Heavy Metal Concentrations In Water Research Articles

Assessment of heavy metals in water, sediment and shellfish organisms in typical areas of the Yangtze River Estuary, China

Identifying the transformations of heavy metal in different media is a scientific issue, and geographical detector is applied to evaluate the spatiotemporal stratified heterogeneity mechanisms for heavy metals in the Yangtze River Estuary. Heavy metal concentrations in water and sediment were consistent with lognormal distributions. Their concentrations were organized into four classes. Class 1 included concentrations that were less than or equal to 25%, Class 2 included those between 25%–50%, Class 3 concentrations were between 50%–75% and Class 4 were >75%, which were based on their lognormal distributions. In water and sediment, the mean heavy metal concentrations yearly decreased from 2012 to 2016. The Chongming area was significantly lower than those found in the other areas, which is the least affected area by anthropogenic activities. The explanatory power of sediment to spatiotemporal stratified heterogeneity of heavy metals in shellfish organisms was much greater than that of water.

Total concentrations and sources of heavy metal pollution in global river and lake water bodies from 1972 to 2017

This study collected past sampling data on total concentrations of 12 heavy metals (Cd, Pb, Cr, Hg, Zn, Cu, Ni, Al, Fe, Mn, As, and Co) in surface water bodies, i.e., 168 rivers and 71 lakes, from 1972 to 2017. The intent was to investigate the levels and sources of heavy metal pollution across five decades and five continents. Mean heavy metal concentrations in global river and lake water, and the number of heavy metals with concentrations greater than the published threshold limits as per the standards of both the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) were generally lower in the 1970s and 1980s than in the 1990s, 2000s, and 2010s. Over time, heavy metal pollution in surface water has changed from single metal pollution to mixed metal pollution. Heavy metal concentrations in water, and the number of heavy metals with concentrations above the threshold limits for both WHO and USEPA standards were lower in the developed countries of Europe and North America, and higher in the developing countries of Africa, Asia, and South America. Over time, the main sources of metal pollution have changed from mining and manufacturing to rock weathering and waste discharge. The main metal sources differed across the five continents, with fertilizer and pesticide use, along with rock weathering, being dominant in Africa. Mining and manufacturing, along with rock weathering, were dominant in Asia and Europe. Mining and manufacturing, along with fertilizer and pesticide use, were dominant sources in North America, while four sources (mining and manufacturing, fertilizer and pesticide use, rock weathering, and waste discharge) were responsible for the majority of heavy metal pollution in the river and lake water bodies of South America. Additionally, implementing rigorous standards on metal emissions and recycling metals from wastewater are effective for controlling heavy metal source pollution.

Potential use of morphological deformities in Chironomus (Diptera: Chironomidae) as a bioindicator of heavy metals pollution in North-East Algeria.

Human activities have led to profound changes in aquatic environments and degradation at several levels. Preserving the quality of aquatic environments, their good functioning, and the species that are dependent on them has become a crucial element. In order to monitor the overall health of aquatic ecosystems, it is necessary to develop early indicators of environmental quality. In this work, we have tried to evaluate whether the analysis of morphological deformities affecting Chironomidae larvae could tell us about the state of degradation of water courses that are subjected to different discharges. To do this, water, sediment, and larvae of Chironomidae were sampled in dry weather in August-September of 2017 at three sites located in the North-East of Algeria. The heavy metals in the three compartments as well as the deformities affecting the mentum and mandibles of Chironomus were analyzed. The results showed a metal contamination especially in sediments; the highest values were found in Meboujda River and Seybouse River. The three sites have high deformities incidences, more than 33%, which suggests the presence of toxic stress. This study reflected the relationship between heavy metal concentrations in water, sediments, and deformities larval mouthparts (mentum and mandibles) in Chironomus. The use of deformities in Chironomus sp. can serve as an effective tool for bioassessment of freshwater ecosystems.

Bioaccumulation of priority trace metals in edible muscles of West African lungfish (Protopterus annectens Owen, 1839) from Nyabarongo River, Rwanda

Heavy metal pollution and accumulation in aquatic ecosystems present serious threats to sustainability. In the current study, the heavy metal content of water and edible muscles of a piscivorous fi...

Drinking water quality assessment in the water around a clay mine in Kannur district, Kerala

In the present investigation, the drinking water quality assessment in the water sources around china clay mine in Madayi Panchayath of Kannur District, Kerala, has been done. A study has been undertaken to understand, whether the quality of drinking water has any adverse effect from the mine which has been stopped mining for the last few years. The water samples were collected from ten randomly selected open wells around the china clay mine. The water quality parameters such as turbidity, pH, electrical conductivity, acidity, alkalinity, total dissolved solids, total hardness as (CaCO3), and presence of calcium, magnesium, chloride, fluoride, iron, nitrate, ammonia, sulfate, and phosphate are identified and quantified following appropriate methods and techniques. The results obtained were compared with the permissible limit suggested by the Bureau of Indian Standards for drinking water specification (IS 10500: 2012). It is observed that, some of the open well samples have excessive hardness and alkalinity. This may be attributed to the wastes disposed from the china clay mine as the lands nearby this mining site are filled and leveled with these wastes. The prolonged consumption of water from these wells may cause various health disorders to the inhabitants. Hence, it is advised to process the water from such wells to reduce the hardness and alkalinity for safe consumption. In addition to this, in depth studies on heavy metal content of water are also needed to assess the quality of water sources in and around the china clay mine region, for the safe consumption.

Seasonal Variation of Heavy Metal Concentrations in Water and Sediment Samples of Erelu Reservoir and their Effects on its Macro-Invertebrates

Seasonal Variation of Heavy Metal Concentrations in Water and Sediment Samples of Erelu Reservoir and their Effects on its Macro-Invertebrates

Evaluation of heavy metal contamination in water, soil and plant around the open landfill site Mogla Bazar in Sylhet, Bangladesh

This study was aimed to determine the heavy metal concentration in water, soil, and plant around an open landfill site in Mogla Bazar, Sylhet, Bangladesh. The concentration of different metals such as iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), manganese (Mn), lead (Pb), and cadmium (Cd) were analyzed using a Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS) with proper digestion method. The mean concentration of heavy metals found in the water samples were in the following order Mn>Fe>Pb>Cu>Zn>Cd. Besides, the trend of trace metals mean concentration order in the soil is Fe>Mn>Pb>Zn>Cu>Cd. Luffaacutangula, Oryza sativa, and Raphanussativus var. longipinnatuswere accumulated a higher concentration of metals which can be associated with adverse health effect in the area. All the metal contents were compared with the established permissible limit provided by WHO/FAO, EU, IS, USEPA and also reported by different authors. The Geo-accumulation index (I-geo) values of metals indicate that the soil was unpolluted to moderately polluted for Pb and Cd in some sampling stations. The mean Heavy metal pollution index (HPI) value was obtained 311.61 which are higher than the critical value 100. It implies that the condition of the surrounding environment is being polluted. The Pearson's correlation matrix was performed to detect the interrelation among the heavy metal contents. There was a significant positive correlation found in water samples rather than soil and plant samples. Additionally, the Transfer Factor (TF) values were decreased as follows: Cu>Zn>Mn>Cd>Fe>Pb. In conclusion, the heavy metal accumulation level in soil, water, and plant is slightly higher than the standard level which implied that it would be dangerous to human and the vicinity of the environment.

Physicochemical Parameters and Heavy Metal Concentration in Water at the Mokesh Beel of Bangladesh

The study investigated physicochemical parameters and heavy metal concentrations in water of the Mokesh beel during January to June 2016. Samples were collected from 3 different locations and analyzed in the laboratory of the Department of Environmental Science and Resource Management, MBSTU, Tangail and BINA, Mymensingh. Results showed that EC and TDS were varied from 645-688μS/cm and 541-586mg/l, respectively indicated high ionic concentration, whereas DO of all stations ranged from 4.1-5.5mg/l represents low organic waste, and pH (7.25-7.55) of all stations showed alkaline nature. In case of heavy metal concentration Pb, Cd, Cu, Zn and Cr were within the standard level. The result concludes that the water can be used for different purposes but heavy metals can be accumulated in fish flesh, consequently affect the human health. To maintain the water quality and conserve the aquatic life, proper measures should be taken to prevent pollutants intrusion into the beel.
 J. Environ. Sci. & Natural Resources, 11(1-2): 1-8 2018

Relationships between Pb, As, Cr, and Cd in individual cows’ milk and milk composition and heavy metal contents in water, silage, and soil

Various industrial activities lead to environmental pollution by heavy metals. Toxic heavy metals enter the food chain of dairy cows through feed and water, then transferred into milk. This study investigated the correlations of heavy metal contents between individual cows’ milk, water, silage and soil. The relationships between heavy metal contents in individual cows’ milk with milk protein, fat, lactose, solid nonfat (SNF), and total solids (TS) were analysed. Concentrations of Pb, As, Cr, and Cd in milk, silage and water were measured by Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS). Lead, Cr, and Cd in soil were measured by Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (AAS), and As was detected by Atomic Fluorescence Spectrometry (AFS). One-way non-parametric tests and Spearman correlation analyses were performed using SAS 9.4 software. Levels of Pb and Cd in milk from the unpolluted area were significantly lower (P < 0.01) than those from industrial area. Significantly higher (P < 0.01) As residue was recorded in milk from unpolluted area. Positive correlation of Pb was observed between milk and silage, and As in milk was positively correlated with As in water. Content of As in milk was slightly (r = 0.09) correlated with As in silage, even though strong positive correlation (r = 0.78) was observed between silage and water. Positive correlations were observed for Cr and Cd between milk and silage, as well as milk and soil. Positive correlations were observed in Pb-protein, Cr-protein, and Cd-lactose; other positive correlation coefficients were nearly equal to zero. The results suggest that industrial activities lead to possible Pb and Cd contamination in milk. Drinking water could be the main source of As contamination in cows. No clear relationship was found between milk composition and heavy metals contents in milk. Water and soil on the farm had a partial contribution to heavy metal contamination in milk.

Comprehensive assessments of ecological states of Songhua River using chemical analysis and bivalves as bioindicators.

The aim of this study was to compare environmental pollution and ecological states of two different areas of the Songhua River areas: near Harbin City and Tongjiang City, located at a distance of about 500km downstream. The anthropogenic pollution concentrations of heavy metals (HM) were determined. The results showed that concentrations of eight metals (Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Zn) in the water were in the range of 0.001-0.588mg/L for Tongjiang and 0.001-0.508mg/L for Harbin, while that in sediments were in the range of 0.67-1575.37mg/kg for Tongjiang and 0.07-5617.13mg/kg for Harbin, respectively. Bivalves from tested sites exposed to environmental pollution exhibited significantly different physiological states. The latter was assessed using the method of physiological loading, based on measuring the recovery time (Trec) of heart rate (HR) after removal of the load. Trec in mussels from Harbin was recorded in the range of 151 to 234min, while that from Tongjiang was only 115min. Cd, Cu, Pb, and Zn in mollusk soft tissues were also determined for Harbin and Tongjiang, respectively. The metal pollution index (MPI) and bioconcentration factor (BCF) in the mollusks were calculated for each metal. BCF in the mussels from the Tongjiang area was lower than that from the Harbin area. Physiological testing, as well as the concentration of HM in water, and sediment, and also the bioaccumulation of HM in tissue showed that the ecological state of the Tongjiang area was better than that of Harbin. Apparently, after more extensive studies, a methodological approach of assessing the ecological state of water areas, based on physiological state testing of aboriginal mollusks, could be used in the monitoring of pollution effects in water bodies and streams.

Assessment of heavy metals concentration in water and Tengra fish (Mystus vittatus)of Surma River in Sylhet region of Bangladesh

Assessment of heavy metals concentration in water and Tengra fish (Mystus vittatus)of Surma River in Sylhet region of Bangladesh

The background content of heavy metals in the water of small rivers in the Nadym – Pur interfluvial area

This article considers the problem of the formation of the microelement water composition of the small rivers not directly affected by the oil and gas industrial complex in the Nadym-Pur interstream area. Physicochemical characteristics and ionic composition of the natural water samples are determined by chemical aqueous method, the total content of heavy metals is analyzed by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-AES) and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). More than 99% of the sum of all the heavy metal mass with concentration above 0,1 mcg/dm3 is defined by the presence of fourteen metals ranged as following: Fe&gt;&gt;Mn&gt;&gt;Sr&gt;Ba&gt;Zn&gt;Rb&gt;Cu&gt;Co&gt;Ni&gt;V&gt;Ce&gt;Zr&gt;Pb&gt;La. Groups of such metals as manganese and strontium, nickel and cobalt, lead, zinc and copper, vanadium and zirconium, cerium and lanthanum form the concentration сlusters. In comparison to large and average rivers, water samples from small rivers contain higher concentrations of iron and manganese, and lower concentrations of zinc. The Fe and Mn content may vary depending on such characteristics as water color index and water turbidity. The significant exceedance of MACf of Fe and Mn is observed everywhere. The excess of zinc, caused by natural factors is occasionally fixed. The defined variability ranges for the heavy metal contents in water of small rivers located beyond the reach of the oil and gas industrial complexes effects are suggested to consider as modern background regional values of the heavy metal concentrations throughout water-collecting area of Nadym and Pur rivers in Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous Okrug of Tyumen region.

Effects of electronic waste on cytogenetic and physiological changes in snakehead fish (Channa striata).

The objectives of this study were to investigate cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), and lead (Pb) concentrations in water and sediment as well as the muscle, gill, and liver of snakehead fish (Channa striata) and to reveal chromosomal aberrations, changes in serum biochemical parameters, and histopathological alterations of fish from a reservoir near an electronic waste dumping area. Cd, Cr, and Pb concentrations were determined using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry. Chromosomal aberrations were studied in kidney cells using a conventional technique. The biochemical parameters were measured using an automated analyzer, and histopathological photographs were obtained using a transmission electron microscope. The results showed that heavy-metal concentrations in water and sediment did not exceed the standards, whereas Cd and Pb concentrations in the gill and liver exceeded the standards. The accumulation pattern of heavy metals in organ tissues was exhibited according to the following order: gill > liver > muscle. Five types of chromosomal aberrations were a centromere gap, single chromatid break, deletion, single chromatid gap, and fragmentation. The average percentages of chromosomal aberrations in polluted and reference C. striata were 4.60% and 1.00%, respectively. The statistical analyses of chromosomal aberration and biochemical parameters indicated that total protein, aspartate aminotransferase, and alanine aminotransferase significantly differed between the polluted and reference C. striata (p < 0.05). The liver histopathological alterations revealed atypical cellular structures, such as vacuolar appearance, nucleus degeneration, rough endoplasmic reticulum disintegration, abnormal cytoplasmic mitochondria, and deposition of heavy metals. Heavy-metal contaminations from electronic waste dumping areas affect fish in terms of chromosomal aberration, serum biochemistry, and histopathology.

Analysis of Pb residues on seaweed gracillaria spp in Randusangan District, Brebes, Central Java, Indonesia

Heavy metal content in water always changes depending on lithology and disposal of contaminated waste. Heavy metals are difficult to decompose in water and are easily bound in sediment so that the more sediment accumulation, the greater the heavy metal content. Heavy metals have toxic effects on humans and other livings, accumulate in the body of an organism and stay for a long period. This compound can lead to a decrease in water quality which will affect the fishery and in pond cultivation. One of the important heavy metal pollutants is lead (Pb), which is usually came from many sources. The purpose of this study was to determine the concentration of lead in seaweed, pond water, and sediment. This research was conducted in March 2018 from 6 pond stations. This research was conducted using descriptive and statistic analysis. Analysis of Pb compound is done using AAS (Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry). The results of the analysis of Pb content in seaweed ranged between 0.0163-0.1377 mg / kg. Pb content in pond water range from 0.0087 -0.0137 mg / lt and the Pb content in sediment range between 1.2703-2.3594 mg / lt. Based on the analysis, the Pb content is most abundant in sediments where the Pb content has exceeded the threshold value (SNI) of 0.3 mg/kg. Pb content on seaweed and pond water are still within the standard value of Pb metal contamination (BPOMRI No. 23 of 2013) which is 0.20 mg/kg. The relationship between Pb content in seaweed to the water is categorized as a weak (R = 0.073), it is similar to the seaweed with sediment (R = 0,28).

Assessment of heavy metal pollution in water and surface sediment and evaluation of ecological risks associated with sediment contamination in the Ganga River: a basin-scale study.

We investigated eight heavy metals (Cr, Cd, Cu, Ni, Pb, Zn, Mn, and Fe) in water and bed sediment at 9 study sites along with 2320km stretch of the Ganga River. Principal component analysis (PCA) and indices such as geo-accumulation index (Igeo), contamination factor (CF), enrichment factor (EF), pollution indices, and sediment quality guidelines were used to assess source apportionment and magnitude of contamination. Concentrations of Cr, Cd, Pb, Ni, Cu, and Fe in water have exceeded their respective standards in the middle and lower reaches of the river. Sediment Cr and Ni have reached probable effective concentration (PEC) at Kannauj, imposing likely threats to sediment dwellers. Highest Igeo values were recorded for Cr, Cd, and Pb at Kannauj, Rajghat, and Howrah. We further tested ecological risks (Er) and potential ecological risks (PERI) to assess individual and cumulative effects and found the Kannauj, Rajghat, and Howrah sites under the high-risk category. The modified pollution index (MPI) and the modified degree of contamination (mCd) also revealed the middle and lower river reaches under moderately to the heavily polluted category. Our study provides the first detailed watershed-scale database on heavy metal concentration in water and bed sediment, the magnitude of contamination, and likely ecological risks to aquatic organisms in the Ganga River. Given that the Ganga water is used for drinking and irrigation and the river harbors a diversity of habitats for fisheries, the study merits attention from a human health perspective as well.

Health risk assessment of heavy metals in the soil-water-rice system around the Xiazhuang uranium mine, China.

Heavy-metal pollutants in the soil and surface water of agricultural areas accumulate in rice and may have adverse effects on the health of consumers. In this study, we determined the levels of heavy-metal contamination in agricultural areas around the Xiazhuang uranium deposits in northern Guangdong Province, China, using equidistant sampling methods along a river near the mine tailings. The pH values of all the water samples were determined. The heavy-metal concentrations in water, bottom sludge, and rice were measured. The extent of contamination was evaluated by calculating Nemerow's pollution index, contamination factor, and hazard quotient. The result shows U transferred from mine to soil and rice with irrigation water. The main pollutants and their pollution indices in soil are U (6.31), Th (4.02), Pb (2.52), Cd (2.36), Zn (1.52), and Mn (1.39). The rice grain can hardly enrich U and Th but were susceptible to Cr and Ni. The contamination factors (CFs) of the pollutants in rice grain are Cr (1.98) and Ni (3.09). The hazard quotient (HQ) shows that Cu (HQ > 1) could pose potential risks for humans upon long-term consumption of the rice.

Seasonal variations of heavy metals levels in water, sediment and soft parts of edible bivalve Donax trunculus collected from Port Said coast, Egypt

The aim of this study was to get quantitative data on the seasonal variations of heavy metals levels (i.e. Fe, Mn, Cu, Zn, Pb and Cd), in different samples (i.e. surface water, sediment and soft parts of the bivalvian Donax trunculus) collected from four consecutive sites over the four seasons; El-Gamil airport, El-Gamil inlet, El-Fardous, and El-Manasra along Port Said Coast, Port Said, Egypt. The relationships between physicochemical parameters (i.e. pH, Temperature, Salinity and D.O) and heavy metal concentrations were assessed, as well. The obtained results showed that the order of mean of the heavy metals concentration in water was appeared as Zn ˃ Fe ˃ Pb ˃ Cd ˃ Cu, while their order in the soft parts of D. trunculus was appeared as Fe˃ Mn ˃Zn˃ Pb ˃Cu˃ Cd. Furthermore, the data rveaed that the mean of heavy metals concentration in sediment samples was appeared as Fe˃ Mn ˃Zn˃ Pb ˃Cu˃ Cd. Additionally, the concentrations of the heavy metals in water samples recorded the lowest value compering to their concentrations in the soft parts of D. trunculus and sediment samples. As a result, Fe recorded its higher value in the soft parts of D. tranculus during spring season which was 854.8, 542.6, 352.7 mg/g dry weight in El-Gamil airport, El-Gamil inlet and El-Fardous sampling sites, respectively. . The obtained data indicated that there was a noticeable relationship between physicochemical parameters (i.e. pH, Temperature, Salinity and D.O) and heavy metal accumulation in surface water, sediment and soft parts of the molluscan D.trunculus Therefore studies on chronic toxic effects of heavy metals in marine organisms, especially edible bivalvia, are needed as a possible public health threat from sea food dietary.

Heavy metal concentrations in water and sediment of the Steelpoort River, Olifants River System, South Africa

Steelpoort River has been adversely affected by human activities in the catchment. Water and sediment quality of the river was assessed in 2015. The concentrations of some of the metals in water were found to be high and exceeded the guideline values and the concentrations of metals in sediment were found exceeding the guideline values for Cr, Cu and Zn. The high concentrations of Cu and Zn at Site 1 and Site 2 (upstream) could have originated from anthropogenic sources, such as fertilisers and pesticides from discharge of agricultural wastes, whereas the high concentrations of Cr at Site 3, Site 4 (midstream) and Site 5 (downstream) could have originated from the mine waste, and from domestic/ industrial wastes respectively. The principal component analysis results showed two main components: PC-1 with high positive loading of Cu and Mn, and PC-2 with high positive loading of Zn. These findings indicate the presence of pollution. Therefore, control measures should be implemented to reduce river contamination from anthropogenic sources.

Global anthropogenic chemicals loads on the environment and the associated chemical footprint and planetary boundaries: a high-resolution regional study

Abstract Chemical pollution is a problem of global importance. Substances of main concern of chemists worldwide are heavy metals. Heavy metals, such as copper (Cu), nickel (Ni), lead (Pb), vanadium (V), etc., can pose a serious hazard to the environment and human health. Heavy metals are toxic even at very low concentrations. The methodology, described in this paper, considers a migration of chemical pollutants in the environment, in conjunction with the approach used in the Russian regulatory system. Estimations of Maximum Available Concentration overrun show that calculated and experimental data agree to a good extent, particularly for mercury contamination in freshwater bodies. In this study, due to the necessity to obtain data on heavy metals content in water, soil and air, based on available data on emissions, it was decided to use the USEtox model for the simulation of the redistribution of chemicals among such environmental compartments as urban air and air of settlements, fresh waters and coastal sea waters, ocean, agricultural soils and other soils. The USEtox model was chosen because it is available in the free access and its structure can be modified if needed (the model is executed in MS Excel), in addition there is a positive experience in using this model in the combination with Geographic Information Systems (GIS). The algorithm of the calculation of the mass transfer coefficients of chemicals in the hydrosphere and atmosphere, with the use of GIS, is described. This algorithm will provide large amounts of data on the intermedia transfer and transportation of chemical substances with water and air flows and their accumulation in various environmental compartments on a global (the planet Earth) and regional scale for the high-resolution of 0.5°×0.5° grid. In this paper, the case study for the Leningrad Region (the Russian Federation) is presented.

Assessment of Heavy Metal Concentration in Water, Soil and Vegetable in Ex-Mining Pond, Jos South L.G.A Plateau State, Nigeria.

Assessment of Heavy Metal Concentration in Water, Soil and Vegetable in Ex-Mining Pond, Jos South L.G.A Plateau State, Nigeria.