High Levels Of Cu Research Articles

Determination of Heavy Metals in Henna Leaves and Cosmetic Henna Products Available in Zliten, Libya

Henna is widely used by Libyan women as a cosmetic, which may contain lead (pb), cadmium (Cd) and other toxic heavy metals. The purpose of this study was to determine heavy metal content of seven henna products, imported and locally produced in Zliten, Libya. An analytical method was performed using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS). In terms of heavy metal content determination, the results revealed a significant difference between henna leaves and cosmetic henna samples. The premixed henna sample H2 had the highest heavy metal concentrations with a high level of lead (6.952ppm), exceeding the WHO's maximum limit and the (ASEAN) Guidelines on Limits of Contaminants for Cosmetics Heavy metal maximum limits, Lead (Pb) is 1 ppm. Nickel (Ni) levels in (H4=5.201ppm) and (H6=2.023ppm ) henna samples were found to be above the WHO's limit of 1.68ppm. The results indicated that such cosmetics expose consumers to high levels of Pb and Cu, and hence to potential health risks. Thus, investigating the sources and effects of heavy metals in such cosmetics is strongly advised.

Heavy Metal Burden and Health Risk Assessment of Fresh, Frozen and Smoked Fish from a Local Market in Southwest Nigeria

Heavy metals load in fish environment and fish products had been an issue of public concern. The burden of some heavy metals in fresh tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus), frozen Herring (Clupea harengus), smoked herring, and associated risk to man was investigated. Atomic absorption spectrometry was used to determine metal concentrations. Standard risk measurement indices [daily metal intake (DMI), hazard quotient (HQ), and health risk index (HRI)] were used. Levels of Mn and Fe were significantly different (p<0.05) among the fish species, while the burden of other metals was low to not detected in the samples. The level of Cu (0.11±0.04), Zn (2.51±0.82), and Fe (8.72±4.41) were recorded in the bones of smoked herrings, while the highest levels of Mg were recorded in fresh tilapia. Gills recorded significantly (p<0.05) high levels of Mg (1.16±0.02), Fe (14.92±0.53), Cu (0.10±0.00), and Zn (1.35±0.04). The muscle of the frozen herring records the highest burden of these metals. Mn, Fe, Cu, and Cd revealed the highest HRI in all fish samples and age categories, especially for nine years old and below children. In conclusion, health fish indicators revealed that Mn, Fe, Cu, and Cd pose a risk to the populace and, with long time consumption, can do more damage to consumers, especially frozen herring.

One stone two birds: Bone char as a cost-effective material for stabilizing multiple heavy metals in soil and promoting crop growth

Remediation of farmland soils contaminated with high levels of multiple heavy metals near PbZn smeltery is still a great challenge. It is of great significance to find cost-effective green remediation technologies for stabilization of multiple heavy metals in soil and reduce metal accumulation in crops with ensured yield. In this study, we demonstrated that bone char (BC) is an effective heavy metal stabilizer which can substantially increase residual fractions of heavy metals and reduce metal accumulation in pea (Pisum sativum) with its enhanced growth. We chose the soils contaminated with high levels of Pb, Zn, Cu and Cd near the Baiyin PbZn smeltery as the tested soil. After 2 months of BC application, the relative mobile fractions (non-residual fractions) of Cu, Zn, Pb and Cd in the contaminated soil decreased while the residual fraction increased significantly. The leachability of Cu, Zn, Pb and Cd decreased by 91.2%, 38.6%, 67.6% and 54.3%, respectively compared with the control. BC application remarkably promoted pea growth and reduced accumulation of heavy metals in shoots. The mechanisms for stabilization of multiple heavy metals BC include ion exchange, surface complexation and subsequent mineralization, accompanied with release of Ca and phosphate. The immobilization of heavy metals led to their reduced toxicity to plant, and thus increased pea growth. The results show that BC is a cost-effective and sustainable heavy metal stabilizer with phosphate fertilization function. It can simultaneously immobilize multiple heavy metals in soil and facilitate crop production.

Spatial variation and ecological risk assessment for heavy metals in marsh sediments in Fuzhou reach of the Min River, Southeast China

To explore the pollution levels, sources and risks of heavy metals in sediments in Fuzhou reach of the Min River, the sediments involving in seven marsh types were sampled. Results showed that the concentrations of Pb, Zn and Cd in sediments declined from freshwater segment to estuarine segment. Higher levels of Cu, Cr and Ni in sediments generally occurred in estuarine segment. The highest levels of Pb and Cd were observed in bush swamp, while those of Cr, Ni, Zn and Cu occurred in mudflat. Cr, Cu, Zn and Ni probably shared common source, while Pb and Cd originated from another source. Pb and Cd were identified as heavy metals of primary concerns and the former showed high potential toxicity and high contributions to ΣTUs. Next step, the metal pollutions in sediments might be more serious if effective measures were not taken to control the loading of pollutants.

Contamination of Heavy Metals in Sediments from an Estuarine Bay, South China: Comparison with Previous Data and Ecological Risk Assessment

Heavy metal contamination is an elevating threat to the aquatic environment of estuarine bays. In the present study, surface sediments from Shantou Bay in South China were collected and detected for the concentrations of heavy metals including copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), chromium (Cr), nickel (Ni), cadmium (Cd), and lead (Pb) using ICP-MS. Spatial distribution, temporal trend, and potential ecological risks for the metal pollution were discussed. The results showed that levels of metals generally decreased by the order of Zn > Pb > Cr > Cu > Ni > Cd. Spatial variation of metal contents was observed with an order of Rongjiang River > Niutian Bay > Shanthou Harbor for Zn and Cd. Sediments of the Niutian Bay were observed with higher levels of Cu, Cr, Ni, and Pb. Compared with reported data from the same region at different sampling periods, a low–high–low trend was observed for the concentrations of the six elements, suggesting a great improvement of sediment quality in Shantou Bay. The average Igeo values suggested moderate pollution of Cu, Zn, Pb, and Cd. The potential ecological risks of Cu, Pb, Zn, Ni, and Cr were in low levels. More attention should be paid to the Cd pollution, considering its great values of potential ecological risk index. Our findings provided better understanding of heavy metal pollution in estuarine environments.

Exogenous Copper Application for the Elemental Defense of Rice Plants against Rice Leaffolder (Cnaphalocrocis medinalis).

Metals that accumulate in plants may confer protection against herbivorous insects, a phenomenon known as elemental defense. However, this strategy has not been widely explored in important crops such as rice (Oryza sativa L.), where it could help to reduce the use of chemical pesticides. Here, we investigated the potential of copper (Cu) and iron (Fe) micronutrient supplements for the protection of rice against a major insect pest, the rice leaffolder (Cnaphalocrocis medinalis). We found that intermediate levels of Cu (20 μM CuSO4) and high concentrations of Fe (742 μM Fe) did not inhibit the growth of C. medinalis larvae but did inhibit rice root growth and reduce grain yield at the reproductive stage. In contrast, high levels of Cu (80 μM CuSO4) inhibited C. medinalis larval growth and pupal development but also adversely affected rice growth at the vegetative stage. Interestingly, treatment with 10 μM CuSO4 had no adverse effects on rice growth or yield components at the reproductive stage. These data suggest that pest management based on the application of Cu may be possible, which would be achieved by a higher effective pesticide dose to prevent or minimize its phytotoxicity effects in plants.

Pilot Study of Trace Elements in the Infusion of Medicinal Plants Used for Diabetes Treatment.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate trace element contents in different medicinal plants used for diabetes treatments by residents in Asir region. Five medicinal plants—Tut leaves (Mulberry), olive leaves (Olea europaea), clove (Syzygium aromaticum), Luban Dhakar (Boswellia carterii), and Karela or bitter melon (Momordica charantia)—were collected from two cities, Khamis Mushait and Abha, in the Asir region, Saudi Arabia. Infusions (hot water extracts) were obtained from each plant, and elemental analysis was conducted using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Fourteen elements (Al, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Se, Sr, Cd, Ba, and Pb) were measured in all plants. The results revealed that the fourteen elements were present at different levels (µg/g) in all plants. Momordica charantia exhibited high levels of essential (Mn (251.4), Co (1.18), Cu (54.64), and Se (2.18)) and toxic elements (Al (39.20), As (0.57), Cd (0.33), and Pb (4.48)), followed by Syzygium aromaticum (Mn (736.36)) and Boswellia carterii (Pb (0.93)), which exceeded the PMTDI in traditional doses used for diabetes treatments. However, Mulberry and Olea europaea did not exceed the daily guideline values for all elements. Based on our findings, we cautiously recommend the latter two plants for the traditional treatment of diabetes, because they are not considered as source of harm based on their levels of elements. Their use should be restricted by comprehensive compound analysis to guarantee their safe use.

Copper Toxicity in Maize: The Severity of the Stress is Reduced Depending on the Applied Fe-Chelating Agent

The wide use of copper (Cu)-based fungicide has caused a stepwise accumulation of Cu in the environment increasing the occurrence of phytotoxicity in crops. To understand and alleviate this abiotic stress, maize seedlings were grown in hydroponic solution with different combinations of Cu and iron (Fe) forms. Results showed that maize Cu sensitivity is related to the nature of the form supplied and to the chelate-exchange processes that might involve other elements, such as Fe. The use of CuSO4 excess (100 µM) caused severe reduction of plant growth, over accumulation of Cu, high activity of antioxidant enzymes, and impairment of the acquisition of other nutrients. In presence of chelating agents (citrate and ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, EDTA) the ability of plants to tolerate high Cu-levels depends on the Fe nutritional status. Copper phytotoxicity symptoms do not occur when Cu was supplied chelated by EDTA. The use of synthetic agent EDTA (as Cu-EDTA and Fe-EDTA) prevented the accumulation of toxic Cu-level in plants and allowed a better homeostasis among nutrients. In presence of citrate, high concentration of Cu occurred in plants but its phytotoxicity was limited when even EDTA was available in solution. Results suggest that maize plants can operate a good control of nutritional status when Cu-excess is present concomitantly with a synthetic chelator (as EDTA) even when supplied as a Fe-fertilizer. These results pave the way to provide guidelines for the fertilization managements on Cu-contaminated soils to alleviate phytotoxicity in crops.

A shipboard method for catalytic kinetic spectrophotometric determination of trace Cu(II) concentrations in seawater using reverse flow injection analysis coupled with a long path length liquid waveguide capillary cell

By using reverse flow injection analysis (rFIA) and a 1.0 m liquid waveguide capillary cell (LWCC), an automatic and sensitive catalytic kinetic spectrophotometric method for on-line monitoring of Cu(II) concentrations in estuarine and coastal waters was established. Cu(II) detection was based on its catalytic effect on glutathione (GSH) oxidation by potassium ferricyanide under acidic conditions. The change in absorbance of potassium ferricyanide at 420 nm was used to monitor the reaction spectrophotometrically. Experimental parameters were optimized using a univariate experimental design approach and it was ensured that the method was free of interference from co-occurring ions such as Fe(Ⅱ), Fe(III), Mn, Zn, Cd, Al, Cr, Ni and Co. The proposed method was shown to have high sensitivity with a detection limit of 0.15 nmol L-1 in a pure water matrix and 0.23 nmol L-1 in a seawater matrix. Linearity was achieved within the range of 0.45–15 nmol L-1 in a pure water matrix and 0.69–10 nmol L-1 in a seawater matrix using a 200 cm reaction coil, while the upper limits can be extended to 40 and 25 nmol L-1, respectively, by using a shorter (100 cm) reaction coil. A high level of Cu(II) recovery was maintained, ranging between 95.2% and 101%. The relative standard deviations (RSDs) of blanks and samples spiked with 5 nmol L-1 Cu(II) standard were 1.52% (n = 13) and 1.10% (n = 13), respectively. The method was confirmed to be free of carry-over effect and a sample throughput of 26 h−1 was achieved. The method was successfully applied to underway and on-board determination of Cu(II) concentrations from a surface transect in the Jiulong Estuary and a vertical profile in the Yangtze Estuary, China, respectively.

Natural radioactivity and element characterization in pit lakes in Northern Sweden.

Northern Sweden has been the object of intense metal mining in the last decades producing several water-filled open-pits, or pit lakes. Most of these pit lakes have been limed to maintain a good water quality and to prevent generation of acidic water that could leach the exposed rocks and release metals into water. The aim of this work was to examine the concentration of stable elements and naturally occurring radionuclides in water and sediment samples from pit lakes originating from non-uranium mining activities in Northern Sweden. Surface water and surface sediments were collected from 27 pit lakes in Northern Sweden. Water quality parameters, concentration of stable elements and radionuclides were measured by a water probe, ICP-MS and XRF, and alpha and gamma spectrometry, respectively. Furthermore, a multivariate statistical analysis (PCA) was performed on the water samples and sediments. In general, the quality of the surface water was good, but some lakes had low pH values (2.5–5.7), and high concentrations of Fe (up to 200 mg/L) and other metals (e.g. Zn, Cu). When relating the metal concentrations in sediments in pit lakes with the concentration found in natural lakes, some sites had relatively high levels of Cu, As, Cr and Pb. The activity concentration of 210Po, and U and Th isotopes in water and sediment samples were at environmental levels, as was the ambient dose equivalent rate at these sites (range 0.08–0.14 μSv/h).

Phytoremediation Capability and Copper Uptake of Maize (Zea mays L.) in Copper Contaminated Soils

Copper is a frequently used heavy metal worldwide and known to be an essential micronutrient for most living organisms including plants. However, excessive levels of copper in soil may adversely affect plant growth and survival. The continuing introduction of copper to soil, e.g., through excessive utilization of agrochemicals has raised serious environmental concerns throughout the world. A variety of plants have the capability to eliminate pollutants from soil through different mechanisms; however, limited information is reported on phytoremediation potential of maize (Zea mays L.) and its uptake and the accumulation potential in copper-containing soils. The effects of additions of 0, 50, 100, 200 and 300 mg kg−1 of copper to soil on growth parameters of Z. mays, copper uptake from soil and accumulation in roots and shoots, and phytoremediation potential of Z. mays were investigated in this research. Copper content in soil and plant samples were determined using atomic absorption spectrophotometry. The addition of 50 mg kg−1 Cu stimulated Z. mays growth parameters, while higher content of Cu exhibited inhibitory effects of plant growth. Results indicated that roots accumulated significantly higher levels of Cu than shoots in all treatments, suggesting dominancy of phytostabilization mechanism in remediation of Cu-polluted soil by Z. mays. However, translocation of Cu from the roots to the aerial parts enhanced to some extent with copper level in soil. The greatest Cu accumulation capacity of 5210 µg per pot was gained in Z. mays cultivated in soil treated with 200 mg kg−1 copper. Results demonstrated that Z. mays can promisingly remediate low to moderately copper-contaminated soils.

Short- and long-term exposure to trace metal(loid)s from the production of ferromanganese alloys by personal sampling and biomarkers

The environmental exposure to trace metal(loid)s (As, Cd, Cu, Fe, Mn, Pb, and Zn) was assessed near a ferromanganese alloy plant using filters from personal particulate matter (PM) samplers (bioaccessible and non-bioaccessible fine and coarse fractions) and whole blood as short-term exposure markers, and scalp hair and fingernails as long-term biomarkers, collected from volunteers (n = 130) living in Santander Bay (northern Spain). Bioaccessible and non-bioaccessible metal(loid) concentrations in coarse and fine PM from personal samplers were determined by ICP-MS after extraction/digestion. Metal(loid) concentration in biomarkers was measured after alkaline dilution (whole blood) and acid digestion (fingernails and scalp hair) by ICP-MS as well. Results were discussed in terms of exposure, considering the distance to the main Mn source, and sex. In terms of exposure, significant differences were found for Mn in all the studied fractions of PM, As in whole blood, Mn and Cu in scalp hair and Mn and Pb in fingernails, with all concentrations being higher for those living closer to the Mn source, with the exception of Cu in scalp hair. Furthermore, the analysis of the correlation between Mn levels in the studied biomarkers and the wind-weighted distance to the main source of Mn allows us to conclude that scalp hair and mainly fingernails are appropriate biomarkers of long-term airborne Mn exposure. This was also confirmed by the significant positive correlations between scalp hair Mn and bioaccessible Mn in coarse and fine fractions, and between fingernails Mn and all PM fractions. This implies that people living closer to a ferromanganese alloy plant are exposed to higher levels of airborne metal(loid)s, mainly Mn, leading to higher levels of this metal in scalp hair and fingernails, which according to the literature, might affect some neurological outcomes. According to sex, significant differences were observed for Fe, Cu and Pb in whole blood, with higher concentrations of Fe and Pb in males, and higher levels of Cu in females; and for Mn, Cu, Zn, Cd and Pb in scalp hair, with higher concentrations in males for all metal(loid)s except Cu.

Isotherms of Adsorption of Heavy Metals in Soils and Sediments of the La Villa River Basin-Panamá

The study was carried out within the La Villa river basin (Herrera and Los Santos provinces). In these lands, great agricultural activity is developed, highlighting the production of corn, tomatoes, melons, watermelon, beans, peppers, sugarcane, meat and milk livestock. They are subjected to intensive use of agrochemicals and influenced by discharges of by-products from some industrial and agro-industrial companies located within the basin. The objective of the study was to determine by means of Langmuir isotherms the maximum adsorption of Mn, Zn, Cu, Pb and Cd in soils and sediments of areas with intensive agricultural activity within the La Villa river basin. Five soil and sediment samples were taken from producer´s farms in the rainy season (June-November 2016) and five samples in the dry season (January-April 2017). The total concentration of the heavy metal was determined. The isotherms of the trace metals in soils and sediments were determined in the samples taken at both times of the year by applying different concentrations of the metal in a CaCl2 0.01 M solution. High levels of Cu were found in soils and Cu, Mn, Cr and As in sediments. The Mn isotherm showed low values ​​and low adsorption force, Cu and Zn showed high adsorption values, but with low retention force. For Pb, high adsorption values ​​were observed, but very low retention force in the dry season, contrary to Cd, which obtained low adsorption values, but with a higher force. This behavior is closely related to the texture of the soils. The Cu, Zn and Mn showed high significant correlations with the clay content in the soil, contrary to the pH and the organic matter did not obtain a good correlation with the adsorption of the metals.

Effects of copper and arsenic on their uptake and distribution in As-hyperaccumulator Pteris vittata

Arsenic (As) and copper (Cu) are common co-contaminates in soils. However, their interactive effects on their accumulation and distribution in As-hyperaccumulator Pteris vittata are poorly understood. A hydroponic experiment was conducted with As being 0, 5, or 50 μM and Cu being 0.32, 3.2, or 32 μM to evaluate their phytotoxicity, accumulation, and distribution in P. vittata. In addition, As and Cu uptake kinetics were examined using the Michaelis-Menten kinetics model. Total As and Cu concentrations in P. vittata were up to 487 and 1355 mg kg−1. About 39–81% of the As was in the fronds compared to 0.6–18% for Cu. At 50 μM As, increasing Cu concentration from 0.32 to 32 μM increased root As while decreasing frond As concentrations, with the translocation factor (ratio of As in fronds to roots) being reduced from 4.0 to 0.31. In contrast, As did not affect Cu accumulation in P. vittata. Michaelis constant Km value for As was higher than that of Cu (6.49–24.9 vs. 0.43–3.36), consistent with higher Cu uptake than As. Besides, Cu reduced root K but increased P levels in the roots, whereas As increased the K and P concentrations in the fronds. Our results suggest that P. vittata accumulated more Cu than As in the roots, contributing to its low As translocation. As such, high levels of Cu are likely to reduce As uptake by P. vittata during phytoremediation of As-contaminated sites.

IMPACT OF WASTEWATER DISCHARGES ON SOME TOXIC METAL CONCENTRATIONS IN THE WATER AND SEDIMENTS OF THE AIN DALLIA DAM, SOUK AHRAS, ALGERIA

The current study aims to assess the impact of wastewater discharges from the Hanancha region on the physico-chemical quality of the Ain Dallia dam’s waters and sediments. Water and sediment samples were collected and analyzed for this purpose between December 2015 and April 2016. TME pollution (Cu, Zn, Fe, and Pb) is assessed using relatively simple principles of measuring concentrations, calculating indices, and comparing them to established standards that vary depending on the element, its toxicity, and the receiving environment. The results show extremely high levels of Cu, Fe, and Pb contamination in the waters of the two dam sites. They clearly show the influence of anthropogenic inputs through the use of domestic wastewater discharges. However, an examination of the results of the three indices of the sediments, namely contamination factor (CF), degree of contamination (DC), and pollution load index (PLI), reveals very high poly metallic contamination. This pollution is caused mainly by zinc and copper.

An Assessment of the Phytoremediation Potential of Planted and Spontaneously Colonized Woody Plant Species on Chronosequence Fly Ash Disposal Sites in Serbia-Case Study.

In this study, the potential of planted (Tamarix tetrandra Pall. ex M.Bieb. and Robinia pseudoacacia L.) and spontaneously colonized (Amorpha fruticosa L. and Populus alba L.) woody species for the phytoremediation of potentially toxic trace elements (TEs) such as As, B, Cr, Cu, Mn, Ni, Se, and Zn, from the chronosequence fly ash (FA) deposit lagoons (L1 and L2) at the ‘Nikola Tesla A’ Thermal Power Plant (TENT-A) in Serbia were analyzed. The differences in the pseodototal and bioavailable (DTPA-extractable) concentrations and mobility (AR index) of TEs in FA at the examined lagoons are a result of the time-conditioned influence of weathering (3 and 11 years respectively) and vegetation development on changing the basic physical and chemical properties of FA (texture, pH, EC, CEC, C, N, and bioavailable P and K) and its toxicity. This resulted in differences in the concentration of TEs in the roots and leaves of the examined plants at L1 and L2. All examined species accumulated Cr the most in the root (BAF > 1 and TF < 1), which suggests that they are good stabilizers of this element. Biological indices for As (BAF > 1 and TF < 1) identified T. tetrandra and A. fruticose as good stabilizers of As. P. alba stood out as accumulating the highest levels of B, Ni, and Zn, T. tetrandra the highest levels of Cu, Mn, and Se, and R. pseudoacacia the highest levels of As and B in leaves (BAF > 1; TF > 1), which makes them good extractors of these elements from the FA at TENT-A. However, due to toxic concentrations of As, B, Se, and Zn in their leaves, they are not recommended for the phytoremediation of the investigated lagoons through the process of phytostabilization. Under conditions of elevated total Cu and Ni concentration in FA, the content of these elements in the leaves of A. fruticosa at both lagoons were within the normal range. This, in addition to a good supply of essential Zn, the stabilization of As and Cr in the roots, an increase in BAF, and a decrease in TF for B with a decrease in its mobility in ash over time, singles this invasive species out as the best candidate for the phytostabilization of TEs in FA at the TENT-A ash deposit site.

Distribution of heavy metals in sediments, physicochemical and microbial parameters of water from River Subin of Kumasi Metropolis in Ghana

The River Subin, which serves as a source of direct drinking water downstream, flows through the Metropolis of Kumasi in Ghana, making it vulnerable to pollution due to human activities. In this study, we assessed the heavy metals content in the sediment of the Subin River as well as the physicochemical properties and microbial load in the river. Water and sediments were sampled from Race course upstream and downstream, Asafo, and Abinkyi upstream and downstream, Kaase, Asokwa and Wood village with a sampling distance of 100 m. Index of Geoaccumulation (Igeo), contamination factor (CF), contamination degree (CD) and pollution load index (PLI) were used to assess the level of heavy metal enrichment and contamination in the sediments of River Subin. Analysis showed that temperature of the river ranged between 31.23 to 31.40 °C, pH ranged between 6.62 and 7.52, conductivity ranged between 1.16 and 4.67 µS/cm, total hardness ranged from 0.65 to 3.82 mg/L, Ca ranged from 0.26 to 1.22 mg/L, alkalinity ranged from 324 to 711 mg/L, Mg from 0.24 to 3.35 mg/L and Cl ranged from 56.76 to 99. 30 mg/L. The microbial load assessment indicated that the River Subin is highly polluted by E. coli, Faecal Enterococci, Total coliform and faecal coliform, which generally increased as the river flows downstream since more solid waste from domestic and industrial effluents enter the river. Igeo data suggested that the river was highly contaminated by Ag and Cd and moderately polluted by Pb and Co. The CF, CD and PLI, results showed high levels of Ag, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Hg, Co, and Zn, indicating a progressive deterioration of water quality at the various sites. Our results suggest that the River Subin is highly polluted and thus, urgent management strategies are needed to mitigate further deterioration of the river.

Heavy metal levels in economically important fish species sold by fishermen in Karatas (Adana / TURKEY)

In this study, heavy metal (Cu, Zn, Cr, Cd, Pb and As) levels in the muscle of economically important fish species (Trachurus mediterraneus, Sparus aurata and Pegusa lascaris) living in different water columns in the North-East Mediterranean Sea were measured. Fish were bought from local fishermen between September 2016-August 2017 in Karataş region (Adana, Turkey). Levels of Cd, Cr, Pb and As were highest in the muscle of T. mediterraneus, S. aurata and P. lascaris in the autumn season, while Cu levels were highest in T. mediterraneus and S. aurata in the spring season. The lowest and highest levels of Cu, Zn, Cr, Cd, Pb and As in the muscle of fish were 0.11–0.37, 0.09–0.57, 0.03–0,28, 0.002–0.03, 0.04–0.11 and 0.09–0.49 (μg/g w.w.), respectively. Metal levels in muscle tissues were within the ranges of acceptable levels according to TFC (Turkish Food Codex), WHO (World Health Organization) and FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization) in terms of human consumption point of view. It was determined that the estimated daily (EDI) and weekly (EWI) metal intake levels were below the tolerable levels, and the Target Hazard Quotient (THQ) and Cancer Risk (CR) (except arsenic for CR) values were below acceptable standards in case of consumption of the examined species. Heavy metal levels in the studied species do not pose any risk to both fish and human health points of view.

Environmental impact on the natural resources of an area affected by mining activity in Bolivia: a geochemical evaluation of soils and sediments

The current methods used in Bolivia to extract gold using the amalgamation process with mercury result in environmental contamination and a risk to human health. The objective of this study was to determine Hg, As, Cu, Cd, Pb and Zn concentrations in soils and sediments from three mining districts. Results showed As and Hg concentrations were higher in the topsoil than in the sub-surface soils in the Sunchullí-Viscachani area, indicating active As/Hg atmospheric deposition, where concentrations exceeded the threshold levels. In addition, concentrations of Cd and Zn largely exceeded the threshold levels in the Katantica and Sural mining districts. In addition, the Sunchullí and Viscachani lagoon sediments were contaminated by Hg, As, Cd, Zn and Cu, whilst Katantica lagoon showed high concentrations of Zn, Cd and Hg, and high levels of As, Zn and Cu were reported in the Sural lagoon. Our results showed that the Cu, Pb, As and Hg concentrations in sediments in the Sunchullí river; As, Hg and Cu in the Pelechuco river, and As and Hg in the Rayo Rojo river all come from direct mine discharges into the rivers. These high concentrations of metals and metalloids must cause an impact on the aquatic ecosystems and human health. Therefore, there is a need to study the availability and speciation of metals and metalloids in soils and sediments to better understand the cycling of these elements and their transfer to the food chain.

Assessment of heavy metal pollution in the coastal sediments of an urbanized atoll in the central Pacific: Majuro Atoll, the Marshall Islands.

Pacific atolls are extremely vulnerable to the effects of climate change. Coral reef ecosystems, which are responsible for the island formation and maintenance, can potentially keep pace with rising sea levels. Such ecosystems are sensitive to pollution; however, the sources and levels of atoll pollutants caused by urbanization have rarely been investigated. In this study, we assessed the heavy metal pollution (Cr, Mn, Ni, Cu, Zn, Cd, and Pb) of coastal sediments to evaluate the effects of urbanization on Majuro Atoll, the Marshall Islands. The densely populated area had the most significant pollution with high levels of Pb, Mn, Zn, and Cu due to road traffic activity. Domestic wastewater, a major pollution source in Pacific atolls, was not identified. Remarkably, the Zn and Pb levels in the lagoonal coasts of the remote island area were 697 - 1539 and 22 - 337 times higher, respectively, than in the natural area of Funafuti Atoll, Tuvalu. Thus, the remote island and sparsely populated areas were significantly polluted because of the maritime traffic activity in the lagoon and debris accumulation in/around the lagoon. This pollution resulted from improper municipal solid waste management of the main island. The contamination factor, pollution load index, and geo-accumulation index indicated high levels of heavy metal pollution in these areas. Urbanization of the atoll clearly resulted in a distinct heavy metal composition and high pollution levels compared with Funafuti Atoll. These findings emphasize the importance of pollution management in the conservation and rehabilitation of urbanized atolls threatened by future sea-level rises.