of the first to investigate the potential of an anthropogenic pollutant to influence a weed biological control system.     

Concentrations of cadmium and other metals in Fucus vesiculosus L. and Fontinalis dalecarlica Br. Eur. from the northern Baltic Sea and the southern Bothnian Sea

Concentrations of Cd and ten other metals (Al, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, V and Zn) were determined in the brown seaweed Fucus vesiculosus L. and the aquatic moss, Fontinalis dalecarlica Br. Eur. from the northern Baltic Sea and the southern Bothnian Sea. Elevated concentrations of metals were found in samples taken close to densely populated areas, such as Stockholm and Nyn?shamn. Very high concentrations of especially Zn were found in both Fucus and Fontinalis samples taken from the area south of the Gulf of G?vle. The results indicate that mining and industrial activities along the river Dal?lven are the main sources of Zn and several other metals. Cd concentrations in Fucus plants reached maximum values (24.5 mg kg(-1)) at the northern site. The gradual increase of Cd concentrations in Fucus plants northward could not be totally explained by the salinity gradient in the Baltic Sea; reasons for this are discussed in this paper.     

Assessing heavy metal pollution in the surface soils of a region that had undergone three decades of intense industrialization and urbanization

Heavy metals in the surface soils from lands of six different use types in one of the world’s most densely populated regions, which is also a major global manufacturing base, were analyzed to assess the impact of urbanization and industrialization on soil pollution. A total of 227 surface soil samples were collected and analyzed for major heavy metals (As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Hg, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Zn) by using microwave-assisted acid digestion and inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Multivariate analysis combined with enrichment factors showed that surface soils from the region (>7.2?×?10⁴ km²) had mean Cd, Cu, Zn, and As concentrations that were over two times higher than the background values, with Cd, Cu, and Zn clearly contributed by anthropogenic sources. Soil pollution by Pb was more widespread than the other heavy metals, which was contributed mostly by anthropogenic sources. The results also indicate that Mn, Co, Fe, Cr, and Ni in the surface soils were primarily derived from lithogenic sources, while Hg and As contents in the surface soils were controlled by both natural and anthropogenic sources. The pollution level and potential ecological risk of the surface soils both decreased in the order of: urban areas?>?waste disposal/treatment sites?～?industrial areas?>?agricultural lands?～?forest lands?>?water source protection areas. These results indicate the significant need for the development of pollution prevention and reduction strategies to reduce heavy metal pollution for regions undergoing fast industrialization and urbanization.     

Distribution of metals and trace elements in adult and juvenile penguins from the Antarctic Peninsula area

The presence of metals in the Antarctic environment is principally a natural phenomenon caused by geochemical characteristics of the region, although some anthropogenic activities can increase these natural levels. Antarctic penguins present several of the characteristics of useful sentinels of pollution in Antarctica such as they are long-lived species situated at the top of food web. The concentrations of Al, Cr, Mn, Fe, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Se, Cd, and Pb were determined by inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometry in samples of liver, kidney, muscle, bone, feather, and stomach contents of gentoo, chinstrap, and Adélie penguin (12 adults, five juveniles) from carcasses of naturally dead individuals collected opportunistically in the Antarctic Peninsula area. The obtained results showed that accumulation and magnification of several elements can be occurring, so that Cd and Se reached levels potentially toxic in some specimens. The presence of human activities seems to be increasing the presence of toxic metals such as Mn, Cr, Ni, or Pb in penguins.