Heavy Pollution Load Research Articles

The Influence of Rural Ecological Environment Development by China's Industrialization Process

This article aims to solve the problem of heavy pollution load in rural ecological environment at present. This article elaborates on the relevant concepts and theories of rural industrialization and ecological environment protection, mainly using a combination of qualitative and quantitative methods to analyze the current situation of rural ecological environment pollution in the research area. The research results indicate that the current rural ecological environment pollution load in China is heavy and severe, especially the use of fertilizers, pesticides, agricultural plastic films, livestock and poultry breeding, rural life, and township enterprise production, which have caused varying degrees of harm to the regional rural ecological environment. Therefore, effective measures must be taken to achieve the organic combination of rural industrialization and ecological environment protection. This article provides guidance for promoting the optimization and upgrading of rural industrial structure, achieving a win-win situation of economic and ecological benefits.

Rate of Microelement Quantitative Changes during the Composting of Sewage Sludge With Various Bulking Agents

The composting of sewage sludge (SS) with structure-forming additives is a popular and inexpensive method for the management of biodegradable waste. During this process, a number of transformations of organic matter and nutrients occur. This study presents the rates and directions of quantitative changes in Cu, Zn, and Ni during the composting of various mixtures. The following substances were used for preparing compost mixtures: SS, sawdust, straw, and bark. These substances were mixed together in appropriate proportions as follows: C1: 45% SS + 50% sawdust + 5% straw; C2: 45% SS + 50% bark+ 5% straw; and C3: 45% SS + 35% bark + 15% sawdust + 5% straw. Single (DTPA solution) and sequential extraction methods (BCR protocol) were used for microelement mobility assessment. Compost valorization was performed in each individual composting phase. The chain relative increment analysis was used for such assessment. Additionally, the potential metal pollution in the composts was evaluated by applying the following indices: the pollutant accumulation index (PAI), heavy metal enrichment index (HMEI), and heavy metal pollution load index (HMPLI). During composting, generally, the amounts of Ni, Cu, and Zn increased in the various extracted combinations, which was independent of their susceptibility to decomposition. Despite of this, the tested composts should be considered as a source of slowly available microelements for plants. The most intense quantitative changes in metals occurred in the thermophilic phase, and the weakest changes occurred in the cooling phase. At the same time, the calculated indices indicated a lack of contamination of the composts with the analyzed metals, emphasizing their environmental safety and lack of negative impact. The bulking agents used for composting with SS did not significantly influence the intensity of the quantitative changes in the tested metals.

Worldwide Examination of Magnetic Responses to Heavy Metal Pollution in Agricultural Soils

Over the last decade, a large number of studies have been conducted on heavy metals and magnetic susceptibility (χlf) measurement in soils. Yet, a global understanding of soil contamination and magnetic responses remains elusive due to the limited scope or sampling sites of these studies. Hence, we attempted to explore a pollution proxy on a global scale. Through a meta-analysis of data from 102 published studies, our research aimed to provide a worldwide overview of heavy metal pollution and magnetic responses in agriculture soils. We mapped the geographic distribution of nine heavy metals (Cr, Cu, Zn, Pb, Ni, As, Cd, Mn, and Fe) in agricultural soils and explored their pollution sources and contributions. Since 2011, The accumulation of heavy metals has escalated, with industrial activities (31.5%) being the largest contributor, followed by agricultural inputs (27.1%), atmospheric deposition (22.66%), and natural sources (18.74%). The study reports χlf ranging from 6.45 × 10−8 m3/kg to 319.23 × 10−8 m3/kg and χfd from 0.59% and 12.85%, with the majority of the samples being below 6%, indicating heavy metal influence mainly from human activities. Pearson’s correlation and redundancy analysis show significant positive correlations of Pb, Zn, and Cu with χlf (r = 0.51–0.53) and Mn and Fe with χfd (r = 0.50–0.53), while Pb, Zn, Cu, and As metals were shown to be key factors of variation in magnetic response. The average heavy metal pollution load index of 2.03 suggests moderate global agricultural soil pollution, with higher heavy metal contamination in areas of high χlf. Regression analysis confirms soil is considered to be non-polluted below χlf of 26×10−8 m3/kg and polluted above this threshold, with all contamination factors of metals showing a linear correlation with χlf (R = 0.72), indicating that a significant relationship between χlf and the geochemical properties of soils continues to exist on a global scale. This study provides new insights for large-scale agricultural soil quality assessment and magnetic response.

Effects of Municipal Waste Discharge and its Re-Suspension on Water Quality in the Great Kwa River Estuary, Cross River State, Nigeria

Effects of Municipal Waste Discharge and Its Re-suspension on Water Quality in the Great Kwa River Estuary, Cross River State, Nigeria investigates the impact of municipal waste discharge and its re-suspension on water quality in the estuary. The research was conducted at two locations, Obufa Esuk, and Idundu, utilizing heavy metal analysis and Pollution Load Index (PLI) calculations during dry and wet seasons. Water samples were collected and analyzed using standard methods for heavy metal detection, including atomic absorption spectroscopy, while the PLI was calculated based on the concentration of pollutants relative to background levels. Results show that copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn) levels at both sites are within World Health Organization (WHO) safety limits. However, lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) concentrations are significantly high. At Obufa Esuk, cadmium reaches 0.76 mg/L in the dry season and 0.7 mg/L in the wet season, exceeding the WHO limit of 0.003 mg/L. Lead levels are elevated but below the WHO threshold of 0.01 mg/L. At Idundu, cadmium peaks at 0.85 mg/L in the dry season and 0.73 mg/L in the wet season, with lead concentrations also exceeding safe limits. These elevated metal levels are linked to severe pollution from municipal waste discharge and its re-suspension. The PLI values indicate moderate pollution at both sites, with Obufa Esuk showing values of 2.30 and 2.25, and Idundu showing 1.85 and 2.15. This pollution is associated with high turbidity and Total Dissolved Solids (TDS). The study highlights the urgent need for improved waste management practices, recommending upgrades to treatment facilities, stricter regulations, enhanced runoff, and erosion management, regular water quality monitoring, public awareness campaigns, and better stakeholder collaboration to protect water quality and public health in the Great Kwa River estuary.

Ultrasound assisted TiO2@Fe3O4 nanocomposites photocatalytic degradation of organic pollutants in potato starch processing wastewater

Potato starch industrial wastewater should be treated and discharged after optimization due to the high concentration of organic compounds and heavy pollution load. In this study, Fe3O4 nanoparticles were synthesized by co-precipitation technology, and the TiO2@Fe3O4 nanocomposites were synthesized by ultrasonic chemistry method. The structure and morphology of the nanocomposites were characterized, and the degradation of organic pollutants in potato wastewater by TiO2@Fe3O4 nanocomposites under light conditions were investigated. The results show that TiO2@Fe3O4 nanocomposites can be used to catalyze the degradation of organic pollutants in potato starch industrial wastewater under visible light. Under the optimal conditions, the degradation rates of COD, TOC and TN of potato starch processing wastewater reached 73.60 %, 48.21 % and 14.54 %, and after ultrasonic pretreatment, the degradation rates of COD, TOC and TN of potato wastewater were significantly increased to 82.34 %, 63.63 % and 24.17 %, respectively. This method provides a feasible and efficient purification way for the degradation of organic pollutants in potato starch processing wastewater. The degradation mechanism was discussed through free radical scavenger test. It was found that HO· and H· played a major role in the degradation.

Assessment of Morphometric Variations Among the Populations of Asian Sheat Catfish <i>Wallago attu</i> (Siluridae) from Five Indian Rivers

Morphological variations of the Asian sheat catfish, Wallago attu (Bloch and Schneider, 1801) sampled from the rivers Gomti, Ganga, Yamuna at Lucknow, Kanpur and Agra districts in Northern India, river Hooghly at Kolkata in Eastern India and river Pampa at Kerala in Southern India were analyzed in the present study. Images of 261 specimens of W. attu were taken without harming the fish to evaluate the morphometric variation using 8 digitized homologous landmarks for truss analysis and geometric morphometrics. Size corrected morphometric variables were analyzed using analysis of variance (ANOVA), multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA), principal component analysis (PCA) and discriminant function analysis (DFA). Coefficients of all PCs were positively and negatively correlated to 31 significant (p 0.001) truss measurements due to variations in size and shape. Morphometric measurements lying in the head region such as head length (HL), eye diameter (ED), inter-orbital length (IOL) and snout length (SNL) contributed most to differentiate the populations in truss analysis. The ED, HL, SNL and IOL of Yamuna fish was significantly (p 0.001) smaller than the other fish populations. This could be attributed to the heavy pollution load in the Yamuna River and differences in the feeding regimes of fish. PCs and relative warps depicted differences in geometric analysis because of body shape variations among different river populations. The scatter plot in DFA revealed the presence of three distant and different phenotypic groups of W. attu among five wild river populations of fish with 70.5 and 83.9% of correct classification of fish into their original groups in truss and geometric analysis respectively. A single homogenous stock of fish was found to be in the rivers Gomti, Ganga and Hooghly because of a high level of intermixing (maximum misclassification) among the three river populations, whereas Yamuna and Pampa populations were two non-overlapping isolated groups due to negligible intermixing. These variations in the present study might be the effect of geographical isolation and river fragmentation due to the change in habitat that restricts fish movements. This is the first report on the morphometric assessment of W. attu that provides base line data for further confirmatory stock studies that would be useful for conservation and sustainable management of this vulnerable fish.

Heavy metals distribution in the bottom sediments of Nizampatnam Bay -Lankevanidibba Coast, East Coast of India

This study determined metal concentrations in the bottom sediment of the Nizampatnam Bay-Lankevanidibba Coast, East Coast of India. Also, the heavy metal pollution load index (PLI), enrichment factor (E.F.), and geo-accumulation index (Igeo) were calculated for sediments from the Nizampatnam Bay-Lankevanidibba Coast on the East Coast of India. It was observed that metal concentrations in river entry sediment were lower. Still, those in river entry water were higher than corresponding values on the Nizampatnam Bay-Lankevanidibba Coast, East Coast of India. Heavy metal concentrations (ppm) in the bottom sediments have been studied to establish their concentration in Fe (ppm). The concentration of heavy metals is measured using ICP-OES instruments. It observes that heavy metal concentrations in the sediments meet the criteria of international marine sediment quality. However, the geoaccumulation index (Igeo), enrichment factor (E.F.), and pollution load index (PLI) values suggested the elevation of a few region's metal concentrations. It continuously monitors the Nizampatnam Bay-Lankavanidibba coast and sediment to minimize the risk to population health and the detrimental impacts on the aquatic ecosystem. The pollutant levels for pre-monsoon and post-monsoon studies are compared in this work.

Assessing heavy metal pollution load index (PLI) in biomonitors and road dust from vehicular emission by magnetic properties modeling.

Vehicular traffic occupies a significant place among the sources of air pollution, due to population and urban growth that has led to an excessive increase in the vehicle fleet worldwide, and in Costa Rica as well. Vehicle emissions generate greenhouse gases (GHGs), particulate matter (PM), and heavy metals (HMs), due to combustion products from fossil-fuel engines, tire wear, and brake linings. HMs are important because they cannot be degraded or destroyed naturally; however, they can be diluted by physicochemical agents and be incorporated into trophic chains where they can be bioaccumulated causing significant negative effects on human well-being and ecological quality. This study aimed to assess the HM pollution load in biomonitors and road dust from vehicular emissions by chemical analyses and magnetic properties modeling. For this purpose, chemical and magnetic property analyses were carried out on samples of road dust and leaves of Cupressus lusitanica Mill. and Casuarina equisetifolia L., which were sampled during 2 different years in the Greater Metropolitan Area of Costa Rica known as GAM. Contamination factor (CF) and pollution load index (PLI) results showed significant metal pollution in some of the study sites. Contamination by the metals V, Cr, and Zn was most commonly present in the biomonitors, and for road dust, they were Cr, Zn, and Pb. The PLI estimates obtained with the validated support vector machine (SVM) magnetic properties models were consistent (sensitivity, specificity, and precision) with those obtained by chemical analysis, demonstrating the feasibility of this method for the identification of this index of contamination.

Heavy Metals Pollution of Agricultural Soils near Industrial Complexes in Jeon-Nam Regions of Korea

Monitoring heavy metal concentrations in agricultural soils near industrial area is very important due to food safety. The aim of this study was to assess the heavy metal concentrations, pollution index (PI), and pollution load index (PLI) in agricultural soils close to industrial complexes in Jeon-Nam province. Fifteen industrial complexes in Jeon-Nam province were selected (Yeongam, Muan, Yeonggwang, Hampyeong, Gangjin, Wando, Haenam, Jindo, Jangseong, Damyang, Boseong, Goheung, Hwasun, Gokseong, and Gurye). Five agricultural fields each were selected at each industrial complex within 500 meter and 1,000 meter radius at each industrial complexe boundaries, respectively. Two depth of soil samples (0 - 15 cm depth for top soil and 15 - 30 cm depth for sub soil) were collected in spring of 2020 before planting. Soil samples were analyzed for seven heavy metals, including arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), nickel (Ni), lead (Pb), and zinc (Zn). Heavy metal concentrations for both top and sub soil ranged from 1.7 to 8.6 mg kg-1 for As, from 0.3 to 0.9 mg kg-1 for Cd, from 13.3 to 67.8 mg kg-1 for Cr, from 8.9 to 20.7 mg kg-1 for Cu, from 7.0 to 28.1 mg kg-1 for Ni, from 7.0 to 31.8 mg kg-1 for Pb, from 62.6 to 143.9 mg kg-1 for Zn. Heavy metal concentrations in studied soils were not higher than the levels of Soil Contamination Warning Standard (SCWS). Pollution index (PI) and pollution load index (PLI) values of all seven heavy metals including As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, and Zn ranged from 0.1 to 0.7 for PI and from 0.14 to 0.30 for PLI. Both values were less than 1. Therefore, these soils are classified uncontaminated for PI and unpolluted for PLI. Overall, all soil samples did not exceed the level limits of Soil Environment Conservation Law (SECL).Descriptive statistics of heavy metals concentration in agricultural soils near the industrial complexes in Jeon-Nam province in Korea. Element† As (mg kg-1) Cd (mg kg-1) Cr (mg kg-1) Cu (mg kg-1) Ni (mg kg-1) Pb (mg kg-1) Zn (mg kg-1) Soil depth Top Sub Top Sub Top Sub Top Sub Top Sub Top Sub Top Sub Average 4.5 4.8 0.6 0.6 27.7 27.7 13.9 13.6 12.8 13.1 13.3 13.7 96.9 95.2 Min. 0.0 0.6 0.1 0.2 1.7 2.3 1.5 2.2 1.2 1.5 0.0 2.9 32.6 33.9 Max. 13.8 16.9 1.3 1.3 128.8 116.1 33.9 40.0 52.6 46.1 65.9 82.5 206.8 187.0 Stdev. 2.4 2.7 0.2 0.2 17.4 16.5 6.3 6.2 7.2 6.9 8.3 9.5 34.8 33.6 C.V. (%) 52.9 56.9 36.2 38.5 62.9 59.4 45.3 45.9 56.0 53.0 62.3 69.4 35.9 35.3 Kurtosis 1.6 3.9 0.9 0.8 9.1 6.8 0.7 2.4 8.2 5.3 13.7 22.5 0.4 0.2 Skweness 1.0 1.4 0.7 0.8 2.3 2.0 0.9 1.2 2.2 1.8 3.0 3.9 0.8 0.8 SCWS limit 25 4 n/a 150 100 200 300 Number of above SCWS 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 †Min., minimum; Max., maximum; Stdev., standard deviation; C.V., coefficients variations. Soil Contamination Warning Standard (SCWS) from Ministry of Environment (MOE) in Korea.

Impact of dredging on the environmental state of a small river with considering the composition of bottom sediments

Reports on the environmental impact assessment of planned activities aimed at restoring the hydrological regime and sanitation of rivers do not always pay attention to in-depth analysis of the physicochemical composition of bottom sediments. The silt deposits have proven to be a good ameliorant for agricultural lands, provided they are of satisfactory quality. Bottom sediments, especially their fine alluvial fraction, accumulate various compounds and trace elements, including heavy metals. Analysis of the content of iron Fe, manganese Mn, cobalt Co, chromium Cr and determination of the integrated level of contamination of bottom sediments did not reveal their toxic contamination in the area of the village Kleshnivka and the village Petrykivka. Determination of "geoaccumulation indices" by G.M. Mueller allowed to classify the sediments of the Chaplinka River as unpolluted, and the man-caused load on the hydroecosystem as low. In compliance with the recommendations on the content of Mn grades in the soil cover of the obtained fifth Igeoclass, which provides heavy pollution and significant man-caused load on the hydroecosystem. To characterize the processes occurring in the hydroecosystem of the Chaplynka River, the bottom accumulation coefficient was calculated. The assessment of the ecological status of hydroecosystems revealed an overwhelming ecological emergency. There is a significant threat of deposits of iron Fe, manganese Mn in bottom sediments. Despite the low risk of contamination of bottom sediments with chromium Cr, the risk will increase due to the rather variable chemical composition of surface waters, and hence the possibility of an ecological crisis for the hydroecosystem. The sanitary condition of a small river could be improved by restoring its hydrological regime. The decrease in the efficiency of dredging works is related to the regulation of the regulation of the riverbed. In the vast majority of cases, hydraulic structures are not provided for or do not correspond to the current level regime of watercourses. After clearing the river bed, there is a danger of their secondary silting, due to the abandonment of part of the temporary dumps on the banks within the water protection zones without fixing.

Optimizing textile dyeing wastewater for tomato irrigation through physiochemical, plant nutrient uses and pollution load index of irrigated soil

Reuse of wastewater for vegetable cultivation is becoming popular in order to augment the inadequate irrigation supplies and meet the growing demands of ground water for agriculture and industries production in different regions of the world. This study was investigated to optimize different stages of textile dyeing wastewater (TDW) for irrigation focusing on their effect on growth, yield and physiochemical attributes of tomato, plant nutrient use, heavy metals enrichment and pollution load of the irrigated soil. Textile wastewater were collected from the seven stages of (second wash after scouring and bleaching T2; enzyme treated water T3; second wash after bath drain T4; neutralization treatment T5; second wash after soaping T6; fixing treatment water T7; mixed effluent T8) of a dyeing process for physiochemical characterization and evaluation their irrigation feasibility for tomato cultivation in compare with the ground water (T1). The pot experiment consists of eight irrigation treatments was laid out following a completely randomized block design with three replications. Results showed the presence of plant nutrients and heavy metals in all the studied samples where T8 (mixed effluent) exceeded the limit of agricultural standard for almost all physiological parameters such as TDS, TSS, EC, BOD, COD affording the highest value. T8 also delivered the highest Cl- and heavy metals like Cd, Ni, Cr followed by T4 < T7. As a consequence, these provided comparatively higher enrichment factor (EF), pollution load index (PLI) and sodium absorption ratio (SAR) to transform fresh soil into the category of severe and slightly to moderate saline. Therefore, the yield and physiochemical attributes of tomato were dramatically reduced with T8 and T4 treatment. On the other hand, T2, T3 and T6 treatment had significant positive impact on growth and yield of tomato due to having higher N, P, K, S and lower heavy metals (Cu, Zn, Fe, Pb, Cd, Ni, Cr) than the recommended guideline. These features were contributed to cause minimum EF and PLI in the soil irrigated with T2, T3 and T6 stages of TDW. Correlation matrix demonstrated that EF and PLI of heavy metals (except Cd, Ni) were negatively related to yield, while positively related to SAR and fruit abortion. Although T6 (2nd wash after soaping) performed better in respect to growth, yield, yield attributes and nutrient use efficiency, principal component analysis revealed that T2 (2nd wash after scouring and bleaching) and T3 (enzyme treated water) were also belong to the same group of T6 and T1 (ground water). Thus, it may be suggested that T2, T3 and T6 stages of textile dyeing wastewater could be used profitably without ETP for vegetable cultivation and would effectively supplement not only the nutrient requirement of the crop but may also act as the alternate source of irrigation water. Although, further research is needed to sort out the health risk assessment through the heavy metals’ accumulation in the plant parts after irrigation with different stages of textile dyeing wastewater.

The Effect of Land-Use Changes on the Amount of Heavy Metal Pollution in Urban Runoff in Tehran

Background &amp; Aims of the Study: Urban development trends and land-use changes harm the quality of urban runoff. Heavy metals are one of the most important pollutants in urban runoff. This study aimed to investigate the amount of heavy metal pollutants (Zn, Pb, Cu, As, Hg, and Cd) in different land uses in a densely populated urban area of Tehran. Materials and Methods: Six stations were selected for urban runoff sampling in five land uses. Land uses were residential, commercial, industrial, traffic, and outdoor. A station (sixth station) with mixed land use was selected, which included the runoff of all uses. The event mean concentration (EMC) model was used to estimate this study’s heavy metal pollution load. Results: The amount of all heavy metals except Arsenic in fields with industrial use was higher than other land uses (Cu=0.292 mg/l), (Pb=0.6166 mg/l), (Zn=1.36 mg/l), (Cd=0.0114 mg/l), and (Hg=0.1332 mg/l). While the amount of Arsenic metal in the station with outdoor land use (AS=0.111 mg/l) was the highest. Conclusion: The results of this study indicate that the risk of metals on long dry days without precipitation is very high. Uncertainties related to the accumulation of pollution and various human activities can be attributed to the high amount of heavy metals in the mixed land use compared to land use alone

Контроль течений на поверхности прибрежных морских акваторий дистанционными методами

Object and purpose of research. The compare analysis carried out on the vorticies structure optical satellite pictures observation of the sea surface and the velocities field obtained by the ground HF Doppler radar. The purpose of this research is estimation of the possibility on fast monitoring feasibility assessment for the changes in littoral waters dynamics through joint application of satellite surveillance, radar probing of sea currents, wind data and numerical simulation of water circulation in the area under investigation. Materials and methods. The Sea surface observation data obtained by the satellites Sentinel 1 and 2 and by the coastal Doppler HF radar Sea Sonde in the South-east Black Sea area are analyzing. The additional data on the satellite observation of this area and on the wind condition is used from LANCE processing system [9, 10] and reanalysis NCEP/NCAR [11, 12]. The comparative analysis is carried out on the large vertical structures (LVS) establishing in the research coastal area. The numerical modeling of the water mass circulation in this area is carried out by the software package COHERENS (Belgian Institute of Natural Science) to investigate the role of the wind conditions at LVS appearance in the research area. Main results. The LVS in the vicinity of Sea coast line could be generated, as satellites observations demonstrated, by the vortices arrived along the coast line from the east-south direction in accordance with the Black Sea general circulation flow. Such vortices could be induced by the bottom roughness, rivers discharges and another local sources. Another LVS source could be connected with the wind impact in some affordable direction as demonstrated by the numerical modeling of the coastal water circulation. The continuous currents measurements at the Sea surface by Doppler HF coastal Radar supply the valuable data for further details on the space –time variation of LVS parameters and operational forecast of the hydrology regime in the aquatic areas. The operative numerical modelling of the wind impact to the surface currents structures formation provides the efficient estimation of the local large vorticity structure appearance in the research area. Conclusion. Satellite radar and optical observation provide the large scale control on the Sea surface dynamics conditions, but that is limited by relatively long interval between satellite tracks over the region of interest and do not acquire optical data at the cloud cover. The additional data could be operative obtain from the open internet resource in satellite optical, radar and meteorological data (LANCE, NCEP/NCAR), to get the more details development of the Sea surface dynamics. Sub-satellite Sea currents measurements by HF Doppler radar are useful for the reliable interpretation of satellite pictures and for the proper forecast of the aquatic area dynamics. Operative numerical modelling of the Sea coastal water circulation in accordance with variable meteo data combining with dynamic processes remote measurements could be efficient for the forecast of the environment parameters variation due the water mass transfer. In general the presented results demonstrates the combined application possibilities of the satellite observations, coastal Doppler radar measurements, internet data and operative numerical modelling for operational oceanographic and ecological monitoring of Sea coastal areas with heavy pollution load.

Assessment of water quality using water quality index: A case study of the River Gomti, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India

ABSTRACT Considering the heavy pollution load due to natural and anthropogenic activities, the Gomti River has been chosen to conduct this study. A total of eight parameters (pH, EC, TDS, TH, Chloride, DO, BOD, and Alkalinity) have been selected to assess the water quality. These parameters were measured at seven sampling stations (S1 to S7) for the years 2013 to 2017 in Lucknow city. The Weighted Arithmetic Index method was used to calculate the water quality index. The results of the study revealed that all of the water samples fall under the different categories of poor (50 to 75), very poor (75 to 100), and unsuitable (>100). During 2017, the recorded values of WQI were found in the range of 71.11 (minimum at S1) to 165.33 (maximum at S7), whereas in 2013 these were observed in the range of 67.90 (minimum at S1) to 143.63 (maximum at S7).

Spatial Distribution, Risk, and Influencing Factors of River Water-Sediment Heavy Metals in the Lower Reaches of the Qianhe River

The spatial distribution of heavy metals in rivers is affected by human activities and the natural environment, posing a risk to human health related to heavy metal pollution. In order to study the characteristics, health risk levels, and influencing factors of heavy metal distribution and pollution in the lower reaches of the Qianhe River, 19 surface sediments and 20 water samples were collected, and the contents of As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Zn were measured by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry(ICP-MS). Using the DEM, air temperature, precipitation and other 11 factors as independent variables, the spatial differentiation of heavy metal pollution in sediments were explored based on geo-detector and geo-weighted regression model. The results showed that the eight heavy metal contents in the lower reaches of the Qianhe River did not exceed the "Surface Water Environmental Quality Standards" Ⅱ for water-like bodies, in which the variation coefficient of Pb element was 3.11, and the high content areas were mainly concentrated around Dongling Smelting Company and Fengxiang Railway Station. The average Rc value of adult carcinogens in water bodies was 7.72 E-06, showing a low risk level, and the children's carcinogens average Rc value was 1.17 E-04, showing a strong risk degree. The non-carcinogen risks for adults and children were both tolerable. The total high R value for children was mainly concentrated around Fengxiang Railway Station, posing a high risk. Sedimentation of heavy metals, except As and Mn, exceeded the soil background value in Shaanxi Province. The average content of Cd element was 1.12 mg·kg-1, which was 12 times the soil background value in Shaanxi Province. The pollution of Cd, Zn, and Pb was high, and distributed mainly in Changqing Village, Nanwan Village and Niujiatan Village, Gaozhuang, and Dongling Smelting Company. PLIzone of heavy metals in the sediments in the study area was 1.71, which was light pollution. DEM, temperature and precipitation were the main natural factors influencing the spatial pattern of heavy metal pollution load index(PLI) in sediments, and their nonlinear interactions were enhanced, which may play a role in the spread of heavy metals in sediments. This research can provide a scientific basis for urban planning and human health risks prevention in the Qianhe River.

Evaluation of phytoremediation capability of French marigold (Tagetes patula) and African marigold (Tagetes erecta) under heavy metals contaminated soils

The pot experiment was conducted to explore the phytoremediation potential of two different marigold species grown in heavy metals contaminated red, black, alluvial, recent river clay, sewage irrigated, sewage sludge, and garden soil. Different soil types were treated uniformly with lead (20 mg Pb kg−1 soil), cadmium (5 mg Cd kg−1 soil), chromium (30 mg Cr kg−1 soil) and nickel (10 mg Ni kg−1 soil). Completely randomized design (CRD) was used with three replications. African marigold (Tagetes erecta) recorded ∼89.4% more dry matter yield over French marigold (Tagetes patula) when grown under metals treated soils. Both the marigold species were highly effective for removing Cd and Ni from contaminated soils (TF >1) however, Ni (TF ∼14.9) was more efficiently accumulated by T. patula and Cd (TF ∼12.1) by T. erecta. Higher biomass yield in T. erecta resulted higher accumulation of heavy metals (except Cr) compared to T. patula. Assessment of contamination factor (CF) and geo-accumulation index (Igeo) of heavy metals indicates that post-harvest soils had moderate to high degree of contamination by different metals, Cr being the highest. It may be concluded that T. erecta was more efficient in extracting heavy metals from different heavy metals contaminated soils. Novelty statement Contamination of land with heavy metals poses severe environmental threats. Physical and chemical remediation techniques are generally used for remediating metals contaminated sites. These methods are cost-intensive and therefore, commercially non-viable, besides being disruptive in nature and causing deterioration of soil. Alternatively, bio-remediation techniques are cost-effective and environment friendly. Among the various phytoremediation techniques, hyperaccumulator plants are most commonly used for the remediation of the contaminated sites. It has been found that different species of the same plant (marigold) differ in their ability to accumulate metals under various contaminated soils having different properties. Thus, this experiment provided an unique opportunity to investigate the effect of various soil properties on metal accumulation efficacy of marigold under metal-spiked soils. Marigold plants can grow rapidly by developing a robust root system which helps them to survive under contaminated soil environment. Thus, marigold being ornamental plant could be used to decontaminate polluted sites while providing ornamental value and may serve as a source of commercially valuable products extracting metals from biomass by way of incineration. However, meager information is available about the usage of various marigold species for phytoremediation of heavy metals under different metal-polluted soils. In the current experiment, we intend to evaluate the potential use of two different marigold species (Tagetes patula and Tagetes erecta) in remediating heavy metals under nine soils of different nature spiked with metals and assessing heavy metals pollution load indexes in these polluted soils.

Heavy metal pollution index of surface and groundwater from around an abandoned mine site, Klein Aub

There is a lack of documented scientific studies on heavy metal pollution and overall quality of water with respect to heavy metal concentrations of water bodies around abandoned mine sites in Namibia. The aim of this study was to assess and interpret spatial and seasonal heavy metal pollution load and the overall quality of water with respect to heavy metal concentrations of different water bodies in a dormant mining settlement, Klein Aub. An assessment of heavy metal pollution was carried out on water samples collected from the dam, borehole, river, mine pit and piped treated domestic water (house) in Klein Aub Settlement using the Heavy Metal Pollution Index (HPI) method. The water samples were analyzed for As, Mn, Fe, Ni, Cu, Zn, Pb and Hg using the Inductively Coupled Plasma Atomic Emission Spectrometry (ICP-OES). Overall, the highest average concentrations (mg/l) recorded per element were 0.059 ± 0.070 (Mn), 1.054 ± 2.176 (Fe), 0.010 ± 0.002 (Ni), 0.014 ± 0.006 (Cu), 0.137 ± 0.014 (Zn), 0.026 ± 0.006 (As), 0.005 ± 0.002 (Pb) and 0.002 ± 0.001 (Hg). All water samples recorded heavy metal values (except Iron) below Group B levels of the Namibian Water Quality Standards, which is classified as “good water quality”. However, various elements recorded concentration levels above WHO limits, with high Arsenic concentrations observed in all samples except from the upstream sample. The overall HPI value of 115. 53 for borehole water indicated high risk water that is not suitable for human consumption. Treated water also recorded high Arsenic concentrations exceeding the WHO limit for drinking water, rendering it not suitable for human consumption. The findings of this study may aid the water supply authorities in Namibia in decision making regarding the pollution level and appropriate treatment methods of water in Klein Aub.

Calculation of heavy metals pollution load enters to Saguling dam West Java Province

The current study aims to assess the trace metals concentration in water and sediments from rivers entering Saguling Dam and calculate their pollution load. Water and surface sediment samples were collected in September 2017 during the dry season. Seven rivers which are Citarum, Cihaur, Cijere, Cimerang, Cipatik, Cijambu, and Ciminyak. Trace metals were analyzed using Inductively Coupled Plasma/Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS). Based on the measurement of the total discharge that enters the Saguling Dam from 7 rivers of 20.074 m3s-1. Cr and Cu pollute river water. Seminyak River has the highest Cr concentration of 0.096 mg-1, and the lowest is Cimerang River 0.054 mgL-1. High Cu concentration does not meet the Citarum River, Cimerang, and Cipatik with respective concentrations of 0.038, 0.029, and 0.031 mgL-1. River sediments have heavy metal content that exceeds the standard. These metals are derived from anthropogenic sources in the catchment area. Pollution load of all the rivers that go into Saguling Dam for parameter Cd, Cr and Cu respectively 7.654, 149.128, and 63.435 kg.day-1. The most significant contributor comes from the Citarum River, which is the largest river in this area. The results obtained would help develop more effective dam management.

Choice of Suitable Economic Adsorbents for the Reduction of Heavy Metal Pollution Load

Choice of Suitable Economic Adsorbents for the Reduction of Heavy Metal Pollution Load

Ecological Quality Status (EcoQs) of Chabahar sub-tropical bay based on multimetric macrobenthos-indexes approach: Response of bio-indexes to sediment structural/pollutant variables

The present study aims to test the applicability of the macrobenthos indexes (AMBI, M-AMBI, BENTIX, BOPA; Shannon (H′);average taxonomic distinctness (Δ+), variation in taxonomic distinctness (Λ+) and total taxonomic distinctness (sΔ+) to assess the EcoQs of Chabahar Bay. Sampling was performed in the pre-monsoon period of 2017 from 19 stations. Five sediment texture/pollutant variables include grain size, total organic matter (TOM), PAH, heavy metal Pollution Load Index (PLI) and depth were also measured. Distribution pattern of macrobenthos as well as inter/intra relationship of the biotic and abiotic variables was investigated through multivariate statistical approaches. The Pearson and Rosenberg model was used to determine critical limit of TOC to reduce species richness, and as a criterion to select under-stressed stations. PCA analysis of all of indexes was used to evaluate the EcoQs of the polluted, suspected polluted or healthy stations. DistLM analysis showed that the sediment grain size followed by depth and TOM were main variables that significantly determined the distribution pattern of macrobenthos. Sensitive/tolerant indexes showed 84% full agreement as “acceptable” on most stations (including low-high TOC), while H′ values assessed all stations as “unacceptable”. The funnel plot of Λ+ could identify disturbed (high TOC) muddy stations, but was not a strong indicator of TOC disturbance for non-muddy stations. Among all indexes used in this study only the Λ+ showed significant correlation with PAH, TOM and sediment grain size. We believe that the Λ+ index works well in muddy substrates if the stress type is TOM overloading or PAH pollution. However this index alone does not make good judgment on the EcoQs of the studied area, so we recommend multimetric use of different indexes. The findings of the present study suggest that the physicochemical composition of sediment plays a key role in the distribution of macrobenthos and subsequently EcoQs assessment of Chabahar Bay, therefore, any anthropogenic activity affecting sediment could cause dramatic changes in macrobenthos assemblages.