Enrichment Factors Of Cd Research Articles

Investigating Heavy Metal Pollution in Mining Brownfield and Its Policy Implications: A Case Study of the Bayan Obo Rare Earth Mine, Inner Mongolia, China.

The rapid urbanization of China and associated demand for land resources necessitates remediation, redevelopment, and reclamation of contaminated soil. Before these measures are taken, a basic investigation and inventory of heavy metal (HM) pollution levels in contaminated soil is necessary for establishing and implementing the redevelopment plan. In the present study, to identify the policy implications of inventorying and mapping HM pollution of soil in brownfields throughout China, the Bayan Obo giant rare earth element (REE)-Nb-Fe ore deposit of Baotou in Inner Mongolia, China, which is the largest REE mineral deposit in the world, was taken as a case study. Soil samples from 24 sites in Bayan Obo mining area (MA) and 76 sites in mine tailing area (TA) were collected for determining contents of soil HMs (Cr, Cd, Pb, Cu, and Zn). The results showed that the average concentrations of Cr, Cd, Pb, Cu, and Zn in both MA and TA were all higher than their corresponding background values for Inner Mongolia but lower than the Class II criteria of the National Soil Quality Standards of China (GB 15618-1995). Enrichment factor (EF) analysis of the soil samples indicated that the soil in the brownfield sites was highly enriched with Cr, Cd, Pb, Cu, and Zn compared to the corresponding background values. In MA, the EF for Cd was the highest among the studied elements, while in TA, the EF for Cr (3.45) was the highest, closely followed by the EF for Cd (3.34). The potential ecological risk index (RI) indicated a moderate potential ecological risk from the studied HMs in MA and a low potential ecological risk in TA, and the results of RI also suggested that the soil was most heavily polluted by Cd. According to the spatial distribution maps of HM, contamination hot-spots were primarily located near mining-related high-pollution plants. Based on the results, policy recommendations are proposed related to brownfield management in urban planning.

Spatio‐Temporal Variability and Pollution Assessment of Selected Metals in Freshwater Sediments, Pakistan

This study, describes the temporal and spatial variability of selected metals (Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Li, Mn, Ni, Pb, Sr, and Zn) and their origins in surface sediments collected from ten sites of Mangla Dam, Pakistan, during pre‐ and post‐monsoon seasons. The metal contents were determined using atomic absorption spectrometry. Contamination factor (CF), pollution load index (PLI), enrichment factor (EF), and geoaccumulation index were calculated for the assessment of sediment pollution. Among the metals, Cd, Co, Pb, and Zn revealed higher CF values in the sediments from sites S7–S10 where the PLI also indicated heavy pollution. The EFs for Cd, Co, Ni, Pb, and Zn were >10, suggesting major anthropogenic contributions. In comparison with sediment quality guidelines, the measured concentrations of Cd, Ni, and Pb showed a probability of frequent adverse effects on sediment dwelling biota. Cluster analysis indicated that Cd, Co, Ni, Pb, and Zn were mostly contributed by human activities. The results of this study would drive urgent attention to develop preventive actions and remediation processes to stop the degradation to improve the quality of the reservoir.

An application of coacervate-based extraction for the separation and preconcentration of cadmium, lead, and nickel ions prior to their determination by flame atomic absorption spectrometry in various water samples

Cloud point extraction (CPE), which is the most popular coacervate-based extraction method, was utilized for the separation and preconcentration of trace amounts of cadmium, lead, and nickel. Quinalizarin was used as complexing agent and Triton X-114 was used as surfactant. After extraction, analyte ions were determined by flame atomic absorption spectrometry. The detection limits (3$s)$ of 1.8 $\mu $g L$^{-1}$ for Cd(II), 3.2 $\mu $g L$^{-1}$ for Pb(II), and 2.8 $\mu $g L$^{-1}$ for Ni(II) were obtained using 50 mL of solutions. The relative standard deviation was calculated as 4.3% for 10 $\mu $g L$^{-1}$ Cd(II), 4.9% for 50 $\mu $g L$^{-1}$ Pb(II), and 4.6% for 50 $\mu $g L$^{-1}$ Ni(II). Obtained enrichment factors of Cd(II), Pb(II), and Ni(II) were 144, 129 and 92, respectively. In addition, the method was successfully implemented for the determination of Cd(II), Pb(II), and Ni(II) in water samples and standard reference materials and satisfactory recovery values were obtained.

Distribution and Pollution Assessment of Trace Metals in the Surface Sediments around Farming Area of Jinhae Bay

Trace metals(As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Hg, Mn, Pb and Zn) concentrations in surface sediments of Jinhae bay in August of 2013 were measured to investigate the characteristics of trace metals distribution and to evaluate the metal pollution. Assessment for metal pollution was carried out using the sediment quality guidelines(SQGs) such as threshold effects level(TEL) and probable effects level(PEL) proposed by the ministry of onceans and fisheries(MOF) in Korea and geochemical assessment techniques(enrichment factor(EF) and geoaccumulation index ()). The mean concentration of trace metals in the sediments are as follows: 11.1 mg/kg for As, 0.52 mg/kg for Cd, 14.1 mg/kg for Co, 69.8 mg/kg for Cr, 57.2 mg/kg for Cu, 3.7 % for Fe, 0.064 mg/kg for Hg, 600 mg/kg for Mn, 40.1 mg/kg for Pb, 167.2 mg/kg for Zn. The spatial distributions of As, Co, Cr and Fe were not distinguished clearly in whole area. However, Cd, Hg, Pb and Zn were high in northern area of bay, and Cu and Mn were high in southeastern and eastern area of bay, respectively. The distribution pattern of trace metals, correlation matrix and R-mode factor analyses results revealed that the distribution of trace metals were mainly effected by the sediment grain size(Co, Cr and Fe), redox condition of sediments(Mn) and anthropogenic factors(As, Cd, Cu, Hg, Pb and Zn). Comparing the concentrations of several trace metals(As, Cd, Cr, Hg and Pb) with SQGs from Korea(TEL and PEL), the concentrations of Hg, Cd and Pb in sediment of northern area of bay were higher than TEL. EF and values of As, Cd, Cu, Hg, Mn, Pb and Zn showed that these metals in sediments are enriched by anthropogenic activities in some areas, and pollution status for Cd, Hg and Pb in northern area and Cu in southeastern area of bay were concerned about current level, although those for As, Mn and Zn were not.

Textural and geochemical characteristics of off shore sediment of North Bay of Bengal: A statistical approach for marine metal pollution

Metal pollution study on sediments of North Bay of Bengal sediments presented in this paper is based on existing Lithostratigraphy of upstream, mineralogy and geochemical analysis of 42 sediment samples. The statistical analysis identifies the metal pollution as well as its apparent source in the off shore regions. Samples were analyzed for grain size, organic content and heavy metals (Fe, Mn, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, Cd, Zn and Co) using the sequential extraction method to evaluate geochemical processes and pollution load. In an effort to surmise anthropogenic input, several approaches including classification by quantitative indexes such as enrichment factor, contamination factor, degree of pollution, pollution load index and geo accumulation index, were attempted. Metal speciation results indicate high % of Cd in exchangeable fraction of Mahanadi transect sediments where as a considerable amount of oxidizable fraction of Cr was detected at Dhamra. Quantitative indexes place North Bay of Bengal under moderately polluted zone due to high level of Cd. Normalization of metals to Fe indicated relatively high enrichment factors for Cd and Cr. Factor analysis identified seven possible types of geochemical associations where sediment pH plays a major role for the heavy metal mobility. The higher Cd concentration in exchangeable fraction as well as the higher EF for Cd and Cr present in sediment may pose a risk of secondary water pollution under slightest disturbance in the geo-chemistry of sediments. Comparison study with available data of near costal zones and upstream stratigraphy revealed that open cast mining, overburden dumping, mineral based industrial effluents were the major source of pollution for catchment area contamination. Bay of Bengal is likely to face a serious threat of metal pollution with the present deposition rates unless rigorous pollution control norms are applied.

국내 주요 국가산업단지에서 중금속에 의한 토양오염

BACKGROUND: Contamination of soils by heavy metals is the serious environmental problem. In particular, industrial processing is one of the main sources of heavy metal contamination. The objective of this study was to investigate the distribution characteristics of heavy metals in soils collected from industrial complex. METHODS AND RESULTS: In this study, the soil contamination and enrichment factor (EF) of heavy metals were investigated in three national industrial complexes such as Yeosu, Ulsan and Sihwa Banwal industrial complexes. The target heavy metals includes Cd, Cu, As, Hg, Pb, Cr, Zn, and Ni. The results showed that the contents of Cd, Hg, Pb, Zn and Ni in Yeosu and the contents of Cu, As and Cr in Sihwa Banwal were higher than in any other industrial complex. The results of principal component analysis(PCA) in Yeosu, Ulsan and Sihwa Banwal complex could be explained up to approximately 81.4, 69.1 and 70.9% by two factor, respectively. Enrichment factors of Cd, Pb and Zn in all the investigated industrial complexes were above 1.0 that was the value judged to be a high contamination. And EF of Cr was above 1.0 in Sihwa Banwal complex. EF of Zn in all sites was generally high from the other heavy metals. CONCLUSION: Therefore, soils maybe significantly affected by heavy metals (especially, Cd, Pb and Zn) present in the emissions from industrial complexes.

Screening of Cd-safe genotypes of Chinese cabbage in field condition and Cd accumulation in relation to organic acids in two typical genotypes under long-term Cd stress

A 65-day field experiment was conducted to select cadmium (Cd)-safe genotypes (CSGs) among 21 Chinese cabbage genotypes in a low Cd-contaminated soil (0.66 mg kg(-1)). Seven CSGs were identified based on their Cd tolerance, shoot Cd concentrations, Cd enrichment factors (EFs), and translocation factors (TFs). Then, Beijingxin3, a typical CSG, together with Qiuxiang, a typical non-CSG for comparison, was selected for a subsequent 80-day field micro-plot experiment under four levels of Cd stress to evaluate the reliability of CSG screening and the role of organic acids in Cd accumulation and tolerance. Beijingxin3 was confirmed to be safe to grow in soil with Cd level up to 3.39 mg kg(-1), with Cd accumulation in its shoots well below the permitted level, and Qiuxiang was still poor in tolerating low Cd stress (1.31 mg kg(-1)). With increasing the Cd stress, Cd accumulation and citrate concentrations increased in shoots and roots of both genotypes, and oxalate concentrations increased significantly in Beijingxin3 roots. Both oxalate and citrate concentrations were significantly positively related to Cd accumulation for Beijingxin3 roots. High accumulation in oxalate and citrate induced by Cd stress in Beijingxin3 roots could benefit its internal tolerance to long-term Cd stress with more Cd accumulation in its roots and less Cd accumulation in its shoots.

New insights into trace elements deposition in the snow packs at remote alpine glaciers in the northern Tibetan Plateau, China

Trace element pollution resulting from anthropogenic emissions is evident throughout most of the atmosphere and has the potential to create environmental and health risks. In this study we investigated trace element deposition in the snowpacks at two different locations in the northern Tibetan Plateau, including the Laohugou (LHG) and the Tanggula (TGL) glacier basins, and its related atmospheric pollution information in these glacier areas, mainly focusing on 18 trace elements (Li, Be, V, Cr, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Ga, Rb, Nb, Mo, Cd, Sb, Cs, Ba, Tl, and Pb). The results clearly demonstrate that pronounced increases of both concentrations and crustal enrichment factors (EFs) are observed in the snowpack at the TGL glacier basin compared to that of the LHG glacier basin, with the highest EFs for Sb and Zn in the TGL basin, whereas with the highest EFs for Sb and Cd in the LHG basin. Compared with other studies in the Tibetan Plateau and surrounding regions, trace element concentration showed gradually decreasing trend from Himalayan regions (southern Tibetan Plateau) to the TGL basin (central Tibetan Plateau), and to the LHG basin (northern Tibetan Plateau), which probably implied the significant influence of atmospheric trace element transport from south Asia to the central Tibetan Plateau. Moreover, EF calculations at two sites showed that most of the heavy metals (e.g., Cu, Zn, Mo, Cd, Sb, and Pb) were from anthropogenic sources and some other elements (e.g., Li, Rb, and Ba) were mainly originated from crustal sources. MODIS atmospheric optical depth (AOD) fields derived using the Deep Blue algorithm and CALIOP/CALIPSO transect showed significant influence of atmospheric pollutant transport from south Asia to the Tibetan Plateau, which probably caused the increased concentrations and EFs of trace element deposition in the snowpack on the TGL glacier basin.

심해 저층환경충격 시험지역의 퇴적물 지화학적 특성

The benthic environmental impact experiment addresses environmental impacts at a specific site related to deep-sea mineral resource development. We have acquired several tens of multi- or box core samples at 31 sites within the Benthic environmental Impact Site (BIS) since 2010, aiming to examine the basic properties of surficial deep-sea sediment as a potential source for deep-water plumes. In this study, we present the geochemical properties such as major elements, rare earth elements (REEs), and heavy metal contents at the BIS. Such proxies vary distinctly according to the Facies association. The lithology of all core sediments in the BIS corresponds to both Association Ib and Association IIIb. The vertical profiles of some major elements (<TEX>$SiO_2$</TEX>, <TEX>$Fe_2O_3$</TEX>, CaO, <TEX>$P_2O_5$</TEX>, MgO, MnO) show noticeable differences between Association Ib and IIIb, while others (<TEX>$Al_2O_3$</TEX>, <TEX>$TiO_2$</TEX>, <TEX>$Na_2O$</TEX>, and <TEX>$K_2O$</TEX>) do not vary between Association Ib and IIIb. REEs are also distinctly different for Associations Ib and IIIb; in Association Ib, REY and HREE/LREE are uniform through the sediment section, while they increase downward in Association IIIb like the major elements; below a depth of 8 cm, REY is over 500 ppm. The metal enrichment factor (EF) evaluates the anthropogenic influences of some metals (Cu, Ni, Pb, Zn, and Cd) in marine sediments. In both Associations, the EF for Cu is over 1.5, the EF for Ni and Pb ranges from 0.5 to 1.5, and the EF for Zn and Cd are less than 0.5, indicating Cu is enriched but Zn and Cd are relatively depleted in the BIS. The vertical variations of geochemical properties between Association Ib and IIIb are shown to be clearly different, which seems to be related to the global climate changes such as the shift of Intertropical convergence zone (ITCZ).

인천 H항 표층 퇴적물의 오염도 평가

In this study, physico-chemical properties and pollution degree of surface sediments collected at 5 stations(S1~S5) of Incheon H wharf in March 2014 were investigated. From particle size, surface area, XRD and XRF analyses, the sediment samples consisted of similar oxides and minerals. Considering total score of COD, AVS and IL, pollution level ranged between 2 and 3 based on domestic standards. In case of heavy metal contamination, Cd, Ni and Pb were classified as moderately polluted by USEPA standards. However, Cu, Zn and Cr were classified as heavily polluted. With geoaccumulation index value(), Cd contamination was estimated as class 3. In addition, the calculated enrichment factors of Cd, Pb and Zn were exceeded a value of 1. Site S4 was high as 3.1 in total enrichment factor.

Assessment of metal pollution associated with an alteration area: Old Gümüşhane, NE Black Sea.

The objective of this study was to determine the potential environmental risks associated with the Kirkpavli (Old Gümüşhane in northern Turkey) alteration area by quantifying pollution in soil. The Kirkpavli (Old Gümüşhane) alteration area is situated at the south of the deposit with the same name of gold-silver-bearing lead, zinc, and copper in the southern part of the Black Sea Tectonic Unit (Eastern Pontides). In this study, 28 soil samples acquired from the alteration area were analyzed for contents of some main elements including lead (Pb), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), cadmium (Cd), cobalt (Co), manganese (Mn), nickel (Ni), and arsenic (As). Contents of the elements in the area were determined, and high values were obtained such as 1,171 mg/kg for As, 12.4 mg/kg for Cd, 77.3 mg/kg for Co, 341 mg/kg for Cu, 1,172 mg/kg for Mn, 51.9 mg/kg for Ni, 3,725 mg/kg for Pb, and 880 mg/kg for Zn. Soil contamination was appraised on the basis of Geoaccumulation Index (I geo), Enrichment Factor (EF), Pollution Index, and Integrated Pollution Index. The calculated results of I geo, EF, and PI of the elements can be shown in descending order of parameters as As > Pb > Cd > Zn > Cu > Co > Mn. The parameters for some of these elements indicated extremely high contamination (I geo > 5), extremely high enrichment (EF > 40), and high pollution (PI > 3). High I geo, EF, and PI values of As, Pb, and Cd in the soil samples mean that soil pollution is typically associated with alteration area. Considering its location and the results of this study, the Kirkpavli alteration area is a significant source of pollution and may have ecotoxicological effects on terrestrial, groundwater, and aquatic ecosystems in the region.

Characteristics and formation mechanism of a heavy air pollution episode caused by biomass burning in Chengdu, Southwest China

To track the chemical characteristics and formation mechanism of biomass burning pollution, the hourly variations of meteorological factors and pollutant concentrations during a heavy pollution on 18–21 May, 2012 in Chengdu are presented in this study. The episode was the heaviest and most long-lasting pollution event in the historical record of Chengdu caused by a combination of stagnant dispersion conditions and enhanced PM2.5 emission from intensive biomass burning, with peak values surpassing 500μgm−3. The event was characterized by three nighttime peaks, relating to the burning practice and decreased boundary layer height at night. The prevailing northeasterly wind during nighttime preferentially brought more pollutants to the urban regions from northern suburbs of Chengdu, where dense fire spots were observed. Due to the obstruction of hilly topography and weak wind speed, minor regional features were reflected from the PM10 variations in nearby cities, whereas the long-distance transport of the plume impacted extensive regions in northern and eastern China. Carbon monoxide (CO) concentrations increased by more than 200%, while exceptionally high PM2.5 levels of 190.1 and 268.4μgm−3 on 17 May and 18 May, were observed and showed high correlation with CO (r=0.75). The relative contribution of biomass burning smoke to organic carbon was estimated from OC/EC ratios (organic carbon/elemental carbon) and elevated to 81.3% during the episode, indicating a significant impact on urban aerosol levels. The occurrence of high PM2.5/PM10 ratios (>0.80) and K+/EC ratios (>1.0), along with the increased carbonaceous concentrations and their fraction in PM2.5 (>40%) and high OC/EC ratios (about 8), could be used as immediate indicators for biomass burning pollution in cities. In addition, the heavy pollution involved a mixture of anthropogenic sources, reflected from the high SOR and NOR values and increases in the EFs (enrichment factors) of Mo, Zn, Cd, and Pb.

Characteristics of atmospheric particles and heavy metals in winter in Chang-Zhu-Tan city clusters, China

To understand the pollution characteristics of atmospheric particles and heavy metals in winter in Chang-Zhu-Tan city clusters, China, total suspended particulate (TSP) and PM10 samples were collected in cities of Changsha, Zhuzhou and Xiangtan from December 2011 to January 2012, and heavy metals of Cd, Pb, Cr, and As were analyzed. It shows that the average TSP concentration in Changsha, Zhuzhou and Xiangtan were (183 ± 73), (201 ± 84) and (190 ± 66) μg/m3 respectively, and the average PM10 were (171 ± 82), (178 ± 65) and (179 ± 55) μg/m3 respectively. The lowest TSP and PM10 concentrations occurred at the background Shaping site of Changsha. The average ratio of ρ(PM10)/ρ(TSP) was 91.9%, ranging from 81.3% to 98.9%. Concerning heavy metals, in TSP samples, the concentration of Cr, As, Cd and Pb were 28.8–56.5, 18.1–76.3, 3.9–26.1 and 148.0–460.9 ng/m3 respectively, while in PM10 samples, were 16.4–42.1, 15.5–67.9, 3.3–22.2 and 127.9–389.3 ng/m3 respectively. The enrichment factor of Cd was the highest, followed by Pb and As, while that of Cr was the lowest.

Distribution and accumulation of Cd, Cu, Hg, Pb and Zn in the surface sediments of El Tobari Lagoon, central-East Gulf of California: An ecosystem associated with agriculture and aquaculture activities

The purpose of this research is to provide a comprehensive assessment of the concentration levels and spatial variability of cadmium (Cd), copper (Cu), mercury (Hg), lead (Pb) and zinc (Zn) in El Tobari Lagoon in surface sediments during two seasons for several geochemical variables that could explain the observed heavy metal variability. Seventy-two surface sediments samples were collected in 12 different sites of the El Tobari Lagoon. Sediment samples were dried and subjected to acid extraction using a microwave system and five metals (Cd, Cu, Hg, Pb and Zn) were measured using atomic adsorption spectrometry. A certificate sediment material and blanks were used as quality control purposes. The enrichment factor (EF) and the index of geoaccumulation (Igeo) were calculated as index of metals contamination for the sediments, using aluminum as the conservative element. The five metals examined in sediments from El Tobari Lagoon exhibited a linear correlation with Al as result of the large specific surface areas of these sediment components and the chemical affinities between them. The metals contents in sites of the El Tobari Lagoon were variable, and Cd, Cu and Hg presented a seasonal behavior. The enrichment factor and index of geoaccumulation analysis indicated that Cd and Hg exhibited a certain extent (EF for Cd ranged from 4.10 to 10.29; EF for Hg ranged from 2.77 to 12.89) of anthropogenic pollution, while Cu showed sporadic (EF ranged from 0.43 to 2.54) anthropogenic contamination. The highest concentrations of Cd, Cu and Hg were found in the sites that regularly received discharge effluents from agriculture and aquaculture.

Cd isotopes as a potential source tracer of metal pollution in river sediments

Tracing the sources of heavy metals in water environment is key important for our understanding of their pollution behavior. In this present study, Cd concentrations and Cd isotopic compositions in sediments were determined to effectively identify possible Cd sources. Results showed that elevated concentrations and high enrichment factor for Cd were found in all sediments, suggesting anthropogenic Cd origin. Cd isotopic compositions in sediments yielded relative variations ranged from −0.35‰ to 0.07‰ in term of δ114/110Cd (the mean: −0.08‰). Large fractionated Cd was found in sediments collected from a smelter and an E-waste town. Cd isotopic compositions and Cd concentrations measured in sediments allowed the identification of three main origins (dust from metal refining (δ114/110Cd < 0), slag of metal refining (δ114/110Cd > 0), and those δ114/110Cd = 0, such as background and mining activity). According to the actual precision obtained, Cd isotopes could be a potential tool for tracing metal pollution sources in water environment.

Metal pollution assessment and multivariate analysis in sediment of Anzali international wetland

Anzali international wetland located in southwestern Caspian Sea coast is one of the most important wetlands of Iran from environmental and ecological points of view. Metal concentrations (Cu, Zn, Cr, Fe, Mn, Pb, Ni, Cd, and Li) in 41 surface sediment samples from Anzali wetland were determined. Assessment of ecological risk of sediment samples as well as their degree of contamination revealed considerable ecological risk and moderate degree of contamination in eastern part of the study area. Multivariate statistical analyses were used to identify metal content relationship and their origin. Higher enrichment factors of Cd, Pb, and Zn exhibited probable effects on human activities. Based on sediment quality guidelines (SQGs), moderate potential toxicity levels of sediment samples were identified. A new sediment quality index named sediment toxicity degree was developed based on the results of the multivariate statistical analysis to assess metal toxicity in surface sediments of aquatic systems. Results showed higher sensitivity of the new index (STd) to assess toxic effect of heavy metals on sediments and better capability to differentiate zones with different levels of risk within the study area than that of some other indices such as SQG-Q.

Ion-imprinted carboxymethyl chitosan–silica hybrid sorbent for extraction of cadmium from water samples

A new ion-imprinted carboxymethyl chitosan-functionalized silica gel sorbent was synthesized by surface imprinting technique using Cd(II) as the template, carboxymethyl chitosan (CMCS) as the functional monomer and glutaraldehyde as the cross-linking agent for the selective adsorption of Cd(II) from aqueous solution. The optimum batch experimental conditions (pH, amount of adsorbent, contact time) and column experimental conditions (concentration and volume of elution solution) were evaluated. The maximum static adsorption capacity of the ion-imprinted sorbent for Cd(II) was 20.7mg/g. The enrichment factor of Cd(II)-imprinted polymer for Cd(II) was 257. The relative selectivity factor values of Cd(II)/Pb(II), Cd(II)/Co(II) were 5.3 and 1.5, respectively. The recoveries of water samples were about 98.0–104.0% (R.S.D.≤0.8). The proposed method was successfully applied to determination of Cd(II) in water samples with satisfactory.

Accumulation of heavy metals in Spinacia oleracea irrigated with paper mill effluent and sewage

The present study on heavy metal contamination in soil and their accumulation in edible part (leaves) and roots of Spinacia oleracea (Spinach) on irrigation with paper mill effluent (PME)/sewage revealed that there was significant increase in the nickel (Ni, +227.17 %) content of the soil irrigated with PME, whereas in the soil irrigated with sewage chromium (Cr, +274.84 %), iron (Fe, +149.56 %), and cadmium (Cd, +133.39 %), contents were increased appreciably. The value of enrichment factor (EF) for Ni (3.27) indicated moderate enrichment in PME-irrigated soil. The EF of Fe, zinc (Zn), Cd, and Cr were <2 in PME effluent-irrigated soil which showed deficiency of minimal enrichment. In sewage irrigated soil, EF value for Cr, Fe, and Cd indicated moderate enrichment, while the values for Zn and Ni indicated deficiency of minimal enrichment. Among various metallic concentrations, the maximum concentration of Fe was observed in leaves (400.12 ± 11.47 mg/kg) and root (301.41 ± 13.14 mg/kg) of S. oleracea after irrigation with PME, whereas the maximum concentrations of Fe was found in leaves (400.49 ± 5.97 mg/kg) and root (363.94 ± 11.37 mg/kg) of S. oleracea after irrigation with sewage for 60 days. The bioaccumulation factor value was found maximum for Cd (2.23) in the plants irrigated with PME while that of Fe (0.90) in the plants irrigated with sewage. The undiluted use of PME/sewage for irrigation increased the concentration of Cr, Cd, Zn, Ni, and Fe metals which were accumulated in S. oleracea, posing a potential threat to human health from this practice of irrigation.

Assessment of Heavy Metal Contamination in Sediments along the Jiangsu Lagoon

Abstract: In this study we have worked on the evaluation of heavy metal contamination in the sediments taken from the Jiangsu lagoon and thereby used the Enrichment factor (EF), Pollution load index (PLI), Geoaccumulation index (Igeo), Potential ecological risk index (PERI), Potential ecological risk index (PERI), Potential toxicity response index (PTRI) and Risk assessment code (RAC) and the methods of statistical analysis. The average EF of Zn is found to be less than 2, and the average EF of Cu, Cr, Cd, Pb and Ni are found to be greater than 2 in Jiangsu lagoon.The EF for Pb, Cd and Cr are higher along the Jiangsu lagoon and harbor, which reveals the anthropogenic contribution to the increased content of the surface sediments of the Jiangsu coast. PLI values calculated for Yancheng suggest that this zone is appreciably less impacted by metal pollutants than Nantong. Zn (Igeo(mean)&lt;0), as unpolluted to moderately polluted with Cu (0&lt;Igeo(mean)&lt;1), moderately polluted with Ni (1&lt;Igeo(mean)&lt;2), moderate to strongly polluted with Cd (2&lt;Igeo(mean)&lt;3), and strongly polluted with Cr and Pb (3&lt;Igeo(mean)&lt;4). The potential ecological risk indices of Cu, Zn and Ni in 9 stations in Lianyungang coast were lower than 40, which indicated slight potential ecological risk of three metals in 9 stations.Potential ecological risk indices of Cu, Zn and Cd in 9 stations in Yancheng lagoon were lower than 40, which indicated slight potential ecological risk of two metals in 9 stations. The sediments show a medium risk for Cu with PERI value greater than 40 indicating a moderate risk from sediments across the entire Nantong region. The amount of Cu and Ni with low risk, while Cd with moderate, with high risk in Lianyungang coast. Cu, Zn and Cd with low risk, while Cr and Ni with moderate risk, but, the Pb with very high risk in Yancheng coast. Cu and Zn with low risk, Cr and Ni with medium risk, Pb,Cd with high risk in Nantong coast.

Identification of rice cultivar with exclusive characteristic to Cd using a field-polluted soil and its foreground application

Using low-accumulative plant, especially excluder crop, to safely produce food is one of the very important technologies of phytoremediation, which is practical to safe production and long-term remediation of heavy metal-contaminated soil. A pot experiment using field cadmium (Cd)-contaminated soil (Cd concentration was 0.75 mg kg(-1)) was conducted to compare Cd accumulation differences among 39 normal rice cultivars (Japonica) in Shenyang region of China for food safety and high grain yield aim. The results showed that brown grain Cd concentration in 12 rice cultivars of a total of 39 tested cultivars was lower than 0.2 mg kg(-1) (Agricultural Trade Standard of Nonpollution Food for Rice of China, NY 5115-2008). In these 12 cultivars, Cd enrichment factors (Cd concentration ratio in shoot to that in soil) of nine cultivars were lower than 1. Likewise, Cd translocation factors (Cd concentration ratio in shoot to that in root) of eight cultivars were lower than the 0.28 average. Furthermore, grain yield per pot of seven cultivars were higher than the average 18.4 g pot(-1). Four cultivars, i.e., Shendao 5, Tianfu 1, Fuhe 90, and Yanfeng 47 showed Cd-exclusive characteristic and better foreground application.