Metal Concentrations In Soil Samples Research Articles

Content of heavy metals in Carpathian soils (Poland)

The article addresses determining the concentration of six chemical elements: Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, and Zn in the soils of the southern slope of the Jaworzyna Krynicka mountain in the Beskid Mountains. The research consisted of determining the diversity of metal content in soil samples taken at different altitudes (500, 600, 700, 800, 900, 1000, and 1100 m MSL). The test results indicated low soil contamination in the selected area, particularly for the altitudes of 500 and 900 m MSL. For these altitudes, the content of Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, and Zn was similar to the concentration of these metals in uncontaminated soils. In the conducted research, very low Cd content was found for all absolute altitudes. The chemical element of metal whose content in the soils under study was the highest and exceeded natural values was Zn. All tested metals showed a common trend of increasing content in the soils up to 800 m MSL.

Determination Of Heavy Metals and Radon Concentration in Soil and Water Samples from Wadi-B Jere Oil Exploration Sites in Maiduguri, Northeast Nigeria

Radon gas and heavy metals are two significant risk factors that can cause lung cancer. Wadi B, a locality in Jere local government of Borno state, is an area where oil exploration is underway. There is a potential health risk of contamination of the drinking water and soil samples in the area. To investigate radon concentration and heavy metal contamination, several samples of water from wells and boreholes, as well as soil samples, were collected for analysis. The analysis was conducted using liquid scintillation (LSC) and atomic absorption spectrometry. The result of radioactivity analysis using LSC shows that water samples have varying levels of radon concentration ranging from 17.77 Bql-1 to 22.50Bql-1 which exceeded the maximum contaminant levels of 11.1Bq/L set by the USEPA 1999 and the world average value of 10Bq/L set by the World Health Organisation (WHO 2004). The mean annual effective cancer risk of radon intake varied across sampling points, ranging from 0.164, 0.246, 0.287 to 0.130, 0.218, and 0.227 for adults, children, and infants, respectively, with mean values of 0.146, 0.219, and 0.255. The mean values of excess lifetime cancer risk (ELCR) associated with radon inhalation and ingestion for adults, children, and infants were 0.0005110, 0.0007660, and 0.0008930, respectively. Moreover, elevated conductivity and total dissolved solids in water samples suggest potential contamination, exceeding the recommended limits set by the World Health Organization. On the other hand, Heavy metals analysis shows a mean value of ELCR 0.125009 for adults and 0.000063 for infants. Results showed that heavy metal concentrations in soil samples exceeded permissible limits for all metals except chromium and lead, with the order of concentration being Cr < Cd < Pb < Cu < Zn. These findings underscore the need for ongoing monitoring and remediation efforts to mitigate environmental and health risks in Wadi B

Tracing and source fingerprinting of metals from the southern coastal sediments in Bangladesh.

Trace element pollution from anthropogenic sources is increasingly widespread. This pollution in terrestrial environments threatens agricultural crop production, while in aquatic environments, it threatens fish cultivation. The contamination of these crucial food sources raises significant concerns regarding food safety, security, and its potential adverse effects on human health. Coastal areas are particularly vulnerable to heavy metal pollution due to their proximity to industrial and urban centres, as well as their susceptibility to contamination from marine sources. In attempting to identify the sources of heavy metals (As, Cu, Cr, Cd, Fe, Hg, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Zn) and measure their contributions, we collected soil samples from thirty sites along the three coastal districts (Patuakhali, Barguna, and Bhola) in Bangladesh. Using atomic absorption spectroscopy, heavy metal concentrations in soil samples were measured and three receptor models (PMF, PCA-MLR, and UNMIX) were applied to detect their sources. Pairwise correlation analysis of metal concentrations in 30 sites across 3 coastal districts showed all possible patterns, including both significant and insignificant positive and negative relationships between different metals, except for As and Hg which did not display any significant relationships with other metals. The concentrations of Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, and Zn exceed the US-EPA sediment quality standard. The applied PCA-MLR, PMF, and UNMIX models identified several sources of heavy metal contamination, including (i) mixed anthropogenic and natural activities: contribution of 59%, 37%, and 43%, and (ii) vehicle emissions: contribution of 23%, 26% and 29%. The recognized metal sources should be prioritised to avoid the discharge of poisonous pollutants from anthropogenic factors and any possible future exposure. This study's findings have implications for ongoing monitoring and management of heavy metal contamination in coastal environments to mitigate potential health and ecological impacts and can inform policy development and management strategies.

Determination of bio-accumulated Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni and Pb in a wild plant Lantana camara L. Verbenaceae, grown on waste dump site and assessment of its phyto-extraction potential for studied metals

The inputs of chemical fertilizers, street runoffs and regular use of heavy metal contaminated water to irrigate farm crops may result in elevated levels of heavy metals in agri-soil. The food crops growing on such soils may selectively bio-accumulate these metals, which usually depend on the concerned plant’s bio- accumulation potential for concerned metal and characteristics of the soil. This study was aimed to evaluate the bio-accumulation of Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni and Pb in the root, stem and leaves of the wild plant Lantana camara L., Verbenaceae, grown on waste dump site, by analyzing levels of studied metals in soil and plant parts. The bio-concentration factors (BCFs) and translocation factors (TFs) for metals under study were also evaluated, to find out the suitability of Lantana plant for phytoextration of the tested metals. The observed order of metal concentrations in soil samples was Pb (8.91± 0.54) > Cr (6.42 ±0.43) >Cu (1.91± 0.17) > Ni (1.42± 0.13) > Cd (0.86± 0.09, mg/Kg). The observed levels of studied metals in roots, stem and leaves of Lantana were, Pb(8.73±0.32)> Cr (2.96± 0.18)> Cu (2.16±0.15)> Ni (1.38±0.12)>Cd (0.54±0.03mg/kg); Pb(5.18±0.24)>Cr (3.18±0.18)>Cu (2.42±0.17) >Ni (1.49±0.12) >Cd (0.28±0.02, mg/Kg) and Pb (6.07±0.27)> Cr (1.30±0.13) >Cu (0.88±0.07) Ni (0.16±0.02) >Cd (0.10 ±0.01, mg/Kg), respectively. The bio-concentration factors for Lantana from soil to roots (BCFRoot) and from roots to shoots (BCFShoot) for Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni and Pb were 0.63, 0.46, 1.13, 0.97 (~ 1.00) and 0.98 (~ 1.00) and 0.70, 1.51, 1.49, 1.20 and 1.29, respectively. The translocation factors from root to stem (TFStem) and from stem to leaves (TFLeaf) for tested metals in Lantana camara were, 0.52, 1.07, 1.12, 1.08, 0.59 and 0.36, 0.41, 0.36, 0.11, 1.17, respectively. Thus, the recorded BCF values, mostly being >1, makes Lantana suitable for phyto-extraction of tested metals from agri-soil and medium to good translocation factors (TF) suggested the potential of the plant to translocate the tested metals into the stem and leaves.

Bio-Concentration and Influence of Environmental Factors on Accumulation of Heavy Metals in Edible Autumn Morel (Morchella galilaea) of Low Elevation

Morels (Morchella spp.) are wild edible mushrooms and are globally known for their high nutritional value. The current study aims at probing the heavy metal content in early emerging autumn-type Morchella galilaea that occurs exclusively in the irrigated plains of Charsadda, Pakistan. The identification of samples was conducted through morphology and internal transcribed spacer sequence (ITS) data. Atomic absorption spectrophotometer was employed to analyze the soil and M. galilaea samples for heavy metals including Mn, Ni, Pb, Zn, and Cu. The heavy metal content in soil samples was within the permissible limits of SEPA China and WHO, USA with few exceptions. The hymenophore (H) and fruiting bodies (FB) were also analyzed revealing these metals within the permissible limits set by WHO and SEPA. Further analysis indicated that heavy metal concentration in the fruiting body (FB) was higher compared to those in the hymenophore (H). The toxicological assessment revealed that the transfer factor (TF) was less than 1 with a significant difference (p < 0.05) among samples. The daily intake of metals and health risk index values for all samples were <1. Hence, the daily intake of M. galilaea harvested from the wild has no toxicological hazards to human health, especially in the heavy metal concentration.

Evaluation of Some Heavy Metals Concentration in Soil Around Waste Dumpsite in Aniocha South L.G.A of Delta State Nigeria

The study analyzed the concentration of heavy metals in selected dumpsites in Ogwashi-Uku and its environs, and the impact on human health as soil contamination from agricultural fields leads to contamination of agricultural products. These produce when consumed have adverse effects on human health. A total of 12 soil samples collected from the dumpsites using a soil auger were collected at different depths of 0-15 cm for each sampling point to assess heavy metal content. Analysis revealed that metal concentrations in soil samples ranged from 0.001 to 0.049 ppm, with average concentrations of Cd (9.58 × 10-3), Pb (9.58 × 10-3), Zn (0.030), K (0.020), Na (0.019), Cu (0.055) in ascending order. Although the concentration of heavy metals in this study is below the permissible limit of FAO/WHO, soil monitoring and remediation is recommended.

Assessment of spatial variations in pollution load of agricultural soil samples of Ludhiana district, Punjab

Surveying, mapping, and characterizing soil properties are the critical steps in designating soil quality. Continuous use of inorganic fertilizers, pesticides, wastewater discharge, and leachates cause soil degradation and contamination of potable water and food ultimately leading to soil pollution and ill effects on human health. This study was undertaken to monitor the soil quality of agricultural soil samples collected from ten different agricultural fields in Ludhiana, Punjab (India), near Buddha Nullah, a Sutlej River tributary. Physico-chemical characteristics and heavy metal contents of soil samples were estimated during the study. The obtained results showed that all the agricultural soil samples were slightly alkaline in nature. Soil nutrients such as nitrates, phosphates, and potassium ranged from 0.06 to 0.11mg/g, 0.03 to 0.08mg/g, and 0.04 to 0.15mg/g respectively. The contents (mg/kg) of heavy metals such as cadmium, chromium, cobalt, copper, and lead were observed to be above the permissible limits in most of the soil samples. Allium cepa root chromosomal aberration assay was used for genotoxicity studies which has shown that Hambran (HBN), a site approx. 12.9km of the Buddha Nullah, induced maximum genotoxic effects, i.e., 46.7% aberrant cells in root tip cells of Allium cepa. The statistical analysis revealed the positive correlation of heavy metals like Cr, Cu, and Ni (at p ≤ 0.05 and p ≤ 0.01) with the total chromosomal aberrations induced in Allium cepa.

PUBLIC HEALTH IMPLICATION OF PAH AND TRACE HEAVY METALS IN SOIL SAMPLES FROM A PETEROLEUM REFINING AREA

The concentration of polyaromatic hydrocarbon and heavy metals in soil samples from vicinity around a petroleum refinery in Nigeria was investigated in an attempt to elucidate its public health implication. Soil samples were collected from three stations around the refinery; Ifie, Ijala and Ubeji which are in close proximity to the Refinery. Soil samples collected were digested and extracted for PAHs and Heavy metals using standard methods while analysis was carried out using a Gas Chromatograph and an Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer respectively. Health impact of the concentrations of PAH and heavy metals were estimated using the chronic daily intake and the hazard quotient. Results showed varying concentrations of PAH and Heavy metals in soil samples from the vicinities close to Warri refinery. The concentrations of the heavy metals followed the sequence; Zn>Cu>Mn>Pb>Cr>Ni>Cd, while the predominant PAHs were Benzo (a) anthracene, pyrene and chrysene. Ubeji station had the highest PAH and heavy metal concentrations in soil samples. Health risk assessment of heavy metals showed that there were no potential noncarcinogenic effects from exposure through accidental ingestion, dermal contact and inhalation because estimates were below the safety threshold. However, health risks assessment of PAH in soil samples indicated that there is a potential for carcinogenic effects upon dermal exposure to PAH. This study highlights the environmental pollution problems and public health concerns of petroleum refining, particularly the potential hazards of to the health of individuals residing in areas close to the refinery.

Investigation of the Distribution of Heavy Metals in the Soil of the Dahuangshan Mining Area of the Southern Junggar Coalfield, Xinjiang, China

Coal mining activities have a series of impacts on the local eco-environment, such as air pollution due to the release of toxic gases, contamination of soil with heavy metals, disturbance and contamination of surface and subsurface water, and damage to land resources with surface subsidence and accumulation of solid waste materials. This study investigated the distribution of heavy metals in mining sites by analyzing the heavy metal content in soil samples from different sites in the Dahuangshan mining area of the southern Junggar coalfield (Xinjiang, China). The results show that area C has the highest Cu content; and area B has the highest Mn content, the highest Zn content, the highest As content, and the highest Cd content, which indicate that area B underwent potential multiple heavy metal contamination. It also shows that the Cd is the major heavy metal for all three areas. The different eco-environmental indices, including the Nemerow comprehensive pollution index, the geo-accumulation index, and the potential ecological risk index, all show the same results, i.e., that Cd is the major potential contaminant in all three types of soil.

Could a city-dwelling bat (Pipistrellus kuhlii) serve as a bioindicator species for trace metals pollution?

Bats are an endangered group of mammals that are very sensitive to environmental stresses. One of such stress factor is trace metals pollution which threatens populations of insectivorous bats due to their top position in the food webs and exceptionally long life span. In our research Pipistrellus kuhlii was tested as a promising indicator species (urban-dwelling, sedentary, with limited daily home-range) for trace metal exposure of bats. We measured concentrations of Pb, Cu, Zn and Cd in internal and external tissues of bats from the industrial city Mariupol and the village Karlovka, Ukraine, to answer the following questions: (1) Do metal concentrations in soil samples differ between urban and rural areas, and between populations of P. kuhlii from those areas? (2) Does metal contamination differ between individuals of different sexes and ages? (3) Whether fur and/or wing membrane, the two tissues that can be collected from live bats, can be used as proxies of metal contamination in internal tissues (liver, kidney, lung, forearm bones) of P. kuhlii? Metal concentrations in soil samples were significantly higher in the city. Bats from the city accumulated significantly more Cd, Pb and Zn in external tissues than those from the rural area. Females accumulated more Cd than males, and this-year-born did not differ significantly from adult individuals. We did not find, however, significant positive correlations between metal concentrations in external and internal tissues, indicating that external tissues cannot serve as an indicator of the metal contamination of internal tissues in P. kuhlii.

A study about radiation dosimetry and heavy metal pollution in the Küçük Menderes Basin, Turkey (Radio-ecological and Heavy Metal Risks)

Agricultural researchers in many countries investigate radiological risks in soil and crops because it concerns human health. In addition, they also study heavy metal pollution in plants in cultivated soil for ecological safety. This study aims to analyze the activity concentrations of radionuclides and heavy metals in soil and corn crops in the Küçük Menderes Basin (Izmir, Turkey) – which is enriched with phosphatic fertilizers. We collected soil and corn samples from the area, and then separately measured concentrations of radionuclides (226Ra, 232Th and 40K) and trace elements (Cd, Cr, Cu, Hg, Ni, Pb and Zn) they contain. Activity concentrations of the radionuclides were acquired by radiometric methods (gamma spectroscopy). Heavy metal amounts were calculated using ICP-MS (inductively coupled plasma-mass-spectrometry). The mean heavy metal concentrations in the soil (Cd, Cr, Cu, Zn, Ni, Pb, Hg) were 0.096, 40.26, 26.51, 72.43, 32.24, 7.05 mg kg-1, 158.28 µg kg-1 and in the corn (Cd, Cr, Cu, Zn, Ni, Pb, Hg) were 0.01, 1.09, 2.05, 22.00, 0.54, 0.24 mg kg-1, 12.15 µg kg-1. The heavy metal concentrations in soil samples were as follows: Hg

Spatial distribution and ecological risk assessment of heavy metals in manganese (Mn) contaminated site

The spatial distribution, migration characteristics, and ecological risks of heavy metals in manganese (Mn) contaminated sites were studied by field investigation and geostatistical analysis. In this study, surface soil samples were collected from an Mn mine wasteland and the soil in this area was polluted by Mn, Pb, Cu, Cd, Zn, and Cr, and the corresponding element concentrations were 16.3, 15.4, 15.0, 9.90, 6.10, and 1.1 times of the limited standard, respectively. In addition, the soil in different samples in the same region has obvious heterogeneity. By using X-ray fluorescence spectrometry (XRF) and inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), the heavy metal concentrations in soil samples were determined. ICP-MS corroborated XRF for soil heavy metal determination and showed that XRF was a reliable and quick alternative for heavy metal determination in soil. To discover heavy metal distribution trends, distribution maps of heavy metals were created using the Kriging interpolation method. The geoaccumulation index (Igeo), improved Nemerow index (INI), and potential ecological risk index (RI) was used to assess the pollution degree and the environmental risk of metal pollution in the study area. The contamination degree of heavy metal is Mn > Cd > Pb > Zn > Cu > Cr. The spatial distribution and risk assessment of heavy metals in manganese contaminated sites will help to monitor the migration trajectory of heavy metals in mining areas and protect the soil from long-term accumulation of heavy metals. It provides the basis for heavy metal pollution remediation strategy and ecological risk management.

Kandungan Logam Berat dalam Tanah pada Daerah Sekitar Penambangan Emas di Sungai Kuantan

This study aims to determine the heavy metal content contained in the soil in the area around the gold mining in the Sungai Kuantan, Kabupaten Kuantan Singingi, Riau. There was 4 predetermined sampling points using GPS. Analysis of metal content in the soil was performed using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS). The results of the study found that there are heavy metal content in soil samples of Pb, Hg, Zn, As, Cd and Cu. Based on the threshold value of predetermined sediment / soil, the concentration of heavy metals contained in the soil in the area around the gold mining in the kuantan river far exceeds the predetermined threshold.

Heavy Metal Assessments of Soil Samples from a High Natural Background Radiation Area, Indonesia.

Mamuju, Indonesia, is an area with high natural background radiation. This study assesses heavy metal content in soil samples from this area to determine the level of public and environmental hazard it presents. This study analyzes natural radionuclide elements using high purity germanium (HPGe) gamma spectrometry and performs heavy metals analysis using a flame atomic absorption spectrometry (FAAS). Moreover, pollution indices and descriptive analyses were used to assess heavy metal contamination in the environment and the correlation between heavy metals and radionuclides. The results demonstrate that soil samples in several areas of Mamuju contain a high concentration of the natural radionuclides 226Ra and 232Th, and that heavy metal concentrations in the soil decrease in the sequence Zn > Pb > Cr > Cu > Ni > Cd. This study revealed that soil samples from Mamuju are moderately contaminated. There was a strong positive relationship between 226Ra, 232Th, ambient dose equivalent rate, and Pb. Ecological risk index (RI) and cumulative pollution index (IPI) values in Mamuju are 2.05 and 125, respectively, which are possible hazards to human health as a result. Pb concentration in the Mamuju soil samples ranged from 109 to 744 mg kg−1, exceeding the worldwide average of 27 mg kg−1.

Distribution, co-existing metals, and potential health risk of fluorine in farmland soil in different anthropogenic activity dominated districts in a county-level city in Sichuan province, Southwest China, in 2015.

Continuous fluorine (F) accumulation in soil by anthropogenic activities leads to variously global environmental and health issues. Herein, 300 farmland soil samples were collected from different anthropogenic activity dominated districts for studying the distribution and related health risk of F in soils. Co-existing metal concentrations in soil samples were also analysed to evaluate the relationship between the distribution of F and metals in soil. The median value of the total F concentration of 488 mg kg-1 in the present samples was higher than the median background F concentration in topsoil in Sichuan province of China (261 mg kg-1). Concentration of water-soluble F (1.33-26.2 mg kg-1) was two or three orders of magnitude less than that of total F in soil. Levels of total and water-soluble F in soils collected from the district with longer contamination history were higher than that from other districts with shorter contamination period, indicating a historical contribution of anthropogenic activities to F accumulation in soil. Notable positive correlation between the total F and vanadium (V) concentration in soil can be partly linked to the usually negative charged form or a common source of F and V in soil (e.g. coal combustion). Compared with inhalation and dermal contact, present human exposure of F in soil was mainly caused by oral ingestion, and the health risks posed by F in soil for both children and adults were acceptable. However, considering the higher potential risk for children than adults, the accumulation of F in soil induced by anthropogenic activities should not be neglect.

HEAVY METALS CONTAMINATION OF SOLID WASTE DISPOSAL SITES IN UMUAHIA, ABIA STATE

The extent of soil contamination with heavy metals within the vicinity of four solid waste disposal sites in Umuahia were assessed. Four solid waste disposal sites were sampled at depth profiles of 0-10 cm, 10-20 cm and 20-30cm respectively. The soil samples were digested and subjected to heavy metal analysis using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS). The results obtained revealed a wide variation in the concentrations of different heavy metals at various sampling sites. The heavy metal concentrations of soil samples at solid waste disposal sites were higher than those obtained from the control site. Maximum concentrations of Pb, Hg, Cu, Zn, Cd and As, were 2.910.02 mg/l, 0.300.00 mg/l, 15.000.02 mg/l, 143.00.15 mg/l, 2.260.31 mg/l, and 0.050.00 mg/l respectively which were obtained from soils with depth profile 0 -10 cm. There was a depth- wise steady decrease in heavy metal concentrations in the soil samples analyzed. However, geo-accumulation (Igeo) index suggested significant contribution of cadmium to soil contamination. Geo-accumulation (Igeo) index of Cd ranged from 1.78 to 4.20, indicating very high contamination of the soil by Cd. But calculated pollution load index (PLI) ranged from 0.10 to 0.45, which does not indicate high pollution load status of the soil.

Habitat-, age-, and sex-related alterations in oxidative stress biomarkers in the blood of mute swans (Cygnus olor) inhabiting pomeranian coastal areas (Northern Poland)

The mute swan (Cygnus olor) can be considered a representative species of birds associated with the aquatic environment and responding very clearly to changes in the environment. Assuming that the condition of the mute swan population well reflects the state of the environment, this species was used in our research as a bioindicative species. Thus, the aim of our study was to elucidate the association between metal contents in soil samples collected from a habitat of mute swans and element contents in their feathers as well as the levels of biomarkers of lipid peroxidation, oxidatively modified proteins, and total antioxidant capacity in the blood of mute swans living in three agglomerations in coastal areas in the southern part of the Baltic Sea (Pomeranian region, northern Poland). We compared the effects of inhabitation, age, and sex on the ecophysiological accumulation of metals in three wintering populations of the mute swan from coastal areas of northern Poland, i.e., Słupsk, Gdynia, and Sopot. In Słupsk, the anthropogenic pressure was related predominantly to the level of Al and, to a lesser extent, to the content of Rh and Ru. We found maximum levels of lipid peroxidation biomarkers in the blood of the mute swans from Gdynia (38.20 ± 6.35 nmol MDA·mL−1). At the same time, maximum levels of aldehydic and ketonic derivatives of oxidatively modified proteins were noted in the blood of swans from Sopot compared to the values obtained in mute swans from Słupsk and Gdynia. This trend suggesting high levels of oxidative stress biomarkers was also confirmed by a decrease in the total antioxidant capacity in these groups.

Effect of forest and agricultural land use on the accumulation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in relation to soil properties and possible pollution sources

This study investigated the effects of forest and agricultural land use on the accumulation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in relation to the chemical and biochemical properties of soil. The heavy metal content in soil samples was also determined; PAH diagnostic ratios were used to identify pollution emission sources. Soils from the Rybnik Forest District of Poland, which has suffered some of the most intense impacts from industrial PAH emissions in Europe, were investigated. Six 200-m-long transects were designated for the experiment, with samples taken every 50 m. These transects were located across forest, agricultural land, and ecotone zones. The organic C and total N contents, pH, hydrolytic acidity and base cation content of the soil samples were determined, as well as the microbial biomass of C, N and P, the enzymatic activity, and the PAH and heavy metal content. A significant impact of land management on the PAH content of the soil due to the supply of organic matter was confirmed. The forest soils were more contaminated with PAHs than the agricultural soils, with an average PAH content in the forest soils of 565.18 µg·kg−1, almost six times higher than in agricultural soils (91.42 µg·kg−1). In addition, soil biological activity, expressed by enzymatic activity, depended on the amount and quality of the soil organic matter and, to a lesser extent, on the PAHs and heavy metals accumulated in the soils. This study confirmed that organic matter has a significant impact on PAH accumulation and is the main soil component involved in the sorption and ageing of PAHs.

The effect of heavy metal pollution on urban ecosystem and the evaluation of different land classifications; in Bingöl city/Turkey

PurposeOne of the problems that urbanization creates on the ecosystem is the increase of heavy metal accumulation of the urban lands. Due to constant urbanization and industrialization in many parts of the world, metals are constantly spreading to the environment and pose a great threat to human health. The purpose of the study is to determine the effect of heavy metal accumulation values of the lands located in Bingöl city center on the urban ecosystem by examining them in terms of zonal and land-use classification.Design/methodology/approachThe research was conducted on 30 samples taken from five zones and six land-use classes (traffic area-TA, school area-SA, commercial-industry area-CA, green space-GS, residential area-RA and open space-OS). Heavy metal deposits of soil samples were determined in accredited laboratories using the Inductively Coupled Plasma – Mass Spectrometer (ICP-MS) and Atomic Absorption Spectrometer (AAS) device. The study employed the SPSS program for statistical analysis of laboratory results, and ArcGIS Pro programs were used to determine spatial pollution distribution.FindingsAlthough the heavy metal contents of soil samples pose no problems in terms of national and international standards, a number of zones carry risks for the future. In the analyzes, traffic and settlement area soils in terms of land-use classifications and Zone 5 soils in terms of zonal distribution were determined as ecologically risky areas.Originality/valueThe study provided suggestions on what should be done to use the results of the research in planning the physical development of the city.

Trace metal accumulation in pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) grown using organic fertilizers and health risk assessment from consumption

Organic farming and healthy nutrition are among the most popular topics of recent times. However, organic fertilizers, which are one of the important elements of organic agriculture, have the potential to threaten human health with the toxic substances they may contain. The present study aimed to observe the effect of farmyard manure, poultry waste and press mud on metal accumulation in pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) to determine the pollution severity of soil and to examine the health risk due to the consumption of organic fertilizer applied pepper. The multipurpose pot experiment was conducted to study the agronomical growth performance and accretion of metals in C. annuum grown with different organic fertilizers in the soil at the area of the Department of Botany, University of Sargodha, Pakistan. The trace metal contents in soil and C. annuum samples were analysed by atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AA-6300 Shimadzu Japan). Trace metal concentrations in soil samples ranged from 0.152 to 0.850, 2.167 to 5.812, 0.345 to 1.235, 2.682 to 5.875, 0.095 to 0.558, 6.132 to 17.062, 0.172 to 2.235 and 6.670 to 22.585 mg/kg for Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Pb, Fe, Mn and Zn, respectively. In pepper samples, trace metal concentrations ranged from 0.364 to 2.206, 0.305 to 4.042, 0.272 to 1.160, 1.132 to 1.305, 0.164 to 0.204, 4.736 to 17.000, 0.844 to 1.150 and 14.751 to 18.385 mg/kg for Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Pb, Fe, Mn and Zn, respectively. The accumulation of Cd and Pb had higher values of HRI than 1 and these values suggested that these metals had probability to cause health problems.