Levels Of Heavy Metal Contamination Research Articles

Composition of heavy metals in sediment, water, and fish of the Ganga and Yamuna Rivers in two major cities of India.

The rapid industrial development in the Indian capital region has led to significant waste generation, which, despite undergoing treatment prior to disposal, contributes substantially to water body contamination. Given the diverse nature of these wastes and their potential repercussions across the food chain, a study was conducted to evaluate heavy metal contamination levels in the Ganga and Yamuna Rivers of two major cities. Six heavy metals (Pb, Cd, Hg, Cu, Cr, and Zn) were analyzed in fish, water, and sediment samples by utilizing flame atomic absorption spectrophotometry (Avanta Σ) from March 2019 to February 2020. Results revealed distinct heavy metal distribution patterns, with Cr > Zn > Pb > Cu > Cd > Hg in the Ganga River and Zn > Cr > Pb > Cu > Cd > Hg in the Yamuna River for fish samples. Additionally, levels of Hg in Cyprinus carpio and Sperata oar from the Ganga River, and Pb, Cd, Hg, and Cr in Salmophasia bacaila and Mystus cavasius from the Yamuna River exceeded WHO/FAO permissible limits. In water samples, the predominant heavy metal sequences were Pb > Cu > Zn > Cr > Cd > Hg for the Ganga River and Cr > Zn > Pb > Cu > Cd > Hg for the Yamuna River, with Pb, Cr, Zn, and Cd surpassing WHO standards. Sediment analysis revealed varying heavy metal compositions, with Zn > Cr > Pb > Cu > Cd > Hg in the Ganga River and Cr > Zn > Pb > Cu > Cd > Hg in the Yamuna River. While drinking water and fish from the Ganga River were deemed safe for consumption, those from the Yamuna River were not. Given the toxic nature of heavy metals and their detrimental health impacts, regular monitoring and effective management strategies are imperative.

Evidence of heavy metal in soil, irrigation water and vegetable cultivated in peri‑urban area of Yaoundé-Cameroon

Environmental pollution from anthropogenic activities is of global concern. The levels of heavy metal contamination were evaluated in the soil and irrigation water, and their transferability to the cultivated plant was appraised in the locality of Nkolbisson, Yaoundé-Cameroun. The levels of Zn, Cu, Cd, Ni, Pb, Cr, and Mn contamination were evaluated to determine the current status, possible source(s), bio-accumulation in food crops, the suitability of the water for irrigation purposes, and hence the probable health risk. The analysis of soils, waters, and crops (Corchorus olitorius and Lactuca sativa) samples has shown high levels of heavy metal contamination. Cd, Ni, and Cr concentrations in water samples (0.98, 2.230, and 2.635 mg/l) were above the threshold set by FAO for irrigation water. In agricultural soils, only the level of Mn (1013.090 mg/kg) contained in soil samples was above the European Union (EU) and the Canadian Council of Ministers for Environment (CCME) thresholds of toxicity. Except for Pb (0.361; 0.394 and 0.043; 0.041 mg/kg DM) and Mn (113.457; 123.341 and 173.667; 180.321 mg/kg DM), the concentration of heavy metals analysed in plant samples were above the standard values in the edible parts. Market gardening in this city presents risks due to the presence of heavy metals in soils and irrigation waters. Thus, market gardeners must be taking appropriate measures to avoid crop contamination. The bioconcentration and translocation factors have shown that Lactuca sativa can be used for phytoextraction of Zn, Cu and Cd whereas Corchorus olitorius can be used for phytomobilization of the same elements.

Land-Use–Land Cover Changes in the Urban River’s Buffer Zone and Variability of Discharge, Water, and Sediment Quality—A Case of Urban Catchment of the Ngerengere River in Tanzania

The physical integrity of the Ngerengere River and its three tributaries drains within Morogoro Municipality were evaluated by assessing the variations in land-use–land cover (LULC) in the river’s buffer zone, the discharge, and the contamination of river water and sediment from nutrients and heavy metals. Integrated geospatial techniques were used to classify the LULC in the river’s buffer zone. In contrast, the velocity area method and monitoring data from the Wami-Ruvu Basin were used for the discharge measurements. Furthermore, atomic absorption spectrophotometry was used during the laboratory analysis to determine the level of nutrients and heavy metals in the water and river sediment across the 13 sampling locations. The LULC assessment in the river’s buffer during the sampling year of 2023 showed that bare land and built-up areas dominate the river’s buffer, with a coverage of 28% and 38% of the area distribution. The higher discharge across the sampling stations was in the upstream reaches at 3.73 m3/s and 2.36 m3/s at the confluences. The highest concentrations of heavy metals in the water for the dry and wet seasons were 0.09 ± 0.01, 0.25 ± 0.01, 0.03 ± 0.02, 0.73 ± 0.04, 4.07 ± 0.08, and 3.07 ± 0.04 mg/L, respectively, for Pb, Cr, Cd, Cu, Zn, and Ni. The order of magnitude of the heavy metal concentration in the sediments was Zn > Ni > Cr > Cu > Cd > Pb, while the highest NO2−, NO3−, NH3, and PO43− in the water and sediment were 2.05 ± 0.01, 0.394 ± 0.527 0.66 ± 0.05, and 0.63 ± 0.01 mg/L, and 2.64 ± 0.03, 0.63 ± 0.01, 2.36 ± 0.01, and 48.16 ± 0.01 mg/kg, respectively, across all sampling seasons. This study highlights the significant impact of urbanization on river integrity, revealing elevated levels of heavy metal contamination in both water and sediment, the variability of discharge, and alterations in the LULC in the rivers’ buffer. This study recommends the continuous monitoring of the river water quality and quantity of the urban rivers, and the overall land-use plans for conserving river ecosystems.

Bioaccumulation and translocation of radionuclides heavy metals in Cynodon dactylon: A phytoremediation approach in Al-Dora refinery

Oil extraction methods such as fracking and drilling can disperse radioactive elements into the environment, posing potential hazards. Certain plants like Bermuda grass can combat this through rhizodegradation, a process that breaks down pollutants into harmless substances. The efficiency of this process varies by location and is influenced by factors such as soil compatibility and the presence of beneficial microbes. A study showed that Bermuda grass roots absorbed high levels of radioactive elements, especially Uranium in the soil. The distribution and concentration of these isotopes in Bermuda grass varied across different sites. For instance, Cesium-137 showed higher activity in leaves than in soil. These findings highlight the varied accumulation patterns of elements in Bermuda grass and the influence of natural radionuclide distribution on the environment. Approaches like soil amendments, microbial assistance, and genetically modified Bermuda grass can enhance rhizoremediation efficiency. Strategic planning and species selection are key to overcoming rhizoremediation challenges and enhancing its effectiveness. In addition, soil samples from the AL-Dora Refinery showed a high degree of contamination by heavy metals, with the emission from burning fuel and crude oil being the main sources. This indicates the high contamination of soil by these heavy metals. Overall, the text discusses the potential of Bermuda grass in mitigating the environmental impacts of oil extraction through rhizoremediation, and the challenges and strategies in enhancing its effectiveness. It also highlights the issue of soil contamination by heavy metals due to oil refinery emissions. This research examines the levels of heavy metal contamination in the soil of the Al-Dora refinery area, situated in central Iraq. The contamination factor (Cf) was employed to ascertain the contamination status, revealing a significant to extremely high degree of contamination by various heavy metals. The study further investigates the bioaccumulation and translocation of these heavy metals from the soil to the roots and leaves of Cynodon dactylon plants. Two methodologies were utilized to assess the role of Cynodon dactylon in soil phytoremediation: a comparison of heavy metal concentrations in plant parts with global standards, and the application of the Bioconcentration factor (BCF). The findings suggest a high potential for Cynodon dactylon to be employed in the clean-up and phytoremediation process of the contaminated soil. This presents a promising strategy towards environmental remediation in areas contaminated with heavy metals.

Bacterial-fungal interactions and response to heavy metal contamination of soil in agricultural areas.

Long-term heavy metal contamination of soil affects the structure and function of microbial communities. The aim of our study was to investigate the effect of soil heavy metal contamination on microorganisms and the impact of different heavy metal pollution levels on the microbial interactions. We collected soil samples and determined soil properties. Microbial diversity was analyzed in two groups of samples using high-throughput sequencing technology. Additionally, we constructed microbial networks to analyze microbial interactions. The pollution load index (PLI) < 1 indicates that the area is not polluted. 1 < PLI < 2 represents moderate pollution. PLI was 1.05 and 0.14 for the heavy metal contaminated area and the uncontaminated area, respectively. Cd, Hg, Pb, Zn, and Cu were identified as the major contaminants in the contaminated area, with the contamination factors were 30.35, 11.26, 5.46, 5.19, and 2.46, respectively. The diversities and compositions of the bacterial community varied significantly between the two groups. Compared to the uncontaminated area, the co-occurrence network between bacterial and fungal species in the contaminated area was more complex. The keystone taxa of the co-occurrence network in the contaminated area were more than those in the uncontaminated area and were completely different from it. Heavy metal concentrations played a crucial role in shaping the difference in microbial community compositions. Microorganisms adapt to long-term and moderate levels of heavy metal contamination through enhanced interactions. Bacteria resistant to heavy metal concentrations may play an important role in soils contaminated with moderate levels of heavy metals over long periods of time.

Assessment of Water Quality, Ecological and Health Risks of Inland Water Bodies in Mexico: A Case Study of Lake Chapala

Water security threatens the world's population, so the assessment of the quality of water in reservoirs is one of the priority issues and represents a challenge for the sustainability of ecosystems and the human population. The aim is to evaluate the physicochemical parameters and heavy metals of the water of Lake Chapala to evaluate its water quality, during the period 2010-2023, and to estimate the ecological and health risks. The results will provide valuable information on water quality management and protection of human health. The design is an ecological study, using water quality, pollution risk, ecological and health risk indices. The place and duration of the study is the Lake Chapala during the period 2010-2023. The methodology consisted of obtaining the quality data of the Water Lake Chapala through the State Water Commission, the National Water Commission and studies conducted by the University of Guadalajara. The analyses were conducted on a monthly basis from 2010 to 2023. Subsequently, the CWQI, WQI, NP, HPI, HEI, DC, PERI, HQ, HI, THI, CR and TCR indices were calculated to determine water quality and ecological and health risks. The results showed que the distribution of parameter concentration showed great spatial variation, but not temporal; the TDS, Turbidity, pH, Al, As, Cr, Cu, Mn, Pb and Zn with percentages above the CCME standard, but most of them within the NOM-001-SEMARNAT-2021. The heavy metals Al, As, Cr, Pb and Zn have concentration percentages of more than 100% with respect to the international standard. The remaining 14 parameters are within both national and international standards. Pearson's correlation analysis showed that none of the trace elements have positive correlations with each other. Water quality according to the WQI of 178 was categorized as poor quality, while for the CWQI almost all uses except grazing, water quality is poor (20-35). According to the NP index (3.8 to 670), the concentrations of heavy metals showed high levels of contamination. The HPI index (88.6) showed moderate to high levels of heavy metal contamination. The HEI index showed &lt;10 levels, indicating low contamination. The DC had a value of 0.2-18.2, classified as a high degree of contamination. The PERI index showed that the ecological risk from heavy metals is high. Non-carcinogenic risk indices indicate that lake water is not suitable for drinking, and poses a high health risk via ingestion, while dermal contact does not pose a health risk to residential and recreational recipients. The carcinogenic risk index is negligible to acceptable. The conclusion is according to the water quality, ecological and health risk indices, the water quality of Lake Chapala is poor, with a high degree of contamination and represents ecological and health risks (non-carcinogenic). It is recommended that the use of lake water does not include its ingestion to avoid health problems, and it is important to take measures to sanitize the lake to avoid ecological and health risks.

Evaluation of river water quality using multivariate statistics and water quality indices: A case of Göynük canyon (Turkey)

Natural and anthropogenic water pollution caused by heavy metals has become a major problem worldwide. As a result of these processes, many harmful heavy metals are mixed into the water and endanger the environment and human health. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the hydrogeochemical properties of the stream waters of Göynük Canyon (Göynük Stream), which is located in southern Turkey, an important touristic region of Antalya. A total of 44 water samples were retained to evaluate the geochemical type, heavy metal contamination level, and suitability for drinking and irrigation of Göynük Canyon Stream waters. All samples were analysed by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), X-ray fluorescence (XRF), and multi-parameter portable water quality assessment.Analysed water samples were found to be of classes II and III in terms of overall water quality. The average hardness level is above the limit values. The results of geochemical analyses showed that the common water types in the region are Mg–Ca–HCO3, Ca–Mg–HCO3, Ca–Mg–HCO3–SO4, and Ca–Mg–HCO3–Cl-water facies. Most of the samples belong to the "rock weathering dominated" region represented in the Gibbs diagram. The hydrogen ion concentration (pH), electrical conductivity (EC), and total dissolved solids (TDS) values vary between respectively 6.5–7.9; 230.4–720.8 μS/cm, and 149–468 mg/L. Cations and anions followed the order Ca2+ > Mg2+ > Na+ > K+ and HCO3− > SO42− > Cl− > F− > NO3−. Heavy metal anomalies in water followed an increasing order: Cu < As < Pb < Ni < Ba < Fe < Cr < Mn < Zn < Sr. These heavy metals showed high index values (Poseidon index (PoS), contamination factor (CF), enrichment factor (EF), geochemical index (Igeo), heavy metals pollution index (HPI), contamination degree (Cd), in some water samples. There is a spatial anomaly in these locations related to limestone and ophiolite. This water can be used for irrigation purposes according to Wilcox, the United States salinity laboratory diagram (USSL), permeability index (PI), Kelly's ratio (KR), and Residual Sodium Carbonate (RSC).

Evaluation and Source Apportionment on Potentially Toxic Elements Pollution of Agricultural Soil in Mango Planting Areas in Panzhihua City, China

ABSTRACT Heavy metal pollution in agricultural soil has a wide range of sources and an enormous scope of influence, bringing about severe environmental risk. In this study, we used Pearson correlation analysis, combined with principal component and cluster analysis (PCA/CA) to comprehensively analyze the sources of soil heavy metal contamination in a mango plantation area in Panzhihua City. We performed a spatial distribution of heavy metal contamination levels via ArcGIS for single factor and Nemerow Contamination Index. The results showed that PTEs exceeded background values of soil pollution in Sichuan Province. The enrichment of Cr, Ni and Zn were caused by the development of local industry. Cu is mainly from atmospheric dust. Various pollution sources controlled the accumulation of Cd, whereas that of As and Pb were related to agricultural activities and transportation. The spatial distribution of the pollution indices indicated that the soil in the study area was mild to severe pollution with compound PTEs. Chemical speciation analysis showed that the ecological risk of PTEs enrichment in the study area was slight. This study highlights the geographic distribution of heavy metal contamination levels and source resolution, providing targeting for local regulatory authorities to improve soil environmental quality.

From soil to health hazards: Heavy metals contamination in northern India and health risk assessment

Heavy metals contamination in soil is a global concern affecting the environment with far-reaching consequences for ecosystems and the health of human beings. Heavy metals contamination of soil entails a significant threat to the environment and human health. This research paper focuses on the quantification of heavy metals contamination in soil in Kanpur district, a highly industrialized and densely populated region in India. The study was aimed to identify the sources of heavy metals, map their spatial distribution, and evaluate the potential implications on the environment and human well-being. The prime intent of the current study was quantification of heavy metals in the soil as well as the comparison of risk on the health of human being using two different methods i.e., US EPA methodology for risk assessment and epidemiological study-based risk assessment. Heavy metals like Fe, Ni, Co, Cu, Mn, Cr, and Cd were analyzed in agricultural samples of soil with the help of inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy. On the basis of epidemiological data, the attributable and relative risk came out to be 0.001 and 1.060, respectively. On the basis of the calculation of Cr alone, the values of carcinogenic risk for adults came out to be 3.87 × 10−7 and for children it was 3.01 × 10− 6. In conclusion, this research paper highlights the alarming levels of heavy metals contamination in the soil of Kanpur district, emphasizing the urgent need for remediation and mitigation efforts, thereby guiding policy makers and stakeholders in developing targeted strategies for soil protection and safeguarding human health.

Impact of lead and zinc heavy metal pollution on the growth and phytoremediation potential of Sulla carnosa in Sebkha el Kalbia, Tunisia.

Heavy metal pollution from human and natural activities poses significant environmental and health concerns for wildlife and humans, with lead and zinc being particularly threatening. This study focuses on Sebkha el Kalbia in Tunisia, highlighting the challenges faced by local communities in addressing heavy metal pollution. The area is prone to contamination through rivers and streams that transport pollutants from industrial zones and rural areas into the salt pan. The recent establishment of an industrial zone has worsened pollution levels, calling for strict regulatory measures and clean technologies to limit heavy metal pollution and protect human health and the environment. The study assesses the impact of lead and zinc pollution on the growth of Sulla carnosa and its potential for phytoremediation. Soil and plant samples from contaminated areas were analyzed, revealing high levels of heavy metal contamination. The growth parameters of Sulla carnosa, such as plant height, weight, and enzymatic activity, were examined, showing a significant reduction in plant growth when exposed to high metal concentrations. Specifically, in the presence of 100ppm of lead (Pb), net photosynthetic assimilation (An) decreased by 52%, while the amount of Pb increased by 78%. At 800ppm of Pb, An decreased by 87%, and the amount of Pb increased by over 800%. Furthermore, the relationship between net photosynthetic assimilation and lead (Pb) content remained significant but negative. At high doses (800ppm), the biomass produced decreases by 64%, while the amount of Zn increases 2.7 times. These results suggest that at low doses, zinc is not toxic. These findings highlight Sulla carnosa as a potential candidate for phytoremediation with preferential metal accumulation in the roots and improved enzymatic activity, underscoring the urgency of addressing heavy metal pollution in Sebkha el Kalbia.

Heavy metal pollution in the nearshore surface sediments north of the Shandong Peninsula and the Western Miao Islands, China

Surface sediment samples (N = 94) were obtained from the west Miao Islands, northern Shandong Peninsula, China, and analyzed for grain size and elements. Based on the classification by Folk and Ward, surface sediments were dominated by silt-sized components, sandy silt, and silt. The mean abundance of heavy metals could be ordered according to Cr > Zn > Ni > Cu> Pb > As> Cd > Hg. According to sediment quality guidelines, surface sediments have a 21 % probability of being toxic. The potential ecological risk index indicates low potential ecological risk, while the enrichment factor and geo-accumulation indices indicate slight to moderate pollution across most of the study area. Pollution load indexes indicate that 38 % of sites are moderately metal contaminated and 62 % of sites are not polluted. The study area was classified according to the level of heavy metal contamination and its sources.

Heavy metal content of selected readily available commercial medicinal plants in Jos Plateau and their potential human health risk

This study determined the level of heavy metal contamination in selected medicinal plants sold in Jos Metropolis and assesses the health risks associated with their consumption. Five commonly used medicinal plants (Annona senegalensis, Mangifera indica, Psidium guajava, Vernonia amygdalina, and Vitex donniana) were analyzed for the presence of arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), copper (Cu), mercury (Hg), manganese (Mn), nickel (Ni), lead (Pb), and zinc (Zn) respectively using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). The result showed that the concentrations of As, Cd, Hg, Mn, and Zn in all the plants and Pb levels in two plants, V. amygdalina and V. donniana were significantly higher than the WHO recommended limits, indicating a potential health hazard. The calculated values of the hazard quotient (HQ), hazard index (HI), and cancer risk (CR) for the heavy metals exceed the acceptable levels for both adults and children, suggesting a high vulnerability to heavy metal toxicity and carcinogenicity with the highest and lowest HI values obtained by V. amygdalina (47.3) for children and P. guajava (9.63) for adults. The CR associated with Ni and As for adults and children indicated high carcinogenic risk. In contrast, the CR values for Cd and Pb for adults and children indicated a moderate CR. Based on the results and risk assessment provided by this study, the consumption of medicinal plants suggests a high vulnerability to heavy metal toxicity. It can be concluded that the consumption of medicinal plants poses a serious threat to human health due to heavy metal contamination and calls for implementing preventive measures and risk communication among users of these products to safeguard the health of the residents.

Soil heavy metal pollution and ecological risk assessment in disturbed and undisturbed soil of Morigaon, Assam

Soil heavy metal pollution and ecological risk assessment in disturbed and undisturbed soil of Morigaon, Assam

The effect of oil pollution on community structure of benthic macro ‎invertebrates in the northwest of the Persian Gulf ‎ ‎(Case study: Jafari creek)‎

&lt;p&gt;This study evaluates the contamination levels of heavy metals and petroleum hydrocarbons in Jafari ‎Creek sediments and the effect of these pollutions on Macrobenthos in 2017. Studies to understand ‎the effect of heavy metal Cadmium, Chromium, Nickel, Lead, Selenium, Zinc, Copper, and ‎Vanadium, and 16 hydrocarbon compounds, organic material, and soil texture on the population of ‎Jafari Creek Macrobenthos in five stations along the estuary and analyzed using standard ‎procedures. The 4 identified Macrobenthos included Bivalvia with 9 species, Gastropoda with 8 ‎species, Crustacea with 7 species, and Polychaeta with 6 species totaling Macrobenthos 3645.14 per ‎square meter. The dominant class was Polychaetes (53.9%), followed by Bivalvia (23.2%), ‎Gastropoda (9.93%), and Crustaceans (15.8%), with slightly different (P&amp;lt;0.05), were in the second ‎and third class. Among the studied metals, zinc, chromium, and nickel had the highest ‎concentration. Among the hydrocarbons, Anthracene at station 1, Fluorene at station 2, ‎Phenanthrene and Dibenzo [A, H] Anthracene at station 3, and Fluoranthene at station 4 with a ‎concentration between &amp;lt;0.01- 0.091 ppm had the highest value. The highest and lowest heavy metal ‎concentrations were measured at station 4 (215.54 ± 14.58 ppm) and station 1 (102.39 ± 24.15 ‎ppm), respectively. In return, stations 1 (0.339 ± 0.074 ppm) and 4 (0.196 ± 0.078 ppm) had the ‎highest and lowest concentration of hydrocarbons, respectively. Regarding the number of identified ‎Macrobenthos, stations 3 and 2, with 1738.64 and 333.28 n/m2 had the highest and lowest numbers, ‎respectively. The class of Crustacea had a positive correlation with zinc, copper, and lead metal and ‎a negative correlation with Selenium. Polychaeta was positively correlated with cadmium and ‎vanadium. Gastropoda had a negative correlation with vanadium and chromium, a positive ‎correlation with lead and hydrocarbons, and Bivalvia correlated negatively with lead and zinc and ‎had a correlation with vanadium. Considering that the areas around Jafari Creek are an industrial, ‎petrochemical, and economic region considered one of the important catchments in the province of ‎Khuzestan, the sediments, water, and animal tissues must be periodically the analysis of heavy ‎metals and oil hydrocarbons should be considered.‎&lt;/p&gt;&#x0D;

WASTEWATER SLUDGE ASH IN THE PRODUCTION OF A NOVEL COLD MIX ASPHALT (CMA): DURABILITY, AGING AND TOXICITY CHARACTERISTICS

New Sustainable with no CO2 emission cold mix asphalt (CMA) for road and highways surfacing is successfully developed from wastewater sludge ash normally sent to landfills. The Paper reports; durability in terms of water sensitivity, aging and contamination levels of heavy metals of the new developed novel CMA containing upgraded fly and bottom ash secondary cementitious materials from United Utilities fly and bottom ashes. Road engineers currently restricted the use of conventional CMA containing conventional limestone fillers (LF) for use in walkways and light trafficked roads only, as these mixtures needs from 2 to 24 months for curing. Conventional CMA mixtures also have high voidage contents and thus low traffic bearing capacity. The durability of these mixes is low especially in the UK and European countries where the climate is predominantly wet and cold.In Germany and France, ordinary Portland cement (OPC) replaced the filler used in traditional CMA. Although this allows the new CMA to be used in roads for light and heavy trafficked loads. The materials are not environmentally friendly, as one tone of cement releases approximately one tone of CO2 emission during their manufacturing process. The results of the new developed CMA are satisfying the British and European codes of practices requirements. The new novel mixtures are also; highly cost-effective compared with the use of Hot Mix Asphalt (HMA), has no CO2 emission during mixing construction, and has no health and safety issues compared with the HMA manufacturing and application process.

Heavy Metals Analysis and Physicochemical Characterization of Groundwater at a Battery Recycling Site in South-western Nigeria

Indiscriminate dumping of battery waste is a huge issue that endangers human health and the environment. This study aimed at analysing the health impacts of exposure to pollution from spent battery recycling in Ogun State, which houses a diverse range of battery recycling industries. At this study site, forty water samples were studied over the Wet and Dry seasons to assess the impact of battery recycling waste on groundwater. Except for the TSS, the physiochemical parameters of the groundwater vary with season and are within the permissible limits. The electrical conductivity (EC), turbidity, Phosphorus, Biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), Dissolve oxygen (DO), and Total suspended solid (TSS) within the study year ranges from 51.00 - 178.22 S/cm, 2.26 - 2.36 NTU, 0.089 - 0.66 mg/L, 13.3 - 14.2 mg/L, 5.06 - 5.67 mg/L, and 78.0 - 88.4 mg/L, respectively. Furthermore, the average concentrations (in ppm) obtained for Mn, Cu, Zn, Ni, Cd, As, Fe, Pb, Cr, and Co are 0.407 – 0.42, 0.355 – 0.369, 0.179 – 0.225, 0.061 – 0.265, 0.366 – 0.464, 0.488 – 0.631, 0.544 – 0.601, 0.481 – 0.576, 0.284 – 0.334, 0.3 – 0.382. The Heavy Metal Pollution Index (HPI) values ranging from 3.880 to 4.528 indicate minimal levels of heavy metal contamination, but water quality index (WQI) scores ranging from 124.68 to 131.46 indicate potential environmental hazards.

Spatial Distribution, Risk Assessment, and Provenance of Heavy Metals Contamination in the Sediments of the Gilgit River Basin, Northern Pakistan

ABSTRACT Gilgit River Basin (GRB) is one of the primary fluvial aquatic systems flowing through Gilgit-Baltistan and a water source for recreation, fisheries, irrigation, and drinking to more than 1.8 million people. This study aimed to investigate heavy metals (HM) contamination levels in sediments of GRB, northern Pakistan. Fifty-five samples were picked from the various sections of GRB and examined for HM concentrations. Fe showed the maximum average concentration of 27,743 mg/kg, while Cd was noted with a minimum average of 1.06 mg/kg. HM concentrations were noted within the world river system guidelines except Cd, which also surpassed the sediment quality guidelines set by USEPA. HM concentrations of GRB sediments were used for the geospatial and ecotoxicological risk indices. Geospatial analyses showed higher levels of HM contamination and risk in the sediments of Ishkomen River in GRB. HM contamination in GRB sediments showed low to moderate levels of risk to exposed aquatic ecosystems. Statistical analyses were used for the HM source apportionment in sediments of GRB, suggesting a major contribution from natural activities. This study recommends seasonal variation in HM contamination of water and sediments studies in the GRB.

Heavy metals assessment of farmland soil in Bagega mining community, Zamfara State, Northwestern Nigeria

The present study was conducted to examine the level of heavy metals pollution of farmlandsoil at Bagega community, Anka Zamfara State as a result of artisanal and illegal mining activities going on in the community. Soil samples were collected from farmland soil at thedepth of 15cm, acid digestion was carried out and the solution was subjected to Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer model Varian AA240FS for the metal analysis. The level of soil contamination were assessed by Geo-accumulation Index (Igeo) and Pollution Load Index (PLI). The Geo-accumulation studies show that the soil was moderately polluted by Pb (1.21 mg/kg), Fe (0.9 mg/kg), Zn (0.91 mg/kg) and Cu (1.46 mg/kg). The Pollution Load Index result shows that farmland soil was polluted, with PLI value of 2.1. Also, the geochemical distribution of the metals in the soil samples was revealed by sequential extraction procedures which show that 90 % of the metal concentrations were found in the residual fractions. This signified high level of heavy metals contamination of the farmland soil is associated with the anthropogenic activities such as the mining activities going on in the community.

An Investigation of the Level of Heavy Metals Contamination of Goat Meat Roasted with Scrap Tyres in Wukari, Nigeria

The present study was undertaken to investigate the potential for heavy metals (Fe, Cr, Cd, Pb, and Cu) contamination of goat meat roasted with scrap tyres in Wukari using atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AAS). Goat meat samples were obtained from two slaughter points (new market and Mammara). The results revealed the mean concentrations of Fe, Cr, and Cu in the unroasted goat meat samples (UMN and UMM) in both new market and Mammara slaughtering points as 1.7600 ± 1.4000, 0.0012 ±0.0000, 0.8700, 3.2500 ± 0.0000, 0.0025 ± 0.0000, and 0.7850 ± 0.0071 mg/kg respectively. Cd and Pb were not detected in any of the samples. The mean concentrations of Fe, Cr, Cd, and Cu in the goat meat roasted with scrap tyres (RMN1 and RMM1) in both slaughtering houses (new market and Mammara) were 4.1300 ± 0.0141, 0.0025 ± 0.0001, 0.0011 ± 0s.0000, 1.1250 ± 0.0071, 5.1500 ± 0.0000, 0.0035 ± 0.0001, 0.0012 ± 0.0000, and 1.0500 ± 0.0000 mg/kg respectively. Pb was not detected in all the samples. Also, the mean concentrations of Fe, Cr, and Cu in the goat meat roasted with firewood (RMN2 and RMM2) in slaughtering houses (new market and Mammara) were 3.7750 ± 0.0000 mg/kg, 0.0013 ± 0.0000, 0.9850 ± 0.0000, 4.9150 ± 0.0071, 0.0026 ± 0.0000, and 0.8650 ± 0.021 mg/kg respectively. Cd was detected in the samples obtained from Mammara (0.0012 ± 0.0000) but was not detected in the samples collected from new market. Pb was not detected in any of the samples obtained from both slaughtering houses. The mean concentrations of Fe and Cu in (UMN, UMM), (RMN1, RMM1), and (RMN2, RMM2) in both slaughtering points were above the maximum permissible level set by (FAO) and (WHO).The result of this present study show that the practice of roasting goat meat with scrap tyres is dangerous because the meat could accumulate high and unacceptable levels of heavy metals that could pose a threat to human lives, and hence, should be outlawed.

Evaluation of physical and heavy metal contamination and their distribution in waters around Maddhapara Granite Mine, Bangladesh

The Maddhapara Granite Mine is a significant contributor to Bangladesh's economy, causing considerable environmental concern due to the discharge of untreated mine water. This water presents possible hazards to local ecosystems, agriculture, and public health. For this investigation, we obtained water samples from 15 distinct places in the vicinity of the granite mine. A comprehensive analysis of the physicochemical properties was conducted including pH, turbidity, electrical conductivity (EC), total dissolved solids (TDS), and dissolved oxygen (DO) and an Atomic Absorption Spectrometer to quantify the heavy metals’ levels, specifically Ni, Zn, Fe, Pb, Cu, and Cr, following the requirements set by the World Health Organization (WHO), Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), and Department of Energy (DoE) in Bangladesh. The study was carried out on various pollution indices i.e., Heavy Metal Pollution Index (HPI), Heavy Metal Evaluation Index (HEI), and Degree of Contamination (Cd). The pH of the samples varied from 6.27 to 8.86. Furthermore, the samples’ TDS and EC ranged from 36 mg/l to 392.56 mg/l and 102.78 μS/cm to 611.51 μS/cm, respectively. The HPI values exhibited substantial variation, with the highest HPI-a (WHO) measuring 52215.6, indicating a severe level of heavy metal contamination. Similarly, the HEI-a (WHO) reached a maximum value of 1252.45, while the highest contamination degree (Cd-a, WHO) was 1248.45 and these results are beyond the acceptable limits for human consumption and ecological balance. Immediate actions are required to develop treatment technologies and management strategies to prevent the potential health risks associated with using untreated mine wastewater.