Concentration Levels Of Metals Research Articles

Sargassum-associated gastropod and amphipod assemblages in relation to metal pollution in a semi-enclosed bay

Anthropogenic impacts cause habitat losses and reduce biodiversity in marine coastal habitats. Coastal macroalgae beds and their associate invertebrates are highly susceptible to environmental contamination. This study evaluated the differences in diversity parameters of Sargassum-associated gastropod and amphipod assemblages in areas located at different distances from a pollution source in a semi-enclosed, highly impacted bay, with the concentration of heavy metals in benthic Sargassum spp. as a contamination parameter. The Sargassum collected from sites closer to the source of contamination had higher concentrations of Cu, Zn and Fe. Rarefaction curves demonstrated that gastropod assemblages had significantly lower species richness and diversity at sites closest to the pollution source and regression analysis showed that lower diversity indexes and lower abundance of the main species were correlated with higher levels of most heavy metal concentrations in Sargassum. Amphipod did not present a clear pattern of diversity differentiation, and no correlation of the most abundant species with metal concentrations, even though these animals are known to be sensitive to metal contamination. This study highlights the importance of simultaneously studying different taxonomic groups in order to better understand anthropogenic impacts in marine environments and shows that macroalgae-associated gastropod assemblages are a potential indicator of marine pollution in semi-enclosed areas.

Determination of total petroleum hydrocarbons and selected heavy metal (Pb, CO, V, Ni) concentration levels in surficial sediments of the Arvand River Estuary and their impact on benthic macroinvertebrates assemblages

ABSTRACT In the current study, the determination of total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPHs) and selected heavy metal (Pb, Co, V, Ni) concentration levels in surficial sediments of the Arvand River and their impacts on benthic invertebrate assemblages are investigated. For this purpose, a total of 100 surface sediment samples from 10 stations were collected for TPHs, heavy metals, macroinvertebrates, TOM, and grain size measurements using a Van-Veen grab sampler during winter 2018. A Horiba U10 multiparameter probe was used at each station for the in-situ measurement of environmental variables of water samples close to river bottom using a Nansen bottle sampler. Sediment quality guidelines along with Pearson’s correlation analysis and calculated diversity indices revealed that Arvand River Estuary (ARE) is threatened by contamination, especially with respect to Ni, Pb, and TPHs. The relatively high concentrations of Ni in most stations and Pb in some stations comparing to guidelines and other regions can be related to industrial activities as well as passing several ships and boats in the region. Shannon–Wiener diversity values recorded in the present study ranged between 0 and 2.01 indicating heavy to moderate pollution status in ARE. Altogether, the present study findings could be useful as the baseline for future research and better management for reducing contaminant levels.

Research Article: Heavy metals concentration profile of an aquatic environment and health implications of human exposure to fish and prawn species from an urban river (Densu)

Fish is a good source of protein; however, certain anthropogenic activities can contaminate their habitat with elevated heavy metals levels. In this study, copper, lead, mercury, cadmium, and arsenic in fish tissue, water and sediment were determined using PerkinElmer PINAAcle 900T Graphite AAS. Standard indices in human health risk assessment were used to estimate non-carcinogenic implications associated with consuming Clarias batrachus, Clarias gariepinus, Hemichromis fasciatus, Chrysichthys nigrodigitatus, and Macrobrachium rosenbergii from Densu River. Heavy metal concentration levels recorded in November 2017 were in the order of surface water 1), an indication of a non-cancer risk to consumers.

Evaluation of Heavy Metals and Total Hydrocarbon Concentration in the Qua Iboe River Estuary, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria

The research assessed the concentration level of heavy metals and total hydrocarbon in Qua Iboe River Estuary of Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria during the months of April, May and June. The experimental research design was adopted and a total of 72 water samples were collected on weekly basis from ST1, ST2 and ST3 during high and low tides in thoroughly-rinsed 1-litre plastic containers to avoid adulteration of the samples. Samples were analyzed in-situ and in the laboratory using standard methods. The results of the concentrations of the sampled parameters during high tide included: Cr (0.003-0.21mgl-1), Fe (0.123-0.511mgl-1); Mn (0.018-0.66mgl-1), Pb (0.105-0.603mgl-1), Mg (0.42-0.623mgl-1), Cu (0.00-0.32mgl-1) and THC (0.12-0.88mgl-1)while the low tide concentrations showed: Cr (0.001-0.061mgl-1), Fe (0.56-4.11mgl-1), Mn (0.002-0.13mgl-1), Pb (0.011-0.211mgl-1), Mg (0.108-1.342mgl-1), Cu (0.011-0.076mgl-1) and THC (0.23-0.80mgl-1). The concentrations of Hg and As were negligible throughout the study. Analysis revealed that THC varied significantly across the sampled stations (ANOVA, P <0.001). Pollution Index, PI <1 for Ni, Mn, Na, Hg, As, Mg and Cu, implied that there was no pollution in the estuary. Fe showed that the estuary was slightly polluted with PI 1-2; Cr, V and THC recorded PI 2-3 signifying that the water was moderately polluted; PI >5 for Pb revealed that the estuary was seriously polluted with lead. The oil spills by ExxonMobil’s offshore platforms in the area, the heinous practices of waste dumping along the coast have resulted in the high THC and heavy metals concentrations found in the water samples. Hence, the water in Qua Iboe River Estuary is polluted and not safe for personal or domestic uses. The study recommended that Exxon Mobil and other oil companies in Nigeria should adhere strictly to international best practices in oil exploration/exploitation, environmental conservation, maintenance of equipment and safety of their infrastructure should be their priority. Prompt actions should be taken towards clean-up exercises in case of oil spill incidents in the area and proper, modern sewage and solid wastes disposal mechanism should be put in place by the host communities.
 
 Received: 31 January 2021 / Accepted: 27 February 2021 / Published: 7 March 2021

The elemental distribution study of heavy metals (Fe, Cu, Cd, As, Cr, Ni and Hg) in various fish species at local market in Muar, Johor using SEM-EDX

The polluted marine environment causes bioaccumulation of heavy metals particularly by fish, which is consumed by humans as sources of nutrients for humans, particularly as a source of protein. Thus, the investigation of the toxic heavy metals concentration levels in fish is essential. This study aimed to evaluate the heavy metals (Cd, Cr, As, Ni, Fe, Hg and Cu) contents in five different fish species, namely Rastelligar kanagurta, Selaroides leptolepis, Megalaspis cordyla, Decapterus ruselli and Euthynnus affinis. Each sample has been dried and grinds to 100 microns of powder form. The elemental composition of the heavy metals was determined using the rapid and versatile analytical technique, which is Scanning Electron Microscopy with Energy Dispersive X-ray analysis (SEM-EDX) and the results were expressed as an atomic percentage. The percentage concentrations of Cd, As, Cr and Ni were found to be higher in R. kanagurta which are 0.01%, 0.02%, 0.03% and 0.02%, while Cu was found to be higher in S. leptolepis which is 0.29%. For Hg element analysis, it was found that this element only exists in D. ruselli species with atomic percentage of 0.02%. The atomic percentage concentration of As in R. kanagurta and S. leptolepis are 0.02% and 0.01%. The element of Cr, Fe and Ni were detected in M. cordyla with atomic percentage of 0.01%, 0.02% and 0.02%. In E. affinis, Fe was the highest concentration of metals detected with 0.02%, while other elements such as Cr, Cu and Ni recorded similar the atomic percentages concentration at 0.01%. This study revealed that R. kanagurta species contributed most of the elements compared to other species. The accumulation of these toxic heavy metals from this fish species could contribute to the toxicity of heavy metals in the human body. However, since all heavy metal concentration measurements in this study are in atomic percentages level, hence it can be considered that the measurements are below the acceptable limit that suggested by WHO, FAO and UNSCEAR

Distribution and environmental risk assessment of trace metals in sludge from multiple sources in Taiwan

ABSTRACT: This study evaluated the level of the contaminant of the heavy metals in sludge from different sources and the ecological risk criteria associated with it was also analyzed to establish its reuse in agriculture. The sludge samples were collected from the water plant (WTP), wastewater treatment plant (WWTP), and industrial water treatment plant (IPT) in Taiwan. The inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry was used to measure the trace metals in sludge. The pollution level and ecological risk criteria for heavy metals in sludge were also used to evaluate its reuse in agriculture. The result shows the average concentrations of trace metals in sludge for three groups (WTP, WWTP, and ITP). Significant correlations were found between concentrations of Zn-Ag (p < 0.001). The higher values of I geo showed in ITP, indicated Hg to be a major pollutant. In Taiwan, the regulations did not establish the reuse of sludge in agriculture. However, the concentration level of trace metals in sludge was particularly lower than the regular levels in most groups, like WTP and WWTP groups. The industrial sludge was not recommended for the use in agriculture. The results of this study can be used for regular monitoring to establish a reference for sludge management and application to agriculture.

Assessing the level of heavy metals concentration in soil around transformer at Akoko community of OndoState, Nigeria

Some heavy metals have bio-importance as trace elements but the bio-toxic effects of many of them in human biochemistry are of great concern. The level of heavy metals concentrations of transformer oil polluted soil was assessed in Akungba Akoko community of Ondo State, Nigeria using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer. The concentration of heavy metals investigated ranges from: Cu (1400-18)mg/kg, Fe (96700- 15500)mg/kg, Cd (2- 0.5)mg/kg, Mn (62-29)kg/mg, Ni(5-1)mg/kg, Al(27-11)mg/kg, Zn(1400- 44)mg/kg, Pd (68-20)mg/kg and Ca (570- 135)mg/kg. From the study, it was observed that some transformer sites had more concentration of heavy metals than others, as a result of the heavy metals content of the transformer soil released to the surrounding soil, while in some samples of these heavy metals were absent or are below detection limit. Comparing the results with the World Health Organisation (W.H.O) maximum allowable limit in soil with results of the results of different samples collected, majority of the results were found to fall below W.H.O limit which implies that those sites are still contamination free with respect to the specific heavy metal and caution needs to be taken urgently to avoid potential contamination. Meanwhile, heavy metal concentration at some sites have gone beyond the W.H.O maximum allowable limit, calling for immediate remediation of the site.

Avaliação de metais pesados e poluentes ambientais no Rio do Sal (Nossa Senhora do Socorro - SE) e seu impacto na saúde humana

O objetivo deste artigo foi analisar metais pesados e poluentes no Rio do Sal e o seu impacto na saúde humana, considerando que moradores de suas margens o utiliza como fonte de alimento, água e lazer. Atualmente um dos problemas ambientais mais comuns é a poluição quí­mica decorrente dos despejos residenciais e industriais. Tendo em vista ao tempo que os metais pesados persistem em corpos hí­dricos, torna-se fundamental uma pesquisa acerca de seus ní­veis no meio ambiente. O método aplicado foi uma coleta de dados realizada em junho de 2011 as margens do Rio do Sal localizado em Nossa Senhora do Socorro/SE. A análise empregada foi através de Espectroscopia de Absorção Atômica. O resultado demonstrou a presença de metais pesados que ultrapassam o limite máximo permito pelo CONAMA. A conclusão revelou, portanto, que o Rio do Sal é considerado impróprio para consumo humano devido a quantidades elevadas de cobre.

Assessing heavy metal pollution hazard in sediments of Lake Mariout, Egypt

The Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, and Pb concentrations in the sediments of Lake Mariout were measured and estimated by statistical approaches using the contamination factor (CF), pollution load index (PLI), geo-accumulation index (Igeo), Nemerow index (Iin), ecological hazard index, and potential ecological hazard index (RI). The aim of the present work was to assess the current situation of Lake Mariout compared with other Egyptian lakes regarding heavy metal pollution in the sediment and to identify the putative sources. The measured concentration levels of heavy metals in Lake Mariout sediments were higher than the geochemical background reference condition by a factor of two to three, except for sediment sampled near the Umoum drain, where metal concentrations were close to the geochemical background reference condition. The PLI ranged from moderately to heavily polluted classes. The Igeo ranged from uncontaminated to moderately contaminated classes, where the RI indicates a low hazard. The comparison of Lake Mariout with other lakes indicates that all heavy metal concentrations except for Cd in Lake Mariout were higher than the average concentrations in Edku Lake. However, the average concentrations of Cd and Ni in Burullus Lake were higher than those found in the current study. For Manzala Lake, the Cd, Cu, and Pb concentrations were higher than the measured concentrations in Lake Mariout. The environmental hazard assessments of heavy metal concentrations in the Lake Mariout sediment determined the prevalence of possible anthropogenic pollution sources near the East and West Wastewater Treatment Plants and the El-Max pumping station.

Assessment of trace metals and its pollution load indicators in water and sediments between Upper and Grand Anicuts in the Cauvery

This study focuses on the contamination level of trace metals in river water, its sediments, the surrounding groundwater and its soil sediments. The region stretching between Upper Anicut and Grand Anicut in the Cauvery delta in Trichy District, Tamil Nadu, India, was chosen for study. This stretch of the river Cauvery experiences maximum quantum of water flow during the monsoon season. Once a perennial river, in recent decades, it experiences only seasonal flow. The Cauvery is the lifeline of millions of people and various flora and fauna. The Cauvery irrigates thousands of hectares of cultivable land, and its delta has sustained the enviable name—the ‘Granary of the South.’ However, the contamination of water and sediments poses grave threat to all life forms. In this study, by using atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AAS) the presence of seven trace metals Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Fe, Pb and Zn in water and sediments was ascertained. The trace metal contamination level in sediments was predicted by pollution load indicators such as pollution load index (PLI), geo-accumulation index (Igeo), enrichment factor (EF) and contamination factor (CF).The concentration level of trace metals in water and sediments was determined for four different seasons of a year, at 11 locations (five from river sites and six from land sites) along the Cauvery. A higher-level concentration of Fe 2.18 mg/l and 2.95 mg/kg was found in water and sediments, respectively, during the four different seasons. It was also found to have a low-level concentration of Ni with a range of 0.09 mg/l and 0.24 mg/kg in water and sediments, respectively, for four different seasons. Based on pollution load indicators, the PLI values of trace metals in sediment samples in all four seasons were less than zero; the Igeo values of trace metals in sediment in all four seasons were less than zero; the contamination factor (CF) values of all heavy metals except cadmium in sediments samples in all seasons were less than zero; the enrichment factor (EF) value of trace metals in all sediment in all four seasons was higher than 40. Eventually, it was disclosed that the study area was lightly contaminated by the presence of the trace metals Fe and Cd than other trace metals. It is a known fact that all living organisms need some trace metals including cobalt, copper, iron, manganese, molybdenum, vanadium, strontium and zinc. When the levels of essential metals exceed the desirable limit, they prove to be detrimental to the organisms. Similarly, the presence of nonessential metals like cadmium, chromium, mercury, lead, arsenic and antimony in water bodies causes undesirable effects on human and aquatic life. Once these metals enter into the system, they are capable of reacting with a variety of binding sites in the human body. Thus, this study assumes significance.

Comparison of the Concentrations of Metals Found in three types of Teff Samples

Teff (Eragrostis tef (Zuccagni)) is a self-pollinated, annual, warm season cereal crop, believed to have originated in Ethiopia and have been domesticated and used throughout the world due to its excellent nutritional value as grains for human consumption and as forage for livestock. The aim of this study was to determine the concentration levels of metals in teff samples across different locations and to compare with other reported values due to different agricultural applications. The mean concentration levels of the metals in the three types of teff samples collected from the three sampling areas were determined by using MP-AES and were an efficient method. The overall mean concentrations determined (mg/kg, air dry weight) for the teff samples collected from the Bure, Debre Markos and Bahir Dar sites were in the ranges of Fe (719) > Ca (289) > Zn (86) > Mn (33) > Cu (14), Fe (728) > Ca (256) > Zn (87) > Mn (29) > Cu (13) and Fe (668) > Ca (270) > Zn (73) > Mn (36) > Cu (13), respectively. The level of Fe in the white teff was higher than that of the red and mixed teff samples collected from the Bure site and it was higher in the red teff sample collected from the Debre Markos site. The amount of Fe determined in the three types of teff samples collected from the Bahir Dar site and the concentrations of Ca, Zn, Mn and Cu determined in the three types of teff samples were almost similar within each sampling sites. The one way ANOVA indicated the mean concentrations of the studied metals found in the three types of teff samples within and between the sampling sites was not significant at 95% confidence level.

Bioaccumulation of trace elements in Cyprinus Carpio’s organs collected from Hammam Boughrara dam

The present study is related to the evaluation of metal pollution (Fe, Zn, Cd, Cu, Pb) in Hammam Boughrara dam (Department of Tlemcen) by using a biological indicator and the common carp (CyprinuscarpioL.1758) fished in this dam. This fish reflects very well the quality of its biotope. It is a very abundant species which resists to the change of the temperatures and it is well appreciated by the consumer. The samples were obtained by the dam administration during January 2017. The weight and the various sizes were recorded. A dissection was carried out on fifteen individuals. Four organs were taken: the liver; body of metabolism, the gills; first bodies of contact with water, the muscle representing the part consumed by the man, and the gonads; reproductive organs. The heavy metal concentrations were determined by the spectrophotometry of atomic absorption to flame (SAAF). In the fish samples, Cd and Pb concentrations exceeded the tolerable values. Metal accumulation by the gills is in general higher than that of the liver, the gonads and the muscle. The high contents are: lead in all the organs, zinc in the gills and the liver, cadmium in the gills and the gonads exceeding the tolerable values. The accumulation gradient is as follows: Zn > Fe > Cu > Pb > Cd. The results obtained, treated statistically revealed significant differences between organs for zinc and lead. The levels of the average metal concentrations in the muscle present a risk for the consumer.

Health Risk Assessment and Determination of Some Heavy Metals in Commonly Consumed Traditional Herbal Preparations in Northeast Ethiopia

Background. Most traditional medicines were prepared from plant origins. These plants could be contaminated by heavy metals, pesticides, and/or toxins. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to determine the level of heavy metals such as lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), and copper (Cu) in frequently used traditional herbal preparations sold in Northeast Ethiopia and to estimate their health risks associated with their daily intake. Methods. A total of 6 traditional herbal preparations were randomly collected from local herbal shops of Dessie and Kombolcha town, Northeast Ethiopia. The samples were prepared for analysis by wet digestion method using nitric acid and hydrochloric acid treatment. The accuracy of the method was analyzed by the spike recovery test. Determination of Pb, Cd, Cr, and Cu by microwave plasma atomic emission spectroscopy was made in herbal preparations traditionally used in Dessie and Kombolcha town, Northeast Ethiopia. By calculating estimated daily intake (EDI), hazard quotients (HQ), and Hazard Index (HI) of metals, the health risk associated with the consumption of the analyzed herbal preparations was also evaluated. Results. The levels of heavy metals were in the range of 3.0–3.92 mg/kg for Pb, 5.35–10.7 mg/kg for Cr, and 0.815–12.3 mg/kg for Cu. However, cadmium was not detected in any of the traditional herbal preparations. This study revealed that the level of Pb and Cu in all analyzed samples was within the WHO maximum permissible limit of 10 mg/kg and 40 mg/kg, respectively. The level of Cr in all traditional herbal preparations was beyond the WHO maximum permissible limit (2 mg/kg). From the health point of view, the HQ value of Cr for KD-03 and KD-04 is greater than 1, suggesting potential health risk. Furthermore, the HI value had revealed that the consumption of KD-02, KD-03, and KD-04 samples had the potential of posing health risks to consumers over long-term consumption of herbal preparations. Conclusion. This study showed that most of the metal concentration levels in the herbal products were within the WHO maximum permissible limits. However, all samples had Cr levels above the WHO maximum permissible limit. Based on the results of this study, there would be a noncarcinogenic health risk to the consumer associated with the consumption of some herbal preparations marketed in Northeast Ethiopia.

Analysis of Heavy Metals in Soils around a Scrap Metal Recycling Company in Ile-Ife, Osun State, Southwestern Nigeria

Contamination of soils by heavy metals has severely increased over the last few decades due to industrial wastes and human activities. Contaminated soils can constitute sources of health hazard to humans globally. However, there is paucity of information on the level of heavy metal concentration in the study area. This study therefore made a pioneering effort in investigating the concentration of selected heavy metals (Cd, Cu, Pb, Zn and Fe) in soils around a scrap metal recycling company in Ile-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria. Thirty soil samples and solid wastes were collected from four sides of the scrap metal recycling company. The samples were air-dried, digested using standard method and analyzed for the selected heavy metals using a flame atomic absorption spectrometer. Results of the Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometric (AAS) analysis revealed that for heavy metals, the concentrations in the soils were below the background levels and permissible limits recommended for soils in some countries. The value of the mean concentration of the analyzed heavy metals in the soils around the scrap metal recycling company ranged from 0.0040 – 0.0140 mg/kg for Cd, 0.061 – 0.108 mg/kg for Fe, 0.037 – 0.047 mg/kg for Cu, 0.003 – 0.0064 mg/kg for Pb and 0.019 – 0.121 mg/kg for Zn. The results from the study indicated that the concentrations of heavy metals around the scrap metal recycling company did not appear to be of serious concern. The concentrations of all the heavy metals were below the background level proposed by the World Health Organization (WHO) residential soil standards.

The Improvement of Phytomediation on the Treatment Effectiveness of Heavy Metals with Energy Sunflower Plants with Calcium Peroxide and Phytohormones

Phytomediation is an environmentally friendly green rehabilitation technology that is often incorporated with an application to improve calcium peroxide and phytohormones required for the growth of agricultural plants with the expectation to improve the effectiveness of plant rehabilitation. This study mainly consists of two parts: (1) water culture experiment and (2) pot culture experiment. In the water culture experiment, we attempt to understand the influence of the addition of calcium peroxide, phytohormones (IAA and GA3) and a chelating agent on the growth of sunflower plants. However, in the pot culture experiment, when hormones and the chelating agent EDTA are introduced to different plant groups at the same time, if the nutrition in the water required by plants is not available, the addition of the hormone cannot negate the toxicity caused by EDTA. In terms of calcium peroxide, due to quick release of oxygen in water, this study fails to apply calcium peroxide to the water culture experiment.When the pot culture experiment is used to examine the influence of hormones at different concentration levels on the growth of sunflowers, GA3 10-8 M is reported to have the optimal effectiveness, followed by IAA 10-8 M; IAA 10-12 M has the lowest effectiveness. According to an accumulation analysis of heavy metals at different levels, GA3 concentrates in leaves to transport nutrition in soil to leaves. This results in an excellent TF value of 2.329G of GA3 than 1.845 of the control group indicating that the addition of the hormone and chelating agent to GA3 increases the TF value and the chelating agent is beneficial to the sunflower plant. If we examine phytoattenuation ability, the one-month experiment was divided into three stages for ten days each. The concentration level of heavy metals in the soil at each stage dropped continuously while that of the control group decreased from 31.63 mg/kg to 23.96 mg/kg, GA3 from 32.09 mg/kg to 23.04 mg/kg and EDTA from 30.65 mg/kg to 25.93 mg/kg indicating the quickest growth period of the sunflowers from the formation of the bud to blossom. During the stage, the quick upward transportation of nutrition results in quick accumulation of heavy metals; the accumulated speed of heavy metals is found higher than that of directly planted plants. This study shows an improvement in the effectiveness of the addition of hormones on plant extraction and when rehabilitation is incorporated with sunflowers with the beginning bud formation, better treatment effectiveness can be reached.

An assessment of heavy metals concentration in water around quarries and barite mine sites in part of central Cross River State, Southeastern Nigeria

The assessment of the level of heavy metal concentrations in water sources around quarries and barite mine sites in central Cross River State, Southeastern Nigeria, was carried out to evaluate the degree of contamination due to mining and quarrying activity in the area. The investigation involved the collection of twelve water samples from ponds, streams, river and boreholes around the area. The water samples were passed through 0.45 µm filter paper and preserved with a drop of 0.1M HNO3 acid. The preserved samples were analyzed for their heavy metal (Ba, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Pb and Zn) content, using inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). The results show that the average concentration of Ba, Cu, MN, Pb and Zn were above WHO guideline value for drinking water quality, hence not suitable for drinking. The average concentration of the metals is in the order Ba&gt;Mn&gt;Cu&gt;Fe&gt;Pb&gt;Zn&gt;Cr. Computed values of contamination index show that the samples from four locations were contaminated. Single factor pollution index computation indicates that the waters are not contaminated with Cr, but slightly polluted with Fe and Zn, moderately polluted with Ba and severely polluted with Cu, Mn and Pb. Further, Nemerow comprehensive pollution index indicates that samples from four locations were severely contaminated. The study revealed that the water sources around the barite mines had elevated level of heavy metal concentration compared to location around the quarries. It is recommended therefore, that the water be treated before use for drinking purpose.&#x0D; Keywords: heavy metals, contamination index, pollution index, barite mine, quarry

Heavy Metal Levels in Vegetables Cultivated in Pakistan Soil Irrigated with Untreated Wastewater: Preliminary Results

Unfortunately, vegetables are commonly cultivated with untreated wastewater and consumed by human beings who often ignore their harmful impacts on health. The industrialization and urbanization in developing countries have led to the release of increasing amounts of heavy metals (HM) into the environment. Regular monitoring of metal concentration levels in contaminated soils and edible plants is essential to prevent their excessive build-up in the diet and food chains. This study aimed to determine the concentration and accumulation of selected HM in the soil-plant system from a field located in D.I. Khan, Pakistan. Thereby, determinations of copper (Cu), lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), iron (Fe), nickel (Ni), and cobalt (Co) were assessed in the soil of the field as well as in the roots, stems, leaves, and grains of ridge gourds (RG) and sponge gourds (SG). The gourds were irrigated with untreated wastewater and removed from the soil when completely matured. Their parts were then separated and digested for HM analyses, which were performed by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Mean HM concentrations of each gourd were compared to each other within the same vegetable or between the vegetables. Intra-analyses depicted a similar quantitative distribution of HM in the RG or SG parts. Independently of the gourds’ variety, Fe and Pb were the most concentrated HM, and Pb was particularly concentrated in grains. Mean concentrations of Pb and Co in these vegetables were found to be toxic, since they exceeded the safe limits recommended by the Food and Agriculture Organization/World Health Organization (FAO/WHO). Inter-analyses of HM concentrations performed between RG and SG parts revealed that the mean concentration of Pb was significantly higher in roots of SG compared to that of RG. Nevertheless, mean Cr concentrations were significantly higher in all parts of RG compared to that of SG. The concentrations of Co were insignificantly different between the parts of these two vegetables. Also, the assessment of hyperaccumulation factors demonstrated that these gourds are hyperaccumulators, improper for dietary intake and commercialization, but might be useful for phytoremediation. Taken together, our data shed light on the urgent need for developing sustainable agriculture in Pakistan.

Multivariate Statistical Approach for the Analysis of Organic and Inorganic Pollutants Loads in Gomti River at Lucknow City

Life is impossible without water because demands of water increasing day by day with emergent population. By increasing the quantity of wastewater, sewage and chemicals containing effluent into the river system from household and industrial activities, the surface and ground water get significantly polluted. In present study, eleven organo-chlorine pesticides (OCPs), sixteen polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and nine heavy metals were determined in the water and bed sediment of the Gomti river in 10 different locations at Lucknow city. Multivariate statistical approach was applied in data of OCPs and PAHs for the identification of contamination level. Turbidity, TSS, TDS, BOD, alkalinity and hardness of water were higher than the prescribed limit. The concentration level of heavy metals observed in bed sediments as Fe > Mn > Zn > Cu > Cr > Ni > Pb > Cd > Co showed river moderately polluted as per USEPA. The values of ∑OCPs and ∑PAHs in water were found 519.9 µg/L and 20.3 µg/L, respectively while 2572.5 ng/g and 1523.2 ng/g in bed sediments. The values of ∑OCPs and ∑PAHs in river water were higher than the recommended value of Bureau of Indian Standards. The values of ∑OCPs, ∑PAHs and heavy metals were found higher in mid-stream suggested anthropogenic activity get pollute to the river. The present study suggested that anthropogenic activities due to growing population were main factor that causes the higher concentrations of OCPs and PAHs in mid-stream as compare to up and down streams.

Assessment of potential human health risk due to heavy metal contamination in edible finfish and shellfish collected around Ennore coast, India.

This study aims to estimate anthropogenic sources of pollutants such as heavy metals that pollute or poison the commercial marine finfish and shellfish present around the Ennore coastal area and to identify, quantify and manage the associated risks for the betterment of society. The levels of toxic heavy metal concentrations from monitoring and surveillance of copper, chromium, cadmium, mercury, lead and zinc heavy metals were estimated from water, sediment and commercial marine finfish and shellfish samples that were collected for study. The individual mean bioaccumulation index (IMBI) and Metal Pollution Index (MPI) values varied between finfish and shellfish. Target hazard quotient (THQ) index values were calculated, and copper and zinc were found to be elevated at levels affecting children in particular. Thus, efforts are urgently needed to resolve the current and potential risks associated with the negative impact of heavy metal intake from seafood on human health. This study attempts to identify levels of metal contamination and corresponding risk factors with regard to human health.

Late Quaternary benthic foraminiferal and ostracod response to palaeoenvironmental changes in a Mediterranean coastal area, Port of Salerno, Tyrrhenian Sea

The Late Quaternary benthic foraminiferal and ostracod assemblages from two continuous cores drilled in the Port of Salerno were studied to define their relationship with geochemical characteristics of the sediments and with the palaeoenvironmental evolution. The succession, ranging from Late Pleistocene to the 20th century, recorded the transition from a marine coastal environment under natural conditions to a depositional context affected by anthropogenic influence. In the lower part of the sequence, ecological and sedimentary changes were linked to sea-level changes due to Late Quaternary climatic phases, as well as to volcanic events such as the Campanian Ignimbrite eruption, represented by levels with high metal (Fe, Mn, Pb, Zn) concentrations, possibly leading to low pH phases. Later human activities, such as the construction of harbour facilities in the 18th century and the industrial development in the 19th century, influenced environmental variations, as shown in the upper part of the succession. High levels of heavy metal concentrations (Co, Cu, Fe, Pb, V) recorded in layers deposited in the 1800s suggest the presence of a pollution event which could be linked to manufacturing activities and might have occurred during the first part of the 19th century. Calcareous meiofaunal assemblages showed high diversity values, probably due to the occurrence of ”rare short lived” species in an unstable environment. Assemblages were dominated by the foraminiferal species Ammonia aberdoveyensis and Haynesina depressula, and by the ostracods Pontocythere turbida and Semicytherura sulcata, which are considered as possibly stress-tolerant species.