A case study of trace metals in suspended particulate matter and biota before wastewater treatment plant from the Izmir Bay,Turkey

The concentrations of trace metals (Cu, Zn, Mn, Ni, and Fe) from suspended particulate matter (SPM) and biota in Izmir Bay (Eastern Aegean Sea) were studied in order to evaluate the environmental impact of the anthropogenic metals before building of Wastewater Treatment Plant. SPM samples were collected in wet and dry periods from Izmir Bay. Metal concentrations in SPM (Cu, 0.36–2.19; Mn, 0.07–11.3; Ni, 0.43–7.81; Zn, 7.33–269; Fe, 1.00–266 μgdm^− 3) were comparable to those reported for other moderately polluted bays. Maximum metal concentrations in SPM were observed during summer season. SPM metal concentrations displayed a clear spatial trend with values increasing with proximity to urban centers. Cu and Zn concentrations in SPM were especially high in the inner bay. SPM were found to be contaminated by Zn. The vertical profile of Mn, Zn, and Ni concentrations in SPM had a maximal value at the upper layer and decreased to minimal value at the bottom layer of the inner bay in summer, in contrast to the observed pattern of Fe and Cu. Maximum Cu concentrations were obtained in Penaeus kerathurus. Also, maximum Zn and Fe concentrations were found in Mytilus galloprovincialis. Relatively high Cu levels were found in Sardina pilcardus and Mullus barbatus than other fish species. Besides, Cu levels were lower in Diplodus annularis and Merluccius merluccius. Finally, metal levels in biota tissues were lower than the limits of European Dietary Standards and Guidelines.     

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.     

Heavy Metal Levels in Biota and Sediments in the Northern Coast of the Marmara Sea

Concentration of Cd, Co, Cr, Ni, Zn, Fe, Mn, Pb and Cu were determinedin biota and sediment samples collected from the Marmara Sea in Turkey. The levels of Zn, Fe, Mn, Pb and Cu in the macroalgae are higher than previous studies in the Marmara Sea. Moreover, Cu and Zn concentrations at the present study are significantly high than Bosphorus and Black Sea algae. The order heavy metal concentrations in the mussel samples was: Fe > Zn > Ni > Mn > Cu > Pb > Cr > Cd > Co. The metal concentrations are generally lower when compared with the Black Sea mussels except Pb. At the same time, concentrations of Pb, Cu and Zn in the mussel species are lower when compared with the results in the Aegean Sea. The ranges of Mn and Cu in the tested fish samples are higher than Black Sea fish. On the other hand, Cd, Co, Cr, Zn and Pb concentrations are lower. The northern coast of the Marmara Sea having the highest metal concentrations in sediments as follows: Co, Cr, Ni, Fe at ?arköy ; Pb, Cu at M. Ere?li; Cd, Zn, Mn at Menek?e. The heavy metal levels in the sediment samples are lower than other areas in the Marmara Sea.     

Assessment of trace metal pollution in surface sediments of Nemrut Bay, Aegean Sea

Surface sediments collected from nine stations in Nemrut Bay, Aegean Sea were analyzed for trace metals (Hg, Cd, Pb, Cr, Cu, Zn, Mn, Ni, Fe, As, and Mg) and grain sizes. The results were compared with the numerical sediment guidelines used in North America as well as literature values reported for similar studies conducted in Izmit Bay and Izmir Bay. The metal levels were also evaluated according to the enrichment factor and contamination factor analyses. The analyses revealed significant anthropogenic pollution of Hg, Pb, Zn, and As in the surficial sediments of Nemrut Bay.     

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 μg/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: 343−520μg/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 μg/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.     

Heavy metal concentrations in water, suspended matter, and sediment from Gökova Bay, Turkey

The contents of heavy metals (Fe, Mn, Pb, Cu, Cd, and Hg) dissolved in water and suspended solids of Gökova Bay—partly and fully sampled in 2005 and 2006, respectively—are quite higher than the average values encountered in uncontaminated sea water. The high concentrations are associated with terrestrial inputs from the mining zones and anthropogenic (domestic + industrial) sources. Moreover, the distribution of Fe and Cu is affected by primary production because these elements function as nutrients in biological activities. The Cr, Ni, and Fe concentrations of surface sediments are above the shale average. The Cr and Ni contents of surface sediments representative of river mouths strongly correlate with total phosphorus contents. In a sulfide-poor environment, Pb and Cu were concentrated at a higher ratio in surface sediments than Cd, probably due to higher stabilities of their surface complexes with amorphous iron oxides and clay minerals existing as major components in the sediments. The exceptional enrichment of Zn may be attributed to double oxide formation with amorphous iron oxides in sediments. The high metal values are most probably caused by terrestrial inputs from anthropogenic sources and the mining zones at the southeast part of the bay. The Al, Mn, Pb, Cu, Zn, and Hg contents are below the shale average. The low values have possibly originated from the coarse-grained sandy sediments having a low affinity for metals. There are no distinct differences in the metal distributions in water and suspended matter between the years 2005 and 2006 in the bay, probably due to low sedimentation rates.     

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.     

The mismatch of bioaccumulated trace metals (Cu,Pb and Zn) in field and transplanted oysters (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Saccostrea glomerata</Emphasis>) to ambient surficial sediments and suspended particulate matter in a highly urbanised estuary (Sydney estuary,Australia)

A significant correlation between sedimentary metals, particularly the ‘bio-available’ fraction, and bioaccumulated metal concentrations in the native Sydney rock oyster (Saccostrea glomerata) tissues has been successfully demonstrated previously for Cu and Zn in a number of estuaries in New South Wales, Australia. However, this relationship has been difficult to establish in a highly modified estuary (Sydney estuary, Australia) where metal contamination is of greatest concern and where a significant relationship would be most useful for environmental monitoring. The use of the Sydney rock oyster as a biomonitoring tool for metal contamination was assessed in the present study by investigating relationships between metals attached to sediments and suspended particulate matter (SPM) to bioaccumulated concentrations in oyster tissues. Surficial sediments (both total and fine-fraction), SPM and wild oysters were collected over 3 years from three embayments (Chowder Bay, Mosman Bay and Iron Cove) with each embayment representing a different physiographic region of Sydney estuary. In addition, a transplant experiment of farmed oysters was conducted in the same embayments for 3 months. No relationship was observed between sediments or SPM metals (Cu, Pb and Zn) to tissue of wild oysters; however, significant relationship was observed against transplanted oysters. The mismatch between wild and farmed, transplanted oysters is perplexing and indicates that wild oysters are unsuitable to be used as a biomonitoring tool due to the involvement of unknown complex factors while transplanted oysters hold strong potential.     

Metal Pollution Assessment of Sediment and Water in the River Hindon, India

The metal pollution in water and sediment of the River Hindon in western Uttar Pradesh (India) was assessed for Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb and Zn. The metal concentrations in water showed wide temporal variation compared with bed sediment because of variability in water discharge and variations in suspended solid loadings. Metal concentrations in bed sediments provided a better evaluation of the degree and the extent of contamination in the aquatic environment, Santagarh and Atali being the most polluted sites of the river. The ratio of heavy metals to conservative elements (Fe, Al, etc.) may reveal the geochemical imbalances due to the elevated metal concentrations normally attributed to anthropogenic sources. Metal/Al ratios for the bed sediments of the river Hindon were used to determine the relative mobility and general trend of relative mobility occurred Fe > Mn > Zn > Cr > Ni > Pb > Cu > Cd.     

Reactivity, interactions and transport of trace elements, organic carbon and particulate material in a mountain range river system (Adour River, France)

The background levels, variability, partitioning and transport of eleven trace elements-Ag, Al, As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Mn, Pb, Zn and U-were investigated in a mountain range river system (Adour River, France). This particular river system displayed a turbulent hydrodynamic regime, characterized by flash-transient discharge conditions leading to fast shifts in suspended particulate matter (SPM) concentrations as high as two orders of magnitude (12 to 600 mg l(-1)). The distribution of SPM was accurately predicted with a "hysteresis" transport model, indicating that about 75% of the annual solids load was exported within 20 to 40 days. Dissolved and particulate concentrations of most trace elements were low compared to their concentrations in other reference river systems expect for Pb and Cr, associated with historical anthropogenic activities. Although dissolved and particulate metal concentrations were steady for most elements during low and average discharge conditions, significant changes were observed with increasing river discharge. The changes in trace element concentrations in the two compartments was found to induce a partitioning anomaly referred to as the particulate concentration effect. This anomaly was significant for Cr, Mn, Pb, Zn, Cu and organic carbon (p < 0.03). The processes driving this anomaly were possibly linked to the modification and/or increase of colloidal organic and inorganic vectors, suggested by the significant increase of DOC (p < 0.001) and dissolved Al concentrations (p < 0.05) during flood conditions. A complementary process linked to the influence of coarse particles of low complexation capacity and transported mainly during high discharge may also effect trace element concentrations. Annual metal fluxes transported by this river system were estimated using the hysteresis SPM model with consideration of these fate processes. Metals in the Adour River system are primarily exported into the Bay of Biscay (Atlantic Ocean).     

Accumulation of some heavy metals in Hysterothylacium aduncum (Nematoda) and its host sea bream, Sparus aurata (Sparidae) from North-Eastern Mediterranean Sea (Iskenderun Bay)

The sea bream??s nematode and Sparus aurata, sampled from the Iskenderun Bay, Mediterranean, in March 2008 were analyzed by inductively coupled plasma?Catomic emission spectrometry for their some heavy metal (Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Hg, Mn, Mg, Pb, and Zn) levels. The metal concentrations of the parasites were compared to different organs (liver, muscle, gill, intestine, and skin) of the fish hosts. There were significant differences in Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Zn, Hg, Mg, and Pb concentrations in tissues of fish and its parasite. The parasite Cd, Cu, and Pb concentration was higher than the other tissues. Furthermore, significant differences were detected in the heavy metal accumulations between the parasitized and unparasitized fish tissues in Cd, Cu, Hg, and Pb concentrations. The Cd, Hg, and Pb concentrations were found in fish muscle at mean concentrations over the permissible limits proposed by the Food and Agriculture Organization.     

Assessment of trace elements in the shell layers and soft tissues of the pearl oyster Pinctada radiata using multivariate analyses: a potential proxy for temporal and spatial variations of trace elements

Concentrations of trace elements (Cd, Cu, Ni, Pb, V, and Zn) were determined in the soft tissues (adductor muscle and gills) of the pearl oyster Pinctada radiata and surficial sediments from two sampling sites located in the northern part of the Persian Gulf by Graphite Furnace Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (GFAAS). Moreover, the levels of Li, Mg, Al, Mn, Fe, Cu, Sr, Ba, Pb, and Zn were measured in two shell layers (prismatic and nacreous) using Laser Ablation Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometer (LA-ICP-MS). There were significant differences between the sampling sites with regard to mean concentrations of Cu, Mn, and Al in the prismatic layers of the shells. But in terms of the soft tissues, only in the case of Ni accumulation in the muscle significant differences between the sites could be observed. No significant differences could be found between the sites from the elements concentrations in the sediments point of view. The levels of Cd, Cu, Ni, and Zn in the gills were markedly higher than those in the muscle. Concentrations of Mn, Mg, Li, and Cu in the prismatic layer were significantly higher than in the nacreous but the reverse case could be found for Sr. The patterns of metal occurrence in the selected tissues, shell layers, and sediments exhibited the following descending order: Zn, Ni?>?Cd, Cu?>?V, and Pb and Zn, Ni, Cd?>?Cu, V, and Pb for muscle and gills, respectively; Zn?>?Cu, Ni, Pb, Cd, and V for sediments; Mg?>?Sr, Mn, Li, Al, Fe, Ba, Cu, Pb, and Zn for the prismatic layer; and Sr, Mg?>?Mn, Al, Fe, Li, Ba, Cu, Pb, and Zn for the nacreous layer. In most cases, the temporal variations of the elements levels in the prismatic layer were clearer than those in the nacreous layer (especially for Li, Mg, Mn, Pb, and Fe). Comparison of the gained data from this study with the other relevant researches shows that in most cases the levels of the elements in this investigation either fell within the range for other world areas or were lower. Generally, it can be concluded that the shell (especially prismatic layer) of P. radiata can be considered as a suitable proxy for temporal and spatial variations of the trace elements (and probably some environmental parameters) in the study area.     

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.     

Distribution of heavy metals in the dissolved and suspended phase of the sea-surface microlayer, seawater column and in sediments of Singapore’s coastal environment

Concentrations of heavy metals were determined in the water column (including the sea-surface microlayer, subsurface, mid-depth and bottom water) and sediments from Singapore’s coastal environment. The concentration ranges for As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb and Zn in the seawater dissolved phase (DP) were 0.34–2.04, 0.013–0.109, 0.07–0.35, 0.23–1.16, 0.28–0.78, 0.009–0.062 and 0.97–3.66 μg L⁻¹ respectively. The ranges for Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb and Zn in the suspended particulate matter (SPM) were 0.16–0.73, 6.72–53.93, 12.87–118.29, 4.34–60.71, 1.10–6.08 and 43.09–370.49 μg g⁻¹, respectively. Heavy metal concentrations in sediments ranged between 0.054–0.217, 37.48–50.52, 6.30–21.01, 13.27–26.59, 24.14–37.28 and 48.20–62.36 μg g⁻¹ for Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb and Zn, respectively. The lowest concentrations of metals in the DP and SPM were most frequently found in the subsurface water while the highest concentrations were mostly observed in the SML and bottom water. Overall, heavy metals in both the dissolved and particulate fractions have depth profiles that show a decreasing trend of concentrations from the subsurface to the bottom water, indicating that the prevalence of metals is linked to the marine biological cycle. In comparison to data from Greece, Malaysia and USA, the levels of metals in the DP are considered to be low in Singapore. Higher concentrations of particulate metals were reported for the Northern Adriatic Sea and the Rhine/Meuse estuary in the Netherlands compared to values reported in this study. The marine sediments in Singapore are not heavily contaminated when compared to metal levels in marine sediments from other countries such as Thailand, Japan, Korea, Spain and China.     

Assessment of heavy metal pollution of seston from freshwater resources poured into the Northeast Mediterranean region

This study was carried out to determine the accumulation levels of heavy metals (Zn, Cd, Pb, Cu, Fe, Cr) in seston to three different freshwater resources poured into the Iskenderun Bay. Seasonal averages of physico-chemical parameters measured at stations, Arsuz Stream, Payas Stream, and Ceyhan River, are classified as Class III—contaminated water according to the temperature parameter in the summer. Payas Stream has been determined to be Class III—polluted water according to pH parameters during the summer season. Ceyhan River was found to be Class III—contaminated water according to the dissolved oxygen parameter in the autumn season. Heavy metal accumulation levels in the seston were determined Fe?>?Cr?>?Zn?>?Cu?>?Pb?>?Cd in Arsuz Stream, Fe?>?Zn?>?Pb?>?Cr?>?Cu?>?Cd in Payas Stream, and Fe?>?Zn?>?Cr?>?Cu?>?Pb?>?Cd in Ceyhan River. The results in this study showed that high accumulation levels in seston were determined for Fe while low accumulation levels for Cd.     

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。     

Geochemical fractionation of trace elements in sediments of Hugli River (Ganges) and Sundarban wetland (West Bengal, India)

A sequential extraction procedure was carried out to determinate the concentrations of 11 elements (Al, As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, Zn) in different geochemical phases of sediments collected along the Hugli (Ganges) River Estuary and in the Sundarban mangrove wetland, eastern coastal part of India. The chemical speciation of elements was determined using the three-step sequential extraction procedure described by the European Community Bureau of Reference. Total metal concentration was determined using a microwave-assisted acid digestion procedure. Metal concentrations were near the background level except for As for which a moderate pollution can be hypothesized. The mobility order of the metals was: Cd?>?Mn?>?Cu?>?Zn?>?As?>?Co?>?Pb?>?Ni?>?Fe?>?Cr?>?Al. The highest percentage of Cd (>60%) was found in the most labile phase. Residual fraction was prevailing for Fe, Cr and Al, while Pb was mainly associated with the reducible fraction. Data were compared with Sediment Quality Guidelines to estimate the relationship between element concentrations and adverse biological effects on benthic community, finding the possibility of some toxic effects due to the presence of As in the entire studied area and Cd, only in Calcutta.     

Seaweeds as bioindicators of heavy metals off a hot spot area on the Egyptian Mediterranean Coast during 2008–2010

Concentrations of Cu, Zn, Cd, Pb, Ni, Co, Fe, Mn, and Hg were measured successively in water, sediments, and six macroalgal species belonging to three algal classes during 3 years (2008–2010) from Abu Qir Bay, Alexandria, Egypt: Chlorophyceae (Enteromorpha compressa, Ulva fasciata), Phaeophyceae (Padina boryana), and Rhodophyceae (Jania rubens, Hypnea musciformis, Pterocladia capillacea). The study aimed to assess the bioaccumulation potential of the seaweeds, as well as to evaluate the extent of heavy metal contamination in the selected study site. Metals were analyzed using atomic absorption spectrophotometry coupled with MH-10 hydride system. The obtained data showed that the highest mean concentrations of Cu, Zn, Fe, and Mn were recorded in E. compressa; Cd, Ni, and Hg exhibited their highest mean concentrations in P. boryana, while Pb and Co were found in J. rubens. Abundance of the heavy metals in the algal species was as follow: Fe?>?Mn?>?Zn?>?Pb?>?Ni?>?Co?>?Cu?>?Cd?>?Hg. E. compressa showed the maximum metal pollution index (MPI) which was 11.55. Bioconcentration factor (BCF) for the metals in algae was relatively high with a maximum value for Mn. The Tomlinson pollution load index (PLI) values for the recorded algal species were low, which ranged between 1.00 in P. boryana and 2.72 in E. compressa. Enrichment factors for sediments were low fluctuating between 0.43 for Hg to 2.33 for Mn. Accordingly, the green alga E. compressa, brown alga P. boryana, and red alga J. rubens can be nominated as bioindicators. Based on MPI and PLI indices, Abu Qir Bay in the present study is considered as low-contaminated area.     

Heavy metals in Yeniçağa Lake and its potential sources: soil,water, sediment,and plankton

The distribution and accumulation of heavy metals (Al, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Mo, Cd, Sn, Ba, Pb) in the water, sediments, plankton of Yeniça?a Lake, and its potential sources (creeks, sewage, artesian well, soil) were investigated during 1-year study period as monthly or seasonally. Element analyses were performed by ICP–MS. Results showed that the trace and toxic elements (Al, As, Mn, Pb, Fe) concentration in lake water and/or its feeding sources were above the recommended water standards (WHO, EC, EPA, TS-266). It was found that the maximum accumulation of the heavy metals iron, aluminum, manganese, zinc, and barium in the sediment of Yeniça?a Lake. The accumulation order of trace metals were Fe > Al > Mn > Zn > Ba > Ni > Cr > As > Cu > Pb > Co > Mo > Sn > Cd in the lake, creeks sediment, and soil samples. The similar results suggest that the accumulation of heavy metals in the sediment is a natural process. Metals accumulated in the lake are naturally mixed from the soil. However, the presence of heavy metals in the analysis of artesian well water and sewage reveals that the transportation occurs also from the groundwater to the lake. The results obtained in plankton in Yeniça?a Lake showed that aluminum, iron, manganese, zinc, and barium were most accumulated elements in the plankton. The lower averages of lead prevalent in the water and sediment during some months were seen to have a significant mean accumulation in the plankton.     

Spatial distribution of trace metals (Cd, Pb, Hg, Cu, Zn, Fe and Mn) and oligo-elements (Mg, Ca, Na and K) in surface sediments of the Gulf of Tunis (Northern Tunisia)

The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the levels and spatial distribution of trace metals (Cd, Pb, Cu, Hg, Zn, Fe, and Mn), oligo-elements (Mg, Ca, Na and K), total organic carbon (TOC), and total nitrogen (TN) in the fine fraction of surface sediments collected from 38 stations in Gulf of Tunis (Mediterranean Sea, Northern Tunisia) between 2004 and 2005. The results showed that metals, oligo-elements, TOC, and TN concentrations in the sediments of the Gulf of Tunis are generally low compared to those found in other similar coastal marine areas. The spatial distribution of metals showed areas of major accumulation of Pb, Cd, Cu, Fe, and Zn in the central area of the Gulf and near the Mejerda River. The marine currents are influencing factors on metal accumulation in sediments. The principal component analysis applied to our elemental analytical results showed that there is a positive correlation between Fe, Zn, Cu, and Pb. These metals have a stronger affinity with site connection in the sediments than Ca and Mn.