Heavy metal enrichment in the soil along the Delhi–Ulan section of the Qinghai–Tibet railway in China

The pollutants that are discharged from roads and traffic have attracted much attention recently. Nonetheless, most studies have mainly focused on highways and seldom on railways. In this study, soil samples were selected at the embankment and perpendicularly at different distances (2, 5, 10, 20, 30, 50, 60, 70, 80, 100, and 150 m) from the embankment bottom of the Qinghai–Tibet railway. Furthermore, soils were selected at four soil depths (5, 10, 20, and 30 cm) of each sample at the flat. The enrichment of nine heavy metals (V, Cr, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Rb, Cd, and Pb) in soils along the Delhi–Ulan section of the Qinghai–Tibet railway was studied. The results indicated that the mean concentrations of Cr, Ni, Cu, Zn, Pb, and Cd were highest at the embankment. The Cu concentrations in soils decreased by an S-curve-shaped function with increasing distance from the embankment, while Cd, Pb, and Zn decreased by inverse functions (p?<?0.0001). The concentrations of other studied metal did not show significant changes with increasing distance. After performing a statistical analysis, Pb, Cd, and Zn in soils were considered to be influenced by railway operations. However, the influence was weak and only spanned less than 5 m from the bottom of the embankment horizontally and 10 cm from the surface vertically. The mean concentrations of heavy metals in soils along the Delhi–Ulan section of the Qinghai–Tibet railway were considered lower compared with those along other railways.     

Distribution and solid-phase speciation of toxic heavy metals of bed sediments of Bharali tributary of Brahmaputra River

Heavy metal (Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu, Ni, Pb, and Cd) concentrations and their chemical speciations were investigated for the first time in bed sediments of Bharali River, a major tributary of the Brahmaputra River of the Eastern Himalayas. Levels of Fe, Mn, Pb, and Cd in the bed sediments were much below the average Indian rivers; however, Cu and Zn exhibit levels on the higher side. Enrichment factors (EF) of all metals was greater than 1 and a higher trend of EF was seen in the abandoned channel for most metals. Pb showed maximum EF of 32 at site near an urban center. The geoaccumulation indices indicate that Bharali river is moderately polluted. The metals speciations, done by a sequential extraction regime, show that Cd, Cu, and Pb exhibit considerable presence in the exchangeable and carbonate fraction, thereby showing higher mobility and bioavailability. On the other hand, Ni, Mn, and Fe exhibit greater presence in the residual fraction and Zn was dominant in the Fe?CMn oxide phase. Inter-species correlations at three sites did not show similar trends for metal pairs indicating potential variations in the contributing sources.     

徽县铅锌冶炼区土壤中重金属的空间分布特征

采集甘肃省徽县铅锌冶炼区域土壤样品,分析该区域内重金属污染分布规律及污染特征。结果表明,表层土壤中Pb、Cd、Cu、Zn的平均含量分别为214、3.12、25.8、79.5 mg/kg。研究区域内重金属的分布特征显示,污染浓度由冶炼厂中心向四周递减。纵向0~30 cm范围内重金属含量逐渐降低,大部分重金属污染物集中在土壤表层的0~20 cm区域,其中0~2 cm区域内含量较高,Pb和Cd的最高含量分别达到3 877、24.8 mg/kg,与国家土壤环境质量二级标准(p H 6.5~7.5)(GB 15618—1995)相比,分别超标13、82倍,属于重度污染。重金属元素的分布与土壤有机碳含量及p H相关。冶炼厂周围的重金属污染应引起有关部门的高度重视,严格控制污染源,尽快采取措施以防止污染范围进一步扩大。     

Heavy metal pattern and solute concentration in soils along the oldest highway of the world – the AVUS Autobahn

Highways and main roads are a potential source of contamination for the surrounding environment. High traffic rates result in elevated heavy metal concentrations in road runoff, soil and water seepage, which has attracted much attention in the recent past. Nonetheless, investigations of pollutants in roadside soils are still a subject of major interest due to the rapid development of traffic systems and increasing traffic all over the world. The accumulation of the heavy metals Pb, Cd, Cu and Zn in soils along the oldest federal highway of the world has been studied by sampling a roadside transect of 125 by 10?m. In addition, heavy metal concentrations of Pb, Cd, Zn, Cu, Ni and Cr in soil solutions from different distances (2.5, 5 and 10?m) from the hard shoulder of the highway and from three soil depths (10, 30, and 50?cm) were investigated. The results show that heavy metal concentrations are up to 20 times increased compared to the geochemical background levels and a reference site of 800-m distance from the roadside. Soil matrix concentrations in the topsoil (0-10?cm) mostly exceeded the precautionary values of the German Federal Soil Protection and Contamination Ordinance (BBodSchV). The concentrations of Cd, Pb and Zn in the soil matrix tended to decrease with distance from the roadside edge, whereas the concentrations in the soil solution increased at a distance of 10?m onwards due to a lower soil pH. Because of both high pH values and a high sorption capacity of the soils, soil solution concentrations seldom exceeded the trigger values of the German Federal Soil Protection and Contamination Ordinance (BBodSchV) for transferring soil solution to groundwater.     

Assessment of heavy metal concentration in the Khoshk River water and sediment, Shiraz, Southwest Iran

Heavy metal contents and contamination characteristics of the water and sediment of the Khoshk River, Shiraz, Southwest Iran were investigated. The abundance of heavy metals decreases as Zn > Mn > Cr > Ni >Pb > Cu > Cd in water samples and Mn > Cr > Pb > Ni > Zn > Cu > Cd in sediments, respectively. Based on the enrichment factor and geoaccumulation index values, sediments were loaded with Cr, Zn, Pb, Cu, and Cd. Pearson correlation matrix as well as cluster and principal components analyses and analysis of variance were implemented on data from sampling sites. Based on the locations of sampling sites in clusters and variable concentrations at these stations, it was concluded that municipal, industrial, and domestic discharges in the Shiraz urban area strongly affected heavy metals concentrations in the Khoshk River water and sediment. Results obtained from principal components analysis of sediment samples showed that the high concentration of Ni was mainly from natural origin, related to the composition of parent rocks, while the elevated values of Cr, Zn, Pb, Cd, and Cu were due to anthropogenic activities.     

Heavy metal accumulation in vegetables grown in a long-term wastewater-irrigated agricultural land of tropical India

In the present study, the magnitude of contamination of vegetables with heavy metals (Pb, Zn, Cd, Cr, Cu and Zn) was determined in a long-term wastewater-irrigated agricultural land. Heavy metal concentrations in vegetables were several folds higher in wastewater-irrigated site compared to clean water-irrigated area. The wastewater-irrigated crops analysed in this study are heavily contaminated with heavy metals. Concentrations of Pb, Zn, Cd and Cr in all the sewage-fed vegetables were beyond the safe limit of FAO/WHO and Indian standard. Contamination is at its highest level in radish and spinach. Daily intake values of Pb, Cd and Ni through consumption of sewage-fed vegetables exceeded the recommended oral dose of metal for both adult and children. The study concludes that wastewater irrigation led to accumulation of heavy metals in vegetables causing potential health risk to consumers.     

太原市大气颗粒物中重金属的污染特征及来源解析

为了解太原市采暖期大气颗粒物不同粒径中重金属的污染特征及其来源,于2012年10月—2013年2月对环境空气中颗粒物采样,用原子吸收分光光度法测定样品中Fe、Pb、Cu、Ni、Cr、Cd、Mn、Zn等8种元素的含量。结果表明,太原市采暖期重金属浓度从高到低依次为FePbMnZnCrCuNiCd。重金属Pb、Mn、Zn、Ni、Cd主要富集在PM2.5中;Cr主要富集在PM10中;Cu主要富集在PM5中;Fe主要在粒径大于2.5μm的粗粒子中富集。除Zn外,其他7种元素浓度均表现为灰霾期采暖期采暖前。通过主因子分析表明,太原市大气颗粒物中重金属主要来源于冶金、有机合成工业、燃煤、汽车尾气、土壤尘等。     

Dissolved and particulate metals in water from Sonora Coast: a pristine zone of Gulf of California

The purpose of this study was to investigate the distribution of metals (Cd, Pb, Hg, Cu, Fe, Mn, and Zn) in dissolved and particulate fractions in seawater from Bacochibampo Bay, Northern part of Mexico. Water samples were collected from November 2004 to October 2005. Metal analysis was done by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectroscopy. Results indicated highest concentrations of dissolved Cd and Zn in the sites localized at the mouth and center of the bay. During summer and spring, the highest levels of Cd, Mn, and Fe were detected, Zn in fall, and Pb and Cu in winter and spring. Mercury was the only metal that was not found in this fraction. In particulate fraction, Fe, Hg, and Mn were the most abundant elements in all the sampling sites, followed by Zn, Cu, Pb, and Cd. The highest levels of the majority of the metals were observed in the coastline, suggesting a continental and/or urban source for these chemicals. The highest level of Cd was detected during the summer and the rest of the metals in the fall. Statistically significant correlations were observed between dissolved and particulate forms of Pb:Mn, Cu:Fe, and Cu:Mn. The mean partition coefficient values were as follows: Fe>Mn>Cu>Pb>Cd>Zn. All dissolved metal concentrations found, except Pb, were lower than EPA-recommended water quality values. The levels of dissolved metals in this study reveal low bioavailability and toxic potential. However, further toxicological and sediment chemistry studies in this area are needed for a full risk assessment.     

Vertical distribution of heavy metals in soil profile in a seasonally waterlogging agriculture field in Eastern Ganges Basin

The accumulation of heavy metals in soil and water is a serious concern due to their persistence and toxicity. This study investigated the vertical distribution of heavy metals, possible sources and their relation with soil texture in a soil profile from seasonally waterlogged agriculture fields of Eastern Ganges basin. Fifteen samples were collected at ～0.90-m interval during drilling of 13.11 mbgl and analysed for physical parameters (moisture content and grain size parameters: sand, silt, clay ratio) and heavy metals (Fe, Mn, Cr, Cu, Pb, Zn, Co, Ni and Cd). The average metal content was in the decreasing order of Fe?>?Mn?>?Cr?>?Zn?>?Ni?>?Cu?>?Co?>?Pb?>?Cd. Vertical distribution of Fe, Mn, Zn and Ni shows more or less similar trends, and clay zone records high concentration of heavy metals. The enrichment of heavy metals in clay zone with alkaline pH strongly implies that the heavy metal distributions in the study site are effectively regulated by soil texture and reductive dissolution of Fe and Mn oxy-hydroxides. Correlation coefficient analysis indicates that most of the metals correlate with Fe, Mn and soil texture (clay and silt). Soil quality assessment was carried out using geoaccumulation index (I _geo), enrichment factor (EF) and contamination factor (CF). The enrichment factor values were ranged between 0.66 (Mn) and 2.34 (Co) for the studied metals, and the contamination factor values varied between 0.79 (Mn) and 2.55 (Co). Results suggest that the elements such as Cu and Co are categorized as moderate to moderately severe contamination, which are further confirmed by I _geo values (0.69 for Cu and 0.78 for Co). The concentration of Ni exceeded the effects-range median values, and the biological adverse effect of this metal is 87 %. The average concentration of heavy metals was compared with published data such as concentration of heavy metals in Ganga River sediments, Ganga Delta sediments and upper continental crust (UCC), which apparently revealed that heavy metals such as Fe, Mn, Cr, Pb, Zn and Cd are influenced by the dynamic nature of flood plain deposits. Agricultural practice and domestic sewage are also influenced on the heavy metal content in the study area.     

Total concentrations, fractionation and mobility of heavy metals in soils of urban area of Guwahati, India

This work describes the results of assessment of the heavy metals, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Zn in urban soil of Guwahati City, India from 31 sites of five different land use types covering residential, commercial, industrial, public utilities, and roadside. Sequential extraction procedure was used to evaluate the relative distribution of the eight metals in exchangeable, carbonate, reducible (Fe?CMn oxide), organic and sulfide, and residual fractions. Of the eight metals, Cd and Co occur in lower concentrations (Cd <?< Co) in all types of land, and concentration variation from one type of land use to another is not much significant for both the metals. Ni presence is more than Co, and the concentrations show some variation depending on land use status. Average Cr and Cu concentrations are ??100?mg/kg, but Cr has a significantly higher presence in industrial land use. The results are similar in case of Pb. The two metals, Mn and Zn have domination over the other metals, and the values are ??300?mg/kg. Industrial and roadside soil contains much more Mn, while commercial soil is most enriched with Zn. Of the metals, Ni has the largest proportion (~42%) bound to the exchangeable fraction and Co, Cr, and Pb also have appreciable proportion bound to the same fraction. A significant amount of Co is associated with carbonates. The reducible fraction has bound considerable quantity of Mn and Zn, while most of Cu is associated with the organic and sulfide fraction. Both Cd and Pb are dominantly associated with the residual fraction. Computation of the mobility factor of the metals indicates Mn to be the most mobile metal present in the soil samples.     

Heavy metal concentrations in two barb, Barbus xanthopterus and Barbus rajanorum mystaceus from Atatürk Dam Lake, Turkey

Concentration of some heavy metals (Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Mo, Ni, Pb and Zn) were determined in muscle, liver, kidney and gill of two barb, Barbus xanthopterus and Barbus rajanorum mystaceus, which have great economic values, in the Atatürk Dam Lake (Turkey). Heavy metal levels in fish samples were analyzed by inductively coupled plasma spectroscopy (ICP/OES). Heavy metal concentrations vary significantly, depending on the type of the tissue in fish species. The metal accumulation in the liver, kidney and gill of Barbus xanthopterus and Barbus rajanorum mystaceus was found to be quite high in comparison with that in the muscle. The mean concentrations of heavy metals in muscle tissues of Barbus xanthopterus were as follows: Co, 0.09; Cr, 0.12; Cu, 0.27; Fe, 5.26; Mn, 0.20; Ni, 0.08; Pb, 0.68; Zn, 1.39, whereas in muscle tissues of Barbus rajanorum mystaceus were as follows: Co, 0.11; Cr, 0.10; Cu, 1.07; Fe, 3.97; Mn, 019; Ni, 0.04; Pb, 0.66; Zn, 1.70 microg/g wet weight. Cd levels in gill and muscle tissues were below detection limits. All metal levels detected in tissues were safe for human consumption and within the limits for fish proposed by FAO/ WHO, EU and Turkish Food Codes.     

Distribution of heavy metals in agricultural soils near a petrochemical complex in Guangzhou, China

The aim of the study was to investigate influence of an industrialized environment on the accumulation of heavy metals in agricultural soils. Seventy soil samples collected from surface layers (0-20 cm) and horizons of five selected pedons in the vicinity area of petrochemical complex in Guangzhou, China were analyzed for Zn, Cu, Pb, Cd, Hg and As concentrations, the horizontal and vertical variation of these metals were studied and geographic information system (GIS)-based mapping techniques were applied to generate spatial distribution maps. The mean concentrations of these heavy metals in the topsoils did not exceed the maximum allowable concentrations in agricultural soil of China with the exception of Hg. Significant differences between land-use types showed that Cu, Pb, Cd, Hg and As concentrations in topsoils were strongly influenced by agricultural practices and soil management. Within a radius of 1,300 m there were no marked decreasing trends for these element concentrations (except for Zn) with the increase of distance from the complex boundary, which reflected little influence of petroleum air emission on soil heavy metal accumulation. Concentrations of Zn, Cu, Pb, Cd, Hg and As in the five pedons, particularly in cultivated vegetable field and orchard, decreased with soil depth, indicating these elements mainly originated from anthropogenic sources. GIS mapping was a useful tool for evaluating spatial variability of heavy metals in the affected soil. The spatial distribution maps allowed the identification of hot-spot areas with high metal concentration. Effective measures should be taken to avoid or minimize heavy metal further contamination of soils and to remediate the contaminated areas in order to prevent pollutants affecting human health through agricultural products.     

Trace metal concentrations in suspended particles, sediments and clams (Ruditapes philippinarum) from Jiaozhou Bay of China

Suspended particulate matter (SPM), sediments and clams were collected at three sites in Jiaozhou Bay to assess the magnitude of trace metal pollution in the area. Metal concentrations in SPM (Cu: 40.11-203; Zn: 118-447; Pb: 50.1-132; Cd: 0.55-4.39; Cr: 147.6-288; Mn: 762-1670 microg/g), sediments (Cu: 17.64-34.26; Zn: 80.79-110; Pb: 24.57-49.59; Cd: 0.099-0.324; Cr: 41.6-88.1; Mn: 343-520 microg/g) and bivalves (Cu: 6.41-19.76; Zn: 35.5-85.5; Pb: 0.31-1.01; Cd: 0.51-0.67; Mn: 27.45-67.6 microg/g) are comparable to those reported for other moderately polluted world environments. SPM showed a less clear pattern. Metal concentrations in sediments displayed a clear geographical trend with values increasing with proximity to major urban centers. The clams (on dry weight) showed a complex pattern due to the variability introduced by age-related factors. Cd showed an apparent reverse industrial trend with higher concentrations in clams collected at distant stations. Zn, Pb and Mn showed no clear geographical pattern, whereas Cu increased in the clams collected in the most industrialized area. In addition, the bioaccumulation factors (BAF) were calculated. The result indicated that the studied Ruditapes philippinarum in Jiaozhou Bay possessed different bioaccumulation capacities for Cd, Zn, Cu, Pb and Mn, and Cd, Zn had a relatively high assimilation of those metals from sediment particles. A significant relationship with clam age was observed for Zn (positive) and Cu (negative) suggesting different physiological requirements for both metals with age. Trace metal concentrations measured in the tissue of the investigated clam were in the range considered safe by the WHO for human use.     

生态修复后某矿区下游农田土壤金属污染特征与风险评价

为研究广东省某矿区开展生态修复多年后下游农田土壤的金属污染状况,选取该矿区下游某村周边农田土壤及灌溉水渠作为研究对象,对该区域采集了40个土壤表层样本和8个水体样本,利用Arcgis软件对农田土壤样品中As、Cu、Cd、Pb、Zn、Mn和Fe₂O₃的质量分数进行克里金空间插值,解析该区域农田土壤金属的空间分布特征;采用综合污染指数法和潜在生态风险指数法对该区域耕作层土壤中As、Cu、Cd、Pb、Zn和Mn进行风险评价。结果表明,40个土壤样品中As、Cd、Cu、Zn和Pb的超标率分别为77.5%、70%、87.5%、27.5%和67.5%,说明调查区域农田土壤污染属于多金属复合污染,且对农作物的生产和安全产生巨大的威胁。部分土壤样品中As、Pb和Cd含量超过了中国农用地土壤污染风险管制值,需采取严格管控措施。通过分析土壤金属的空间分布,发现土壤金属含量超标点位主要位于灌溉口与受污染河流周边,且含量与离灌溉口距离成反比。结合目前灌溉水样中的金属均未超标的情况,得出该区域农田土壤污染是由该矿区生态环境修复前所产生的含金属灌溉水导致土壤中金属的积累...     

渭河陕西段表层沉积物重金属污染特征及潜在风险

为了解渭河陕西段表层沉积物重金属的污染特征,采用ICP-MS分析了13个采样断面表层沉积物中As、Cd、Cr、Cu、Mn、Ni、Pb和Zn 8种重金属的含量,并对其来源和生态风险进行了评价。结果表明：渭河陕西段8种重金属的平均含量顺序依次为Mn > Zn > Cr > Cu > Ni > Pb > As > Cd;除Ni外的其余7种重金属的平均含量均超过陕西省A层土壤背景值。各断面表层沉积物重金属的潜在生态风险指数（RI）介于111.4~7 043.7,其中23.1%的断面有极强生态风险,46.2%的断面为中等生态风险,其余为轻微生态风险。Cd污染最为严重,对各断面的潜在生态风险介于较强生态风险与极强生态风险之间,对RI的贡献平均为85.2%;其余7种重金属在所有断面均属于轻微生态危害。渭河陕西段表层沉积物As、Cd、Cu和Zn主要为工业与农业来源;Cr和Ni主要为自然来源;Pb和Mn与城市污水和交通污染来源有关。     

包头某铝厂周边土壤重金属污染及健康风险评价

以包头市某铝业周边500 m内土壤为研究对象,测定其东北、东南、西北、西南4个方向不同水平距离及深度处土样中Cu、Cd、Pb、Zn、Ni和Cr的含量,并采用地累积指数法和健康风险评价法对重金属污染状况进行评价。结果表明,该区域表层土壤中6种重金属普遍高于内蒙古土壤背景值,且在西南方向50 m处含量最高,人类活动对该区域重金属干扰强烈,而风向对重金属分布影响不大;铝厂周围土壤中Cd、Pb处于中污染-重污染,Cu和Ni处于无污染-中污染,Zn和Cr为无污染,各金属污染程度随土壤深度的增加而减轻;健康风险评价表明,研究区域内Cu、Pb、Ni和Cd均不存在非致癌健康风险,而Cd的致癌危害虽在可接受范围内,但已存在潜在致癌风险,Ni的致癌健康风险指数已超过预警值,应予以高度重视和防治。     

Heavy metal contents and magnetic susceptibility of soils along an urban–rural gradient in rapidly growing city of eastern China

The accumulation of heavy metals (Cd, Cr, Cu, Pb and Zn) and magnetic minerals in soils along an urban-rural gradient in the rapidly growing Hangzhou City, Eastern China, was measured. The analytical results indicated that heavy metal concentrations, magnetic susceptibility (chilf) and saturation isothermal remnant magnetization (SIRM) in soils decreased with increasing distance from the urban center. The significant relationships existed between heavy metal concentrations, chilf and SIRM and distance from the urban center. The soils in the urban areas were enriched with Cd, Cu, Pb and Zn. Elevated concentrations of heavy metals (especially Cd and Zn) in urban areas indicated the evidence for the accumulation of heavy metal contaminants from anthropogenic activities. Enhanced heavy metal concentrations and magnetic susceptibility were located in the uppermost soil horizons (0-10 cm), decreasing downwards to background values. The significant positive correlations between the Tomlinson Pollution Load Index (PLI) and magnetic susceptibility and SIRM were observed in polluted soil samples. Strong positive correlation indicated that magnetic screening/monitoring provided a fast and non-destructive tool, which can be effectively used as a proxy to detect environmental pollution in rapidly growing urbanization regions affected by anthropogenic activities.     

The health hazards of potentially toxic metals in the daily diets of adults and children from a mining and smelting region (Hezhang County) in southwestern China

Toxic metals accumulated in the human body are predominantly absorbed by the digestive tract in non-occupationally exposed populations. In the current study, we collected plowed soil samples, and investigated the varied food compositions in a mining and smelting area in southwestern China, to measure the concentrations of ten potentially toxic metals—As, Ba, Cd, Cr, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb, Sr, and Zn. We collected information on the daily intakes of these metals to assess the health risks associated with their exposure among children and adults. The urine concentrations of the metals were also measured to obtain data on the amounts present in the body. The results showed that the hazard indexes (HIs) of As, Ba, Cd, Cr, Ni, Pb, and Sr were all larger than 1, for both adults and children; the Zn and Cu values were comparatively higher in children. The intake of staple foods of the region posed the greatest health risk, while drinking water only posed risks clearly associated with As exposure. The urine samples of local residents contained larger amounts of As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Zn, confirming the hazards in the health risk assessment. Obvious differences in the urine metal concentrations between men and women were confirmed. In conclusion, higher concentrations of metals in the surface soil and rain water were the predominant cause of elevated exposure through home-grown crops and produce to accumulate in local residents’ bodies.     

长江南京段近岸沉积物和土壤中重金属分布特征分析

通过测定沉积物和土壤中Cd、Pb、Cr、Zn、Cu、Ni 6种重金属元素的平均含量,计算其富集因子,分析长江南京段近岸沉积物和土壤中重金属的空间分布特征,结果表明,几种重金属在沉积物中的富集次序为:CdPbCr1NiCuZn,在土壤中为:CdZnCu1CrPbNi,除Zn和Cu外,其他几种金属在沉积物中的富集程度高于土壤,同时Cd的含量超过土壤环境质量三级标准。以Cd和Pb为例分析了重金属含量与沉积物粒级之间的关系,回归分析显示,Cd、Pb的含量与颗粒物的粒级呈显著的相关性,与细颗粒物的含量有密切关系,细颗粒携带的重金属,在长江水力分选作用下到达下游,成为沉积物中重金属的主要来源。