Heavy Metal Load Research Articles

Intra-annual variability in the heavy metal geochemistry of ground waters from the Deccan basaltic aquifers of India

Geochemical baseline (geogenic+anthropogenic) and background (geogenic) levels of heavy metals in the ground waters from basaltic aquifers of Deccan Volcanic Province of India depicted intra-annual variability on spatial scale. Classified into ‘Group I’ (Fe > Mn > Zn > Pb) and ‘Group II’ (Mo > Ni > Cr > Cu), metals depicted contrasting enrichment and depletion patterns seasonally, attributable to geologic controls and water table fluctuations. While, fortification in Mo–Ni in post-monsoon (high water table) is on account of combined lithogenic+anthropogenic contributions, pre-monsoon augmentation in Fe–Mn (low water table) is entirely lithogenic. Positive values of Normalised Difference Dispersal Index, replicates the dominant role of soil/vadose zone as a chief supplier of metals to the groundwater during post-monsoon, while negative figures recommend host rock as a primary source of accretion of metals in pre-monsoon. Higher Ni/Cr ratios for wells in alluvial aquifer (fertile agriculture plain) than the basaltic and dyke aquifers, further suggest enhanced input of the elements (Mo, Ni > Cu) from soil and agriculture land use in post-monsoon season. Values of Ni/Cr ratio above unity for majority of the wells in post-monsoon and nearly 50 % wells in pre-monsoon suggest privileged weathering of olivine, followed by pyroxene > plagioclase feldspar (Ni/Cr <1) as a major cause of heavy metal load to the groundwater. Pearson correlation coefficients authenticate these inferences by means of elemental associations. The study unveils multi-source derivation of heavy metals related to seasonal fluctuation in the water table conditions leading to range of heavy metals in the groundwater from the study area. The target hazard quotient (THQ) values of heavy metals closer to unity and above unity highlight the possible health risk hazard associated with the consumption of metal contaminated groundwater. The study thus highlights the importance of baseline geochemical mapping to assess the state of near surface environment as heavy metals are closely linked to human health.

Taxonomy of factors which influence heavy metal build-up on urban road surfaces

Heavy metals build-up on urban road surfaces is a complex process and influenced by a diverse range of factors. Although numerous research studies have been conducted in the area of heavy metals build-up, limited research has been undertaken to rank these factors in terms of their influence on the build-up process. This results in limitations in the identification of the most critical factor/s for accurately estimating heavy metal loads and for designing effective stormwater treatment measures. The research study undertook an in-depth analysis of the factors which influence heavy metals build-up based on data generated from a number of different geographical locations around the world. Traffic volume was found to be the highest ranked factor in terms of influencing heavy metals build-up while land use was ranked the second. Proximity to arterial roads, antecedent dry days and road surface roughness has a relatively lower ranking. Furthermore, the study outcomes advances the conceptual understanding of heavy metals build-up based on the finding that with increasing traffic volume, total heavy metal build-up load increases while the variability decreases. The outcomes from this research study are expected to contribute to more accurate estimation of heavy metals build-up loads leading to more effective stormwater treatment design.

Grain Size Distribution and Health Risk Assessment of Metals in Outdoor Dust in Chengdu, Southwestern China.

A total of 27 outdoor dust samples from roads, parks, and high spots were collected and analyzed to investigate the contamination of 11 metals (Cr, Mn, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Sr, Cd, Sb, and Pb) in Chengdu, China. The results showed that the samples from the high spots exhibited the highest heavy metal level compared with those from the roads and the parks, except for Ni, Cu, and Pb. The dust was classified into five grain size fractions. The mean loads of each grain size fraction of 11 determined metals displayed similar distribution, and the contribution of median size (63-125, 125-250, 250-500 μm) fractions accounted for more than 70% of overall heavy metal loads. The health risk posed by the determined metals to human via dust ingestion, dermal contact, and inhalation was investigated. Oral and respiratory bioaccessible parts of the metals in dust were extracted using simulated stomach solution and composite lung serum. The mean bioaccessibilities of 11 investigated metals in the gastric solution were much higher than those in the composite lung serum, especially Zn, Cd, and Pb. Ingestion was the most important exposure pathway with percentage greater than 70% for both children and adults. Risk evaluation results illustrated that children in Chengdu might suffer noncarcinogenic risk when exposed to outdoor dust. Given that the cancer risk values of Pb and Cr larger than 1 × 10(-4), potential carcinogenic risk might occur for Chengdu residents through outdoor dust intake.

Heavy metals in urban dust: contamination and health risk assessment: a case study from Gyumri, Armenia

Cities damaged by devastating earthquakes are exposed to dust pollution during a long-term period of reconstruction and liquidation of calamity-caused consequences. For the first time after a catastrophic earthquake of December 1988, a complex research of atmospheric dust was initiated for city of Gyumri. The research goal was revealing peculiarities of spatial distribution of dust and associated heavy metals and assessing health risk to local population. Measurements of dust content in near-surface atmospheric air and dust load levels were done on 25–31 August 2013. Dust content was assessed with application of a portable aspirator АВА-1-120-02А. A dust load level assessment was done using tree leaves as the best natural dust filters. A negative correlation was established between dust load and dust content which is seen in spatial distribution of dust load levels and dust contents. The following six out of seven studied heavy metals were detected in dust: Pb, Zn, Cu, Cr, Ni, and Mo, except Cd. Mean concentrations of all the detected metals exceeded geochemical background by 1.1–5.0 times. The level of summary pollution of dust was low on the entire area of the city; priority pollutants were Cr and Zn. A summary load of heavy metals varied widely. The highest values were detected along major motorways. The maximal share in the summary load of heavy metals belonged to Zn and Pb. Medium and high levels of carcinogenic risk were established only for Cr and Ni, respectively.

Preface

&lt;p&gt;Responding to the changing needs of the society and to the sign oftimes, the University of the Immaculate Conception Research and Publication Center presents Volume 19 Number 1 of the UIC Research Journal. This edition includes 15 research reports which delve into various disciplines subdividedin four sections: Education, Engineering and Technology, Higher Education Research, and Health, Pharmacy &amp;amp; Chemistry and Environment.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;This journal imparts findings and discussion that shed light to differentperspectives not only in the academic realm but also to society at large.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Section One is composed of three studies in the field of education.The study entitled Campus Journalism Related Factors and Journalistic Meritsof Student Publications in Selected Tertiary Schools in Davao City by Dr. MonaLaya, Prof. Jan Vincent Laroya and Prof. John Rey Aleria explores the campusrelated factors and how they affect the proficiency of campus journalists. Also,Dr. Charlie Dayon and Ms. Joan Natad sought to find the learning styles and proficiency in communication of the students in their Study Learning Styles andBasic Communication Skills while Prof. Armando Parantar attempted to explore the relevance and importance of note-taking to students in his investigation entitled The Essence of Note-taking.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Dealing with the current trends on climate and environment vis-à-vis government economic thrusts and development, Section Two is comprised of studies dealing with issues on engineering and technology. Researchers Engr. Aylmer Ronnel Sombilla, Mr. Aaaron Paul Paciente, Ms. Cristy Marie Masalta,Mr. Martin Sorolla, Mr. Carlwen Jave Pausta and Mr. Manuel Rey Villanueva unveil the effects of aviation noise to the lives of the people living near the airport in their investigation entitled Level of Aviation Noise: Their Effects on the Inhabitants near Francisco Bangoy International Airport. Professors Ma. Teresa Gravino, Princy Luga, and Lucila Lupo deal on measures to prepare the communities to future disasters by measuring the climate literacy of the people in near the shores in their paper entitled Climate Literacy of Davao City Residents in Coastal Areas and there is also collaboration of Engr. Ruben Ruiz and Dr. Renan Limjuco who suggest a faster way to travel from Toril to the city proper in their study A Coastal Road as an Alternate Route for the Decongestion of Traffic from Toril to Downtown of Davao City.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Aiming for greater heights in the research track, the Section Three includes articles from the graduate and post-graduate programs. To supplement the need to better the communication skills of students, Prof. Wilvena Pernia in her study Communication Skills Needs of Technical English I Students: Basis for the Development of Instructional Materials aimed to make an effective instructional tool for students enrolled in English 1. Unveiling the power of print media to persuade people to buy beauty products, Prof. Edroslyn Fernandez analyzed the use of persuasive language in advertising in her paper Discourse Analysis of Persuasive Language in Philippine Print Advertising. Ms. Joan Natad in her study entitled Exposure to the English Linguistic Environment, Affective Filters and the Writing Competence of Students examined the influence of exposure to the English linguistic environment and affective filters on the writing competence of students enrolled in an English Proficiency Program while Dr. Rhodora Ranalan using thematic analysis in her article Trends and Themes in Graduate Research Papers in UIC: Towards a Compendium of Research Outputs from 2007 to 2012 ventured on unveiling the trends and themes of researches in the graduate school. Bridging the gaps and strengthening the bonds with fellow researchers in other institutions, this section also features two studies from a neighboring school in Davao region. Dr. Nelia Pacaña in her study entitled Professional Image, Anger Management and Instructional Leadership of Non-Sectarian School Administrators determined whether professional image and anger management influence leadership of the administrators in non-sectarian schools in Region XI while Dr. Prescila Baquerfo in her paper Competing Standpoints of Code-Switching in Classroom Instruction of the Pre-Secondary Teachers discussed the standpoints of teachers in code-switching in classroom instructions.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Section Four displays the unfolding of new insights in the field of health. Prof. Kenny James Merin assessed the toxicity of a mangosteen xanthone capsule available in the market in his investigation entitled Preliminary Acute Toxicological Analysis and Profiling of a Commercially Available Mangosteen (Garcinia mangostana) Xanthone Capsule while Ms. Ma. Azeneth Josol-Jagape compared the heavy metal loads of both locally and imported manufactured food supplement capsules. Ms. Regina Joy Malonzo, Dr. Thelma Alderite and Ms. Maribeth Galindo measured the level of awareness, attitude and openness of the students of UIC as well as their parents on the issue of HIV/AIDS.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Renan P. Limjuco &lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Editor in Chief&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;John Rey A. Aleria &lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;Associate Editor&lt;/p&gt;

Temporal variation and regional transfer of heavy metals in the Pearl (Zhujiang) River, China.

Heavy metals are highly persistent in water and have a particular significance in ecotoxicology. Heavy metals loading from the Pearl River are likely to cause significant impacts on the environment in the South China Sea and the West Pacific. In this study, using monthly monitoring data from a water quality monitoring campaign during 2006-2012, the temporal variation and spatial transfer of six heavy metals (lead (Pb), copper (Cu), cadmium (Cd), zinc (Zn), arsenic (As), and mercury (Hg)) in the Pearl River were analyzed, and the heavy metal fluxes into the sea were calculated. During this period, the annual heavy metal loads discharged from the Pearl River into the South China Sea were 5.8 (Hg), 471.7 (Pb), 1524.6 (Cu), 3819.6 (Zn), 43.9 (Cd), and 621.9 (As) tons, respectively. The metal fluxes showed a seasonal variation with the maximum fluxes occurring from June to July. There is a close association between metal fluxes and runoff. The analysis of the heavy metal transfer from the upstream to the downstream revealed that the transfer from the upstream accounted for a major portion of the heavy metals in the Pearl River Delta. Therefore, earlier industry relocation efforts in the Pearl River watershed may have limited effect on the water quality improvement in surrounding areas. It is suggested that watershed-based pollution control measures focusing on wastewater discharge in both upstream and downstream areas should be developed and implemented in the future.

Influence of uncertainty inherent to heavy metal build-up and wash-off on stormwater quality

Uncertainty inherent to heavy metal build-up and wash-off stems from process variability. This results in inaccurate interpretation of stormwater quality model predictions. The research study has characterised the variability in heavy metal build-up and wash-off processes based on the temporal variations in particle-bound heavy metals commonly found on urban roads. The study outcomes found that the distribution of Al, Cr, Mn, Fe, Ni, Cu, Zn, Cd and Pb were consistent over particle size fractions <150 μm and >150 μm, with most metals concentrated in the particle size fraction <150 μm. When build-up and wash-off are considered as independent processes, the temporal variations in these processes in relation to the heavy metals load are consistent with variations in the particulate load. However, the temporal variations in the load in build-up and wash-off of heavy metals and particulates are not consistent for consecutive build-up and wash-off events that occur on a continuous timeline. These inconsistencies are attributed to interactions between heavy metals and particulates <150 μm and >150 μm, which are influenced by particle characteristics such as organic matter content. The behavioural variability of particles determines the variations in the heavy metals load entrained in stormwater runoff. Accordingly, the variability in build-up and wash-off of particle-bound pollutants needs to be characterised in the description of pollutant attachment to particulates in stormwater quality modelling. This will ensure the accounting of process uncertainty, and thereby enhancing the interpretation of the outcomes derived from modelling studies.

Agronomic characteristics of five different urban waste digestates

The use of digestate in agriculture is an efficient way to recycle materials and to decrease the use of mineral fertilizers. The agronomic characteristics of the digestates can promote plant growth and soil properties after digestate fertilization but also harmful effects can arise due to digestate quality, e.g. pH, organic matter and heavy metal content. The objective of this study was to evaluate the differences and similarities in agronomic characteristics and the value of five urban waste digestates from different biogas plants treating either food waste, organic fraction of organic solid waste or a mixture of waste-activated sludge and vegetable waste. The digestate agronomic characteristics were studied with chemical analyses and the availability of nutrients was also assessed with growth experiments and soil mineralization tests. All studied urban digestates produced 5–30% higher ryegrass yields compared to a control mineral fertilizer with a similar inorganic nitrogen concentration, while the feedstock source affected the agronomic value. Food waste and organic fraction of municipal solid waste digestates were characterized by high agronomic value due to the availability of nutrients and low heavy metal load. Waste-activated sludge as part of the feedstock mixture, however, increased the heavy metal content and reduced nitrogen availability to the plant, thus reducing the fertilizer value of the digestate.

Evaluation of Environmental Impact on Heavy Metal Load in Cattle Milk

Evaluation of Environmental Impact on Heavy Metal Load in Cattle Milk

Numerical Response of Migratory Shorebirds to Prey Distribution in a Large Temperate Arid Wetland, China.

Wuliangsuhai Lake provides important breeding and stopover habitats for shorebirds. The health of this wetland ecosystem is rapidly deteriorating due to eutrophication and water pollution and environmental management is urgently needed. To explore the connections among ecosystem health, prey density, and shorebird populations, we conducted surveys of both the benthic macroinvertebrates and shorebirds in the shorebird habitat of the wetland during the 2011 autumn migration season. The abundance of both shorebirds and benthic macroinvertebrates varied significantly in both space and time. Our data showed a clear association between shorebird populations and the density of benthic macroinvertebrates, which explained 53.63% of the variation in shorebird abundance. The prey density was strongly affected by environmental factors, including water and sediment quality. Chironomidae were mainly found at sites with higher total phosphorus, but with lower sediment concentrations of Cu. Lymnaeidae were mainly found at sites with a higher pH, lower salinity, and lower concentrations of total phosphorus and Cu. Habitats with very high concentrations of total phosphorus, heavy metals, or salinity were not suitable for benthic macroinvertebrates. Our findings suggest that the reductions of nutrient and heavy metal loadings are crucial in maintaining the ecological function of Wuliangsuhai as a stopover habitat for migratory shorebirds.

In situ growth of fluorescent silicon nanocrystals in a monolithic microcapsule as a photostable, versatile platform.

A facile, one-step method was developed for the in situ formation of fluorescent silicon nanocrystals (SiNC) in a microspherical encapsulating matrix. The obtained SiNC encapsulated polymeric microcapsules (SiPM) possess uniform size (0.1-2.0 μm), strong fluorescence, and nanoporous structure. A unique two stage, time dependent reaction was developed, as the growth of SiNC was slower than the formation of polymeric microcapsules. The resulting SiPM with increasing reaction time exhibited two levels of stability, and correspondingly, the release of SiNC in aqueous media showed different behavior. With reaction time <1 h, the obtained low-density SiPM (LD-SiPM) as matrix microcapsules, would release encapsulated SiNC on demand. With >1 h reaction time, resulting high-density SiPM (HD-SiPM) became stable SiNC reservoirs. SiPM exhibit stable photoluminescence. The porous structure and fluorescence quenching effects make SiPM suitable for bioimaging, drug loading and sorption of heavy metals (Hg(2+) as shown) as an intrinsic indicator. SiPM were able to reduce metal ions, forming SiPM/metal oxide and SiPM/metal hybrids, and their applications in bio-sensing and catalysis were also demonstrated.

Heavy metal (cadmium, lead, and chromium) contamination infarmed fish: a potential risk for consumers’ health

To assess heavy metal loads in cultured fish, four farmed carp fish species were sampled from a fish farming cluster at the Head Qadirabad area. Samples were randomly collected from fish farms and a local fish market and analyzed for three nonessential heavy metals, cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), and lead (Pb), at Fish Quality Control Labs Manawan, Lahore, Pakistan. All three tested metals were found in all samples of selected fish species. The highest accumulation among heavy metals in farmed carps was recorded for Pb (0.3316 ± 0.0143 μg g-1), followed by Cr (0.0488 ± 0.0063 μg g-1) and Cd (0.0094 ± 0.0011 μg g-1). Mean Pb concentrations found in Labeo rohita (0.3316 ± 0.0143 μg g-1) and Hypophthalmichthys molitrix (0.3246 ± 0.0496 μg g-1), collected from the local market, were beyond the permissible limits of the WHO for fish (0.123 μg g-1), while the concentrations of Cr (0.0488 ± 0.0063 μg g-1) and Cd (0.0094±0.0011 μg g-1) were found to be below the WHO permissible limits (0.100 μg g-1). Cd was significantly higher in Labeo rohita when compared with other species, while among distribution points Cr was significantly higher in fishes sampled from the local fish market. The correlation matrix showed that concentrations of Cd and Pb were significantly and positively correlated with each other. This study concludes that farmed fish produced in the Head Qadirabad area along the Chenab River are not safe for human consumption due to the presence of Pb, beyond acceptable limits. Eating farmed fish from this area may pose health hazards for humans and thus can create an upsetting situation, not only for the consumers but for the producers as well.

Spatial and temporal variations of soil function in a Mediterranean serpentine ecosystem

We investigated the variations in space and time of soil functionality in a Mediterranean serpentine soil for heavy metal and nutrient concentrations, microbial biomass and soil enzymatic activities (urease, dehydrogenase and alkaline phosphatase) in the rhizospheres of different plant species and in bare soil, during the humid and dry seasons of the year. Nutrients and heavy metals were also estimated in leaves of shrubs inhabiting the study area. Four species of serpentine-tolerant shrubs were present: the evergreen-sclerophyllous Juniperus oxycedrus and Buxus sempervirens and the phryganic Cistus creticus and Thymus sibthorpii. The most significant differentiation of the soil environment was between bare and rhizosphere soil, and was mainly driven by the availability of potassium. Spatial variations related to plant identity were clear but less important than temporal variations. There was no relationship between soil and foliar concentrations of nutrients and heavy metals. Higher foliar concentrations were recorded in the phryganic species. Finally, there was no enzyme inhibition due to the heavy metal load of the serpentine soil. Enzymatic activities were lower for bare soil samples, while their temporal variations probably followed the temporal variations of temperature and humidity imposed by the Mediterranean climate.

Quantification of Heavy Metals in the &lt;I&gt;Aloe vera&lt;/I&gt; L. Samples Available in the Market

The plant Aloe vera L. (Synonym: Aloe barbadensis Mill.) has been use for decades for beauty, health as well as medicinal purposes . In dermatology also it is widely being used. As many other herbs this succulent xerophytic plant also can absorb heavy metals through roots. The fresh leaves are nowadays in high demand as rejuvenating agent in cancer patients which necessitates quality assurance. In market, bundles of it are available for sale collected from various places. The presence of any toxic elements in it may lead to serious health hazards, if above permissible levels. In the present study, market samples of A. vera were collected from local markets and the heavy metal content analysis was carried out using ICP-AES (Inductively coupled plasma) method to assess the heavy metal load of A. vera samples. The results revealed that out of 10 samples analyzed, one proved to have lead content above WHO permissible limit, where as all other samples were having below permissible levels of heavy metals.

Mitigation of heavy metals in different vegetables through biological washing techniques

&lt;p&gt;Availability of nutritious and healthy food is the foremost challenging issue in all over the word. Vegetables are essential part in human diet and considered as natural reserves of nutrients gifted by Almighty Allah to human beings. Heavy metals are among the most toxic food pollutants and their intake through diet leads to several disorders. The sources of heavy metal contamination include waste water irrigation, industrial emissions, transportation and application of metal-based pesticides. In Pakistan this situation is more alarming as vegetables grown in peri-urban areas have shown high incidence of heavy metals accumulation. In this study effort was made to mitigate different heavy metals (Ar, Cd, Cr and Pb) in cauliflower, spinach, okra and brinjal collected from peri-urban areas through washing with different biological solutions. Heavy metals contents were determined by using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry (AAS). Vegetable showed high load of heavy metals in unwashed form that reduced significantly by washing with different biological solutions. Among the different biological solutions, washing of vegetables with 8% ginger solution was found to be more effective.&lt;/p&gt;

Mitigation of heavy metals in different vegetables through biological washing techniques

&lt;p&gt;Availability of nutritious and healthy food is the foremost challenging issue in all over the word. Vegetables are essential part in human diet and considered as natural reserves of nutrients gifted by Almighty Allah to human beings. Heavy metals are among the most toxic food pollutants and their intake through diet leads to several disorders. The sources of heavy metal contamination include waste water irrigation, industrial emissions, transportation and application of metal-based pesticides. In Pakistan this situation is more alarming as vegetables grown in peri-urban areas have shown high incidence of heavy metals accumulation. In this study effort was made to mitigate different heavy metals (Ar, Cd, Cr and Pb) in cauliflower, spinach, okra and brinjal collected from peri-urban areas through washing with different biological solutions. Heavy metals contents were determined by using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry (AAS). Vegetable showed high load of heavy metals in unwashed form that reduced significantly by washing with different biological solutions. Among the different biological solutions, washing of vegetables with 8% ginger solution was found to be more effective.&lt;/p&gt;

Determination of heavy metals in dust from selected nursery and kindergarten classrooms within the Kumasi metropolis of Ghana

AbstractThe exposure potential of children in nursery and kindergarten schools to metals in dust in the Kumasi Metropolis was studied. Dust samples from 20 selected schools were analyzed for heavy metal levels using atomic absorption spectrophotometry. The results showed that concentrations were in the range of below detection −9.710 μg/g for cobalt, below detection to 33.291 μg/g for chromium, below detection to 41.909 μg/g for lead, below detection to 1.383 μg/g for mercury, while cadmium levels were below detection for all samples. The mean levels of metals therefore decreased in the order: Cr > Pb > Co > Hg and Cd. Geographical variation correlated with heavy metal load. Health risk assessment using hazard quotient (HQ) and hazard index (HI) calculations indicated that ingestion contributed more to exposure than dermal contact. However, the values obtained by HQ and HI do not pose any immediate health risk but the cumulative effect is a matter of concern.

Biomonitoring Of Some Heavy Metals In Water Of El Salam Canal using Oreochromis niloticus As Bioindicator

This study was initiated to assess the levels of (Fe, Cu, Cd, Pb, Zn, Co, Mn and Ni) in water samples and Oreochromis niloticus tissues (muscles, gills and liver) collected from Fum El-Salam canal, Hadous drain and mixing point of El-Salam canal with Hadous drain throughout Summer 2014. Levels of physicochemical parameters of water samples (TDS, EC and ammonia) were significantly high (P<0.05) in Hadous drain and mixing point of El-Salam canal with Hadous than the permissible levels of the law 48/1982. The results showed that Zn, Fe, Mn and Cu recorded 1.612±0.6-<0.001-0.011±0.001,0.56±0.29- 0.479 ± 0.03- 0.075±0.01, 0.25±0.028 - 0.179±0.01 - 0.046±0.003, 0.045± 0.01 - 0.019±0.01 - 0.009±0.007 mg/l in Hadous drain, Mixing point and Fum El-Salam canal respectively, while the increase in Zn and Mn for Hadous drainage exceeded the permissible values sets by USEPA (1996). The discharging of Bahr Hadous drainage water to El-Salam canal leads to alteration in water quality of El-Salam canal as it increases heavy metals loads which implicate pollution, such deterioration showed in the studied tissues of Oreochromis niloticus. It is recommended to treat the different wastes before discharging to El-Salam canal.

Surrogate approach to determine heavy metal loads in a moss species – Barbula lambaranensis

Biomonitoring using a moss species Barbula lambaranensis is an economical method for continuous assessment of atmospheric metal pollution. However, frequent measurement of common heavy metals such as Zn, Cd, Cr, Pb, Cu and Ni in moss can be costly for monitoring large areas. Thus, the aim of the study was to use the surrogate approach to reduce the number of heavy metals required for monitoring. The study found that the Zn load in moss was higher; Pb, Cu and Ni loads were moderate; while Cd and Cr were relatively lower across the study sites. Further, the following surrogates were identified based on PCA: Cu for Cr; Pb for Cd, Cu and Ni; and Cu and Pb for Zn. Quantitative relationships between surrogate loads and the loads of other heavy metals were developed by performing Multiple Linear Regression on a data set constructed using a four level full factorial design. The equations had a relative prediction error and standard error of cross validation below 25% and 1.5%, respectively, indicating that the equations are accurate. However, the cross validated coefficient of determination is relatively low suggesting that the precision of prediction using the equations is low, possibly due to the influence of factors such as climatic conditions on bioaccumulation of heavy metals by moss. Nevertheless, the developed equations can be useful for preliminary investigations.

Heavy metals in three commercially valuable cyprinids in the river Panjkora, district Lower Dir, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan

This study was conducted in river Panjkora (Khall, upstream; Timergara, downstream) and its tributary (Konhaye stream, reference site) at district Lower Dir. The study was aimed to assess heavy metal load in gills, liver, kidneys, and muscles of three fish species, namely Schizothorax esocinus, Racoma labiata, and Crossocheilus diplocheilus. The heavy metals, including nickel, cadmium, lead, copper, zinc, chromium, iron, and manganese were determined using an atomic absorption spect-rophotometer. Nickel and cadmium were not detected in any of the collected specimens at all sampling sites. Concentration of the detected metals varied significantly depending upon fish species and tissue type. Crossocheilus diplocheilus showed higher accumulated concentration of heavy metals while R. labiata contained the least. Schizothorax esocinus and R. labiata displayed significant differences in their concentrations of metals. The order of accumulation of heavy metals in different tissues was liver>kidneys>muscles>gills. Data demonstrated that heavy metal levels in the studied species were within permissible limits and thus, apparently suitable for human consumption. Currently, the river contains a sewage burden, and continued heavy pollution may ultimately lead to serious problems in the future.