Concentration Levels Of Metals Research Articles

Exposure assessment of pesticide residues, heavy metals, and veterinary drugs through consumption of Egyptian fish samples

Environmental contaminants may enter seafood products either through water and sediments or via feed and feed additives or may be introduced during fish processing and storage. The study focused on the nutritional and toxicological significance of heavy metals, antibiotics, and pesticide residues in 48 fish samples collected from the Kafr-ElSheikh governorate in Egypt. Various analytical instruments are used to determine and detect heavy metals, antibiotics, and pesticides. These include Liquid Chromatography Tandem Mass Spectrometer (LC-MS/MS), Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometer (ICP-MS), and Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometer (GC-MS). The following metals were discovered in fish species: arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), cobalt (Co), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), mercury (Hg), manganese (Mn), and zinc (Zn). Each of these metals was detected 47 times. Chromium (Cr) was detected 40 times, nickel (Ni) was detected 27 times, and lead (Pb) was detected 6 times. The mean concentrations of As, Cd, Cr, Co, Cu, Fe, Ni, Mn, Hg, Pb, and Zn were determined to be 0.025, 0.02, 0.501, 0.50, 0.81, 12.56, 0.5, 0.689, 0.051, 0.031, and 5.78 mg/kg, respectively. All levels of cadmium, mercury, and lead detected in fish samples were significantly lower than the maximum permissible limits set by Egyptian and European standards. Furthermore, in this study, antibiotics and pesticide residues were found to be not detected in all analyzed fish samples. Based on the estimated daily intake and hazard quotient values, the concentration levels of metals found in fish samples seem to pose no significant threat to public health.

Comparative Analysis of Locally Sourced Adsorbents for Iponda and Idominasi, Abandoned Gold Mine Wastewater Bioremediation in Osun State, Nigeria

This study investigates and compares the effects of Neem leaf (NL) and coconut husk (CCH) adsorbents in reducing the levels of heavy metal concentration and elemental content in wastewater from two specific abandoned gold mining sites, namely Iponda (Iponda wastewater- IPWW) (longitude 4°43'18''E, Latitude 7°43'57''N ) and Idominasi (Idominasi wastewater -IDWW) (longitude 4°42'0''E, Latitude 7°40'59''N). Preparation of locally sourced adsorbents, bioremediation process through adsorption and physico-chemical analysis of the treated wastewater samples were carried out. Adsorbents were prepared from washed, air-dried neem leaves, grinded to 40 microns size to facilitate penetration of the adsorbate. In addition, washed and airdried CCH was carbonized in an electric muffle furnace at between 300 0C and 350 0C over a period of 30 minutes, and then granulated and sieved with a mesh size of 40 µm to ensure uniform size. Measured dosages of adsorbent (0.5 g, 0.75 g, and 1 g) were added to a 50 ml volume of wastewater and the mixture was agitated at different speeds ranging from 30 rpm to 120 rpm. The treated wastewater samples were then subjected to various physico-chemical analytical tests to determine the effect of the adsorbents on the reduction of the heavy metal concentration and elemental content of the wasted water samples. The results of this study demonstrate that both NL and CCH adsorbents have a significant impact on the wastewater from the two abandoned gold mining sites, IPWW and IDWW. This impact is reflected in the reduction of heavy metal and other element concentrations in the wastewater. Furthermore, it can be concluded that the bioremediation process is more effective when utilizing NL compared to carbonized CCH. Locally sourced cheap non-edible biomass materials hitherto considered as wastes have proved to be highly effective and efficient when used as adsorbents in the treatment of wastewater from abandoned gold mining sites. This is evident from the results obtained from this study.

A comprehensive environmental analysis of heavy metal contamination, ecological risks and health impacts in Ilokun area, Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria

Heavy metal contamination in ecosystems is a global environmental and health concern. This study assessed the ecological and health risks associated with heavy metal pollution in farmland, dumpsite, stream land, and plant roots in Ilokun, Ekiti State, Southwest Nigeria. Samples were collected from different locations and analyzed for levels of heavy metal concentrations of cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), manganese (Mn), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), nickel (Ni), and zinc (Zn) using atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Various pollution indices such as enrichment factor, contamination factor, and geo-accumulation index were employed. Ecological risk methods were used to investigate the pollution status, heavy metal sources, and health risks associated with urban soil. The results showed that the concentrations of these metals exceeded permissible levels at most sampling sites, indicating significant contamination of the samples. Manganese, Cu, Pb, and Zn were the dominant metals in our study, and overall, the following trend: Mn > Zn > Cr > Ni > Cu > Pb > Cd. The contamination factor revealed that Cu, Zn showed moderate contamination, and Pb, Ni, and Mn showed high soil contamination. The ecological risk assessment demonstrated that Pb and Ni were associated with high risks due to anthropogenic influences related to coal combustion, vehicle exhausts, and automobile brakes. The findings indicate severe heavy metal media enrichment in the study area, which may lead to adverse ecological effects and health risks.

Impact of sediment mobilization on trace elements release in Galician Rías (NW Iberian Peninsula): insights into aquaculture

In the latest years, the concentration levels of certain metals and metalloids in the sediments of the Galician Rías have shown an increasing trend (e.g., As, Zn, Cu, Pb, Hg). These areas are also characterized by their richness in nutrients and their great aquaculture or mariculture activity, with the presence of more than 3500 mussel rafts in the Rías Baixas. The inner areas of the Galician Rías are subjected to activities that resuspend the sediment such as high levels of maritime traffic and dredging or cleaning operations. It is likely that a transfer of these elements to the water column happens during the resuspension of sediments caused by natural events or anthropogenic activities. In this study, selected samples of surface sediments of the Ría de Pontevedra (NW Spain) were subjected to a procedure of aerobic oxidation to determine the concentration of some elements (Fe, Mn, Cu, Cr, Pb, Hg, and Zn) released from the sediment to the aqueous phase. The experiment was carried out within 5 days. Measurements of pH and total concentration were taken both in water and sediment samples. Furthermore, speciation of trace elements was carried out in the sediment samples. Trace element concentrations were lower in the sediments during aerobic oxidation, being released to the aqueous phase. From an environmental point of view, Cu was the only trace element released in quantities that may be toxic for the organisms in the area. This problem of sediment oxidation related to dredging activities or natural storm conditions should be considered in environmental impact studies and transferred to stakeholders.

Investigation of Heavy Metal Composition and Associated Health Risks from Selected Groundwater Wells in Temeke, Dar-es-Salaam

Water quality continues to be the challenge to residents in Dar es Salaam due to various anthropogenic activities in the city. This study was conducted to assess groundwater quality by determining concentrations of heavy metals. Both probability and Nonprobability sampling techniques were used to collect samples from 40 groundwater wells in 24 wards of Temeke municipal and analysed using Microwave Plasma Atomic Emission Spectrometer (Agilent 4210 MP-AES) at the Geochemistry Laboratory of the University of Dar es Salaam. Results indicated varying heavy metal concentrations ranging from 0.71 ± 0.08 to 6.64 ± 0.21 mg/l for As, 0.02 ± 0.01 to 0.07 ± 0.01 mg/l for Co and 0.16 ± 0.01 to 0.02 ± 0.01 mg/l for Pb. The As, Co and Pb concentrations exceeded (P < 0.05) the recommended TBS standards of 0.05 mg/l, 0.003 mg/l and 0.01 mg/l respectively. Other concentrations ranged from 0.01 ± 0.01 to 0.88 ± 0.01 mg/l for Cu, 0.02 ± 0.01 to 3.55 ± 0.02 mg/l for Fe, 0.00 ± 0.00 to 4.63 ± 0.03 mg/l for Mn and 0.01 ± 0.01 to 3.00 ± 0.01 mg/l for Zn. The Cu, Fe, Mn and Zn concentrations were below (P > 0.05) the allowable TBS limits of 0.05 mg/l, 0.3 mg/l, 0.1 mg/l and 3 mg/l respectively. Health risk analysis revealed potential adverse health effects from long term consumption of As, Mn and Pb with Hazard Quotient exceeding 1 (HQ > 1). The Hazard Index (HI) for all groundwater samples was also above 1 (HI > 1) indicating a higher likelihood of adverse health effects. The study concluded that groundwater wells in Temeke Municipal are affected through natural and anthropogenic activities leading to high levels of heavy metal concentrations. Also, this study provides valuable information on risk associated by continued usage of groundwater in Temeke region and hence informs respective stakeholders on groundwater quality and potential risks thereby emphasizing the need for remedial measures and stricter regulations to safeguard public health. The study recommends the need for regular groundwater quality and safety monitoring to assess the levels of heavy metals concentrations and implement sustainable groundwater management strategies to address the increasing water demand in Temeke municipal, Dar es Salaam.

The Combined ICP-MS, ESEM-EDX, and HAADF-STEM-EDX Approach for the Assessment of Metal Sub-Micro- and Nanoparticles in Wheat Grain.

Metal sub-microparticles (SMPs) and nanoparticles (NPs) presence in food is attributable to increasing pollution from the environment in raw materials and finished products. In the present study, a multifaceted analytical strategy based on Environmental Scanning Electron Microscopy and High-Angle Annular Dark-Field-Scanning Transmission Electron Microscopy coupled with Energy-Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (ESEM-EDX, HAADF-STEM-EDX) and Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) was proposed for the detection and characterization of metal and metal-containing SMPs and NPs in durum wheat samples, covering a size measurement range from 1 nm to multiple µm. ESEM-EDX and ICP-MS techniques were applied for the assessment of SMP and NP contamination on the surface of wheat grains collected from seven geographical areas characterized by different natural and anthropic conditions, namely Italy, the USA, Australia, Slovakia, Mexico, Austria, and Russia. ICP-MS showed significant differences among the mean concentration levels of metals, with the USA and Italy having the highest level. ESEM-EDX analysis confirmed ICP-MS concentration measurements and measured the highest presence of particles < 0.8 µm in size in samples from Italy, followed by the USA. Less marked differences were observed when particles < 0.15 µm were considered. HAADF-STEM-EDX was applied to a selected number of samples for a preliminary assessment of internal contamination by metal SMPs and NPs, and to expand the measurable particle size range. The multifaceted approach provided similar results for Fe-containing SMPs and NPs. ICP-MS and ESEM-EDX also highlighted the presence of a significant abundance of Ti- and Al-containing particles, while for STEM-EDX, sample preparation artifacts complicated the interpretation. Finally, HAADF-STEM-EDX results provided relevant information about particles in the low nm range, since, by applying this technique, no particles smaller than 50 nm were observed in accordance with ESEM-EDX.

Gender-specific responses in gene expression of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) to heavy metal pollution in different aquatic habitats

Monitoring heavy metal accumulation is essential for assessing the viability of aquatic ecosystems. Our methodology involved integrating analysis of immunological, stress, inflammatory, and growth-related gene expression in male and female Nile tilapia with on-site recordings of physicochemical parameters. Additionally, we assessed the effect of different physicochemical parameters on heavy metal bioavailability and residual concentration in fish and water. Samples of fish and water were gathered from three different localities: Lake Brullus, a brackish lake sited in northern Egypt; Lake Nasser, an artificial freshwater reservoir located in southern Egypt; and El-Qanater El-Khayria, a middle-freshwater location belonging to the Rashid branch of the river Nile. The assessment of heavy metal residues (Fe, Cu, Zn, Mn, and Ni) revealed that their concentrations were higher in fish specimens compared to their counterparts in water (except for Ni). In addition, Lake Brullus emerges as the most polluted area, exhibiting elevated levels of heavy metals concentrations in water and fish specimens. In contrast, Lake Nasser showed the least degree of heavy metals pollution. Gene expression analysis revealed gender-specific responses to heavy metal exposure at the three investigated water bodies. The expression of hepatic antioxidant genes (GST and MT) and inflammatory-related genes (CC-chemokine and TNFα) increased in males compared to females. In females, the immune and pro-inflammatory-related genes (IgM and CXC2-chemokine) transcripts were upregulated. Additionally, growth-related genes were downregulated in both Lake Brullus and El-Qanater; on the contrary, fish samples from Lake Nasser exhibited a normal expression pattern of growth-related genes. Stress-related genes (HSP70 and HSP27) showed significant downregulation in gills of both genders from Lake Brullus. The minimal presence of heavy metal contaminants in Lake Nasser seems to endorse the normal patterns of gene expression across all gene categories. A potential gender-specific gene expression response towards pollution was noticed in genes associated with inflammation and antioxidant activities. This highlights the importance of considering gender-related responses in future environmental assessments.

Metal extraction capacities of the two halophytes Sesuvium portulacastrum and Suaeda australis from New Caledonian estuaries contaminated with metals

The increase in population and its needs have worsened the issue of metal contamination of the environment, negatively impacting plants, animals, and human health. New Caledonia, a biodiversity hotspot, faces a significant source of metals from mining activity and erosion that affect unique ecosystems that require protection. In this study, we explore the potential of halophytes to remediate metals, with the aim of safeguarding seashores and lagoons. We examine the optimal growth and metal bioaccumulation conditions of two halophytic species, Sesuvium portulacastrum (L.) L. and Suaeda australis (R.Br.) Moq, which dominates the salt marshes of New Caledonian coasts. These species were subjected to two levels of metal concentration and two levels of irrigation frequency, which mimic the fluctuation in soil water content due to seasonal changes and tidal irregularities. The results showed that S. portulacastrum growth was enhanced when the irrigation frequency was lowered, while S. australis preferred constant soil moisture. S. australis accumulated more Ni, Co, and Cr than S. portulacastrum, especially in the roots. However, S. portulacastrum transported more metals in the aerial parts than S. australis. This work showed promising abilities of both species to accumulate metals and suggests further research to improve their metal phytoremediation potential in New Caledonian salt marshes.

The analytical assessment of metal contamination in industrial soils of Saudi Arabia using the inductively coupled plasma technology

Abstract In response to significant demand for evaluating the presence of heavy elements in diverse industrial areas of Saudi Arabia, the study sought to analyze the concentration ratios of 16 elements across 11 different artificial soil types in the industrial zones situated in Riyadh, Sudair, and Al-Ahsa. To achieve this objective, the research utilized the wet digestion technique and employed an ICPE-9000 spectrophotometer for quantifying element concentrations. The study had a dual focus: initially, it sought to gauge the pollution attributed to heavy metals arising from enrichment processes, and second, it evaluated the geographical accumulation of pollutants in the soil. The results revealed varying concentration levels of heavy metals across the industrial areas under study. Specifically, the soil in the Yanbu region exhibited the highest concentration values for iron, manganese, zinc, chromium, nickel, copper, cobalt, cadmium, and beryllium. In contrast, the soil in the industrial area of Riyadh had the highest concentration values for lead, mercury (Hg), molybdenum (Mo), selenium (Se), and arsenic (As). Furthermore, the highest concentration of Cd was recorded in the soil of the Jubail region. Conversely, the soil in the Al-Ahsa region displayed the lowest concentration levels for these heavy metals. The conductivity of the synthetic soil ranged from 0.47 to 6.07 μS·cm−1, accompanied by a pH range of 6.6–8.6. The results emphasized the fluctuations in element concentrations, indicating significant implications for both environmental and human health. Notably, around 20% of the gathered samples showed concentrations of heavy elements like Mo, As, Hg, and Se that surpassed the allowable limits.

Environmental and Health Impact of Heavy Metal Accumulation in (Hair - Nails) of Scavenger Workers at Some Landfill Sites in Baghdad City-Iraq

Background: Heavy metals are considered one of the most dangerous environmental pollutants due to their high toxicity, even at low concentrations, and their accumulation in various body tissues. Landfills contain various wastes rich in heavy metals, such as batteries, paints, and household and hospital waste, making them a major source of air, soil, and groundwater pollution. Objective: To analyze the level of accumulation of heavy metals in hair and nail samples of waste collectors. Material and method: Five main landfill sites in the city of Baghdad were chosen to collect hair and nail samples from waste collectors of both sexes for the winter and summer seasons to analyze the levels of metal concentrations (lead, cadmium, nickel, zinc, and copper). And the use of atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS). Results: Higher concentrations of lead, copper, and nickel were found in nail samples during the summer compared to the winter, indicating an increased risk of exposure to them. While zinc accumulation was much greater in winter samples. Conclusions The results highlight the health risks faced by landfill workers. A need to develop tailored strategies to control exposure to these emissions based on weather conditions and priority metals of concern identified through regular biological monitoring.

EVALUATION OF HEAVY METALS' CONCENTRATION AND PHYSICOCHEMICAL PARAMETERS OF GROUNDWATER WITHIN JOS METROPOLIS OF PLATEAU STATE, NIGERIA

This paper studied the quality of drinking water from borehole sources in Jos and its environs. The level of heavy metal concentrations and some physicochemical parameters were determined using standard methods. The result of heavy metal concentrations analyzed within the ten (10) sampling points shows that JS1 sampling point had a significantly high (p&lt;0.05) concentration of copper (0.0064 mg/L) and lowest in JS1 sampling point (0.001 mg/L). Chromium had a significantly high (p&lt;0.05) concentration in JS10 sampling point (0.718 mg/L) and lowest in JS1 (0.153 mg/L). Manganese had significantly high (p&lt;0.05) concentration in JS4 sampling point (0.198 mg/L) and lowest in (JS6 0.020 mg/L). Iron was significantly high (p&lt;0.05) in JS4 sampling point with the concentration of 1.388 mg/L and lowest value of 0.020 mg/L in JS5. Zinc had a significantly high (p&lt;0.05) in JS4 sampling point with the concentration of 0.085 mg/L. Lead had significantly high (p&lt;0.05) in JS8 sampling point with a concentration of 0.005 mg/L. Cadmium and nickel were not detected in all ten (10) sampling points. The electrical conductivity and pH and were found to be in the range of (0.000 - 350 µSv/cm) and (4.81 – 6.70), respectively. This research findings suggest that continued water quality monitoring should be carried out to check the concentration levels of copper, zinc, manganese, cadmium, nickel, lead and physicochemical parameters electrical conductivity and pH in those ten (10) sampling points to prevent them from been above the limit of World Health Organization (WHO) permissible limit and also creating...

Spatial variability of heavy metals concentrations in soil of auto-mechanic workshop clusters in Nsukka, Nigeria

The indiscriminate disposal of spent engine oils and other hazardous waste at auto mechanic workshops clusters in Nsukka, Enugu State, Nigeria is an environmental concern. This study examines the concentration of heavy metals in the soil inside the workshop cluster and in the unpolluted soil outside the workshop cluster at approximately 100 m. Ten sampling points were randomly selected from within the cluster and another ten from outside the cluster. Using a hand-held Global Positioning System, the coordinates of the selected points were established and used to create a digital map. Soil samples at depths of 0–30 cm and 30–60 cm, were analyzed for Cu, Fe, Zn, Pb, As and Cd using Spectrophotometer. Moisture content determination and particle size analysis were also done on the samples. Spatial variability of heavy metals concentrations of the studied site was also mapped with ArcGIS 10.2.2 using interpolation methods. Results showed that the soil ranged from sandy loam to sandy clay loam. Cadmium and Zinc had the lowest and highest concentration, respectively, in the studied area. Comparing the concentrations of heavy metals in soils within and outside the auto mechanic cluster revealed notable differences across various depths (0–30 cm and 30–60 cm). The analysis results for soil samples within the cluster exhibited concentration levels (mg/kg) ranging from 0.716–0.751 (Cu), 2.981–3.327 (Fe), 23.464–30.113 (Zn), 1.115–1.21 (Pb), 2.6–2.912 (As), and 0.133–0.365 (Cd) demonstrating a variation pattern in the order of Zn > Fe > As > Pb > Cu > Cd. Conversely, for soil samples outside the cluster, concentration levels (mg/kg) ranged from 0.611–0.618 (Cu), 2.233–2.516 (Fe), 12.841–15.736 (Zn), 0.887–0.903 (Pb), 1.669–1.911 (As), and 0.091–0.091 (Cd). To assess the disparity in heavy metal concentration levels between samples collected within and outside the clusters, ANOVA test was performed. The test showed significant difference in heavy metal concentrations between samples within and outside the auto mechanic cluster (p < 0.05), implying auto mechanic activities significantly impact heavy metal levels within the cluster compared to outside areas. The assessment of soil pollution utilized indices including the Geo-accumulation Index (Igeo), Contamination factor (Cf), and anthropogenic metal concentration (QoC). Zinc, Cadmium, and Arsenic showed the highest contamination factors, indicating significant soil contamination likely due to anthropogenic activities. The concentrations of the metals analyzed were within WHO permissible limits while the metals concentrations were also observed to decrease as depth was increased. Using ArcGIS 10.2.2, spatial maps showing heavy metal distribution were developed, with the Kriging method proving superior. This study suggests that heavy metal levels in the soil at the area be monitored on a regular basis.

Organic eggs as an indirect indicator of agricultural environmental pollution – preliminary research

This study aimed to analyse the heavy metal content in eggs and feeding stuffs dedicated to organically reared birds as an indirect indicator of agricultural environment pollution. The material consisted of 180 table eggs, from caged hens and two organic farms (OF) with different locations. Feed samples were also collected. The samples were mineralised and the content of Ca, Na Mg, K, Fe, Zn, Cu (in yolks) and Pb, Cd, As, Cr (in yolks and feed) was determined. The home-produced feed mixtures contained higher doses of heavy metals (HM) compared to their commercial equivalents. Although no high levels of HM contamination were found in the feed compounds, their content in the eggs was significantly higher than in the feed. Also, depending on the region of the study, metal concentration levels can vary significantly. Due to the area-limited nature of poultry production sites, eggs obtained in specific areas can serve as an indirect and non-invasive bioindicator of environmental HM pollution. The analyse of correlations between particular elements allows to assess the impact and extent of pollutant emitters and to model the areas designated for OF to ensure that the produced food is as safe as possible.

Heavy metal concentrations in water from Bakkhali River estuary, Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh

Heavy metals contamination of water is considered as severe global issues for developing countries like Bangladesh. Because heavy metal pollution ruined aquatic ecosystem especially fish diversity which contribute important share on economy of a country. The present study designed to investigate the contamination level of lead (Pb), chromium (Cr), cadmium (Cd), copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn) in surface water of Bakkhali river estuary in Bangladesh. The decreasing order of metals concentration was Cu&gt;Zn &gt;Cr&gt;Pb&gt;Cd with the mean value of 2.6&gt; 0.825 &gt; 0.355 &gt; 0.056 &gt;0.003 mg/L, respectively. The results showed a significant seasonal variation of heavy metals concentration in water. Higher contamination occurred during post monsoon, while lower during the monsoon season. Among the all studied heavy metals Cu concentration was higher (2.6 mg/L) and lower (0.003 mg/L) concentration was Cd. Metal concentrations in water samples exceeded the safe limits of drinking water which indicated that the water from this estuarine river is not fully safe for using/drinking. The study area was not entirely polluted in terms of all metal concentrations. But level of metal concentration in polluted sites supposed risk to ecological health. The findings of present study recommended that continuous monitoring of water should be aimed to evaluate the risk which could help to maintain healthy coastal ecosystem and improve management strategy of this estuarine river.

BEHAVIOR OF LANDFILLED STABILIZED FLY ASH TREATED BY DIFFERENT TREATMENT METHODS FOR THE PAST 27 YEARS

Municipal solid waste incineration (MSWI) fly ash (FA) contains toxic substances and hence, direct landfilling of MSWI FA is prohibited in Japan Complying with Japan's stringent Waste Disposal and Public Cleansing Law, which demands adherence to landfill disposal and effluent standards, is crucial for ensuring environmental safety. To address the issue, various treatment methods including treatment by chemical, phosphoric acid, and melting and solidification can be used to stabilize the MSWI FA through the immobilization of heavy metals. However, the long-term stability of these treatment methods has not been thoroughly investigated. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to evaluate the long-term effectiveness of these three treatment methods for MSWI FA respectively, both independently and in conjunction with compost. This study involves the monitoring of changes in the concentration of heavy metals, including lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), total-chromium (T-Cr), copper (Cu), and zinc (Zn), that have been leached over a period of 27 years. This study aims to conduct a detailed analysis of the impact of various treatment methods on the concentration levels of these individual heavy metals. Notably, the results suggest that independently, phosphoric acid treatment outperforms chelate treatment in the long run, but when combined with compost, both treatments exhibit enhanced efficacy, suggesting a promising approach for immobilizing heavy metals.

The radioactive contamination of ground and surface water near a uranium mine in Malawi

Ground and surface water in the uranium mining area of Kayelekera in Malawi was assessed for concentration levels of radioactive metals. Potential health risks associated with the intake of these metals in drinking water from various sources were also estimated. Surface, groundwater and mine discharge water samples were collected and analysed for radio elemental concentration using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry analytical technique. The results indicated a high concentration of 238U in water samples from lower Sere river. The activity concentrations of 238U, 232Th and 40K were however below WHO recommended limit. Health risk assessment using average committed effective dose were below the global average. Excess lifetime cancer risk values with an average of for borehole water was calculated and found to be below the global average. Radiologically, the water quality of Kayelekera area post uranium mining activities has not been compromised, however close monitoring and treating of drinking water is recommended

Heavy metal concentration in soft tissues of freshwater clam (Galatea paradoxa Born 1778) from Diebu Creek, Bayelsa State, Nigeria

Heavy metal concentration in soft-tissues of freshwater clam (Galatea paradoxa) from Diebu Creek, Bayelsa State, Nigeria, was investigated. Clam samples were obtained from the creek for three consecutive months from February to April 2022 and categorized into three class sizes: big (&gt;50 mm), medium (36 - 50 mm) and small (20-35mm). Samples were analysed for cupper (Cu), lead (Pb), iron (Fe) and zinc (Zn). The results show that the big-size clams (17.37±0.01 mg/kg) had the highest copper concentration and small-size clams the lowest concentration (0.00±0.00 mg/kg). For lead, the big-size clams (1.48±2.52 mg/kg) also recorded the highest concentration and small-size clams (0.32±0.02 mg/kg) the lowest concentration. For iron, the highest concentration was established in big-size clams (21.81±0.17 mg/kg) and lowest concentration in small-size clams (3.55±0.10 mg/kg). In the case of zinc, the highest concentration was likewise noticed in big-size clams (30.00±0.16 mg/kg) and lowest concentration in small-size clams (0.14±0.00 mg/kg). Heavy metal concentration mean values recorded from the different sizes of clams portrayed a significant difference (P&lt;0.05) between the mean values of big-size clams from the medium and small size clams. The concentration level of metals in the clams from Diebu Creek were within the acceptable limits therefore, meets the acceptable standards and are safe for human consumption. Heavy metals generally have relatively high density and are poisonous even at low concentrations therefore should be curtailed to the barest minimum level to reduce seafood contamination in water bodies particularly in Diebu Creek and its environs in Bayelsa State.

Assessment of Levels of Selected Heavy Metals in Borehole Water in Zuru Metropolis, Kebbi State Nigeria

This paper assesses the concentrations of specific heavy metals in borehole water within Zuru Metropolis, Kebbi State. Utilizing rigorous sampling and analytical methods, the study aims to provide insights into the potential health risks associated with heavy metal exposure in the local water supply. Twenty different borehole water samples were assessed for Zn, Pb, Hg, Mn, Cr and Cd levels (mg/l). The results revealed that only few boreholes water samples had concentration levels of heavy metals that are not within WHO recommended levels. While chromium and cadmium levels are below detection limits .The findings contribute to the understanding of water quality in the region, offering valuable information for public health interventions and water management strategies.

Determining The Concentration of Heavy Metals in Soil Contaminated with Crude Oil at Al-Kasak and Al-Qayyarah Sites According to Environmental Indices of Pollution

Contaminated soil samples were collected from Al-Kasak refinery and Al-Qayyarah refinery in western and southern Nineveh, at specific distances in six dimensions (0, 50, 100, 150, 200, 300) meters from the source of pollution, to study the concentrations of heavy metals Pb, Mn, Ni, Cd, and the effect of oil refinery pollutants on some soil pollution standards, in addition to some physical and chemical properties of the soil and their concentrations. The results showed an increase in the concentration of heavy metals in the soil near the sources of pollution, with cadmium significantly superior to Al-Qayyarah site over Al-Kasak site (491.744) mg/kg, and lead, nickel and manganese recorded a higher concentration at Al-Kasak site compared to Al-Qayyarah site (166.356, 114.687, 36.487) mg/kg, respectively, and the order of mineral elements in the two study sites was Cd&gt;Pb&gt;Ni&gt;Mn.&#x0D; As for the Contamination Factor (CF), it was Cd &gt; Pb &gt; Ni &gt; Mn with values of 684.50, 9.91, 5.13, and 0.1701, where the concentration factor was highly polluted for cadmium and lead, and with significant contamination for nickel, while manganese was low in contamination, cadmium recorded severe pollution at Al-Qayyarah site compared to Al-Kasak site, while lead, nickel and manganese recorded significant contamination at Al-Kasak site compared to Al-Qayyarah. In addition, the pollution load index (PLI) was at the level of 5.81, 4.67 highly polluted at D1 and D2, while the rest of the percentages were at the level of 2, moderate pollution, Al-Kasak site had the highest pollution (PLI) value of (6.28), while the ecological risk (ER) averaged (20534.88, 16896.71, 19867.11, 19063.14, 18721.07, 18888.61), which indicates that all the sites had very high pollution, and the ecological risk index was also within the limits of very high pollution, with the highest value on D1 recorded (20568.45), and the potential ecological risk of cadmium was very high at Al-Qayyarah site with a value of (19410.95) compared to Al-Kasak site, where the ecological risk of lead, nickel and manganese was very high, and the ecological risk indices for Al-Qayyarah site were high compared to Al-Kasak site. The aim of the study is to estimate the concentration of heavy metals, according to environmental indices and the impact of oil refineries on the ecosystem in raising the level of heavy metal concentration.

Heavy metal load in waters and sediments of Karamana River Basin, southwestern India: A COVID-19 lockdown modulation

Rapid urbanization and industrialization jointly provoked heavy metal contamination in surface water (SW) and channel sediments (CS) of the riverine ecosystem especially in developing countries like India. Water and sediments are to be considered the most vital gears and useful indicators of the level of contamination in an aquatic environment. Furthermore, it is imperative to assess how COVID 19 lockdown, influenced the Karamana River Basin (KRB) waters catering to the quality water needs of urbanites of a city like Thiruvananthapuram, the capital of Kerala. For an insight into this issue, 84 samples (water = 41; sediment = 41) were collected during the pre-monsoon (i.e., January) of 2021 and 2022 and analysed to generate heavy metal concentration levels in the samples. Our estimate of the Heavy Metal Pollution Index (HPI) of water in the KRB in 2021, during the late peak of Covid-19, indicates that though ∼78.89% of the basin (553.78 km2) stayed within the non-contaminated category, and ∼21.11% (or 148.22 km2) was in the contaminated or very poor category. Contrarily, in 2022 after the withdrawal of lockdown restrictions, the non-contaminated area sharply declined to ∼45.04% (316.15 km2) of the basin and the contaminated area rose to 54.96% (385.85 km2). Furthermore, the Inverse Distance Weighted (IDW) modeling strongly supports that Cr and Fe are the leading heavy metal polluters in the Karamana River (KR) waters during 2021 and 2022. Subsequently, estimated Igeo values in sediments indicate that the uncontaminated area has reduced from 88.89% to 83.73%, and the uncontaminated to the moderately contaminated area rose to 5.16%. Therefore, the shutdown of anthropogenic activities, including small- and medium-scale industries as part of the COVID-19 lockdown, improved the surface water quality of KRB for a short-stint of time, but swung back to normality just after the lifting of lockdown restrictions.