Calculation Of Pollution Index Research Articles

ANALISIS KUALITAS AIR LAUT TERHADAP KELESTARIAN BUDIDAYA RUMPUT LAUT DI PANTAI NUSA PENIDA, BALI

Seaweed cultivation is one of the economic resources of the Nusa Penida community. This research determines the condition of Nusa Penida's waters to support the existence of seaweed cultivation. This research uses a quantitative approach to the water conditions of Nusa Penida. The results of the pollution index calculation show that the quality of sea water on the coast of Nusa Penida is in good condition and very good for seaweed life in Nusa Penida waters which can be seen from the results of physical, chemical and microbiological parameter tests. Parameters that influence the sea water pollution index are total disolved solids parameters, ammonia and nitrite in Jungutbatu sea water, Nitrite in Toyapakeh sea water, total disolved solids, Ammonia and nitrite in Penida sea water, Nitrite in Buyuk Kutampi sea water, Ammonia and Nitrite in Sampalan sea water, and Nitrite. in Suana sea water. Keywords: Pollution Index; Water Quality; Seaweed; Total Disolved Solids

Evaluation of soil pollution by heavy metal using index calculations and multivariate statistical analysis.

This study aims to assess the extent of heavy metals (HMs) pollution in soil and identify its potential sources using single and integrated pollution index calculations, and multivariate statistical analysis. The HM concentrations of soil samples were analyzed using ICP-MS. The concentrations (mg/kg) of arsenic (As) ranged from 2.8 to 208.1, cadmium (Cd) from 0.1 to 0.3, cobalt (Co) from 1.9 to 20.5, copper (Cu) from 3.7 to 17.7, nickel (Ni) from 14.7 to 110.6, and lead (Pb) from 6.7 to 37.3. High levels of As contents and physicochemical parameters were found in the northeastern parts of the study area, while levels of other HMs were high in the remaining parts. The HM contents of some soil samples exceeded the average values of basalt and limestone in the study area, as well as the upper, bulk, and lower continental crusts, shale, and soil (worldwide). Multiple index methods were used to assess the pollution risk, and it was determined that some soil samples were moderately to considerably contaminated with varying levels of As, Cd, Co, Ni, and Pb. Multivariate statistical analyses provided that the source of HMs contamination in the soil was a result of geogenic and/or anthropogenic activities. Geogenic sources were associated with weathering rock units, while anthropogenic sources were linked to industrial activities, traffic emissions, and agricultural applications. The findings are useful for detecting contamination by HMs in soil, and they could contribute to future monitoring programs to prevent soil contamination and protect the health of living organisms.

Metal contamination, their ecological risk, and relationship with other variables in surface sediments of urban rivers in a big city in Asia: case study of Hanoi, Vietnam.

Urban rivers are significantly impacted by anthropogenic pressure. This study presents the updated assessment of the concentrations of 11 metals and other variables (pH, total organic carbon (TOC) and nutrients (total nitrogen, total phosphorus, and total silica)) in the sediments of four urban rivers in inner Hanoi city, Vietnam, during the period 2020-2022. The mean concentrations of Fe, Zn, As, and Cr were higher than the permissible values of the Vietnam National technical regulation on the surface sediment quality. Moreover, Zn and Cr were at the severe effect level of the US EPA guidelines for sediment quality. The calculation of pollution indices (Igeo and EF) demonstrated that Mn, Ni, and Fe were from natural sources whereas other metals were from both anthropogenic and natural sources. The ecological risk index revealed that metals in Hanoi riverine sediments were classified at considerable ecological risk. High values of metals, TOC, and nutrients in the sediments of these urban rivers mostly originate from the accumulation of untreated urban wastewater that is enhanced by low river discharge. Our results may provide scientific base for better management decisions to ensure environmental protection and sustainable development of Hanoi city.

Zoning of Dust Heavy Metals in Arak Plain Using Pollution Indicators and Geographic Information System (GIS)

Background: In regions with heightened pollutant concentrations, especially in industrial and urban areas, dust plays a crucial role in carrying complex metal components, posing environmental challenges and health risks. This study utilized pollution indicators and geographic information system (GIS) to delineate the spatial distribution of heavy metals in the Arak plain. Methods: Dust samples from 30 stations across the Arak plain were systematically collected through random sampling. Analysis using inductively coupled plasma spectrometry (ICP-OES) allowed the calculation of pollution indices (PI) and the Nemerow Integrated Pollution Index (NIPI) for lead (Pb), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), nickel (Ni), and iron (Fe). GIS generated spatial distribution maps depicting metal pollution. Results: The average concentrations were 45.5 mg/kg for Pb, 10.7 mg/kg for Zn, 0.47 mg/kg for Cu, 30.8 mg/kg for Ni, and 0.206 mg/kg for Fe. Analysis of PI, NIPI, and spatial distribution maps revealed heightened pollution in the northeast, center, south, and southwest areas of the Arak plain, attributed to human activities like heavy vehicle traffic, high population density, concentrated agriculture, and specific industrial operations. Conclusion: The study recommends mitigation strategies, including biological methods like phytoremediation, promotion of public transportation, mandatory environmental standards for industries, and encouragement of green practices. These initiatives aim to address and reduce environmental pollution in the Arak plain.

Pollution Index Analysis of Seawater in Nickel Smelter Bantaeng’s Port

Good water quality conditions are significant for supporting the life of organisms and providing security for community activities. Water quality status determination is needed to monitor water quality pollution. Seawater quality is a critical aspect of environmental science and ecological research due to its profound impact on marine ecosystems, human health, and various community activities. It has been a significant concern because of its direct influence on marine ecosystems, human activities, and public health. This study aims to determine the pollution index referred to as physical-chemical-dissolved metal parameters in the nickel smelter port in Bantaeng Regency. A sampling of water quality was carried out at three sampling points. Then the results were compared with seawater quality standards for marine biota referred to the Keputusan Menteri Lingkungan Hidup No. 51/2004 on Seawater Quality Standards. Observation and analysis of water conditions are conducted in situ and ex-situ, with testing carried out at Ak-Manufaktur Laboratory and BBIHP Laboratory. The results of the pollution index calculation show that the waters around the nickel smelter port are in the moderately polluted category. The pollution index values were obtained in the moderately dirty variety at points 1: 8.515, 2: 9.652, and 3: 9.792. Environmental parameters still following quality standards for marine biota include temperature, pH, salinity, DO, and nickel (Ni).Keywords: pollution index; physical; chemical; metals; smelter

The assessment of status of Sibam River and Air Hitam River Pekanbaru city Riau Province using pollution index

The quality of the Siak River is gradually deteriorating with the rapid socio-economic development in its tributary watersheds. S. Sibam and Air Hitam are part of the Siak tributaries in the Siak tributary sub-region in Pekanbaru City. The quality of the Sibam and Air Hitam tributaries in the Siak Watershed of Pekanbaru City has been studied to determine the relative pollution level of water quality standards. Water quality measurements were carried out from January to August 2022 at the upstream, middle, and confluence with the Siak River. The pollution level of the Sibam River and Air Hitam River was measured using the pollution index method. The quality of the Sibam River and Air Hitam waters is compared to the quality standards according to The Regulation of Government of the Republic of Indonesia (RGRI) Number 22/2021 Class III. The water quality parameter measured consisted of dissolved oxygen, TSS, pH, BOD, COD, nitrate, nitrite, ammonia, and total phosphate. Pollution index calculations for the Sibam and Air Hitam rivers show light pollution, with index values ranging from 1.75 to 3.57. Nitrite and ammonia concentrations in the Sibam River do not meet quality standards. Whereas in the Air Hitam River, the BOD, nitrite, and ammonia level exceeds the quality standards (RGRI Number 22/2021 Class III). The highest pollution index is in the middle of the river, with settlements on both rivers.Keywords:Pollution IndexWater QualitySibam RiverAir Hitam River

The urbanization impacts on potentially toxic metals: the distribution, sources and contamination risks in river situated in typical megacity, China

The excessive presence of potentially toxic metals (PTMs) in urban river ecosystem deteriorates water quality and presents high potential health issues on both aquatic and urban residents’ life. River water was thus collected around Beijing and Tianjin megalopolis to evaluate urban water pollution. Inverse distance weighted (IDW) method was adopted to reveal PTMs distributions, principle component analysis (PCA) was applied to identify metal origins, and metal pollution indices were applied to evaluate potential contamination threat. PTMs contents displayed in the sequence of Zn > Ni > V > As > Cu > Sb > Fe > Mn > Cr > Co, and Mn concentrations of the most downstream site (321.12 μg/L) far exceeded standard limitation, indicating intense input of urban pollutants near estuary. The distribution of Ni, Co, Cr, V and Sb exhibited a similar variation trend which decreased in middle reach of the Yongding River. As for the Chaobai River, all PTMs concentration in mainstream generally displayed an emerging trend from upper to lower reach without a specific variation pattern. PCA results indicated that Cr, Ni, V, Sb, Co and As mainly originated from mixing sources directly impacted by industrial (thermal) pollution and natural reactions, whereas sources from cultivation (agriculture) and weathering process were associated with Fe and Zn presence. Mn and Cu were mainly responsible for urban activities. The water quality level of the Yongding-Chaobai River varied between “good” and “undrinkable”, and water quality near the river estuary was much lower than other area. Heavy metal pollution index calculation revealed low risks of metal contamination in river water. The electrochemical remediation is more appropriate for PTMs pollution control in megacity river. These findings support the development of effective assessments and monitoring strategies to control urban river pollution and maintain sustainable environment.

Environmental and ecological risk assessment of municipal sewage sludge management using a sustainable solar drying system.

Providing a cost-effective and suitable way for sewage sludge refinement with the purpose of reducing environmental impacts or reutilization of sewage sludge can be an important issue for researchers. This study is inclined at bringing an economical and sustainable solution to sludge management in a municipal wastewater treatment plant. Three types of sludges were collected for the experiments: raw sludge was collected during winter (R.S.), digested sludge was collected during winter (D.S.1), and digested sludge was collected during summer time (D.S.2). This study proposes replacing mechanical drying by a solar drying system. Experimental analysis was carried out to determine the total solids (TS), volatile solids (VS), heavy metals concentration, and pollution index (index of geo accumulation, contamination factor, ecological risk factor). The solar drying system was demonstrated to be very efficient with the three samples achieving a dry solid content of 96.96% for R.S., 96.75% for D.S.1, and 93.60% for D.S.2. after solar drying. While pollution index calculations showed that all three sludges present a low potential ecological risk.

Penentuan Indeks Kualitas Air Sungai Bedadung Kabupaten Jember Menggunakan Metode IP dan NSF-WQI

Good water quality is a support in the sustainability of living things. Monitoring the status of water needs to be done to determine the quality of water and make a basic reference in making decisions for Water Quality Management. The research is aimed to assess the water quality status of the Bedadung River in Rambipuji, Balung and Puger districts using IP and NSF-WQI methods. Sampling was carried out in August 2021 at 4 points using primary data. The results showed that the parameters exceeded the quality standard, namely total phosphate, TSS and fecal coliform. Pollution index calculation shows Bedadung waters classified as Grade 3 quality standard. Based on the NSF - WQI method, the status of Bedadung River is classified as medium category

IDENTIFICATION OF ANTHROPOGENIC MATERIALS IN LAKE CIBURUY SEDIMENTS USING PHYSICO-CHEMICAL PROPERTIES AND POLLUTION INDEX

Lake Ciburuy area is highly impacted by a wide range of human activities, including residential areas, rice fields, animal husbandry, plantations, dense vehicular traffic, and various industries, leading to the accumulation of pollutants. Particulates generated by the anthropogenic activities will be carried away and settle with the eroded soil to become sediment in the lake. This could cause serious problems in the aquatic environment if there is no monitoring study. Therefore, this study aimed to identify the anthropogenic material produced by human activities using physical and chemical properties analyses and pollution index calculations. The analysis of physical properties showed that Electrical Conductivity (EC), Total Dissolved Solid (TDS), and magnetic susceptibility were within the range of 30 – 790 µS/cm, 29 – 555 mg/L, 7.310 – 3431.956 ×10-8 m3/kg, respectively. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) and the hysteresis parameter indicated that the samples contain ferrimagnetic materials, particularly magnetite with a mixture of Pseudo-Single Domain (PSD) and Multi-Domain (MD). The Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) and Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS) identified the morphology of the magnetic mineral with different shapes, such as octahedral and spherule. Furthermore, the spherule shape indicated the presence of anthropogenic materials in the sample. In terms of chemical properties, this study measured the pH and Potential Toxic Elements (PTEs) in the sediments. The pH ranged from 7.2-8.9, while the PTEs showed moderate to very severe levels of contamination by Mn, Pb, Zn, Cd, and Cu, which exceeded the sediment quality standard. The PCA reveals the interconnection between physical and chemical properties, which can identify pollutants derived from anthropogenic materials, as well as indicate low, medium, and high levels of pollution in the lake area.

Elemental composition of rice and lentils from various countries: A probabilistic risk assessment of multiple life stages

Cereals such as rice and lentils can accumulate toxic elements including arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), and lead (Pb), which could lead to adverse health effects through diet. Cereals simultaneously contain essential elements including Magnesium (Mg), Calcium (Ca), Iron (Fe), Zinc (Zn), and Selenium (Se), which are vital for human health. We purchased a total of 63 rice and 19 lentils samples from retail stores and determined elemental composition using Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS). Our results showed mean concentrations (in µg/kg) of 177 ± 79, 16 ± 18 and 24 ± 42 in brown rice, 117 ± 76, 49 ± 27, and 4 ± 4 for wild rice, 172 ± 65, 14 ± 14, and 10.4 ± 11 for black rice and 144 ± 53, 21 ± 24, and 22 ± 42 in white rice for As, Cd, and Pb, respectively. Lentils had mean concentrations of 8.5 ± 4.5, 2.8 ± 3.4, and 24 ± 40 in similar elements, respectively. Mean concentrations (in mg/kg) of Mg, Ca, Fe, Zn, and Se were 797 ± 370, 207 ± 220, 25 ± 25, 24 ± 13 and 0.199 ± 0.330, respectively in all samples. However, lentils had higher concentrations of essential elements as compared to rice. Pollution index calculations indicated a level of pollution greater than 1 in brown rice. Median lifetime cancer risks were above the acceptable level for age groups 6 to < 12 months to 11 < 16 years in all rice samples except brown rice. Data in this study highlights the health risks associated with dietary exposure to toxic metals in cereals and the nutritional components in these food groups.

MODELING DISPERSION OF LEACHATE BY USING MINITAB SOFTWARE AND SPATIAL ANALYSIS OF GROUNDWATER QUALITY AROUND LANDFILL

Based on previous research, already calculation of groundwater pollution index in Jabon Landfill, where from the calculation results of 12 well points in the area around TPA, the pollution index is included moderate pollution index. Based on that information, it is necessary for modeling perception of leachate penetration, to find out how far the radius of groundwater has been polluted by landfill leachate. This modeling is use minitab 17 software. Minitab was chosen because minitab is one of the most applicable software for engineering, and minitab provides a simple to understand alternative in performing statistical analysis. This study is use a non linear regression procedure to obtain a curve fitting. In this curve fitting analysis produces a formulation that can be applied to determine radius of dispersion of leachate penetration into groundwater, and based on this formulation can calculate the groundwater pollution index in the area around the landfill. Based on the calculation of the pollution index, radius 3691 meters from the landfill is classified as a moderate pollution index with a pollution index value of 9.0495. This research also evaluates the groundwater quality by mapping approach using a geographic information system. Geographic information system is an information system designed to work with spatially referenced data or geographic coordinates. So that it can provide more information about the quality of groundwater in the area.

Assessment of the environmental status of the water object by hydrochemical indicators

The problem of surface water is one of the key challenges of humanity. In accordance with the goals of research and analysis of the environmental status of water bodies are of great practical importance, as their condition further affects the quality of drinking water. The purpose of the work is to assess the environmental status of the water body. The originality of the obtained results is a comprehensive assessment based on the analysis of time monitoring data on the ecological status of water of the water body, taking into account the weighting factors of pollution indices. The study of the ecological state was carried out taking into account the integrated hydrochemical indicators. Microsoft Excel software was used to conduct the study. Google Maps was used to find places on maps and build the maps you needed to work. Microsoft Excel was used to perform calculations and build graphics. The ecological status of a water body is determined on the basis of pollution index calculations. The method of assessing the ecological status of surface waters by relevant categories has been improved through the use of weights. The assessment method is universal and can be used to study the ecological status of any water body. However, the selection of hydrochemical indicators took into account only the content of major pollutants, namely chlorides, sulfates, phosphates, suspended solids, petroleum products, compounds of copper and zinc violated. The obtained research results can be used in the development of water management plans and measures to improve their condition.

Analisis Indeks Pencemaran Airtanah di DKI Jakarta dengan Interpolasi Spasial

Everyone needs water to his life and his activity. Groundwater pollution is one of the problems in Indonesia. The increasing number of the show an increase water needs. They were filled with groundwater needs. There has been decreasing groundwater that is occupied in quantity and quality. The research was done in Jakarta, consisting of 42 sub-district. Research takes into account the condition of the dry season. Uses index research quality of groundwater pollution. Monitoring parameter groundwater consisting of physics, chemical and biology paramater. The research consists of determining the pollution index in Jakarta, analysis of groundwater pollution, and predicted entanglement with an index pollution population density. The research uses spatial interpolation to determine locations. Pollution index calculation used calculation storet. The measurement results in the rate used in the analysis index groundwater pollution. The research results obtained index value has increased pollution are on the north and central of Jakarta. The research results obtained East Jakarta having the condition geology that porous. The value of the groundwater pollution index was in north Jakarta. The results of the study indicated by a map pollution index the quality of groundwater during three periods. Index pollution in Jakarta consisting of pollution until the same as the quality standard. Research shows the absence of correlation with the population with the pollution groundwater quality.

Assessment of Heavy Metal Pollution Levels in Sediments and of Ecological Risk by Quality Indices, Applying a Case Study: The Lower Danube River, Romania

It is a well–known fact that heavy metal pollution in sediments causes serious problems not only in the Danube basin, but also in the large and small adjacent river streams. A suitable method for assessing the level of heavy metals and their toxicity in sediments is the calculation of pollution indices. The present research aims to assess heavy metal pollution in the Lower Danube surface sediments collected along the Danube course (between 180 and 60 km) up to the point where the Danube River flows into the Danube Delta Biosphere Reserve (a United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization—UNESCO, protected area). In addition, this monitored area is one of the largest European hydrographic basins. Five heavy metals (Cd, Ni, Zn, Pb, Cu) were analyzed in two different seasons, i.e., the autumn of 2018 and the spring of 2019, using the Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP– MS) technique. Our assessment of heavy metal pollution revealed two correlated aspects: 1. a determination of the potential risks of heavy metals in sediments by calculating the Potential Ecological Risk Index (RI), and 2. an evaluation of the influence of anthropogenic activities on the level of heavy metal contamination in the surface sediments, using three specific pollution indices, namely, the Geo–Accumulation Index (Igeo), the Contamination Factor (CF), and the Pollution Load Index (PLI). The results of this pioneering research activity in the region highlighted the presence of moderate metal (Ni and Cd) pollution and a low potential ecological risk for the aquatic environment.

Recycled aggregates from construction and demolition waste as wetland substrates for pollutant removal

Large amounts of construction and demolition (C&D) waste have been generated due to the rapid urbanization process in China over recent decades. Hence, effective strategies for C&D waste reuse and recycling are urgently needed to reduce the impact of the generation of C&D waste. This work assessed the pollution control efficiency of recycled aggregates from C&D waste as substrates in vertical flow constructed wetlands (VFCWs) and the regeneration capability of these substrates. Six artificial experimental columns loaded with three recycled aggregates, namely, brick (RBA), concrete (RCA), and concrete-brick mixtures (C&B), and three natural aggregates, namely, limestone (LIM), lava rock (LAV), and zeolite (ZEO), were separately used. The results showed that recycled aggregates performed more effectively in terms of TP and COD removal than did natural aggregates, with the highest removal efficiency of 87.1% towards TP achieved by RCA and 74.9% towards COD achieved by C&B. Nemerow pollution index calculation demonstrated that the effluent water quality followed the order of RCA > C&B > RBA > LIM > ZEO > LAV. NH3–N, TP and COD removal efficiencies of 51.3%, 51.0% and 58.9%, respectively, were observed for RCA after in situ regeneration. The highest NH3–N and TP removal efficiencies were 54.7% and 84.8%, respectively, for RCA by aeration and NaOH washing, respectively, after four adsorption-desorption runs of ectopic regeneration. However, chemical regeneration of RCA and LIM severely destroyed the substrate structure over physical regeneration. Unfortunately, a low temperature led to a poor removal of TN in all systems, and the recycled aggregates from C&D waste were less resistant to impact than were the natural aggregates. Life cycle cost analysis showed that RCA as a substrate reduces the cost of wetland construction. This work provides a systematic comparison of recycled aggregates and natural aggregates as substrates in VFCWs in regard to their purification ability, regeneration methods and economic cost.

Potentially toxic elements pollution in road deposited sediments around the active smelting industry of Korea

Potentially toxic elements (PTEs) were investigated in the different sizes of road deposited sediments (RDS) around the active smelting industry to understand their sources and to assess the pollution and ecological risk levels. The highest PTEs concentrations was shown near the raw materials import port and the smelting facilities. The fine particles of RDS showed extremely high PTEs concentrations. Zn has the highest mean concentration in the < 63 μm particle size of RDS, followed by Pb > Cu > As > Cr > Ni > Cd > Hg. The PTEs concentrations of this study were the highest values compared to the soils around the smelter and the RDS in urban and industrial areas in the world. This indicates that these PTEs pollution in RDS were mainly attributed to the transportation of raw materials for the smelting industry. According to nemerow pollution index calculation, RDS at all sampling sites with particles of less than 250 mm was seriously polluted with PTEs. The ecological risk was also found to be very high in all RDS fractions and highly toxic elements such as Cd, Pb and Hg pose extremely risk. Given the total amounts PTEs in the road surface, it is necessary to apply RDS removal management plan to reduce the PTEs pollution.

Assessment of heavy metal pollution of urban soils of Batman by multiple pollution indices

ABSTRACT Heavy metal accumulation is observed in urban soils, sometimes due to anthropological effects and sometimes due to natural geological units. In order to determine the heavy metal content of the Upper Miocene-Lower Pliocene Selmo Formation, which is observed in the whole study area and consists of conglomerate, sandstone and silt stone, soil and river sediment samples were taken. Within the scope of pollution assessment, geo-accumulation index (Igeo), enrichment factor (EF) and pollution index (PI) calculations of Batman urban soil samples were made and different degrees of pollution values were determined. High pollution values were obtained for As, Mo and Sb elements in all pollution indices calculated. The pollution levels of the three elements were determined as strongly to extremely contaminated according to Igeo values, the others except As (very severe enrichment) according to EF values were determined as severe enrichment, and according to PI, all three were determined as strong polluted. Pollution and element distribution maps were created with a geographical information system software. According to the results of correlation analysis and cluster analysis, the elements found to be contaminated are divided into two groups, whose locations and sources of contamination are different. The first group (Sn, Zn and Pb) is observed in the approximate centre of the study area and developed due to traffic emissions. The elements belonging to the second group (especially As, Mo and Sb) show high pollution values in the south-southeast of the study area. These pollutions are thought to be caused by the inadequate storage of mineral oils and batteries that are changed in the industrial site and from leaks in the oil production, storage, refining and transmission phase in TPAO, TÜPRAŞ and BOTAŞ. The analysed samples were compared with the Soil Pollution Control Regulation and WHO standards, and Co, Ni and As element values were found to exceed the permissible values for health.

Evaluation of Groundwater Quality Status Around Gunung Tugel Landfill In Kedungrandu Village, Patikraja District, Banyumas Regency, Central Java, Indonesia.

Gunung Tugel Disposal Site (GTDS) is one of the final land disposal sites established in 1983 in the Banyumas Regency, and it operates with an open-dumping system. In this system, the base of the disposal site is neither coated with an impermeable layer nor equipped with leachate collection and drainage channels, for which leachate can percolate through the soil and pollute groundwater. In March 2016, GTDS was closed because its capacity had been exceeded. The closure of GTDS was not followed by appropriate waste and environmental management, prompting the formation of leachate that can contaminate the environment, particularly groundwater. This research set out to identify the leachate quality of GTDS, assess the groundwater quality, and determine the groundwater quality status around the disposal site. It employed a field survey and mapping to plot and display the groundwater well points in the study area, laboratory analysis to identify the groundwater quality, and pollution index calculation to determine the groundwater quality status. The groundwater samples were tested in the laboratory for their physical (turbidity and TDS), chemical (pH, COD, BOD, iron (Fe), cadmium (Cd)), and biological properties (total coliform). The results showed that the cadmium (Cd) levels in several groundwater well points had exceeded the quality standards. Based on the analysis and calculation results, the groundwater quality status in the study area is mildly contaminated, with the pollution index ranging between 2.571 and 4.099.

The application of urban anthropogenic background to pollution evaluation and source identification of soil contaminants in Macau, China.

The anthropogenic background characterized by the accumulation characteristics of contaminants is recognized as an important evidence in pollution assessment and source identification in urban soil due to its less arbitrariness compared with the existing quality standards and the guidelines. A credible approach for pollution index calculation referring to anthropogenic background values (ABVs) combined with entropy weight method was developed. By the approach, the soil pollution degrees in Macau, China (one of the most densely populated region worldwide) were assessed based on the database of the heavy metals, Cd, Cu, Hg, Pb, and Zn, and high molecular weight polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (HMW PAHs) from 31 sites spatially distributed all over Macau. It was revealed that approximately half of the sites had no specific point source pollution. Mercury, benzo(a)anthracene (BaA), fluoranthene (FLT), and benzo(b)fluorantene (BbF), which had the highest weights were considered as the main contaminants. Macau Peninsula was identified as the critical polluted area. Then, the positive matrix factorization (PMF) coupled with ABVs as one of the data uncertainty inputs was used to identify the anthropogenic pollution sources of the contaminants. Three main anthropogenic sources with their contributions, including vehicle emissions (51.3%), use of hazard material (24.8%), and municipal or domestic waste (23.9%), could be well identified and quantified in the study area. The error estimation of the results showed that the variation of the contaminants in the derived factors were stable. The approaches which were in conformity with ABVs of soil contaminants are proved applicable in soil pollution assessment and source identification.