Analysis Of Heavy Metals Research Articles

Uncovering the Anthropogenic Influences on Water Quality: A Case of Lake Victoria Shores, Entebbe, Uganda

Lakes serve as vital ecosystems, providing freshwater resources and habitats for diverse species. However, human activities, particularly around lakeshores, have led to significant environmental degradation, including heavy metal contamination. Lake Victoria, the second-largest freshwater lake globally, has been severely impacted by pollution from industrial, agricultural, and urban sources. This research aims at examining the influence of the anthropogenic activities on the water quality of Lake Victoria. Specifically, the study tried to determine the activities undertaken at the Lake shores of Lake Victoria; determined the physico-chemical parameters of the water from the shores and the heavy metal concentration in the water samples obtained from the shores of Lake Victoria. This study utilized a cross-sectional and experimental research designs to assess water quality and anthropogenic influences around Lake Victoria. A total of 150 residents from selected communities were surveyed using a semi-structured questionnaire to gather demographic information, perceptions of water quality and the activities carried out within the shores of Lake Victoria. Water samples were collected from multiple sites along the lake shores for analysis of heavy metals using the Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS). Water quality parameters were determined In-situ using a multi-parameter water testing kit and Hanna instrument. Results showed that the anthropogenic activities that could have contributed to water degradation include: fishing, transport, agriculture and construction among others. Apart from pH which was outside the permissible limits, all the other water parameters were within the WHO permissible limits. Considering the heavy metal concentration, all the sampled sites apart from one inlet, had the concentrations above the WHO permissible levels an indication of significant heavy metal contamination in the Lake Victoria shores. These findings highlight the urgent need for targeted pollution control measures and regular monitoring to mitigate further environmental degradation. Effective interventions, including stricter regulations and sustainable land use practices within the Victoria shores are essential for safeguarding the lake's ecosystem and the health of surrounding communities.

Integrated Application of Innovative Technologies for Oil Spill Remediation in Gran Tarajal Harbor: A Scientific Approach

This study examines recovery efforts at Gran Tarajal Harbor following a significant oil spill, employing a combination of innovative technologies tailored to enhance oil spill remediation. Cleanup operations incorporated advanced absorbent sponges with high reusability, absorbent granulates for targeted hydrocarbon capture, bioremediation techniques using allochthonous microorganisms to accelerate natural degradation processes, and the integration of newly designed oil containment barriers coupled with sponges. These technologies were instrumental in effectively mitigating environmental damage, as evidenced by a reduction in hydrocarbon concentrations in sediments from nearly 60,000 mg/kg to under 1600 mg/kg within seven months. Notably, advanced absorbent sponges demonstrated superior capacity for repeated use, optimizing the cleanup process and contributing to the sustainability of the response efforts. The most important finding of this research is the demonstrated efficacy of integrated approach in not only reducing hydrocarbon contamination but also in promoting ecological recovery. Heavy metal analyses revealed that lead and copper concentrations were primarily associated with routine port activities, while mercury levels, attributed to the spill, decreased significantly over time. Tissue analysis of local organisms showed minimal contamination, and assessments of biological communities indicated signs of ecological recovery. This work highlights the necessity of introduce new disruptive technologies in contingency plans.

Measurements of Heavy Elements and Radioactivity Concentration Levels in Types of Fertilizers and Pesticides Commonly Used in Sana’a Yemen

This study aims to measure heavy metals (HMs) concentration and radioactivity concentration levels in fertilizer and pesticide samples collected from local markets in Sana’a, Yemen. Gamma spectroscopy employing a Survey Sodium Iodide NaI (TI) RIIDEYM-G detector was used for radiation and dose assessments. As for heavy metal analyses, this study used Inductively Coupled Optical Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-OES). Thirty samples were collected from local markets in Sana’a, Yemen. Radioactivity measurements show low levels of radioactivity concentration. The average dose rates due to fertilizer and pesticide samples were 1.14 and 1.07 mSv/y, respectively. These values are nearly equal to the recommended annual radiation dose rate limit (1mSv/y) recommended by the International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP). For heavy metal analysis, it was found that the average concentrations of heavy metals (HMs) (cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), nickel (Ni), lead (Pb), and zinc (Zn)) in the fertilizer samples were 1.08 mg/kg, 4.944 mg/kg, 13.8495 mg/kg, 274.371 mg/kg, 3.30446 mg/kg, 15.35686 mg/kg, and 24.4547 mg/kg, respectively. Heavy metal concentrations in fertilizer samples were mainly less than European (EU) guideline limits, with the exception of a few samples. The average concentrations of heavy metals (Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Ni, Pb, and Zn) in the pesticide samples were 0.8 mg/kg, 0.5784 mg/kg, 52.280 mg/kg, 73.4651 mg/kg, 2.4482 mg/kg, 3.199 mg/kg, and 1.1309 mg/kg, respectively. The heavy metal concentrations in pesticide samples were less than the corresponding values in fertilizer samples.

Multi-metal resistance and antibiotic susceptibility of biofilm forming bacteria isolated from Kuzhikandam Creek in Kochi, southwest part of India

The purpose of this work was to characterize and identify the bacteria isolated from highly polluted locations that could potentially be able to withstand extremely toxic heavy metals. The study area selected for bacterial isolation from sediment samples was Kuzhikandam Creek, a tributary of the Periyar River and one of the world’s most hazardous hotspots, located in Kochi’s Eloor industrial region. Heavy metal analysis of chromium, copper, and lead in sediment samples was performed, and the results showed that the concentrations were greater than permissible limits. Several metal-resistant bacteria were isolated from sediments, which, upon further screening in solid media at different concentrations of chromium, copper, and lead, found three highly resistant species (S1B1, S2B2, and S3B3), one from each site. The phenotypic and biochemical characterization of these bacteria was examined using standard procedures. The ability of these species to generate biofilm was examined using methods like the crystal violet assay (qualitative assessment) and also using the scanning electron microscope. The antibiotic susceptibility of these species was tested with six different antibiotics, which are used in various disease treatments. These isolates, sequenced using the 16S rRNA Sanger dideoxy method, have been identified as Staphylococcus arlettae, Bacillus paramycoides, and Cellulosimicrobium funkei.

Multivariate Analysis of Water Quality in the Seybouse River: Implications for Pollution Management

ABSTRACTHeavy metal contamination in water bodies is a pervasive and persistent environmental challenge in many parts of the world, especially in developing countries. This study investigates the use of multivariate analysis methods for monitoring variations in water quality along a spatial gradient and for the interpretation of pollution levels at different sampling sites. We assessed the water quality of the Seybouse River and identified possible sources of pollution using three complementary multivariate analysis techniques (PCA, NMDS, and K‐means clustering). The results indicate a longitudinal gradient in water quality associated with industrial and agricultural activities in the middle and lower Seybouse River. Physico‐chemical and heavy metal analyses show high water turbidity with elevated concentrations of iron and chromium. We show that the contamination stems from four different sources, which can be categorized into different pollution levels. Our results suggest that complementary multivariate methods are a robust approach to identifying and categorizing significant sources of pollution in rivers, enabling the development of future successful water quality management strategies based on water pollution levels. This study highlights the importance of monitoring water quality and taking effective measures to control and mitigate pollution from various sources to ensure the safety of the environment and human health.

Exploring Spatial Dynamics of Water Quality in a Tropical Lake Affected by Aquaculture

Lake Maninjau, like many surface water bodies worldwide, faces significant water pollution challenges due to extensive aquaculture activities, making it an ideal site to study the impact of fish farming on water quality, which has contributed to eutrophication and declining water quality. This study investigates the physicochemical parameters and pollution levels in the lake, aiming to provide insights into its environmental health. In August 2022, a comprehensive sampling campaign was undertaken at nine stations within the upper layers of open water and littoral zones of Lake Maninjau. In situ measurements, including temperature, dissolved oxygen, and pH, were conducted, accompanied by water sample collection for laboratory analysis of trace elements and heavy metals. Our study revealed notable variability in water parameters across different sites, with surface water layers exhibiting the greatest differences. While certain parameters such as temperature and conductivity remain relatively stable, pH levels show a decreasing trend with increasing water depth. Dissolved oxygen levels vary widely, while oxidation–reduction potential indicates water pollution, particularly in littoral zones. Potassium dominance within cations likely suggests anthropogenic influences, notably from aquaculture activities, that may also contribute to nutrient enrichment and heavy metal pollution. Elevated levels of total nitrogen and ammonia underscore the lake’s moderate pollution levels, with heavy metals such as mercury exceeding permissible limits, posing risks to aquatic life and human health.

Investigating the role of food pollutants in autism spectrum disorder: a comprehensive analysis of heavy metals, pesticides, and mycotoxins

Investigating the role of food pollutants in autism spectrum disorder: a comprehensive analysis of heavy metals, pesticides, and mycotoxins

Health risk assessment of heavy metals in black tea infusion by Monte Carlo simulation

AbstractTea leaves and their infusion have been interested in the populations because of their therapeutic and relaxing effects. However, tea plant is prone to heavy metals' bioaccumulation. Regarding the high consumption of tea infusion, concentration of arsenic, cadmium, and lead in black tea infusion was determined by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Tea infusion was prepared by addition of 45 mL deionized water to 1 g tea leaves followed by heating at 90°C for 10 min. After analysis, carcinogenic and noncarcinogenic risks of heavy metals were investigated by Monte Carlo simulation in two age groups of children and adults younger and older than 15 years old, respectively. According to the results, Hazard Quotient (HQ) of three heavy metals in both children and adults was equal and lower than 0.01. Furthermore, incremental lifetime cancer risk (ILCR) of arsenic in Iranian black tea consumers (<1.5 × 10−6) and lead in all consumers (about 2.55 × 10−7) was within the acceptable range introduced by US EPA (≤10−6). ILCR of arsenic in children and adults consuming foreign tea infusion was within the range of 10−6–10−4. Our further investigation revealed that the highest area (75%–85%) of cumulative frequency distribution for arsenic ILCR in foreign tea consumers was related to ILCR ≤10−5 which is the acceptable range determined by the World Health Organization. Therefore, there was no serious concern about the intake of heavy metals by tea infusion in Iranian children and adults.

Assessing Heavy Metal Contamination in Commonly Used Fertilizers for Polyculture Fish Ponds and Its Implications for Human Health: A Comprehensive Investigation.

Over-fertilizing fish ponds can cause pollution, introducing heavy metals into the food chain and posing health risks. The present study investigated the incidence of heavy metals (Pb, Cu, Cd, and Cr) in commonly applied fertilizers, including nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium (NPK), triple superphosphate (TSP), and di-ammonium phosphate (DAP), and their association with heavy metals in water, sediment, and cultured fish species (Catla catla, Labeo rohita, and Cyprinus carpio) in polyculture fish ponds. The study was conducted over 4months, with four groups in triplicates: control (no fertilizer), group 1 (NPK), group 2 (TSP), and group 3 (DAP). Heavy metal analysis was carried out using atomic absorption spectrophotometry before and after fertilizer application. Significantly (p < 0.05) higher levels of heavy metals were observed in water and sediment after applying fertilizers, with the most pronounced results in group 3 (DAP) followed by group 2 (TSP). The concentration of heavy metals was significantly (p < 0.05) higher in group 3 (DAP) fertilizers compared to other groups. Compared to the control, the concentration and bioaccumulation of heavy metals were significantly (p < 0.05) higher in the fertilizer-applied groups, with notably higher levels in group 3 (DAP). Cluster analysis and the correlation matrix did not show any significant association between the heavy metals and the fertilizers, indicating a complex interplay between the biotic and abiotic factors of the system. The health index (HI) value was < 1 in fish muscles of all studied groups, indicating the fish are safe for consumption. The study recommends monitoring and regulating fertilizer use, especially DAP, to prevent heavy metal contamination, and exploring sustainable alternatives to minimize environmental and health risks.

Pollution Characteristics, Risk Assessment, and Source Analysis of Heavy Metals in Soil from a Typical Abandoned Antimony Smelting Factory

Considering the surface soil （0-20 cm） from a typical abandoned antimony smelting factory area in Dachang Town, Qinglong County, Guizhou Province, as a case study, a total of 14 soil samples were systematically collected from both within and outside the smelting factory area. The analysis focused on the pollution status, distribution characteristics, and potential ecological risks of heavy metals such as Sb, As, Cd, Cr, Pb, Cu, Zn, Ni, and V in the soil. Additionally, an evaluation and analysis of pollution sources were conducted. The results showed that the mean concentrations of heavy metals including ω（Sb）, ω（As）, ω（Cd）, ω（Cr）, ω（Pb）, ω（Cu）, ω（Zn）, ω（Ni）, and ω（V） in the surface soil of the abandoned antimony smelting factory ranged from 4.58 to 15 049.33 mg·kg-1. With the exception of Cr and Ni, all values exceeded the background values of soils in Guizhou province. The single factor pollution indices of Sb and As were 83.61 and 7.01, respectively, indicating severe contamination. In contrast, Pb fell within the non-polluted to slightly polluted range. The comprehensive potential ecological risk of soil heavy metals was characterized by severe potential ecological risk levels for Sb, As, and Cd, while the remaining heavy metals fell within a range of moderate to substantial potential ecological risk levels. The assessment of the geoaccumulation index revealed that the soil in the study area was primarily contaminated by Sb and As, predominantly exhibiting contamination levels ranging from moderate to severe. The results from the RAC method suggested that Sb was the dominant focus for remediation in this abandoned smelting factory. The two primary pollutants, Sb and As, exhibited elevated levels in leachate toxicity, acid-soluble fraction, available fraction, gastric phase, and intestinal phase in terms of bioavailable content, indicating a certain potential hazard. Further, correlation analysis indicated a certain correlation between the total amount of heavy metals and leachate toxicity, available fraction, acid-soluble fraction, reducible fraction, oxidizable fraction, gastric phase extractable fraction, and intestinal phase extractable fraction. The APCS-MLR model indicated that the sources of Sb, As, Zn, Cu, and Cd were primarily industrial, while the sources of Cr and V were mainly natural, and Pb originated mainly from mixed sources.

Microbial and Heavy Metal Evaluation of Sachet Drinking Water in the Hohoe Municipality, Ghana

Aim: To study microbial and heavy metal composition in sachet drinking water in the Hohoe municipality in the Volta Region of Ghana. Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted in the Hohoe Municipality in the Volta region of Ghana and laboratory analyses were carried out at the Microbiology laboratory of the Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology between June 2018 and May 2019. Study Design: Cross-sectional study. Methodology: The study was conducted on three samples each of eight different brands of sachet water randomly selected across various towns from street vendors in the Hohoe Municipality for microbial and chemical analyses. 10ml of each sample was aliquoted under sterile conditions and cultured overnight in nutrient media. Enumeration and qualitative analyses of bacteria were performed using the pour plate method. For heavy metal analysis, 5 ml of concentrated HNO3 was added to 40 ml of each sample and heated at 100 °C for 20–30 minutes to reduce the volume to 20 ml. 30ml of distilled water was subsequently added and the mixture was analyzed using flame atomic absorption Spectroscopy. Results: Out of total twenty-four samples analyzed, 50% of the sachet water was contaminated with total and fecal coliforms with the highest average coliform forming unit (cfu/ml) being 16.2 x 105 cfu/ml and the least 0.01 x 105 cfu/ml. There were Klebsiella spp, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa contamination in 50% of the sachet drinking water but Salmonella spp and E. coli were absent in all brands. Chromium was detected to be within the range of 0.40mg/L - 0.56mg/L in the sachet water while zinc was in the range of 0.03mg/L– 0.94mg/L. Chromium concentration in all sachet brands were above the WHO standard while zinc was within the acceptable range. Cadmium and lead were below detectable limits (BDL). Conclusion: This study indicated that some of the sachet drinking water sold in the Hohoe Municipality is impure for human consumption. Inappropriate water purification procedures and improper handling of sachet water play a significant role in determining the overall quality of sachet drinking water.

A circular economy approach for utilization of tannery fleshing hydrolysate and kitchen wastes into organic fertilizer through enzymatic decomposition

This study presents a sustainable method for converting tannery fleshing waste (FH) into organic fertilizer using enzymatic decomposition with crude protease. After extracting fat from the enzymatic hydrolysis, the enzyme-rich residue was mixed with dried kitchen waste (KW) and allowed to decompose for 45 days, producing nutrient-rich fertilizer. FT-IR spectroscopy confirmed the presence of important functional groups, including hydroxyl, aliphatic hydrocarbons, esters, and amide-I linkages. The organic fertilizers had higher nutrient content, with nitrogen (1.08-1.67%), phosphorus (0.78–0.98 %), potassium (0.1–0.76 %), and magnesium (239–259.5 ppm) which is higher than commercial fertilizers. FESEM-EDX analysis revealed a dense, porous structure with a high surface concentration of calcium, which enhances nutrient release in the soil. Dissolution tests showed that nutrients from the organic fertilizer were released gradually over 36 hours, whereas commercial NPK fertilizers released nutrients within 150 minutes in simulated soil-water conditions. Field trials with a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) demonstrated improved growth in Malabar spinach, particularly with fertilizer sample S-5, which had an optimal flesh to kitchen waste (FH to KW) ratio of 1:10. Although S-5 had a lower nitrogen content (1.08 %), it contained higher levels of phosphorus (0.98 %), potassium (0.765 %), and magnesium (259.5 ppm), contributing to enhanced plant growth. The organic fertilizer resulted in a shoot length of 38.8 ± 2.0 cm, root length of 16.33 cm, 31 ± 3 leaves, and 95.12 % dry matter of the plant. Heavy metal analysis of the plant confirmed that levels of chromium (Cr), iron (Fe), nickel (Ni), cadmium (Cd), copper (Cu), and lead (Pb) were within WHO safety limits. Phytotoxicity tests of the fertilizer also showed no negative impact on Malabar spinach seed germination.

Assessment of soil pollution in coastal landscapes of the Republic of Djibouti and ecological risks

Tropical ecosystems play an important role in the environment. Coastal areas are subjected to a wide range of impacts and pollution, which have drawn worldwide attention over the past few decades. Comprehensive studies of heavy metal content in soils worldwide are extremely important for assessing and predicting ecological risks. Very few studies have been devoted to a complete study of the physicochemical characteristics of soils, assessment of heavy metal accumulation in coastal zones along the Djibouti coast, and potential ecological risks. The study investigated the physico-chemical characteristics of soil, assessed the accumulation of heavy metals in coastal zones along the Djibouti coast, and analyzed the potential environmental risks associated with the presence of heavy metals in the studied soils. Analysis of heavy metals and trace elements in the soils of the coastal areas of Djibouti revealed that the levels of these elements are lower than in soils of the Red Sea coast and are in line with WHO and other international standards. All heavy metals in the soil of the studied area demonstrate low levels of potential ecological risk. The soils of the studied areas, overall, have not undergone significant heavy metal pollution and can be considered suitable for various types of use.

Heavy Metal Identification in Water Resources and the Surrounding Environment of the Cirasea Riparian Zone, Indonesia

The Cirasea River can provide water for both the Bandung basin and agricultural irrigation. Intensive agriculture, industry, and land use changes could have an impact on water quality. The purpose of this study is to look at the origins of heavy metals in riparian water resources. Heavy metal analysis was performed on 13 groundwater and river water samples. Heavy metals in water sources were compared with sediment and soil. The samples were analyzed for heavy metals using an AAS instrument. The research method employs statistical, geographical, and heavy metal pollution index (HPI). The HPI for river water was 131, whereas groundwater was 93. River water with an HPI value of more than 100 is highly polluted, indicating that it is unsafe for human consumption and has negative health consequences. Data verification with heavy metals in sediments reveals the presence of heavy metals coming from geogenic circumstances in various locations in the upstream area. Heavy metals in downstream areas result from geological factors and anthropogenic activities in the surrounding area. The long-term effects of heavy metal pollution along the riparian zone will become apparent. More research is needed on communities that depend on groundwater supplies along the Cirasea watershed.

Influence of localized sources and meteorological conditions on dry-deposited particles: A case study of Gabès, Tunisia

This study investigates the spatial and temporal variations of dry-deposited particles on the surface (by turbulence or gravity) in various sites within Gabès city and its surroundings, South-eastern Tunisia. Monthly samples were collected from five distinct locations: suburban-industrial (S2), suburban-residential (S3), and urban sites (S1, S4, and S5). The average monthly particle deposition flows ranged from 7.35 ± 4.24 g/m2 to 14.41 ± 6.09 g/m2, with the suburban-industrial site (S2) exhibiting the highest deposition rates. They are lower than the reference value of 30 g/m2 in the AFNOR NF-X43-007, but much higher than the Swiss OPair standard (6 g/m2). Compared to the German standard (TALUFT; 10.5 g/m2), only S2 showed significant exceedances. Hierarchical cluster analysis revealed notable statistical affinities among the study sites. Heavy metal analysis indicated fluctuating concentrations across sites, with Zn being the most abundant, followed by Pb, Cu, Ni, and Cd. The enrichment factor (EF) and geoaccumulation index (Igeo) suggested varying degrees of contamination and pollution, highlighting the impact of anthropogenic sources. The findings underscore the need for targeted mitigation strategies to address particle deposition and heavy metal contamination in Gabès and similar regions globally.

Assessment of water quality and emerging pollutants in two fish species from the mallorquin swamp in the Colombian Caribbean

The Mallorquín Swamp, an important ecosystem in Atlántico, Colombian Caribbean, underwent environmental monitoring at eight points during rainy, transition, and dry seasons. This was to assess water quality, seasonal variation, and the bioaccumulation of metals, emerging pollutants, and organic compounds in the fish Ariopsis canteri and Mugil incilis. Water parameters were analyzed using descriptive statistics and multifactorial ANOVA with the Tukey HSD test for seasonal differences. Normality and variance of the fish results were verified, and differences between groups were evaluated using ANOVA or Kruskal-Walli's method when data transformation failed. Spearman correlation was used to relate the results. Water sampling revealed variations in temperature, dissolved oxygen, salinity, and nutrient levels. Significant differences in alkalinity and hardness were observed across seasons and sample points. The most probable number (MPN) levels of Total coliform and E. coli peaked near areas with domestic wastewater inputs, reaching 5.4x106 and 4.0x106 MPN, respectively, indicating potential microbiological contamination of water. Fish samples revealed high concentrations of persistent substances such as methylmercury, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), and emerging pollutants. Heavy metal analysis showed elevated iron levels (5.28 ± 0.657 mg/L), while emerging pollutants, including ibuprofen (218 μg/L) and naproxen (343.89 μg/L), exhibited high concentrations near human settlements. Ariopsis canteri showed higher bioconcentration tendencies for methylmercury (238.5 ± 100 μg/kg), and acenaphthene (7782 ± 4123.8 μg/kg), possibly influenced by its feeding habits and habitat preferences. In contrast, Mugil incilis exhibited higher bioaccumulation trends of PAH (2376.23 ± 599.63 μg/kg acenaphthene) and emerging pollutants like galaxolide (139.49 ± 34.98 μg/kg), possibly due to its mobility and exposure to various contaminants in their environment. These findings emphasize the need to monitor and manage aquatic ecosystems' health to mitigate anthropogenic influences on water quality and biodiversity. This research serves as a reference for global conservation efforts, emphasizing the need for comprehensive monitoring and regulatory frameworks to protect aquatic environments and ensure their sustainability for future generations.

Functionalization of Ti3C2 MXene with Diethylenetriamine for a Column-Based Solid-Phase Extraction of Heavy Metals.

Transition metal carbides, nitrides, and carbonitrides, known as MXenes, are attracting attention for their potential application in trace detection of heavy metals. This study presents diethylenetriamine-functionalized Ti3C2 MXene for trace detection of cadmium and lead ions. Functionalization of Ti3C2 significantly improves the adsorption properties of MXenes by replacing native functional groups with silane moieties that contain three amine groups, offering higher affinity for heavy metals. We demonstrate the efficacy of this material as a solid-phase extractor in column-based solid-phase extraction for heavy metal analysis in various food samples. Diethylenetriamine-functionalized Ti3C2 coupled with the flame atomic absorption spectrometer exhibits exceptional analytical performance. While maintaining a robust stability for 15 adsorption-desorption cycles, the proposed method shows detection limits of 0.09 ng mL-1 for cadmium and 1.7 ng mL-1 for lead, with a linear dynamic range of 0.3-50 ng mL-1 for cadmium and 5-90 ng mL-1 for lead, and relative recoveries of 97.50-101.05 and 98.65-100.80% for cadmium and lead ions, respectively. Additionally, relative standard deviations and enrichment factors were calculated as 0.60-4.70% and 42.3 for cadmium ions and 0.65-1.24% and 44.2 for lead ions.

EDTA-Assisted MPT-MS for Trace Analysis of Heavy Metals in Fireworks.

A novel method was developed for the rapid detection of heavy metals in firework solutions with high sensitivity and minimal pretreatment by enriching them with ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) reagent and analyzing them using microwave plasma torch mass spectrometry (MPT-MS). Quantitative results showed that the limits of detection and quantification for heavy metals (Pb, Ba, Sr, and Ag) ranged from 0.05 to 0.25 and 0.38 to 0.71 μg·L-1, respectively. The linear dynamic ranges covered at least two orders of magnitude, with correlation coefficients exceeding 0.99. Fireworks from five regions in China were also analyzed quantitatively, detecting heavy metals including Pb, Ba, Sr, and Ag, with recovery rates ranging from 87.9% to 107.5%. Good separation between the firework samples from different regions was achieved by using element ratios and principal component analysis (PCA). These results from the preliminary study showed that the EDTA-assisted MPT-MS combined with PCA is a powerful tool for characterizing firework samples and tracing them back to their sources, which is valuable to effectively regulate and manage banned fireworks.

Effects of Microbiota on the Soiling Process of PV Modules in Arid Zones of the Atacama Desert

Photovoltaic technology has proven to be a reliable, economical, and clean energy source that is capable of adapting to diverse geographical conditions. However, factors such as soiling overshadow these qualities, thus leading to production losses and affecting the profitability of this technology. For these reasons, soiling is a highly studied topic, which involves considering the physicochemical characterization of the deposited material, mitigation strategies, effect predictions, and cleaning mechanisms. However, there is a relatively unexplored area related to the microbiological contribution to soiling. The surface of photovoltaic modules, along with the deposited material and local atmospheric factors, fosters favorable conditions for the colonization of microorganisms. These microorganisms influence the soiling mechanisms and optical properties of photovoltaic modules. This work presents a detailed characterization of the microbial diversity present in the soiling deposited on photovoltaic modules installed in the Atacama Desert. Two study sites were defined: Antofagasta and the Solar Platform of the Atacama Desert, which have warm and cold desert climates, respectively. Mineralogical characterization tests, heavy metal analyses, TOC, and inorganic element analyses were conducted on the deposited material. Additionally, the culturable isolates and the metagenomic DNA of the soiling samples and biofilms grown on standard PV glass were characterized using next-generation sequencing. The results show that the deposited soiling contained a microbiological component that had adapted to extreme desert conditions. The presence of the genera Arthrobacter, Kocuria, and Dietzia were identified in the culturable isolates from Antofagasta, while Arthrobacter and Dietzia were obtained from the Solar Platform of the Atacama Desert. The metagenomic DNA was mainly represented by the genera Pontibacter, Noviherbaspirillum, Massilia, Arthrobacter, Hymenobacter, and Deinococcus at Antofagasta. However, at the Solar Platform of the Atacama Desert, the analyzed samples presented DNA concentrations below 0.5 ng/µL, which made their preparation unviable. At the PSDA, the biofilms formed by the genera Peribacillus and Kocuria were identified, whereas the UA showed a greater abundance of bacteria that favored biofilm formation, including those that belonged to the genera Bacillus, Sporosarcina, Bhargavaea, Mesaobacillus, Cytobacillus, Caldakalibacillus, and Planococcus. Based on these results, we propose a soiling mechanism that considers the microbiological contribution to material cementation.

Radioactivity Levels, Spatial Distribution, and Radiological Risk Assessment of 226Ra, 228Ra, 40K, and 3H in Water Samples from Dhaka City and Savar, Bangladesh.

This investigation was conducted to measure the radioactivity levels of 226Ra, 228Ra, 40K, and 3H in the 13 most popular branded bottled mineral water (BMW), 12 groundwater sources consumed in Dhaka city, Bangladesh, and six water samples collected from the nuclear object site at Savar, adjacent to Dhaka. The activity of 3H was measured by using a liquid scintillation counter, and a gamma-ray spectrometer with an HPGe detector was used to measure the activity of other radionuclides. The average activity concentrations of 226Ra, 228Ra, 40K, and 3H in BMW samples and groundwater were found to be 1.81 ± 0.43, 1.74 ± 0.40, 43.08 ± 6.23, 2.42 ± 0.16, and 1.61 ± 0.51, 1.69 ± 0.45, 57.42 ± 3.16, and 3.02 ± 0.19 Bq/L, respectively. In addition, the activity concentrations of identified radionuclides in water samples collected from Savar were found to be 1.59 ± 0.43, 1.53 ± 0.50, 99.83 ± 3.05, and 2.95 ± 0.20 Bq/L. With the exception of 3H, the activity concentration and the annual effective dose of 40K, 226Ra, and 228Ra surpassed the acceptable thresholds of the WHO. The combined activity of radium (Rac) also exceeds the USEPA recommended maximum permissible limit of 0.185 Bq/L. The excess lifetime cancer risk results were below the permissible threshold of 10-3 for radiological risks. Groundwater was subjected to an AAS analysis for common metals (Na, Mg, and Ca) and heavy metals (Fe, Cr, Cu, and Pb). The results showed that the heavy metals were below the detection limit. Radionuclide contents in groundwater of Dhaka city were mapped spatially using a GIS technique. Statistical analyses such as one-way ANOVA, one sample t test, and Pearson's correlation analysis were also performed. According to Pearson's correlation analysis, 228Ra is mostly responsible for radiation risk in BMW and groundwater.