Effects Of Heavy Metal Contamination Research Articles

Incidence of heavy metals in Kano metropolis drinking water sources

Contamination of Kano metropolis drinking water sources with excessive heavy metals was evaluated using standard laboratory procedures. A total of 72 samples comprising of 24 each of Borehole, Tap and Well water from 8 municipal LGAs (namely; Dala, Fagge, Gwale, Kano municipal, Kumbotso, Nassarawa, Tarauni and Ungogo) were analyzed for the presence of heavy metals (viz; Chromium, Iron, Lead and Zinc). Chromium and Lead concentrations for the samples evaluated (Borehole, Tap and Well) were found to exceed the World Health Organizations (WHO) limits of 0.05 and 0.01mg/l respectively which might be attributed to corrosion of brass fittings of certain submersible pumps and pipes used in borehole and taps specifically. The contamination of well with heavy metals might be due to seepage of sewage into these sources as domestic sewage might be of kitchen and toilet origin heavily accumulated with soaps of heavy metals constituents. Heavy metal contamination with Chromium and Lead calls for serious public health implications for the effects of heavy metals contamination in drinking water.Keywords: Drinking water, Kano, Chromium, Lead, Iron and Zinc

Perilous effects of heavy metals contamination on human health

Heavy metals form a versatile group of high density elements that vary considerably in their biological roles and chemical properties. Although many heavy metals are essential trace elements yet they have long been recognized as environmental pollutants due their toxic effects. Increased industrialization, urbanization anthropogenic activities like mining, smelting and other agricultural activities have resulted in accumulation of heavy metals in the environment. Heavy metals such as nickel, cadmium, zinc, copper, mercury, arsenic and chromium are not easily degradable and tend to build up in soil. These heavy metals through various routes such as fish and plants make their way into the human body and are known to have serious detrimental effects on human health at elevated levels. The harmful effects of some important heavy metals on human health have been discussed.

An Overview of the Adverse Effects of Heavy Metal Contamination on Fish Health

Rapid industrialization results in the production of huge amounts of solid and/or liquid wastes, which is usually discharged into the nearby water bodies, leading to the damage of the important ecosystems and seafood products. Therefore, the present overview aims to highlight the issue of pollution of aquatic ecosystems and fish health. Heavy metals are widely used in every industrial application; therefore, they form the core group of pollutants of any industrial discharge. Some of the heavy metals such as Fe, Mn, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn and Cr are essential as they form the cofactor for many of the enzymes and also needed in metabolic activities. On the contrary, their exceeding amount is also detrimental to both animals and human beings. Based on the current review, it has been observed that to monitor the health of indicator organism (fish), battery of bioassays or biomarkers are required. In addition to this rationale of using the few selected parameters such as condition indices, bioaccumulation, blood biochemistry, marker enzymes of tissue damage, oxidative stress, genotoxicity and histopathology in describing, the aquatic pollution has also been emphasized. All these parameters are significantly affected by heavy metals and hence proved as useful tools in biomonitoring or toxicity assessment studies. Since fishes are consumed by large mass of population due to their high protein and polyunsaturated fatty acid content, human health is also under danger.

The effect of heavy metal contamination on the bacterial community structure at Jiaozhou Bay, China.

In this study, determination of heavy metal parameters and microbiological characterization of marine sediments obtained from two heavily polluted sites and one low-grade contaminated reference station at Jiaozhou Bay in China were carried out. The microbial communities found in the sampled marine sediments were studied using PCR-DGGE (denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis) fingerprinting profiles in combination with multivariate analysis. Clustering analysis of DGGE and matrix of heavy metals displayed similar occurrence patterns. On this basis, 17 samples were classified into two clusters depending on the presence or absence of the high level contamination. Moreover, the cluster of highly contaminated samples was further classified into two sub-groups based on the stations of their origin. These results showed that the composition of the bacterial community is strongly influenced by heavy metal variables present in the sediments found in the Jiaozhou Bay. This study also suggested that metagenomic techniques such as PCR-DGGE fingerprinting in combination with multivariate analysis is an efficient method to examine the effect of metal contamination on the bacterial community structure.

Effect of Heavy Metal Contamination on the DNA Mutation on Nepenthes Plant from Abandoned Mine

Objective: Heavy metal contamination on water, soil, crops and including to the other living organisms, including their effects on DNA mutation in abandoned mine is highlighted in this study Methodology: In this study, 6 toxic metals, Zn, Pb, Fe, Cd, Cr and Mn in Nepenthes plants at an abandoned copper mine site were investigated. A total of 20 Nepenthes plants were collected from different sites of the abandoned mine. Metal concentration was determined using the Inductively Coupled Plasma/Optical Emission Spectrometry (ICP/OES) technique and electrophoresis gel and Inter Simple Sequence Repeat (ISSR) amplification processes for DNA mutation analysis. The total concentration trend of metal concentrations recorded with Cu (up to 88.797 mg kg–1)>Mn (39.018 mg kg–1)>Zn (30.260 mg kg–1)>Pb (8.206 mg kg–1)>Cd (0.168 mg kg–1). Results: The results also showed that concentration of heavy metals in Nepenthes plants collected from the abandoned mine were much higher than in control plants. However, the concentrations were still under the tolerance limit of heavy metals in plants except for Cu concentration. Besides, the concentration of heavy metals generally is higher in the flowers of the plants. For DNA analysis, based on the image obtained the result showed the DNA bands were located at the same location with the control Nepenthes which indicated there is no mutation occurred for the Nepenthes collected from the abandoned mine. Conclusion: From the result it is suggested that pitcher plant such Nepenthes may act as a potential phytoextraction of heavy metal from contaminated soil or water compounds at the abandoned mine.

Short-Term and Long-Term Biological Effects of Chronic Chemical Contamination on Natural Populations of a Marine Bivalve.

Understanding the effects of chronic chemical contamination on natural populations of marine organisms is complex due to the combined effects of different types of pollutants and environmental parameters that can modulate the physiological responses to stress. Here, we present the effects of a chronic contamination in a marine bivalve by combining multiple approaches that provide information on individual and population health. We sampled variegated scallops (Mimachlamys varia) at sites characterized by different contaminants and contamination levels to study the short and long-term (intergenerational) responses of this species to physiological stress. We used biomarkers (SOD, MDA, GST, laccase, citrate synthase and phosphatases) as indicators of oxidative stress, immune system alteration, mitochondrial respiration and general metabolism, and measured population genetic diversity at each site. In parallel, concentration of 14 trace metals and 45 organic contaminants (PAHs, PCBs, pesticides) in tissues were measured. Scallops were collected outside and during their reproductive season to investigate temporal variability in contaminant and biomarker levels. Our analyses revealed that the levels of two biomarkers (Laccase-type phenoloxidase and malondialdehyde) were significantly correlated with Cd concentration. Additionally, we observed significant seasonal differences for four of the five biomarkers, which is likely due to the scallop reproductive status at time of sampling. As a source of concern, a location that was identified as a reference site on the basis of inorganic contaminant levels presented the same level of some persistent organic pollutants (DDT and its metabolites) than more impacted sites. Finally, potential long-term effects of heavy metal contamination were observed for variegated scallops as genetic diversity was depressed in the most polluted sites.

Molecular analysis of red maple (Acer rubrum) populations from a reclaimed mining region in Northern Ontario (Canada): soil metal accumulation and translocation in plants.

Red maple (Acer rubrum) species is one of the most widespread deciduous (hardwood) trees of eastern North America. It is among the dominant tree species in the Northern Ontario after land reclamation. To date, the effects of heavy metal contamination from the mining activities on terrestrial ecosystems are not well understood. The main objectives of the present study are (1) to determine the level of phytoavailable metal in soil and accumulation in A. rubrum, and (2) to compare the levels of genetic variation among and within A. rubrum populations from areas with different metal contents in a Northern Ontario region. The total heavy metal levels were found to be high but the availability of these metals were much lower. We found that red maple does not accumulate heavy metals in their leaves as other hardwood species. The translocation factors were 0.05, 0.21, 0.38, 0.90, and 2.8 for Cu, Ni, Fe, Zn, and Mg, respectively. The levels of genetic variation in red maple populations from reclaimed lands in Northern Ontario were moderate to high since the percentage of polymorphic loci varied between 51 and 67%. The mean values for observed number of alleles (Na), effective number of alleles (Ne), Nei's gene diversity (h), and Shannon's information index (I) were 1.60, 1.24, 0.15 and 0.24, respectively. The population differentiation (GST) among the fragmented populations was high (0.28) despite a high level of gene flow (Nm = 1.28). Nevertheless, all the populations within the targeted region were genetically closely related. A specific ISSR marker that was identified in all the samples from the reference sites was absent in most samples from metal contaminated. This specific band was cloned and sequenced. Overall, the present study confirms that red maple populations in Northern Ontario are genetically sustainable despite the high level of total metal content in soil.

Factors Influencing Mortality of Eared Grebes (Podiceps nigricollis) during a Mass Downing

During the fall, hundreds of thousands of Eared Grebes (Podiceps nigricollis) stage on the Great Salt Lake, Utah. Mortalities resulting from birds being forced to the ground (downings) during migration occur every few years. A large (>7,000 birds) die-off of migrating Eared Grebes occurred 12 December 2011 in and around Cedar City, Utah. We examined body condition, age, sex, and heavy metal concentrations among downed birds and those that still occupied the Great Salt Lake both pre- and post-downing. Eared Grebes that we collected pre-downing were heavier (523 g) than deceased birds (433 g). Body weight (g) and subcutaneous fat thickness (mm) were lower in downed birds than pre-downing birds, likely the result of the 400-km flight from the staging area to Cedar City. Liver, heart, and intestine weights were all significantly greater in both pre- and post-downing birds than downed birds. This may be because of tissue catabolism during flight or incomplete physiological changes before migration. Adult biased age ratios were observed in all groups but pre-downing (34 adults: 5 juveniles) and post-downing (39: 2) groups were less biased than the downed group (100∶ 1). Mercury and selenium wet weight concentrations in all groups were above the level observed to impact some birds' reproduction and locomotion. Mercury concentrations in the liver ranged from 4.4–25.8 ppm wet weight and mercury concentrations measured in birds collected pre- and post-downing were lower than downed birds. Despite high levels of mercury and selenium, no adverse effects of heavy metal contamination have been noted in studies of Eared Grebes on the Great Salt Lake. Weather was likely the proximate cause of the downing, but impacts of heavy metal toxicity should be examined further to determine their effect on migrating Eared Grebes.

Genetic and metal analyses of fragmented populations of Betula papyrifera (Marsh) in a mining reclaimed region: identification of population-diagnostic molecular marker.

White birch (Betula papyrifera) is an open pollinate species that is, dominant in the Northern Ontario after land reclamation. In fact, this species represents 65% of all trees in the region. We hypothesized that the exchange of genetic information between fragmented populations by range-wide paternal introgression is possible in wind-pollinated species such as B. papyrifera. On the other hand, the effects of heavy metal contamination from the mining activities on plant growth and population dynamics are well documented. The main objectives of this study were (1) to assess the level of genetic variation, gene flow, and population sustainability of B. papyrifera after land reclamation; and (2) to determine the level of phytoavailable metals in soil and their accumulation in trees. We found that B. papyrifera is a Ni and Zn accumulator with a translocation factor of 6.4 and 81, respectively, and an indicator of Cu and Pb. The level of polymorphic loci, Shannon index, Nei's genetic diversity, observed number of alleles, and gene flow were determined for the fragmented populations within the targeted region. The percent of polymorphic loci ranged from 28% to 56%; the gene flow was also low with a value of 0.89, and the population differentiation was very high with a value of 0.36. Two population–diagnostic ISSR markers were identified. They were cloned, sequenced, and converted to SCAR markers. Overall, the fragmented populations of B. papyrifera in Northern Ontario are genetically sustainable based on the moderate level of intrapopulation variability.

Traditional Irrigation Practices, High Crop Diversification and Multiple Agricultural Cycles in Wastewater Irrigation Farming in Peru Urban Areas, Zambia

Studies conducted on peri urban wastewater irrigation agriculture in Zambia have not adequately tackled issues pertaining to farmer managed irrigation systems in heavy metal contaminated wastewater irrigation farming.The study focused on characteristics of farmer managed irrigation systems in wastewater irrigation farming contaminated with heavy metals at New Farm in Mufulira and Chilumba Gardens in Kafue. The study objectives were to ascertain the nature of irrigation practices and types of crops grown at the two study sites in Zambia. It was hypothesised that: (i) the nature of irrigation practices and types of crops were not significantly different at the two study sites in different seasons. (ii) the agro-ecological factors did not significantly influence the nature of irrigation practices and types of crops. The method comprised observation of sources of water supply, methods of irrigation and types of crops grown coupled with agro-ecological factors such as soil, slope and drainage at field plots located at regular intervals along transects established in the stratified sampling zones. The results indicated that farmer managed irrigation systems at the two study sites were characterised by multiple sources of water supply, multiple methods of irrigation, relatively high number of crops per study site equivalent to twenty types of crops grown per study site and relatively high number of crops per field plot ranging from one crop to ten crops per field plot coupled with multiple cycles of agricultural practices. The nature of irrigation practices and types of crops were influenced by a combination of agro-ecological factors. In conclusion, the farmer managed irrigation systems in wastewater irrigation farming were characterised by traditional irrigation practices, high crop diversification and multiple cycles of agricultural practices which were typical of traditional farmer managed irrigation systems. It can be argued that the crop cultivators have adapted the rural traditional irrigation systems’ practices to the peri urban wastewater irrigation systems in Zambia which confirmed the findings from other studies in developing countries. The study findings will be used to select and implement appropriate agricultural practices which can mitigate the negative effects of heavy metal contamination.

Assessing the effects of heavy metal contamination on the proteome of the moss Pseudoscleropodium purum cross-transplanted between different areas

Protein expression was assessed in samples of Pseudoscleropodium purum cross-transplanted between one unpolluted (UNP) and two polluted (POLL) sites. Firstly, the level of expression (LE) of 17 proteins differed between native mosses from both types of sites, but differences were only maintained throughout the experiment for 5 of them. The LE of these five proteins changed over time in mosses transplanted from UNP to POLL and vice versa, becoming similar to that in autotransplants. However, these changes occurred slower than changes in the heavy metal concentrations measured in the same samples, and therefore they were not related to atmospheric pollution. Although the proteins identified were associated with moss metabolism, the expected growth reduction in samples autotransplanted within POLL (as a result of the down-regulation of photosynthesis-related proteins), did not occur. This supports the hypothesis that mosses growing in polluted areas adapt to heavy metal pollution and are able to reduce/overcome their toxic effects (i.e., reduced growth). Nevertheless, further specific research must be carried out to identify the proteins involved in this type of response, as lack of information on the bryophyte genome precludes us from reaching further conclusions.

Small effects of a large sediment contamination with heavy metals on aquatic organisms in the vicinity of an abandoned lead and zinc mine.

The effects of the long-term contamination of water reservoirs with mine effluents were investigated at an abandoned mine site in Upper Silesia, southern Poland. The studies covered metal content and mobility in bottom sediments as well as water chemistry in relation to the content of metals in selected macrophytes and their physiology and the composition of phyto- and zooplankton communities. Although it is 40 years since mining ceased, reservoir sediments are still heavily contaminated with cadmium, zinc and lead with concentrations (mg/kg), which vary roughly between 130–340, 10,000–50,000 and 4,000–12,000, respectively. About 50–80 % of these elements are associated with the reducible phase, and only a small percentage, <10 %, is present in the most mobile exchangeable phase. Despite the high total metal concentration in sediments, their content in the submerged plants Myriophyllum spicatum and the emerged plants Phragmites australis was low. The observed effects of heavy metal contamination on photosynthetic activity in the leaves of P. australis were negligible, whereas those in M. spicatum show up only as a difference in the distribution of photosynthetic activity in leaves of different ages, which seems to be related to the very good water quality and to the generally small concentrations of metals in pond water. The physicochemical properties of water also seem to control the presence of planktonic species more than does sediment contamination. However, a shift toward groups of species known to be more resistant to heavy metals (diatoms, green algae and Rotifera) indicates some adaptative changes related to the long-lasting contamination of ponds.

Effects of the Combined Pollution of Lead and Cadmium on Soil Urease Activity and Nitrification

The effects of heavy metals contamination on soil are quite alarming and can cause huge disturbances in the ecological balance and health of living creatures on earth. Effects of the heavy metals combined pollution of lead (Pb2+) and cadmium (Cd2+) cations on soil urease activity and nitrification were studied by soil incubation method to evaluate whether there is a synergistic interaction on soil enzyme activities, nutrient cycling and pollutants. Results showed that activated effect on soil urease activity was found only in the low concentrations (such as 0.5 mg/kg Pb2+ and 0.5 mg/kg Cd2+ combined) than the control, and the inhibitory effect was existed in most of the higher concentrations (P < 0.05). With the increasing of Pb2+ concentration in soil from 0.5 mg/kg to 100.0 mg/kg combined with 0.5 mg/kg of Cd2+, the soil urease activity decreased and varied as the incubation proceeded. At the same time, soil nitrification was also inhibited in a certain degree with the threat of heavy metals contamination, and the nitrifying activity in contaminated soil samples were significantly lower than the control. A statistical analysis indicated that there were some correlations between the inhibition of soil urease activities and nitrification.

MICROELEMENT CONTENT OF HERB VARIETIES ON A FLOODPLAIN PASTURE OF UPPER TISZA RIVER

In order to produce good quality products it is necessary to find out about the quality of pastures to be grazed. It is also important to know the element composition of grazed herbs and the demands of animals bred on pastures, especially where the environment may influence the feed safety conditions of plants – as in the case of floodplains. Our objective was to determine that what the element composition (Cu, Zn, Mn and Fe contents) of herbs grown on a floodplain which was subsided by a heavy metal contaminated sediment. Our results call an attention to the differences in the accumulation of herbs. Bidens tripartitus, Lotus corniculatus and Vicia cracca grown in the floodplain showed the higher amounts of Fe and Zn, but the effect of heavy metal contamination on the element contents of other examined plants cannot be proved.

Microbial community structure in the rhizosphere of Sophora viciifolia grown at a lead and zinc mine of northwest China

Understanding the effects of heavy metal contamination on microbial activity is important for developing strategies to reclaim sites disturbed by industrial activities. In this study, we investigated arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi and bacteria associated with Sophora viciifolia growing at a lead and zinc mine in Qinling Mountain, China. Specifically, we measured the extent of AM fungal root colonization, examined microbial community structure by PCR-denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (PCR-DGGE), and identified the dominant microorganisms. We also measured the amount of glomalin-related soil protein (GRSP) and the association of GRSP with heavy metal ions. We found that AM root colonization decreased, but total GRSP increased with the increase of the lead concentration in soil. The Shannon–Wiener Index (H′) of the AM fungal community showed a significant negative correlation with the available lead concentration (r=0.92, P=0.009). Bacterial community H′ was also negatively correlated with the total and available lead concentrations in the soil (r=0.97, P=0.007 and r=0.92, P=0.025 for total and available lead, respectively). Both, AM fungal and bacterial community structures differed significantly between sites along the pollution gradient. The specific distributions of the two kinds of organisms indicated their differing tolerances to heavy metal. The dominant AM fungi were identified as Glomeraceae, whereas the dominant bacteria belonged to Proteobacteria. The amount of lead bound to GRSP varied from 3.3 to 172.5mgkg−1, which positively correlated with total and available soil lead concentration (r=0.99, P<0.000 and r=0.93, P=0.020 for total soil lead and available soil lead concentration, respectively), thus reducing the bioavailability of heavy metal ions.

Identification of nickel response genes in abnormal early developments of sea urchin by differential display polymerase chain reaction

Bioassays and biomarkers have been previously developed to assess the effects of heavy metal contaminants on the early life stages of the sea urchin. In this study, malformation in the early developmental processes was observed in sea urchin (Strongylocentrotus intermedius) larvae exposed to 10ppm Ni for over 30h. The most critical stage at which the triggering of nickel effects takes place is thought to be the blastula stage, which occurs after fertilization in larval development. To investigate the molecular-level responses of sea urchin exposed to heavy metal stress and to explore the differentially expressed genes that are induced or repressed by nickel, differential display polymerase chain reaction (DD-PCR) was used with sea urchin mRNAs. The malformation-related genes expressed in the early life stages of the sea urchin were cloned from larvae exposed to 10ppm of nickel for 15h, and accessed via DD-PCR. Sequence analysis results revealed that each of the genes evidenced high homology with EGF2, PCSK9, serine/threonine protein kinase, apolipophorin precursor protein, and MGC80921 protein/transcript variant 2. This result may prove useful in the development of novel biomarkers for the assessment of heavy metal stresses on sea urchin embryos.

Characterizing the effect of heavy metal contamination on marine mussels using metabolomics

Marine mussels (Mytilus) are widely used as bioindicators to measure pollution in marine environments. In this study, 1H NMR spectroscopy and multivariate statistical analyses were used to differentiate mussel groups from a heavy metal-polluted area (Onsan Bay) and a clean area (Dokdo area). Principal component analysis and orthogonal projection to latent structure-discriminant analysis revealed significant separation between extracts of mussels from Onsan Bay and from the Dokdo area. Organic osmolytes (betaine and taurine) and free amino acids (alanine, arginine, glutamine, phenylalanine, and threonine) were more highly accumulated in Onsan Bay mussels compared with Dokdo mussels. These results demonstrate that NMR-based metabolomics can be used as an efficient method for characterizing heavy metal contamination derived from polluted area compared to clean area and to identify metabolites related to environments that are contaminated with heavy metals.

Lead, antimony and arsenic in dissolved and colloidal fractions from an amended shooting-range soil as characterised by multi-stage tangential ultrafiltration and centrifugation

Environmental context The size of soil colloids is – among other characteristics – crucial for the mobility of associated contaminants. We analysed the effect of liming on the size of colloids mobilised from strongly contaminated shooting-range soils using multi-stage tangential ultrafiltration (MTUF) for the size fractionation of dispersed soil colloids. Our results indicate the high analytical potential of MTUF and show that liming induces the aggregation of colloids, thereby decreasing the mobilisation of colloid-bound Sb and As, but increasing colloidal Pb. Abstract The size and composition of colloids are important factors controlling their relevance as carriers of metal(loid)s in soils. Liming, which is often used to reduce the effect of heavy metal contamination in soil, can alter concentrations and characteristics of colloids in soil suspension. In batch studies, we compared the influence of changing pH and cation valency on the size distribution and composition of dispersed colloids and on the concentrations of Pb, As and Sb associated with colloids and in solution following the addition of Ca(OH)2 and KOH to soil samples from a contaminated-shooting range site. Multi-stage tangential ultrafiltration (MTUF) and centrifugation were used for the size fractionation of colloids in aqueous suspension. An increase in soil pH resulted in an increase in colloid-associated Pb, with much higher concentrations in the KOH than in the Ca(OH)2 treated samples. In contrast colloid-associated Sb and As increased only in the KOH treated samples. Addition of the monovalent K-ion induced the dispersion of small (~9–220 nm) organo(-mineral) colloids, whereas the divalent Ca-ion suppressed their dispersion and led to the formation of larger colloids (220–1200 nm). Whereas centrifugation underestimated contaminants (i.e. Pb) associated with organic colloids (density &lt;2.6 g cm–3) MTUF gave a distorted distribution of inorganic colloids (i.e. needle-shaped sesquioxides).

Toxicological Effects Induced by Cadmium in Gills of Manila Clam Ruditapes philippinarum Using NMR‐Based Metabolomics

AbstractCadmium (Cd) has become an important heavy metal contaminant in the sediment and seawater along the Bohai Sea and been of great ecological risk due to its toxic effects to marine organisms. In this work, the toxicological effects caused by environmentally relevant concentrations (10 and 40 µg L−1) of Cd were studied in the gill tissues of Manila clam Ruditapes philippinarum after exposure for 24, 48, and 96 h. Both low (10 µg L−1) and high (40 µg L−1) doses of Cd caused the disturbances in energy metabolism and osmotic regulation and neurotoxicity based on the metabolic biomarkers such as succinate, alanine, branched chain amino acids, betaine, hypotaurine, and glutamate in clam gills after 24 h of exposure. However, the recovery of toxicological effects of Cd after exposure for 96 h was obviously observed in clam to Cd exposures. Overall, these results indicated that NMR‐based metabolomics was applicable to elucidate the toxicological effects of heavy metal contaminants in the marine bioindicator.

Effects of heavy metal contamination from an abandoned mine on nematode community structure as an indicator of soil ecosystem health

Soil nematode community structure reflects soil ecosystem health and is influenced by the soil environment directly and/or indirectly by affecting the soil micro-flora and fauna that they graze. In this study, ecological indices for soil nematode community structure and microbial populations in soils contaminated with mine drainage (CS) from an abandoned mine and of a nearby non-contaminated area (NC) were examined during the seven seasons from July 2007 through December 2008 to reveal influences of mine drainage (especially heavy metals) on the soil nematode community structure. Of the soil physicochemical characteristics measured, nutritional properties such as organic matter content, nitrogen content, and soluble cations were not significantly different between CS and NC; however, significant differences were detected in pH, electrical conductivity (EC), available phosphorus (av.P 2O 5), and most strikingly, the concentrations of heavy metals such as Cd, Pb, Zn, and Ni. Nematodes were less abundant in CS than in NC, especially for long-living persistor-type nematodes. Comparison of ecological indices between CS and NC indicates that abundance, maturity, richness, and diversity of the soil nematode community were decreased in CS soil, indicating that soil health and function were adversely affected. Of the weighted-soil food-web indices, the structural index (SI) of the soil nematode community was significantly lower in CS than in NC, while no significant difference in the enrichment index (EI) was observed between CS and NC, suggesting that the heavy metal contamination may have disturbed the soil ecosystem by suppressing biological activity. Seasonal changes in the ecological indices during the study period showed that the discrepancies between CS and NC persisted throughout most of the seasons, suggesting that the effect of mine drainage (heavy metal) contamination on nematode community structure may be little influenced by seasonal changes in environmental conditions.