Concentrations Of Trace Metal Elements Research Articles

IMPACT OF TECHNICAL LANDFILL BOUGUERGUER ON WATER RESOURCES AND THE ENVIRONMENT (NORTH-EAST ALGERIA)

While landfilling remains the most economically viable and commonly employed method of waste disposal, it poses potential risks of environmental degradation, including foul odor emission, biogas production, and the generation of leachates carrying a significant pollution load. Leachates, upon infiltrating the subsoil, contribute to a profound degradation of groundwater. This study focuses on assessing the impact of leachates from the public landfill of Bouguerguer (wilaya of Guelma) on groundwater and surface water. Two sampling campaigns were conducted, with the first involving 5 samples and the second comprising 8 samples, both carried out in 2018. Analytical results reveal that water sourced from wells, springs, and downstream surface water from the technical landfill Bouguerguer is heavily contaminated with organic matter and metallic trace elements (Cr+6, Pb+, Fe+3, and Ni). Levels of organic matter (BOD5: 50 mg/l - 10 mg/l, dissolved oxygen: 0.5-9 mg/l) are notably elevated in surface and groundwater, respectively. Additionally, concentrations of trace metal elements (Cr+6: 0.075-2.45 mg/l, Pb+: 0.03-1.16 mg/l, Fe+3: 0.006-7.07 mg/l, Ni+: 0.29-25 mg/l) significantly surpass the standards set by the World Health Organization (WHO). Consequently, these findings substantiate our hypothesis that degraded groundwater and surface water contribute significantly to the prevalence of diseases in Guelma Wilaya. This study emphasizes the urgent need for local authorities to implement preventive measures to mitigate pollution and to rehabilitate the landfill in accordance with international standards.

Assessment of the Polluting Status of Sludge from a Physicochemical Water Purification Unit and Their Impacts on the Soil: Case of the Yato Station (Littoral-Cameroon)

The Yato physicochemical water purification station is located in Dibombari District Council in the Littoral-Cameroon region. It is one of the largest drinking water production stations in the Central African sub-region. This work aims to evaluate, through the quantification of the concentrations of Trace Metal Elements (TMEs), the polluting status of the sludge from this drinking water production station and their impacts on the soil. To achieve this objective, mixed samples of sludge from sludge treatment ponds (taken according to the technique described in GIDS-A003 point 6 as explained in the Solid and pasty waste sampling strategy of Code of Good Practice No. 2) and samples of sludge from primary settling basins (taken in transparent bottles in polyethylene terephthalate of 1.5L) were analysed. Likewise, three soil wells were carried out and soil samples were taken on two levels of alteration then sent to the laboratory where physicochemical and TME analyses were carried out. The characteristics of the samples that were analysed are: particle size, texture (sand, silt, clay), physiochemistry (pH, electrical conductivity, temperature, phosphorus, nitrogen) and TME (chromium, copper, zinc, manganese). The results obtained show that the polluting status of the sludge from the Yato station is proven because their pollution index by heavy metals is greater than 1. The pollution index greater than 1 in the sludge from the treatment basins is due to the strong concentrations of TME originating from the accumulation of waste of all kinds in this location. Overall, TME concentrations in soils decrease for the most part from the surface towards depth. All the TMEs studied (Zn, Mn, Cu, Cr) are present in all horizons. There is multiple contamination of sludge by TMEs because their pollution index is greater than 1 (IP>1). Although the sludge pollution indices are greater than 1, those of the different horizons are much lower than 1. Thus, since the TMEs decrease with depth, the subsurface horizons would be less affected by the pollutants contained in the station sludge. marking a real pollution of the surface layers.

Investigation of the concentration ratios of anthropogenic metal elements in fresh snow at mountain area as a tracer for the discrimination between short- and long-range transport contributions.

Atmospheric deposition of anthropogenic aerosols, which is concerned about several targets of SDGs, was investigated in Japan. Concentrations of trace metal elements (V, Ni, Cd, and Pb), which are index of source for fossil fuel combustion, in winter wet deposition (fresh snow) in mountain area were determined. Average concentrations of snow samples were 0.338 ± 0.289μg L-1 for V, 0.409 ± 0.724μg L-1 for Ni, 0.109 ± 0.110μg L-1 for Cd, and 1.77 ± 1.81μg L-1 for Pbμg L-1. No significant correlations between V and Ni were found for snow samples at remote mountains. A significant correlation between Cd and Pb was observed when the back trajectories of air mass deriving snowfall passed through Northeast China and Huabei. Significant correlations between V and Pb were found in mountains when the air mass passed through Northeast China and Huabei. Changes in normalized concentrations of trace metal elements in snow at the same snowfall event indicated contributions from short-range transportation in suburb area. The metal element concentration ratios were shown to be useful tracers for discrimination between short- and long-range contributions of anthropogenic elements in snow.

Bioaccumulation of trace metal elements and biomarker responses in caged juvenile flounder at a polluted site: Effects of fish density and time exposure

This study investigates the effect of fish density and exposure duration on trace metal elements (TME) bioaccumulation and several biomarkers response. Juvenile flounders were caged at low, medium and high densities and exposed during 15 or 30 days in the Seine estuary. The concentrations of the TME measured in the muscle of the caged fish were all in agreement with their bioavailability percentage in the sediments. Higher concentrations of TME were found in flounders' muscle exposed for 15 days compared with those caged for 30 days. For the same exposure time, the density of fish had no effect on the accumulation of the TME in the flounders' muscle. Biomarkers responses varied according to density and duration of exposure. Special care should be taken in their interpretation. We underline that for an optimal assessment of TME pollution in the field, 15 days with low densities of fish per cage are sufficient.

Contamination Level of Arsenic and Cadmium in the Water and Sediments of a Fish Farm: Application of Contamination Indices

Fish farming is widely practiced around the world. Fish is an important source of protein and contributes to the supply of highly nutritious animal protein in Côte d'Ivoire. Pollution of fish farms by toxic metals can lead to contamination of farmed fish. This study evaluates the content of trace metallic elements (TME), which are arsenic (As) and cadmium (Cd) in the water and sediments of a pond farm located in Abengourou in the east of Côte d'Ivoire. Water and sediment samples were collected from a dam and three ponds on the farm in September and October 2020. These samples were analyzed using an atomic absorption spectrophotometer. All data was processed using STATISTICA 7.1 and was used to calculate Metal Pollution Index (MPI), Ratio Sediment/Water (R<SUB>S/W</SUB>), Contamination Factor (CF), the pollution load index (PLI), the individual potential risk index (Er) and the ecological risk index (PERI) in order to assess the level of metal contamination of the fish farm. The mean concentrations of metallic trace elements are higher in the sediments (As: 0.2045±0.218496 - 0.3950±0.1103 mg/kg; Cd: 0.0565±0.0148 - 0.0880±0.0212 mg/kg) than in water (As: (0.1837±0.0148) × 10^-2 - (0.2296±0.0300) × 10^-2 mg/L; Cd: (0,1150±0.0129) × 10^-2 - (0.1250±0.0076) × 10^-2 mg / L). Sediments also have the highest overall metal contents. However, MPI<1 in both sediment and water. The CF (As=0.102±0.109 - 0.198±0.055; Cd=0.565±0.148 - 0.880±0.212) showed that the sediments were not contaminated. The PLI (0.253±0.062 - 0.335±0.090) indicated that the sediments on the fish farm were not polluted. In addition, Er (As: 1.02±1.09 - 1.98±0.55; Cd: 16.95±4.44 - 26.40±6.36) and PERI (18.93±4.99 - 27.59±7.57) showed that the sediments do not pose an ecological risk to farmed fish. However, R<SUB>S/W</SUB>>1 showed strong mobility of TMEs from water to farm sediments. The concentrations of trace metal elements assayed in the samples were below the recommended standard for freshwater aquaculture. The CF, PLI, Er and PERI indices indicate a low degree of contamination, pollution and a low ecological risk. However, R<SUB>S/W</SUB> indicate high mobility of TME from water to sediment.

Assessment of Soil Trace Metal Pollution in the Xuejiping Mine Area, Yunan, China

AbstractEnvironmental pollution and risk assessment of trace metals in top soils of Xuejiping Mine in Xichang City are studied. Soil samples are collected around the mine areas. Seven trace metal elements (Hg, Cd, Pb, Cr, Cu, Zn, and As) are analyzed to evaluate the pollution status using chemical speciation, geo‐accumulation index (Igeo), and the potential ecological risk index (RI). Results indicate that concentrations of trace metal elements in the mining area exceed soil background values in Yunnan Province. Trace metal elements are ranked according to the Igeo evaluation results (indicating the degree of pollution), as: Pb &gt; As &gt; Cu &gt; Hg &gt; Zn &gt; Cd &gt; Cr; trace elements are ranked as &gt; &gt; &gt; &gt; &gt; &gt; using the ecological risk index. These results indicate that the surface soil of the Xuejiping mining area is moderately polluted by trace metal elements. Therefore, effective measures can be taken to control the trace metals pollution in the mining area (especially for Pb and Cu).

Trace metal elements in phosphate rock wastes from the Djebel Onk mining area (Tébessa, eastern Algeria): A geochemical study and environmental implications

Algeria is one of the phosphate-rich countries where many deposits are found in the Tébessa region which are currently being mined from the Kef Essenoun quarries. The processing of run-off-mine, to increase P2O5 grads in the commercial product, includes the use of wet and dry procedures which in turn leads to the production of large amounts of wastes. The present study focuses on tracking the amount of trace metal elements (TMe) in the phosphate rock wastes resulting from the processing of phosphate run-of-mine. The representative samples of solid rejects and sludge wastes from both processing ways were collected and analysed using SEM and FTIR to characterise the materials, whereas ICP-AES and ICP-MS were used to determine major and TMe compositions, respectively. The results showed that the analysed wastes are P-enriched (P2O5 = 20 wt% - 27 wt %) together with similar mineralogy such as natural phosphorites (carbonate fluor-apatite), but they displayed an enhancement in matrix phases. Moreover, the overall tendency showed that the concentrations of TMe are relatively increased with a decrease in grain size diameter where higher contents of V, Cr, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Zr, Nb and Cd have been recorded in sludge and fine fraction from the wet way process (Rw −0.08 mm) when compared to other samples. The fine fractions generally contain the matrix that enhances almost all of TMe except for Sr and U which are hosted in apatite. Risk assessment of TMe showed that both raw phosphorites and their wastes, as all worldwide sedimentary phosphorites, yield some hazardous TMe exceeding the standards for soils (e.g., U, Cd, Cr, Mo, V and Tl). Hence, owing to the waste exposure and mobilisation of the finest particles by wind and rainfall, these hazardous metals could have harmful effects on the environment as well as human health.

Trace Metal Elements (Pb, Cd and As), 15N Nitrogen and Phosphorus Isotopes Accumulation in Three Varieties of Tomato from Conventional and Agro-Ecological Farming Systems in Burkina Faso

Tomato is a market gardening product that plays an important nutritional and economic role in Burkina Faso. However, the bad use of pesticides for its production could have negative impacts consumers’ health. The objective of the present study was to assess the concentration of trace metal elements (Pb, Cd and As), 15N isotopes (NO2-, NO3-, NH4+) and phosphorus (PO42-) in tomatoes according to cultivation practices. Thus, three tomato varieties (Mongal F1, F1 Cobra 26 and Roma F1) were grown using organic and conventional production methods on 2 sites at Nongr Massom, (commune of Kadiogo province). The trace metal elements were analyzed using atomic absorption spectrophotometry, the isotopes 15N (NO2-, NO3-, NH4+) and phosphorus (PO43-) using standardized methods. Tomatoes from conventional agriculture had higher levels of trace metal elements (0.163 - 0.298 mg/Kg, 0.082 - 0.146 mg/Kg and 0.018 - 0.032 mg/Kg respectively for Pb, Cd and As) than those from organic agriculture samples. Concentration of trace metal is lower for organic production with a reduction of 19.02%, 19.69% and 20.77% for Pb, Cd and As respectively compared to conventional production. High levels were recorded for the Roma F1 variety. The concentrations of trace metal elements in organic production are lower than the codex standards (2010) while those in conventional production are higher. These results could be due to the use of chemical inputs that could have a negative impact on the nutritional quality of these tomatoes. The concentration of trace metal elements in tomato fruits is strongly correlated by production method and less by the variety (genetic).

Endosperm prevents toxic amounts of Zn from accumulating in the seed embryo - an adaptation to metalliferous sites in metal-tolerant Biscutella laevigata.

Seed germination represents the first crucial stage in the life cycle of a plant, and the seed must contain all necessary transition elements for the development and successful establishment of the seedling. Problematically, seed development and germination are often hampered by elevated metal(loid) concentrations in industrially polluted soils, making their revegetation a challenging task. Biscutella laevigata L. (Brassicaceae) is a rare perennial pseudometallophyte that can tolerate high concentrations of trace metal elements. Yet, the strategies of this and other plant species to ensure reproductive success at metalliferous sites are poorly understood. Here we characterized several parameters of germination and used synchrotron X-ray fluorescence microscopy to investigate the spatial distribution and concentration of elements within B. laevigata seeds from two metallicolous and two non-metallicolous populations. We find that average germination time was shorter and the seed weight was lower in the metallicolous compared to the non-metallicolous populations. By allowing for at least two generations within one growth season, relatively fast germination at metalliferous sites accelerates microevolutionary processes and likely enhances the potential of metallicolous accessions to adapt to environmental stress. We also identified different strategies of elemental accumulation within seed tissues between populations. Particularly interesting patterns were observed for zinc, which was found in 6-fold higher concentrations in the endosperm of metallicolous compared to non-metallicolous populations. This indicates that the endosperm protects the seed embryo from accumulating toxic concentrations of metal(loid)s, which likely improves reproductive success. Hence, we conclude that elemental uptake regulation by the seed endosperm is associated with enhanced metal tolerance and adaptation to metalliferous environments in B. laevigata.

Does slow and steady win the race? Root growth dynamics of Arabidopsis halleri ecotypes in soils with varying trace metal element contamination

Hyperaccumulating plants possess complex traits, allowing them to thrive in soils with high concentrations of trace metal elements (TME). Accordingly, their TME hypertolerance and hyperaccumulation capacities have been intensely studied from physiological, evolutionary, and ecological perspectives. Little is known, however, about their root system development in TME enriched vs natural soils. We assessed temporal and quantitative changes in root systems of the model species Arabidopsis halleri, using a novel combination of root phenotyping in rhizoboxes and multitemporal digital imaging. We continuously monitored root growth of two non-metallicolous and two metallicolous populations in different substrate treatments, including homogeneous and horizontal layer applications of metalliferous and non-metalliferous soils. Non-metallicolous plants on non-metalliferous soils produced deep-reaching and wide roots, whereas metallicolous plants on metalliferous soil had smaller roots. This pattern was reversed when transplanting seedlings to foreign substrates, indicating that environment rather than ecotype determines root growth in A. halleri. Dampened root development in metalliferous and favored root proliferation in non-metalliferous soils indicate cost of tolerance and TME foraging, respectively. Importantly, root propagation into metalliferous soil was strongly promoted by a non-metalliferous “capping” layer that facilitated initial plant development. Hence, growing on non-polluted substrate in the early stage provides plants with a robust and optimal root system that facilitates seedling establishment and subsequent development under TME enriched conditions. These findings improve our understanding of plant performance in metalliferous environments and can help refine management practices for the sustainable reclamation of degraded lands.

Transmembrane transport and stress response genes play an important role in adaptation of Arabidopsis halleri to metalliferous soils

When plants adapt to local environments, strong signatures of selection are expected in the genome, particularly in high-stress environments such as trace metal element enriched (metalliferous) soils. Using Arabidopsis halleri, a model species for metal homeostasis and adaptation to extreme environments, we identifid genes, gene variants, and pathways that are associated with soil properties and may thus contribute to adaptation to high concentrations of trace metal elements. We analysed whole-genome Pool-seq data from two metallicolous (from metalliferous soils) and two non-metallicolous populations (in total 119 individuals) and associated allele frequencies of the identified single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) with soil variables measured on site. Additionally, we accounted for polygenic adaptation by searching for gene pathways showing enrichment of signatures of selection. Out of >2.5 million SNPs, we identified 57 SNPs in 19 genes that were significantly associated with soil variables and are members of three enriched pathways. At least three of these candidate genes and pathways are involved in transmembrane transport and/or associated with responses to various stresses such as oxidative stress. We conclude that both allocation and detoxification processes play a crucial role in A. halleri for coping with these unfavourable conditions.

Plant adaptation to metal polluted environments—Physiological, morphological, and evolutionary insights from Biscutella laevigata

Polluted soils promote rapid plant adaptation to high concentrations of trace metal elements. Biscutella laevigata is a little investigated pseudometallophyte that appears promising to study these evolutionary processes and advance understanding beyond existing model species, but its metal tolerance is insufficiently understood. We determined the zinc tolerance level and various plant responses to environmentally relevant zinc concentrations in ten metallicolous and non-metallicolous B. laevigata populations from southern Poland. In a two-phase hydroponic experiment, we scored multiple morphological and physiological traits (e.g. biomass, visible stress symptoms, element content in foliage) and assessed phenotypic variability within plant families. The structure of these quantitative traits was compared to that of neutral molecular markers to test, whether natural selection caused population differentiation in zinc tolerance. While zinc tolerance was species-wide (i.e. enhanced in all genotypes compared to a zinc sensitive reference species), we found congruent trends toward higher tolerance in metallicolous compared to non-metallicolous plants. The most indicative parameters for these differences were dry shoot biomass, dry root biomass, and particularly effective photosystem II yield. We found that enhanced zinc tolerance in metallicolous populations is driven by divergent selection in response to metal contamination. In addition, analyses of genotype x environment interaction indicated that this differentiation is heritable. These findings promote diploid accessions of B. laevigata as zinc tolerant but non-hyperaccumulating organisms to study plant adaptation to contaminated environments. Remarkably, tolerance differences between edaphic types emerged already at an environmentally relevant zinc concentration of 150μM. This opens an unusual perspective on plant adaptation that should be tested in other non-hyperaccumulating species.

Assessing of tolerance to metallic and saline stresses in the halophyte Suaeda fruticosa: The indicator role of antioxidative enzymes

Many areas are simultaneously affected by high concentrations of salts and trace metal elements (TME), the latter constituting a serious threat to human health. In the present study, we determined the combined effect of high salinity and toxic levels of trace elements on physiological behavior of the halophytic species Suaeda fruticosa. Plants were cultivated for three months with an irrigation solution supplemented separately with different concentrations of Pb2+ and Zn2+ (0, 200, 400 and 600μM) with and without 200mM NaCl. Growth, total chlorophyll, water status and ion nutrition were quantified and antioxidant enzyme activities [ascorbate peroxidase (APX), guaiacol peroxidase (GPX), and catalase (CAT)] were studied. Our results revealed that S. fruticosa has a strong ability to tolerate lead and zinc. This halophyte accumulated higher concentrations of TME in their roots. Growth parameters of S. fruticosa were not significantly affected by TME. An enhancement of Ca2+ concentration accompanied by a decrease of Mg2+ content was observed under Pb2+ or Zn2+ treatments whereas K+ content was not affected by TME. Of the antioxidant enzymes, the activity of CAT and APX was increased by metal stress. However, the activity of GPX was diminished by increasing TME concentrations. It was concluded that NaCl 200mM had a positive impact on the response of S. fruticosa to Zn2+ toxicity, acting through a decrease in Zn absorption.

Coordinated pattern of multi‐element variability in leaves and roots across Chinese forest biomes

AbstractAimThe elemental composition of plants is of fundamental importance for plant physiology and biogeochemical cycling. Knowledge about how the pattern of multi‐element variability is coordinated between above‐ and below‐ground organs remains limited. Here, we quantify multi‐element variability in the leaves and roots of terrestrial plants, in addition to trying to understand its taxonomic and environmental regulation at large scales.LocationChina.MethodsSixteen elements in the leaves and fine roots of 792 plant species across nine forests located along the north–south transect of eastern China were measured. General linear mixed models were used to partition taxonomic and environmental variation. Canonical discriminant analyses were conducted to identify elements with the highest discriminatory power for different plant orders.ResultsElemental composition differed significantly between the leaves and roots, with the roots containing higher concentrations of trace metal elements (aluminium, iron, sodium, zinc, copper, lead, nickel and cobalt). A coordinated pattern of multi‐element variability and similar taxonomic regulation was observed between the leaves and roots of terrestrial plants. That is, elements with higher internal concentrations were less variable, with most of the variability being attributed to taxonomic effects rather than the environment.Main conclusionsTaxonomic and environmental regulation differed for different elements. Compared with microelements, macroelements exhibited a narrow range of internal concentrations, less environmental control and stronger taxonomic conservatism. The coordinated pattern of multi‐element variability and similar taxonomic effects in the leaves and roots implies that above‐ and below‐ground ecological processes are tightly linked.

Improvement of the trace metal composition of medium for nitrite-dependent anaerobic methane oxidation bacteria: Iron (II) and copper (II) make a difference

Nitrite-dependent anaerobic methane oxidation (n-damo) is a potential bioprocess for treating nitrogen-containing wastewater. This process uses methane, an inexpensive and nontoxic end-product of anaerobic digestion, as an external electron donor. However, the low turnover rate and slow growth rate of n-damo functional bacteria limit the practical application of this process. In the present study, the short- and long-term effects of variations in trace metal concentrations on n-damo bacteria were investigated, and the concentrations of trace metal elements of medium were improved. The results were subsequently verified by a group of long-term inoculations (90 days) and were applied in a sequencing batch reactor (SBR) (84 days). The results indicated that iron (Fe(II)) and copper (Cu(II)) (20 and 10 μmol L−1, respectively) significantly stimulated the activity and the growth of n-damo bacteria, whereas other trace metal elements, including zinc (Zn), molybdenum (Mo), cobalt (Co), manganese (Mn), and nickel (Ni), had no significant effect on n-damo bacteria in the tested concentration ranges. Interestingly, fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) showed that a large number of dense, large aggregates (10–50 μm) of n-damo bacteria were formed by cell adhesion in the SBR reactor after using the improved medium, and to our knowledge this is the first discovery of large aggregates of n-damo bacteria.

Seasonal effect on trace metal elements behaviour in a reservoir of northern Thailand

Trace metal elements (TME) can be real threats for living organisms. However, few studies dealt with TME in reservoirs in rural areas where farming practises could induce negative effects. Mae Thang reservoir (northern Thailand) has been studied for 3years to understand the seasonal behaviour of dissolved TME: Fe, Mn, Cd, Al, Pb, V, Cr, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Mo, U and As and associated physicochemical parameters. In situ measurements of these parameters were done during the dry and the wet seasons as well as water samples along the water column for further analyses and TME determination by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). In the dry season, the water column was characterized by a strong stratification and anoxic conditions in the hypolimnion. High rain and water input from the watershed during the wet season induced mixing of the water. All TME, except Ni, Co and Cr were less concentrated in the wet season indicating a dilution effect by water input. There was thus no important dissolved pollution coming from the watershed. The anoxic conditions in the dry season enhanced the reduction of Fe and Mn and the desorption processes. Depth, and thus oxic-anoxic conditions were the main drivers of TME in the dry season, while in the wet season, dissolution processes from parent rocks of watershed were favoured. The average concentrations of TME in the reservoir were in the limit of the international and Thai standards. Only localized values in the bottom of the reservoir for Fe and Mn were higher than the limits.

BBQ charcoal combustion as an important source of trace metal exposure to humans

To provide information about charcoal combustion as an important source of atmospheric trace metal pollution, 11 charcoal products were combusted and PM 10 filter samples were collected. The PM-bound metal elements were extracted by microwave acid digestion and analyzed by ICP-AES. The concentrations of trace metal elements ranged from a few to 10 5 ng m −3 in the following order of magnitude: Zn > Pb > Mg > Ba > Cu > V > Cr > Co > Cd > Ni > Mn > Se > As. Emissions of most elements from charcoal combustion were high compared to other sources. In case of Cd, Co, and Ni, their concentrations exceeded the inhalation minimum risk levels (MRLs) of the United States Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (US-ATSDR) for chronic duration exposure by a factor of 30, 3.9, and 2.2, respectively. Likewise, Cd levels exceeded the US-ATSDR MRLs for acute-duration exposure by a factor of 10, while those of Pb and Cd exceeded air quality guideline (AQG) of the World Health Organization (WHO) by a factor of 29 and 59, respectively. Mn levels also exceeded the United States Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) Reference Air Concentrations (RfCs) by a factor of 2.7. This study shows that barbecue charcoal combustion can be an important source of trace metal emissions to the atmosphere with potential health risks.