Heavy Metal Concentrations In Sediments Research Articles

Heavy metal concentrations in sediments from Xingyun lake, southwestern China: implications for environmental changes and human activities

Environmental changes influenced by human activities were recorded in the sediment cores from Xingyun lake. Based on the 137Cs and 210Pb dating, multi-proxy records, enrichment factor (EF), and geoaccumulation index (Igeo) methods, the history of human–environment interactions in Xingyun lake catchment during the past 140 years was studied. The results showed that the total heavy metal pollution in Xingyun lake followed the decreasing order: the northwestern > the middle > the southwestern > the southern > the north easterly. These distributions were controlled by regional geochemical background values, pollution load, and the lake current driven by prevailing southwesterly winds. The total EF value of heavy metals followed the decreasing order: EF (Zn) > EF (Cr) > EF (Pb) > EF (Cd) > EF (Cu). The total Igeo value of heavy metals also followed the decreasing order: Igeo (Zn) > Igeo (Cr) > Igeo (Pb) > Igeo (Cd) > Igeo (Cu). Consequently, the total pollution level of heavy metals followed the decreasing order: Zn > Cr > Pb > Cd > Cu. Before 1910 AD, the natural erosion caused by climate changes was the key factor for the heavy metals accumulated. After 1910 AD, the heavy metal concentrations were mainly controlled by anthropogenic impacts, the dominant sources were from industrial pollution, agricultural pollution, mining, and organic degradation. Finally, the sedimentary evolution history of Xingyun lake can be divided into four stages, i.e., (1) natural evolution stage during 1862–1910 AD, (2) anthropogenic disturbance stage during 1910–1953 AD, (3) anthropogenic reconstruction stage during 1953–1984 AD, and (4) eutrophication stage after 1984 AD.

Ecological risk assessment of heavy metals in water and sediment of the Pearl River Estuary, China

The concentration of heavy metals (Cr, Cd, Pb, Cu, Zn, Co, Ni and Tl) in water and surface sediment were investigated in the Pearl River Estuary, China. The concentrations of heavy metals in sediment were 1000-100,000 times higher than those in water. Correlation analysis and principal component analysis found that heavy metals (Zn, Cr, Pb and Co) in water may originate from anthropogenic activities, but the heavy metals in sediment indicate that Pb was dominated by nature and Zn, Cr, Co, Cd, Cu, Tl and Ni were mostly influenced by anthropogenic pollution. Enrichment factor and accumulation index of sediment heavy metal concentrations showed that S5, S6 and S7 presented a relatively serious pollution.

Genome instability in Chironomus annularius sensu Strenzke (Diptera, Chironomidae): A biomarker for assessment of the heavy metal contaminants in Poland

We studied the effect of heavy metal contaminations on genome instability of Chironomus annularius sensu Strenzke from three sampling sites on the River Chechło valley in southern Poland and a control site in Saraya, Bulgaria. The analysis of the heavy metal concentrations in sediments at the three river sites indicated concentrations higher than those in the fossil reference data (Zn 83-160 times, Pb 64-250 times, and Cd 210-793). According to the geoaccumulation index (Igeo), the sediments at all Chechło stations were classified as extremely polluted (Igeo class 6) by Cd, Pb and Zn while they were much less polluted by Cu (classes 1-3). The concentration of Cd, Pb and Zn in the sediments studied exceeded 21-79, 11-44 and 18-34 times the toxic effect threshold (TET) respectively; therefore, the sediments potentially have detrimental effects on the fauna. Genome instability was determined by somatic structural chromosome alterations (mainly heterozygous inversions) in the salivary gland chromosomes of C. annularius. On the basis of the number and frequency of these aberrations the somatic (S) and cytogenetic (C) indices were calculated as these indices allow a better quantification of the impact of heavy metals on organisms living in sediments. In the three Chechło sampling sites somatic aberrations occurred at a frequency significantly higher than in the control site (P<0.001). The three Chechło samples possess a high spectrum of somatic rearrangements with S index varying from 1.5 to 2.23 while in control site, S is 1.08. The C index of C. annularius from the polluted river sites varied from 0.163 to 0.380, far in excess of the C value of the control site (1.0), indicating strong pollution (<0.5) according to previous studies. In addition, a high level of inherited aberrations was detected (19 inherited band sequences, two of which were new). In all river stations the inverted homozygous band sequences A2.2 occurred in a high frequency (85%) and no standard sequences (A1.1) were observed. The transcription activity of Nucleolar Organizers (NORs) in chromosome arms A, C, E, G was often damaged and NOR activity was completely suppressed in 12.48% of larvae. Moreover, appearance of malformations in the external morphology of larvae was detected in 16.67% of larvae from all polluted sites. Therefore, the genome instability as estimated by two cytogenetic indices is a good biomarker of long-term toxicity and could be successfully implemented in the sediment monitoring procedures.

Ecological risk assessment of heavy metals sampled in sediments and water of the Houjing River, Taiwan

The Houjing River flows through Kaohsiung, the most industrialized city in southern Taiwan. In this study, heavy metal concentrations in water and sediments from samples along the river were investigated to illustrate metal contamination levels and call for the awareness of industrial pollution prevention. The heavy metal concentrations in the water samples were low and appear to pose little direct risk to aquatic life and irrigation, but heavy metal concentrations in the sediments are locally very high and present an environmental risk. Cadmium, Cu, and Zn were found in higher concentrations in the river sediments than those recommended in some sediment quality guidelines and findings of river sediments in similar studies worldwide. Hence, the ecological risk of heavy metal contamination in sediments was assessed using the pollution load index (PLI) and potential ecological risk index (RI). Three of the eleven sites sampled were found to have PLI values higher than 1 and 8 of them had ‘considerable’ to ‘very high’ RI values, suggesting a considerable ecological risk. These findings provide an insight into elemental metal contamination of the Houjing River and present a baseline data set, which will be critical for future development and environmental protection plans devised for the region.

Heavy metal concentrations in sediments and in mussels from Argentinean coastal environments, South America

Among environmental contaminants, heavy metals are currently considered to be some of the most toxic ones present worldwide due to their harmful effects on organisms and ability to bioaccumulate in aquatic systems. In this work, the concentration of heavy metals (Cd, Cu, Pb, Zn, Ni and Cr) in Brachidontes rodriguezii and in the fine sediments of several coastal sites at the southwest of Buenos Aires Province, Argentina is analyzed. The Bahia Blanca Estuary and Pehuen-Co beach are located in a highly complex oceanographic and ecological regional system, which creates the basis of one of the most valuable Argentinean habitats for fishing commercial species. An assessment, which involved analyzing distribution pattern of trace metals, comparative studies with sediment and ecological quality guidelines; and a sequential and integrated index analyses approach (containing Metal Pollution Index, Biosediment Accumulation Factor, Geo-accumulation Index (Igeo), Pollution Load Index and the mean Probable Effect Level quotients), was followed to estimate enrichment and risks of heavy metals in the sediments and in the mussels from these study areas. The results showed higher concentrations of some heavy metals (e.g., Cd, Cr and Ni) in mussels collected at Pehuen-Co, while no spatial differences in sediments were observed. According to the international environmental regulations, mean values of trace metals in mussels allowed to place both sites between “unpolluted and moderately polluted” and between the “low and medium category” of pollution. Furthermore, the mean concentrations found were within the detected ranges in other coastal sites worldwide.

Assessment of heavy metal pollution and ecological risk in marine sediments (A case study: Persian Gulf)

ABSTRACTThis study was made to determine the pollution status and potential ecological risk of heavy metals in sediment of Persian Gulf. Surface sediments were collected seasonally by Peterson grab, and the concentrations of heavy metals were measured by using inductively coupled plasma–optical emission spectrometry (ICP–OES). The range concentrations obtained in mg/kg were 10,800–22,400 for Fe, 5.32–10.12 for Pb, 24.63–42.38 for Ni, 22.52–39.46 for Cu, and 31.64–47.20 for Cr. The concentrations of Pb, Ni, Cu, and Cr have been found lower than the Interim Sediment Quality Guidelines and probable effect level values suggesting that heavy metal contents in sediments from area of study would not be expected to cause adverse biological effects on the biota. The obtained enrichment factor values for various metals were between minimal enrichment (Pb = 0.5) and extremely enrichment (Cu = 3.11). The values of Igeo for Pb, Ni, Cu, and Cr were characterized under no pollution (0). The highest value of potential ecological risk index (RI) (8.36) was observed at St. 4 while the lowest value (5.25) was detected at station 6. Based on potential ecological RI, the Persian Gulf had low ecological risk.

Determination of Heavy Metal Concentrations in Sediment of Bonny River, Nigeria

Determination of Heavy Metal Concentrations in Sediment of Bonny River, Nigeria

Sediment Speciation from Dekin Groundwater at District of Dangbo (South Benin)

The objective of this research is to determine the physicochemical elements contained in the groundwater and in the deposits originating from these waters of the Arrondissement of Dêkin, Commune of Dangbo in the South of Benin. Physical parameters were measured from the multi-parameter and the chemical parameters by reagent assays. The precipitate from the groundwater was studied by speciation. The different assays were carried out using the Hach Lange DR2800 Spectrophotometer. The data processing was done with different software including ArcGis 10.1, Diagram.Ink of Roland SIMLER and PHREEQC 2.17.4137. Strong mineralization of the deposit from the drilling water was indicated in these three elements: Copper (220.1 mg/kg), iron (2528 mg/kg) and zinc (239.5 mg/kg) whose contents are higher than the French guideline values for heavy metal content in sediments in mg/kg. The calculation of the Saturation Indices of the drilling water shows saturation with respect to Goethite and Hematite. All these results have led us to conclude that the high content of Metallic Trace Element (MTE) in the deposit and especially of the iron in the drilling water originates from the dissolution-precipitation of the aquifer rock.

AN ASSESSMENT OF HEAVY METALS POLLUTION POTENTIAL OF ROAD SEDIMENT DERIVED FROM A SUBURBAN ROAD NETWORK UNDER DIFFERENT WEATHER CONDITIONS

The quantification of heavy metals in dry and wet weather derived (runoff and snowfall) sediment from roads, under three different environmental conditions, has indeed the potential to allow improved understanding on urban diffuse pollution. With that aim, the reported study determined the concentrations of Cd, Cu, Pb, Ni, Cr and Zn in road sediment, which are reported to be found in elevated level in the road-traffic environment, and associated pollution levels at four different sites, representing a typical suburban road lay-out, as part of a 10 months field and laboratory studies. The heavy metal concentrations in sediments are determined by strong nitric acid digestion and atomic absorption spectrometry. The results reveal that road sediment contain significant amounts of heavy metals and their concentrations vary with sediment type and size fraction (wet weather, snow and dry sediments), and between sampling sites according to the site specific attributes rather than traffic volume alone. The metal concentrations among three different environmental conditions are found in the order of rainfall-runoff, snow and dry sediment associated with smaller size fractions, in general. Contamination assessment suggests that road sediment may likely pose a moderate to considerable level of ecological risk to the nearby water environment which need attention while designing sustainable urban drainage for roads.

Limnological Assessment of Heavy Metals Concentration in Water and Sediment of Oguta Lake, South-East Nigeria, Nigeria

Limnological Assessment of Heavy Metals Concentration in Water and Sediment of Oguta Lake, South-East Nigeria, Nigeria

Pollution history of Neva Bay bottom sediments (eastern Gulf of Finland, Baltic Sea)

Neva Bay is the shallowest and easternmost part of the Gulf of Finland (Baltic Sea). St. Petersburg, Russia’s second largest city, occupies the coastal area where the Neva River debouches into Neva Bay. St. Petersburg has a protracted history of industrial, transportation and urban related activity that have affected Neva Bay. By the sealing off the bay from the eastern Gulf of Finland, the St. Petersburg Flood Protective Facility, which was constructed from the 1970‘s to 2011, transformed Neva Bay into a “technogenic” lagoon. Neva Bay sediments record a unique history of pollution near the metropolis. Heavy metal concentrations of most elements studied varied consistently throughout sediment cores. Temporal trends indicate that metals started to accumulate abruptly in the first half of the 20th century. Zinc, lead and copper were the first metals to reach contaminant thresholds implicating the regional base metal industry as a source. Significant increase in cadmium levels a decade or two later suggests pollution from the regional chemical industry. Comparison of geochemical data collected from sediment cores and recent annual sediment surveys highlighted the temporal history and potential sources of pollution in Neva Bay. Intensive dredging in 2007–2008 resuspended and redistributed contaminated sediment around Neva Bay causing a dramatic increase in benthic sediment heavy metal concentrations. Concentrations of all measured metals subsequently declined from 2009–2014 relative to the elevated values observed for 2007–2008. Pollution history of Neva Bay bottom sediments is closely linked with changing of sedimentation conditions. Analyses of sedimentological data collected by 20th and 21st century scientific surveys reveal dramatic shifts in Neva Bay sedimentation processes over the last three centuries. The western part of Neva Bay has transitioned from a sanddominated system to one of mud accumulation with the aerial extent of mud deposition expanding significantly during the 20th century. This inventory coupled with an understanding of primary natural and anthropogenic processes can help inform decision makers to support the overall ecological health of the bay.

Heavy metal and potential ecological risk assessment in sedimentscollected from Poombuhar to Karaikal Coast of Tamilnadu using Energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence (EDXRF) technique

Heavy metal concentrations in coastal sediments from Poombuhar to Karaikal of South East Coast of Tamilnadu were conducted to evaluate the level of contamination. The metal concentrations were analyzed in sediment samples using Energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence technique. The determined mean metal concentration is in the order of Ca>Ti>K>Al>Fe>Mg>Zn>Ni>Cr>V>Mn>Co The heavy metals contamination in sediments is assessed using pollution indices like Contamination factor (Cf), Contamination Degree (Cd), Modified Degree of Contamination (mCd) and potential contamination index (Cp). The environmental risks of the heavy metals in sediments assessed by the potential ecological risk factor. From the analysis, sediments are polluted by Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Ca and Pb due to anthropogenic activites (fishermen boat activites) in the study area. The results of this study would provide a useful aid for sustainable marine management in the region.

Serpentine geology links to water quality and heavy metals in sediments of a stream system in central Queensland, Australia

Serpentinite soils, common throughout the world, are characterized by low calcium-to-magnesium ratios, low nutrient levels and elevated levels of heavy metals. Yet the water quality and heavy metal concentrations in sediments of streams draining serpentine geology have been little studied. The aim of this work was to collect baseline data on the water quality (for both wet and dry seasons) and metals in sediments at 11 sites on the Marlborough Creek system, which drains serpentine soils in coastal central Queensland, Australia. Water quality of the system was characterized by extremely hard waters (555–698 mg/L as CaCO3), high dissolved salts (684–1285 mg/L), pH (8.3–9.1) and dissolved oxygen (often >110% saturation). Cationic dominance was Mg > Na > Ca > K and for anions HCO3 > Cl > SO4. Al, Cu and Zn in stream waters were naturally high and exceeded Australian and New Zealand Environment and Conservation Council guidelines. Conductivity displayed the highest seasonal variability, decreasing significantly after wet season flows. There was little seasonal variation in pH, which often exceeded regional guidelines. Stream sediments were enriched with concentrations of Ni, Cr, Co and Zn up to 35, 21, 10 and 2 times the world average for shallow sediments, respectively. Concentrations for Ni and Cr were up to 60 and 16 times those of the relevant Interim Sediment Quality Guidelines Low Trigger Values, respectively. The distinctive nature of the water and sediment data suggests that it would be appropriate to establish more localized water quality and sediment guidelines for the creek system for the water quality parameters conductivity, Cu and Zn (and possibly Cr and Cd also), and for sediment concentrations of Cd, Cr and Ni.

Yangtze River: the potential ecological risk of heavy metals in sediment from 1996 to 2012

The Yangtze River is a typical river basin in China. As the third largest river in the world and closely related to the life of 4 hundred million people, the Yangtze River has attracted much attention. The heavy metal content of sediments is an important part to evaluate the heavy metal pollution in aquatic ecosystem. In this work, seven kinds of heavy metals including Cu, Hg, Pb, Zn, Cr, Cd and As were selected as the research objects, and the potential ecological risk index method was selected as the analysis method. Based on the results on the investigations of heavy metals in Yangtze River sediments in recent 20 years that we could find until 2016, we conducted a collection and analysis. The results showed that the potential ecological risk of these seven heavy metals in the Yangtze River Basin in the past 20 years had a low level. In addition, the ecological risk factors of Cd and Hg were significantly higher than other heavy metals, which should be paid attention in the future management and control work.

Bioecological and statistical risk assessment of toxic metals in sediments of a worldwide important wetland: Gala Lake National Park (Turkey)

Abstract Gala Lake National Park that has an international importance is one of the most important wetland ecosystems for Turkey. As same as many aquatic habitats, Gala Lake is under a significant anthropogenic pressure originated from agricultural activities conducted around the lake and from industrial discharges by means of Ergene River. The aim of this study was to evaluate the sediment quality of Gala Lake and Irrigation Canal by investigating some toxic element accumulations (As, B, Ni, Cr, Pb, Cd, Zn and Cu) from a statistical perspective. Pearson Correlation Index (PCI) and Factor Analysis (FA) were applied to detected data in order to determine the associated contaminants and effective factors on the system. Potential Ecological Risk Index (RI) and Biological Risk Index based sediment quality guidelines (mERM-Q) applied to detected data in order to assess the ecological and biological risks of heavy metals in the ecosystem. Also Geographic Information System (GIS) technology was used to make visual explanations by presenting distribution maps of investigated elements. According to the results of PCI, significant positive correlations were recorded among the investigated toxic elements at 0.01 significance level. According to the results of FA, two factors, which were named as “Agricultural Factor” and “Industrial Factor”, explained 86.6% of the total variance. According to the results of Potential Ecological Risk Index, cadmium was found to be the highest risk factor and according to results of Biological Risk Index, nickel and chromium were found to be the highest risk factors for Gala Lake and Irrigation Canal. As a result of the present study, it was also determined that heavy metal contents in sediments of Gala Lake National Park reached to critical levels and the system is intensively under effect of agricultural and industrial originated pollution.

Heavy Metal Contents in Sediments of an Urban Industrialized Area—A Case Study of Tongi Canal, Bangladesh

Heavy Metal Contents in Sediments of an Urban Industrialized Area—A Case Study of Tongi Canal, Bangladesh

Effect of Climate Change through Temperature Increase on Heavy Metals Concentrations in Water and Sediment of Ekpan Creek, Delta State, Nigeria

Climate change affect the physiochemical characteristics of water bodies directly through temperature increase with resultant effect in reducing heavy metals concentrations in surface water temporarily, and indirectly changing the physical and chemical processes related to temperature in the water columns. This scenario concomitantly increase the rate of biochemical processes with a significant decrease in oxygen concentration, as well as the composition and distribution of metals in water and sediment. The concentrations of heavy metals in water and sediment of Ekpan Creek was investigated from December 2009 to May 2010 at monthly interval. Five sampling stations was designated along the water stretch for water and sediment collection. The Varian Techron Spectr AA – 10 Atomic Absorption Spectrometer (S/N.902 1318) with a printer attached was used for the determination of phosphate, sulphate, nitrate, copper, iron, chromium, manganese, lead, zinc and cadmium. At the stations, air temperature ranged from 27.9°C to 33.4°C, water temperature from 28°C to 34°C; TDS, 463 to 503 mg/L; DO, 4.12 to 7.44 mg/L; hardness, 85.47 to 125 mg/L; phosphate, in water (0.03 to 0.18 mg/L) sediment, 17.85 to 2484 mg/L); Nitrate in water 0.02 to 0.04 mg/L, sediment 1.47 to 9.51 mg/L; Sulphate in water 19.26 to 50.66 mg/L, sediment 1.47 to 9.51 mg/L; iron in water 0.65 to 0.43 mg/L, sediment 380.37 to 239.17 mg/L; Zinc in water 0.32 to 0.13 mg/L, sediment 8.11 to 3.14 mg/L; Copper in water 0.0038 to 0.0014 mg/L, sediment 1.33 to 0.05 mg/L; lead in water 0.0042 to 0.001 mg/L; Sediment 0.16 to 0.02 mg/L; Cadmium in water 0.028 to 0.001 mg/L, 0.504 to 0.019 mg/L; Chromium in water 0.0038 to 0.0012 mg/L, sediment 0.801 to 0.001 mg/L; Manganese 2.44 to 0.86 mg/L. The present study recommend enforcement of strict regulation of anthropogenic input of these metals to the river and more in-depth study of the impacts of climate change on metals concentrations in aquatic systems.

Assessing Heavy Metals Accumulation in the Leaves and Sediments of Urban Mangroves (Avicennia marina (Forsk.) Vierh.) in Bahrain

Accumulation of 8 heavy metals (HM), Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Mo, Ni, Pb, and Zn, was assessed in the leaves and sediments of gray mangrove (Avicennia marina (Forsk.) Vierh.) at three sites along Tubli Bay using Inductive Coupled Plasma Analyzer. The results showed no significant differences in HM contents in the leaves of mangroves between the sites except for Mo and Zn. HM concentrations (mg L−1) in leaves were in the following order: Fe > Zn > Mn > Mo > Cu > Ni > Cr. Significant differences existed between sediment content of Tubli site and the other two sites with regard to Cr, Cu, Pb, and Zn due to direct exposure of the site to wastewater outfalls. A general trend of decline in HM concentrations was noticeable from the top towards deeper sediment layers in all the sites of the study area. Concentration of HM in sediment was in the following order: Fe > Mn > Zn > Cu > Cr > Pb > Ni. HM concentration in sediments far exceeded the amount present in the leaves of the mangrove except for Ni. The amounts of HM in mangrove sediments were comparable to regional findings and fell within known sediment quality guidelines.

Effects of Urbanization on the Heavy Metal Concentrations in the Red Sea Coastal Sediments, Egypt

The total concentrations of heavy metals (Cu, Zn, Pb, Cd, Fe, Mn, Ni and Co) were determined in surface sediments from the coastal area of the Red Sea in four cities (Ras-Gharib, Hurghada, Safaga, and Qusier). In all sediment samples, the mean concentration ranges in (µg/g) of the studied metals were 11.2-145.3, 14.2-225.5, 18.5-90.8, 1.4-5.6, 1373-31,089, 72.5-758.5, 15.3-65.7 and 10.2-26.3, respectively. The effects of population pressure and different activities on metal contamination were evaluated, and metals were grouped according to sources of contamination using Principal Component Analysis (PCA). Maritime activities in Hurghada showed highest risk of contamination with Cu, Zn and Pb, while the sediments of Safaga City showed highest contaminated with Fe and Mn. The sediments quality and ecological risk of heavy metals were assessed relating to the sediments background levels of metals and calculating contamination factor (CF), metal pollution load index (MPI), enrichment factor (EF) and geo-accumulation index (I geo ). Average values of EF showed that Pb and Cd were highly enriched from anthropogenic contamination. The recorded (I geo ) values of Co and Cd were categorized as moderately polluted, while Pb was strongly effective pollutant in the studied sediments.

Heavy metals in river surface sediments affected with multiple pollution sources, South China: Distribution, enrichment and source apportionment

Understanding sources and fate of heavy metals in river basin is crucial for assessing risks associated with human and ecosystem exposure. To provide basic information for agriculture and industry transferring in future, environmental development planning and decision-making, and drinking water source protecting associated with human health in the region, compound heavy metal pollution in the Maba River, South China, was investigated to evaluate spatial distribution and pollution levels using geo-accumulation index (Igeo). In addition, heavy metal concentrations in sediments were measured and compared with sediment quality guidelines (SQGs). The main contamination sources of heavy metals and the concrete contribution were identified and calculated using multivariate statistical analysis (MSA) and factor analysis-multiple linear regression (FA-MLR) methods. The results showed that the heavy metals exposed in sediments of the Maba River largely due to anthropogenic sources, such as smelting and mining. The heavy metal concentrations found in surface sediments were significantly higher than the local background values, especially in the mixed region. The migration and transformation process of river metals was mainly affected by hydraulic conditions and sediment characteristics. The Igeo and SQGs produced similar levels of heavy metals pollution in sediments, thereby confirming each other's results, indicating that the Maba River is heavily contaminated, and As, Hg, Pb, Zn, Cd and Cu were likely to effect on the aquatic ecosystem. Based on MSA and FA-MLR, the results showed that about 87% of Cu came from the mine tailing wastewater runoff, 77%, 66% and 72% of Tl, Hg and Cd respectively originated from the smelting wastewater discharge. Results of this study will be useful in assessing and managing regional point source pollution. Further investigation on fate and toxicity of heavy metals associated with human health risks is needed in future studies.