Pb Kg-1 Research Articles

Assessment of Heavy Metal Concentrations in Greenhouse Soils of Gyeongnam Province

Heavy metal contamination of soil might be a cause of serious concern due to the potential health impacts of consuming contaminated products. In this study, the total content of heavy metals (Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, Zn, As, and Hg) in soils was analyzed, and the difference of heavy metal contents depending on crops, soil characteristics, and topography was compared in 169 greenhouse soils obtained from Gyeongnam Province. The concentrations of the heavy metals were 0.25 mg kg-1 (ranged 0.01~0.44) for Cd, 28.94 (0.53~72.63) mg kg-1 for Cr, 26.03 (0.5~166.13) mg kg-1 for Cu, 14.91 (1.27~33.22) mg kg-1 for Ni, 15.76 (0.43~57.1) mg kg-1 for Pb, 119.72 (6.33~239.39) mg kg-1 for Zn, 2.54 (0.01~23.57) mg kg-1 for As, and 0.049 (0.012~0.253) mg kg-1 for Hg in topsoils. The concentrations of Pb and As in topsoil were highest in green pepper and those of Cd, Cr, and Ni were highest in melon. In addition, the concentrations of Cr and Ni were highest in diluvial terrace compared with the other topographies. Higher concentrations of Cd, Cr, and Ni were found in silty clay loam and silt loam soils than sandy loam and loam soils. Correlation coefficient between heavy metals and soil organic matter of greenhouse top soils in Gyeongnam Province (n =169).

Erratum to: The Extent of Heavy Metal Pollution and Their Potential Health Risk in Topsoils of the Massively Urbanized District of Shanghai.

Urbanization and industrialization increase the concentrations of heavy metals in soils, which affect human health. A total of 127 topsoil samples were collected from the massively urbanized and industrialized district of Shanghai: Baoshan District. The sampling sites were isolated based on the land-use practice: industrial area, roadside area, residential area, and agricultural area. The absolute concentrations of heavy metals (Zn, Cr, Ni, Mn, Cu, Pb, and Cd) were determined using atomic absorption spectrometry and compared with Shanghai and the National soil background values. The geoaccumulation index (Igeo) and Nemerow pollution index were used to determine the existence and severity of the pollution of heavy metals. Enrichment factor (EF) analysis, spatial variability of pollution, and multivariate statistical analyses also were employed to determine the anthropogenic loading of heavy metals, their spatial dependency, and correlation among their sources, respectively. Moreover, potential ecological risk and human health risk [carcinogenic risk (RI) and noncarcinogenic hazard (HI)] were evaluated. The average concentration of all the metals (accounted as 229, 128, 56, 719, 55, 119, and 0.3 mg kg-1 for Zn, Cr, Ni, Mn, Cu, Pb, and Cd, respectively) was many folds higher than the background values. The indices depicted that the pollution exists in all the sites and severity decreases in the following order: industrial soils > roadside soil > residential soils > agricultural soils. However, Zn, Pb, and Cd showed high levels of pollution in all the soils. The EF values suggested that the majority of heavy metals are anthropogenically loaded; spatial variability showed that the pollution is more concentrated in Songnan town; Pearson's correlation, principal component analysis (PCA), and cluster analysis suggested different sources of origin for the majority of the heavy metals. RI of Cr and Pb ranged between 2.8E-04 and 2.7E-07. However, HI was site-specific (only for Cr, Pb, Mn), and most of the sites were in Songnan town. This study could be used as a significant piece of information for management purposes to prevent heavy metal pollution and to protect human health.

Geochemical Background and Baseline Values Determination and Spatial Distribution of Heavy Metal Pollution in Soils of the Andes Mountain Range (Cajamarca-Huancavelica, Peru).

Concentrations of seven heavy metals (Cd, Cr, Cu, Hg, Ni, Pb, and Zn) and one metalloid (As) as well as various parameters (pH, organic carbon, granulometric analysis and cation exchange capacity) were analyzed in 77 soil samples collected in the mining areas of La Zanja and Colquirrumi (Department of Cajamarca) and Julcani (Department of Huancavelica). Our study proposed geochemical baseline values for heavy metals in a natural region (La Zanja) from samples collected during the period of the environmental impact study (2006), that is, from an earlier period which occurred at the beginning of the exploitation of the current gold mine. The baseline values obtained were as follows: 8.26 mg·kg−1 for Cr; 56.97 mg·kg−1 for Ni; 22, 20 mg·kg−1 for the Cu; 47.42 mg·kg−1 for Zn; 27.50 mg·kg−1 for As; 4.36 mg·kg−1 for Cd; 4.89 mg·kg−1 for Hg, and 44.87 mg·kg−1 for Pb. Through the use of different indices of heavy metal contamination (geo-accumulation index (Igeo), improved Nemerow index (IIN) and potential ecological risk index (RI)), the degree of pollution caused by mining activities in two areas, Colquirrumi and Julcani, which have a high density of mining sites in operation, was determined. The values obtained from these indices indicated that the Colquirrumi region was the most contaminated, followed by Julcani. The area of La Zanja, despite being free of mining operations, presented slight diffuse pollution. Several positive correlations were obtained, with a high level of significance, between pH, organic carbon content, cation exchange capacity, and the Cr, Pb and Ni concentrations of the soils. The spatial distribution of the heavy metals was realized by means of the interpolation method of ordinary kriging. The results obtained and the experience gained in this work were necessary to facilitate the identification of soil contamination processes in high altitude areas of the Andes Western Cordillera (Peru) as a basis for taking appropriate measures when restoring soils, during mine closure processes, and to protect the quality of soil resources.

Seed priming with KNO3 mediates biochemical processes to inhibit lead toxicity in maize (Zea mays L.).

Accumulation of lead (Pb) in agricultural soils has become a major factor for reduced crop yields and poses serious threats to humans consuming agricultural products. The present study investigated the effects of KNO3 seed priming (0 and 0.5% KNO3 ) on growth of maize (Zea mays L.) seedlings exposed to Pb toxicity (0, 1300 and 2550 mg kg-1 Pb). Pb exposure markedly reduced the growth of maize seedlings and resulted in higher Pb accumulation in roots than shoots. Pretreatment of seeds with KNO3 significantly improved the germination percentage and increased physiological indices. A stimulating effect of KNO3 seed priming was also observed on pigments (chlorophyll a, b, total chlorophyll and carotenoid contents) of Pb-stressed plants. Low translocation of Pb from roots to shoots caused an increased accumulation of total free amino acids and higher activities of catalase, peroxidase, superoxide dismutase and ascorbate peroxidase in roots as compared to shoot, which were further enhanced by exogenous KNO3 supply to prevent Pb toxicity. Maize accumulates more Pb in roots than shoot at early growth stages. Priming of seeds with KNO3 prevents Pb toxicity, which may be exploited to improve seedling establishment in crop species grown under Pb contaminated soils. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry.

Subcellular Compartmentalization and Chemical Forms of Lead Participate in Lead Tolerance of Robinia pseudoacacia L. with Funneliformis mosseae.

The effect of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus on the subcellular compartmentalization and chemical forms of lead (Pb) in Pb tolerance plants was assessed in a pot experiment in greenhouse conditions. We measured root colonization, plant growth, photosynthesis, subcellular compartmentalization and chemical forms of Pb in black locust (Robinia pseudoacacia L.) seedlings inoculated with Funneliformis mosseae isolate (BGC XJ01A) under a range of Pb treatments (0, 90, 900, and 3000 mg Pb kg-1 soil). The majority of Pb was retained in the roots of R. pseudoacacia under Pb stress, with a significantly higher retention in the inoculated seedlings. F. mosseae inoculation significantly increased the proportion of Pb in the cell wall and soluble fractions and decreased the proportion of Pb in the organelle fraction of roots, stems, and leaves, with the largest proportion of Pb segregated in the cell wall fraction. F. mosseae inoculation increased the proportion of inactive Pb (especially pectate- and protein-integrated Pb and Pb phosphate) and reduced the proportion of water-soluble Pb in the roots, stems, and leaves. The subcellular compartmentalization of Pb in different chemical forms was highly correlated with improved plant biomass, height, and photosynthesis in the inoculated seedlings. This study indicates that F. mosseae could improve Pb tolerance in R. pseudoacacia seedlings growing in Pb polluted soils.

DISTRIBUTION OF HEAVY METALS IN SOME VEGETABLES GROWN IN THE VICINITY OF LEAD AND ZINC SMELTER PLANT

Gardens near the lead and zinc smelter plant "Zletovo" in the town of Veles, Republic of Macedonia, are the main suppliers with vegetables and fruits for the residents of this town. This area, was exposed thirty years to high environmental contamination with heavy metals (Cd, Pb and Zn). The smelter plant was a major source of heavy met-als pollution in the environment, including the garden soils used for the production of vegetables and fruits. The aim of this study is to determine the level of contamination (especially with Cd, Pb and Zn) in green garlic (Allium sa-tivum) and green onion (Allium scallion) produced on the contaminated soil and to determine its level of accumula-tion in the plants. The contents of 21 elements (Ag, Al, As, Ba, Ca, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, K, Li, Mg, Mn, Na, Ni, P, Pb, Sr, V and Zn) in the vegetables and corresponding soils were analyzed by inductively coupled plasma – atomic emis-sion spectrometry (ICP-AES) after microwave digestion. It was found that the contents of Cd, Pb and Zn in the vege-tables from all of the four studied gardens is over the maximum permissible level according to the Macedonian regu-lations. The content of Cd in washed green garlic samples ranges from 0.60 to 2.70 mg kg–1, for Pb from 4.30 to 6.14 mg kg–1 and for Zn from 11.7 to 29.9 mg kg–1, while their contents in the washed green onion samples ranges from 0.77 to 2.66 mg kg–1 for Cd, from 3.98 to 5.35 mg kg-1 for Pb and from 21.2 to 38.0 mg kg–1 for Zn.

Heavy metal concentrations in soils and vegetation in urban areas of Quezon City, Philippines.

Limited data have been published on the chemistry of urban soils and vegetation in the Philippines. The aim of this study is to quantify the concentrations of heavy metals (i.e., Cr, Ni, Cu, Zn, and Pb) in soils and vegetation in the urban landscape of Quezon City, Philippines, and to elucidate the relationships between soil properties and the concentration of heavy metals pertaining to different land uses [i.e., protected forest (LM), park and wildlife area (PA), landfill (PL), urban poor residential and industrial areas (RA), and commercial areas (CA)]. Soil (0-15cm) and senescent plant leaves were collected and were analyzed for soil properties and heavy metal concentrations. Results revealed that the concentrations of heavy metals (i.e., Cr, Ni, Cu, Zn, and Pb) in urban soils were higher in areas where anthropogenic activities or disturbance (PL, RA, and CA) were dominant as compared to the less disturbed areas (LM and PA). Organic matter and available phosphorous were strongly correlated with heavy metal concentrations, suggesting that heavy metal concentrations were primarily controlled by these soil properties. The average foliar heavy metal concentrations varied, ranging from 0 to 0.4mg/kg for Cd, 0-10mg/kg for Cr, 2-22mg/kg for Cu, 0-5mg/kg for Pb, and 11-250mg/kg for Zn. The concentrations of Cd and Cr exceeded the critical threshold concentrations in some plants. Leaves of plants growing in PL (i.e., landfill) showed the highest levels of heavy metal contamination. Our results revealed that anthropogenic activities and disturbance caused by the rapid urbanization of the city are major contributors to the heavy metal accumulation and persistence in the soils in these areas.

The Effect of Colorants on the Content of Heavy Metals in Recycled Corrugated Board Papers

Recycled paper is an important raw material to provide sustainability of natural resources and reduce the environmental impact of the use of paper from recycled pulp in the packaging industry. Hence, recycled paper production is higher in terms of volume and utilization. Recycled paper products are used in the packaging industry partially or fully. Such usage leads to the presence of heavy metals due to recycled and chemical additive sources. The present study aims at determining the amounts and also identifying the sources of heavy metals such as Pb, Cd, Zn, Ni, and Cu contained in recycled testliner (TL) and fluting (FLT), which are main products used in production of corrugated cardboard. The metals in the structure of the paper used in packages directly or indirectly in contact with foods are heavy metals. Mean values of 2.6 mg kg-1 Pb (lead), 2.8 mg kg-1 Zn (zinc), 0.094 mg kg-1 Cd (cadmium), 1.8 mg kg-1 Ni (nickel), and 25.4 mg kg-1 Cu (copper) were detected in test liner and fluting papers using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). The main sources of heavy metals are colorants, mainly consisting of conventional paint and pigments as well as spot and Pantone Matching System (PMS) colorants.

Identification of sources of metal in the agricultural soils of the Guanzhong Plain, northwest China.

A comprehensive survey was conducted to assess the possible sources and distribution of metals in the agricultural soils of the Guanzhong Plain in northwest China. In total, 227 samples of agricultural soil were collected to determine the content of Pb, Cr, Co, V, Ni, Zn, Cu, As, and Mn by X-ray fluorescence spectrometry. The mean concentrations of metals were 26.2 ± 10.8 mg kg--1 , 71.5 ± 16.8 mg kg-1 , 12.7 ± 1.81 mg kg-1 , 85.1 ± 7.86 mg kg-1 , 30.5 ± 6.17 mg kg-1 , 71.1 ± 14.1 mg kg-1 , 25.2 ± 5.58 mg kg-1 , 12.5 ± 1.94 mg kg-1 , and 635.4 ± 84.7 mg kg-1 for Pb, Cr, Co, V, Ni, Zn, Cu, As, and Mn, respectively-slightly higher than the regional background values. Multivariate analysis was used to identify the metal sources, and it was found that Ni and Cr in the agricultural soils were mainly derived from lithological materials, and Pb, Zn, and Cu were mainly from traffic emissions; however, Zn and Cu also originated from mineral fertilizers or pesticides. The other metals originated from industrial emissions. The Nemerow index coupled with geographic information system technology was applied to assess the degree and spatial distribution of metal contamination; the soils studied were classified as slightly polluted, and the most contaminated regions were concentrated in the area surrounding Xi'an city, as well as areas in the southeast and north of the Guanzhong Plain. Environ Toxicol Chem 2017;36:1510-1516. © 2016 SETAC.

Efficiency of zeolite and apatite on the mobility of heavy metals in the soil through the Sinapis Alba as test culture

Protection and improvement of the environment, especially preservation and protection of the land, has become one of the most important problems of the modern world today. The research in this paper aims at examining the efficiency of two types of mineral raw materials, zeolites and apatites on the immobilization of heavy metals and preventing their inclusion in the food chain. Pb, Cd, Zn and radionuclides (U) were tested. In doses 10 mg kg-1Cd, 500 mg kg-1 Pb, 300 mg kg-1Zn i 300 mg kg-1U. On soil with various physico-chemical properties (sandy chernozem and pseudocley). The efficiency of mineral resources through the adsorption / precipitation of pollutants in the soil was investigated through vegetation experiments with the test culture-plant, Sinapis Alba, through the contents of Pb, Cd, Zn and U in the root and overgrowth mass. The results indicate that both, zeolite and apatite in dosage 20 g kg-1 soils, have contributed to the immobilization of the investigated pollutants, that their effectiveness depends of soils type and their acidity, kinds of pollutant, so their use is justified in the application of technologies for the remediation of contaminated soils in the function of sustainability of agricultural production and the production of healthy food.

Content of cadmium and lead in raw, fried and baked commercial frozen fishery products consumed in Poland.

The study aimed to verify whether the consumption of frozen fishery products was safe in terms of Cd and Pb content. The study material was 31 frozen fishery products (15 breaded products and 16 fillets). Immediately before the analyses the products were subject to culinary treatment according to the recommendations of the producer: fried in colza oil or baked in a gas oven. The level of Cd and Pb was determined using the GF AAS method. The analysed frozen products contained on average 14.0 µg Cd kg-1 and 18.5 µg Pb kg-1 . Compared to raw products, baked fish contained 56% more Cd and 72% more Pb, whereas fried fish contained 16% more Cd and 15% more Pb. Compared to fried products, baked fish contained 34% more Cd and 49% more Pb. The content of Cd and Pb in the products did not exceed the acceptable standard. However, it cannot be clearly stated which method of culinary treatment of frozen fishery products is the best with regard to the level of Cd and Pb in the final products. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry.

Lead accumulation and metallothionein content in female rats of different ages and generations after daily intake of Pb-contaminated food.

Female Wistar rats of different ages (45, 90 and 140 days) and generations (mothers and offspring) were fed a feed containing 2.0mg of Pb kg-1 daily from weaning and the Pb accumulation was determined in different organs and in maternal milk, in addition metallothioneins (MTs) content was determined in the liver and kidneys. The results showed that Pb accumulation exhibited the following pattern: bone>liver>kidney>gut>blood cells>muscle>brain>ovary. Bones accumulated the most Pb in all animals, with its concentration increasing with age and prenatal exposure. Pb accumulation in the liver, kidney and blood cells, did not follow a consistent pattern with increasing age and our data did not indicate a relationship between the presence of MTs in liver and kidney and metal accumulation in these organs. However, in the offspring and with increasing age, Pb accumulated in more organs. Mothers fed with Pb produced contaminated milk, exposing their offspring to the metal via nursing Thus, increasing age and prenatal exposure increases susceptibility to Pb toxicity-induced damage.

Post Gold King Mine Spill Investigation of Metal Stability in Water and Sediments of the Animas River Watershed.

We applied spectroscopy, microscopy, diffraction, and aqueous chemistry methods to investigate the persistence of metals in water and sediments from the Animas River 13 days after the Gold King Mine spill (August 5, 2015). The Upper Animas River watershed, located in San Juan Colorado, is heavily mineralized and impacted by acid mine drainage, with low pH water and elevated metal concentrations in sediments (108.4 ± 1.8 mg kg-1 Pb, 32.4 ± 0.5 mg kg-1 Cu, 729.6 ± 5.7 mg kg-1 Zn, and 51 314.6 ± 295.4 mg kg-1 Fe). Phosphate and nitrogen species were detected in water and sediment samples from Farmington, New Mexico, an intensive agricultural area downstream from the Animas River, while metal concentrations were low compared to those observed upstream. Solid-phase analyses of sediments suggest that Pb, Cu, and Zn are associated with metal-bearing jarosite and other minerals (e.g., clays, Fe-(oxy)hydroxides). The solubility of jarosite at near-neutral pH and biogeochemical processes occurring downstream could affect the stability of metal-bearing minerals in river sediments. This study contributes relevant information about the association of metal mixtures in a heavy mineralized semiarid region, providing a foundation to better understand long-term metal release in a public and agricultural water supply.

Lead Contamination and Source Characterization in Soils Around a Lead–Zinc Smelting Plant in a Near-Urban Environment in Baoji, China

Economic reforms in China since 1978 have promoted nationwide socioeconomic advancement but led to a considerable amount of environmental pollution. The distribution and sources of Pb in a typical peri-urban industrial part of Baoji, China, were assessed by determining the Pb contents and isotopic compositions in 52 topsoil samples from the study area. The topsoil samples were polluted averagely with 40.88mg Pb kg-1, was 1.86 times higher than the Pb content of local background soil (22.04mg kg-1). Pb isotopic compositions were determined by analyzing samples prepared using total digestion and acid extraction methods. Radiogenic isotopes contributed more to the Pb concentrations in the acid extracts than in the total digests. This was shown by the 207/206Pb and 208/206Pb ratios, which were 0.845-0.88 and 2.088-2.128, respectively, in the acid extracts and 0.841-0.875 and 2.086-2.125, respectively, in the total digests. This indicates that anthropogenic sources of Pb could be identified more sensitively in acid extracts than in total digests. The Pb isotope ratios showed that burning coal and smelting ore are the predominant anthropogenic sources of Pb in the study area, i.e., a lead-zinc smelter and a coking plant are major sources of Pb in the study area.

KANDUNGAN LOGAM BERAT Pb DAN Cd PADA SEDIMEN DAN KERANG DI PERAIRAN BATAM

The determination of metal content of lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) on sediments and shellfish samples from coastal waters’s of Batam. Samples was collected from 6 location grably. Sediments and shellfish samples obtained dried in an oven at a temperature of 80-105oC. The samples were dried crushed and made wet digestion with nitric acid. Pb and Cd levels were determined using spectrophotometry method at 228.72 nm resonance line Cd and Pb to 283.30 nm. The results showed that the levels of heavy metals Pb and Cd in sediments and shellfish samples varied. The highest levels of Pb and Cd found in sediments from Buluh Island, respectively 20.12 mg / kg for Pb and 0,24mg / kg for cadmium. Based on the value SQG, concentrations of Pb and Cd metal in sediments is still at the standards for sediments that have not been contaminated. Pb levels in the shells found at all sampling locations exceeded the specified threshold BPOM RI, whereas Cd metal levels are still below the threshold set BPOM RI, except in shellfish samples from Buluh Island.

Lead exposure from home and school environments: influence of diet on blood lead levels

Introduction. Lead (Pb) is known as an important toxicant to human health since ancestral times. In 2013, a previous study showed high blood lead levels (BLL) in preschool children from some day care centers (DCC) in São Paulo, Brazil. The aim of this study was to investigate the associations between BLL and Pb exposure from diet and home/school environments. Method. A cross-sectional study was conducted with 124 children in 2 DCC (PS and PF), where was previously found a high prevalence of lead exposure. Environmental screenings were conducted to evaluate Pb concentrations in the buildings, playground and individual toys, school materials and tableware in both DCC and households. Portable XRF analyzer was used for the screenings. Pb analysis (GF AAS) were performed for venous blood (n=124), 24h-diet (n=64) and drinking water collected in the DCCs. Results. The mean for BLL was 2.1±1.5µg/dL. Five (4%) children in the sample presented BLL higher than reference value by CDC (5µg/dL). Medians for 24h-diets Pb concentration were 10.7 and 7.7µg Pb kg-1 of body weight (BW) in PS and PF, respectively. The diet Pb results varied from 0 up to 66µg Pb kg-1 BW. The environmental screenings showed Pb concentrations above 1mg cm-² (HUD guidelines) in walls, playground, toys and tableware. Lead concentrations in the water supply were found lower than detection limit of the method. Conclusions. Even though the mean BLL was below the reference value, the environmental and diet screenings showed lead concentrations above the references. WHO considers 3.6µg Pb kg-1 BW as the tolerable daily intake value. Because high diet Pb concentrations have not been reflected in the blood, the balanced diet observed in the dietary records seems to have contributed to the diet Pb not be absorbed. Pb bioavailability tests in food should be carried out to confirm this hypothesis. This study was funded by FAPESP.

High metal reactivity and environmental risks at a site contaminated by glass waste

This study addresses the reactivity and risks of metals (Ba, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, Zn, As and Sb) at a Swedish site with large glass waste deposits. Old glassworks sites typically have high total metal concentrations, but as the metals are mainly bound within the glass waste and considered relatively inert, environmental investigations at these kinds of sites are limited. In this study, soil and landfill samples were subjected to a sequential chemical extraction procedure. Data from batch leaching tests and groundwater upstream and downstream of the waste deposits were also interpreted. The sequential extraction revealed that metals in <2 mm soil/waste samples were largely associated with geochemically active fractions, indicating that metals are released from pristine glass and subsequently largely retained in the surrounding soil and/or on secondary mineral coatings on fine glass particles. From the approximately 12,000 m3 of coarse glass waste at the site, almost 4000 kg of Pb is estimated to have been lost through corrosion, which, however, corresponds to only a small portion of the total amount of Pb in the waste. Metal sorption within the waste deposits or in underlying soil layers is supported by fairly low metal concentrations in groundwater. However, elevated concentrations in downstream groundwater and in leachates of batch leaching tests were observed for several metals, indicating on-going leaching. Taken together, the high metal concentrations in geochemically active forms and the high amounts of as yet uncorroded metal-rich glass, indicate considerable risks to human health and the environment.

Heavy metal sorption capacity and mobility in the Retisol profile in relation to the contamination

The aim of the research was to evaluate heavy metal contamination, heavy metal sorption capacity and their mobility in the monoliths of the relatively natural and technogenically affected by vehicle emissions Retisol profile. Two objects of the Eutric Albic Stagnic Bathygleyic Glossic Retisol were investigated: 1st – relatively natural (350 m from motorway) and 2nd – technogenically affected 20 m from motorway). Total heavy metal amounts in each horizon of the soil profile were determined by flame atomic absorption spectrometry method in the digestate of the HF + HNO3 + HCl, and mobile heavy metal amounts – in the extract of 1 M CH3COONH4 (pH 4.8). In the relatively natural soil, elevated Pb amounts were observed at the topsoil to 10 cm, and Cu – at the depth to 60 cm while Zn contamination was not observed. While heavy metal contamination of the technogenically affected Retisol was observed throughout the soil profile to one meter. Percentage of the mobile Pb from total amount in the natural and technogenically affected soil was 11.1–19.6% and 16.7–19.3%, Cu – 13.0–16.7% and 16.1–19.5%, Zn – 18.3–22.5% and 16.4–21.0%, respectively. Special stands of the model columns (1 m height, 0.15 m diameter) were designed and filled up with undisturbed soil monoliths. Heavy metal sorption capacity and mobility both in the soil profile and each horizon were investigated when saturating them with mixture of Pb, Zn and Cu solutions. Heavy metal sorption capacity in the horizons of the Retisol profile varied in the range of 504.40–819.60 mg kg-1 for Pb, 498.27–905.63 mg kg-1 for Cu and 505.07–983.43 mg kg-1 for Zn as well as enrichment factor – 27.4–70.8, 36.0–59.5 and 17.5–53.2, respectively. Percentage of the mobile Pb, Cu and Zn in the saturated natural and technogenically affected soil was 40.6–48.2, 40.4–45.7 and 40.7–48.9 %, respectively. Consequently, despite the great heavy metal sorption capacity, their mobility and potential bioavailability increase markedly in the contaminated Retisol, therefore it is important in the legislations of the food safety and agricultural land protection to strengthen measures of the environmental protection at roadsides, such as sanitary zones of at least 20 m.

Determination of some heavy metals in selected cosmetic products sold in kano metropolis, Nigeria.

The study was aimed at assessing the levels of some toxic metals in different cosmetic products sold at different shopping malls and markets in Kano Metropolis. The cosmetic items included ten face powder, ten skin lightening creams and ten lipsticks of various prices. The cosmetics were digested and analyzed for heavy metals (manganese, nickel, copper, cadmium, chromium and lead) using atomic absorption spectrophotometer. The range of the concentrations in skin lightening creams is 4.90–24.51, 3.68–11.03, 4.24–8.48, 0.14–1.32, 0–0.05 and 0.05–0.14 mg kg−1 for Mn, Ni, Cu, Cd, Cr and Pb respectively. The range in face powders are 4.90–44.12, 3.68–11.03, 4.24–8.48, 0.07–1.74, 0–0.03 and 0.08–0.33 mg kg−1 for Mn, Ni, Cu, Cd, Cr and Pb respectively. The concentration ranges in lipsticks are 2.45–22.06, 0–11.03, 4.24–12.71, 0.07–1.67, 0–0.05 and 0–0.19 mg kg−1 for Mn, Ni, Cu, Cd, Cr and Pb respectively. T test showed no statistical significant difference in concentrations of metals between the expensive and cheap cosmetic products. It is obvious from the present study that the use of these cosmetic products exposes users to low concentrations of toxic heavy metals which could constitute potential health risk to users since they are known to accumulate in biological systems over time. Similarly, regular monitoring of other heavy metals and chemicals used in the manufacture of cosmetics products which may cause health risks to users should be emphasized.

Enhancement of Lead Phytoremediation by Perennial Ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) Using Agent of Streptomyces pactum Act12

It has been well recognized that microbes can assist phytoremediation of lead (Pb) by promoting plant growth and metal uptake. However, little is known about the potential of soil inoculation with actinomycetes to enhance Pb uptake and translocation in plants, particularly in semi-arid water-deficient areas. This study was focused on exploring the resistance of a soil actinomycete strain (Streptomyces pactum Act12) to Pb and its effects on plant growth, antioxidant responses, Pb uptake and translocation in perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.). Special attention was given to experimental conditions in semi-arid area in Northerwest China. A fermentation culture of Act12 was applied in powder form to soil with or without Pb treatment (0–1,000 mg kg-1), and ryegrass plants were immediately grown in this soil, in pots, for 60 days under 20% relative soil moisture. Act12 showed tolerance to up to 1,200 mg Pb L-1 in plate culture and well colonized the soil containing less than 500 mg Pb kg-1. Under Pb stress, inoculated plants had higher biomass with greater plant height and root tiller number than the uninoculated controls. Additionally, higher catalase, superoxide dismutase and peroxidase activities were detected in leaves of inoculated plants under Pb stress. Inoculating soil with Act12 significantly increased Pb concentrations and uptake in plants grown in soil containing 200 to 1,000 mg Pb kg-1. The translocation and bioconcentration factors of inoculated plants were 10.5–36.2% and 37.3–133.1% higher than uninoculated plants, respectively. Streptomyces pactum Act12 can enhance Pb phytoremediation by perennial ryegrass and its powder form facilitates the use in semi-arid areas.