Maximum Concentrations Of Pb Research Articles

Spraying or fertigation? looking for the better method in terms of the lower concentration of Pb and Ni in greenhouse cucumber.

This study was conducted to investigate the status of Lead (Pb) and Nickel (Ni) in greenhouse cucumber affected by fertigation and spraying as a factorial split plot arrangement based on a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications at Soil and Water Research Institute, Karaj, Iran in 2023. The main and sub-plots were respectively fertigation and spraying that was applied in two levels [the minimum permissible concentration of these metals in granular triple super phosphate fertilizer (five ppm Pb and five ppm Ni) as the control treatment, and the maximum permissible concentration of Pb and Ni in granular triple super phosphate fertilizer (50 ppm Pb and 100 ppm Ni)]. Spraying was done in three modes (spraying leaves, leaves + fruit, and fruit). Based on the results, the highest concentration of Pb in the fruit (fruit peel + fruit flesh) (0.295 mg/kg DW) was recorded in the fertigation + spraying with the maximum permissible concentrations of Pb and Ni treatments. A general comparison between the two fertilization methods showed that the sprayingmethod accumulated a higher concentration of Pb in the fruit (i.e., peel + flesh) than the fertigation method. The reverse of this status happened for Ni, so the fertigation method accumulated a higher concentration of Ni in the fruit (skin + flesh) compared to the spraying method. On average, the order of Pb concentration in different organs was as follows: leaf (0.765mg/kg) > fruit peel (0.232mg/kg) > fruit peel + flesh (0.174mg/kg) > fruit flesh (0.129mg/kg). This order for Ni was as follows: fruit flesh (0.597mg/kg) > fruit peel + flesh (0.345mg/kg) > leaf (0.3mg/kg) > fruit peel (0.175mg/kg). These orders show that the status of the heavy metals in plant tissues is related to the nature of the metal, the type of the organ, and the method of fertilization.

Health risk assessment of heavy metals in some vegetables-Erbil City-Kurdistan Region of Iraq.

Heavy metals can have significant impacts on human health due to their toxicity and potential to accumulate in the body over time. Some heavy metals, such as lead, cadmium, mercury, and arsenic, are particularly harmful even at low concentrations. The estimation of hazards of vegetable intake to human health as well as explore the of heavy metals accumulation in different vegetables (cucumbers, tomato, eggplant, and bell peppers) collected in Erbil city from different source locally and imported from nearby country are conducted. The heavy metals concentration (cooper, zinc, lead and cadmium) was measured and analyzed by inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrophotometry. The maximum concentration of Pb was 27.95 mg/kg and the minimum was 6.49 mg/kg; for Cd, the concentration was 1.43 and 0.99 mg/kg, 74.94 and 5.14 mg/kg for Zn; and for Cu, the result was 56.25 and 8.2 mg/kg for the maximum and minimum, which they are within limits described by Food Agricultural Organization, but more than health limits and health risks calculated by mean of hazard quotient (HQ) techniques for Cu and Pb which they are more than 1. The local sample that collected in Erbil city show less concentration of heavy metals and low HQ in comparison with imported samples. The carcinogenic risk study shows elevated risk of accumulative consuming of edible part of those plant which they exceed the permissible limit that is 10-6.

Enhanced Crystallinity of MIL-53 (Fe) and Improved Pb2+ Ion Removal by MIL-53(Fe) in the Presence of TiO2

Water pollution due to improper disposal of various contaminants is one of the most serious threats faced by living beings all around the world. Lead (Pb) is a heavy metal which is commonly added to the environment by the industries such as battery manufacturing, paints etc. According to the world health organization, the maximum bearable Pb concentration of the human body is 70 μg dL- 1. However, in a contaminated water sample, this value could range from 200 to 500 mg L-1. Thus, the efficient removal of heavy metals from contaminated water is vital. Among various removal techniques available, adsorption plays a major role due to its high efficiency, low cost and ease of designing. MOFs are a class of crystalline porous adsorbent material that consists of a metal ion/cluster and an organic linker. Owing to their tailoring ability, high porosity, and high surface area they have been widely used in the removal of contaminants from wastewater. The main objectives of this study are to synthesize MIL-53 (Fe) MOF and MIL-53/TiO2 composite and determine the Pb (II) removal efficiency under light and dark conditions. MIL-53 (Fe) MOF was synthesized using iron (III) and 1, 4-dicarboxylic acid under solvothermal conditions. The composite was synthesized similarly in the presence of TiO2 nanoparticles. The successful synthesis of MIL-53 (Fe) MOF and MOF/TiO composite was confirmed by powder X-ray diffraction and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. By the Debye−Scherrer equation, 79.06 nm and 65.46 nm of crystallite size were obtained by the MOF and the MOF/TiO22 composite. Atomic absorption spectroscopy was used to determine the metal ion concentration before and after adsorption. The optimum conditions for the Pb(II) removal are as; 50 mg L-1, 25 mg L-1 initial Pb ion concentration, 10 mg, 12.5 mg of adsorbent dose (for 25 ml of 50 mg L-1 Pb (II)) and 90 min, 90 min contact time for both adsorbents at light and dark conditions respectively. The pH of the solution was kept at a neutral level to ensure the reusability of wastewater after the removal of pollutants. The adsorption isotherms of both adsorbents were well fitted with the Langmuir model indicating the monolayer adsorption. Thus, at pH 7, 396.35 mg g-1 and 786.16 mg g-1 of maximum Pb (II) adsorption capacity were obtained by the MOF and the MOF/TiO2 composite respectively. Thus, a significant improvement in the Pb (II) ion removal was observed with the composite compared to the MOF. 
 Keywords: Adsorption, Heavy metal, Isotherm, MIL-53 (Fe)

Physicochemical parameters and heavy metal in surface water in Central Bangladesh

Pollution of surface water and heavy metals is one of the growing concerns worldwide due to industrialization and unplanned urbanization. The surface water pollution level was studied by assessing the physicochemical properties and heavy metal concentration of collected samples in Gazipur district. Maximum average temperature(35.200C±2.63), EC(1423µs/cm), and TDS(746.5mg/l) were observed in Kaliakoir upazila. These parameters were found minimum in Kapasia upazila. DO was found above 5mg/l in Sreepur, Kapasia and Kaliganj. Cr and Ni were too low to detect by the instrument. The maximum average concentration of Pb(925.6917µg/l), Mn(477.8625µg/l), and Na(11230.17µg/l) was observed in Kaliakoir upazila. However, no Fe was observed in Kaliakoir upazila. The maximum Fe concentration was Sreepur upazila (3531.6µg/l) followed by Sadar (1496.517µg/l) upazila. Maximum average Cd concentration was observed in Kapasia (41.28µg/l) followed by Kaliakoir (30.8767µg/l), Sadar (29.4283µg/l) and Sreepur (28.8042µg/l). Cu concentration was found maximum in Kaliganj (14.205µg/l) followed by Sadar (6.29µg/l) and Kaliakoir (3.893µg/l). However, Cu concentration was found nil in Kapasia. The maximum average concentration of Ca(29197.25µg/l) and Mg(8142.833µg/l) was observed in Kaliganj and the minimum concentration was observed in Sreepur upazila. The order of concentration of heavy metals in the study area is Ca>Na>Mg>Fe>Pb>Mn>Cd>Cu>Ni>Cr. From the findings, the physicochemical parameters of the surface water sources were found higher than the standards in most of the samples.

Risk assessment of heavy metals in brands of lipsticks commonly used in Shahrekord, Iran

The desire for beauty and frequent use of cosmetics can expose humans to heavy metals, which can cause immune system disorders over time. We selected 5 common lipstick brands to determine the concentrations of cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), and chromium (Cr). We prepared each sample by acid digestion, and then the concentration of the metals was measured using an atomic absorption spectrometer. The results showed that Pb, Cd, and Cr were present in all lipstick samples. However, their concentrations were lower than the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) standards. The maximum concentrations of Pb and Cd were 2.31 mg/kg (brand A) and 0.037 mg/kg (brand D), respectively. Health risk assessment of the examined metals showed that only Cr can pose non-carcinogenic (14.98) and carcinogenic (44.96E-04) risks to consumers. Despite the low concentration of heavy metals in our study, chronic use of lipstick can pose carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risks due to the presence of Cr.

Analysis of accumulation and acute phytotoxic reactions of Ocimum basilicum to lead contamination in the initial phases of plant development

It was noted that contamination of agricultural water and substrates with heavy metals is a serious environmental problem that can reduce both plant productivity and the safety of plant production used for food purposes or as forage. Lead, being one of the most common ecotoxicants among heavy metals, often ends up in water used for irrigating open and closed ground crop systems. The experimental model was based on the method for determining acute phytotoxicity according to GOST 33777-2016, with the introduction of the necessary corrective changes that do not conflict with GOST. Analytical work was based on the methods of atomic emission spectrometry and optical microscopy. Based on the data obtained, it is necessary to note the barrier function of basil seed exudate, which is expressed in the fact that the exudate absorbs most of the ecotoxicant compound from the solution, as well as deprivation of root hair growth and low variability of Pb(CH3COO)2 phytotoxicity for different varieties. The phytotoxicity of lead is expressed in this study along a gradient in which at the maximum concentration of Pb(CH3COO)2 we obtain an acute, but non-lethal toxic reaction. Exudate plays a protective role in the first days of seed germination, but does not exclude necrosis of root hairs and, subsequently, of the root not protected by exudate.

Evaluation of morpho-physiological and antioxidant responses of Moringa oleifera Lam. to lead exposure

BackgroundLead (Pb) toxicity affects growth, mineral nutrient homeostasis, water status and yield of plants. To avoid Pb entry into humans via the food chain, remediation of contaminated sites is required. This study was focused on the evaluation of effects of Pb on Moringa oleifera, an efficient metal accumulator plant, for the prospective use in Pb mitigation from the soil. MethodsM. oleifera seedlings (10-day old) were treated with different concentrations of Pb (1, 2, 3 and 5 mM) and morphological,biochemicaland molecular parameters and Pb accumulation were analysed at 10, 20 and 30 days. ResultsThe results showed high Pb uptake by plants in a concentration- and duration-dependent manner. The maximum Pb concentration was found to be 500 mg kg−1in roots and 224 mg kg−1 in shoots, respectively at 5 mM Pb after 30 days. In response to Pb accumulation, plants depicted significant increase in the level of proline (0.49 µmol g–1 FW), polyphenol (75.83 mg g–1 FW), and metallothionein protein (93.55 µmol g-1 × 10−3). In addition, the activity of antioxidant enzymes (ascorbate peroxidase:APX, catalase:CAT and glutathione reductase:GR)was also enhanced in Pb treated plants as compared to that of control plants. The expression of genes of enzymes (APX and CAT) was also up-regulated. ConclusionIt was concluded from the present results that M. oleifera is a Pb tolerant plant species with a significant capacity for Pb accumulation.Thus, this plant can be used for plantation at Pb-contaminated sites for restoration purposes.

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.

Trace Metals in Rice Grains and Their Associated Health Risks from Conventional and Non-Conventional Rice Growing Areas in Punjab-Pakistan

Rice (Oryza sativa L.) is cultivated and consumed worldwide, but the contamination of rice grains with trace metals (TMs) could cause adverse impacts on human health. The aims of this study were to determine the concentrations of TMs in different rice varieties available for sale in local markets and to determine whether consumers are likely to be at risk via the consumption of these rice cultivars. For this purpose, samples of rice grains were collected from 12 rice growing districts (administrative units) in Punjab, Pakistan. These districts were further classified based on rice growing methods due to specific soil type. In conventional districts, the puddling method was used, while direct seeding was used for rice cultivation in non-conventional districts. The samples were collected and analyzed for the determination of essential (Cu, Fe, Zn, and Mn) and non-essential (Cd, Ni, and Pb) TMs using an atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AAS). The results showed that the maximum respective concentrations of Cd, Ni, and Pb (0.54, 0.05, 1.10 mg kg−1) were found in rice grains in conventional areas, whereas values of 0.47, 0.20, and 1.20 mg kg−1 were found in non-conventional rice growing areas. The maximum concentrations of essential TMs (Cu, Fe, Mn, and Zn) were 4.54, 66.01, 4.82, and 21.51 mg kg−1 in conventional areas and 3.76, 74.11, 5.66, 19.63 mg kg−1 in non-conventional areas. In the conventional rice growing areas, Fe and Zn concentrations exceeded the permissible limits in the 27 and 7% samples, respectively. In the non-conventional rice areas, the concentrations of Cu, Fe, and Mn exceeded the permissible limits in the 15, 26, and 3% samples, respectively, while its Zn concentration was found within the permissible limits. The estimated weekly intake (EWI) and maximum tolerable dietary intake (MTDI) values for all studied metals were found within the permissible values set by WHO, except for Fe, in both sampled areas. It was concluded that no health risks were associated by utilizing the rice grains. However, the mean values of TMs were found considerably higher in collected rice samples from non-conventional areas than the conventional areas. Therefore, the concentrations of TMs should be monitored properly.

Analysis of atmospheric deposition in the territory of the Republic of North Ossetia-Alania by biomonitoring data

Attention to the tourism potential of the Republic of North Ossetia-Alania is increasing with the attendant need to monitor and control atmospheric air pollution.Aim. The assessment of the possibility of using mosses as biomonitors for determining the content of heavy metals and other trace elements in the atmosphere of the territory of the Republic of North Ossetia-Alania.Material and Methods. The green mosses Hylocomium splendens and Pleurosium schreberi were used as bioindicators. Multi-element chemical analysis of mosses was carried out using X-ray fluorescence and the morphology and composition of dust fallouts on the moss surfaces was studied using a scanning electron microscope equipped with an X-ray energy-dispersive spectrometer.Results. The maximum concentration of Pb, Zn, Cr, As, Sn, Sb, Ba, Cd, Cu, Ti, Ce, As, Fe, Sr is observed in mosses in areas of the territory with a high aerotechnogenic load. The analysis of biomonitor moss in the area of the Fiagdonna tailing dump indicates that recultivation measures had been effective. Toxic elements fall on moss surface in form of fine particles as large as 1 micron and pose a danger to human health.Conclusions. The abnormally high content of Zn, Pb, Cd, Cu, Ce, As, Fe, Sr, Ti, Ba in the composition of biomonitor mosses was registered in the zone of influence of mining and processing enterprises (in the area of the Unal tailings dump) and metallurgical industries in Vladikavkaz (JSC Electrozinc and JSC Pobedit. The base source of toxic elements was determined to be fine aerotechnogenic particles that accumulate on the surface of mosses, thus confirming the high efficiency of their use for monitoring. The territory near the village of Dur Dur can be recommended as a background for ecological and geochemical research.

Ecological health risk assessment of microplastics and heavy metals in sediments, water, hydrophytes (Alternanthera philoxeroides, Typha latifolia, and Ipomoea carnea), and fish (Labeo rohita) in Marala wetlands in Sialkot, Pakistan.

For the ecological risk assessment of heavy metals and microplastics in Marala wetlands in Sialkot, Pakistan, samples of sediments, water, aquatic plants (Alternanthera philoxeroides, Typha latifolia, and Ipomoea carnea), and fish (Labeo rohita) were studied from five different locations. Pb, Cd, and Cr concentrations were above permissible limits devised by WHO in sediments and water at most of sites. High concentrations of Cd were recorded in water samples compared to sediments with maximum values recorded at Site-2 (52.08 ± 9.55mgkg-1) and Site-5 (62.29 ± 10.12mgkg-1). The maximum concentrations of Cr (7.23 ± 0.40mgkg-1) and Pb (22.87 ± 0.83mgkg-1) were found at Site-4 in water samples. The maximum abundance of microplastics (3047 pieces kg-1 of sediments) was at Site-1 with filaments in the highest proportion among the other types. Zn, Ni, and Cu remained generally low in concentrations in both sediments and waters. Plants showed accumulation of heavy metals, notably the amount of Cd (33.36 ± 0.26 mgkg-1) and Ni (163.3 ± 1.30 mgkg-1) absorbed by T. latifolia and A. philoxeroides, respectively were high. Also, photosynthetic pigments in plants seemed to be affected. However, estimated daily intake (EDI) and provisional tolerable weekly intake (PTWI) calculations for the human population consuming fish from this wetland remained below the FAO/WHO limits. PCA analysis revealed the anthropogenic origin of metals that might be causing adverse effects on the biota which depend on this wetland for their food.

Nerium oleander could be used for sustainable management of traffic-borne elemental-enriched roadside soils.

Metal pollutants released from motor vehicles are deposited in roadside environments. Metals are non-biodegradable and biomagnify in the food chain causing significant health hazards at all levels of the ecosystem. Hence, management of contaminated roadside verges is critically important and should be kept in mind while planning specific management strategies of such areas. Native vegetation could help to decontaminate heavy metal polluted soils in the best sustainable way. Therefore, this study was designed to assess the potential of Nerium oleander to accumulate heavy metals commonly released by automobiles such as Pb, Cd, Ni, and Zn along with various C and N compounds from five different locations along a busy road in Punjab, Pakistan, during summer and winter seasons. N. oleander showed the ability to absorb C, N, and heavy metals Pb and Cd; the maximum concentration of Pb and Cd was 8.991mgkg-1 and 0.599mgkg-1, respectively. These pollutants negatively affected photosynthetic pigments, gas exchange attributes, soluble proteins, and free amino acids. But antioxidant activity of N. oleander was found to be increased in both seasons. The metal accumulation in the plant was higher in the summer though. We highly recommend that by growing N. oleander at roadside verges for decontamination of vehicular pollutants could lead to sustainable management of these corridors.

Ecotoxicological Assessment of Heavy Metal and Its Biochemical Effect in Fishes.

Level of toxic heavy metal concentration like lead (Pb), chromium (Cr), cadmium (Cd), iron (Fe), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), and nickel (Ni) in thirty-six soft and hard organs and their impact on lipid profile of Hypophthalmichthys molitrix and Catla catla fish species inhibiting in Tanda Dam reservoir were investigated. The heavy metal concentrations in water, sediment, and fish of the different regions in the reservoir were determined with atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Lipid profile was carried out by AOAC official methods. The results showed that Pb was dominant among all the heavy metals in six organs, and its maximum concentration of Pb (22.5 mg kg-1 and 32.9 mg kg-1) was observed in scales in Hypophthalmichthys molitrix and tail of Catla catla, respectively. The maximum concentrations of Cd were observed in the head, scales, fins, and gills of Catla catla. The bioaccumulation of heavy metals was significantly different at (p ≤ 0.01) within the organs and between the fish species. The lipid concentration was minimum in those organs where the concentrations of heavy metals were maximum. It is clear from the findings that heavy metal accumulation reduces the lipid content of fish. It is inevitable to monitor the Tanda Dam reservoir to safeguard human health.

Heavy metals concentration in the underground waters of rural settlements in Rivne region

The study deals with the evaluation of drinking water quality in rural settlements of Hoshcha (Rivne) district of Rivne region. It has been analyzed the concentration of biogenic (copper, zinc) and nonbiogenic (plumbum, cadmium) heavy metals in the water of the wells in the villages of Sadove, Zhalianka, Yuchyn and Tuchyn and artesian wells in the village of Tuchyn during 2012–2018. The research has given fundamental sources of underground waters pollution with heavy metals. It has been revealed that in the water of the wells Cu and Zn concentration does not increase maximum permissible concentrations during the whole period of research. The study demonstrates that water quality of the wells springs is not appropriate to the standard indicators according to the plumbum and cadmium. The authors point out the increasing of maximum permissible Pb concentrations in the wells of the villages of Sadove by 1.02–1.37 times (2012–2014, 2016, 2018) and the village of Tuchyn by 1.17–2.07 times (2012–2018). It has been stated that Cd concentration increases maximum permissible concentration in the wells of the villages of Sadove (by 1.6–3.8 times), Zhalianka (by 1.8–2.5 times), Yuchyn (by 1.3–2.7 times) and Tuchyn (by 1.8–4.5 times). Under the conditions of optimal concentrations biogenic heavy metals are necessary to provide life activities and functions of physiological processes of all organisms. However, continuous consuming of drinking water that is polluted with heavy metals negatively impacts on the organism and may cause acute and chronic diseases. Their impact depends on the concentration of the element, characteristics and intensity of its getting, absorption speed, retention and removal speed, and also human’s general state of health. In the village of Tuchyn according to cuprum, zinc, plumbum and cadmium concentration the water of artesian wells is appropriate to the permissible standards during 2012–2018 and is suitable for consumption and use. It is obviously that the use of deeper underground water horizons provides the inhabitants of the village of Tuchyn with qualitative drinking water. In the water of settlements wells where the increasing of standard Cd and Pb concentrations was observed it should be developed and implemented effective measures to develop the water quality.

Benthic foraminifera as an environmental proxy for pollutants along the coast of Chennai, India

Benthic foraminifera are increasingly used as an indicator of environmental disturbance. Their sensitivities to pollutants can be reflected by changes in assemblage, which can provide useful information about ecosystem health. This study aimed to investigate the impact of organic and inorganic pollutants on the benthic ecology of the Chennai coast, with a focus on the 2017 oil spill caused by the collision of two ships. Sediment samples collected from five distinct zones along the coast were analysed for pollutants such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPH), heavy metals (Cr, Cd, Pb) and total organic carbon (TOC). The maximum concentrations of Cr (137 μg/g), Cd (6.93 μg/g) and Pb (34.2 μg/g), as well as TPH (84.3 μg/g) and PAHs (227 ng/g), were observed. A total of 47 species of foraminifera were identified in this study, of which 12 were morphologically abnormal. In the low-impact zone, the species diversity index (H′) was higher. TPH and PAH concentrations were positively associated with abnormal species. Pollution-resistant foraminifera species include Ammonia tepida, Elphidium discoidale, and Quinqueloculina lamarckiana, while opportunistic foraminifera include Pararotalia curryi, Nonionella stella, Rosalina globularis, and Spirillina vivipara. PAHs and heavy metals were adversely correlated with foraminiferal abundance, while TPH was positively correlated. To assess the response of the benthic ecosystem to hydrocarbon pollution, indices such as the Foraminiferal Index of Environmental Impact (FIEI), Exponential (H′bc) index and the Foraminiferal Abnormality Index (FAI) were used as environmental health proxies. FIEI, exp(H′bc) and FAI values show the impact of hydrocarbon pollution to an extent along the northern Chennai coast.

Risk assessment of irrigation with water contaminated by trace metals on the soil–plant complex in the El Madher plain, north-east Algeria

Polluted water poses significant health risks when it is part of the water sources used for irrigation, leading to the contamination of soil and plants by various pollutants. This work aims, firstly, to assess the degree of pollution of Wadi El Gourzi water (Batna, Algeria), and then to verify the consequences on their use for the irrigation of market garden plants for everyday consumption (lettuce, cilantro, parsley and spinach), both in the aerial part (stems and leaves) and in the soil where they are grown. This study focuses on trace metals (Cr, Pb, Zn and Cd). Soil pollution was assessed by calculating the soil pollution index ( PI), while the uptake of these elements by plants was monitored by the transfer factor ( TF). The analyses of the Wadi El Gourzi water with the flame atomic absorption spectrophotometer (FAAS) show a maximum abnormal concentration of Cr (17.37 mg∙dm –3), Pb (0.71 mg∙dm –3) and Cd (0.45 mg∙dm –3). For the analysis of the soils irrigated by these waters, the results of the PI show that the soils used for the cultivation of parsley and lettuce are polluted by several metals ( PI &amp;gt; 1). The concentrations of trace metals elements (TMEs) in the sampled plants show a significant accumulation of Zn, Cd, Pb and Cr by the vegetables (coriander, parsley, spinach and lettuce). These concentrations are above the permitted standards.

Lead and Zinc Uptake and Toxicity in Maize and Their Management

Soil contamination with heavy metals is a global problem, and these metals can reach the food chain through uptake by plants, endangering human health. Among the metal pollutants in soils, zinc (Zn) and lead (Pb) are common co-pollutants from anthropogenic activities. Thus, we sought to define the accumulation of Zn and Pb in agricultural soils and maize. Concentrations of Pb in agricultural soil (in Namibia) could reach 3015 mg/Kg, whereas concentrations of Zn in soil (in China) could reach 1140 mg/Kg. In addition, the maximum concentrations of Zn and Pb were 27,870 and 2020 mg/Kg in maize roots and 4180 and 6320 mg/Kg in shoots, respectively. Recent studies have shown that soil properties (such as organic matter content, pH, cation exchange capacity (CEC), texture, and clay content) can play important roles in the bioavailability of Zn and Pb. We also investigated some of the genes and proteins involved in the uptake and transport of Zn and Pb by maize. Among several amendment methods to reduce the bioavailability of Zn and Pb in soils, the use of biochar, bioremediation, and the application of gypsum and lime have been widely reported as effective methods for reducing the accumulation of metals in soils and plants.

Stabilized MSW incineration fly ash co-landfilled with organic waste: Leaching pattern of heavy metals and related influencing factors

Toxicity Characteristic Leaching Procedure (TCLP, USA) and Acetic Acid Buffer Solution Method (HJ/T 300–2007, China) are often used to simulate the leaching process of heavy metals from MSW incineration fly ash after entering sanitary landfill under the influence of landfill leachate. However, the results based on the standards can neither obtain the actual leaching pattern of heavy metals, nor evaluate or predict their environmental risk evolution. In this study, the leachate characteristics and leachability of Cd, Cu, Pb, Zn, Cr, and Ni during the co-landfilling of chelating agents or phosphate stabilized fly ash and MSW were investigated using three simulated landfill columns under rainfall conditions. The maximum leaching concentration of Pb and Cd in the co-landfill of chelate stabilized fly ash and MSW exceeded the corresponding standard limits, and that of Pb, Cd, and Ni for the scenario of co-landfill of phosphate stabilized fly ash and MSW exceeded the corresponding standard limits. In general, there were higher leaching concentrations of heavy metals in the initial stage (Pb, Cd, Zn, and Cr) and middle stages (Cu and Ni) of the landfill. Compared with those of the landfill with MSW alone, the pH, volatile fatty acids (VFA) and ammonia (NH4+-N) concentration were high in the leachate from the co-landfill with stabilized fly ash and MSW. The pH and chemical oxygen demand (COD) of the leachate might be the primary factors affecting the leaching behavior of heavy metals, whereas VFA and NH4+-N seemed to have little effect. This study demonstrated that evaluating the leaching risk of heavy metals according to actual disposal scenarios, is a more effective method than the standard methods.

Behavior and toxic effects of Pb in a waterfowl model with oral exposure to Pb shots: Investigating Pb exposure in wild birds

Among wild birds, lead (Pb) exposure caused by ingestion of ammunition is a worldwide problem. We aimed to reveal the behavior and toxic effect of Pb caused by ingesting Pb shots in waterfowl. Four male, eight-week old Muscovy ducks (Cairina moschata) were given three Pb shots (approximately 240 mg in total) orally and then fed for 29 days after exposure, simulating a low-dose Pb exposure in wild waterfowl. During the breeding period, blood samples were collected 10 times, and fecal samples every day. Additionally, 22 fresh tissue and 6 bone samples were obtained from each duck through the dissection. Although there were no gross abnormalities, the maximum blood Pb concentration of each duck ranged from 0.6 to 3.7 mg/L, reaching a threshold concentration indicative of clinical symptoms (>0.5 mg/L). δ-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase declined one day after exposure and remained low throughout the feeding period. Hematocrit also tended to decrease, indicating signs of anemia. The highest Pb accumulation was observed in the bones, followed by the kidneys, intestinal tracts, and liver. High Pb accumulation in the bones, which are known to have a long Pb half-life, suggested that Pb would remain in the body and possibly affect bird health beyond 28 days after exposure. Gene expression analysis showed a significant increase in the expression of the toll-like receptor-3 gene, which is involved in virus discrimination in the liver, suggesting a disruption of the immune system. Microbiota analyses showed a correlation between the blood Pb concentration and the abundances of Lachnospiraceae and Ruminococcaceae, suggesting that Pb affects lipid metabolism. These results provide fundamental data on Pb exposure in wild birds and a new perspective on the damage such exposure causes.

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.