Levels Of Heavy Metal Contamination Research Articles (Page 1)

In order to study the differential characteristics of heavy metal contamination levels and their sources in soils under various land use types and anthropogenic activities at a regional scale, this study focused on the Beijing–Tianjin–Hebei (BTH) urban agglomeration in North China. We analyzed heavy metal content in three land use types (urban green spaces, croplands, and vegetable fields/orchards) through field sampling and laboratory analysis, with content determined by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). The sources of heavy metals were quantitatively apportioned their sources using the absolute principal component score–multiple linear regression (APCS-MLR) method. Results of this study are as follows: (1) Heavy metal content varied among different soil types, with vegetable fields/orchards soils showing relatively higher content. Urban green spaces and cropland soils exhibited comparable heavy metal levels, though urban green spaces displayed higher spatial heterogeneity, while cropland soils showed more homogeneous distributions. (2) The APCS-MLR model identified five pollution sources: mixed traffic–coal combustion sources, industrial sources, agricultural sources, natural sources, and unknown sources. Natural sources were consistently the dominant contributors of arsenic (As), chromium (Cr), and nickel (Ni) across all three land use types, with contribution rates of 32.62–70.26%. Traffic and coal combustion emissions were the primary sources of lead (Pb) and copper (Cu) in urban green spaces, accounting for 40.28–66.26%, while industrial activities showed the highest contributions to zinc (Zn) and cadmium (Cd) in urban green spaces, at 45.88–65.25%. Agricultural activities contributed similarly to Cd accumulation in both cropland and vegetable fields/orchards soils (41.68–51.32%), but their contributions to Cu and Zn in vegetable fields/orchards soils (46.62–55.58%) were significantly higher than those in cropland (9.21–13.40%). Notably, unexplained sources accounted for 18.64–42.59% of heavy metals in vegetable fields/orchards soils, suggesting particularly complex sources in these systems. This study provides a scientific basis for sustainable soil management strategies and promoting coordinated pollution control in urban agglomeration regions.

Interactive effects of heavy metals and soil conditioners on rhizodegradation of long-chain petroleum hydrocarbons in soils.

Benthic foraminifera serve as indicator organisms for changes in the marine environment. Understanding the correlation between their community structure and environmental factors is important for examining marine ecology. In this study, surface sediments from ten stations in the Beiji Archipelago of Zhejiang Province, China, were collected to determine the response of benthic foraminifera to environmental factors. A physicochemical analysis revealed that the sediments predominantly comprised a silt-clay mixture and contained relatively high levels of heavy metal contamination, posing moderate potential ecological risks. Cd posed the highest potential ecological risk, followed by Hg. Environmental DNA (eDNA) and environmental RNA (eRNA) metabarcoding identified seven orders of benthic foraminifera, which primarily comprised Rotaliida, Miliolida, and Allogromida. At the genus level, eDNA metabarcoding revealed a high abundance of Operculina, whereas Parasorites was the most dominant group in the eRNA metabarcoding database. Correlation analysis between benthic foraminifera and environmental factors revealed that Parasorites may exhibit tolerance to Cd, Neoassilina is sensitive to heavy metal contamination, and Operculina prefers sedimentary environments characterized by higher sand content.

Abstract This study assessed heavy metal contamination levels associated with the soils in municipal solid waste landfills and heavy metal accumulation found in plants native to the area. Furthermore, the characterization of new isolates of plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) which are resistant to heavy metals was carried out. Results found that in all soil samples tested, cadmium, copper, lead, and zinc could be found. Cadmium had the greatest contamination factor, indicating a very high level of contamination. The cadmium and lead concentrations were highest in the shoots of Urena lobata L., while shoots of Brachiaria mutica Forssk. and Celosia argentea L. contained the greatest copper and zinc concentrations, respectively. There were forty-eight isolates of rhizobacteria, nine of which were resistant to cadmium, copper, and lead. Two of these isolates, designated as Cd3A7 and Cd2ES7, produced elevated levels of indole-3-acetic acid and were identified to be E. cloacae and K. pneumoniae. Both PGPR strains demonstrated the ability to enhance root and shoot growth in Helianthus annuus L. under conditions of heavy metal contamination. They were also found to colonize the interior tissues of the roots as well as the surface of the H. annuus roots. The plants successfully survived in heavy metal-contaminated landfill soil, enhancing the bioavailability of cadmium and lead. In conclusion, these PGPR exhibited characteristics making them candidates for application in heavy metal phytoremediation at landfill sites. Graphical abstract

Anthropogenic activities such as mining, improper waste disposal, and agricultural practices have contributed significantly to heavy metal contamination in soils, posing substantial ecological and public health risks. This study assessed the levels of heavy metal contamination in soils across four locations: Lambangudu, Maijankasa, Gidan Kara Bodel, and Quentin Gate in Gashaka Local Government Area (LGA), Taraba State, Nigeria. Using the Geo-accumulation Index (Igeo), soil samples were analysed for nine heavy metals: cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), cobalt (Co), copper (Cu), chromium (Cr), zinc (Zn), nickel (Ni), manganese (Mn), and iron (Fe). The results revealed that Mn, Pb, and Fe exhibited extreme contamination (Igeo > 6) across all sites, indicating strong anthropogenic influence, likely from artisanal mining and unregulated waste disposal. Ni and Co also recorded high contamination levels, falling within the heavily to extremely contaminated class (Igeo Class 5), while Zn showed moderate contamination. Cd, Cu, and Cr remained within uncontaminated levels (Igeo Class 0), suggesting limited anthropogenic inputs for these metals. The findings highlight serious ecological threats and potential public health hazards due to the bioaccumulative nature of these metals. Urgent remediation, policy enforcement, and public health interventions are recommended to mitigate the risks in these vulnerable communities.

Combined remediation effect of ryegrass-earthworm on heavy metal composite contaminated soil.

Suitability of the Himalayan water quality for domestic and irrigation use: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

The purpose of this study was to assess the level of heavy metal contamination in the sediments of the Taft River Basin in Taft Eastern Samar, Philippines. The concentrations and levels of heavy metal contamination in sediments were assessed using the Pollution Load index (PLi), the Contamination Factor (Cfi), and the Geoaccumulation Index (Igeo). Our findings revealed moderate to high levels of potentially toxic elements (PTEs) such as Ti, Cr, Mn, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Mo, Cd, and Pb. The CF and Igeo values indicated significant pollution, with Igeo values ranging from class 2 to class 6. The CFi indicated moderate to high contamination in river bank sediments following the order of Pb>As>Zn>Mo>Mn>Cu>Ni>Cr>Ti>Cd, and Pb>Cu>Zn>As>Mn>Cr>Ni>Mo> Ti>Cd in river bottom sediments. The PLi values exceeded the critical threshold of 1, confirming severe contamination, especially in the upper reaches of the river near the Bagacay mining site. The contamination showed a consistent presence of heavy metals, with Pb, As, Zn, and Mo being dominant in river bank sediments, and Cu, Pb, Zn, and As in river bottom sediments. Downstream attenuation of PTE levels was observed and is attributed to dilution and sedimentation processes. Overall, the study confirmed the contamination of these heavy metals in the sediments and underscored the need for rehabilitating the Bagacay mine to prevent the buildup of these contaminated sediments in the basin. It is recommended to expand monitoring to include groundwater and biotic components to better assess long-term ecological risks. Regular sediment quality assessments, and multi-stakeholder watershed management are essential for the sustainable health of the Taft River and its surrounding communities.

The expansion of human activities has led to the accumulation of heavy metals in various ecosystem compartments. Contamination of soils with these heavy metals poses a significant public health risk because of the various pathologies they can cause. This assessment took into account the levels of heavy metals (As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb and Zn) and some pollution indicators such as the contamination factor (FC), the potential risk of heavy metals (Er), the ecological risk index of heavy metals (IR_ML), the pollution index (IP) and the degree of contamination (Cdeg). A systematic square mesh grid was used to collect 121 soil samples from the three areas occupation of the industrial zone. These samples were analyzed for heavy metal contents. The results show a wide variation in metal concentrations and land use patterns in the industrial zone (P<0.001). Zinc is the metal with the highest concentration in all three zones. Analysis of contamination factors indicated high contamination of As and Cd and high potential for risk of the same elements for all soils at the study site. Ecological risk on living organisms growing in soils is very high (above 300) regardless of the area. The pollution index is higher than 1 (1.09) in the landfill area. Therefore, the soils at the study site can be considered as soils with poor quality in terms of heavy metal content.

Background: Soil heavy metal pollution is a significant environmental challenge that adversely affects soil fertility, food security, and human health, thereby hindering the achievement of global sustainability goals. This pollution arises from overexploitation, uncontrolled waste dumping, informal recycling activities, and improper soil use, primarily through leaching and volatilization. Heavy metals resist organic detoxification and bioaccumulate, leading to prolonged half-lives in soils. Aims: To investigate the effect of amending e-waste contaminated soils with maize cob-based biochar on heavy metal bioavailability to Alma nilotica and soil pollution level. Methodology: Experimental design. Laboratory of Applied Biology and Ecology (LABAE) and Laboratory of Soil Science and Environmental Chemistry at the University of Dschang, August 2024 and July 2025. The e-waste-contaminated soil was obtained from an informal e-waste recycling site located in Bonaberi, Douala, Cameroon. Surface soil samples were collected from 10 random points using a soil auger to a depth of 20 cm The bioaccumulation bioassay followed the OECD (2010) test guidelines No.317 for Bioaccumulation on terrestrial oligochaetes. Soil samples were collected, dried and analyzed for the studied metals. Earthworms were exposed to both the culture soil, e –e-waste soil with and without biochar and biochar alone for a period of 35days. A soil sample and an earthworm were sampled after every 4days. Each of the samples was analysed for Pb, Cu, Cd, Ni, Zn. Results: Results indicated that the amended soil had improved pH, % organic carbon, and Cation Exchange Capacity. Biochar amendment reduced the heavy metal contamination and pollution levels by 59% and 64% respectively, especially when considering their bioavailable fractions in soil. Exposure of earthworms resulted in continuous Cd, Cu, Ni, Pb, and Zn uptake and simultaneous reduction in soil heavy metal concentrations. The heavy metal uptake by the earthworms was reduced by 51.6% to 68.8% in the amended soil, resulting in higher heavy metal concentrations in the amended soils and indicating reduced metal bioavailability in the biochar-amended e-waste soil. Consequently, the heavy metal bioaccumulation factors in the amended soil were reduced by between 72.7% and 82.8%. Earthworms proved to be a good indicator of the heavy metals' bioavailable fraction in soil. 59% and 64% reductions are for contamination and pollution indices based on bioavailable components. Conclusion: These results have important implications for soil remediation using the biochar approach. However, these should be directly linked to earthworm growth and reproduction to ensure long-term protection of soil biota. The findings advocate for the strategic use of biochar, enhancing soil quality and contributing to sustainable remediation practices in areas affected by e-waste pollution. Overall, this research provides valuable insights into the benefits of biochar as a soil amendment in contaminated environments, while also emphasising the need for further investigation into its long-term effects on soil biota and the environment.

The background of this research is the high level of heavy metal contamination of lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) at the former Final Disposal Site (TPA) Talang Gulo, Jambi Province. Preliminary results showed that the concentration of Pb reached 615 mg/kg and Cd was 5.145 mg/kg, exceeding the safe limits set by the Indonesian Ministry of Environment and Forestry Regulation Number 2 of 2023 concerning Soil Quality Standards, which are 300 mg/kg for Pb and 3 mg/kg for Cd. Sansevieria trifasciata laurentii can be used as a phytoremediation agent to address this contamination issue. The objectives of this study were (a) to analyze changes in the concentrations of heavy metals Pb and Cd before and after the phytoremediation process, and (b) to evaluate the effectiveness of Sansevieria trifasciata laurentii in reducing heavy metal concentrations in soil contaminated by landfill leachate at TPA Lama Talang Gulo, Jambi. The results showed that over 8 weeks of observation, Sansevieria trifasciata laurentii effectively reduced the concentrations of Pb and Cd. The plant was able to absorb Pb by 61-91% and Cd by 52-83%. Based on the results of the T-test, a significance value of > 0.05 (0.080) was obtained, with a t_calculated value of 7.867 and a t_table value of 63.1875. Since the t_calculated value was greater than the t_table value, the null hypothesis (H0) was rejected and the alternative hypothesis (H1) was accepted, indicating a significant difference in heavy metal reduction before and after phytoremediation. This research confirms that Sansevieria trifasciata laurentii is effective in reducing the concentration of Pb and Cd in the soil at TPA Lama Talang Gulo, Jambi. This plant has the ability to accumulate heavy metals, making it a potential natural solution for remediating contaminated soil.

Bioremediation is the application microorganisms to reduce pollutant concentration of which is a natural process and its importance is increasingly considered for clean-up of metal contaminated and polluted ecosystem. Soil samples collected at three different locations namely UnguwaUku Mechanic Shop, KwakwacinDawanau Car Park Garage and School of Technology Botanical Garden were analyzed in order to determine the level of heavy metal contamination and bacteria diversity with the view to assess the bioremediation potentials of the isolated bacteria. Four heavy metal tolerant bacteria were isolated from the areas. These were identified by morphological and biochemical techniques as Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus and Klebsiellapneumoniae. Heterotrophic bacterial counts of the soil samples obtained from SOT site after 24, 48and 72hours of incubation were 2.08 x 105 cfu/g, 2.24 x 105 cfu/g and 2.56 x 105 cfu/g respectively. These values were comparatively higher than those of soil samples obtained from the remaining two locations.The soil samples obtained from KofarRuwa and that of KwakwacinDawanau were found to be more neutral (pH 7.4 and pH 7.6) respectively. The moisture content and organic matter of both soil samples were found to be lesser than the SOT site (2.4%). The temperature of the SOT site (32.6˚C) is lesser compared to that of Kofarruwa (33.0˚C) and KwakwacinDawanau (38.8˚C).The concentration of Lead, Chromium, Zinc, Copper and Iron were determined with the help of Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy. Screening for heavy metal tolerant bacteria by plate diffusion method was conducted and the speciesS1, S2, S4 and S7 were identified as efficient species that were resistant toPb, Cr, Zn, Fe, and Cu respectively. Pseudomonas aeruginosa showed maximum tolerance to Pb (10 mM) while E. coli showed maximum tolerance to Fe (10mM). No Significance difference was observed between the heavy metals tolerant test of all the four bacterial isolates at 5% level of significance (P>0.05).

Coastal areas provide several important benefits to human beings in terms of foodstuff resources and ecology amenities. The human beings activities may have significant adverse effects on the ecosystems health and the sustainability of resources. The heavy metal contamination has become a serious problem in the aquatic environment, including marine sediments. The increased exposure of Tobruk port to liquid waste coming from the ground, oil change stations and marine barges carrying crude oil to and from this city may make it one of the most polluted areas as a result of this negative impact. Liquid waste is one of the main sources of heavy metal pollutants. Tobruk f harbour is one of the most polluted areas due to the adverse effect of effluents from land-based sources. The aim of this study was analyzing the content of heavy metals in seawater, then assessing and evaluating the level of heavy metal contamination its ecological risks. The present study investigated the concentrations of K, Na, and Cd in seawater of Tobruk fishing harbour and surrounding area. The study also identified the major properties of the seawater PH. fifteen sampling stations were selected to conduct the study in Tobruk harbour surrounding area. The samples were taken from the study stations at month from September of 2021 . The samples were taken in September. All metals were determined and analyzed by Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer in for Cd, and for Na and K were determined by using JENWAY Flame Photometer PFP7 modeled in laboratory of Tobruk – Libya.

The primary objective of this study was to analyze the concentrations of essential nutrients and heavy metals in dairy products, specifically cow's milk and milk powder, to evaluate their nutritional quality and safety for consumers. The study aimed to compare the measured values with certified standards to identify any deviations that could pose health risks. Cow's milk and milk powder samples from various regions, including Mosul, were collected and analyzed for their elemental composition using analytical methods. The concentrations of essential macro and microelements, as well as heavy metals such as arsenic, cadmium, mercury, lead, rubidium, and strontium, were measured. The findings were compared with certified values to assess the nutritional quality and safety of the dairy products. The analysis of cow's milk and milk powder samples revealed that essential macro and microelements were within acceptable limits, indicating good nutritional quality. However, certain heavy metals, including arsenic, cadmium, and lead, were found to exceed standards in some samples, raising concerns about potential health risks associated with these contaminants. The study emphasized the importance of ongoing monitoring and quality control measures to ensure the safety and nutritional quality of dairy products, particularly in regions where heavy metal contamination levels were higher than expected. Further research is needed to understand the sources of contamination and implement strategies to mitigate health risks associated with heavy metal exposure in dairy products.

The mining sector is mostly responsible for the extensive environmental problem of soil contamination caused by lead, zinc, iron, manganese, and copper. Some examples of primary sources are processes involvingin miningactivities, manufacturing, processing, waste management, and atmospheric sediments. The main environmental and health impacts of contamination include soil degradation and pollution that affect the ecosystem and impose health risks. Therefore, the present work comprehensively evaluated the mining-related heavy metals contamination levels, and soils affected by mining activities. The recent methodological approaches such as nanotechnology were critically discussed to cope with mining contamination. Currently, nanotechnology has grown into a major driver of a paradigm shift, transitioning from conventional to advanced, especially in the field of sustainable remediation of toxic elements. In the present study, data from 2000-2025 (25 January 2025) were retrieved from the Scopus database, and theanalyses of obtained datasetwere performed through the R-Studio-Biblioshiny software tool. Therefore, the current review offers an important contribution, which includes a bibliometric analysis that makes it easy to understand the current state of mining pollution, worldwide research trends, knowledge gaps existing, and challenges for future research. Furthermore, this review also discussed the number of recent studies that delve into cutting-edge approaches to manage and remediate mineral waste, implement sustainable practices in the mining industry, and regulate pollution caused by heavy metals and metalloids. Insight into the current trends of heavy metals toxicity and its adverse effects on soil, plants, and humans were comprehensively explored. Additionally, review elucidates the mechanisms underlying bio-migration, uptake, and translocation of heavy metals in soil, crops, the mode of action of nanoparticle-based strategies for stabilization and remediation of mining sites.

This study evaluates the concentrations of heavy metals in water sources at Michael Okpara University of Agriculture and their associated health risks using Average Daily Intake (ADI), Hazard Index (HI), and Incremental Life Cancer Risk (ILCR) models. A total of 15 water samples were collected from five different locations within the university using acid-washed polyethylene bottles. The samples were analyzed using Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS) to determine the concentrations of arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), cobalt (Co), chromium (Cr), nickel (Ni), and lead (Pb). The measured concentrations ranged from 0.015–0.052 mg/L for As, 0.006– 0.0173 mg/L for Cd, 0.075–0.127 mg/L for Co, 0.0077–0.015 mg/L for Cr, 0.0142–0.031 mg/L for Ni, and 0.0035–0.006 mg/L for Pb. Compared to regulatory standards, As and Cd concentrations exceeded the WHO limit of 0.01 mg/L and 0.003 mg/L, respectively, in multiple locations, posing significant health concerns. The ADI results showed that As had the highest dermal exposure value (5.43E-08 mg/kg/day), while Cr exhibited the highest ingestion exposure (4.28E-09 mg/kg/day). HI values for Cr (5.22E-03) and As (4.90E-04) suggest potential non-carcinogenic health risks, particularly through dermal absorption. ILCR analysis identified As as the most carcinogenic contaminant (1.04E-07), significantly surpassing the acceptable risk threshold of 1.0E-06. Site 2 exhibited the highest heavy metal contamination levels, aligning with elevated health risk assessments. These findings emphasize the need for water treatment interventions, enhanced regulatory oversight, and community awareness to mitigate contamination risks and safeguard public health.

Human activities and processes degrade water quality. Early detection of threats from contaminated water can protect all aspects of life and habitat degradation. The concentration and health risk assessment of selected heavy metals (Cu, As, Ni, Cr, Pb, Hg, and Cd) were investigated in the surface water samples of River Ethiope. Water samples were collected along its banks at the following towns; Umuaja (SWI), Ebedie (SW2), Abraka (SW3), Sapele (SW4) and Ughara (SW5) axis during the rainy season; June to October, 2023. The heavy metal contents, heavy metal pollution index (HPI) and risk assessment were determined using standard methods of analysis. Descriptive analysis and analysis of variance were employed for data interpretation of results. The results revealed concentration values of 0.004 mg/l for Pb and Cr to 0.020 mg/l for Cu. The observed highest concentrations of Cu (0.0133 mg/l), Pb (0.007 mg/l) at locations SW4, SW5 and SW3 may be attributed to the anthropogenic activities including domestic and mainly industrial wastewater discharges and runoff. All metals analyzed were within the WHO permissible limits for portable water. Heavy metal pollution index (HPI) was computed for stations SW3, SW4 and SW5, however, none for SW1 and SW2 as the parameters of interest were not detected. The HPI values 5.612, 10.750 and 7.796 for stations SW3, SW4 and SW5 respectively were below 100 which showed a low level of heavy metal contamination and will not adversely affect health. Estimated human health risk from each metal contamination from adsorption and consumption of the River Ethiope gave each of hazard quotient (HQ) and hazard index (HI) values of < 1. It is therefore obvious from the results that the observed values were below the safe limit of one, suggesting that there was no potential adverse risk in water sampled via direct ingestion or dermal adsorption to the inhabitants.

Human activities and processes degrade water quality. Early detection of threats from contaminated water can protect all aspects of life and habitat degradation. The concentration and health risk assessment of selected heavy metals (Cu, As, Ni, Cr, Pb, Hg, and Cd) were investigated in the surface water samples of River Ethiope. Water samples were collected along its banks at the following towns; Umuaja (SWI), Ebedie (SW2), Abraka (SW3), Sapele (SW4) and Ughara (SW5) axis during the rainy season; June to October, 2023. The heavy metal contents, heavy metal pollution index (HPI) and risk assessment were determined using standard methods of analysis. Descriptive analysis and analysis of variance were employed for data interpretation of the results. The results revealed that the mean concentration values of Cu, Pb and Cr ranged from 0.012 mg/l to 0.020 mg/l, 0.004 mg/l to 0.008 mg/l and 0.004 mg/l to 0.008 mg/l respectively. The observed highest concentrations of Cu (0.0133 mg/l), Pb (0.007mg/l) at locations SW4, SW5 and SW3 may be attributed to the anthropogenic activities including domestic and mainly industrial wastewater discharges and runoff. All metals analyzed were within the WHO permissible limits for portable water. Heavy metal pollution index (HPI) was computed for stations SW3, SW4 and SW5, however, none for SW1 and SW2 as the parameters of interest were not detected. The HPI values 5.612, 10.750 and 7.796 for stations SW3, SW4 and SW5 respectively were below 100 which showed a low level of heavy metal contamination and will not adversely affect health. Estimated human health risk from each metal contamination from adsorption and drinking the water of River Ethiope gave each of the hazard quotient (HQ) and hazard index (HI) values of < 1. It is therefore obvious from the results that the observed values were below the safe limit of one, suggesting that there was no potential adverse risk in water sampled via direct ingestion or dermal adsorption to the inhabitants.

The Meme River in Lokoja is a tributary of the River Niger and a place where household discharge their domestic and industrial refuse. This however makes the river to be highly polluted due to these discharges. This necessitates the present study to assess the level of heavy metals contamination in the coastal sediment of Meme River in Lokoja using Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrometric technique. The various levels of contamination was analysed using the geo-accumulation index. Results of this study for water analysis indicates a concentration range of 0.04 – 0.06 ppm (Fe), 2.33 – 10.40 ppm (Cr), 0.30 – 0.72 ppm (Zn), 0 – 1.81 ppm (Ni), 0.01 – 0.70 ppm (Cu) and 0.03 – 0.10 ppm (Cd). The observed metal concentrations for sediments ranged from 3.50 – 5.60 mg/kg (Fe), 5.93 – 9.89 mg/kg (Cr), 0.65 – 1.04 mg/kg (Zn), 0.13 – 2.45 mg/kg (Ni), 0.10 – 0.20 mg/kg (Cu) and 0.070 – 0.61 mg/kg (Cd). Results of some measured metals like K, Mg and Na in the water ranged from 30.0 – 44.0 ppm, 9.30 – 9.80 ppm, and 5.40 – 5.70 ppm respectively, while the concentration observed in the sediment samples ranged from 49.0 – 78.0 mg/kg (K), 9.50 – 9.80 mg/kg (Mg) and 5.55 – 5.68 mg/kg (Na). The geo-accumulation index analysis showed that the sediment and water samples are not polluted with Cr, Zn, Cu and Cd. However, the water samples are highly polluted with Fe. The measured metals such as Mg and K indicated a moderately high concentration in the water and sediment samples. The results of this work generally indicate that the sediment and water samples are moderately polluted by Fe which possibly may be due to anthropogenic activities along the River bank

The aim of the present paper is to know the current level of heavy metal contamination, in particular Pb and Cd, in soil and fruit (Prunus sp.) in the area of the glacis and contact piedmont of the Baia Mare Depression. The final aim is to determine the most effective measures to rebalance the affected croplands. The area of interest is an area of approx. 588.8 km2 of the area presented above and, for comparison, a "clean area" in the Maramureș Depression, i.e., the Sighetu-Marmației area. From these perimeters both soil samples from different depths and Prunus fruit samples (ripe, healthy plums from different farms) were taken. Based on the obtained results we are entitled to state that an integrated soil-crop-plant analysis is required. With this paper we emphasize the importance of compliance with food safety standards at international and national level through Codex Alimentarius and Order 975/1998.