Highest Metal Pollution Index Research Articles

Study of the dyeing industry pollution after mandatory installation of ETP in Madhabdi municipality, Bangladesh

ABSTRACT Madhabdi municipality of the Narsingdi district of Bangladesh, the “Manchester of the East,” is famous for its cloth market and fabric dyeing industries. The untreated effluent discharge has been mixed with the water and soil, degrading the environmental standards of this area for years. Installing an effluent treatment plant (ETP) in all textile industries in Bangladesh is mandatory. This study evaluates the soil condition, surface water quality, and heavy metal contamination in cultivated vegetables after the compulsory installation of ETP. Soil and water samples from eight locations and cultivated vegetable samples from three locations are collected and analyzed for this study. The pH, EC (electric conductivity), TDS (total dissolved solids), DO (dissolved oxygen), and heavy metal concentrations are observed. The water quality index, contamination index, metal evaluation index, pollution load index, and metal pollution index are calculated from the collected samples. The study found that the physico-chemical properties of water pH (9.19), EC (2232.38 µScm-1), and DO (0.79 mgL-1) violate the national standards. The mean TDS is below the maximum permissible level. The heavy metal concentrations of Cr and Pb in water are 1.03 and 0.13 mgL-1, crossing the permissible limit, respectively, but Mn, having 0.89 mgL-1, is within the limit. The water quality is unsuitable for domestic and agricultural use, contamination is “medium,” and metal evaluation is “medium.” The soil is alkaline, having a pH of 8.58. The soil’s Cr, Pb and Mn concentrations are 68.21 µgg-1, 52.73 µgg-1and 805.16 µgg-1, respectively. The soil contamination level is low to moderate. Cultivated leafy vegetables have a concentration of Cr, Pb and Mn; 2.61 µgg-1, 0.30 µgg-1and 288.67 µgg-1, respectively, where Cr has crossed, Pb is within, and Mn is lower than the permissible limit. Produced vegetables have high (12.10–33.09) MPI (metal pollution index) and are at a high-risk level for consumption as food.

Delineation of trace metal level in fish feed and farmed fish, Tilapia (Oreochromis mossumbicus) and their consequences on human health

The purpose of this research was to determine the possible health risks by identifying the trace metal content of feed and cultured tilapia fish in the Noakhali fish farms and Laxmipur/Central Coast district of Bangladesh. Commercial fish feed samples were collected from twelve randomly selected aquaculture farms on the central coast of Bangladesh. Trace metals, lead (Pb), manganese (Mn), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), nickel (Ni), and chromium (Cr) concentrations in the edible muscle of tilapia fish and feeds were monitored by Energy Dispersive X-ray Fluorescence (EDXRF). Lead (9.37 ± 3.54 mg/kg) and Mn (7.94 ± 4.15 mg/kg) concentrations in tilapia were four and eight times higher than the WHO maximum levels. In feed samples, Sujola (SF) had the highest metal pollution index (MPI) value, and Rupshi Quality (RF) had the lowest. However, Tang Way and popular Surma fishes were similar in metal pollution index in fish feed. Trace metal daily intake values were lower than the maximum acceptable daily intakes, demonstrating low risk in this study. The carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic health risks of consuming farm-cultured fish due to trace metals were relatively low and have less potential hazards to human health. This study will provide a baseline for monitoring trace metals in different edible aquatic organisms and recommends further investigation in different natural ecosystems and policy making.

Shell Organic Matrix (Conchix) of the Mediterranean Mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis L. as the Medium for Assessment of Trace Metals in the Boka Kotorska Bay

The content of trace metals, namely Zn, Cu, Fe, Mn, Pb, Cd, and Hg, in four types of media, i.e., soft tissues, shells, and the products of shell demineralization (organic matrix—conchix and extract) of the Mediterranean mussel Mytilus galloprovicialis L., at three sites in the Boka Kotorska Bay of the Adriatic Sea were determined. The main aim was to investigate the accumulation patterns of trace metals in conchix and their possible relationship with other tested media. Conchix weight within a group of mussels from Sv. Nedjelja was significantly higher in comparison with the IMB, while conchix % in the shell showed a negative correlation with dry shell weight. The highest metal pollution index (MPI) values found in the soft tissues of mussels from Sv. Nedjelja, Cogi, and the IMB were 2.319, 2.711, and 2.929 µg g−1, respectively. PCA analysis showed similarities in trace metal accumulation in all media except conchix. According to CCA analysis, conchixes were grouped around Cu, Fe, and Hg, while Cd and Zn were in correlation with the soft tissues. Moreover, the shells were in correlation with Mn. Simple isolation with high yield, close contact to the environment in comparison with calcified shell layers, and susceptibility to possible pollution sources due to the accumulation of specific metals are the main reasons to consider conchix of M. galloprovincialis as a medium with potential in trace metal assessments of marine ecosystems.

Histopathological evaluation of bivalves from the southwest coast of India as an indicator of environmental quality.

Bivalve molluscs have been regarded as excellent bioindicators of environmental pollution as they persistently accumulate toxic contaminants present in their ecosystem. Histological alterations in the digestive gland and gills of three bivalve sp., Viz. edible oyster (Magallana bilineata), green mussel (Perna viridis) and black clam (Villorita cyprinoides) from ecologically sensitive regions of international significance on the southwest coast of India were evaluated using a semi-quantitative histopathological index to assess the environmental quality. The prominent tissue alterations included tubular vacuolation, haemocytic infiltration, parasitosis, lamellar disorganization, and the presence of prokaryotic inclusions. The presence of ten trace metals was also evaluated in the digestive gland of bivalves. The histopathological indices were evaluated season-wise and region-wise. Seasonal variation in all the reaction patterns was observed in the digestive gland across sampling zones, with the highest indices observed during post-monsoon. The indices for all the reaction patterns in the digestive gland were significantly higher in bivalves from Vembanad Lake (Z4), followed by Periyar River (Z5). The indices for cellular changes and parasitosis in gills were the highest in the Ashtamudi estuary (Z1) and Z5, respectively. The global histopathological indices of the digestive gland and gills were also the highest in Z4, followed by Z5. Principal component analysis revealed that Z4 was distinct with the highest metal pollution index. A positive relation was observed with heavy metals, digestive gland histological alterations, and season and region of sampling.

Heavy metal accumulation and ecological risk on four seagrass species in South China

Zn, Pb, Cr, Cu, Ni, Cd concentration and ecological risk were studied in three bays to evaluate the heavy metal (HM) contamination of seagrasses. Seasonal HM accumulation varied according to locations, seagrass species and tissues. Halophila beccarii had much higher HM concentrations except for Cr in Zhelin Bay, however, bioconcentration factors (BCF) of Cu, Ni, Pb, Zn were higher in Liusha than Zhelin Bay. Cr was much enriched in Thalassia hemperichii and Enhalus acoroides than Halophila beccarii and Halophila ovalis. Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb were easy to accumulate in belowground tissues in Halophila ovalis. In contrast, almost all HM were more enriched in aboveground tissues in other species. Generally, BCF exceeding 1 and high metal pollution index suggested HM had potential ecological risk on seagrasses. The results provide the reference for managing and protecting seagrass ecosystem in South China, and are significant to expand the global seagrass detection network.

Metal accumulations in aquatic organisms and health risks in an acid mine-affected site in South China

Metal contamination from base metal sulphide mines is a major environmental challenge that poses many ecological and health risks. We examined the metal concentrations in the Dabaoshan mine in South China in water, sediments, and aquatic organisms and their specific characteristics (i.e. size, body tissue, species, and habitat) along the Hengshi and Wengjiang River courses to assess acid mine drainage remediation efforts. Metal concentrations of arsenic, cadmium, chromium, copper, lead, nickel, thallium, and zinc were examined in tissues (i.e. gills, intestines, and muscles) of 17 freshwater species of fish, shrimps, and crabs. Metals in tissues followed the trend: intestines > gills > muscles; nearly all intestine samples exceeded the safe limits of metals analysed in this study. There is a positive correlation between distance from the mine and metal concentrations related to the flow of surface water and the habitat of aquatic organisms. The concentrations of arsenic, copper, and zinc were the highest in aquatic organisms, and the distribution was influenced by physical (distance from mine, currents, and seasonality), chemical (pH and competing ions), and biological (species, habitat, and predator–prey relation) factors. Large demersal fish and benthic fauna had higher concentrations of metals. Bioaccumulation and biomagnification of metals, as well as the high metal pollution index and target hazard quotient (arsenic, cadmium, copper, lead, thallium, and zinc), occurred in bottom feeders (C. aumtus, X. argentea) and fish belonging to higher trophic levels (P. fulvidraco, O. mossambicus). Lead and cadmium indicated the highest level of biomagnification from prey to predator. Health risks exist from the dietary intake of common aquatic species such as tilapia and carp besides crustaceans due to high arsenic, cadmium, lead, and thallium levels. Further reduction of metals is necessary to improve the effects of acid mine drainage in the catchment.

Labeo rohita, a bioindicator for water quality and associated biomarkers of heavy metal toxicity

This study investigated the effect of heavy metals on Labeo rohita inhabiting the Yamuna River, India. Levels of heavy metals measured in the water were as follows: Fe>Mn>Zn>Cu>Ni>Cr>Cd. Gill and liver tissue of exposed L. rohita showed a high metal pollution index, compared to reference fish collected from the Agra Canal. In the exposed fish, higher levels of creatinine and enzyme activity (alkaline phosphatase, aspartate aminotransferase, and alanine aminotransferase) were observed, while the A:G index declined. Additionally, higher TLC, lymphocytes, respiratory burst, and nitric oxide synthase activity indicated a heightened immune response. Levels of superoxide dismutase and lipid peroxidation were elevated, while catalase, glutathione S transferase, and glutathione was reduced. DNA of the exposed fish appeared deteriorated, with a greater mean tail length in comparison to the reference. Our results imply that Yamuna River water generates oxidative stress and DNA damage in L. rohita. As this river is a critical source of water and food to the native community, this could pose a threat to public health similar to that in the indicator organism.

Bioaccumulation of heavy metals and their toxicity assessment in Mystus species.

This study was conducted on two native fish species namely Mystus vittatus and Mystus tengara inhabiting challenging environment of Yamuna River. The heavy metals concentrations in the river water were found to be as follows: Fe > Mn > Zn > Cu > Ni > Cr > Cd, all above the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) and World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines. The high metal pollution index in gill, liver, and kidney of M. vittatus was recorded compared to M. tengara. The pathology caused by the accumulation of heavy metals resulted significantly (p < 0.05) higher enzyme activities of alkaline phosphatase (ALP), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and creatinine kinase (CK) in M. tengara as compared to M. vittatus. However, albumin: globulin ratio was found to be below 0.8 in both fishes. Higher total leukocyte (TLC) (48.5 × 103/mm3), lymphocytes (40%), respiratory burst activity (1.9), and nitric oxide synthase (NOS) activity (13.11 U/L) in M. vittatus reflect high immune response. In addition, chromosomal breakage study showed significantly (p < 0.05) low micronuclei frequency, lobed nuclei, and kidney-shaped nuclei (KSN) in M. vittatus. These results indicate that under the same challenging conditions M. vittatus have more capability of resistance and its continuous survival points towards its suitability to serve as a bioindicator than M. tengara.

Patella caerulea (Mollusca, Gastropoda) as Bio-Indicator for Certain Pollutants at El-Mex Bay, Alexandria, Egypt

The dominant molluscan speciesPatella caerulea was selected as a trace metals bio indicator. During winter and summer 2016, its specimens were scraped from El-Mex Bay. Concentrations of heavy metals in the water, sediments andPatella caerulea (shells and soft tissues) were determined. Cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), nickel (Ni), manganese (Mn) and zinc (Zn) concentrations (conc.) during summer were higher than winter except for shells which had Cd conc. in summer lower than winter, water showed Cu conc. in winter more than summer, Fe appeared higher conc. in water and Patellacaerulea during winter more than summer, Mn had higher conc. in water and sediments than summer, Ni had higher conc. in water and soft tissues during winter than summer and Zn in water during summer is lower than winter. The bioaccumulation factors (BAFs) ofCd, Pb, Cu, Fe inPatellacaerulea shells were more than soft tissues, also they were more in winter than summer except that of Cu in winter was lower than summer, BAF of Fe in soft tissues was higher than shells also that of Mn and Zn in Patellacaerulea during winter were lower than summer, also BAFs of Mn in soft tissues and shells was nearly similar.The highest metal pollution index (MPI) for the studied species appeared in shells (105.95) followed by that of soft tissues during summer and winter (80.54 and 74.64, respectively). While MPI in shells during winter (46.13) came to the last.

Coastal water quality assessment and groundwater transport in a subtropical mangrove swamp in Daya Bay, China

Coastal water quality assessment is challenging due to the complex hydrological environment in mangrove swamps. Such assessment requires a good understanding of swamp hydrology and potential solute reactions. In this study, we investigated the concentration variations of a suite of major elements (Na+, K+, Ca2+, Mg2+, SO42−, HCO3– and Cl−), nutrients such as dissolved inorganic phosphorous (DIP) and silicate (DSi), and heavy metals (Cu, Zn, As, Hg, Cd, Pb and Cr) along a typical mangrove transect in Daya Bay, China. The transect comprises a tidal creek, a mudflat and two mangrove zones. The major elements exhibited various degrees of dilution and loss, such as losses of K+ due to uptake by mangrove trees and of SO42− due to microbial sulfate reduction. Numerical simulations of groundwater flow showed that the inland fresh groundwater can continuously discharge through the landward mangrove zone, where high concentrations of DIP and DSi occurred. However, the middle mangrove zone served as a sink of DIP and DSi due to the weak hydrodynamic environment. The spatial distribution of heavy metal concentrations showed that only Cu pollution occurred in the creek zone. The Metal Pollution Index (MPI) was developed to compare the enrichment capability of heavy metals at the different sampling sites. Results showed that the intertidal groundwater has the strongest heavy metal enrichment capability, followed by sea water, inland groundwater and river water. Within the intertidal zone, the creek zone has the highest MPI, followed by the mangrove zone and the mudflat zone. The local water circulation occurred around the creek should contribute the high MPI in the creek zone.

Studies on biomarkers of oxidative stress and associated genotoxicity and histopathology in Channa punctatus from heavy metal polluted canal

Some investigations were made on the Satha canal water and health of dwelling fish Channa punctatus at Satha village, district Aligarh (U.P). Metal bioaccumulation and induction of biomarkers such as lipid peroxidation (LPO), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione S transferase (GST), reduced glutathione (GSH), DNA damage and histopathology are potential indicators of stress in C. punctatus exposed to effluents. In canal water Cr, Mn, Fe and Ni concentrations were exceeding the permissible limits set by both Bureau of Indian standards (BIS) and WHO. Fe (74%) was highly bioavailable and accumulated in all organs (gill, liver, kidney, muscle and integument). The highest metal pollution index (MPI) value of 53 was observed in gills and the lowest 6 in liver tissue. SOD and LPO were significantly higher in all tissues, whereas CAT, GST and GSH levels declined significantly compared to fish from the reference site. Concomitant damage to DNA was observed with significantly higher mean tail length in the exposed fish gill cells (19 μm) and in liver (12.7 μm) compared to reference fish (5 and 4 μm respectively). Histopathology in gill and liver also show significant damage. Therefore, it can be concluded that the sugar mill effluent has the potential to cause oxidative stress, DNA damage and histopathology in C. punctatus. This canal is a prime source of water and fish food to the local residents of the area. Therefore, the consumers may suffer adverse health effects like that in indicator organism.

Bioaccumulation, oxidative stress and genotoxicity in fish (Channa punctatus) exposed to a thermal power plant effluent

Metal bioaccumulation and induction of biomarkers such as lipid peroxidation (LPO), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione S transferase (GST), reduced glutathione (GSH) and DNA damage are potential indicators of stress in Channa punctatus exposed to effluents. In canal water, receiving thermal power plant discharges, Fe and Ni concentrations exceeded the recommended guidelines set by the United Nations Environment Programme Global Environment Monitoring System (UNEPGEMS). Fe was highly bioavailable and accumulated in all organs (liver, kidney, muscle and integument). The highest metal pollution index (MPI) value of 41.2 was observed in kidney and the lowest 13.5 in muscle tissue. LPO, SOD, CAT and GST levels were significantly higher in liver and kidney, whereas GSH levels declined significantly compared to fish from the reference site. Concomitant damage to DNA was observed with significantly higher mean tail length in the exposed fish gill cells (26.5µm) and in liver (20.8µm) compared to reference fish. Therefore, it can be concluded that the thermal power plant effluent had the potential to cause oxidative stress and DNA damage in C. punctatus.

Bioaccumulation indexes of metals in blue crab inhabiting specially protected area Koycegiz Lagoon (Turkey)

The paper presents original results concerning individual total metal load (IMBI) values, metal pollution index (MPI) and concentrations of 11 metals (Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, Zn, As, Hg and Se) in blue crab (Callinectes sapidus Rathbun 1896) inhabiting Köyceðiz Lagoon System Turkey. Total of 60 blue crab samples were caught and investigated monthly between June 2009 and May 2010. Concentrations of trace metals in tissues were measured by ICP-AES. Concentration of Cr, Fe, As and Hg were found higher in spring than other season while Cd, Zn, As, Hg and Se showed highest concentration in hepatopancreas. IMBI values in all tissues were higher on spring and summer. On the other hand IMBI values calculated were higher in shell than other tissues. Result of high IMBI values on spring can explain due to the fact that increasing MPI value of Cd, Pb, Fe and Zn on spring while high IMBI values on summer affected by high MPI value of Cd, Pb and Mn. Cd accumulation on autumn and spring also Pb accumulation on every season in blue crab were found higher than the European Units limits for human consumption in edible parts of the crab samples and posed a risk for human health.

Trace metals in fish of economic interest from the west of Alexandria, Egypt

The concentration of some heavy metals (Cd, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Zn) in the muscle, liver, and gills in eight fish species, Caranx crysos, Euthynnus alleferatus, Scomberomorus commerson, Sphyraena viridensis, Sargus sargus, Siganus rivulatus, Mugil species, and Sardinella aurita were collected seasonally from the Mediterranean Sea in the region of Alexandria. The highest concentrations of Cd, Cu, Fe, and Zn were measured in liver tissue, while gill tissue yielded the highest concentrations of Mn, Ni, and Pb. Muscle is the organ of poor accumulation factor for all metals under investigation. Concentration of cadmium in muscle in Mugil species exceeds the permissible limit in summer, while Siganus rivulatus exceeds it in the summer and autumn seasons. On the other hand, copper, nickel, lead, and zinc are still much lower than the permissible levels. The metal pollution index (MPI) for metals was studied, revealing that Siganus rivulatus, Mugil species and Sardinella aurita had the highest MPI. Provisional tolerable daily intake (PTDI) indicates that the concentration levels of Cd, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Zn in the muscle of all fish species under investigation are much lower than recommended PTDI values, and accordingly there is no risk for the human consumption of these fish species.

Possible uses of kaolin wastes and transformed materials from the Amazon region (northern Brazil) for environmental applications

mining activity could be responsible for their elevated values in soils. Enrichment factor (Ef), geoaccumulation index (Igeo), metal pollution index (MPI), sediment quality guideline index (SQG-I) and enrichment index (EI) are calculated to estimate the overall contamination level and toxicity of the soils. The high Ef, Igeo and MPI values indicate high metal contamination in laterite and silty clay. Moreover, the range of SQG-Ibackground values indicates moderate to high toxicity of the soils. However, the SQG-Intervention values indicate low pollution level, and the EI values suggest no threat to the human health t~om the consumption of the crops produced in the study area due to trace metal contamination in the soils. Low mobility of metals in the waters above pH=6 probably results in low dissolved metal concentrations (below instrumental detection limit of atomic absorption spectrometry) in water samples. High metal absorption by laterite could also cause low dissolved metal concentrations. Silicate weathering and coal mining contribute towards the dissolved major ion composition in waters.

Contents of heavy metals in marine seaweeds from the Egyptian coast of the Red Sea

Seaweeds belonging to 14 different genera of Chlorophyta, Phaeophyta, and Rhodophyta were analysed to determine the levels of heavy metals in two areas of the Egyptian Red Sea coast. Among the trace metals analysed, Mn and Zn showed the highest mass concentrations in the surface sea waters of the two studied areas. However, algae obtained from the Suez area had higher concentrations of the investigated heavy metals than those collect in the Mars Alam area. Nevertheless, a high variability of the metal levels occurs among the studied algae and also between the investigated areas. Moreover, Zn was the most abundant metal in the seaweeds of the Suez area, while Pb was predominant in the Mars Alam area in red and brown algae. Liagora spp. had the highest average concentration factor of Zn in Suez (29 161-fold), while the average concentration factor in Enteromorpha spp. at Mars Alam was 20 091-fold. The highest Metal Pollution Index (MPI) value was recorded in Liagora spp. (22.0) at Suez. This represents a 4.6-fold higher value than that recorded in Liagora spp. at Mars Alam. Among green, brown, and red algae in Suez, the highest values of MPI were recorded in Cladophora spp. and Halimeda spp. (18.2 and 18.3), Padina spp. (16.2), and Liagora spp. (22.1), respectively; while at Mars Alam, the highest values of MPI were recorded in Cladophora spp. (6.6), Padina spp. (3.4) and Liagora spp. (4.8), respectively.