Average Metal Concentrations Research Articles

Geochemical Assessment of Heavy Metal Contamination in Coastal Sediment Cores from Usukan Beach, Kota Belud, Sabah, Malaysia

This article discussed on the status of heavy metals (As, Cr, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb and Zn) pollution in coastal sediment cores and assess the sediment quality from Usukan Beach, Kota Belud. Several geochemical parameter analyses such as pH, moisture content (MC), organic matter (OM) and granulometric size were performed to identify the physico-chemical properties of sediments that affect the assessment of metal pollution. Heavy metals in the sediment samples were extracted using aqua regia methods and Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometry (ICP-OES) were employed for determination of heavy metals in extracted sediment solutions. The results show that the coastal sediment changes from acidic to alkaline when heading from inland to seaward direction, with an average pH of 5.6-8.5. The moisture content and organic matter fluctuate from low to moderately high, within the range of 4.9-21.9% and 0.30-6.73%, respectively. The coastal sediments are dominated by a sandy texture near the marine environment and change to sandy loam and sandy clay loam when heading toward the inland. The hierarchical average metal concentration shows Fe>Mn>Ni>Cr>Zn>Cu>Pb>As. Sediment quality assessment is evaluated based on the sediment quality guidelines (SQGs) and from the pollution indices such as geoaccumulation index (Igeo), enrichment factor (EF), contamination factor (CF), modified degree of contamination (mCd) and pollution load index (PLI). The results indicated the sediment has only low degree of contamination by anthropogenic sources and the current status of the study area is safe from pollution.

Impact of tourism activities on the distribution and pollution of soil heavy metals in natural scenic spots on the northern slope of Tianshan Mountain

Human activities can significantly impact the natural ecosystem. As an important part of terrestrial ecosystems, soil participates in energy and material cycle. With the continuous intensification of human activities, soil undergoes increasingly serious disturbance. Under the influence of global change and human activities, the variability of heavy metals in soil is worthy of further discussion. Taking Lujiaowan and Juhuatai Scenic Spot on the northern slope of Tianshan Mountain as the research area, this study investigated the concentrations of Pb, As, Zn, Cu and Mn in the soil and analyzed their distribution and pollution levels. Meanwhile, the main sources of soil heavy metals were explored using autocorrelation analysis and principal component analysis. Results showed that the order of the average concentration of heavy metals in the study area was as follows: Mn> Zn> Cu> Pb> As. None of them exceeded the national soil environmental quality level II standard, and the average concentrations of Zn, Cu, and As exceeded the background value of Xinjiang soil, reaching a light pollution level. In addition, the distribution of heavy metals in soil displayed a regular trend, and a positive correlation was found between disturbance intensity and heavy metal concentration. The geoaccumulation index also showed that the five heavy metals in the study area had lower pollution degree compared with the background value in Xinjiang. The order of potential ecological risk was As > Cu > Pb > Zn > Mn.

Geochemical Speciation, Risk Assessment, and Sources Identification of Heavy Metals in Mangrove Surface Sediments from the Nanliu River Estuary of the Beibu Gulf, China

To better understand heavy metal pollution and the potential ecological risk of mangrove sediments in the Nanliu River estuary, the speciation and distribution characteristics of heavy metals Fe, Mn, Zn, Co, Ni, Cd, Cr, Cu, and Pb in 13 surface sediments in the study area were determined and analyzed using a modified four-step BCR extraction method, and the ecological risk of heavy metals was assessed using the Geo-accumulation Index (Igeo), Potential Ecological Risk Index (RI), Risk Assessment Code (RAC), Pollution Load Index (PLI), Individual contamination factors (ICF) and Global contamination factor (GCF) methods, and source analyses were performed using correlation analysis and cluster analysis. The results showed that the heavy metal was in the order of Fe > Mn > Cu > Zn > Cr > Pb > Co > Ni > Cd. Except for Fe, Zn, Ni, Cr, Pb, and Co, the average heavy metal content of Mn, Cd, and Cu all exceeded the environmental background value; the Fe, Zn, Co, Ni, Cr, Cu, and Pd are mainly in the residual speciation, while Mn and Cd are mainly weak acid extraction and oxidation, respectively, both of which are predominantly in unstable speciation and are easily released into the environment. Mn and Cd pose a substantial ecological risk, while Cu and Pb present a moderate risk and require precaution. The source analysis results indicate that Fe, Mn, Zn, Ni, Cr, and Pb are most likely to originate from natural sources and the transportation industry, Co and Cu are likely to be mainly from ship manufacturing industrial activities, and Cd is likely to be mainly from agriculture and aquaculture. The GCF and PLI results show that places with high heavy metal enrichment and ecological risk are primarily located in areas with high industrial, agricultural, or human activity impacts.

Spatial variation of heavy metals and their ecological risk and health risks to local residents in a typical e-waste dismantling area of southeastern China.

There is an increasing concern that soils in e-waste recycling regions are severely contaminated by unregulated e-waste dismantling activities. Hence, it is urgent to reveal the spatial variation of hazardous elements in arable lands close to e-waste stacking and dismantling areas and their potential risks to human beings. We collected 349 topsoil samples based on an intensive grid of 100m × 100m in southeastern China. The average concentrations of heavy metals were 1.25 (Cd), 35.44 (Ni), 77.68 (Cr), 77.38 (Pb), 122.14 (Cu), 203.39 (Zn), 0.21 (Hg), and 4.74 (As) mg kg-1, respectively. Compared to the risk screening values of hazardous elements in Chinese agricultural land, Cd and Cu were severely accumulated in the soils. The results of ecological risk analysis revealed that Cd posed the crucial risk among the studied elements. However, the levels of non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risk were still within the acceptable quantity for adults. Spatial distribution by kriging interpolation displayed that the heavy metals were mainly distributed close to e-waste dismantling sites.

Chemical characterization of PM10 and PM2.5 combusted firecracker particles during Diwali of Lucknow City, India: air-quality deterioration and health implications.

Urban air pollution is a growing menace leading to human discomfort, increased hospitalizations, morbidity, and mortality. This study deals with deteriorated air quality due to firecracker bursting during Diwali in Lucknow. Inhalable particulates and gaseous pollutants were monitored during Diwali 2020 using air samplers. Elements, ions, and surface morphology of particles were analyzed using ICP-MS, ion chromatograph, and SEM-EDX, respectively. PM10, PM2.5, SO2, and NO2 were 558, 352, 44, and 86 μg/m3 during Diwali night and 233, 101, 17, and 40 μg/m3 on pre-Diwali night while 241, 122, 24, and 43 μg/m3 on Diwali day. Concentrations surged for PM10: 139% and 132%, PM2.5: 249% and 189%, SO2: 159% and 83%, and NO2: 115% and 100% on Diwali night compared to pre-Diwali night and corresponding Diwali day, respectively. Al, K, Ba, and B showed dominance in PM10 whereas Zn, Al, Ba, and K in PM2.5 on Diwali night. The order of metal abundance in PM2.5 was Cd < Co < Ag < As < Cr < Ni < Cu < Bi < Pb < Mn < Sr < Fe < B < Zn < Al < Ba < K. Cations NH4+, K+, Mg2+, Ca2+, and anions F−, Cl−, NO3−, Br−, NO2−, SO4−2, PO43− showed a 2–8 fold increase on Diwali night relative to pre-Diwali night. Average metal concentrations varied by 2.2, 1.6, and 0.09 times on Diwali than pre-Diwali in residential, commercial, and industrial areas, respectively. PM10 concentration increased by 458% and 1140% while PM2.5, 487%, and 2247% than respective NAAQS and WHO standards. Tiny firecracker particles vary in toxicity as compared to vehicular emissions and have enhanced bioavailability leading to severe threat in terms of LRI, COPD, and atherosclerosis for city dwellers. It is imperative to recognize the present status of ambient air quality and implement regulatory strategies for emission reduction.Graphical abstract

Accumulation of heavy metals Pb and Hg in feather shells (Anadara antiquata) in Lekok Coastal Waters, Pasuruan Regency

This research is a quantitative descriptive study that aims to determine the heavy metal contamination of Pb and Hg. Sampling was carried out exploratively in the waters of Lekok Beach, Pasuruan Regency. The data obtained were analyzed by descriptive analysis by comparing the quality standards of the Minister of Environment Decree No. 51 of 2004. And analyzed by correlation test to determine the relationship between the content of heavy metals Pb and Hg in seawater and sediment with feather shells. The results of this study indicate that shellfish (Anadara antiquata) can accumulate heavy metals Pb and Hg. The average accumulation of heavy metals Pb and Hg in Anadara antiquata was 2,315 ppm and 1,100 ppm. The average heavy metal content of Pb and Hg along the sea waters of the Lekok coast are 0.204 ppm and 0.073 ppm. In the sediment the average metal content of Pb and Hg is 5.318 ppm and 1.215 ppm. The heavy metal content has exceeded the quality standard limit that has been determined by the Decree of the Minister of the Environment No. 51 of 2004 and RNO, so that it can be harmful to human health who consume shellfish. The results of the correlation test showed that there was a positive correlation between the heavy metal content of Pb and Hg in sediment and seawater and the heavy metal content of Pb and Hg in shellfish.

Spatial distribution of heavy metals in rice grains and human health risk assessment in Hunan Province, China.

Rice is the main food in China, and its pollution by heavy metals has attracted widespread attention. In this study, rice grain samples were collected from 14 prefecture-level cities in Hunan Province, China. The contents of 9 heavy metals (i.e., As, Cr, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Cd, Pb, and Sb) were measured using graphite digestion-inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Pearson correlation analysis and principal component analysis were performed to evaluate the correlation among these heavy metals. In addition, ordinary kriging interpolation were applied to investigate the spatial distribution pattern of the heavy metals. Results showed that the average concentrations of these heavy metals were 0.48 (As), 1.28 (Cr), 0.03 (Co), 0.84 (Ni), 2.39 (Cu), 15.73 (Zn), 0.28 (Cd), 0.66 (Pb), and 0.0043 (Sb) mg/kg, respectively. The single-factor pollution index (SFPI) contamination assessment showed that As, Pb, Cr, Ni, and Cd accumulated significantly in the rice grain, with over-standard rates of 100%, 100%, 64.70%, 47.05%, and 44.12%, respectively. The Sb concentrations at the sampling sites were low, and there was no obvious pollution. Health risk assessment showed that the target hazard quotient followed the order of As> Cr> Cd> Pb> 1.0> Co> Cu> Zn> Ni> Sb, and the carcinogenic risk value was in the order of Cd> Ni> As> Cr> 1.0×10-4> Pb. In particular, quick actions should be taken to regulate As, Cr, and Cd contents in rice because they posed greater non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic health risks than the others to the local residents.

The health risk assessment of heavy metals to human health through the consumption of Tilapia spp and catfish caught from Lake Mariut, Egypt

This work assesses the concentration of As, Cd, Pb, Hg, and Al in three of Tilapia species and catfish caught from Lake Mariut. As well as the human health risk and muscle biochemical composition. Besides, the antioxidant responses of different species. The average metal concentration order was Pb> As> Cd> Al> Hg. The Cd and Pb levels in all species; besides, the Hg levels in Oreochromis niloticus and Oreochromis aureus exceeded the maximum limits set by FAO, European legislation, and FAO/WHO. The human health risk was assessed using estimated dietary intakes, the target hazard quotient (THQ), and the carcinogenic risk (CR). THQAs was >1 in all examined fishes and closer to 1 in THQCd, Hg. As well, CR level for As was higher than the permissible value. Tilapia zillii showed significant decreases in carbohydrates compared to Clarias gariepinus; also, ash content compared to C. gariepinus, O. niloticus, and O. aureus. Furthermore, water content compared to O. aureus. In contrast, significant increases of SOD in O. niloticus compared to C. gariepinus. In addition, CAT and GPx in O. aureus compared to C. gariepinus. Also, GR in both O. niloticus and O. aureus compared to C. gariepinus, and GSH in all of Tilapia spp. compared to C. gariepinus. Data obtained provide evidence of health risks to the consumers. Therefore, more caution is required.

Analysis of heavy metal content and microbiological quality of fish and giant prawns chatch in Percut Watershed, Percut Sei Tuan District, Province of North Sumatra

The purpose of this research was to determine the content of heavy metals and microbiological quality, and compare to the requirements of the quality standard values according to SNI 2729:2013 and SNI 2705:2014, as well as to determine the value of the Bioaccumulation Factor (BAF) and the maximum consumption limit of fish and giant prawns heavy metal-concentrated. This researh used survey and random sampling methods, i.e taking research samples (tilapia, broom fish, and giant prawns) at 3 (three) observation stations, including Station 1 Amplas, Station 2 Denai, and Station 3 Percut. Heavy metal content (Pb and Cd) and microbiological quality (E.coli and Salmonella, sp) were analysed. Data analysis was done by inference and calculated using Microsoft office Excel (Microsoft Inc., USA) descriptively. The results showed that all samples in each observation did not meet the quality standard value requirements according to SNI 2729:2013 and SNI 2705:2014. The average heavy metal content of Lead (Pb) was 0,3 mg/kg in tilapia and broom fish, and 0,5 mg/kg in giant prawns. The content of heavy metal Cadmium (Cd), were 0,1 mg/kg in tilapia and broom fish, and 0,5 mg/kg in giant prawns. All samples also showed positive in containing E.coli and Salmonella, sp. The value of Bioaccumulation Factor (BAF) of heavy metals (Pb and Cd) in all samples was 1, meaning that the sample's ability to accumulate heavy metals (Pb and Cd) was high. The maximum limit for consumption of concentrated samples of heavy metals in tilapia was 0,196 kg/week, broom fish was 0,221 kg/week, and giant prawns was 0,203 kg/week.

Heavy Metal Contamination and Ecological Risk Assessments in Urban Mangrove Sediments in Zhanjiang Bay, South China.

With the acceleration of industrialization and urbanization, increasing attention has been paid to the problem of heavy metal pollution in mangroves and its ecological restoration. Urban mangroves can be used to measure the impact of human activities on the urban ecological environment because mangroves are sensitive to human activities. However, studies on the evaluation of heavy metal elements in urban mangroves are still limited. Consequently, this study selected the urban mangroves in a central commercial area of Zhanjiang Bay as a case study to investigate the content and distribution of the heavy metals (Co, V, Cu, Pb, Ni, As, Cd, and Hg) in mangrove surface sediments. Risk levels and possible sources of heavy metals were evaluated based on multivariate statistical analysis methods and pollution indices. The results showed that the average concentrations of heavy metals for Co, V, Cu, Pb, Ni, As, Cd, and Hg were 2.91, 29.96, 18.24, 20.07, 7.86, 5.0, 0.20, and 0.09 mg/kg, respectively. Cd, Cu, and Hg were most prominent within the Zhanjiang Bay mangrove sediments, whereas other metals showed a low contamination factor of therm. Cd displayed a high potential ecological risk followed by Hg and Cu. The sampling site, the sewage outlet sampling site, exhibited the highest pollution degree followed by the surrounding area of the sewage outlet sampling site. Those polluted heavy metals could arise from anthropogenic sources, including domestic sewage and automobile exhaust emission. Correlation analysis between the heavy metals and physicochemical properties indicated that fine particles and organic matter play a key role in controlling heavy metal enrichment.

Health risk assessment of commercial fish and shrimp from the North Persian Gulf

BackgroundBioaccumulation of trace metals in the food web demands continuous monitoring of seafood safety. Here, the food safety of commercial fish bluespot mullet Crenimugil seheli, deep flounder Pseudorhombus elevates, and Jinga shrimp Metapenaeus affinis was assessed from commercial and industrial region of the West Bandar Abbas, the North Persian Gulf, for the first time. MethodsFor this purpose, concentrations of trace metals Ni, Zn, Cu, Cr, Cd, and Pb, and their health risks were investigated. ResultsResults showed the average concentration of all trace metals in all species was below concentrations proposed by WHO/FAO/USEPA. The finding on risk assessment of three species indicated three species are safe for daily consumption. Long-term consumption of three species would not pose potential non-carcinogenic health risk. However, it would result in carcinogenic effects from the ingestion of trace metals Ni, Cr, and Cd. ConclusionsThe data emphasizes the need for the continuous monitoring in this industrial region in the future to manage and control pollutant sources and to ensure the quality of seafood.

SEASONAL VARIATIONS OF HEAVY METAL CONTENTS IN THE NEEDLES OF SOME EVERGREEN TREES IN GREEN SPACES OF YEREVAN (ARMENIA)

The main aim of this research was to study a metal accumulation potential of two evergreen species Thuja occidentalis L. and Juniperus virginiana in different periods of plant vegetation in Yerevan. The total contents of 6 microelements: Pb, Cd, Ni, Zn, Cu, Mo in plant material were determined by atomic absorption spectrometry (A Analyst 800, Perkin Elmer, USA). The research results have proved that metal concentrations in the needles of evergreen trees are variable depending on a vegetation period and disposition relative to roads with heavy traffic and industrial pollution sources. The concentrations of the studied elements in the needles did not exceed the standard values both in summer and winter, except Mo, which was high in both species nearby industrial pollution sources. The total average contents of metals in the needles increase in winter.

Assessment of Soil Contamination Using GIS and Multi-Variate Analysis: A Case Study in El-Minia Governorate, Egypt

The issue of soil contamination is one of the most important subjects that interests decision-makers all over the world. It is also related to soil fertility and food security. The soils adjacent to the drains in Egypt suffer from increasing concentration of heavy metals, which negatively affects soil and crop quality. Precise spatial distribution maps of heavy metals are an essential key to mitigating the negative impacts on the ecosystem. Sixty random soil locations adjacent to the El-Moheet drainage were chosen on the west side of the Nile River, El-Minia governorate, Egypt. Six heavy metals (Cr, Co, Cu, Cd, Pb, and Zn) were selected to generate their spatial pattern maps using ordinary Kriging (OK). Principal component analysis (PCA) and contamination factors (CF) were applied to evaluate soil contamination levels in the study area. The results showed that the Gaussiang model was a high fit for soil pH, and Pb, the Exponential model was fit for EC, Stable model was fit for OC, Co, Cu, and Cd. In addition, the Spherical model was fit for both Cr and Zn. The MSE values were close to zero in all selected metals, while the values of RMSSE were close to one. The results showed that the soil heavy metal concentrations were grouped into two clusters using PCA. Furthermore, three contamination degrees were obtained (moderate, considerable, and very high), with about 70.7% of the study area characterized by considerable heavy metals concentration, where the average heavy metals concentration (mg kg−1) in this degree was 91.23 ± 19.5, 29.44 ± 5.2, 53.83 ± 10.2, 1.12 ± 0.3, 36.04 ± 18.0, and 101.29 ± 35 for Cr, Co, Cu, Cd, Pb, and Zn, respectively. The current results reflect the mismanagement and use of low-quality water for irrigation in the study area, which increased the toxic element concentration in soil surface layers. In the end, the results of spatial distribution maps of pollutants and their degrees could support decision-makers as a basis for developing appropriate mitigation plans for heavy metals.

A comparison of two digestion methods and heavy metals determination in sediments

Abstract This study was conducted to evaluate the levels of heavy metal concentrations in sediments and also involves a comparison of two different digestion protocols. The first digestion procedure was done with a mixture of hydrochloric acid and nitric acid while the second digestion method was done using the United States Environmental Protection Agency method 3052 which comprises nitric acid, hydrofluoric acid, hydrochloric acid, and hydrogen peroxide. The sediment samples were analyzed for cadmium, copper, iron, lead, zinc, chromium, manganese, nickel (Cd, Cu, Fe, Pb, Zn Cr, Mn, and Ni) with the aid of atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Concentrations of metals ranged 0–7.0 mg/kg for Cr, 0.5–20.0 mg/kg for Cd, 10.8–112.0 mg/kg for Fe, 0.10–7.20 mg/kg for Pb, 45.69–184.96 mg/kg for Cu, 1.0–73.75 mg/kg for Zn, 1.5–19.7 mg/kg for Mn and nd −3.0 mg/kg for Ni. The order of concentrations of the metals in the samples are Cu &gt; Fe &gt; Zn &gt; Cd &gt; Mn &gt; Pb &gt; Cr &gt; Ni. The second digestion method yielded higher levels of metal concentration. Comparison with theWorld Health Organization (W.H.O) standards for marine sediments showed that the average concentrations of heavy metals were within the permissible limits. Close monitoring and more publicity are further needed to discourage further pollution of the area.

Concentrations and risk assessment of metals and microplastics from antifouling paint particles in the coastal sediment of a marina in Simon's Town, South Africa.

Maintenance of maritime vessels includes the removal of paint from hulls that are sources of metals, antifouling paint particles (APPs) and microplastics (MPs) that end up in the coastal environment. Simon's Town is a small urban town in False Bay, Cape Town, South Africa, where maritime activities take place (there is a naval harbour, marina and shipyard). The aim of this study was to measure metals, APPs and MPs in Simon's Town, to assess the impact of maritime activities and a storm water pipe in a sheltered marina. Sediment samples were collected from six sites during winter 2018. Sediment and extracted APPs were analysed for metal concentrations (Al, As, B, Ba, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Hg, Mo, Ni, Pb, Se, Sb, Sn, Sr, V and Zn) and MPs characterised based on type (shape and polymer), colour and size. Highest average metal concentrations in sediment for all sites were Fe (32228 ± SEM 4024), Al (12271 ± 1062) and Cu (1129 ± 407). Metals in paint particles were highest for Fe (80873 ± 19341), Cu (66762 ± 13082) and Zn (44910 ± 1400µg/g). Metal and MP fragment concentrations were highest at the slipway of the shipyard, decreasing with increased distance from the slipway. MP filaments were highest close to the storm water outfall pipe. Our results suggest that shipyards are potential sources of metals and MP fragments (mainly APPs), with storm water pipes potential sources of MP filaments. Various indices applied to assess the potential impacts of metals and MPs suggest that these contaminants have the potential to adversely impact the intertidal ecosystem investigated.

Biomonitoring and phytoremediation potential of the leaves, bark, and branch bark of street trees for heavy metal pollution in urban areas.

Tree tissues can accumulate heavy metals from the environment. We therefore aimed to evaluate the presence of the metals Pb, Cr, Mn, Cu, and Zn in four street tree species, namely Ailanthus altissima, Broussonetia papyrifera, Pinus tabuliformis, and Rhus typhina, along the highway side of Beijing, China. Sampling from the leaves, trunk bark, and branch annual segment bark of trees was conducted in the summer of 2021, and the concentration of heavy metals was determined. The results revealed the highest average concentration of total heavy metals in the R. typhina leaves (23.724 mg/kg) and barks (14.454 mg/kg). The maximum bio-concentration factor was noted for Zn in the B. papyrifera leaves (0.36) and P. tabuliformis barks (0.21). The maximum comprehensive bio-concentration index was observed for the B. papyrifera leaves (0.225) and P. tabuliformis bark (0.108). The maximum metal accumulation index was measured in the R. typhina leaves (29.682) and bark (12.407). Based on the air-originated metals, P. tabuliformis showed the highest dust collection capacity. In general, B. papyrifera and P. tabuliformis exhibited the highest absorption rate from the soil relative to the other studied species. R. typhina demonstrated the strongest phytoremediation ability for heavy metal pollution in air. In addition, our results proved that the branch annual segment bark of P. tabuliformis is an excellent record carrier that can be used to monitor heavy metal pollution in a specific time duration in an urban area.

Trace metals pollution, distribution and associated health risks in the arid coastal aquifer, Hada Al-Sham and its vicinities, Saudi Arabia

Trace metals pollution, distribution and associated health risk were evaluated in the arid coastal aquifer, Hada Al-Sham, Western Saudi Arabia using an integrated approach namely heavy metal pollution index (HPI), contamination index (Cd), health risk assessment (HRA) model and multivariate statistical analysis. Groundwater samples (n = 47) were analysed for EC, pH, TDS, Ag, Al, B, Ba, Co, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mo, Ni, Pb, V and Zn. Groundwater is mostly alkaline (72%) with high salinity (TDS >1500 mg/l, 77%). Average trace metals concentrations are in the dominance order of B > Cu > Al > Mo > Pb > V > Ba > Zn > Ni > Cr > Fe > Ag. Groundwater (100% wells) is unsafe for drinking based on V, Mo, Al concentrations followed by the Pb (96%), B (91%), Ni (72%), Cr (23%), Cu (17%) and Ag (6%), which exceeded the WHO and USEPA prescribed limits. Results of HPI and Cd also implied the high contamination and enhanced level of metals in the groundwater. Chronic daily intake (CDIoral), hazard quotient (HQ) and total hazard quotient (THQ) were employed for health risk assessment. HQ values reveal that 100% (Al, Mo), 85% (Cu), 21% (B), 13% (Cr) and 6% (Pb) of samples exceeded the recommended limit (>1), which can cause an adverse health risk to adult and children. Pearson correlation, principal components analyses, and Hierarchical cluster analysis justified that aluminium silicates weathering and Fe oxides/hydroxides dissolution (Pb, Cr, Ni, Fe, Ag, Al, Mo and V), evaporation, anthropogenic input (Cu and B) and dissolution of carbonate and sulphate minerals (Ba and Zn) controlled the water chemistry in this aquifer. This study recommends a proper treatment of the groundwater to be safe for various uses. The comprehensive approach, employed here, is applicable to any arid aquifers worldwide.

Heavy Metal Accumulation among Different Organs of Cultured Rohu and Catla along with Evaluation of Enzymatic Activities in Examined Organs

Aims: The present study was carried out to determine the concentration of heavy metals and to evaluate whether there are any serious toxic effects of the widely exposed heavy metals namely arsenic (As), lead (Pb) and chromium (Cr) in different tissues of two commercially important cultured fish Rohu (Labeo rohita) and Catla (Gibelion catla)&#x0D; Study Design: The study was designed based on Randomized Block Design (RBD) to avoid all kinds of possible biases as well as for ensuring the representation of different fish farms. Three replications were maintained to deal with the possible errors caused by sampling.&#x0D; Methodology: Lead (Pb), Arsenic (As) and Chromium (Cr) were analyzed in a graphite furnace (GBCGF 3000 with Zeeman background corrector) with an auto sampler using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS). ALP (alkaline phosphates) activity of liver, Kidney and muscle was assayed using the standard method stated by Garen and Levinthal (1960) [1]. ATPase enzyme activity was determined to follow the standard method stated by Post and Sen (1967) [2]. During each month, ten individuals of the targeted two species each incorporating with three replications were collected from four intended fish farms, with a total of 240 fishes in the study period.&#x0D; Results: The obtained results stated the highest concentrations of all heavy metals (except arsenic) were recorded in Rohu fish with no significant difference with the other investigated fish species Catla. Organ wise heavy metal concentrations in Rohu (Labeo rohita) fish showed that Lead (Pb) concentrations were higher in all organs compared to other investigated heavy metals. The recorded values of Pb in gills, livers, kidneys, and muscles were 0.021, 0.021, 0.028 and 0.008 ppm respectively. In case of Arsenic (As), the highest concentration was recorded in kidneys while the Chromium (Cr) showed higher accumulation in the muscles. While it comes to Catla (Gibelion catla) fish, similar results were demonstrated where Lead (Pb) concentration was the highest and Chromium (Cr) concentration was lowest. Among all the three heavy metals, the accumulation trend of Arsenic (As) was found highest in gills of Catla (Gibelion catla) but Lead (Pb) and Chromium (Cr) were accumulated in high concentration in kidneys of the same species. The average concentration of different heavy metals in the two investigated fishes were lower than the standard recommended value (0.01ppm) except for Arsenic (As) in Catla (Gibelion catla) which was 0.013ppm. Enzymatic activities like ATPase and ALP were recorded highest in kidney tissue and the lowest in muscle in case of both fish species.&#x0D; Conclusion: Even though the average values of Arsenic in Catla (G. catla) fish was slightly higher than the recommended value suggested by WHO [3], the concentration is lower in edible part muscle which in turn indicates that the cultured Rohu (L. rohita) and Catla fishes in the Chattogram region are safe for human consumption.

New Insight into the Measurements of Particle-Bound Metals in the Urban and Remote Atmospheres of the Sarajevo Canton and Modeled Impacts of Particulate Air Pollution in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The Sarajevo Canton Winter Field Campaign 2018 (SAFICA) was a project that took place in winter 2017–2018 with an aim to characterize the chemical composition of aerosol in the Sarajevo Canton, Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH), which has one of the worst air qualities in Europe. This paper presents the first characterization of the metals in PM10 (particulate matter aerodynamic diameters ≤10 μm) from continuous filter samples collected during an extended two-months winter period at the urban background Sarajevo and remote Ivan Sedlo sites. We report the results of 18 metals detected by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) and electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry (ETAAS). The average mass concentrations of metals were higher at the Sarajevo site than at Ivan Sedlo and ranged from 0.050 ng/m3 (Co) to 188 ng/m3 (Fe) and from 0.021 ng/m3 (Co) to 61.8 ng/m3 (Fe), respectively. The BenMAP-CE model was used for estimating the annual BiH health (50% decrease in PM2.5 would save 4760+ lives) and economic benefits (costs of $2.29B) of improving the air quality. Additionally, the integrated energy and health assessment with the ExternE model provided an initial estimate of the additional health cost of BiH’s energy system.

Heavy metal concentrations and health risk assessment in urban soils of Neyshabur, Iran.

This study aimed to determine and analyze heavy metal pollution in the street dust of Neyshabur city of Iran. In this regard, the concentration of ten heavy metals, including Al, Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu, Cr, Ni, Pb, Co, and Cd, was measured at 60 street dust samples. The samples from Neyshabur city in three zones were collected, including high traffic, low traffic, and rural. Twenty samples in each area, 10-sample in summer and 10-sample in winter, were studied. The average concentration of the target heavy metals (mg kg-1) in the street dust samples was as follows: 50514.09 for Al, 42473.33 for Fe, 647.4 for Mn, 230.07 for Zn, 146.44 for Cu, 96.18 for Cr, 73.25 for Ni, 40.56 for Pb, 14.86 for Co, and 1.32 for Cd. Based on the findings, it can be concluded that non-carcinogenic risk assessment for all quantified heavy metals was less than the allowed values. In addition, the carcinogenic risk assessment of these metals indicated high carcinogenic-risk indexes through exposure to Cr for adults and exposure to Cr, Co, and Ni for children. As a consequence of this investigation, efforts to avoid the transmission of heavy metals in the environmental soil of Neyshabur city should be encouraged.