Levels Of Metal Contamination Research Articles

Refinement and Validation of the SPEcies at Risk Index for Metals (SPEARmetal Index) for Assessing Ecological Impacts of Metal Contamination in the Nakdong River, South Korea

The SPEcies At Risk index for metals (SPEARmetal index) was refined using updated physiological sensitivity data and validated to assess the ecological impact of metal contamination on benthic macroinvertebrate communities in the upper Nakdong River, near a Zn smelter in Korea. Biosurvey and chemical monitoring data were collected at 18 sites surrounding the smelter and nearby mines. Acute ecotoxicity tests on 20 indigenous species from the Korean peninsula were conducted and used to update taxon-specific metal sensitivity data. The refined SPEARmetal index, based on this updated sensitivity, was significantly lower than previous versions, with most values below the severe impact threshold (0.5) in the main stream. The correlation between hazard quotients in water and the SPEAR index improved, with the correlation coefficient increasing from 0.63 to 0.70. Despite consistently high benthic macroinvertebrate indices (BMIs) across the study area, generic ecological indices, such as total richness, EPT (Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera, and Trichoptera taxa richness), and Shannon’s diversity index, showed correlations with metal contamination levels. Principal component analysis identified the SPEARmetal index as the primary indicator associated with metal contamination in both water and sediment. These findings highlight the improved performance of the refined SPEARmetal index as a more sensitive and specific tool for assessing the ecological status of metal-impacted aquatic ecosystems compared to traditional indices.

Assessment of heavy metals contamination/pollution of phosphogypsum waste of the Mdhilla region (Gafsa, southern Tunisia).

Tunisia is currently faced with the extremely delicate problem of managing the millions of tons of phosphogypsum (PG) discharges which is already causing considerable environmental damage. The research carried out in this work is part of a geochemical assessment of the level of heavy metal contamination in phosphogypsum waste from the Mdhilla region (Gafsa, southern Tunisia). The assessment of ETM contamination/pollution is based on the relatively simple principles of measuring concentrations, calculating indices, and comparing them with established standards, which vary according to the nature of the element, its toxicity, and the receiving environment. Six PG samples are taken from the storage heaps right next to the chemical group's plant. Our investigations to assess the level of heavy metals contamination focused on: zinc (Zn), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), nickel (Ni), and cadmium (Cd). These metallic elements are measured by atomic absorption spectrometry. To achieve our objectives, we calculated several indices, such as the geo-accumulation index (Igeo), the contamination factor (FC), the degree of contamination (DC), and the sediment pollution index (IPS). The index approach enables us to predict the extent of heavy metal pollution in these PG discharges from the Mdhilla region. The Mdhilla region's PG heavy metals contents show the following order of abundance: Zn > Ni > Cr > Cd > Cu. Calculation of contamination/pollution indices reveals in principle polymetallic contamination dominated by three elements: cadmium, nickel, and copper.

Assessment of the level of heavy metals contamination via sediments quality indices of the Koudiet Medouar Dam and its tributary (Batna, Algeria)

The present study assesses the level of heavy metals concerning sediment from the Koudiet Medouar dam. This dam is intended for the production of drinking water and irrigation. In order to assess the level of contamination of the dam by toxic metals, 216 sediment samples were taken at nine stations upstream and downstream of the dam from 2012 to 2014. At the same time, the physical characteristics of the water and the physicochemical parameters of the sediments were determined. The results, expressed by the mean ± standard deviation, are for water: temperature, 15.5 ± 7 °C; potential of hydrogen, 8.05 ± 0.36; conductivity, 1125 ± 228 μS/cm. For sediments the values are potential of hydrogen, 8.55 ± 0.22; conductivity, 730 ± 347 μS/cm; carbonates, 49.18 ± 18.1%; fraction less than 63 μm 27.06 ± 6.95%; organic matter 3.02 ± 1.2%. Trace metal concentrations followed the order: Mn > Zn > Cr > Cu > Co > Ni > Pb > Cd. The strong correlation among trace metal indicates that these elements have common sources suggesting their association with silted sands. The geo-accumulation index, contamination factors, degree of contamination, and sediment pollution index reveal a polymetallic contamination dominated by two or more elements in which Cd, Cr, and Cu are of greatest concern. The levels of trace metals in the sediments record high concentrations upstream of the dam, especially in the second station of the village, near the dam. Our results reflect the footprint of anthropogenic inputs of cadmium, chromium, and copper resulting from agricultural activities by runoff water and soil erosion as well as domestic water discharges.

Heavy metal contamination in soils of industrial estates of Tamil Nadu, India and source identification by magnetic susceptibility.

An increase in erratic industrial activity has been a major contributing factor to the significant contamination in environmental matrices. This study aimed to ascertain the level of heavy metal contamination in soils in major industrial estates of Tamil Nadu as well as the threats to human health and the environment that concomitant with it. This led to the use of the total reflection X-ray fluorescence (TXRF) spectroscopy technique to analyse 31 soil samples. Thus, the mean heavy metal concentrations were found to be in the ascending order: As < Ni < Pb < V < Cu < Zn < Cl < Mn < Sr < Cr < Al < Fe. Pb, Cr, Cu, As, and Zn have been identified as predominantcontaminants in the study area using the conventional pollution indices such as geo-accumulation index (Igeo), contamination factor (CF), and enrichment factor (EF). The magnetic susceptibility measurements indicates that the percentage of frequency dependence of magnetic susceptibility of the studied soil samples varied from 0.88 to 11.15 and that represents the presence of admixture ofsuperparamagnetic (SP) particles in the soil samples. From the results of multivariate statistical analyses, the sources ofidentified heavy metals were classified as anthropogenic sources(Cr, Cu, Pb, As, and Zn),natural sources(V, Mn, Fe, Ni, and Sr ),and intermediate sources (Al and Cl).

Analysis of Heavy Metal Pollution in the Water of the Halda River: A Distinctive Breeding Habitat for Carp Fish in Bangladesh.

The present study aimed to assess the heavy metal concentrations in water from different sampling sites of the Halda River, the only natural breeding ground of Indian major carps. We have analysed the contamination level and seasonal variations of heavy metals (viz. Fe, Cu, Zn, Cr, Cd and Pb). The favourability of the breeding environment was assessed by different contamination indices. Samples were collected from six sampling sites for four different seasons, and the metal concentrations were determined for water samples using Flame atomic absorption spectrophotometer. The obtained order of mean concentrations of heavy metals for four seasons was winter>spring>monsoon>pre-monsoon, and the assessed mean concentrations (mg/L) of heavy metals follow the trend: Fe (9.129)>Pb (0.033)>Zn (0.024)>Cr (0.017)>Cu (0.012)>Cd (0.002). The concentration of Fe was found above the permissible limit set by the World Health Organization (WHO) (Guidelines for Water Quality) and ECR (1997), and the concentrations for Pb were found above the USEPA (2006) limit in all four seasons. Contamination indices (heavy metal pollution Index [HPI] and metal index [MI]) indicate that during winter and monsoon, the river water metal condition is critical (HPI>100) and the sites are moderately as well as slightly (1<MI<2) affected by the studied heavy metals. Contamination indices, such as contamination factors (Cf), degree of contamination (Cdeg) and the pollution load index (PLI), demonstrate the fact that Fe and Pb remarkably contaminated the studied sampling sites. The Pearson correlation matrix and the principal component analysis (PCA) revealed that the studied metals are connected by their sources, which can be geological or anthropogenic. Urgent initiatives need to be taken, and effective strategies must be implemented to control the different sources responsible for the entry of heavy metals into the Halda River water.

Assessment of heavy metal contamination in groundwater and its implications for dental and public health

Groundwater contamination with heavy metals is a critical environmental issue, especially in regions heavily reliant on groundwater for drinking purpose. These metals can seep into groundwater from soil and rock weathering or through improper disposal of industrial waste and effluents. Access to safe drinking water is essential for maintaining public health. This study aimed to assess heavy metal contamination in groundwater and its implications for dental and public health. The objective of the study was to measure the concentration of the heavy metals in the dentine of extracted tooth of the study population. The study concurrently measured heavy metal concentrations in groundwater and tooth dentine samples, analyzing demographic profiles, heavy metal correlations, and underlying structures using Principal Component Analysis (PCA). The average level of heavy metals in the groundwater samples varied from 9.763 ± 3.362 μg/L for Cd to 3426.204 ± 875.264 μg/L for Fe. The mean concentrations (μg/g) in teeth dentine showed significant variations, with iron (Fe) ranging from 0.149 ± 0.03 μg/g in water purifiers to 4.62 ± 0.578 μg/g in local water sources. Similar variations were observed for other heavy metals across different water sources. Principal component analysis (PCA) revealed seven principal components, with the first two components explaining 96.1% of the total variance. The findings revealed varied concentrations of heavy metals across all water sources. Statistical analyses underscored the complex relationship between water sources and heavy metal contamination levels, highlighting the need for targeted interventions to improve water quality and mitigate health risks. The study highlights the urgent need for monitoring and mitigation efforts to ensure safe drinking water and mitigate health risks associated with heavy metal contamination.

Accumulation of heavy metals (Cr, Cu, As, Cd, Pb, Zn, Fe, Ni, Co) in the water, soil, and plants collected from Edayar Region, Ernakulam, Kerala, India

The accumulation of heavy metals in the environment is a significant concern due to their potential toxicity and persistence. This study investigates the levels of heavy metal contamination in the water, soil, and plants of the Edayar region in Ernakulam, Kerala, India. The region has experienced industrialization and urbanization, leading to concerns about heavy metal pollution. The study aims to assess the concentrations of chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), zinc (Zn), iron (Fe), nickel (Ni), and cobalt (Co) in water, soil, aquatic and terrestrial plants. Samples were collected from various locations within the Edayar region, and Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) was conducted to quantify heavy metal concentrations. The findings of this study will contribute to the assessment of heavy metal pollution in the Edayar region. Plants with a high diversity index were taken for analysis from both aquatic and terrestrial habitats. Scoparia dulcis L. seems to specialize in metal accumulation, possibly for protective purposes. Synedrella nodiflora Gaertn demonstrates adaptability to metal-rich environments through robust metal uptake and tolerance mechanisms. Alternanthera philoxeroides (Mart.) Griseb, on the other hand, appears to have developed mechanisms to manage heavy metal exposure. The results indicate significant levels of heavy metal contamination across all samples, with the highest concentrations detected in soil, followed by water and plants. Chromium and lead levels in soil exceeded the permissible limits set by international standards, posing potential risks to human health and the ecosystem. The accumulation patterns in plants varied, with higher bioaccumulation factors observed for zinc and copper, suggesting their preferential uptake. This study highlights the urgent need for remediation strategies and continuous monitoring to mitigate the impact of heavy metal pollution in the Edayar region. The results will help in understanding the environmental impact of human activities.

Decoupling Sources of Anthropogenic Influences on Sediments of the Visovac Lake (Krka National Park, Croatia) Using Multiparametric Approach.

Historical changes of sediment characteristics and levels of inorganic and organic contaminants were studied in dated sediment cores from the Visovac Lake, situated in the Krka National Park, Croatia, to identify the main sources of anthropogenic pressures on this highly protected system. Depth distributions of lithogenic elements showed a steady decrease of terrigenous inputs due to the reduction in agricultural activities in the area, which was particularly pronounced during the 1991-1995 war in Croatia. Vertical and longitudinal distributions of Cd and Zn indicated that they are predominately of anthropogenic origin. The historical profiles of these toxic metals coincide well with the recorded production of metal industry in the upper reach of the Krka River with a sharp decrease reflecting the interruption by the war and slow recovery afterwards. By contrast, the recovery of the tourist industry in Krka NP after the war was accompanied by increasing contamination by elements characteristic of boat and car traffic (Sn, Cu, Pb) as well as oil pollution. The contamination with polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and polychlorinated biphenyls was only moderate. Although levels of metallic and organic contamination can be considered relatively low, the observed shift from industrial to tourism-related sources indicated that touristic activities should also be regarded as a possible threat for this vulnerable karst aquatic ecosystem.

Evaluating monsoon season heavy metal contamination in groundwater of Uttar Dinajpur District using pollution indices and Principal Component analysis

Heavy metal contamination in groundwater poses significant environmental and public health challenges globally. This study investigates the presence and distribution of heavy metal contamination in groundwater within Uttar Dinajpur District, India, focusing on zinc (Zn), manganese (Mn), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), and lead (Pb). Groundwater samples were collected and analysed for heavy metal concentrations, and statistical analyses, including descriptive statistics, histograms, box plots, Heavy Metal Pollution Index (HPI) analysis, Metal Index (MI) analysis, and Principal Component Analysis (PCA), were conducted to assess contamination levels, spatial distribution, and potential sources. Results indicate varying levels of heavy metal contamination across the district, with manganese, iron, and lead frequently exceeding permissible limits, posing potential health risks. The PCA revealed common sources and relationships among heavy metals, aiding in understanding contamination patterns. The study underscores the importance of continuous monitoring and targeted interventions to manage heavy metal contamination in groundwater, emphasizing the need for further research to develop effective mitigation strategies.

Ecological Risk Assessment to Aquatic Life from Metals in the Surface Sediments of the Santiago-Guadalajara River Basin, Mexico

ABSTRACT The Santiago-Guadalajara River (SGR) is one of the most polluted river systems in Mexico because there is still a significant amount of untreated industrial, agricultural and municipal wastewater discharged. A sediment monitoring campaign was carried out at 25 sampling points located in the Santiago and Zula rivers, as well as in their main tributaries. In this work, six indices and criteria were selected to assess the level of metal contamination in the main and tributary streams. The following sequence of metals of concern were identified (mean values in mg kg-1 dry basis): Zn (71.92)> Cu (35.22)> Cr (23.82) > Ni (14.95)> Pb (10.82) > As (2.82) > Cd (2.40) > Sb (2.06). Previous studies in the region agree that Al, Fe, Mn, and Ba are part of the natural lithologic composition of the basin, and what is found in the sediments is likely the result of the natural rock weathering processes rather than an anthropogenic contamination process. According to the proposed assess methods Cu, Cr, Ni, Pb, and Zn were found in low to moderate levels of contamination, and Sb and Cd were found in considerable to very high contamination levels in several of the monitored stations.

Incorporating source apportionment and health risk assessment of heavy metals from indoor dust of an industrial area in Dhaka, Bangladesh

A total of 45 deposited dust samples were collected from the preselected 15 households near an industrial area at Savar, Bangladesh. The concentrations of metals were measured by EDXRF spectroscopy and was found at the following trend: Ca > Fe > K > Ti > Mn > Zr > Sr > Rb > Zn > Cu > Pb > Co. The average concentrations of Cu, Zn, Zr, and Pb were found to be higher than that of the soil background values set by Chinese Environmental Protection Administration (CEPA) and the upper continental crust (UCC), while the average concentrations of K, Ti, Fe, and Rb were found to be higher than that of the background values and lower than that of UCC. Alternately, %RSD for some toxic metals (i.e., Fe, Co, Zn and Pb) in the dust samples were ranged broadly (%RSD: 33.54–86.88 %), which indicates that these trace metals might be present in indoor dust samples due to anthropogenic sources, which is consistent with the ANOVA test. In this study, the contamination levels of metals were assessed based on the enrichment factor (EF), pollution load index (PLI), and geo-accumulation index (Igeo). The two ways ANOVA (Fcal = 3.86 >Fcritic = 1.78, df = 14) for EF data had revealed the heterogeneity of metal enrichment in the study area, whereas PLI values were close to 1.0 or > 1, which indicated that the indoor dust samples in the study area might be deteriorated of site quality by the studied metals. The analysis of Igeo also revealed that these dust samples are slightly to extremely polluted. Conversely Pearson correlation analysis, principal component analysis, and cluster analysis were employed to identify the possible sources of such heavy metals, which suggested that the anthropogenic sources are the main sources of the examined heavy elements. Subsequently, the human health risk assessment strategies were applied to identify the routes of exposures based on the US EPA health risk models. For non-cancer effect, ingestion of dust particles is the main exposure route to both the children and adults. The total hazard index (HI) values indicate that both children and adults are vulnerable to non-carcinogenic effect, but children are more vulnerable than adults (tstat = 1.97 >tcritic = 2.039, p = 0.029) at a 95 % confidence level. Nevertheless, no significant carcinogenic health risk due to the presence of Co was found for both children and adults in the study area. According to sensitivity analysis, the ingestion rate (IR) and the concentration of Co posed the most significant impact (> 79.9 %) on cancer risk estimation.

Environmental impact of potentially toxic elements accumulated in surface sediments of the Erikli Lagoon, Black Sea coast (Türkiye)

This study aims to (a) determine the concentration and distribution of elements in the surface sediments of the Erikli Lagoon, which are under natural and anthropogenic pressure, (b) determine possible effects on the environment using ecological indices, and (c) reveal possible sources. Multiple elements, total organic carbon and chlorophyll degradation products were analyzed in sediment samples. Enrichment factor (EF), contamination factor (CF), and geoaccumulation index (Igeo) were calculated to determine the sources of the elements. Modified hazard quotient (mHQ), ecological contamination index (ECI), contamination severity index (CSI) and potential ecological risk index (PERI) were calculated to determine ecological risks. It was found that Mn, Hg, As, Fe and Cd entering the lake are of anthropogenic origin. These elements pose a low to moderate ecological threat to the lake. Agricultural and domestic discharges and atmospheric deposition are the main sources of these elements. A moderate ecological risk with an average value of 194.89 was determined in the lagoon based on PERI and contamination levels of metals. The elements that pose this risk are Hg and Cd, due to their high toxicity. According to ECI and CSI, the ecological risk is low, with average values of 0.99 and 0.30, respectively.

Assessment of health risks posed by heavy metal contamination of wild mushrooms and berries

BACKGROUND: One of the primary objectives in ensuring food security for the population is to reduce the mitigate the risk of chemical contamination in food. Wild mushrooms and berries have the potential to accumulate heavy metals from the environment, posing a threat to human health if consumed. AIM: To assess the risk of developing general toxic effects associated with the consumption of wild mushrooms and berries on health of the adults living in the Arkhangelsk region. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The amount and frequency of mushroom and berry consumption by the adult population of the Arkhangelsk region was assessed by a survey (n=445). Intake of heavy metals contaminating mushrooms and berries was calculated using four scenarios. Hazard Quotients (HQ) were used to characterize the risk of developing overall toxic effects due to exposure to mercury, arsenic, lead, and cadmium. Hazard Indexes (HI) for substances with unidirectional effects were employed to assess the risk of non-cancerous effects on critical organs and systems. Quantitative data were presented as medians (Me) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CI), and the 90th percentile (P90). RESULTS: In total, 82% and 70% of respondents were engaged in collection of mushrooms and wild berries, respectively. On average, they reported consuming 180 grams of fresh or frozen berries, 133 grams of berries with juice, and 50 grams of mushrooms in soup or boiled/fried form per week. The Hazard Quotients (HQ) for all heavy metals did not exceed 1.0. The Hazard Index (HI) calculated for the average consumption of mushrooms and berries, as well as the average heavy metal contamination of wild plants was below 1.0. However, at high levels of mushroom (P90 — 417 g/week) and berry (P90 — 900 g/week) consumption, along with high levels of heavy metal contamination, elevated risk of developing general toxic effects on the endocrine- (HI=2.27), cardiovascular- (HI=2.0), digestive- (HI=2.0), nervous- and immune systems (HI =1.81 for both) and kidneys (HI=1.25) were detected. Forest mushrooms and wild berries can be consumed without restriction at an average level of their contamination. However, in cases of heavy metal contamination of mushrooms and berries at the P90 level or above, it is not recommended to exceed daily consumption of 400 grams of forest mushrooms and 650 grams of wild berries. CONCLUSION: Consuming high amounts of wild mushrooms and berries at the upper limit of exposure to heavy metals, may lead to an elevated risk of developing toxic effects on endocrine, nervous, immune, cardiovascular, and digestive systems.

Reduced copper uptake and efflux by the mussel Mytilus coruscus after Cu exposure: Implication for biomonitoring

The hard-shell mussels Mytilus coruscus have been extensively employed in pollution biomonitoring. Earlier studies indicated that metal concentrations in Mytilus coruscus may not accurately reflect the true metal contamination levels in the sampling areas, possibly due to their modified metal uptake and efflux. Given the likelihood of mussels in the field being exposed to intermittent metal contaminants, this study investigated whether different Cu pre-exposures significantly affected its uptake and efflux upon Cu exposure. We found significant reduction in Cu uptake rate constant (ku) and efflux rate constant (ke) in the mussels with varying Cu pre-exposure regimes. Specifically, the ku decreased from 1.55 ± 0.37 L g−1 d−1 in the control group to 0.65 ± 0.19 after 5 days and 0.53 ± 0.28 after 15 days of exposure to 20 μg L−1 Cu, respectively, and then was further reduced to as low as 0.096 ± 0.046 L g−1 d−1 following a 5-day exposure at 50 μg L−1 Cu. Similarly, the ke decreased from 0.18 ± 0.020 to 0.15 ± 0.015 d−1 following 5–15 days of exposure to 20 μg L−1 Cu, and further decreased to 0.081 ± 0.023 d−1 after a 5-day exposure at 50 μg L−1 Cu. Our subcellular distribution analysis underscored the critical role of the metallothionein-like protein (MTLP) fraction in modifying both Cu ku and ke during the rapid-depuration phase (ke1), whereas the metal-rich granule (MRG) fraction influenced the ke during the second depuration phase (ke2). This study demonstrated that environmental assessments utilizing biomonitoring species should consider the exposure of these organisms to ensure accurate interpretations of metal contamination in marine ecosystems and enhance the effectiveness of these species in environmental monitoring. This crucial factor is often overlooked, potentially skewing data and leading to misinterpretations of environmental health and pollution levels.

Comparative assessment of phytoremediation potential of four Ficus spp. under Semi-arid environmental conditions.

Heavy metals have been recognized as a prominent hazard in today's world, causing pollution in the air environment. Woody tree species can play a significant role in the extraction and remediation of metal pollutants from the air, therefore promoting the air quality index. This study investigated the potential of four species of the Ficus genus (F. benjamina, F. microcarpa, F. religiosa, and F. virens) to remediate varying levels of heavy metal contamination in industrial, residential, and highway areas of Faisalabad City, Pakistan. For this purpose, six heavy metals (cadmium, chromium, copper, lead, zinc, and manganese) were assessed in young leaves (YL) as well as old leaves (OL) of subjected tree species at selected study sites. Eight fully expanded leaves were selected from each tree species: two from each cardinal direction from the shoot of the current year (young leaves, YL), as well as from the shoot of the previous year (old leaves, OL). The results showed that the same genus has different capabilities to accumulate different heavy metals, and the overall trend was in the following order: F. virens > F. religiosa > F. benjamina > F. microcarpa at all study sites. The heavy metal contents in both YL and OL of selected tree species decreased in the order of Manganese (Mn)> Zinc (Zn)> Copper (Cu) > Chromium (Cr) > Lead (Pb) > Cadmium (Cd) at all study sites. The metal accumulation index (MAI) values ranged between 2.14-5.42 for F. benjamina, 2.09-3.89 for F. microcarpa, 3.61-7.01 for F. religiosa and 4.77-6.48 for F. virens across all study sites. Among the studied tree species, it has been determined that F. virens and F. religiosa are well-suited for urban areas with significant heavy metal contamination and can be strategically planted in barrier areas to effectively combat atmospheric pollution.

Assessment of the Heavy Metal Contaminations of Roadside Soil in Aizawl, Mizoram (India): An In-Depth Analysis Utilising Advanced Scientific Methodologies

The study was conducted to evaluate the heavy metal contamination levels in the roadside soil of Aizawl, Mizoram (India). Twelve sites were sampled monthly from August 2020 to July 2021, and concentrations of copper (Cu), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), nickel (Ni), lead (Pb), and zinc (Zn) were analyzed using atomic absorption spectrometer. The concentrations of heavy metals at the twelve studied sites varied widely from 0.43-1.06, 20.54-21.21, 2.69-3.41, 0.25-0.54, 0.31-0.49 and 1.35-1.77 for Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Zn respectively. Pollution assessment tools such as the pollution load index, geo-accumulation index, and enrichment factor indicated moderate pollution levels. The study also observed fluctuations in the contamination levels due to the monsoon rainfall and the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown. Principal component analysis identified vehicular emissions, industrial activities, and atmospheric deposition as the potential sources of heavy metal contamination, with varying patterns observed at each site. While the observed heavy metal concentrations generally met permissible limits, the elevated levels suggested anthropogenic influences. It is crucial to continuously monitor and manage heavy metal contamination to mitigate potential health risks associated with heavy metal exposure.

Application of soil amendments to reduce the transfer of trace metal elements from contaminated soils of Lubumbashi (Democratic Republic of the Congo) to vegetables

The extraction of copper and cobalt from mines has led to the contamination of agricultural soils by trace metal elements (TMEs) (e.g. Cu: 204 to 1355 mg/kg). The mining industry is one of the sources of metal discharges into the environment, contributing to water, soil, and air contamination and causing metabolic disorders in the inhabitants of the city of Lubumbashi (R.D. Congo). This study assessed the effectiveness of organocalcareous soil improvers applied to TME-contaminated soils to reduce their transfer to plants. Following a factorial design, increasing doses of organic soil improvers (chicken droppings and sawdust) and agricultural lime were applied to the soils of three market gardens (high, medium, and low Cu contamination). The experiment was monitored for 60 days. Soil physicochemical properties (pH, TOC, and total and available copper, cobalt, lead, cadmium, and zinc (mg/kg)) were determined for the three gardens and in the vegetable biomass. The daily consumption index of the vegetables was determined based on total TME content. The results show that organocalcareous soil improvers did not promote plant growth and survival on soils with high and medium levels of copper contamination. However, on soils with low copper content, organocalcareous soil improvers improved germination and plant survival and reduced the transfer of metals from the soil to the plants. The best germination and plant survival rates were obtained with the lightly contaminated market garden. In addition, the organo-limestone amendments applied to the soils slightly increased the soil pH from acidic to slightly acidic, with pH values ranging from (5.43 ± 0.07 to 7.26 ± 0.33). The daily vegetable consumption index obtained for cobalt in the low-contaminated garden ranged from (0.029 to 0.465 mg/60 kg/day), i.e. from 0.5 to 8.45 times higher than the FAO/WHO limit, unlike the other trace metals (Cd, Cu and Pb) for which the daily consumption index found was lower than the FAO/WHO limit. Organocalcareous soil improvers can only be applied to soils with low levels of TME contamination, but for soils with medium to high levels of metal contamination, new soilless production techniques such as hydroponics or bioponics are needed.

Zeolite functionalized with macroalgae as novel material for Fe and Mn removal from real acid mine drainage

The treatment of heavy metals such as Fe and manganese Mn remains a critical global issue, necessitating solutions that are not only effective and efficient but also cost- effective and easy to implement. Adsorption has been identified as one of the most efficient techniques for removing heavy metals. This study investigates adsorption method applied to real AMD, characterized by high levels of heavy metal contamination and low pH. Key parameters analyzed include adsorption performance, isotherm and kinetic models, thermodynamic properties, and adsorption characteristics. The adsorbent used was zeolite functionalized with carboxyl, hydroxyl, and sulfate groups derived from macroalgae. Material characterization was conducted using SEM, XRD, and FTIR. The results indicate that zeolite functionalized with carboxyl, hydroxyl, and sulfate groups from macroalgae effectively reduced Fe and Mn concentrations by up to 99 % within just five minutes. Furthermore, the adsorption process followed a pseudo-second-order kinetic model and conformed to the Langmuir isotherm model.

Contamination of toxic elements in the sediments, water, and igneous rocks of the Sefid-rud River in Northern Iran using contamination indicators, with a specific focus on Ti-rich coastal sediments

The Sefid-rud River is a significant river on the southern coast of the Caspian Sea in Iran. In this study, we collected 28 samples of surface sediments and water to assess the level of metal contamination. Chemical analysis revealed that the average concentrations of heavy metals in both sediments and water increase from upstream to downstream. There is no clear significant relationship observed between changes in the values of investigated elements in sediments and water. The levels of these elements in the sediments, exceed toxic response thresholds. In the water samples, As, Ni and V concentrations exceed the WHO standard values. According to the Igeo, EF and PLI indices, the sediments at most stations are not contaminated by any of the elements. The CF and Dc indices suggest low contamination levels at all stations. The NIPI and ecological risk indices (Er and RI) indicate non-polluted conditions at all stations except SF22, SF20, SF11, and SF6. The MI and HEI indices indicate pollution in all water samples of the Sefid-rud, but critical values are only observed at SF5 and SF15. The other stations show no contamination. The Cf index indicates high pollution levels for all elements except Cu, Zn, and Pb. The upstream area poses a relatively high and considerable ecological risk according to the PERI index. In conclusion, the sediments of the Sefid-rud River have a higher potential for the exchange of toxic substances compared to the aquatic environment.

Heavy Metal Contamination of Surface Sediments-Soil Adjoining the Largest Copper Mine Waste Dump in Central India Using Multivariate Pattern Recognition Techniques and Geo-Statistical Mapping

This detailed study assessed heavy metal contamination of sediments/soil near central India’s largest copper mining area using 38 sampling sites within 10 km of the mine using atomic absorption spectroscopy. This study utilized multivariate pattern recognition methods, namely hierarchical clustering analysis (HCA) and principal component analysis (PCA), for source identification. Twelve parameters, i.e., copper (Cu), manganese (Mn), cobalt (Co), zinc (Zn), nickel (Ni), lead (Pb), organic matter (OM), cation exchange capacity (CEC), soil pH, distance (D), and elevation (E) were analyzed. The hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) was used to analyze the sample sites with similar metal contamination and principal component analysis (PCA) was used to analyze the relationship between the parameters as well as to identify sources of heavy metal pollution. Three major pollution hotspots were detected by AHC and were classified as unpolluted/low pollution sites (UPS: mean concentration factor of 1.35 for Cu), highly polluted sites (HPS: mean concentration factor of 22 for Cu), and extremely polluted sites (EPS: mean concentration factor of 74 for Cu). PCA revealed three hidden factors/components, namely PC1 (explaining 38% of the variability), PC2 (18% of the variability), and PC3 (14% of the variability). Metals showed strong positive loading in PC1, explaining the highest variability. The mean content of Cu in soil/sediment samples was 502.526 mg/kg. The mean copper content was 10 times higher than the natural crustal value of 45mg/kg, indicating severe pollution in several sites around the study area. Mapping of copper contamination was conducted to reveal the spatial distribution of copper contamination using QGIS. This study exposes the heavy metal contamination level in surface sediments/soil and the effectiveness of pattern recognition techniques for the assessment of multivariate datasets in discerning spatial disparities and identifying the contamination causes.