Indicator Of Metal Contamination Research Articles

Integrated approach of heavy metal pollution indices and complexity quantification using chemometric models in the Sirsa Basin, Nalagarh valley, Himachal Pradesh, India

Chemometric techniques and pollution assessment indices were applied to determine the source and intensity of pollution in the Sirsa River, Himachal Pradesh, India . Results show EC, Cr, Fe, Mn, and Ni were above the permissible limit as per the Bureau of Indian Standards. The heavy metal pollution index (HPI) and contamination index (Cd) provided contrasting outcome and poor correlation was observed. A heavy metal evaluation index (HEI) method was developed using a multiple of the mean and correlation coefficient values to provide an alternative pollution classification. The criteria of HEI adopted for reclassification of HPI and Cd produced comparable results; 40 % samples were labeled as low contamination, 50 % as medium contamination, and 10 % as high contamination for all indices. Principal component analysis along with cluster analysis was used to identify the main factors responsible for degradation of water quality, namely discharge of industrial effluent, river bed mining, agricultural runoff, and minor natural or geogenic input. The methods and chemometric study proposed here can be used as effective tools to gather information about water quality and water resource management.

Trace metals in water, sediment and bivalves of a tropical estuary, west coast of India

Trace metal pollution was studied in water, sediment and three selected bivalves in Mandovi and Chapora estuaries of Goa. The trace metal in water and sediment of Mandovi was higher than in Chapora. The concentration in the tissues was in the range of 1205.2–2506.7ppm for Paphia malabarica, 1906.2–2802.6ppm for Perna viridis and 778.7–1607.5ppm for Saccostrea cucullata in Mandovi estuary. Tha values for Chapora were 199.4–625.8ppm for P. malabarica, 812.6–1220.2 for P. viridis and 392.5–418.6ppm for S. cucullata. The anthropogenic input of metal in Mandovi estuary appears to be mainly responsible for the high accumulation of trace metals. These bivalves have potential to serve as indicator for metal contamination in seafood of Goa.

Some heavy Metal pollution investigation in Sulaimani province groundwater

The paper aims to go into the impact of some heavy metal contamination in the
 Sulaimani province groundwater for irrigation purpose. Water samples were collected
 from (36) locations in the study area that not the same and the heavy metals such as
 (Iron, Zinc, Copper and Manganese) were finding out by using Atomic Absorption
 Spectrophotometer. Heavy metal contamination appraisal in ground water required
 cognition of pre anthropogenic metal concentrations to act as a reference against which
 measured values can be compared. Groundwater taint by heavy metal was
 accomplished using Enrichment Factor (EF), Metal Contamination Index (MCI),
 Contamination Factor (CF), Pollution Index (PI), Contamination degree (Cd),
 modified Contamination Degree (mCd), Pollution load Index (PLI) and Index of geo
 accumulation (Igeo). Established on the above exponents, the results indicate the study
 groundwater resources to be very low degree of contamination.

An IndexApproach toMetallic Pollution in RiverWaters

Twenty water samples from a river system in southern Caspian Sea basin werecollected and analyzed for physicochemical parameters and metals (Cu, Zn, As, Cd, Pb, Ni andMn). In order to evaluate the risk potential of metal pollution in river water, use of two indicesnamely heavy metal pollution index (HPI) and contamination index (Cd) accompanied by clusteranalysis was taken in to consideration. Stations located within the upstream of the river (1 to 13)seemed to encounter low risk potentials while the downstream stations (14 to 20) approved tohold higher risks.The results also showed relativelymeaningful correlation among different metalswhich may be attributed to their same entry source, mainlymining and quarrying activities in thecentral parts of the basin following bymunicipal and industrial wastewater discharge to the riverin downstream. The convergence of both indices in this study was also of interest. Although themean values of both indices were below the critical values, severe precautions must be taken intoconsideration especially in the stations holding high risk potentials. Extreme use of river waterfor drinking, agriculture and industrial purposes within the water basin, relatively biota-richcharacteristic of the river and Caspian Sea as the final sink of the river are among the most significantreasons that make the river monitoring implementation inevitable.

The Lusitanian toadfish as bioindicator of estuarine sediment metal burden: The influence of gender and reproductive metabolism

Early diagenetic processes and anthropogenic activities are responsible for metal enrichment in estuarine sediments. The Tagus estuary (Portugal) is no exception, and as a result of past and present pressures, surface sediment contamination is still an issue in some areas. Since such metal loads may be incorporated by benthic organisms, this study analyzed the accumulation of trace metals in the Lusitanian toadfish (Halobatrachus didactylus) in the Tagus estuary. In order to determine the role played by the seasonal reproductive cycle of the Lusitanian toadfish in the bioaccumulation process of trace metals in its tissues, the concentrations of Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb and Zn were determined in the liver of male and female specimens captured during reproductive and non-reproductive periods. The results showed that metal accumulation in the liver was related simultaneously with gender and season, with females having higher levels of Cd, Cu and Zn during the reproductive period. The metabolic roles of Cu and Zn in embryonic development may explain such results, as both metals accumulated in the female liver to be transported to the gonads later on. Cd, on the other hand, does not have a metabolic role, and the higher concentrations of this metal found in spawning females could be related to the high affinity of Cd to vitellogenin, which is produced in the liver. To assess the species’ potential as an indicator of metal contamination, the concentrations of the seven elements were compared in the muscle tissue of adult, type I males (age ≥5), from two areas with distinct sediment metal loads. Non-essential metals in the muscle reflected the same differences between areas that were found in the sediment samples, evidencing H. didactylus as a potential indicator of those elements bioavailability from the sediment. The results showed that the muscle tissue of adult specimens of a relatively sedentary species such as H. didactylus is a useful indicator of long term accumulation of trace metals. On the contrary, liver concentrations of trace metals showed variation according to the reproductive status, which could lead to overestimate of the environmental status concerning trace metals bioavailability. Spawning season and liver tissue should thus be avoided in biomonitoring studies targeting this benthic fish.

Bioaccumulation of selected metals in bivalves (Unionidae) and Phragmites australis inhabiting a municipal water reservoir.

Urbanization can considerably affect water reservoirs by, inter alia, input, and accumulation of contaminants including metals. Located in the course of River Cybina, Maltański Reservoir (Western Poland) is an artificial shallow water body built for recreation and sport purposes which undergoes restoration treatment (drainage) every 4 years. In the present study, we demonstrate an accumulation of nine metals (Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, Zn) in water, sediment, three bivalve species (Anodonta anatina, Anodonta cygnea, Unio tumidus), and macrophyte Phragmites australis collected before complete drainage in November 2012. The mean concentrations of metals in the sediment, bivalves, and P. australis (roots and leaves) decreased in the following order: Fe > Mn > Zn > Cu > Cr > Ni > Pb > Co > Cd. A considerably higher bioconcentration of metals was observed in samples collected from the western and southern sites which undergo a higher degree of human impact. Sediments were found to be a better indicator of metal contamination than water samples. Interspecific differences in levels of metal accumulation were found between investigated unionids. U. tumidus accumulated higher levels of Cr, positively correlated with ambient concentrations, predisposing this species as a potential bioindicator of this metal in aquatic environments. On the other hand, species of Anodonta genus demonstrated higher accumulation of Cu and Cd. Positive correlations were found between Pb content in the sediments and tissues of all three bivalve species. In P. australis, metals were largely retained in roots except for Cd and Pb for which higher concentrations were found in leaves suggesting additional absorption of these metals from aerial sources. P. australis and bivalve from the Maltański Reservoir may be a potential source of toxic metals for animals feeding upon them and contribute to further contamination in the food chain.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1007/s10661-013-3610-8) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Use of oligochaete communities for assessing the quality of sediments in watercourses of the Geneva area (Switzerland) and Artois-Picardie basin (France): proposition of heavy metal toxicity thresholds

The aim of the study was to validate biological tools based on the analysis of sediment-dwelling oligochaete assemblages for assessing the biological quality of sediments in watercourses. The study intended to establish and compare heavy metal toxicity thresholds in streams of two different ecoregions (Geneva area in Switzerland and Artois-Picardie basin in France). The metals Cr, Ni, Cu, Zn, Hg, Pb, Cd, As, Co, Fe and Mn were analyzed. The PEC-Q (Probable Effect Concentration-Quotient) and TEC-Q (Threshold Effect Concentration-Quotient) were used as metal contamination indices. The results showed a significant negative correlation between the oligochaete index of sediment bioindication IOBS and metal contamination indices. Moreover a significant positive correlation between the percentage of Tubificinae without hair setae and metal contamination indices was noticed. Toxicity thresholds of PEC-Q=0.14–0.18 and TEC-Q=0.4–0.6 were established. The toxicity thresholds established in the two different ecoregions were consistent. At some sites, the sediment biological quality evidenced by the oligochaete analysis was poor, yet moderate PEC-Q were observed. The effects of confounding factors such as the bioavailability of metals and the presence of other pollutants (PCBs, PAHs and organic pollution) are discussed. Other conflicting results seemed to be explained by a reduced bioavailability of metals due to organic matter and Mn/Fe oxides.

Comprehensive assessment of heavy metal contamination in sediment of the Pearl River Estuary and adjacent shelf

Total metal concentrations (Cr, Ni, Cu, Zn, and Pb), acid volatile sulfide and simultaneously extracted metals (AVS–SEM), and heavy metal fractionation were used to assess the heavy metals contamination status and ecological risk in the sediments of the Pearl River Estuary (PRE) and adjacent shelf. Elevated concentrations at estuarine sites and lower concentrations at adjacent shelf sites are observed, especially for Cu and Zn. Within the PRE, the concentration of heavy metals in the western shore was mostly higher than that in the middle shore. The metals from anthropogenic sources mainly occur in the labile fraction and may be taken up by organisms as the environmental parameters change. A combination of total metal concentrations, metal contamination index and sequential extraction analysis is necessary to get the comprehensive information on the baseline, anthropogenic discharge and bioavailability of heavy metals.

Looking for suitable biomarkers in benthic macroinvertebrates inhabiting coastal areas with low metal contamination: Comparison between the bivalve Cerastoderma edule and the Polychaete Diopatra neapolitana

Metals accumulated in marine sediments are often a threat to benthic communities. With the recognized importance and wide use of stress biochemical responses as indicators of metal contamination it becomes essential to compare these markers between different species and verify their ubiquity and accuracy. Using wild Diopatra neapolitana and Cerastoderma edule, collected at several areas differing in metal contamination, this study aimed to assess the use of these two macrobenthic species as sentinel organisms and to determine the applicability of currently used biomarkers in benthic species exposed to a range of low metal and As concentrations. Total metal accumulation and intracellular partitioning was analyzed and metal-induced alterations were assessed through the analysis of several biochemical parameters in both organisms, including stress-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS), lipid peroxidation and protein content, the activity of antioxidant enzymes catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and of glutathione S-transferase (GST). Metal chelation by Metallothioneins (MTs) was also determined. Results revealed that D. neapolitana accumulated higher levels of metals when compared to C. edule, independently of the sediment concentration. Results also showed strong species-specific responses to metals and differences in the ability to sequester metals. Overall, C. edule showed to be more efficient metal chelator and precipitatior than D. neapolitana, which was less tolerant and presented oxidative stress. MTs proved to be a good predictor of metal accumulation in both species, even under low metal exposures. On the other hand, lipid peroxidation was a good indicator of oxidative damage, only observed in D. neapolitana, which was a result of higher metal retention in the soluble fraction.

PCBs, PAHs and metal contamination and quality index in marine sediments of the Taranto Gulf

Surface sediments collected from 10 stations of Taranto Gulf influenced by industrial waste waters were analysed for metals (Hg, Cd, Sn, As, Cu, Pb, Ni, V, Cr, Zn, Mn, Al and Fe), priority polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). Data were compared with the published results from other coastal areas of the Mediterranean Sea and with Sediments Quality Guidelines (effect range low-effects range medium, threshold effects level-probable effects level indexes) for evaluation of probable toxic effects on marine organisms. Moreover, mean effects range medium (ERM) and mean probable effects level (PEL) quotients were used to evaluate the degree to which chemicals exceed guidelines. Results suggest an ecotoxicological risk for benthic organisms, mainly in sediments near ironed steel production plant of ILVA, where high concentrations of PAHs were found.

Hydrogeochemical Assessment of Metals Contamination in an Urban Drainage System: A Case Study of Osogbo Township, SW-Nigeria

With increasing urban population, attention had been focused on environmental degradation of urban drain-age system with respect to trace/heavy metal contaminations. Such concerns underlie the ever-increasing impacts of urbanization and industrial activities on urban watershed in the developing regions of the world, especially in areas with inadequate land-use plan and poor waste disposal and management practices. Hence, this study highlights the hydrogeochemical assessment of surface water and bottom-sediment samples from an urban drainage system in Osogbo Township, SW-Nigeria with respect to trace metals contaminations. The results show that the surface water samples have generally low TDS with average value of 362mg/l, while the average dissolved concentrations of the trace metals (Cu, Pb, Zn, Ni, As and Cr) vary from 0.01 to 0.5mg/l. Cu, Cr and As exhibit concentrations similar to the local background concentrations (LBC) in the pristine stream water with low single metal contamination factor (CF ≈ 1). Pb, Zn and Ni are 5 folds enriched with contamination factor (CF) of >5 indicating moderate to high contamination. For the sediment phase, the adsorbed concentrations of the trace metals (Cu, Pb, Zn, Ni, As, Cr and Co) vary between 0.1 to 3.1mg/kg. These represent about 1 to 3% of the respective total metal concentrations with average values of 18.2– 533.4mg/kg. Also low anthropogenic factor, AF (0.002 to 0.08) and mostly negative values (–5 to –15) of Mueller’s geo-accumulation index (Igeo) for adsorbed metal contents in the sediments suggest dominant geo-genic controls. However, the total metals concentrations in the sediment phase have high estimated AF of 1.1 to 9.3 and positive values of the estimated Igeo (0.9–2.0) and metal contamination index (MCI) of 2.5–8.3. All these suggest a medium to high level enrichment (of 2 to 10 factor) for most of the metals with respect to the local background concentration (LBC) in the basement bedrock units (with the exception of Cr and Ni). This is consistent with the preferential metal enrichment in the sediment phase as indicated by the estimated parti-tioning/distribution coefficient, Kd of >1 exhibited by the total metal concentrations in the stream sediment. Nonetheless, the correlated high peaks of electrical conductivity of the stream water samples and adsorbed concentrations of some trace metals within the urban stretches are indications of point source inputs of un-treated sewage into the drainage system.

Metal Contamination in the Sediment, Pondweed, and Snails of a Stream Receiving Effluent from a Lead/Zinc Mine in Southern China

This study assessed the potential of Potamogeton crispus and Pomacea canaliculata as biomonitors of sedimentary metal contamination. The results indicate P. crispus possesses several attributes of a biomonitor and its tissue concentrations of Cd, Pb and Zn may reflect the levels of sedimentary contamination by these metals. Although P. canaliculata can accumulate metals to high levels and serve as an indicator of metal contamination, its tissue metal concentrations did not correlate with those of the sediments or macrophytes.

Analysis of fish samples for environmental monitoring and food safety assessment by synchrotron radiation total reflection X-ray fluorescence

This study uses fishes as indicators of metal contamination in the Piracicaba Basin and also for evaluation of the risks to human health by the ingestion of fish contaminated by metals and other potentially toxic elements. Based on total reflection X-ray fluorescence analysis, Al, Si, P, S, Cl, K, Ca, Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Ni, Cu, Zn and Ba were detected and evaluated in the muscle and viscus (liver, intestine and stomach) of fish collected in the Piracicaba River.

Cadmium−Copper Antagonism in Seaweeds Inhabiting Coastal Areas Affected by Copper Mine Waste Disposals

Cadmium and copper accumulation by macroalgae was studied in a coastal area exposed to upwelling events and high levels of Cu, the latter resulting from mine disposals. Eight species were studied, and all had very high concentrations of Cd outside of the Cu-contaminated area. Cu in algal tissues was much higher in contaminated than in reference sites. High Cu appeared to suppress Cd bioaccumulation; Cd in algal tissues was much lower in the Cu-contaminated area than in the reference sites. Transplant experiments with Lessonia nigrescens revealed a depuration of Cd in individuals transplanted to areas with high Cu. However, Cd depuration occurs more slowly than Cu uptake. These differences suggest that while Cd and Cu are linked mechanistically, itis nota simple substitution. Overall, the work confirms that macroalgae are useful indicators of metal contamination and may be used as in situ biomonitors for labile forms of metals, like free Cu2+. However, antagonistic relationships between metals must be clearly understood in order to properly interpret their concentrations in macroalgae.

The impact of industrial pollution on the Jorf Lasfar coastal zone (Morocco, Atlantic Ocean): the mussel as an indicator of metal contamination

Abstract The present study characterizes the effluents of the ‘Maroc Phosphore’ factories III and IV (of Jorf Lasfar coastal zone). The results show that the effluent (Cs/l) is very acid, very phosphate-rich, high in suspended matter and calcium-rich. Hydrological parameters indicate an important content of phosphates, especially in the stations located in the South of Cs/l. Tissues of mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis from the Jorf Lasfar zone present high concentrations of Cd and Cu.

Metal Accumulation by Riverine and Lacustrine Populations of Angulyagra Oxytropis (Benson) (Gastropoda : Viviparidae).

Cadmium, chromium, iron, manganese, nickel, lead and zinc concentrations were determined in sediment and body tissues, viz. digestive gland, mantle and shell, of the freshwater snail, Angulyagra oxytropis (Benson) (Gastropoda : Viviparidae), from River Barak and one of its floodplain lakes in Cachar district, Assam State, Northeastern India. The concentrations of all the metals except iron are significantly higher in the lake sediment. When compared to their riverine counterparts, the lacustrine snails contain higher concentrations of cadmium, chromium and iron in their mantle; nickel and zinc in digestive gland; manganese in both digestive gland and mantle; and lead in all the three tissues examined. The accumulation patterns of most of the metals varied considerably between the two sites. The implications of these findings in storage, sequestration and detoxification of metals by this animal are discussed. The study also indicates that A. oxytropis may be a potential biological indicator of metal contamination in freshwater ecosystems.

Predicting animal cadmium concentrations in lakes

HUMAN activities have greatly increased the flux of many potentially toxic metals to aquatic ecosystems1. The development and implementation of effective remedial measures depend on our ability to predict the fate and effects of metals in these systems. Models based on sound physical-chemical and biological principles, such as the free-ion activity model2–5, have shown great potential as predictive tools. This model has been effective in explaining the central role of the free-ion concentration (or activity) as a regulator of interactions (uptake, toxicity) between metals and aquatic organisms2,3. It postulates that the biological effects of metals are best predicted by the activity of the free metal ion, rather than by total metal concentration. Because this model was developed in the laboratory under unnatural experimental conditions, it must be validated in field situations before being generally used in nature3. We report here that Cd concentrations in an indigenous aquatic insect larva, Chaoboruspunctipennis, are best described by the free-ion activity model, provided that competition for biological uptake sites between hydrogen ions and free cadmium ions, as well as cadmium complexation by natural organic matter, are explicitly taken into account. Our results suggest that the free-ion model would provide an effective theoretical framework for the use of animals as indicators of metal contamination in nature.

Allometry of heavy metal bioconcentration in the echinoid Paracentrotus lividus

The relationships between concentration and size in Paracentrotus lividus were studied for seven metals (Zn, Pb, Cd, Fe, Cr, Cu, and Ti). In the calcified body compartment, Zn concentrations showed inverse power relationships, while concentrations of Pb, Cd, and Cr increased as power functions of echinoid size; Fe, Cu, and Ti concentrations did not vary significantly with echinoid size. In the non-calcified body compartment of the echinoid, the concentrations of Zn, Pb, Fe, Cu, and Ti showed inverse power relationships, Cd concentrations increased linearly, and Cr concentrations did not show any significant relationship with echinoid body size. Most relationships were rather weak, except in the cases of Pb and Fe in the non-calcified compartment and Cd in the calcified compartment. The allometric relationships were affected by seasonal factor in the non-calcified compartment only. The results indicate that biomonitoring programs using P. lividus as an indicator of metal contamination must take into account both echinoid size and season as source of metal concentration variations.

Sediment preference in the asiatic clam (Corbicula fluminea) and viviparid snail (Campeloma decisum) as a response to low-level metal and metalloid contamination

Sediment preference experiments were performed with the asiatic clam (Corbicula fluminea) and viviparid snail (Campeloma decisum) to determine the potential use of clam and snail behavior as a response to low-level metal and metalloid contamination. Three sediment types with varying levels of metal contamination were paired in various combinations. Clams and snails were placed in aquaria along the interface between the sediment types. Daily location and burial status were noted for two weeks. Clams spent significantly more days in the uncontaminated sediment when paired with one of the contaminated sediments. Snails spent more days in contaminated sediments when paired with the uncontaminated sediment, but none of these differences was statistically significant. Clams moved fewer days in tanks with the two most contaminated sediment types. Burrowing of snails was relatively unaffected by sediment treatments. The behavior of clams was more sensitive than the behavior of snails to sediment metal contamination. Consequently, clam behavior appears to be a better behavioral indicator of metal contamination.

Ulva lactuca as bioindicator of metal contamination in intertidal waters in Hong Kong

The use of Ulva lactuca L. as an indicator of metal contamination was assessed by analysing the levels of Mn, Fe, Ni, Cu, Zn, Cd and Pb in the alga collected from 24 intertidal sites around the Island of Hong Kong. Twelve of the sites are in the rural southern parts of the Island where the coastal waters are relatively clean. The remaining 12 sites are located in the north and within Victoria Harbour which receives, apart from industrial effluents, untreated domestic sewage from a population of some 3.5 million. The mean levels of Mn, Fe, Ni, Cu, Zn and Pb in Ulva from the urban sites were respectively 4.0, 4.6, 1.8, 2.3, 2.4 and 4.6 folds those from the rural sites. However, similar levels of Cd were found in the alga amongst all the sites. Locations of high levels of metal contamination, particularly to the eastern end of the Harbour, have been identified. Preliminary results indicate that Ulva is a good indicator of Mn, Fe, Cu, Zn and Pb contaminations.