Maximum Concentrations Of Cu Research Articles

Macronutrients dynamics in copper-contaminated soils: Implications for hemp growth and its phytoremediation potential

Fibrous plants with higher biomass, particularly industrial hemp, have ability to withstand and accumulate significant quantities of heavy metals from contaminated environments. The present study aimed to evaluate the dynamics of different levels (ratios) of macronutrients nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium (NPK) viz., NPK1NPK (1:1:1); NPK2NPK (2:1:1); NPK3NPK (3:1:2); NPK4NPK (4:1:2) on hemp growth and Cu contents under various levels of Cu stress (100, 400 and 800 mg kg−1 on dry soil basis using CuSO4·5H2O). Results revealed that by increasing the Cu stress, growth and biomass decreased linearly and lipid per oxidation and enzymatic antioxidants increased. Balanced application of NPK improved the biomass and decreased the membrane damage by the modulation of malonaldehyde contents. Maximum concentration of Cu in roots (377.47 ± 4.90 mg kg−1), shoots (137.45 ± 5.60 mg kg−1) and (150.07 ± 3.57 mg kg−1) was recorded at Cu3NPK2 treatment as compared to control. Maximum translocation factor (TF) and bioaccumulation coefficients (BAC) in the shoots and leaves of hemp plant were noticed where Cu stress was applied at the rate of 100 mg kg−1. However, BAC and TF were below 1. The NPK2 treatment enhanced biomass and increase Cu content both in leaves and stems, rather than the roots. Our study suggests that balanced application of NPK is a practicable approach to alleviate Cu stress and improve biomass production of industrial hemp plant. These findings indicate that optimum nutrient supply, under Cu stress, can maximize the growth potential and overall health of industrial hemp, making it a viable option for phytoremediation and sustainable agriculture on contaminated soils.

Release behavior of fertilizers and heavy metals from iron-loaded sludge biochar in the aqueous environment

In this study, the release behavior of fertilizers (NH4+-N, PO43− and K) and heavy metals (Mn, Zn, Ni, Cu, Pb and Cr) from iron-loaded sludge biochar (ISBC) was investigated to evaluated the feasibility and risks of ISBC as a slow release fertilizer. Their release capacity was significantly enhanced with decreasing initial pH, increasing solid-liquid ratio (RS-L) and rising temperature (p < 0.05). When the initial pH, RS-L and temperature were separately 5 (fertilizers)/1 (heavy metals), 1:5 and 298 K, the final concentrations of NH4+-N, PO43−, K, Mn, Zn and Ni were 6.60, 14.13, 149.4, 53.69, 72.56, and 1.01 mg L−1, while the maximum concentrations of Cu, Pb and Cr were 0.94, 0.77, and 0.22 mg L−1, respectively. Due to the tiny difference between the R2 values, revised pseudo-first-order and pseudo-second-order kinetics models described their release behavior well, suggesting that physical and chemical interactions played an important role. Activation energies greater than 40 kJ mol−1 indicated that the rate-controlling steps of the release of NH4+-N, PO43− and Ni were chemical reactions, while chemical reactions and diffusion together determined the release rates of K, Mn, Zn, Cu, Pb and Cr because their activation energies were in the range of 20–40 kJ mol−1. The increasingly negative ΔG and positive ΔH and ΔS suggested that their release was a spontaneous (except Cr) and endothermic process with an increase of randomness between the solid-liquid interface. The release efficiency of NH4+-N, PO43− and K were in the ranges of 28.21%–53.97%, 2.09%–18.06% and 39.46%–66.14%, respectively. Meanwhile, the pollution index and evaluation index of heavy metals were in the ranges of 33.31–227.4 and 4.64–29.24, respectively. In summary, ISBC could be used as a slow-release fertilizer with low risk when the RS-L was less than 1:40.

Bioaccumulation of heavy metals in commercially important marine species from Puducherry coast, Southeast India

Safety of aquatic products is one of the important public health concerns globally, mainly in developing countries with culture and capture fisheries. In the present study, the bioaccumulation of heavy metals such as Cu, Zn, Cr, Pb, As and Cd in the muscle tissues of crustaceans, molluscs and finfishes collected from the Pondicherry (Puducherry) coast were determined using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Among the analysed organisms, maximum concentration of Cu (26.1 ±0.83μg/g) was observed in Perna viridis, Zn (25.03 ±0.82μg/g) in Charybdis feriata, 1.33 ±0.04μg/g of Cr in Atule mate, 1.48 ±1.05μg/g of Pb in Sardinella fimbriata, 2.88±2.16μg/g of Cd in Nemipterus jopanicus and 0.72 ±0.15μg/ g of As in Decapterus russelii. Among the various marine organisms studied, the benthic species showed higher metal accumulation than the pelagic species. The heavy metal accumulation level differed significantly between the organisms. The elemental levels in analysed organisms are within the maximum acceptable levels proposed by various international standards and guidelines. Hazard index (HI) of all the analysed marine organisms showed distinctly lower values than threshold value as suggested by World Health Organization (WHO) and Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) for all the studied elements. Overall, the analysed marine organisms are considered safe for human consumption and export. This study provides the baseline data on heavy metal contamination in edible marine organisms from the Puducherry coast of India that will help in developing effective management plans and continuous monitoring of the coast.

ECOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT OF THE CONTENT OF HEAVY METALS IN FISH OF THE RIVER IRTYSH

The article presents the results of a study of surface waters and fish (perch (Perca fluviatilis L.), carp (Cyprinus carpio L.), bream (Abramis brama L.), pike (Esox lucius L.) of the Irtysh river. The content of Cu and Pb in the organs and tissues of fish living in the Irtysh River within the city of Semey was determined by the ditizon photometric method. The ecological assessment of the results indicates that the concentrations of Cu and Pb in the studied fish specimens do not exceed the MPC. A significant difference in the specific features of the accumulation of heavy metals has been established, depending on the type of fish nutrition and the time of year. The Pb content in various organs of perch, carp, bream and pike ranges from 0.062 mg/kg to 0.083 mg/kg. The highest concentration of Cu is observed in predatory fish (3.27 mg/kg), the lowest – in planktonivores (2.82 mg/kg). Pb also mainly accumulates in pike (0.073 mg/kg). In spring, the content of Pb in the gills of perch and pike increases, Cu – in the gills of bream and pike. The maximum concentrations of Cu in fish were observed in summer, which is associated with an increase in the food supply. The Pb content in summer, on the contrary, decreases due to its adsorption by suspended solids and deposition with them into bottom sediments.

Can Potato Crop on Sandy Soil Be Safely Irrigated with Heavy Metal Polluted Water?

Heavy metal (HM) accumulation in soil and plants can occur when water contaminated with HMs is used as a source of irrigation (El-Salam Canal, Egypt). In this study, the effect of watering potato crop in sandy soil from a polluted water source under flood irrigation (FI), sprinkler irrigation (SI), and surface drip irrigation (DI) on the transport of the HMs copper (Cu), manganese (Mn), lead (Pb), and zinc (Zn) in the root zone was experimentally investigated. HM concentrations in potato plant parts was also determined. The field experiments were conducted in a completely randomized block with three replicates for each irrigation method by using nine field lysimeters. Soil and plant samples were collected at the end of the growing season to determine their HM content. The results showed that regardless of irrigation method, irrigation with HM contaminated water raised HM concentrations in both soil and potato plants. DI produced the highest concentrations of most HMs (Cu, Mn, and Pb) in the upper soil layer (0–40 cm) and highest Cu, Pb, and Zn concentrations in plant tubers as well. Maximum Zn concentration in the upper soil layer and maximum Mn concentration in plant tubers occurred under SI. The maximum concentrations of Cu, Mn, Pb, and Zn in both the upper soil layer and plant tubers were 12.0, 140.0, 11.6 and 67.9 mg/kg and 6.3, 9.4, 2.3 and 23.9 mg/kg, respectively. However, FI produced the highest concentrations in the deep soil layer (40–60 cm) and the least concentration of HMs in plant tubers. These concentrations were 18.8, 203.8, 13.3 and 70 mg/kg and 4.0, 6.0, 0.6 and 17.1 mg/kg in soil and plant tubers for Cu, Mn, Pb, and Zn, respectively. The maximum concentrations of HMs in soil and potato plants were lower than the maximum permissible limits. Therefore, El-Salam Canal water appears not to be harmful in the short term. However, as shown in the results, HM accumulation depends on irrigation technique; thus, more studies are needed to determine harmful effects in the long term.

The impact assessment of desalination plant discharges on heavy metal pollution in the coastal sediments of the Persian Gulf

In recent decades the development of desalination plants (DPs) for desalination of seawater has increased dramatically, while little attention has been paid to the effects of this activity on the accumulation of heavy metals (HMs) in the sediments of affected ecosystems. The present study was implemented to evaluate (1) heavy metal accumulation in sediments impacted by DPs discharges, (2) spatial and temporal changes of HMs and the contamination degree by different types of pollution indexes (single and integrated indices), and (3) ecological risk assessment of cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), zinc (Zn) and copper (Cu) in sediments affected by DPs discharges. A total of 288 sediment samples were collected seasonally at 24 stations from November 2019 to October 2020. Analysis of HMs concentrations in sediments near the desalination plant discharge provided evidence of local contamination. Maximum concentration of Cu and Pb elements were found in sediments near the desalination plant discharge point. Hierarchical cluster analysis revealed clear segregation of stations impacted by desalination plant discharges and away from discharges. The values of PLI index in sediments of all sampling stations were < 1, indicating that there was no metal pollution by this index. The potential ecological risk index (PERI) ranged from 5.33 ± 0.51 to 11.81 ± 4.98 in sampling sediments and were classified as “low potential ecological risk”. These results demonstrate that the DPs discharge increased HMs concentrations in the sediments in close proximity to outlets. The necessary and practical regulations and policies regarding the rejection of the DPs discharge and disposal of chemical compounds must be implemented and enforced.

Influence of Copper Pollution of Haplic Calcic Chernozem With Various Contents of Sand Fractions on Morphobiometric Indicators of Spring Barley

The growth and development of plants is one of the criteria for assessing the degree of soil pollution with heavy metals. Morphological and anatomical changes in test plants affected by pollutants, such as growth retardation, shoot bending, and decreased root length and mass, indicate the worsening of environmental conditions. The effect of various ratios of soil and sand polluted with copper (Cu) on morphobiometric parameters of spring barley (Hordeum sativum distichum), Ratnik variety, was studied in a model vegetative experiment. Haplic calcic chernozem was used as a substrate with different ratios of soil/sand. It was determined that an addition of sand into the soil in the amounts of 25%, 50% and 75% of soil mass resulted in the alteration of the physical properties of the chernozem, which was reflected in the morphometric parameters of the plants. The most notable changes in the parameters were observed after pollution of soil-sand substrates with Cu(CH3COO)2 in the amounts of 250 mg/kg, 500 mg/kg, 1000 mg/kg and 2000 mg/kg. The maximum growth and development retardation of the barley plants was found at the maximum content of sand and the maximum concentration of Cu. The pollutant reduced the root length and, to a lesser degree, the height of the aboveground components of the plant, which as a result, decreased the total plant biomass.&#x0D; Keywords: trace elements, soil, agricultural crops, particle size distribution

Prediction Models for Evaluating the Uptake of Heavy Metals by the Invasive Grass Vossia cuspidata (Roxb.) Griff. in the River Nile, Egypt: A Biomonitoring Approach

This study aimed to develop new prediction models that include sediment properties (pH, organic matter, and silt and clay concentrations) for estimating the potential uptake of heavy metals (HMs) by the invasive grass Vossia cuspidata. Plant and sediment samples were collected from the microsites that represent the natural distribution of the species in two Nile islands in Cairo, Egypt. The results show that the root was the main accumulating organ for the analyzed HMs (Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu, Ni, and Pb). The mean concentrations of Fe and Mn and the maximum concentrations of Cu, Ni, and Pb were phytotoxic. The values of the bioconcentration factor were &gt;1, while the translocation factor was &gt;1 for Zn and Cu in rhizome and stem, Mn in leaf, and Ni and Pb in stem and leaf. There were no significant differences between the measured and the predicted HM concentrations in all organs of the species. This indicates the excellent robustness of the developed regression models. Sixteen equations (out of 24) had high R2 values. Thus, V. cuspidata could be considered a biomonitor for HM pollution, and the developed equations will benefit the prediction of HM uptake by the species in the River Nile ecosystem.

Occurrence, risk assessment, and source of heavy metals in Liaohe River Protected Area from the watershed of Bohai Sea, China

The occurrence, ecological risk, and source of heavy metals in the Liaohe River Protected Area from the watershed of the Bohai Sea were investigated. The maximum concentrations of Cu, Zn, Ni, Cd, Cr, Pb, and As in water were 8.50, 25.22, 3.80, 0.14, 1.76, 8.52, and 3.19 μg/L, respectively. The maximum concentrations of Cu, Zn, Ni, Cd, Cr, Pb, and As in sediment were 27.0, 109, 33.2, 0.56, 318, 43.7, and 29.3 mg/kg, respectively. The percentages of soil samples with observed concentrations above background values were 31.25%, 31.25%, 25%, 28.13%, 56.25%, 34.38%, and 37.5% for Cu, Cr, Zn, Ni, Cd, Pb, and As, respectively. Igeo suggested that sediments were polluted with Cd, Pb, As, Cr, and Zn, whereas soils were contaminated with all seven metals. Potential ecological risk index values exhibited that sites L25 and L12 were classified as moderately polluted in sediment and soil, respectively.

Remediation of contaminated heavy metals and radionuclides of soil covering with the application of modern environmental technologies

Formulation of the problem. The article is dedicated to the improvement of existing technologies for the restoration of soil contaminated with heavy metals (НM) by phytoremediation using artificially created geochemical barriers (GB). The purpose of the article includes 2 aspects: to develop and improve existing phytotechnology of soil purification through the use of GB; determine agrocenosis cultures for optimal phytoremediation of soil contamination by specific НM. Materials and methods. The ability of special agrocenoses to provide soil phytoremediation is used as the main working tool. Phytoremediation technology of contaminated VM soils involves two stages: preparatory and phytoremediation. In the first stage, geochemical survey of the territory of the landfill is carried out before the pollutants are introduced; an artificial GB is created from materials of industrial waste – iron sulfate (FeSO4 ∙ nH2O); the contaminated sites of the landfill are identified by sampling soil for analysis of the contents of НM. In the second stage of the experiment, the characteristics of the artificial artificial GB are determined and the process of soil phytoremediation using special agrocenoses is investigated. Quantitative determination of the content of НM in the selected samples is performed on a SRM-25 RF spectrometer. To analyze the content of HM, the plant material is dried to air-dry state, ground to a powdered state and pelleted under a press. Results. The analysis of the performed researches of phytoremediation technologies makes it possible to state with confidence that the most priority is the combination of phytoremediation technologies with the cessation of migration and concentration of НМ with artificial GB. As a result of the conducted research the following results are obtained: – existing phytotechnologies of soil purification are being improved due to the combination of artificially created GBs with selected agrocenoses; – it is established that the most representative pollutants of landfill soils are – Cu and Zn; – the optimal composition of agrocenoses for soil phytoremediation is determined: calendula, annual lupine and dwarf sunflower, which allow to obtain representative results on the efficiency of Cu and Zn phytochemical extraction. Maximum concentrations of Cu are recorded in sunflower tissues; high concentrations of Zn compared to Cu – in the tissues of calendula and lupine. The final part of the experiment is the elimination of agrocenosis at the final stage of vegetation, which accumulates in its composition high concentrations of Cu and Zn. It is estimated that in several cycles of elimination of such agrocenoses, the content of soil contaminants should reach acceptable levels. Scientific novelty and practical significance. Scientific novelty – the process of restoration of ecological properties of soils due to the improvement of phytoremediation technology is scientifically substantiated. The practical application of the obtained results is the implementation of the proposed technology of soil restoration in territories contaminated mainly by Cu and Zn.

Sediment records of the metal pollution at Chihu Lake near a copper mine at the middle Yangtze River in China

&lt;p&gt;Two short sedimentary cores were collected in 2012 from Chihu Lake in the middle Yangtze River Basin using a gravity corer. Heavy metals, including Pb, Cu, Zn, Cd, Cr, Co, Ni and Mn, and major elements, including Al, Fe, K, Mg and Ti, were measured. Radionuclides, including &lt;sup&gt;210&lt;/sup&gt;Pb and &lt;sup&gt;137&lt;/sup&gt;Cs, were analyzed to date the sediments. The Mn enrichment in the sediments of the two cores did not significantly influence the distribution of the heavy metals. The Pb, Cu, Zn, Cd, Co and Ni contents have increased over the past 30 to 40 years. The decrease in the &lt;sup&gt;206&lt;/sup&gt;Pb/&lt;sup&gt;207&lt;/sup&gt;Pb ratios toward the surface also indicated increasing mining sources of Pb loading to the lake sediments. The maximum concentration of Cu, Zn and Cd recorded in the 1990s was 2047, 1343 and 60.9 mg kg&lt;sup&gt;-1&lt;/sup&gt; dry mass, respectively, and the maximum enrichment factors of Cu, Zn and Cd were 62, 16 and 206, respectively. The heavy metal enrichment at Chihu sediment was high overall because of the mining waste discharge. &lt;/p&gt;

Spatial distribution of heavy metals in soil, water, and vegetables of farms in Sanandaj, Kurdistan, Iran.

BackgroundHeavy metals are ubiquitous elsewhere in nature and their measurement in environment is necessary to develop health management strategies. In this study, we aimed to find out concentrations and spatial patterns of heavy metals in main farms of Sanandaj in Kurdistan, Iran.MethodsOver May to October 2012, six farms were selected to analyze concentrations and spatial patterns of several heavy metals, namely aluminum (Al), arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), cobalt (Co), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), nickel (Ni), lead (Pb), and zinc (Zn) in their soil, irrigation water, and edible vegetables. Overall, 36 samples of soil and water and 72 samples of vegetables including coriander (Coriandrum sativum), dill (Anethum graveolens), radish (Raphanus sativus) root and radish leaf were collected. The concentrations of metals were determined by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry. The spatial surfaces of heavy metals were created using geospatial information system.ResultsThe order of metals in soil was Al > Zn > Ni > Cu > Cr > Pb > Co > As > Cd while in water it was Cr > Co > Zn > Pb > Cu > Ni > Al = As = Cd. The order of heavy metals in vegetables was Al > Zn > Cu > Cr > Ni > Pb > Co > As > Cd. Totally, the minimum concentrations of Al, Cu, Pb, and Zn were found in radish root while the maximum of Al, Co, Cr, and Ni were found in radish leaf. The minimum concentrations of Cd and Cr and maximum concentrations of Cu and Zn were also deciphered in dill. Noteworthy, coriander had the minimum concentrations of Co and Ni. The concentrations of Cr and Pb in vegetables were more than maximum allowable limits of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the World Health Organization (WHO).ConclusionIn summary, albeit the concentrations of heavy metals in soil and water samples were below FAO and the WHO standards, vegetables were contaminated by chromium and lead.

Source assessment of deposited particles in a Slovenian show cave (Postojnska jama): evidence of long-lasting anthropogenic impact

Postojnska jama (Postojna Cave) is one of the most famous karst caves in the world and has been a well-known tourist attraction for nearly 200 years. It is particularly famous for its unique double-track railway. Eight heavy metals – aluminium (Al), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), lead (Pb), manganese (Mn), strontium (Sr), and zinc (Zn) – were determined in dust deposits by ICP-MS in order to assess sources of deposited particles on the cave walls. The samples were collected along the main passage in the cave, at different horizontal and vertical levels, in order to test horizontal homogeneity and study vertical distribution of the particles. It seems that the railway is an important anthropogenic source of particles, reflected in increased concentrations of Cu, Pb, and Zn, as well as of Fe and Mn in dust deposits at individual sampling sites. The maximum concentrations of Cu (217 µg g -1 ), Pb (4,940 µg g -1 ), and Zn (1,060 µg g -1 ) considerably exceeded their natural abundance and were explained by anthropogenic impact. The three heavy metals are markers for vehicles, engine oil and brake wear. On the other hand, mixed sources could prevail for Fe and Mn. The maximum concentrations of Fe (85,900 µg g -1 ) and Mn (682 µg g -1 ) in dust deposits were similar to the concentrations determined in fragments of the railway tracks (97,100 µg g -1 for Fe and 821 µg g -1 for Mn) and were explained by track wear and/or corrosion. In most other parts of the cave, Fe and Mn concentrations were, however, below the concentration of their natural abundance. Al, Sr, and Cr seem to be predominantly of natural origin. They generally exhibited concentrations lower than their natural abundance.

Leachate purification of mechanically sorted organic waste in a simulated bioreactor landfill

The bioreactor environment for the mechanically sorted organic fraction (MSOF) of residual municipal solid waste was simulated for a period of 300 days. A closed-loop system was implemented for analysing the leachate purification process due to its recirculation through MSOF. Maximum concentrations of Cu, Zn and Ni in the leachate were about 60, 20 and 15 mg L(-1), whereas Pb and Cr were about 5.5 and 7 mg L(-1). About 60 days from the start of recirculation these concentrations dropped to < 1 mg L(-1). Chemical (COD) and biological oxygen demand (BOD5) dropped, respectively, by about 50 and 80%, achieving a COD-to-BOD5 ratio > 7. Volatile fatty acids, which were about 10 g L(-1), fell to about 3.5 g L(-1) whereas biomethane production was about 34 NL kg TS(-1). As expected, recirculation under strictly anaerobic conditions gave minor benefits in reducing nitrogen and ammonium which reached final concentrations of about 4 and 3.8 g L(-1), respectively.

Effect of Salinity on Cu and Pb Release from Excess Sludge

Heavy metal was the biggest obstacles of sludge harmless and resources utilization. Studies have been conducted to investigate the effect of salinity on heavy metal from excess sludge. The static experiments were carried out to observe the release of Cu and Pb at four levels of salinity (20‰, 25‰, 30‰, 35‰). The results showed that Cu and Pb presented a similar trend over time: The concentration gradually increased over time in the early period, when reaching the highest value it begun to decrease, until relatively stabilized. Cu and Pb were more favorable to release in higher salinity levels, especially 35‰. The maximum concentration of Cu and Pb was 0.121ug.L-1 and 1.056 ug.L-1, respectively. And Pb was easier to release than Cu.

EDTA-assisted phytoextraction of heavy metals by turfgrass from municipal solid waste compost using permeable barriers and associated potential leaching risk

A column experiment with horizontal permeable barriers was conducted to investigate phytoextraction of heavy metals by Lolium perenne L. from municipal solid waste compost following EDTA application, as well as to study the effects of L. perenne and permeable barriers on preventing metal from leaching. In columns with barriers, EDTA addition yielded maximum concentrations of Cu, Zn and Pb of 155, 541 and 33.5 mg kg(-1) in shoot, respectively. This led to 4.2, 2.1 and 7.4 times higher concentrations of Cu, Zn and Pb compared to treatment with no chelating agent, respectively. In treatments with 10 mmol kg(-1) EDTA, the barriers reduced leaching of Cu, Zn and Pb by approximately three times, respectively, resulting in leaching of total initial Cu, Zn and Pb by 27.3%, 25.2% and 28.8%, respectively, after four times' irrigation. These results indicate that L. perenne and permeable barriers are effective to reduce leaching of heavy metals and minimize the risk of contaminating groundwater in EDTA-enhanced phytoremediation. Thus these findings highlight that turfgrass and permeable barriers can effectively prevent metal leaching.

Transfer of heavy metals from compost to red soil and groundwater under simulated rainfall conditions

It is well known that compost can be polluted with heavy metals. A self-designed soil column system was used to clarify the leaching or residue of heavy metals when compost was added to red soil. Less than 4% of Cu and more than 58.3% of Zn were transferred to groundwater. Maximum concentrations of Cu and Zn in leachate were 22 and 246 μg/L, respectively. pH in leachate decreased during 6.75–11.25 h, comparing with the control. Electrical conductivity was higher in the treatment of compost polluted by both Cu and Zn than that polluted only by Cu. Over 75.3% of Cu and 78.2% of Zn remained in the residual formation. Maximum bioavailability parameters in soil were 0.099 for Cu and 0.160 for Zn. Long-term field experiments with cycling application are needed to study the cycling effect on heavy metal residue in soil or leaching to the groundwater in the future.

Assessment of copper, cobalt and zinc contaminations in soils and plants of industrial area in Esfahan city (in Iran)

The infiltration of heavy metals into soils through steel plant production processes is one of the most important soil pollution sources. The aim of this study was to determine copper (Cu), cobalt (Co), and zinc (Zn) concentrations in soil and plant shoots around the Esfahan steel company (ESC). In this study, we separated 17 zones based on soil maps and marked 54 points for soil sampling. Samples were collected from each point at 0–5, 5–10, 10–20 and 20–40 cm depths and DTPA-extractable concentrations of Cu, Co, and Zn were determined. Also 162 plant samples from shoots of 13 main plant species were collected and the concentrations of Cu, Co, and Zn were determined. The results showed that the maximum concentrations of Cu, Co, and Zn were 9.2, 2.4, and 10 mg kg−1 soil at the depth of 0–5 cm. A comparison of the heavy metal contents at different levels showed Cu, Co, and Zn contamination in soil profile, especially in topsoil (0–20 cm) that was mainly caused by anthropogenic activities. Also significant correlations existed between Cu, Co, and Zn concentrations. The maximum concentrations of Cu in shoots of Triticum vulgare, Medicago sativa, Amygdalus scoparia and Oryza sativa were 21.8, 21.2, 21, and 20.3 mg kg−1dry matter that were higher than the standard levels of Cu in plant dry matter. The maximum concentrations of Co in shoots of Medicago sativa,Vitis vinifera, Euphorbia spp., and Tamarix spp. were 12.7, 11.3, 10.3, and 10.2 mg kg−1 dry matter that were extremely higher than the standard levels of Co in plant dry matter, but the maximum concentration of Zn in shoot of Medicago sativa was 51.7 mg kg−1 dry matter that was near the normal range of this element in plants. Therefore, high concentrations of Cu and Co in these plants were caused by human activities and arise from soil and atmospheric pollution.

Heavy metals in water and in tissues of himri (Carasobarbus luteus) from Orontes (Asi) River, Turkey

Concentrations of heavy metals (Ag, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Ni, Pb ve Zn) were measured in running water and in tissues (muscle, liver, gill, skin and gonads) of one commercially valuable fish species (Carasobarbus luteus) from the Orontes (Asi) River (Güzelburç region) in Hatay (Southeastern Turkey). Results for levels in water compared with national and international water quality guidelines were found at the highest concentrations in international criteria's WHO, EC and EPA, but Cd, Cu, Ni and Pb were found to exceed permissible level of drinking water in national criteria TSE-266 whereas Fe, Zn and Cr concentrations were within the permissible levels for drinking. The present study showed a significant seasonal variation (p < 0.05) in the concentration of the studied metals in the selected tissues, except gonads (p > 0.05), which showed seasonal variation of only Zn (p < 0.05). Maximum concentrations of Ag, Cd, Cr and Pb were detected in gonads followed by liver, gill, skin and muscle while maximum concentrations of Cu, Fe, Ni and Zn were detected in liver followed by other tissues. Concentrations of heavy metals in the muscle of C. luteus were below the permissible limit for human consumption, level of Cu being very close to the permissible limit. Consequently, continuous monitoring of heavy metal concentration in edible freshwater fish will be needed in Orontes River.

DISTRlBUTION OF HEAVY METALS IN THE DAMIETTA NILE ESTUARY ECOSYSTEM.

Cu, Zn, Cd and Pb concentrations have been determined in water. bottom sediment and fishes (Oreochromi. aureus and Liza ramada ) in Damietta Nile Estuary The results show that, heavy metals concentration in water was foundin the following descending order : Zn > Pb > Cu > Cd , with average concentrations between 0.03 and 0.35 for Cu 0 13 and 0.79 for Zn 0.001 and 0.005 for Cd , 0.02 and 0.51 mg/Ifor Pb. The maximum concentrations of Cu , Zn and Cd in water was found in Damietta city, while Pb concentration was the highest, in El-Borg city coast, where ship building is common. Moreover. Pb concenttdtion in most studied sites was found to exceed the international permissible limit.Heavy metals concentration in sediment was many times higher than those of overlying water, and followed the order : Zn > Cu > Pb > Cd. Zn and Cu concentrations in sediment of most studied sites that far exceeded the international standard concentrations. Heavy metals concentration in the muscles of O.aureus and L.ramada followed theorder: Zn> Cu> Pb> Cd. The muscles and liver of L.ramada accumulated higher levels of heavy metals than those of O. aureus. However, higher concentrations were reported in the liver, while the edible muscles still have lower levels of heavy metals than the international permissible levels.