Levels Of Heavy Metals In Sediments Research Articles

Spatial Distribution of Heavy Metals in Near-Shore Marine Sediments of the Jeddah, Saudi Arabia Region: Enrichment and Associated Risk Indices

Red Sea coastal development has rapidly accelerated in recent decades that has led to a rise in the anthropogenic heavy metal levels in sediments. A total of 80 surficial sediment samples were collected from the shallow waters along the eastern Red Sea coast near Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. These samples were collected from three locations, designated as North, Middle and South of Jeddah, to assess the concentrations of six heavy metals: chromium (Cr), manganese (Mn), nickel (Ni), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), and lead (Pb). The results showed that the concentrations (mg/kg) of these metals in the studied sediments follow this order: Pb (77.34 ± 150.59) > Mn (36.52 ± 37.72) > Zn (18.02 ± 23.94) > Cr (9.56 ± 5.81) > Cu (9.18 ± 13.67) > Ni (3.68 ± 4.54). The majority of the polluted sediments were recorded in the Middle and South locations. Pollution and enrichment indices such as Geo-accumulation indices (Igeo), Enrichment Factors (Ef), Contamination Factors (Cf), Pollution Load Indices (PLI), Potential Ecological Risk Indices (PERI) and Potential Toxicity Response Indices (RI) were calculated from the measured metals to establish baselines for the region and assess specific metal enrichments by location along the Jeddah coastline. The Igeo values showed that 30% of the Southern location stations are considered moderately to highly polluted. The Ef for all the studied sediments followed this order: Pb (extremely severe enrichment) > Zn > Cu > Cd > Cr (severe enrichment) > Ni (moderate enrichment).

Ecological risk assessment of heavy metals in sediment, fish, and human hair from Chabahar Bay, Makoran, Iran

In this study, heavy metal levels in sediments, human hair, and fish muscle tissue as well as organic matter (OM%) content in surface sediments of Chabahar Bay were determined to assess their ecological risks and sources. Totally, 96 samples were collected from 16 stations (Tiss, Konarak, desalination plant, entrance of Chabahar Bay, Posm, Ramin, and reference stations) and were analyzed using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Abundances of elements were of the following order: Ca>Al>Fe>Mg>Na>K>S>P>Ti>Mn>Sr>Ba>Cr>Ni>V>Li>Zn>Cu>Co>Pb>As>Cd>Ag>Se>Sb>Be>Mo>Bi. Element levels in sediments were within the range of low pollution areas, except for Cr, As, Ni, and Cd. Dominant sources of elements were natural, except for Cd, which was anthropogenic. All geo-accumulation index (Igeo) values were less than zero, except for Ag, Cd, and Sr from heavily to moderately contaminated areas. Eri values indicated low ecological risk, except for Cd which showed a high ecological risk. The As levels limit the consumption of fish meal per month.

Can climate change transform non-toxic sediments into toxic soils?

Our work addresses a neglected aspect of heavy metal (HM) pollution of sediments in small floodplain reservoirs. Very little is known about this type of water bodies, in contrast to oxbow lakes or old river beds. The study examines the spatial horizontal distribution of HM and the effect of texture, organic carbon (OC) content, morphometric and location features on HM concentrations. Moreover, the data from the assessment of sediment toxicity were analysed with respect to recent years' droughts to estimate the potential toxicity of sediments as soils. The statistical analyses showed that the texture and the OC content had a significant impact on the HM concentrations. Fine-grained and OC-rich sediments exhibited higher HM pollution. Only one morphometric/location factor was shown to affect HM levels in sediments – the angle between the reservoir axis and the riverbed. The angle value affected the texture and, consequently, the HM content: with a rising angle the share of the coarse-grained fraction increased leading to a decrease in the HM concentration. The spatial horizontal HM distribution did not show statistically significant results, nonetheless, HM content was found to rise along with the distance from the initial part of reservoir. The toxicity levels were not exceeded in sediments, however, the evaluation of the material as soil showed that, according to European Union guidelines, the content of at least one HM was toxic in 80% of the samples. Contaminated floodplain reservoirs should be regarded as a double threat to riverine ecosystems. On the one hand, they are one of the main non-point sources of river valley pollution; on the other hand, given the drying up of reservoirs, sediments become soils and the soil-bound heavy metals become more toxic to the environment.

Spatial variations and periodic changes in heavy metals in surface water and sediments of the Three Gorges Reservoir, China

Substantial changes have occurred in hydrological situation of the Three Gorges Reservoir (TGR) after the operation of the Three Gorges project, as have the heavy metals (HMs) pollution characteristics. In this study, concentrations of Cu, Zn, Pb, Cr, and Cd in surface water and sediments of the TGR were determined during the water impoundment period (December 2015) and water drawdown period (June 2016). The index of geoaccumulation, principal component analysis (PCA), and correlation analysis were used to analyze HMs pollution characteristics. Results showed that HMs concentrations in surface water were much lower than the quality standards for drinking water and surface water of China. The pollution levels of HMs in sediments were nonpolluted for Cr, nonpolluted to moderately polluted for Cu, Zn, Pb, and moderately polluted for Cd. In the fluctuating backflow zone, HMs concentrations in sediments during the water drawdown period were lower than those during the water impoundment period, which was attributed to that faster flow velocity during the water drawdown period resulted in less deposition of suspended solids and faster release of HMs pollutants from sediments to water. HMs concentrations of sediments at sites M14 and M17 showed similar periodic changes to those at the fluctuating backflow zone, which might be attributed to the density-stratified flow in the adjacent upstream tributaries (Meixi River and Qinggan River, respectively). Correlation analysis and PCA analysis results showed that for the sediments, Cr came from natural sources, while Cu, Zn, Pb, and Cd mainly came from anthropogenic sources.

Integrated assessment of heavy metal pollution using transplanted mussels in eastern Guangdong, China

Heavy metal contamination has been widely studied in coastal areas around the world. However, integrative studies of heavy metals pollution by monitoring and characterizing sediments, organisms, and biomarkers as well as their holistic interactions are rare. Here, we selected a developed coastal area in eastern Guangdong, China as the study field. Heavy metal analysis (both in sediment and mussel) and biomarker tests, including neutral red retention time test (NRRT) and micronuclei (MN) test, were employed in the current research. Anthropogenic activities influenced the heavy metal levels in sediments. Significant relationships (p < 0.05) were observed in the concentrations of Cd, Cu, and Zn between sediments and transplanted mussel, and significant relationships (p < 0.05) were also observed in between the concentrations of Cd, Cu, and Zn in sediments and the NRRT of mussel. The potential ecological risk index (RI) of sediments significantly correlated with NRRT (R = −0.991, p < 0.05). In Hao River, where the highest RI of sediments was found, the highest MN frequency and the lowest NRRT in mussels were detected simultaneously. The results indicated that the heavy metal pollution might cause subcellular toxic and genotoxic effects on mussels, especially for those from polluted areas (i.e., Hao River). The present study suggests that the transplanted green-lipped mussels are suitable for assessing heavy metal pollution, especially for Cd, Cu, and Zn.

Sensitivity of macroinvertebrate indicator taxa to metal gradients in mining areas in Northern Spain

The study of macroinvertebrate communities using a Reference Condition Approach (RCA) is a powerful tool for detecting the impacts of mining activities due to heavy metal contamination in rivers. However, studies on this topic based on an RCA fully satisfying the Water Framework Directive (WFD) criteria for reference site selection are still scarce. Following a WFD-compliant RCA design, a total of 14 reference and 15 test sites were intensively sampled during July 2015 in the Nalón River basin (Asturias, Northern Spain). Macroinvertebrate samples, water physicochemistry, metal concentrations in sediments and habitat quality were evaluated at each selected site. To determine whether increasing heavy metal levels in sediments have significant ecological impacts in the structure of macroinvertebrate communities in the study area, we applied a combination of non-parametric multivariate and univariate procedures, as well as gradient analysis and Threshold Indicator Taxa ANalysis (TITAN) over the biotic and environmental datasets. We found significant alterations in the macroinvertebrate community structure with respect to the reference condition (REF group) for those test sites within mercury (HG group) and gold (AU group) mining areas, with Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera and Trichoptera (EPT) richness and abundance being the community descriptors showing the strongest alterations in relation to mining pressures in the studied area. Metal concentrations in sediments were significantly correlated to the metrics of community structure related to abundance, richness and biodiversity, with As and Hg being the two metals showing higher biological effects on macroinvertebrate assemblages. TITAN also allowed us to establish a set of macroinvertebrate families specifically sensitive to metal concentrations in sediments, most of which corresponded to EPT families. Our results prove that determined sensitive taxa could be considered as reliable indicators of metal pollution in the mining areas of Northern Spain. From a WFD perspective, our study clearly indicates that the responsive community descriptors found in this study are actually key parameters in the evaluation of the ecological status in the rivers of Northern Spain. These data are highly relevant for the future development of environmental quality standards for river sediments in Spain.

Spatial variation and toxicity assessment for heavy metals in sediments of intertidal zone in a typical subtropical estuary (Min River) of China.

Sediment samples were collected in five marshes (C1, Phragmites australis marsh; C2, P. australis and Cyperus malaccensis marsh; C3, C. malaccensis marsh; C4, Spartina alterniflora marsh; and C5, Cyperus compressus marsh) respectively along two typical transects (T1 and T2) extending from the vegetated marsh to the mudflat in a typical subtropical estuary (Min River) of China in July 2015 to investigate the spatial variation and toxicity of heavy metals (Pb, Cr, Cu, Zn, and Ni) in intertidal zone. Results showed that the concentrations of heavy metal in surface sediments of the two transects were in the order of Zn>Cr>Pb>Cu>Ni and slightly decreased from the land to the sea except for Pb and Zn. The levels of the five metals at C5 marsh were generally the lowest, while those of Pb, Cr, and Zn at C2 marsh were the highest. The vertical variations of Pb, Cr, and Zn concentrations in profiles differed among marshes or transects, and in most cases, there was no evidence of sediment organic matter (SOM) contributing to the sorption of significant amount of metals in sediments along the two transects, while grain composition was a primary factor controlling the spatial variations of metals. Both the vertical distributions of Cu and Ni levels among marshes or transects showed little fluctuation, which could be better explained by the effects of sulfur on the solubility and mobility of the two metals in profiles. Heavy metal levels in sediments of the Min River estuary were much higher compared with most estuaries in Asia, Europe, Africa, and South America. The sediments in intertidal zone of the Min River estuary were moderately polluted by the five metals, and particularly, Ni was identified as heavy metal of primary concern. Both Ni and Pb in sediments of the intertidal zone showed high potential toxicity and high contributions to the sum of the toxic units (ΣTUs). In future, the metal pollutions in intertidal zone of the Min River estuary might be more serious, and in the next step, there will be long-term potential consequences for endangered animals or migrant birds if measures are not taken to rehabilitate the sediments resulting from metal pollutions.

Heavy metal distribution in mangrove sediment cores from selected sites along western coast of India

Sediment cores were collected from four different mangrove areas of northern Kerala and southern Karnataka, western coast of India. The cores were analysed for the concentration of five heavy metals (Pb, Ni, Zn, Cu Fe) using Atomic Absorption Spectrometry. The levels of heavy metals in the present study from all the four sediment cores were in the order Fe &gt; Pb &gt; Zn &gt; Ni &gt; Cu and the mean concentrations of each elements in different cores were comparable. According to Sediment Quality Guidelines (SQG), the mangrove sediments analysed here were moderately contaminated with Ni and heavily contaminated with Pb. The increased concentration of Ni and Pb in the sediments might be due to their atmospheric deposition or water discharge from different far away sources since the areas selected for study were not disturbed by direct anthropogenic impacts. Elevated levels of Fe which is considered to be a common phenomenon in mangrove sediments have also been found in the present study. Heavy metal levels in sediments showed statistically significant correlations with pH, calcium carbonate and organic matter. This suggests the influence of physico-chemical parameters on the adsorption, deposition and persistence of heavy metals in mangrove sediments. The heavy metal concentration and the pollution status of the mangroves of west coast, especially the areas selected in this work are less studied before. Hence the data provide from the present baseline study would be further helpful in remediation and management of mangrove ecosystem.

Review of 15 Years of Research on Sediment Heavy Metal Contents and Sediment Nutrient Release in Inland Aquatic Ecosystems, Turkey

Turkey’s inland water ecosystem consists of 33 rivers (177.714 miles), 200 natural lakes (906.118 ha), 159 reservoirs (342.377 ha) and 750 ponds (15.500 ha). Sedimentological studies conducted on inland water ecosystems during the last 15 years in Turkey can be categorized into two main topics. The first group of studies is concerned with heavy metal levels in sediment, with especial reference to the interaction between water, sediment and aquatic organisms. Additionally, the studies in question deal with the potential impacts of heavy metal concentrations on the ecosystem. The second group of studies is concerned with the role of eutrophication in the sediment as a result of serious contamination of inland water ecosystems. It is known that the sediment can directly influence the nutrient level in standing inland waters such as lakes and ponds by way of internal nutrient loading. In this context, studies regarding sediment, overlying water, sediment pore water and nutrient release from the sediment should be emphasized as these are important steps with respect to the eutrophication process. By keeping these studies in mind, the researcher in this study compiled and analyzed studies dealing with inland water ecosystems with differing nutrient levels and uses, including for drinking water, in Turkey’s drainage basins. In addition, field and laboratory studies regarding nutrient release from sediment into Turkey’s inland water ecosystems were evaluated in light of lake management practices.

The impact of agronomic inputs on selected physicochemical features and their relationships with heavy metals levels in surface sediment and water in sugarcane farms in Nzoia, Kenya

Sugarcane farming is the most important cash crop cultivation activity in the Lake Victoria basin of Kenya practised in an area covering approximately 114,000 Ha in total. For better yields, various agronomic inputs including fertilizers and herbicides have been used intensively in the farms, causing serious concerns about their potential impacts on the aquatic ecosystems within the lake basin. In this study, the physicochemical features of surface sediment and water including pH, total organic carbon contents and heavy metal (Cd, Cu, Zn, Pb and Cr) loads in River Kuywa and in runoff canals in sugarcane farms in Nzoia nucleus estate within the lake basin were determined to assess the effects of agronomic activities including agronomic inputs in the form of nitrogenous fertilizers [urea and diammonium phosphate (DAP)], herbicides and sewage sludge used in farming on their levels. The results indicated significant differences (p ≤ 0.05) in the heavy metal levels in sediment and water samples taken before and after the farms, respectively, indicating a positive impact on the concentration levels. The canal water and sediment samples’ heavy metal levels were also significantly higher than those of the river samples showing that the influent sugarcane farm canal waters transfer these contaminants into River Kuywa. Although the levels of these parameters were significantly higher in the canals than in the controls obtained from outside the sugarcane farms, the heavy metal levels in soil samples from within the farms with similar agronomic activities did not differ significantly among the various plots. The turbidity, electrical conductivity, temperature, water and soil pH and total organic carbon values in samples obtained within the sugarcane farms showed significant seasonal variations and differed significantly from the values in the controls showing a significant negative impact of agronomic inputs on water quality.

Assessment of Heavy Metal Levels in Sediment of the Xiangjiang River Section Flowing through Changsha

In order to assess polluting condition of heavy metals in sediment of the Xiangjiang River Changsha section, the spatial distribution of four heavy metals were determined in river sediments at six sampling stations. Geo-accumulation Index of heavy metals in superficial sediment of the Xiangjiang River Changsha section was in the decreasing order of Cd&gt;Zn&gt;Pb&gt;Cu. On the whole, the pollution level was moderate-high, and the order of four heavy metals pollution lever was noted in the sequence of Liuyang River entrance of Xiangjiang&gt; Juzizhou Bridge &gt;Houzishi Bridge&gt; the Second Xiangjiang River Bridge &gt; Xiangjiang Super Bridge &gt; Xiangjiang Sanchaji Bridge. The Potential Ecological Risk Evaluation showed that heavy metals ecological risk in sediment of the Xiangjiang River Changsha section was very high, Cd was the primary contribution element, followed by Pb.

Investigation of Heavy Metal Levels in Sediment of the Berdan River (Tarsus- Mersin)

Ozet Bu calismada Mersin Ili'nin onemli akarsularindan birisi olan Berdan Cayi'nda mevsimsel olarak toplanan sediment orneklerinde Kadmiyum (Cd), Krom (Cr), Mangan (Mn), Nikel (Ni), Cinko (Zn), Bakir (Cu), Kursun (Pb), Demir (Fe) ve Aluminyum (Al) gibi agir metallerin birikim duzeyleri arastirilmistir. Calisma sonuclarina gore sedimentte agir metal birikim duzeyleri, Fe; 18521,91 μg/g, Al;12907,70 μg/g, Mn; 377,40 μg/g, Ni; 167,68 μg/g, Cr; 57,81 μg/g, Zn; 45,59 μg/g, Cu; 28,38 μg/g, Pb; 22,82 μg/g ve Cd; 4,54 μg/g olarak tespit edilmis ve agir metaller Fe>Al>Mn>Ni>Cr>Zn>Cu>Pb>Cd olarak siralama gostermistir. Sonuc olarak Berdan Cayi'nin kirlilik tehdidi altinda oldugu saptamistir. Anahtar Kelimeler: Agir metal, Berdan Cayi, sediment. Investigation of Heavy Metal Levels in Sediment of the Berdan River (Tarsus- Mersin) Abstract In the study, samples were seasonally taken from Berdan River- which is one of the major rivers in the province of Mersin -and accumulation levels of heavy metals such as Cadmium (Cd), Chromium (Cr), Manganese (Mn), Nickel (Ni), Zinc (Zn), Copper (Cu), Lead (Pb), Iron (Fe) and Aluminum (Al) were determined in sediment samples According to results of the study, heavy metal accumulation levels in the sediment Fe; 18521.91 μg/g, Al;12907.70 μg/g, Mn; 377.40 μg/g, Ni; 167.68 μg/g, Cr; 57.81 μg/g, Zn; 45.59 μg/g, Cu; 28.38 μg/g, Pb; 22.82 μg/g and Cd; 4.54 μg/g were fasten down and heavy metals were in the sequence as follows: Fe>Al>Mn>Ni>Cr>Zn>Cu>Pb>Cd. Finally, it has been observed that Berdan River is under the threat of pollution.

Determination of Heavy Metal Levels in Sediment and Macroalgae (Ulva Sp. and Enteromorpha Sp.) on the Mersin Coast

This study was conducted to determine heavy metal levels in macroalgae (Ulva sp. and Enteromorpha sp.) on four beach heavily used by the people in the province of Mersin, for this purpose; Aluminum (Al), chromium (Cr), manganese (Mn), iron (Fe), nickel (Ni), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) levels were determined on a monthly basis. The results showed that the highest accumulation of heavy metals in algae were detected at station 1 with Cu and Zn, at station 2 with Cd and at station 4 with Al, Mn, Fe and Ni. Accumulation levels of heavy metals have been detected in the order Fe>Al>Mn>Ni>Zn> Cr>Cu>Pb>Cd; Fe>Al>Ni>Mn>Zn>Cr>Cu>Pb>Cd and Fe>Al>Mn>Ni>Cr>Zn>Pb>Cd> Cu in Ulva sp, in Enteromorpha sp. and in sediment samples respectively.

Heavy Metal and Bacterial Pollution of the Sava River in Serbia

The aim of this study was to establish microbial and heavy metal pollution of the Sava River at three locations close to industry and urban areas (Šabac, Obrenovac, Beograd) in Serbia. Heavy metal analysis included Cu, Zn, Pb, and Cd in the river water and sediment samples. Using the microbiological analysis we tried to establish the effectiveness of total coliforms, faecal coliforms and Escherichia coli in detecting pollution of surface waters. We found that E. coli levels steadily increased downstream from Šabac (location 1; 2100 MPN per 100 mL) to Belgrade (location 3; 10000 MPN per 100 mL). To prevent bacterial contamination, it is necessary to reduce the discharge of wastewater with faecal matters near highly populated towns. Heavy metal levels in sediments correlated with those in the river water. Fluctuations attributed mainly to anthropogenic sources were not high. These results point to acceptable anthropogenic contribution to heavy metal content in the Sava River and to low environmental risk.

Heavy metal levels in biota and sediments in the northern coast of the Marmara Sea.

Concentration of Cd, Co, Cr, Ni, Zn, Fe, Mn, Pb and Cu were determined in biota and sediment samples collected from the Marmara Sea in Turkey. The levels of Zn, Fe, Mn, Pb and Cu in the macroalgae are higher than previous studies in the Marmara Sea. Moreover, Cu and Zn concentrations at the present study are significantly high than Bosphorus and Black Sea algae. The order heavy metal concentrations in the mussel samples was: Fe > Zn > Ni > Mn > Cu > Pb > Cr > Cd > Co. The metal concentrations are generally lower when compared with the Black Sea mussels except Pb. At the same time, concentrations of Pb, Cu and Zn in the mussel species are lower when compared with the results in the Aegean Sea. The ranges of Mn and Cu in the tested fish samples are higher than Black Sea fish. On the other hand, Cd, Co, Cr, Zn and Pb concentrations are lower. The northern coast of the Marmara Sea having the highest metal concentrations in sediments as follows: Co, Cr, Ni, Fe at Sarköy; Pb, Cu at M. Ereğli; Cd, Zn, Mn at Menekşe. The heavy metal levels in the sediment samples are lower than other areas in the Marmara Sea.

Heavy Metal Pollution in Sediments and Waters of the Penang River, Malaysia

Abstract The concentrations of zinc, copper, lead and nickel in the Penang River and its tributaries were determined to assess the extent of heavy metal pollution, and to evaluate which compartment provides a better indicator for heavy metal pollution. The results indicate that the concentrations of total and non-residual heavy metals in sediments increase significantly towards the estuary of the river. This trend is, however, not obvious for heavy metals in the river water. The data indicate that assessment of heavy metal pollution in rivers could be made by using the data of heavy metal levels in river sediments. It is suggested that non-residual heavy metal levels in sediments give the best indication of anthropogenic input of heavy metals to river systems.

Heavy Metals in Sediments of Matanzas Bay, Cuba

Abstract Different granulometric fractions of surface sediment samples and dissected sediment cores taken from Matanzas Bay and from three inflowing rivers were investigated for the content of metals (Al, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Hg, Mn, Ni, Pb, Zn) and organic matter. the data on 'total' and easily extractable metal fractions were normalized and statistically treated with the aim of finding procedures applicable for assessment of the sources and levels of contamination. the results show clearly that the investigated area is not much contaminated with respect to those determinands. However, sewage effluents, urban runoff and industrial discharges from Matanzas City draining to the bay via two rivers cause elevated heavy metal levels in sediments of the rivers and of the adjacent coastal areas. in addition, a tannery discharge was revealed as a contamination ‘hot spot’ for chromium.

Effects of gut sediment contents on measurements of metal levels in benthic invertebrates--a cautionary note.

Studies of heavy metal levels in benthic organisms typically do not correct for gut sediment metal levels other than by allowing a period of depuration in clean water. The effectiveness of depuration has recently been questioned in British Columbia in the particular case of the marine clam Yoldia. In light of this controversy, it appears appropriate to present data from a study of heavy metal levels in sediments and benthic organisms in the Lower Fraser River, BC, regarding the effects of gut sediment contents.