Concentrations Of Pb In Sediments Research Articles

Discrimination of metal contaminant sources in river sediments influenced by mining and smelting activities using stable Pb and Zn isotopes.

To determine the sources and pathways of lead (Pb) and zinc (Zn) in river sediments contaminated with metals from mining and smelting activities, metal concentrations and Pb and Zn isotope ratios were measured in river water and sediment, and potential metal contaminant samples (imported Zn concentrates, smelting wastes, soils around the smelter, mine ores, and riverside tailings). Zn and cadmium (Cd) concentrations in river water and sediment samples were 30- and 11-25-fold higher, respectively, near the smelter than upstream, while a 6-fold increase in sediment Pb concentrations was detected over the same region. Sediment samples near the smelter (207Pb/206Pb = 0.8638 and 208Pb/206Pb = 2.0960) were observed to have a different Pb isotopic composition from upstream of the smelter (207Pb/206Pb = 0.8322 and 208Pb/206Pb = 2.0502), with δ66Zn values increasing from -0.01 to 0.82‰. Analysis of Pb and Zn isotopes and concentrations revealed that dust-contaminated soils were a major Pb source, and baseline sediments were found to be contaminated by regional mining tailings. For Zn in sediments, the main Zn sources were groundwater-derived Zn (δ66Zn = 1.02 ± 0.43‰, n = 4), dust-contaminated soils (δ66Zn = -0.18 ± 0.08‰, n = 3), and tailings-contaminated sediments (δ66Zn = 0.01 ± 0.07‰, n = 10). Endmember mixing model results showed that dust-contaminated soils contributed 78% and 64% of sediment Pb and Zn, respectively, within 2km of the Zn smelter, decreasing to negligible levels after 47.1km downstream. Downstream of the smelter, groundwater-derived Zn contributed 54% of sediment Zn, whereas tailings contaminated sediments contributed 70% and 25% of Pb and Zn, respectively.

HEAVY METAL CONTAMINATION IN BOTTOM SEDIMENTS OF FIVE LARGE LAKES OF RAIPUR, CHHATTISGARH, INDIA

Entry of heavy metals into aquatic environments generally takes place due to human activities like agriculture, combustion, industrial plants, sewage and settlements. Once entered into the aquatic system the heavy metals from different sources pose risk to the aquatic ecosystem. Therefore, a detailed investigation of heavy metals (Mn, Fe, Zn, Cr, Ni, Cu, Pb, V, Co, As, Mo and Cd) concentration in the bottom sediments of five large Lakes of Raipur was carried out. The data were interpreted in terms of Geoaccumulation Index (Igeo), Enrichment factor (EF), Contamination Factor (CF), Pollution Load Index (PLI) and Modified Degree of Contamination (mCd). The study indicates that the degree of heavy metal contamination in the bottom sediments of the five large lakes of Raipur follow the order Maharaja Bandh Talab> Budha Talab > Sarju Bandh Talab > Bhaiya Taraiya Talab > Khokho Talab. Fe, Zn, Cr, Cu, Pb and Mn pose problems to the ecosystem of the Lakes. The contamination level of elements follow the order Zn>Fe>Cr>Mn>Pb. The high Fe, Cr, Cu, Zn, Pb concentrations in the sediments of Lakes are mainly caused by the use of pesticide and fertilizer in agricultural areas and runoff from settlements without sewage systems. The highly toxic heavy metals can have adverse impact on the aquatic organisms including fishes. This study warrants a detailed ecotoxicological investigation in the lakes followed by execution of Lake rejuvenation programme.

Comparison of metals in eelgrass (Zostera marina L.) and the environment across the North Pacific Ocean: Environmental processes drive source delivery

Seagrass beds play a critical role in biodiversity maintenance, serving as nursery habitats for fisheries, and aiding in carbon and sediment sequestration in the ecosystem. These habitats receive dissolved and particulate material inputs, like nutrients and heavy metals, affecting both plant health and the ecosystem. Eelgrass (Zostera marina L.), sediments, and water were randomly collected at twenty sites along the temperate North Pacific coasts of Asia and North America to assess heavy metals concentrations (Cr, Cu, Zn, Cd, and Pb). This aimed to understand heavy metal distribution and accumulation patterns in eelgrass tissues, revealing crucial factors influencing metal accumulation. The sampling included various areas, from pristine marine reserves to human-influenced zones, covering industrial, agricultural, and aquaculture regions, enabling a thorough analysis. This study's uniqueness lies in comparing heavy metal distributions in eelgrass tissues with sediments, uncovering unique accumulation patterns. Aboveground eelgrass tissues mainly accumulated Cd, Zn, and Cu, while belowground tissues stored Cr and Pb. Aboveground eelgrass tissues proved reliable in indicating Cd and Pb concentrations in sediments. However, the correlation between Cu, Zn, and Cr in eelgrass tissues and environmental concentrations seemed less direct, requiring further investigation into factors affecting metal accumulation in seagrass. Human activities are probable major contributors to heavy metal presence in Asian marine environments, whereas oceanographic processes serve as primary metal sources in North American Pacific estuaries. Critical discoveries emphasize the necessity for ongoing research on phytotoxic thresholds and in-depth studies on the complex connections between seagrass physiology and environmental metal concentrations. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for evaluating the broader impact of heavy metal pollution on coastal ecosystems and developing effective conservation measures.

Human Health Risk Assessment for Exposure to Heavy Metals via Dietary Intake of Rainbow Trout in the Influence Area of a Smelting Facility Located in Peru.

Abandoned mining-metallurgical sites can significantly impact the environment and human health by accumulating heavy metals in aquatic ecosystems. The water in the sub-basin near an abandoned smelting facility in the city of La Oroya, Peru, is primarily used for pisciculture. The objective of this study was to assess the risk to human health from exposure to heavy metals via dietary intake of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) in the influence area of a smelting facility located in the central Andean region of Peru. The bioconcentration factor, biosediment accumulation factor, and consumption risks were evaluated using the Monte Carlo method. The results showed that the concentrations of elements (Zn > Pb > Cu > As) in rainbow trout muscle did not exceed the maximum limit (ML). However, the water significantly exceeded the ML for Pb in all sectors and As in the lower and middle parts of the river. The concentration of Pb in sediments also significantly exceeded the ML in the upper and lower parts of the river. Consequently, rainbow trout consumption in the study area presents risks to human health due to the bioaccumulation of heavy metals, with a 1.27% carcinogenic risk in samples from the lower part of the river.

Ecological risk assessment of heavy metals in riverine sediments of rural area driven by urbanization.

Rural revitalization denotes the gathering of large populations in rural areas and the subsequent gradual urbanization. Rural environments have been deteriorated by heavy metals (HMs) over the last few years. Without the existence of large-scale industries, the accumulation of HMs in sediments due to population aggregation in rural environments needs to be scientifically confirmed. Therefore, in this study we first understand the sediment pollution in rural environments in China and across the globe, and subsequently investigate HMs in sediments in rural micro water. The study area, Sichuan Province, China, was divided into two areas, namely, sparsely populated areas (SPA) and densely populated areas (DPA). Eight typical HMs (As, Zn, Ni, Hg, Cd, Cr, Cu, and Pb) were selected to target in riverine sediments, and the content and spatial distribution characteristics were analyzed. The results indicate that As, Hg, Cd, and Pb concentrations in sediments were higher than background values (BVs), with high concentration sample sites located in the DPA. In addition, the geo-accumulation index (Igeo), pollution load index (PLI) and potential ecological risk index (RI) were used to quantitatively evaluate the pollution characteristics of HMs in sediments, revealing that the sediments exhibited high As and Hg pollution in the DPA (PLI = 1.09). In general, mild (RI = 48.76) and moderate (RI = 154.92) HM pollution was observed in the sediments of the SPA and DPA, respectively, based on the high PLI (> 1.0) and RI (> 150) values. Correlation analysis and principal component analysis (PCA) indicate that the Cd in the sediment generally originated from geogenic sources, while the other elements (Zn, As, Cu, Cr, Hg, Ni and Pb) were primarily linked to anthropogenic sources. Finally, the results demonstrate that population aggregation will lead to the enrichment of HMs.

An assessment of the relation between metal contaminated sediment and freshwater mussel populations in the Big River, Missouri

The Big River in southeast Missouri drains the largest historical lead mining area in the United States. Ongoing releases of metal contaminated sediments into this river are well documented and are suspected of suppressing freshwater mussel populations. We characterized the spatial extent of metal contaminated sediments and evaluated its relationship with mussel populations in the Big River. Mussels and sediments were collected at 34 sites with potential metal effects and 3 reference sites. Analysis of sediment samples showed that lead (Pb) and zinc (Zn) concentrations were 1.5 to 65 times greater than background concentrations in the reach extending 168 km downstream from Pb mining releases. Mussel abundance decreased acutely downstream from these releases where sediment Pb concentrations were highest and increased gradually as Pb sediment concentrations attenuated downstream. We compared current species richness with historical survey data from three reference rivers with similar physical habitat characteristics and human effects, but without Pb-contaminated sediment. Big River species richness was on average about one-half that expected based on reference stream populations and was 70–75 % lower in reaches with high median Pb concentrations. Sediment Zn and cadmium, and particularly Pb, had significant negative correlations with species richness and abundance. The association of sediment Pb concentrations with mussel community metrics in otherwise high-quality habitat indicates that Pb toxicity is likely responsible for depressed mussel populations observed within the Big River. We used concentration-response regressions of mussel density verses sediment Pb to determine that the Big River mussel community is adversely affected when sediment Pb concentrations are above 166 ppm, the concentration associated with 50 % decreases in mussel density. Based on this assessment of metals concentrations sediment and mussel fauna, our findings indicate that sediment in approximately 140 km of the Big River with suitable habitat has a toxic effect to mussels.

Effect of past century mining activities on sediment properties and toxicity to freshwater organisms in northern Sweden

The release of toxic metals from local mining activities often represents a severe environmental hazard for nearby lake ecosystems. Previous studies on the impact of mining have primarily focused on single lakes, with less emphasis on spatial and temporal recovery patterns of multiple lakes within the same catchment, but with different hydrological connection and distance to the pollutant source. This knowledge gap prevents us from assessing the real environmental risk of abandoned mines and understanding ecosystem recovery. This study explores the intensity and spatial patterns of sediment contamination and the potential for ecosystem recovery in three lakes in close vicinity of a lead (Pb) and zinc (Zn) mine in Sweden that has been inoperative for >20 years. Dated (210Pb and 137Cs) sediment cores from each lake were used to reconstruct temporal patterns in trace element deposition and relate those with past mining activities. Results show that all lakes were affected by mining, indicated by increasing Pb and Zn concentrations and decreasing organic matter content, at the onset of mining. However, the extent and timing of mining impact differed between lakes, which was partly ascribed to differences in the historical use of tailings and settling ponds. Assessment of toxicity levels in sediments, based on normalized Probable Effect Concentration Quotient (PEC-Q) to organic matter content, provided more consistent results with the historical mining than conventional methods, showing a decreasing impact in lakes once the operations ceased. Still, sediment Pb concentrations were > 10 times higher than pre-mining values, evidencing the urgent need for remediation actions in the study lakes. This study highlights the importance of considering spatial heterogeneity in metal deposition, sediment organic matter content, and hydrological connectivity with tailings when risk assessments are performed in mining-impacted lakes. The use of normalized PEC-Q in toxic assessments is also recommended.

Macrozoobenthic diversity and heavy metals (Pb and Hg) accumulation in Bone River Gorontalo Indonesia

The heavy metal pollution on benthic macroinvertebrate communities in Bone River has not been studied. This present study determined to investigate the diversity of the macrozoobenthic trough the length of Bone River concerning the heavy metals leads and mercury at eight sampling stations. The samples were taken in July 2021. A sample of four representative macro zoobenthic families (Hydropsychidae, Baetidae and Elmidae) was also used to analyze metal bioaccumulation. The macrozoobenthic recorded in this study comprise of ten orders and 35 families with a total of 3146 individuals. Diptera, Ephemeroptera, Coleoptera, and Trichoptera dominate the population size of benthic. The diversity indices show the low and medium categories but favour a better macrozoobenthic development. Monitoring studies show that the concentration of Pb in sediments is much higher than that of mercury. Metal accumulation in sediments showed fluctuations but did not reflect macrozoobenthic metal concentrations. The bioconcentration factor (BCF) value generally indicates that the three taxa are categorized in the low accumulative category.

Metallothionein level in the larva of Cheumatopsyche sp. and the relationship between heavy metal concentration in Bone River, Gorontalo, Indonesia

Abstract. Kadim MK, Herawati FY, Arfiati D, Hertik AMS. 2022. Metallothionein level in the larva of Cheumatopsyche sp. and the relationship between heavy metal concentration in Bone River, Gorontalo, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 23: 5942-5950. This study aims to confirm that the larvae of Cheumatopsyche sp. contain a metal-binding protein, metallothionein, in their body and correlate it with heavy metal concentrations in the larval tissues and sediments in Bone River. Pb, Cd and Hg concentrations in sediment, tissue and Metallothionein (MT) levels were analyzed in several areas with different metal contamination. The Pb concentration in the sediment averaged 33.6 ppm; Hg 0.17 ppm; Cd 0.125 ppm. Total metals concentration in the whole body of Cheumatopsyche sp. ranged from 0.424 to 0.781, while the MT content ranged from 4637 to 6930 ng.g-1. The results revealed that the larvae could accumulate different metals and be more effective in accumulating Hg than Pb and Cd, regardless of the level of metal concentration in the sediment. Metal concentrations measured in Cheumatopsyche sp. showed a significant correlation with metals in the sediment. Metallothionein levels throughout the larval body showed differences in different areas of metal contamination and this correlated with the concentrations of Pb, Cd, and Hg measured in the larval tissue, thus reflecting their bioavailability in the environment. The results also showed that even under exposure to low metal concentrations, MT was still detectable in Cheumatopsyche sp. and proved to be a good predictor of metal accumulation.

Lead concentrations in sediments and mollusc gastropod from Vridi Canal, Côte d’Ivoire

Lead (Pb) is one of the most frequent and toxic contaminant in the environment. It can be bioaccumulated by marine organisms through contaminated sediments as well as their food chains. The current study aimed at investigating Pb occurrence in the sediments and gastropod P. haemastostoma from Vridi Canal. Sediment samples were taken using a Van Veen steel grab of 0.02 m2 area, sealed in plastic bags and transported to the laboratory at 4 °C. Gastropod P. haemastostoma species were collected manually using gloves, and then placed in polyethylene plastic bags. The different concentrations were determined using atomic absorption spectrometer Varian AA 20. The results showed seasonal variability of Pb concentrations in sediments and P. haemastostoma. In the both matrices, Pb exhibited the same trend in the distribution between the seasons. This study also mentioned that sediments were highly contaminated by Pb (54.27-134.71 mg/kg). Vridi Canal was found to be one of the most contaminated seaport area. Pb levels (49.55-104.19 mg/kg) in P. haemastostoma exceeding the maximum permitted levels according to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). This research demonstrated that sediments having lower ecological risk may be resulting in lower tissue Pb of P. haemastostoma.
 Keywords: Metal Pb, sediment, P. haemastostoma, seasonal variation

Heavy Metals in Macrozoobenthos and Sediments of the Coastal Zone of the Eastern Gulf of Finland

The Zn, Cd, Pb, Cu, Mn, and Fe concentrations in sediments, bottom waters, and benthic macroinvertebrates (Amphipoda, Bivalvia, Gastropoda, Hirudinea, and Oligochaeta) collected at six coastal stations in the Eastern Gulf of Finland were determined with the aim to reveal the features of heavy metals bioaccumulation in the macrozoobenthos. It was shown that benthic macroinvertebrates accumulate Mn, Fe, and Zn more actively than Pb, Cu, and Cd, while Hirudinea and Oligochaeta worms have enhanced accumulative capacities as compared to amphipods and mollusks. A close relationship was found between the Zn and Pb concentrations in the sediments and amphipods, but for the other elements no reliable relationship was observed. It was recommended to use organisms of other trophic levels along with zoobenthos and data on heavy metal concentrations in sediments for chemical monitoring of coastal waters.

Assessing lead and cadmium pollution at the mouth of the river Segura (SE Spain) using the invasive blue crab (Callinectes sapidus Rathbun, 1896, Crustacea, Decapoda, Portunidae) as a bioindicator organism

The aim of this study was to evaluate Cd and Pb concentrations in the hepatopancreas, gills, muscle tissue and carapace of the crab Callinectes sapidus and in sediments from the mouth of the river Segura (SE Spain), an area that has undergone great anthropogenic change in recent decades. Lead concentrations were higher than Cd concentrations in the hepatopancreas, gills and muscles; no statistical differences were found between the sexes. Cadmium and Pb concentrations in sediments did not exceed the probable effect level in guidelines for the protection of aquatic life. The Biological Sediments Accumulation Factor (BSAF) was higher for Cd than Pb in the hepatopancreas, gills and carapace. For Cd, the hepatopancreas had the highest BSAF of all tissues, followed by gills. As well, the hepatopancreas had the highest Individual Mean Bioaccumulation Index (IMBI). The hepatopancreas and gills of the blue crab could thus be useful tissues for practical field monitoring of metal contamination in this ecosystem.

Heavy metal concentrations in sediment, water and fish in two major rivers (Ankobra and Tano) in major farming and artisanal gold mining areas in Ghana

Heavy metal concentrations in sediment, water and fish in two major rivers (Ankobra and Tano) in major farming and artisanal gold mining areas in Ghana1University of Ghana, Accra, Ghana, 2University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, USABackground: Arsenic (As), mercury (Hg) and lead (Pb) are toxic heavy metals that occur naturally in the environment. However, their levels are on the rise due to anthropogenic activities, including artisanal gold mining thus polluting fresh water bodies and posing a threat to aquatic wildlife, animals and humans.Objective: The aim of the study was to assess As, Hg and Pb concentrations in sediment, water and fishes from the Ankobra and Tano Rivers in the Western Region of Ghana, where human activities; especially artisanal gold mining are suspected of grossly polluting river bodies..Methods: Levels of As, Hg and Pb in different fish species and aquatic media (water and sediment) from the Tano and Ankobra River basins were analysed using the Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS) Pinnacle 900T (Perkin Elmer, USA). Statistical analysis was done using Microsoft version 10 excel spread sheet and STATA software version 13 (StataCorps LP, Chicago, USA).Results: Overall, levels of heavy metals were in the order, Hg>As>Pb across study sites. Mean concentrations of Hg and As were highest in fish (2.09±1.29 mg/Kg) and (2.80±1.52 mg/Kg), followed by sediment (1.40±1.78 mg/Kg) and (0.61±0.40 mg/Kg), and water (0.09±0.36 mg/L) and (0.06±0.05mg/L) respectively. Pb levels were highest in sediment (1.46±4.26 mg/Kg), followed by water (0.14±0.10 mg/L), and then fish (0.11±0.11 mg/Kg) respectively. Conclusion: As and Hg levels in both Tano and Ankobra were above the WHO recommended levels for pristine freshwater ecosystems and may therefore pose a threat to aquatic wildlife and human health. Keywords: Tano, Ankobra, Heavy metals, artisanal

Analysis of Concentration of Heavy Metal (Pb) and Cadmium (Cd) In Waterfish (Eichhornia crassipes) in Indragiri River, Riau

Research has been conducted to determine the concentration of Lead (Pb) and Cadmium (Cd) heavy metals in water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) in the Indragiri River Waters of Indragiri Hilir Regency in May-July 2016. Determination of the research station was carried out by purposive random sampling by considering environmental conditions based on community activities around the river and the existence of Eichhornia crassipes. The main parameters in this study include the concentration of heavy metals Pb and Cd in river water, sediments and Eichhornia crassipes, and physico-chemical parameters as supporting parameters. The results showed that the average concentration of Pb heavy metals in river water was 0.276 ppm and Cd was 0.126 ppm. The average concentration of heavy metals Pb in sediments was 4.61 ppm and Cd of 0.75 ppm. The accumulation of Pb and Cd Eichhornia crassipest heavy metals is included in the low category, namely the average concentration of Pb heavy metals in the root organ is 3.02 ppm, on the leaf stalk 2.61 ppm, and on the leaves 2.09 ppm. The concentration of heavy metal Cd at the root was 0.47 ppm, at the leaf stalk 0.39 ppm, and at the leaves 0.362 ppm

Metal-Associated Biomarker Responses in Crabs from a Marine Protected Area in Southeastern Brazil

The environmental quality of a Ramsar wetland site located at the Cananéia-Iguape-Peruíbe Protected Area (CIP-PA), in São Paulo, Brazil, was assessed by geochemical analyses and biomarker assessments (GPx, GST, GSH, GST, MT, LPO, DNA damage) performed in swimming crab Callinectes danae Smith, 1869 organs (posterior and anterior gills and hepatopancreas) to estimate sediment contaminant bioavailability. The results indicated that two sampling stations, PT and PM, exhibited the worst environmental conditions, as sediments collected at both points contained metal contamination, while crabs exhibited significant responses for GPx, GST, and LPO (mostly during winter). Sediment contamination tended to be associated to fine sediments (both seasons) and organic matter (winter). During the summer survey, Pb concentrations in sediments of station PT exceeded the Brazilian Sediment Quality Guidelines (SQGs) and the Canadian Interim Marine Sediment Quality Guidelines. Metal concentrations in sediments sampled in winter were higher compared with summer, with Co, Ni, and Pb exceeding SQGs levels at PT, whereas Co, Ni, Hg, Zn, and Pb exceeded SQGs at PM. Biomarker induction during summer appeared to be caused by natural variables (water salinity and temperature, and molting cycle), whereas oxidative stress and tissue damage during winter appeared to be more clearly linked to metal contamination. Anterior gills presented the clearest signs of seasonal variability, being more responsive to sediment contamination. The results suggest that metals originated from the upper Ribeira de Iguape River are transported toward the estuarine system, causing effects on C. danae individuals. Additionally, seasonality is a strong factor concerning CIP-PA toxicity, since the rainfall regime significantly modifies the freshwater flow and, consequently, estuarine water salinity, suspended particle and metal inputs, as well as the location of depositional areas. Thus, efforts to mitigate CIP-PA contamination should be based on the control of upstream pollution sources.

Spatiotemporal distribution dynamics of heavy metals in water, sediment, and zoobenthos in mainstream sections of the middle and lower Changjiang River

Water, sediment, and zoobenthos are crucial carriers and storage media for heavy metal migration and transformation. The distribution characteristics of heavy metals in water, sediment, and zoobenthos can reflect their pollution status and potential influences on the health of aquatic ecosystems. On the basis of monitoring data related to Cu, Zn, Pb, Cd, Ni, Mn, Hg, and As in mainstream water, surface sediment, and zoobenthos at eight sections—from Wuhan to Shanghai—of the Changjiang River (also known as the Yangtze River) and historical monitoring data on heavy metal distributions in different environmental media of the Changjiang River since the 1980s, this study undertook systematically analyzed the spatiotemporal distribution dynamics, pollution levels, and corresponding environmental risks related to heavy metals in water, sediment, and biota, and examined the effects of pollution source variations and water and sediment regimes on heavy metal distribution. Heavy metal concentrations in the waters were much lower than the water quality threshold of Grade III of the Chinese Surface Water Environmental Quality Standard (GB3838-2002); the concentrations of different heavy metals were irregularly distributed and varied significantly along the river mainstream; Cu, Cd, Zn, and Pb concentrations in sediment all exceeded their respective critical effect concentrations and exposed the ecosystem to pollution risks; the pollution levels of and ecosystem health risks posed by Zn and Cu in zoobenthos were high, with pollution concentrations ranked as shrimp > snails > crabs. In general, heavy metal concentrations in the three environmental mediums were ranked as sediment > zoobenthos > water. Finally, comparison with historical monitoring data revealed increasing Cd and Hg concentrations, with the average heavy metal concentration in sediment reaching its maximum value in the 2000s in the middle and lower reaches of the Changjiang River, which are subjected to the combined effect of pollutant emissions and changing water and sediment regimes.

Tracking Lead in Environmental Media in the City of Onitsha, Southeast Nigeria.

Background.The enrichment of lead (Pb) in a rapidly expanding urban environment is largely caused by industrial and anthropogenic activities. However, very few studies have come from sub-Sahara Africa as a whole, in spite of the increased rate of population, industrialization and urbanization in this region. The city of Onitsha is the commercial heartland of southeast Nigeria.Objectives.To determine the concentration of Pb in soils and sediments in Onitsha and the surrounding area and to identify the possible sources of Pb content in the environmental media.Methods.One hundred and sixty-two (162) samples (120 top and subsoils, and 42 stream and side drain sediments) were collected from the city of Onitsha, Nigeria to determine Pb concentrations, identify the main sources of Pb in this region, and determine its fate in soil and sediments using Pb isotopes. Thirty (30) 15 g clay fractions of soil and sediment samples, and a sample each of galena (from the Lower Benue Trough), coal and soot from vehicle exhaust and battery cells were collected from the city and analyzed for lead isotopes (Pb204, Pb206, Pb207 and Pb208) using ultra-trace inductively coupled plasma emission spectrometry.Results.The distribution and concentration of Pb in the soil of Onitsha was observed to be influenced by land use patterns with very elevated concentrations of Pb observed for mechanic and metal workshop samples (1444.3, 1067.5, 1048.1, 1730.5 and 580.5 ppm); active waste dump samples (448.4 and 311.9 ppm); and farmland and garden samples (366.2 ppm). The concentration of Pb in the sediments also showed varying elevated concentrations across locations, ranging from 45.7–540.1 ppm. A comparison with the control samples revealed that the Pb concentrations measured in the environmental media were several folds higher than that of the control. The Pb isotope analysis indicated that most of the Pb in environmental media was anthropogenic in origin and had been predominantly contributed by unsustainable environmental practices such as indiscriminate waste dumps, hydrocarbonbased products emissions, by-products from mechanical workshops that have been haphazardly constructed in the city, and industrial plants located within urban areas.Conclusions.The relatively higher concentrations of Pb in soils and sediments were found to be influenced by land use, as also observed in the Pb isotope readings, which will, over time, adversely affect environmental media and biota.Competing Interests.The authors declare no competing financial interests.

Trace elements in the seagrass Posidonia oceanica: Compartmentation and relationships with seawater and sediment concentrations

Seagrasses are employed to assess trace element levels in seawater and sediments; however, their capacity as bioindicators of trace elements in seawater has been recently questioned, due to the scarcity of a significant seagrass-seawater relationship. In the aim to provide an insight into trace element accumulation in the seagrass Posidonia oceanica, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Ni and Pb concentrations in seawater, sediments, and several seagrass compartments (adult leaf blades, intermediate leaf blades, adult leaf sheaths, juvenile leaves, orthotropic rhizomes, plagiotropic rhizomes, and roots of plagiotropic rhizomes) from the coasts of Thrace, Greece were determined. Uni- and multivariate data analyses were applied. A comparison with reported element concentrations revealed that this coastal area can be generally classified as an area of no marked Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Ni and Pb anthropogenic enrichment. Trace elements showed a non-uniform distribution among seagrass compartments; adult leaf blades displayed the highest mean Cd and Ni concentrations, adult leaf blades, plagiotropic rhizomes and roots the highest mean Co concentrations, juvenile leaves the highest mean Cu concentration, and plagiotropic rhizomes the highest mean Cr and Pb concentrations, indicating that the accumulation varies with element, compartment and compartment age. Cd, Cr and Ni in adult leaf blades reached mean tissue-seawater accumulation factors of 103, while Co of 104, implying that this seagrass is a strong accumulator of these elements from solution. Cd, Co, Cr, and Ni concentrations in leaf compartments, particularly adult leaf blades, positively correlated with their concentrations in seawater, and Pb concentrations in plagiotropic rhizomes and roots with sediment Pb concentration. Thereby, P. oceanica could be regarded as a biondicator for Cd, Co, Cr and Ni in seawater, and for Pb in sediments. The results presented provide an insight on trace element accumulation in P. oceanica, and can be utilized for the design of biomonitoring programs.

ANALISIS KUALITAS PERAIRAN UNTUK BUDIDAYA KERANG HIJAU DI KABUPATEN CIREBON PROVINSI JAWA BARAT

Abstract. Cirebon regency is one of the regencies supplying marine products in West Java Province. However, there are now many issues concerning the degradation of the quality of the waters that are sourced from community activities that dump their waste into the waters. This study aims to determine the quality of waters (water and sediments) of Cirebon Regency in terms of physical and chemical parameters. The method used in this study is quantitative descriptive analysis using primary data and secondary data designed to describe the physical and chemical conditions of the waters. For the status of pollutants using the STORET method. The results showed that the measurement of physical and chemical condition of waters TSS and BOD has exceeded the quality standard for marine biota (Kepmen-LH No. 51 Year 2004). While the results of heavy metals measurements on sediment concentrations of Pb and Cd have exceeded the CCME quality standard (Canadian Council of Ministers of Environment). The pollutant status of Cirebon Regency is categorized as sterile until polluted fallow.

POTENTIAL OF Avicennia alba AS AN AGENT OF PHYTOREMEDIATION HEAVY METAL (Pb and Cu) IN WONOREJO, SURABAYA

One of the regions in Surabaya which has accumulated the largest pollution levels was the region of Wonorejo. Wonorejo is an area that is used as a mangrove conservation. But, Pb and Cu are heavy metals that have been detected in high concentration in this region. Avicennia alba has been known to have the ability to absorb heavy metals so that mangrove can be used us phytoremediation agent. The purposes of this research were to analyze the concentration of heavy metals (Pb and Cu) in sediments, roots and leaves of Avicennia alba ; to understand the potential of Avicennia alba as an agent of phytoremediation. The result showed that Cu concentration was higher than Pb concentration in sediment, roots and leaves. The concentrations of Cu were 4.13 ppm - 36.95 ppm and Pb between 3.28 ppm - 23.79 ppm. Based on bioconcentration factor (BCF) Avicennia alba was categorize as excluder (BCF 1) and Cu was categorized phytostabilization (TF 1) and Cu was categorized phytostabilization (TF<1). The result of the BCF and TF showed that Avicennia alba can absorb Pb and Cu from the environment, however the mobility of the heavy metals in the mangrove will experience different phytoremediation mechanisms ( phytostabilization for Cu; phytoexstraction for Pb) . Keywords: Avicennia alba, Phytoremediation, Factor Bioconcentration, Factor Translocation, Heavy Metal (Pb and Cu)