Analysis and assessment of heavy metal contamination in surface water and sediments: a case study from Luan River,Northern China

Concentrations of the heavy metals Cu, Ni, Pb, Zn, Cd, and Cr were examined in surface water and sediment from the Luan River inChina,. With a decline in Cu and Ni concentration found in surface water at downstream stations. This finding suggests that water currents are a major explanatory factor in heavy metal contamination. The abundance of Cr, Pb, and Cd observed in the middle reaches of the river indicates heavy metal contamination in local areas, although there was an obvious decrease in concentrations in the water downstream of the Daheiting Reservoir. The significant rising trend in Cu, Pb, and Ni seen the sediment farther away from the river also suggests that anthropogenic activities contribute to heavy metal pollution Sediments were therefore used as environmental indicators, with sediment assessment was conducted using the geo-accumulation index (I_geo) and the potential ecological risk index (RI). The I_geo values revealed that Cd (3.13) and Cr (2.39) had accumulated significantly in the Luan River. The RI values for most (89%) of the sampling stations were higher than 300, suggesting that sediment from the Luan River poses a severe ecological risk, with the potential ecological risks downstream higher than that in the upper and middle streams. Good correlations among Pb/Ni, Pb/Cd, Cu/Pb, and Cu/Cd in the water and Cr/Ni in the sediment were observed. Cluster analysis suggested that Cd may have various origins, being derived from anthropogenic sources.     

珠江(广州河段)表层沉积物中重金属的分布特征及相关性研究

随着广州市截污工程的实施,珠江(广州河段)外源污染得到有效控制后,沉积物内源污染将成为影响河流水质的重要因素。在珠江(广州河段)表层沉积物中8种重金属质量分数监测的基础上,对该河段沉积物中重金属的沿程分布特征和横向分布特征进行了全面的分析,并对所测8种重金属之间的相关性进行了研究。结果表明:从沿程分布来看,这8种污染元素的分布特征基本相似,元素的高值区和低值区大致吻合。从横向分布来看,绝大多数污染物在一个断面的最高值和最低值出现的点位基本上是重合的,各种污染物质量分数的最高值绝大部分出现在靠近岸边的点位,并且大部分集中于左岸。而最低值出现在河道中间的比例较高。在所测定的8种元素中,除了Hg和As之外,其它各种元素之间均呈现较明显的正相关关系,特别是Cr和Cd、Cu和Cd、Cr和Cu、Cr和Ni之间的相关性显著。     

Geochemical speciation and risk assessment of metals in the river sediments from Dan River Drainage,China

This study investigates the partitioning of metals in surface sediments from the Dan River drainage basin, the source of drinking water for the South to North Water Transfer Project, China, to determine their bioavailability and associated levels of risk. Sediment samples were collected from 99 sites along the Dan River, and the concentration of each element fraction was determined using sequential extraction and inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry. The residual fraction was the major phase for most metals sampled. Among the non-residual fractions, greater proportions of Zn, Mn and Cd were transported in in the available phase, whereas Ba, Sb, Pb and As were mainly found in the reducible phase. The oxidisable phase was important for the transport of Ni, Co, Cr and Cu in sediments. This analysis of sediments from the Dan River basin indicates a very high risk of pollution from Cd, Co, Mn, Sb and Zn. Combined with the sediments with extremely high concentrations, the Dan, Laoguan and Yinhua rivers, which have been affected by ore-mining activities, pose a very high risk to the surrounding areas and should be the subject of future studies.     

珠海近岸海域表层沉积物中的重金属及生态危害评价

为了研究珠江口近海海域重金属的污染状况,2009年8—12月对珠海珠江口4个站点的表层沉积物进行了6次采样,测定了表层沉积物中重金属Cd、Cr、Pb、Hg、Cu、Zn、Mn、Ni、Fe和金属Al的质量分数,分析了它们质量分数间的相关性,依据Lars Hakanson提出的沉积物中金属污染物评价方法,对Cd、Cr、Pb、Hg、Cu和Zn等6种典型重金属的潜在危害进行了评价。结果表明,Cd、Cu和Zn是该调查区域的主要重金属污染物,应该予以优先控制和治理。位于马骝洲水道入海口的S1位点上,金属元素（Cd除外）质量分数的季节特征是秋季（丰水期）〈冬季（枯水期）,重金属危害指数（RT）为轻微级,重金属潜在生态危害系数（Eir）顺序为Cd〉Hg〉Pb〉Cu〉Zn〉Cr;在S2位点,Cd、Cu、Hg、Ni和Fe的平均质量分数为秋季〉冬季,其它5种金属则为秋季〈冬季,RT为强级;在S3、S4位点上,8种金属元素（Hg、Mn除外）的质量分数呈现秋季〉冬季的现象,RT为很强级;S2、S3和S4站点的Eir均表现为Cd〉Hg〉Cu〉Pb〉Zn〉Cr的顺序。     

珠江磨刀门河口表层沉积物中重金属含量及其分布特征

分析了在珠江磨刀门河口采集的37个表层沉积物样品重金属(Cu、Pb、Zn、Cr、Cd、Hg、As、Ni)的含量及分布特征。采用原子吸收法分析了Cu、Pb、Zn、Cr、Cd、Ni的含量,采用冷原子吸收法分析了Hg、As含量。结果表明,口门处及其两侧和拦门沙内坡重金属的含量最高;外海区域重金属含量普遍较低;由口内河床至口门处,Cu、Cr、Hg、As的含量减小,Pb、Cd、Zn、Ni的含量逐渐增大;大部分重金属(Cu、Pb、Zn、Cd、As、Ni)的含量由口门处至拦门沙地区是先减小再增大的;由拦门沙至外海,Cu、Pb、Cd、As的含量减小,Zn和Ni的含量先减小后增大;由口门处至外海,Cr和Hg含量的总体趋势是增大的。磨刀门河口表层沉积物中重金属元素含量与CEC、小于0.001mm粘粒以及沉积物有机质含量的相关性均达到显著或极显著水平;重金属含量与沉积物pH值的相关性不显著;重金属元素的含量变化和分布规律还表明磨刀门表层沉积物的重金属主要受陆源污染物的影响。     

Trace metals in fish,sediment and water from the south west coast of the Arabian sea,Pakistan

Concentrations of ten metals (As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, Zn and Hg) in the edible muscle of Arius maculatus captured from eight different near‐shore and off‐shore sites off the south west coast of the Arabian Sea, Pakistan, were determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Relevant water and sediment samples from the sites were also analysed for the metals. Zinc showed the highest metal concentration (6.763 μg/g, wet weight) in the muscle of the fish, while Mn and Hg showed lowest level (0.019 μg/g, wet weight). Of all the metals investigated, largest scatter (measured as σ) was observed for Zn (σ = 2.058 /μg/g) in fish muscle, for Fe and Mn in sediment (σ = 27481 and 44.50 μg/g) and for As in water (σ = 0.270 μg/L). The metal distribution data pertaining to water, fish and sediment were examined on the basis of simple metal correlations. The statistical study revealed that Ni, Cr, Pb and Cu had significant positive correlations (r > 0.830 at ρ = 0.01). The finding substantiated a trace metal concentration gradient in the area, thereby indicating that the local marine environment is contaminated by anthropogenic sources.     

Distributions of total metals in the surface sediments of the Bandirma and Erdek Gulfs,Marmara Sea,Turkey

The aim of this study is to determine the contents of aluminum, iron, manganese, nickel, copper, zinc, chromium, cadmium, lead, and mercury in sediments at 1–30?m depths of the Band?rma and Erdek Gulfs in the Southern Inner Shelf of the Marmara Sea. Sediment samples were collected from different depths (1?m, 5?m, 10?m, 20?m, 30?m) at each region in February 2008. Primary hydrographic conditions, such as temperature (6.6–14.5°C), salinity (22.6–26.875 psu), percentage of dissolved oxygen saturation (35–83 %), and pH (8.0–8.4) were recorded for each sampling point. Moreover the total organic carbon (0.5–2.9%) and the total calcium carbonate contents (0.8–60%) of sediment samples were determined. In surface sediments of both gulfs, Pb (21–62?mg?kg^?1) and Cd (0.52–0.86?mg?kg^?1) contents were determined to be higher than the shale average (Pb 20?mg?kg^?1, Cd 0.2?mg?kg^?1) while the other metal contents were measured to be lower in general. On the other hand, generally Hg (0.06–1.1?mg?kg^?1) contents were higher than the shale average (0.3?mg?kg^?1)at all of the examined stations in the Band?rma Gulf and lower than the shale average in the Erdek Gulf.     

桂林水系沉积物中重金属的生物有效性研究

沉积物中重金属污染物对生态系统潜在危害的影响,已经引起研究者的极大关注,但对沉积物中重金属的生物有效性的研究还很少。首次以桂林水系沉积物为研究对象,通过酸化-吹气-吸收装置,用对氨基二甲基苯胺光度法测定沉积物中AVS含量,用原子吸收分光光度法测定SEM和间隙水中Cu、Pb、Zn、Cd、Ni含量,用原子荧光法测定Hg、As含量。以中华圆田螺(Cipangopaludian cathayensis)为受试物种,通过沉积物加标和长期暴露实验,分析田螺生长发育情况和体内重金属积累浓度。结果表明:[SEM]/[AVS]>1时,间隙水中七种元素总浓度大于3.0000μmol·L-1,重金属对田螺表现出毒性作用,且田螺的死亡率和体内重金属积累浓度随该比值的增大而增大;当[SEM]/[AVS]<1时,重金属对田螺无明显影响。[SEM]/[AVS]是判定沉积物重金属生物有效性的有效判据。该研究填补了桂林水系沉积物重金属数据的空白,为判定沉积物重金属污染程度提供了一种简便准确的方法。所研究水域沉积物重金属污染最严重的是桃花江,漓江次之,青狮潭水库污染最轻。     

Seasonal Variations of Trace Metal Chemical Forms in Bed Sediments of a Karstic River in Lebanon: Implications for Self-purification

Although Lebanon has abundant water, its rivers are polluted and aquifer water mismanaged. Effective river water usage requires an understanding of the geochemistry of polluting metals in catchments. Climate is “Mediterranean”: wet winters and dry summers. Active sediment flushing is restricted to winter high discharge episodes. Except in winter, water column pollutants are removed by precipitation or sorption to the surface of static bed sediments. Hence (1) does winter flushing of contaminated sediment and replacement by clean sediment favour self purification? (2) does the distribution of metals between extractable fractions change seasonally and thereby affect metal bioavailability ? Results on the distribution of metals are reported for Fe, Pb, Zn, Cu and Cd in bed sediments from Nahr Ibrahim (a karstic river) for summer and winter. A Tessier-like sequential extraction scheme was applied to samples (< 75 μm) for five locations along a 13 km stretch to the sea. Water pH was above 8.2 at all locations implying a very low solubility for Fe. Sediment was derived from catchment soils and limestone. Total sediment Fe increased in winter at all sites following deposition of eroded soil from upstream. Cadmium, Cu and Pb derived from polluting sources; the sources of Zn were more complex. Dilution by clean sediment explained winter reductions in total Cd, Cu and Pb; Zn changes were less consistent. Iron occurred mostly (> 77 sum of fractions) in the residual fraction compared with 6– 31 for pollutants; residual Cu and Zn showed a small increase in winter whereas Cd and Pb did not change. All readily exchangeable metals decreased in winter and the carbonate bound forms predominated in both seasons. Nahr Ibrahim has a high capacity for self purification and metal resolubilisation from sediment will be limited by the solubility of carbonate forms.     

攀枝花市水系沉积物与土壤中重金属的地球化学特征比较

水系沉积物和土壤都是表生作用的产物,是环境中污染物质的重要受纳体,但两者在物质来源和受纳污染物方面又有不同。重金属通过不同方式进入到水系沉积物和土壤之中产生污染,对于区域环境具有重要的影响。为了了解攀枝花市水系沉积物和土壤中重金属元素地球化学特征的异同和污染状况,在攀枝花市范围内系统采集了水系沉积物和土壤样品,从环境地球化学角度,应用地球化学方法研究了攀枝花市水系沉积物及土壤中重金属的地球化学特征,应用地质累积指数法评价了污染情况,并对二者进行了比较研究。结果表明,攀枝花市水系沉积物中重金属的含量普遍高于土壤;水系沉积物和土壤中重金属的分布具有相似的特征;水系沉积物中重金属的污染程度高于土壤,但总体上来说,重金属的污染程度较小。两者的污染程度不同是因为接受污染物的方式不同;两者的分布趋势相同,说明具有相同或相近的污染来源。     

晋江感潮河段沉积物重金属的赋存形态与生物有效性

用稀硝酸单级提取法和BCR连续提取法对晋江感潮河段沉积物中重金属生物有效性进行研究.单级提取法表明,Cu、Pb、Cr、Zn、Cd、Sb、V、Ni、Co、Fe和Mn的酸提相含量在中游河段普遍较高.除V和Fe外,表层和柱状沉积物中其他9种重金属的生物有效性均相对较高.除在个别深度外,L43柱状沉积物中多数重金属元素生物有效性变化较平稳.采用改进的BCR四步连续提取法对表层沉积物中11种重金属进行形态分析,结果表明,Mn、Ni、Pb、Cu、Cd和Cr都具有较高的生物有效性;Zn在下游河段主要分布在残渣态中,但在中上游河段弱酸溶态含量的比例普遍较高;Sb在河段下游地区非残渣态含量要明显高于中上游地区.次生相与原生相分布比值法评价结果表明,除V和Fe处于无污染水平,其他9种重金属在不同的采样点均有不同程度的污染.     

贵屿电子垃圾处理对河流底泥及土壤重金属污染

以广东省汕头市贵屿镇电子垃圾处理场为对象,主要研究了电子垃圾场附近河流的底泥和农田土壤中重金属形态分布特征。结果表明,底泥中Cd、Cr、Cu、Pb、Zn质量分数分别为52.9-67.1、309-359、79.2-1485、391-449、37.5-111 mg.kg^-1;土壤中Cd、Cr、Cu、Pb、Zn的平均质量分数分别是54.1-57.1、278-320、93.5-116、382-415、46.2-68.1 mg.kg^-1。底泥和土壤中Cd、Cr、Cu、Pb均超过《土壤环境质量标准》（GB15618—1995）二级标准,其中以Cd和Cu污染最为严重。底泥及土壤中重金属的地球化学形态分布规律基本一致。重金属具有较高迁移性,重金属的迁移性为Cd〉Cr〉Pb〉Zn〉Cu。     

Heavy metals associated with reduced sulfur in sediments from different deposition environments in the Pearl River estuary, China

Distribution of acid volatile sulfur (AVS) and the simultaneously extracted metals (SEM: Cu, Pb, Zn, Cd, Ni) in sediment profiles has been studied at five sites in Pearl River estuary, China. Of the five sampling locations, Nos.1 and 2 are in the middle shoal, Nos.3 and 4 in the west shoal and No. 5 locates to the south of the estuary. The AVS content in the sediments of the middle shoal varies in a small range (0.25–4.06 μmol g⁻¹), while that of west shoal increases with depth from 0 to ultimately 26.09 μmol g⁻¹. The SEM concentration in the sediment profiles at location Nos. 1, 2 and 5 is generally in the range of 0.95±0.2 μmol g⁻¹ with a slight upward increase, while that in the sediment of west shallows are much higher (1.43–2.42 μmol g⁻¹) with a significant upward increase, especially in the upper layer of ca. 15 cm. The observed upward increase of SEM content at all the sites implies that heavy metal contamination of sediment in the Pearl River estuary is increasing. Calculations of the excess heavy metal content which is defined by SEM-AVS molar difference suggests that the upper sediment in the Pearl River estuary, especially on the west shallows, could be a source of heavy metal contaminants and may cause toxicity to the benthos. The site-specific distribution patterns in the AVS and SEM profiles were interpreted according to the hydrogeochemistry of deposition environments.     

凡口铅锌矿湿地系统沉积物中重金属的分布

研究了用于处理凡口铅锌矿选矿废水的宽叶香蒲(Typha latifolia)人工湿地系统沉积物中重金属Pb、Zn、Cu和Cd的分布。沉积物略呈碱性,在各层沉积物中,DTPA-Zn质量分数高于DTPA-Pb质量分数。冬季(11~12月)湿地系统中3个处理池进水口的沉积物结合水中的Pb、Zn、Cu和Cd质量分数与春季(1~3月)的相比较,有显著的差异。湿地处理系统中Pb、Zn、Cu和Cd主要沉积在表层土壤中;但3个处理池入水口和出水口不同深度的沉积物pH值没有显著差异(p<0.05),表明pH值与重金属含量并不存在相关性。     

Speciation of heavy metals in sediments from the Scheldt estuary,Belgium

A simple three-step sequential extraction procedure was applied to study the speciation of heavy metals in sediment from Scheldt estuary, and their relationship to sediment grain size and organic matter content. The sedimentary metal content was fractionated into carbonate and exchangeable, metals bound to organic matter and residual fractions. Sedimentary total metal content was also determined using an industrial microwave (ETHOS 900) HF/HNO₃ extraction method. The extracts were analysed for metals using inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry. The bioavailable fraction (exchangeable and metals bound to organic matter) comprised less than the other forms. Residue metals were the dominant form of metals in almost all studied sites. The average total metal content for the studied sites decreased in the order Fe>Cr>Cu>Co>Zn>Pb>Cd. Based on average values for the studied sites, the highest bioavailable metals in sediments were Cd (38%) from Westkapelle, Zn (17%) from Yerseke, Co (12%) from Domburg, Cr (9%) from Vlissingen, Fe and Pb each (2%) from Yerseke, and Cu (1%) from Domburg. Metal recovery was good, with<10% difference between the total metal recovered through the extractant steps and the total metal determined using HF/HNO₃ extract.     

污染沉积物中重金属的释放及其动力学

研究了广州城市水体污染沉积物在不同pH条件下释放重金属的能力以及酸性条件下重金属的释放动力学。研究结果表明,重金属从污染沉积物中的释放主要是在酸性(pH<4)条件下发生,并且释放率随pH的升高而迅速降低。重金属的释放顺序大致为Cu≈Zn≈Ni>Pb。重金属的释放动力学过程可分为两个阶段,第一阶段一般认为是重金属从沉积物表面的快速解吸过程,第二阶段则可能是重金属缓慢地从沉积物内部微孔向溶液的扩散过程。释放动力学过程可以用Elovich方程和双常数速率方程(Freundlich修正式)较好地描述。     

Total and bioavailable metals in two contrasting mining regions (Sudbury in Canada and Lubumbashi in DR-Congo): relation to genetic variation in plant populations

Knowledge of total and bioavailable metal contents in soil is important for regional risk assessment and management. The main objective of the present study was to analyse the concentrations of metals in soils in two contrasting mining regions (Sudbury in Canada and Lubumbashi in DR-Congo). Genetic variation of plant populations was investigated to assess the potential impact of metal contamination on forest sustainability. The levels of copper, cobalt, zinc, arsenic, and lead were significantly higher (up to 200-fold) in mining sites in the Lubumbashi compared to the most highly contaminated Sudbury sites. The nickel content in soil samples from Lubumbashi was much lower compared to Sudbury region samples. Only 3.5% and 4 % of total copper and nickel, respectively, were phytoavailable, with values of 6%, 5.7%, 3.6%, and 5.4% for cobalt, magnesium, manganese, and zinc, respectively. There were significant positive correlations between total metal and phytoavailable metal concentrations for copper (r=0.99), nickel (r=0.86), cobalt (r=0.72), strontium (r=0.71), and zinc (r=0.66). Although genetic variation was high in Picea glauca populations from the Sudbury region, no association was found between metal contamination levels and genetic variation within and among the P. glauca populations.     

Seasonal variation and partition of trace metals (Fe, Zn, Cu, Mn, Cr, Cd and Pb) in surface sediments: relationship with physico-chemical variables of water from the Calabar River, South Eastern Nigeria

The seasonal variation and partition of trace metals (Fe, Cu, Zn, Mn, Cd, Cr and Pb) in the surface sediments of the Calabar River are reported. Chemical partition of the metals in the sediments reveals that 2–30% of the total metal load was contributed by the non-detrital (acid-soluble) fraction, while fine-grained host minerals/compounds are the main carriers of the detrital (acid-insoluble) fraction (70–98%). Using multivariate statistical analysis, the seasonal fluctuations in the distribution of some of the metals show significant influence by physio-chemical changes (dissolved oxygen, pH, salinity and conductivity) in the water column. Fe–Mn oxide grain coatings and sulphide materials have been identified as scavengers of some of the non-detrital and detrital trace metals in the sediments. On the basis of index of geoaccumulation (I-geo) and comparison with previous studies, the Calabar River surface sediments have been classified as unpolluted.     

Status and fuzzy comprehensive assessment of metals and arsenic contamination in farmland soils along the Yanghe River,China

Concentrations of metals and arsenic in farmland soils along the Yanghe River, upstream of Guanting Reservoir, were evaluated using fuzzy comprehensive assessment (FCA). FCA is an emerging methodology for assessing environmental status based on fuzzy logic which can model linguistic data and represent chaotic conditions. The ratio of concentrations of metals and arsenic (As) in surface soils of farmland along the Yanghe River to the corresponding reference values decreased in the order Cd>Zn>Cr>Ni>Pb>Cu>As. Based on the FCA, 86% of surface soils along the Yanghe River were classified as grade C, which is suitable for forestry with a greater absorption capacity, suggesting that most farmland along the Yanghe River has to be abandoned as farmland. In order to improve the quality of soil along the Yanghe River and avoid degeneration of water quality in the river and the Guanting Reservoir, remediation of farmland soils along the river is suggested.     

Organochlorine pesticides and PCBs in sediments from the Yangtse River,China

Organochlorine Pesticides and PCBs pollution levels were determined in sediment samples taken from three sites along the Yangtse River (Nanjing part). The concentrations of various pesticides were in the range of 1.42–8.06 ng/g (t‐HCH), and <0.01–4.12ng/g (t‐DDT), while the concentrations of PCBs were below detection limit at all three sites. The contamination by Organochlorine Pesticides and PCBs in sediments from the Yangtse River was not significant when compared with that reported in the literature from some other countries’ rivers, which may be due to the high flow velocity and water amount of the Yangtse River.