Mean Concentrations Of Pb Research Articles

Fish ( Arius heudelotii Valenciennes, 1840) as bioindicator of heavy metals in Douala Estuary of Cameroon

This study assessed and monitored accumulation levels of heavy metals (Fe, Pb, Cu, Zn and Mn) in a prominent benthic mangrove fish species ( Arius heudelotii Valenciennes, 1840) from the Douala Estuary, Cameroon. Fish species selection was based on signs of deterioration in taste and texture. Sampled estuarine water and tissue parts (liver, gut, flesh, gills and bones) of the captured fish were analyzed using atomic absorption spectrophotometer. The results show that concentration of the heavy metals except Mn in water was below the permissible limits imposed by WHO and USEPA for aquatic life. The metal levels in fish collected were significantly higher (p<0.05) than the levels in water, indicating bioaccumulation. Metal levels in the fish organs varied considerably with the highest mean concentrations of Pb and Zn found in the flesh and gills. The high concentration of heavy metals in these parts makes the fish unsafe for consumption as the majority of consumers depend on these parts for their livelihood. This calls for environmental surveillance and monitoring of these water bodies and their surrounding environment. Key words : Arius heudelotii, bioaccumulation, heavy metals, estuary, environmental surveillance.

Fish (Arius heudelotii Valenciennes, 1840) as bio-indicator of heavy metals in Douala Estuary of Cameroon

This study assessed and monitored accumulation levels of heavy metals (Fe, Pb, Cu, Zn and Mn) in a prominent benthic mangrove fish species (Arius heudelotiiValenciennes, 1840) from the Douala Estuary, Cameroon. Fish species selection was based on signs of deterioration in taste and texture. Sampled estuarine water and tissue parts (liver, gut, flesh, gills and bones) of the captured fish were analyzed using atomic absorption spectrophotometer. The results show that concentration of the heavy metals except Mn in water was below the permissible limits imposed by WHO and USEPA for aquatic life. The metal levels in fish collected were significantly higher (p<0.05) than the levels in water, indicating bioaccumulation. Metal levels in the fish organs varied considerably with the highest mean concentrations of Pb and Zn found in the flesh and gills. The high concentration of heavy metals in these parts makes the fish unsafe for consumption as the majority of consumers depend on these parts for their livelihood. This calls for environmental surveillance and monitoring of these water bodies and their surrounding environment. Key words: Arius heudelotii, bioaccumulation, heavy metals, estuary, environmental surveillance.

Heavy metal immobilization by cost-effective amendments in a contaminated soil: Effects on metal leaching and phytoavailability

The combination of revegetation and application of stabilizing soil amendments on heavy metal-contaminated soils is generally considered to be a promising alternative to expensive classical remediation techniques. Here, we simultaneously investigated the effects of six cost-effective amendments (CaCO3, iron grit, fly ash, manure, bentonite and bone meal) on Cd, Zn and Pb leaching and phytoavailability (assessed using white lupin, Lupinus albus L.). The Cd and Zn leaching was reduced by all amendments mainly due to alkalinity increase. The Pb leaching was strongly affected by the dissolved organic carbon (DOC) release. Therefore, bone meal and manure treatments, which highly increased DOC concentrations in leachates, increased the flow-weighted mean Pb concentrations by 2.3 and 16 times, respectively. Surprisingly, while iron grit induced strong Cd and Pb leaching reductions, this amendment doubled Cd and Pb concentrations in shoots of white lupin. Conversely, the addition of bone meal reduced Pb concentrations in shoots by 74%, probably because organo-Pb complexes (predicted using Visual MINTEQ) were largely dominant in solution. Overall, the addition of CaCO3 offered the best compromise as it successfully reduced both the leaching and the phytoavailability of the three considered metals. Our results demonstrate the efficacy of several amendments while stressing the need to measure simultaneously the leaching and the phytoavailability of metals induced by each amendment.

Assessment of Soil Arsenic, Chromium, Mercury, and Lead at an Agricultural Landscape Scale

Knowledge of arsenic and heavy metal concentrations and distributions is essential in the design of environmental regulatory strategies. The present study was undertaken as a preliminary survey on soil contamination in a representative agricultural area of southwestern China. The objectives were: (1) to characterize the variability of As, Cr, Hg, and Pb; (2) to assess the effect of land use (vegetable land and paddy fields) on these elements; and (3) to identify their natural or artificial origins. Samples from 119 sites were collected and analyzed in 2006. Land use map units were delineated at a scale of 1:2000 from field survey. Analysis of variance, correlation analysis, factor analysis, and a geographic information system were adopted to investigate the spatial distributions and sources of the elements. The average concentrations of the elements were 6.26 mg As kg−1, 52.90 mg Cr kg−1, 0.066 mg Hg kg−1, and 33.13 mg Pb kg−1. Mean contents of Hg and Pb were markedly higher than their background levels indicating the risk of mercury and lead pollution (p < 0.05). Mean concentration of Pb was significantly higher in paddy fields than vegetable land (p < 0.05). The variability of Cr was associated with topography, while Hg was controlled by human activities and atmospheric deposition. The high heterogeneities of As and Pb were mainly ascribed to land use and the consequent agricultural management practices. The results of the study will assist planners and policymakers in developing effective policies to protect soils from long-term arsenic and heavy metal accumulation.

Occurrence, speciation and bioaccessibility of lead in Chinese rural household dust and the associated health risk to children

Abstract Lead (Pb) concentration, speciation and bioaccessibility were measured in 122 household dust samples collected in rural areas of eight provinces of China. The mean Pb concentration in the household dust was 208 mg kg−1, of which samples from sites in Hunan (538 mg kg−1) and Yunnan (280 mg kg−1) provinces exhibited the highest Pb concentrations while those from Shaanxi (96 mg kg−1) and Fujian (80 mg kg−1) provinces had a relatively low Pb content. The major fraction of Pb in the household dust samples was found to be strongly bound to Fe–Mn oxide phases (37%) while Pb present in minor fractions individually making up between 14 and 18% was characterized in falling orders as residual, carbonate, organic/sulphide, and exchangeable fractions by the sequential extraction method applied. Bioaccessible Pb making up an average proportion of 53% in the household dusts was significantly correlated to the Fe–Mn oxide phases of Pb. According to the Hazard Quotient (HQ), the ingestion of dust particles pose the highest risk to children in Chinese rural areas, followed by dermal contact and inhalation. Hazard Index (HI) values for most samples were lower than 1, indicating that the domestic Pb exposure in rural areas of China were relatively safe for children when they exposure to the household dust. However, dust Pb in 4.1% of the studied families having HI values higher than 1 may pose adverse health effect to the children.

Determination of Heavy Metal Content in Water, Sediment and Microalgae from Lake Victoria, East Africa

Lake Victoria, which is the largest fresh water lake in Africa, represents a unique ecosystem that has the largest fresh water fishery in the continent. However, increased anthropogenic activities has increased the potential pollution of the lake especially the heavy metal pollutants which may be toxic to humans and aquatic fauna. There is need therefore for continuous monitoring of pollution levels in the lake. Samples of water, soil sediments and algae were collected in dry, long and short rainy periods of 2008 and analyzed for heavy metal by Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry. The highest concentration of trace metals were found in sediment samples with Zn having the highest mean concentration values in both Winam (1.019 ppm) and Mwanza gulf (0.889 ppm). The mean concentration of Pb was higher in water samples from Winam gulf (0.823 ppm), while Hg in microalgae samples from Winam gulf had a mean concentration of 0.000148 ppm. The highest concentration of Zn (1.589 ppm) was determined in the sediment samples from Kirumba bay of the Mwanza gulf and the lowest was in sediments from Kishimba bay (0.327 ppm). Levels of trace metals in microalgae were not significant in different sites of the Mwanza Gulf. Like in the Mwanza gulf, levels of Zn was high in sediments from all the sites sampled in Winam Gulf, the highest recorded at Kisat. Pb levels were highest in the water samples from Hippo point, whereas concentration levels of Cd, Cr and Hg were lowest in all the four sites sampled. The maximum biomass of micro- algae occurred at Kisat during the short rain season (November-December) followed by Kamito in the same season.

Determination of metals in printed wiring boards of waste mobile phones

Metal contents of waste mobile phones represent a major environmental risk, especially considering the adoption of inappropriate management options in developing countries including open burning and disposal into surface water bodies. In this study the metal contents of mobile phone printed wiring board (PWB) samples were assessed. Sixty-two waste mobile phones of 15 brands were collected, dismantled, and their PWB samples were analyzed for Cu, Pb, Ag and Cd. The metal concentrations in the samples varied widely between and within brands. Among these metals, Cu and Pb were found to be at very high concentrations. The range (mean ± SD) of Cu and Pb concentrations were 94.1–532 g kg−1 (250 ± 92.3 g kg−1) and 7.0–46.2 g kg−1 (20.1 ± 8.4 g kg−1), respectively. All Cu and Pb concentrations exceeded toxicity threshold limit concentration (TTLC) regulatory limits used in characterizing wastes as hazardous in the state of California, USA. The mean Cu and Pb concentrations exceeded the corresponding TTLC limits by factors of 100 and 20, respectively. The Ag and Cd concentrations were in the range 59.4–759 mg kg−1 (mean 227 ± 104 mg kg−1) and ND – 15.6 mg kg−1 (2.1 ± 3.3 mg kg−1), respectively.

Assessment of Heavy Metal Pollution in Urban Soils of Havana City, Cuba

Concentrations of Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Pb and Fe in the top-soils (0-10 cm) from urbanized and un-urbanized areas of Havana city were measured by X-ray fluorescence analysis. The mean Co, Ni, Cu, Zn and Pb contents in the urban topsoil samples (13.9 ± 4.1, 66 ± 26, 101 ± 51, 240 ± 132 and 101 ± 161 mg kg(-1), respectively) were compared with mean concentrations for other cities around the world. The results revealed the highest concentrations of metals in topsoil samples from industrial sites. Lowest metal contents were determined in the un-urbanized areas. The comparison with Dutch soil quality guidelines showed a slight contamination with Co, Ni Cu and Zn in all studied sites and with Pb in industrial soils. On the other hand, the metal-to-iron normalisation using Earth crust contents as background showed that soils from urbanized areas in Havana city (industrial sites, parks and school grounds) are moderately enriched with zinc, moderately to severe enriched (city parks and school grounds) and severe enriched (industrial sites) with lead. The values of integrated pollution index (IPI) indicated that industrial soils are middle and high contaminated by heavy metals (1.19 ≤ IPI ≤ 7.54), but enrichment index values (EI) shows that metal concentrations on the studied locations are not above the permissible levels for urban agriculture, except soils from power and metallurgical plants surroundings.

Lead exposure and poisoning of songbirds using the Coeur d'Alene River Basin, Idaho, USA

Previous studies have found widespread Pb poisoning of waterfowl in the Coeur d'Alene River Basin in northern Idaho, USA, which has been contaminated by mining and smelting activities. We studied the exposure of ground-feeding songbirds to Pb, sampling 204 American robins (Turdus migratorius), song sparrows (Melospiza melodia), and Swainson's thrushes (Catharus ustulatus) throughout the basin. These songbirds had mean blood Pb concentrations (mg/kg, dry weight) of less than 0.19 at a reference area (25 mg Pb/kg soil), 1.09 at moderately contaminated sites (170 to 1300 mg Pb/kg soil), and 2.06 at highly contaminated sites (2000 to 5000 mg Pb/kg soil). Based on guidelines for evaluating blood Pb in birds, 6% of robins from the highly contaminated sites had background concentrations, 24% were subclinically poisoned, 52% were clinically poisoned, and 18% were severely clinically poisoned with Pb. Blood Pb concentrations were lower in song sparrows than in robins and lowest in Swainson's thrushes. More than half of the robins and song sparrows from all contaminated sites and more than half of the Swainson's thrushes from highly contaminated sites showed at least 50% inhibition of the activity of the enzyme δ-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase (ALAD), commonly used as a measure of exposure to Pb. The highest hepatic Pb concentration of 61 mg/kg (dry weight) was detected in a song sparrow. Using Al as a marker for soil in songbird ingesta, we estimated average soil ingestion rates as 20% in robins, 17% in song sparrows, and 0.7% in Swainson's thrushes. Soil Pb in ingesta accounted for almost all of the songbirds' exposure to Pb. Based on these results, it is recommended that ecological risk assessments of ground-feeding songbirds at contaminated sites include soil ingestion as a pathway of exposure to Pb.

Lead and Cadmium Contamination of Different Roadside Soils and Plants in Peshawar City, Pakistan

Soil and plant samples were collected from roadside sites (along with primary, secondary and tertiary roads) and reference site to investigate the contamination of soils and old common plant species with lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) in Peshawar City, Pakistan. All the data were analyzed using ANOVA analysis that showed a significant ( P < 0.01) variation in Pb and Cd concentrations in the roadside soils and plants as compared to the reference site. The mean concentrations of Pb and Cd were 53.9 and 6.0 mg kg −1 in soils and 49.1 and 10.9 mg kg −1 in plants, respectively. Significant variation ( P < 0.01) in concentrations of Pb and Cd in soil and plant samples along with primary, secondary and tertiary roads might be due to different traffic densities. The highest value (9.4) of metal accumulation index (MAI) was observed for Eucalyptus camaldulensis. In selected plant species, the Pb and Cd accumulation was found in the order of E. camaldulensis > Ficus elastica > Dalbergia sissoo > Alstonia scholaris. The roadside soils and plants were highly contaminated with Pb and Cd as compared to the reference site.

Heavy metal distribution in surface sediments from the continental shelf adjacent to Nazaré canyon

The continental shelf surface sediments around the Nazaré canyon have been analyzed for heavy metal contamination. Organic carbon content and grain size were also determined. The shelf area around the Nazaré canyon shows mean concentrations of Cr, Cu, Hg, Ni, Pb and Zn within the limits recommended by OSPAR (2008). Some enrichment and human impact was found for Cr and especially Pb. Local rivers, mainly the Mondego and southern creeks seem to be the major sources of heavy metals for the Nazaré area, showing similar contamination levels. A set of reference values for non-contaminated fine surface sediments (<63 μm) in the North-Eastern Atlantic are proposed for As, Al, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Hg, Li, Mn, Ni, Pb and Zn.

The seasonal distribution of heavy metals in Mussel sample from Yalova in the Marmara Sea, 2008–2009

Concentration of the some heavy metals (Co, Cu, Fe, Ni, Pb and Zn) Mediterranean mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis from Yalova (Marmara Sea) were investigated seasonally. The mean concentrations of Co, Cu, Fe, Ni, Pb and Zn in the soft tissues were 4.08 ± 0.67, 5.54 ± 0.59, 156.72 ± 20.18, 3.71 ± 1.14, 2.92 ± 0.51 and 106.23 ± 5.66 mg kg( -1) dry weights, respectively. There were no significant differences between the metal concentrations among the seasons (P > 0.05). The mean Pb and Zn concentrations were higher than the acceptable limit proposed by International Turkish standards.

Trace element levels in raw milk from northern and southern regions of Croatia

A total of 157 raw milk samples were collected from tankers arriving at processing facilities from rural areas in northern and southern regions of Croatia during 2009 and 2010. Concentrations of As, Cd, Cu, Hg and Pb in the samples were analysed by graphite furnace-atomic absorption spectroscopy. Mean Pb concentrations in northern and southern regions were 58.7 and 36.2μgl−1, respectively, and both exceeded the maximum recommended level. Arsenic concentrations ranged from 1 to 283μgl−1 in the southern and to 1019μgl−1 in the northern regions. Mean Cd and Hg levels were: 1.76 and 1.59 in the northern and 3.4 and 7.1μgl−1 in the southern region. Significantly higher Cd and Hg levels were observed in the southern than in the northern region (p<0.001, both). Similar mean Cu levels were found in both regions: 931.9 in the north and 848.4μgl−1 in the south. The results indicate that particular attention should be paid to Pb residues. In future studies, a greater number of milk samples and grass samples from pastures from different regions of Croatia should be controlled to confirm the absence of possible toxicological risks.

Determination of heavy metals in the fruit of date palm growing at different locations of Riyadh

Exposure of heavy metals to human beings has risen dramatically in the last 50 years. In today’s urban and industrial society, there is no escaping from exposure to toxic chemicals and heavy metals. Humans are more likely to be exposed to heavy metal contamination from the dust that adheres to edible plants than from bioaccumulation. This is because it is very difficult to wash off all the dust particles from the plant material before ingesting them. The objectives of this experiment were to determine the concentrations of lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) in washing residues and in the tissues of fruits of date palm growing in 14 sites of Riyadh and also to assess whether the fruits were safe for human consumption. The washing residues and tissue of date palm fruits collected from different sites showed the presence of significant amounts of the Pb and Cd. The concentration of Pb in the dust and fruit tissue increased with increasing anthropogenic sources. Therefore, fruits of date palm might be used as a pollution indicator; it might be recommend that fruits of date palm could be safe for human consumption after washing. The mean concentration of Pb and Cd in all the samples collected from different sites is within the safe limits recommended by FAO/WHO.

Analysis of Moss and Topsoil to Monitor Metal Emissions from a Pulp and Paper Mill in Western Kenya

The mean concentrations of Zn, Cu, Cd, Cr and Fe in mosses around Webuye Pan Paper factory were found to be significantly higher than in controls taken from Kakamega, indicating atmospheric contribution from the anthropogenic activities within the factory, shown within a radius of 1 km around the factory. The mean concentrations (μg/g dry weight) in the mosses ranged from 60.9-124.5, 22.6-34.2, 13.3-14.7, 20.1-33.3 and 1,822.4-2,079.2, respectively. The mean concentrations of Pb in mosses sampled from the eastern and western side of the factory were also significantly higher than in controls. The mean concentrations of Zn, Cu, Cd, Cr, Pb and Fe in topsoil samples ranged from 7 (Pb)-2,310 (Fe) mg/kg dry wt, depending on sample means based on site direction, distance from the factory and season. There was no clear variation in metal concentrations in mosses and topsoils with direction from the factory which was consistent with the observed fluctuations in wind direction which changed from south-west in the mornings to north and south-west in the afternoons during sampling.

Efficacy of Allicin in Decreasing Lead (Pb) Accumulation in Selected Tissues of Lead-Exposed Common Carp (Cyprinus carpio)

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of allicin, the main biologically active component of garlic clove extracts, on lead levels in different common carp tissues including liver, kidney, brain, bone, and blood following experimental lead poisoning. Fish were divided randomly into five groups depending on the combination of lead acetate and allicin treatments. Lead acetate exposure (7.0mgL(-1), 10days) caused a significant increase in mean Pb concentrations in all examined tissues in comparison to control unexposed fish (p < 0. 001). The results showed that allicin supplementation is effective in decreasing lead accumulation in all examined tissues of common carp. The promising ameliorative effects of allicin on tissue lead levels of common carp make it a good candidate for therapeutic intervention of lead poisoning. However, more studies are required to elucidate the pharmacokinetic effects of allicin and also molecular basis of the ameliorative properties of allicin in lead poisoning.

Contamination by heavy metals in silver fish (Rastreneobola argentea) caught from Lakes Kyoga and Victoria, Uganda

Little information exists on heavy metal contamination in silver fish (Rastreneobola argentea) caught from Lake Victoria. A large number of Ugandans consume the species. Sun‐dried silver fish were collected from 10 landing sites on Lake Victoria, and from five control sites along Lake Kyoga. The finely ground fish was digested with analytical reagent grade nitric acid. Analyses were performed by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. The specimens were found to contain significantly higher levels (p ≤ 0.05) of zinc, Zn (86.1%), copper, Cu (99.1%), cadmium, Cd (99.3%) and lead, Pb (94.6%) compared with those from the control sites. The fish contamination was attributed to discharge into Lake Victoria of untreated industrial and anthropogenic effluent. Although mean Zn, Cu and Pb concentrations were still below, those of Cd were higher than the maximum permissible levels recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO). Overconsumption of the silver fish could pose Cd‐related health risks.

Heavy Metal Content of Roadside Soil in Edirne, Turkey

In this study, conducted between July 2006 and April 2007, trace metal concentrations of the roadside soil samples of Edirne urban area were investigated to determine Pb, Cu, Ni, and Zn content by Graphite-Atomic Absorption Spectrometer (GAAS) and Inductively Coupled Plasma Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-OES). Roadside soil samples were collected from 8 sites (384 soil samples). Soil samples were collected at distances 1, 5, and 10 meters from the roadside and taken at depths of 0–10 and 10–30 cm from surfaces at every distance. The mean Pb, Cu, Ni, and Zn contents in the urban soil samples from Edirne (0.885–12.38, 6.64–25.81, 53.31–272.1, and 161.5–485.6 mg/kg, respectively) were compared with mean concentrations for other cities around world. The results revealed higher concentrations of heavy metals in topsoil samples than in sub-surface samples. The relative standard deviations for Pb, Cu, Ni, and Zn were found to be 0.1–0.73%, 0.13–0.61%, 0.07–0.3%, and 0.05–0.24%, respectively.

Chalcophile elements (Hg, Cd, Pb, As) in Lake Umbozero, Murmansk province

Lake Umbozero (the second largest in the area and the deepest in Murmansk province) was studied with the aim to establish the biogeochemical features of the distribution of chalcophile elements (Hg, Cd, Pb, As) in water, bottom sediments, and whitefish organs and tissues. Lake Umbozero is subject to the effect of emissions and effluents of mining-and-metallurgical plants in Murmansk province, as well as airborne anthropogenic pollution of global character. Surface and near-bed peaks were recorded in the distribution of Pb and Cd in water mass. Those peaks can be due to phytoplankton development in surface layers and the precipitation of dead organisms and mechanical suspension into bed layers. The mean Pb and Cd concentrations in Umbozero water mass exceed the mean for lake water in taiga zone. Water body pollution manifests itself in an increase in concentrations of elements, such as heavy metals, in the surface layers of bottom sediments. The largest contamination factors were recorded for Cd and Pb. Lake pollution by highly toxic chalcophile elements also caused their accumulation in whitefish organs and tissues: the biological accumulation coefficient is >1 for Cd in kidneys (5.8) and for Hg in kidneys, liver, and muscles (3.6, 3.3, and 2.2, respectively).

Metals in Waters and Sediments of the Morrocoy National Park, Venezuela: Increased Contamination Levels of Cadmium over Time

Concentrations of heavy metals in the western coast of Venezuela are partly driven by anthropogenic influences. To detect metal changes over time, the waters and sediments from 19 sites, across various marine ecosystems, were sampled seven times between 2000 and 2001 and compared with previous studies. The water samples had mean concentrations of Cd, Cu, Pb, and Zn above the guideline values proposed by NOAA as capable of producing chronic effects in the marine biota. In sediments, the mean Cd concentration also exceeded NOAA’s Effects Range–Low values for all habitat types, and in sheltered sites, it exceeded NOAA’s Effects Range–Median values. The meta-analysis indicated that metal concentrations in water were higher in 2000–2001 than in 1995–1997, with the exception of Pb. In sediments, however, only the concentrations of Cd, Cu, and Pb increased in this period. This increase was particularly noticeable for Cd which, by 2000–2001, showed Igeo values indicating that Morrocoy National Park could be considered strongly to extremely polluted. This increment in the metal concentrations could be associated with: (1) an anomalous precipitation event that occurred at the end of 1999 and which caused a disturbance in the sediment chemistry of most metals and/or (2) an increase in the anthropogenic and natural input of Cd probably associated with the production of fertilizers in the region during the period analyzed. Special attention should be paid to Cd levels in this area as it represents a high toxicological risk for the biota in different habitats.