Igeo Values Research Articles

Monitoring trace element concentrations with environmentally friendly biomonitors in Artvin, Turkey.

Air pollution is the change in air composition that disrupts human health and environmental balance. Although natural and anthropogenic processes include crustal movements, photosynthesis, and plant and animal emissions, other sources of contamination also include industrial operations, transportation activities, household resources, and the chemical and metal industries. Thus, biomonitoring can be employed as a quick, affordable, and efficient method for estimating air pollution. In this study, some inorganic pollutants were detected using olive trees (Olea europaea L.) at eleven different points, depending on the traffic density in Artvin, Turkey. Trace element concentrations (Cr, Ti, Fe, Ni, Co, Cu, Zn, Pb, Al, and Mn) were measured in soil once a year and seasonally in plant samples with ICP-OES. Furthermore, basic component analyses total carbon (TC), total nitrogen (TN), total hydrogen (TH), and total sulfur (TS) were done with an elemental analyzer, total chlorophyll contents with a portable chlorophyll meter, and morphological and particle-based plant analyses with SEM-EDS. The pollution levels of these metals were calculated using the enrichment factor (EF) and geoaccumulation index (Igeo) parameters. Furthermore, the accuracy and validity tests of the analyses for trace metals were tested by applying certified reference materials (CRM) (ERM-CD281) for the plant samples and CRM (LGC-6187) for soil samples. Results indicated that soil trace element pollution distributions were ranked according to the following descending order: Fe (37,873.33mg/kg) > Al (13,300mg/kg) > Mn (1101.33mg/kg) > Ti (353.5mg/kg) > Zn (252.86mg/kg) > Cu (87.77mg/kg) > Cr (30.52mg/kg) > Pb (19.65mg/kg) > Ni (17.07mg/kg) > Co (7.65mg/kg). Moreover, air pollution from anthropogenic sources substantially increased average trace metal concentrations and sulfur emissions in autumn and winter. The average highest values of Fe (321.08mg/kg) > Al (304.05mg/kg) > Mn (32.75mg/kg) > Zn (31.01mg/kg) > Cu (17.92mg/kg) > Ti (11.07mg/kg) Cr (2.57mg/kg) > Ni (17.07mg/kg) were found in leaf samples taken from the roadside in autumn and winter. According to the EF and Igeo values, the main polluting trace elements in the soil were Zn, Cu, and Pb, while in the plant, these were detected as Fe, Al, Ti, Cr, Ni, and Cu. Kruskal-Wallis and correlation analysis statistically supported this relationship among metals. Results show that olive leaves are an effective bioindicator for detecting urban air pollution.

Historical trends and pollution assessment of heavy metals in core sediments from the Jiangsu offshore area, China

To assess the historical changes and pollution status of heavy metals, core sediments from the Jiangsu offshore area of China were systematically sampled and analyzed to determine the concentrations of Cu, Pb, Zn, Cr, Cd, As, Hg, Li, Ni, and Co. The stratigraphic framework of the SYS-1501 core was identified based on sedimentary structures, sedimentary facies, grain size, and comparison with seismic reflections and other well-studied cores from adjacent areas. The Pearson’s correlation coefficient, enrichment factor (EF), geoaccumulation index (Igeo), and principal component analysis (PCA) were used to distinguish the sources and assess the pollution risk of heavy metals. The results showed no elemental enrichment or contamination in the core sediments, and the high EF and Igeo values of Pb, As, Hg, and Li may be related to the selected background values of these metals. Except for Mn, all other metals and TOC exhibited similar vertical distribution patterns that were closely related to the mean grain size (Mz). Almost all the heavy metals were positively correlated with Al, Fe, and Mz, and all had high loadings on PC1, indicating that they are naturally sourced. Manganese (Mn) had a high loading on PC2, mainly representing the effect of marine authigenic elements on the sediments. Historical changes in the heavy metals in the core sediments were predominantly related to the sedimentary environment, sediment sources, and Mz.

Comprehensive assessment of heavy metal contaminations in agricultural soil through Pollution Indices from a rapidly developing city of India

This study has been conducted for the comprehensive evaluation of heavy metals (HMs) contamination such as Cr, Mn, Fe, Ni, Cu, Zn, Cd and Pb in agricultural soils via pollution indices i.e. geoaccumulation index (Igeo), contamination degree (CD), pollution load index (PLI), potential ecological risk (PRI) etc. Assessment for the determination of ecological damage was caused by these HMs in different agro-ecosystems around metropolitan city Lucknow. For this, data has been taken from our previous study8 depicting significant enrichment of above mentioned HMs in agricultural soil present near riparian areas, brick kilns, waste dump sites etc. Our results indicated that soil samples collected from Gaughat (GAF) and Sitapur (SAF) showed very high degree of contamination (CD>24). Further, pollution load index also reflected “very high” and “moderate to high” contamination with values 6.9075 and 3.3214 in these two sites respectively. Overall, Igeo values indicated moderate contamination with Mn and Ni metals and low contamination with Cr, Cu, Zn and Cd metals. However, Igeo with value 4.923 indicated extremely high degree of contamination due to Cd in Gaughat (GAF) soil. In the view of potential ecological risk index, GAF site poses a “very high” potential ecological risk while maximum sites pose “moderate” ecological risk. The ecological risk factor in agricultural soil was in the following descending order: Cd > Ni > Cu > Pb > Cr > Mn > Zn > Fe. Cadmium predominantly contributes significant amount to the PRI of soil while Ni, Cu, Pb, Cr, Mn and Zn showed low ecological risk.

Geochemical Baseline and Pre-Mining Environmental Assessment of Heavy Metals at Iron Exploration Area, Northeastern Aswan, Egypt

Wadi Abu Subeira area contains many farms and houses and is one of the promising areas for iron mining. Therefore, 21 surface soil samples were collected and investigated for toxic heavy metals (Pb, Cr, Ni, Cu, Zn, Co, and As) using inductively coupled plasma (ICP) to establish a geochemical baseline for these metals during pre-mining conditions. To decipher the sources of these metals and their interrelationships, multivariate statistical analysis was applied, while to evaluate the degree of pollution and potential environmental risks the environmental indices were used. Abundances of Pb, Cr, Ni, Cu, Zn, Co, and As fluctuated from 17.72 to 0.06, 47.12 to 10.86, 47.88 to 9.25, 45.04 to 6.23, 51.93 to 17.82, 10.55 to 1.24, and 7.04 to 1.66 mg/kg, respectively, displaying a declining trend of Zn > Cr > Ni > Cu > As > Co > Pb. Additionally, the mean concentrations of all studied metals were found to be significantly lower than the selected international reference standards. Pearson correlation coefficient, principal component analysis, and cluster analysis revealed two geogenic geochemical associations for the studied toxic elements: (1) Zn-As-Ni-Cr-Cu-Co; and (2) Pb. Negative Igeo values were observed for all metals, which showed that the samples were uncontaminated and can be considered a geochemical baseline for the study area. Moreover, all CF values were lower than or close to 1, suggesting low contamination levels from all studied metals and supporting the association with natural geological processes. Similarly, Er and RI values of all metals were below 40 and 150, respectively, indicating a low-risk environment. Ultimately, the obtained levels of the studied metals can be used as a geochemical baseline for tracking the future changes in their accumulations in soil sediments considering the current assessment of the area as an environmentally safe area.

136 Years of variation of sediment-associated metals in a subtropical reservoir in southern Brazil: Implications for the environmental change

Urban water supply reservoirs, their quality and quantity of water are affected by anthropogenic activities and environmental changes. They are aquatic ecosystems that respond to the dynamics of organic loads and nutrients, and episodes of eutrophication. Past disturbances in the watersheds and the water column can be noticed by the vertical distribution of heavy metals and trace metals in the sedimentary core. In this study, two sediment cores from the Passauna reservoir in Curitiba, Brazil were examined to assess the accumulation of heavy metals such as lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), and nickel (Ni), and other major elements such as aluminum (Al), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), potassium (K) and barium (Ba), and their association to pollution. Enrichment factor (EF) and geoaccumulation index (Igeo) were applied to the identified accumulation of metals as well as to the level of pollution. The decay of radionuclides, including 210Pb and 137Cs, were used to find the rate of sedimentation over 136 years. The results showed a spatial variation, with the highest concentration of metals found in the upstream part of the reservoir. The EF values of the following metals decreased: in core I, EF(Fe) > EF(Mn) > EF(Cd) > EF(Sb) > EF(Zn) > EF(Cu) > EF(Cr) > EF(Pb); and in core II, EF(Sb) > EF(Pb) > EF(Cd) > EF(Cr) > EF(Fe) > EF(V) > EF(Zn) > EF(Cu) > EF(Ni) > EF(Mn). The Igeo values of the metals decreased in core I Igeo(Fe) > Igeo(Sb) > Igeo(Al) > Igeo(Zn) > Igeo(Cd) > Igeo(Cd) > Igeo(Ni) > Igeo(Cr) > Igeo(Mn) > Igeo(Pb) > Igeo(V); and in core II, Igeo(Sb) > Igeo(Cd) > Igeo(Pb) > Igeo(Al) > Igeo(Cr) > Igeo(V) > Igeo(Fe) > Igeo(Cu) > Igeo(Ni) > Igeo(Zn) > Igeo(Mn). We used the Mn/Fe, Cu/Ni, and V(V + Ni) ratio to evidence changes in productivity and redox conditions in the water column over time.We observed that during the period 1930–1970 anthropogenic activities controlled the impacts on reservoir and water quality. The changes in the distribution of metals coincided with the expansion of agriculture and urban area. In addition, redox and productivity showed periods with different rates of productivity as well as alternate periods of trophic levels. In sum, this paper provides information on how the depositional environment affects the geochemical characteristics of sediment, explaining past environmental changes.

Migration Features and Regularities of Heavy Metals Transformation in Fresh and Marine Ecosystems (Peter the Great Bay and Lake Khanka)

Peter the Great Bay and Lake Khanka are among the most important structural and industrial fishing parts of the Far East coastal ecosystem, which are used by a number of countries such as Russia, China, Korea, Japan, etc. At the same time, the active use of water resources, as well as industrial activities deployed on the coastal part of these reservoirs, are accompanied by a constant flow of pollutants into the water area. Among them, one can include heavy metals; their entry and migration are currently not fully controlled. There exists an important scientific and ecological task to study the features of heavy metal migration and transformation in natural objects. Bottom sediments act as a substrate for hydrobionts and, at the same time, serve as accumulators of pollutants, so that they can be used as the main component of the coastal-shelf ecosystem. The geochemical assessment of the behavior of heavy metals in the bottom sediments of Ussuri Bay and Amur Bay (Sea of Japan) and Lake Khanka (Xingkai) has been performed. Qualitative and quantitative elemental compositions of the bottom sediments have been established by means of the inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS), and X-ray fluorescence analysis (XRF), whereas a correlation with the concentration of elements in seawater above sediments has been provided. The main phases of anthropogenic components as well as their relationship with an increased content of heavy metals have been established using X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD). Average values of the concentration of elements in the bottom sediments of Peter the Great Bay decrease in the following row: Fe > Cu > Cr > Zn ≥ Pb > Mn > Ni, and for Lake Khanka: Pb > Cu > Mn > Fe > Cr > Zn > Ni. Here, the excessive contents of Cr, Fe, Cu, Zn, and Pb in sea bottom sediments by 6, 32, 7, 3, and 4 times as compared with background values are the result of the formation of a large amount of carbonate and iron-oxide phases. At the same time, it was shown that, during the transition from the estuarine (coastal) area of river flow to the central (closer to the outlet to the ocean), the concentration of biogenic metals (Ni, Zn, Pb, Cu) generally decreased 2–4-fold along the profile, which was associated with the formation of their hydroxides and carbonates in the area of mixing of freshwater and seawater followed by that of complex compounds or absorption. A significant anthropogenic impact is observed in the lake sediments, which is demonstrated by the excess of Pb concentration by 6700 times, as compared with the Clarke number of the lithosphere. The non-uniform distribution of heavy metals along the core profile has been established, which is related to different contents of aluminosilicate and iron oxide phases in the form of hematite and magnetite. The sedimentation rate has been established by means of granulometric and radiometric analysis and equaled to 0.45 mm/year in Ussuri Bay, 1.6 mm/year in Amur Bay, and 0.43–0.50 mm/year in Lake Khanka. By calculating the distribution coefficients of heavy metals in the ‘water–deposits’ system, some features of migration and accumulation of individual elements have been established. To assess the potential pollution of the marine areas, the geoaccumulation index (Igeo) and the pollution factor (Kc) have been calculated. In comparison with the maximum permissible concentrations of the Russian Federation (MPC), the World Health Organization (WHO), the US Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA), and environmental protection agencies of China and Japan, Peter the Great Bay has an excess of Mn—2-fold, Fe—2-fold, Zn—3-fold, whereas in Lake Khanka, the situation is even less favorable, in particular, the excess of Mn is 79-fold, Fe—35-fold, Cu—2-fold, Zn—3–4-fold, which is clearly determined by the closeness of the water basin and the lack of water exchange. In comparison with the lithosphere Clarke number, the sediments of both water basins, as well as the coastal soil of the lake, are enriched with Pb and depleted with Cr, Ni, and Zn. The highest values of Igeo in both water basins have been observed for Pb, and equaled 12–16 in Peter the Great Bay and 6000 in Khanka Lake. Based on the data obtained, the areas with the greatest pollution caused by natural and anthropogenic factors have been identified.

Heavy metal concentration profiles and pollution assessment in the Jiangsu offshore area, China

The concentration profiles of various major and trace heavy metals (Cu, Pb, Zn, Cr, Cd, As, Hg, Ni, Li, and Co) were investigated along a 40.1-m-long sediment core in the offshore Jiangsu area of China, to assess their depositional trends and contamination levels. All metals, except Cd, exhibited similar profiles with high average concentrations during the Marine Isotope Stage 2–4 period. The sediment trace-metal concentrations were primarily related to grain size and sediment sources, with almost all heavy metals (except Cd) being positively correlated. Enrichment factors, geoaccumulation indices, and principal component analysis indicated no elemental enrichment or contamination. The high EF and Igeo values of As, Hg, and Li may be related to their background values.

Sandwich composites of bismuth sulfide nanoparticles decorated with cobalt ferrite oxide for waste water treatment

To detect cadmium (Cd2+) ions, electrochemical and calorimetric studies have been performed due to their high sensitivity and selectivity. Heterogeneous photocatalysts have been used to degrade and decolorize azo dyes because they are adaptable, cause less secondary pollution, and are cost-effective. In this study, synthesized Bi2S3 nanoparticles adorned on CoFe2O4 (BiSNPs@CFO) substrates by using chemical methods. The primary source of Cd2+ ions in digested detergent samples was detected and coded as samples A, B, and C. Laundry wastewater was denoted as sample D. Both photoluminescence spectroscopy (PL) and cyclic voltammetry techniques (CV) were employed to detect the presence of cadmium ion in the selected samples. Pollution assessment risk index values indicated that samples B and C contributed to Cd2+ ions pollution more compared with sample A. The Igeo (geo-accumulation) values were 4.08 (sample B), 3 (sample C), and 13.5 (sample D), which indicated a high pollution level. Then, the methylene blue (MB) dye was periodically degraded at a fixed concentration and pH, and the efficiency reached 83%, with the apparent rate constant of 0.0106/min with a high R2 value of approximately 0.9015. In this study, the two pathogens were isolated from laundry wastewater, namely, Aspergillus sp. and Trichoderma sp, and their growth and biomass production were examined. The antifungal activity of BiSNPs@CFO composites was studied using the standard fluconazole. The nanocomposites can be used as a probe to detect the presence of Cd2+ ions and degrade azo dyes and Aspergillus sp. and Trichoderma sp. predominantly grown in laundry wastewater.

SEDIMENTARY DEPOSITION OF METALS IN SEDIMENTS FROM ILHA GRANDE BAY, RJ (BRAZIL)

The industrial development of coastal regions in recent decades and the lack of studies of these systems have led to the need to develop studies on metal contamination that distinguish impacted areas from conserved areas and which can be used to evaluate contamination processes through the study of historical records of deposited material. In the present study, geochemical sedimentary analysis predicts the evolution of the entry and behavior of metals in the Enseada do Abrão in Ilha Grande Bay. Sedimentary evidence was collected to assess concentrations of metals and organic matter and to correlate them with factors possibly controlling their deposition, identifying their respective sources. Furthermore, through 210Pb dating, the deposition of both metals and organic matter in recent decades can be monitored. To this end, analyses of basic compounds (total organic carbon and total nitrogen) and metals (Al, Ba, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, V and Zn) were performed. The data obtained were normalized using Al as the reference element, and average values for shale were used as a baseline for enrichment factors and to calculate the geoaccumulation index. It was possible to estimate sedimentation rates and metal fluxes through 210Pb dating. It could be observed that despite increasing development the analyzed sediments did not have increased concentrations of metals. Furthermore, the concentrations of the elements studied were found to be below the values ​​found in affected areas. Al did not show correlations with other metals, and the enrichment factor did not show increased concentrations of metals in the most recent layers, nor were there many values ​​that would suggest enrichment originating from anthropogenic contribution throughout the studied profile. Based on the values ​​of IGeo, it can be observed that the metals present are within their baseline levels and do not exhibit a significant anthropogenic contribution. The metal fluxes did not show increasing values. These evaluations suggest the absence of contamination in the studied area, and the area can thus still be considered to be one not impacted by metals of anthropogenic origin. This discovered record is useful as a basis for monitoring activities that have expanded in recent decades.

Assessment of heavy metal pollution and quality in lake water and sediment by various index methods and GIS: A case study in Beyşehir Lake, Turkey

Beyşehir Lake, Turkey's largest freshwater lake, is also a “Drinking Water Reserve”. In the study, heavy metal (As, Cr, Cu, Ni, Zn, Pb, Cd, Hg, Fe, Al, Mn) concentrations of seasonal lake water and bottom sediment samples were determined to evaluate the heavy metal pollution. Several index methods were applied, and pollution assessments were made using the obtained analysis results of lake water and sediment samples. The average concentrations of the heavy metals in the lake waters are observed as Fe > Al > Mn > As>Zn > Ni > Pb > Cr > Cu > Hg > Cd. When the lake waters were compared with the TS 266 (2005) and WHO (2017) limit values, it was determined that lake waters are below the limit values in terms of the heavy metals. According to index results, all of the lake samples are suitable for use as drinking water in accordance with the heavy metal pollution index (HPI) value, all of the samples are in the “low pollution” class in accordance with the heavy metal evaluation index (HEI) and degree of contamination (Cd) values. In addition, the water average concentrations of the heavy metals in the lake sediments are observed as Fe > Al > Mn > Cr > Ni > Zn > Cu > As>Pb > Cd > Hg. The contamination factor (CF) and enrichment factor (EF) revealed that sediments were considerably and moderately polluted by As, Cr, Cu, Ni, Cd, Fe and Mn and low polluted and/or unpolluted by other metals. The calculated pollution load index (PLI) and Igeo values indicate that lake sediments do not carry a risk of heavy metal contamination.

Analysis, spatial distribution and ecological risk assessment of heavy metals in surface soils, the case of Khorramabad, Iran

ABSTRACT In this study, the contents of potentially toxic elements (Cd, Cr, Pb, Cu, Zn, Ni and Mn) in urban surface soils collected from city of Khorramabad were determined to assess the soil contamination rates, potential ecological risks and also spatial distribution of the analyzed elements. In so doing, a total of 55 surface soil samples were collected from 11 sampling sites. After acid digestion of samples, the contents of the elements were determined using flame atomic absorption spectrometer. Then, the pollution rates and potential ecological risks of the soil samples were assessed using various models including geo-accumulation index (I-geo), potential ecological risk index (RI), enrichment factor (EF) and pollution load index (PLI). The spatial distribution of the analyzed elements was estimated using the kriging interpolation technique. Based on the results, the observed mean I-geo values could be classified as “unpolluted” for all heavy metals in the study area. Besides, the EF values of Fe (1), Zn (340), Cr (445), Cd (1000), Ni (605), Cu (874), Pb (316) and Mn (900) indicated that all the elements had extremely severe enrichment. Moreover, the RI values indicated that the whole study area could be categorized as 'moderate'. The values of PLI indicated that the study area could be considered as 'non-polluted'. The calculated values of the studied indices and their spatial distribution showed that the elements concentration in E (G3T4S1) and I (G6T2S2) sampling sites were more than those in the other sites and that, for managing and controlling the anthropogenic activities in those sites, special care and appropriate interventions are needed. In conclusion, while an increase in soil contamination in the study area is expected in the future, the use of bioaccumulator species for biomonitoring and bioremediation of the contaminated areas with potentially toxic elements (PTEs) is recommended.

Levels of heavy metal in soil and vegetable and associated health risk in peri-urban areas across China

Peri-urban vegetable field plays an essential role in providing vegetables for local residents. Because of its particularity, it is affected by both industrial and agricultural activities which have led to the accumulations of heavy metal in soil. So far, information on heavy metal pollution status, spatial features, and human health risks in peri-urban vegetable areas across China is still scarce. To fill this gap, we systematically compiled soil and vegetable data collected from 123 articles published between 2010 and 2022 at a national level. The pollution status of heavy metals (i.e., cadmium (Cd), mercury (Hg), arsenic (As), lead (Pb), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), nickel (Ni), and zinc (Zn)) in peri-urban vegetable soils and vegetables were investigated. To evaluate the levels of heavy metal pollution in soil and human health risks, the geoaccumulation index (Igeo) and target hazard quotient (HQ) were calculated. The results showed that mean concentrations of Cd, Hg, As, Pb, Cr, Cu, Ni, and Zn in peri-urban vegetable soils were 0.50, 0.53, 12.03, 41.97, 55.56, 37.69, 28.55, and 75.38 mg kg−1, respectively. The main pollutants in peri-urban vegetable soil were Cd and Hg, and 85.25% and 92.86% of the soil samples had Igeo > 1, respectively. The mean Igeo values of this regions followed the order of northwest > central > south > north > east > southwest > northeast for Cd and northeast > northwest > north > southwest > east > central > south for Hg. The mean Cd, Hg, As, Pb, Cr, Cu, Ni, and Zn concentrations in vegetables were 0.30, 0.26, 0.37, 0.54, 1.17, 6.17, 1.96, and 18.56 mg kg−1, respectively. Approximately 87.01% (Cd), 71.43% (Hg), 20% (As), 65.15% (Pb), 27.08% (Cr) of the vegetable samples exceeded the safety requirement values. The vegetables grown in central, northwest, and northern China accumulated much more heavy metals than those grown in other regions. As the HQ values for adults, 53.25% (Cd), 71.43% (Hg), 84.00% (As), and 58.33% (Cr) of the sampled vegetables were higher than 1. For children, the HQ values were higher than 1 for 66.23% (Cd), 73.81% (Hg), 86.00% (As), and 87.50% (Cr) of the sampled vegetables. The findings of this study demonstrate that the situation of heavy metal pollution in peri-urban vegetable areas across China are not optimistic and residents who consume the vegetables are at high risk of health issues. To ensure soil quality and human health, strategies should be taken to guide vegetable production and remedy soil pollution in peri-urban areas with the rapidly urbanizing China.

X-ray fluorescence analysis of coastal sediments of Tamil Nadu with a statistical approach

X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy is applied to determine the concentration of essential and toxic heavy metals such as silicon (Si), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), titanium (Ti), iron (Fe), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), nickel (Ni), and lead (Pb) in the sediments of Kovalam coastal area, Tamil Nadu, India. Fe (599280 ppm), an essential heavy metal/mineral shows the highest average concentration, followed by Si (181593 ppm), Ca (130913 ppm), K (99673 ppm), Ti (77620 ppm), Cu (64 ppm), Ni (43 ppm), Pb (20 ppm), and Zn (8 ppm). Heavy metal contamination was assessed using various pollution indicators such as the geo-accumulation index (Igeo), contamination factor (CF), pollution load index (PLI), and enrichment factor (EF). Si, K, Ca, Ti, Fe, Cu, Ni, Pb, and Zn had mean Igeo values of −1.29, 1.54, 1.07, 3.59, 3.19, 0.64, −1.14, −0.22, and −3.70, respectively. Except for Ti (19.36) and Fe (13.87), the average CF value for determined heavy metals was significantly low. The PLI value ranges from 1.47 to 2.46. Heavy metal EF values are greater than 1 in all sampling locations. Multivariate statistical analyses such as Pearson correlation analysis, cluster analysis, and principal component analysis are performed to identify the sources of heavy metals in the studied sediment samples. The findings indicate that anthropogenic sources such as boating and tourism activities have a probable contribution on the enrichment of K, Ca, Ti, Fe, Cu, and Pb in sediments, necessitating more attention in monitoring of toxic heavy metals (such as Pb) contamination in the coastal environment.

Evaluation and Source Identification of Heavy Metal Pollution in Black Soils, Central-Eastern Changchun, China

Black soils are vital agricultural resources, and assessing heavy metal contamination in black soils is of great significance to the sustainable development of agriculture and the environment. In this study, 1246 surface soil samples were collected from the central-eastern part of Changchun, where phaeozems and chernozems are widely distributed, and the As, Hg, Cr, Cd, and Pb concentrations were determined to investigate the pollution status in the black soils by the geoaccumulation index (Igeo). To eliminate the influence of background variation and improve the calculation accuracy of the Igeo values, the local background values of these five elements were estimated after classifying the samples into three clusters with the k-means clustering method. The Igeo calculated with the local background values not only identified the pollution that is difficult to recognize in the low-background areas but also eliminated the easily misidentified pollution in the high-background areas. The Igeo results show that the black soils are mainly contaminated with Hg, followed by Cd and Pb, and are almost free from the pollution of As and Cr. The further the sampling sites are from urban areas, the milder the soil pollution is. A positive matrix factorization (PMF) analysis shows that industrial activities and coal burning contributed the most to the heavy metal pollution in the black soils, followed by agricultural activities, which should be paid more attention to.

Rare earth elements as sediment contamination tracers in a coastal lagoon in the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

BackgroundThis study aimed to evaluate the environmental quality of Padre Lagoon, an urban coastal lagoon in Southeastern Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, employing rare earth elements (REEs) as tracers. AimThe present study aimed to quantify REEs contents from Padre Lagoon to better ascertain the antropogenic environmental impact MethodsSurface sediments and one sediment core were investigated using a mass spectrometer. 14C radiocarbon dating was performed in the sediment core. Particle size analysis were made in the sediment core and the surface sediments. The Igeo index was used to isolates anthropogenic pollution. All statistical analyses were performed using the R program. ResultsSediments varied between coarse sand at different amounts. All analyzed samples contained detectable REEs, with a higher accumulation observed at the sediment core from 60 cm depth below the surface (roughly 320 cal yr BP) and, more significantly, in the upper 10 cm depth. The geoaccumulation index determined in both in the sediment core and in the surface samples indicated the presence of anthropogenic activity in the studied area. The statistical analysis showed a integration between rare earth elements and sandy mud lithology. ConclusionThe determined elements presented Igeo values indicative of slight environmental contamination. No industrial development complex is present in the study area, indicating that the main REE source to this environment may be industries located in the city of Rio de Janeiro through intensified atmospheric transport, carrying particles over long distances, potentially leading to significant biota and human health impacts in coastal environments.

Metal composition and contamination assessment of urban roadway dusts on the Abu Dhabi-Liwa Highway, UAE

The metal composition of road-deposited dust along the Abu Dhabi-Liwa Highway was investigated to provide insight into the contamination profile and levels of road dust. The average concentrations of metals decreased in the order Al (28668 ± 4631 mg/kg)> Fe (21461 ± 2594 mg/kg) > Mn (711.8 ± 76.3 mg/kg) > Zn (210.6 ± 51.6 mg/kg) > Cu (94.9 ± 15.8 mg/kg) > Pb (83.6 ± 5.3 mg/kg) > Cd (75.1 ± 1.6 mg/kg) > Co (62.6 ± 6.4 mg/kg) > As (4.7 ± 2.9 mg/kg) > Ni (0.10 ± 0.19 mg/kg) > Cr (0.08 ± 0.06 mg/kg). The spatial variations of metals suggest different sources and contributing factors for these metals, with most dust metals having mixed traffic and non-traffic origins. The contamination factor (CF) and enrichment factor (EF) showed identically the same order, Cd> Pb> As> Zn> Co> Cu> Mn> Ni> Cr, whereas the geoaccumulation index (Igeo) follows a slightly different ranking, Cd> Pb> Zn> Co> As> Cu> Mn> Ni> Cr. Based on EF and CF levels, roadway dusts are enriched in all metals, except for Ni and Cr. Similarly, the average Igeo values show differing rates of pollution for all metals except for Mn, Ni, and Cr. All pollution indicators suggest extreme pollution with Cd. The pollution loading index values showed sites 1–10 are generally polluted, while sampling sites from 11 to 19 are unpolluted with decreasing pollution loadings. Dusts collected from both sides of highway were higher in metal content than those obtained from the central reservation area. This may be due to the prevailing southeast wind direction, resuspension of road dust, and farmlands, among others. Soils bordering the highway showed high metal contents with potential consequences on the agricultural products.

Contamination by Heavy Metals in the Sediments of Sirwan/Diyala River, Garmian Region

This research was conducted to evaluate the contamination of some heavy metals including (Cadmium, Cupper, Lead, Nickel, Zink, Cobalt and Chromium) in the sediments of Sirwan/Diyala River. Sampling was conducted in different sites within the river banks, and four indices/factors including ecological risk factor (ER), enrichment factor (EF), contamination factor (CF), and geo-accumulation factor (Igeo) were used for this purpose. The result indicated that the concentrations of the observed metals were with the following order: Ni>Cr>Zn>Pb>Co>Cu>Cd. The values of enrichment factor were ranged from low of Co with a value of (EF = 1.12) to significant enrichment of Ni (EF = 9.13). However, the values of contamination factor indicated low contamination of sediments by Cu, Cd, Pb, Co and Zn with mean values of (0.74), (0.46), (0.49), (0.85) and (0.24) respectively, to significant contamination by Ni and Cr with mean values of (2.4) and (1) respectively. In terms of ecological risk factor, the average values of (Er) of all the observed elements were under low ecological risk category. The values of (Igeo) index for Cd, Pb, Cu, Zn and Co were under (unpolluted) category; while, Ni was under (unpolluted to moderate) category with a mean value of (0.61) and Cu fall under moderate category with a mean value of (1.04).

ECOLOGICAL EVALUATION OF UNCOMMON HEAVY METALS CONTAMINATION IN THE SOILS OF THE CENTRAL PROVINCE OF UŞAK, WESTERN TURKIYE

This study aimed to evaluate the concentrations of the uncommon heavy metals (Ag, Bi, Co, Sb, Th, Tl, U, and V) in 90 soil samples obtained from both urban and agricultural lands near Uşak, western Turkiye to investigate dimensions of the existing ecological pollution using geoaccumulation and enrichment factor indices, and to identify their potential pollutants. The concentration values for the selected elements ranged from 0.01 to 0.46 mg/kg for silver (Ag); 0.07 to 0.72 mg/kg for bismuth (Bi); 7.9 to 55.8 mg/kg for cobalt (Co); 0.12 to 27.99 mg/kg antimony (Sb); 3.4 to 17.7 mg/kg for thorium (Th); 0.04 to 0.5 mg/kg for thallium (Tl); 0.3 to 7.3 mg/kg for uranium (U); and 18 to 72 mg/kg for vanadium (V). Igeo values of Ag showed moderate to heavy contamination in the city center of Uşak province. Igeo values of Bi and Sb in the west part of the study area indicated extremely contaminated soils. EF values for Bi and Sb also showed significant enrichment in the soils in the western portion of the study area which further validates that the potential sources for Bi and Sb heavy metals contaminations might be anthropogenic.

Contamination and health risk assessment of potentially toxic elements in soils of different kinds of land use in Lithuania

Using the case of five different kinds of land use from different territories of Lithuania, this study assesses the level of contamination and human health risk assessment of arsenic (As), and heavy metals (HMs) such as cadmium (Cd), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn) and chromium (Cr) in the surface soil of the study areas. Geo-accumulation index (Igeo) analysis indicated that heavy Cd contamination occurred in agricultural territory (AT), while for As, no contamination to mild contamination occurred in all territories. For living territory (LT), green territory (GT) and technical territory (TT), Igeo readings for Cu showed no pollution to moderate pollution, while there was no pollution for natural territory (NT) and AT. For AT, there is no contamination from Zn or Cr. By contrast, Igeo values for Zn and Cu represent minimal to no pollution in the remaining territories. As in LT and Cd in AT, two of the HMs discovered, were deemed to be of medium risk, whereas other components fell into the permitted range. Among three different routes to exposure, it was discovered that the ingestion pathway was the main health risk. The Hazard quotient (HQ) and hazard index (HI) values for As, Cd, Cu, Zn, and Cr were lower than the suggested limit (HI = 1), indicating minimal non-carcinogenic risk to inhabitants in the study regions. The carcinogenic risk values for As (1.12E-04 children), Cd (2.20E-04 children), and Cr (2.35E-04 children) in AT pose a risk to children’s health when ingested. The GT’s carcinogenic readings for Cr (1.02 E+00 adult), put adults at risk of developing cancer, whereas As (1.89E-04) and Cr (2.28E-04) in LT put children at risk of cancer and for TT, both adults and children were at risk due to Cr’s higher carcinogenic values (1.93E-04 for adults and 5.21E-04 for children).

Spatial Distribution and Pollution Level of Heavy Metals in Street Dust of the City of Suwałki (Poland).

This paper presents an analysis of the content and spatial distribution of heavy metals (HM) in street dust in Suwałki, a city located in northeastern Poland. The HM content of street dust was also evaluated using the geochemical index (Igeo), enrichment factor (EF), and contamination factor (CF), and local HM sources were identified using chemometric methods. The arithmetic averages of HM contents in dust arranged in the following order: Fe > Zn > Mn > Cu > Cr > Ni > Pb, were 11,692.80, 215.97, 194.78, 142.84, 63.59, 17.50, 17.04 mg∙kg-1, respectively. Higher values than the local background occurred for Cr, Cu, Ni, Zn and Pb. The values of Igeo, CF, and EF indicate that the highest pollution in dust is due to Zn and Cu. The spatial distribution of metals was evaluated using maps of HM content in road dust samples from Suwałki. The spatial distribution of HM showed areas with high contents of Cr, Cu, Ni, Zn and Pb located mainly in the central and eastern parts of the city. In these areas, high traffic volume, the presence of shopping centers, administrative buildings and bus stops dominate. Statistical models of multivariate analysis (FA) and cluster analysis (CA) identified two sources of HM. The first source of pollution was associated with local industrial activity and motor vehicle travel, and the second with natural sources.