Source Of Metal Contamination Research Articles

Assessment of metallic trace elements contamination in a mining area of the processing of Djebel Onk phosphate ore (Algeria)

Research relevance. Phosphate mining activities are one of the main sources of contamination by heavy metals since they harmfully affect the soil and lead to the degradation of the ecosphere. Research aim. This study aims at characterizing and evaluating the metallic contamination of soils in the vicinity of the Djebel Onk mine in the town of Bir El Ater (Wilaya of Tébessa) in eastern Algeria, and particularly focusing on estimating the spatial variability of this contamination and the extent of the contaminated area. Methodology. The physicochemical characteristic (pH) was determined by pH-meter, whereas AAS was used for the determination of heavy metals (Pb, Cu, Zn, Cd) in the examined soil Research results. The results reveal that soils that are close to the mine site studied and even those that are far away are heavily contaminated with heavy metals — lead (Pb), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu) and cadmium (Cd); the results also point out to a high variability of concentrations not only between sampling sites but also within the same mine site. The analysed soil pollution index is generally high even for soils sampled downstream more than 30 km from the mine site, whereas it is extremely high on the surface of the tailings slopes, underlining the fact that tailings are considered perennial sources of heavy metal contamination in their current state. Conclusion. The unhealthy area affected by metal pollution from mining sites in the Djebel Onk is very large as a result of the dispersion, by wind and water transport, of residual pollutants from the mine wastes abandoned on site. Remediation measures must be put into place to immobilize the pollutants and limit their spread to the environment Keywords: Soil contamination, Algeria, heavy metals, phosphate mine, pollution index.

Artisanal and Small Gold Mining and Petroleum Production as Potential Sources of Heavy Metal Contamination in Ecuador: A Call to Action

Mining and petroleum production are the source of many elements and base materials fundamental for our modern way of life. The flip side of these keystone industries is the environmental degradation they can cause if not properly managed. Metallic mining and petroleum production can contaminate the local ecosystem with sediments, chemicals used in the industrial processes and heavy metals, part of the metallic ore or oil reservoir. The objective of this project was to analyze the spatial distribution of the presence of different potentially hazardous elements that make up the metallic deposits and oil reservoirs in Ecuador, focused mainly on artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM) districts. Additionally, we were interested in analyzing this information under the local political and administrative contexts which are key to determining how likely it is that mismanagement of the local mineral deposits and petroleum exploitation projects will end up causing environmental degradation. An extensive and intensive literature search was conducted for information on the presence and concentration of 19 potentially harmful elements. We analyzed data on 11 metallic deposits throughout Ecuador and a major oilfield in the Ecuadorian Amazon basin. We used geographic information systems to analyze the spatial distribution of these reservoirs and their mineral compositions. The results indicated a widespread distribution and high concentration of elements potentially harmful for human health, such as mercury, cadmium and arsenic, throughout the metallic deposits in Ecuador. This is particularly true for long-exploited ASGM districts, such as Ponce-Enríquez, Portovelo-Zaruma and Nambija. This study highlights the importance of understanding geological diversity and its potential risks to better protect the biological diversity and public health of its inhabitants. Furthermore, we consider our work not as a call to stop ASGM mining nor petroleum production, but on the contrary as a strong call to plan every mining and petroleum production project considering these risks. Moreover, our work is a call to action by the local government and authorities to stop corruption and fulfill their duties overseeing the activities of mining and petroleum companies, stopping illegal mining, helping ASGM communities to improve their environmental standards, finding alternative income sources and protecting the local environment.

Source Identification of Heavy Metals in Surface Paddy Soils Using Accumulated Elemental Ratios Coupled with MLR.

Source identification of heavy metals in agricultural soils using small sample sizes, simple experimental procedures, and convenient analysis is urgently required. This study employed a simple source identification model using a visual comparison via radar plots, cluster analysis, principal component analysis, and a multiple linear regression model to determine the source of heavy metal pollution in soil samples from the Chang-Zhu-Tan urban agglomeration area of China. The elemental compositions of major pollution sources (atmospheric deposition, organic fertilizer, irrigation water, and tailings) were compared with soil samples from 11 study locations and the model was used to determine the relative contribution of different pollution sources at each sample site. The results showed that the model successfully calculated the contribution of different pollution sources at each site based on the pollution characteristics and contaminant transport rules of the region. The proposed method overcomes the requirement for extensive data and complex experimental procedures. Furthermore, the model can determine the source of heavy metal contamination in single or small plots, which is important for the prevention and control of heavy metal soil pollution and remediation at the plot scale.

Evaluation of coastal sediments for heavy metal contamination, Yanbu area, Red Sea coast, Saudi Arabia

To evaluate the heavy metal contamination, ecological risk and possible sources at Saudi Yanbu coastline, 30 sediment samples were collected for Fe, Pb, Ni, As, Zn, Cu, Cr, Co, Al, Sb, Cd, and TOC analyses using ICP-MS. The potential ecological risk index (PERI), enrichment factor (EF), contamination factor (CF), potential contamination index (Cp), geoaccumulation index (Igeo), soil pollution index (SPI) were calculated and interpreted, and multivariate analyses were applied. The results indicated the following order for metal averages: Al (8573 μg/g) > Fe (5895 μg/g) > Mn (192 μg/g) > Zn (80.4 μg/g) > Cu (35.87 μg/g) > Cr (27.11 μg/g) > Ni (23.5 μg/g) > Co (8.29 μg/g) > Pb (7.72 μg/g) > As (6.83 μg/g) > Sb (0.50 μg/g) > Hg (0.33 μg/g) > Cd (0.30 μg/g). Average levels of As, Ni, Zn, Co, Cd, and Pb values were greater than those reported from many coastal sediments from the Red Sea, Gulf of Aqaba, Arabian Gulf and Mediterranean Sea, as well as the sediment quality guidelines. The results of potential ecological risk revealed very high risk for Cd, high risk for Hg, considerable risk for Cu, Sb, and As, moderate risk for Pb and Ni, and no to low risk for Zn and Cr. The moderately severe enriched HMs (Cd, Zn, Cu, Hg) and the moderate enriched ones (Pb, Co, As) were originated mostly from anthropogenic sources related to industrial, agricultural, urbanization and fishing activities. The no and minor enriched HMs (Fe, Al, Ni, Cr, Sb) were mostly related to lithogenic factors related to rock weathering and atmospheric inputs.

Distribution of some potentially toxic heavy metals in the soil of Shoubra El Kheima, Egypt

This study aims to detect the effect of industrialization and urbanization on the soil content of some potentially toxic heavy metals. The soil of Shoubra El Kheima was considered one of the most fertile soils in the Nile Delta, Egypt. Forty samples from this soil were texturally categorized and chemically analyzed using inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES). The data were treated statistically and by geographic information system technique. The agricultural soils in the study area are mainly classified as clayey soil, whereas urban and industrial soil samples are varied in their classification from clayey to loamy sand. As, Cd and Zn in the soil exceed the maximum permissible limits whereas, Cu, Cr, Ni and Pb are within the permissible limit except for some samples. The obtained data show that the concentrations of Cu, As, Zn, Pb, Ni and Cr increase in the southeastern and southwestern parts of the study area. Urbanization, agricultural practices, and the atmospheric deposition from the different industrial activities are thought to be the main anthropogenic sources of heavy metals contamination in the study area.

Concentration of heavy metals in UHT dairy milk available in the markets of São Luís, Brazil, and potential health risk to children

ObjectiveTo assess the levels of heavy metals and their antagonists in dairy products available in the markets of São Luís, northeastern Brazil. MethodsChemical analysis of the heavy metals copper(Cu), lead(Pb), mercury(Hg), and nickel(Ni) and their antagonists iron(Fe), zinc(Zn), calcium(Ca), selenium(Se), and cobalt(Co) contained in dairy products using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). ResultsThe main heavy metal observed in dairy products were Hg; Pb; Se and Ni. A significant negative correlation was observed between the concentrations of Cu and Fe (rho = −0.634, p = 0.001), Cu and Zn (rho = −0.794, p = 0.000) in whole milk. A non-significant positive correlation was observed between Pb and Ca (rho = 0.387, p = 0.056), and Hg and Se (rho = 0.055, p = 0.795). ConclusionsDairy product brands available in the markets of São Luís could be considered a source of heavy metal contamination (Hg, Pb, Se, Cu, Ni) with weak correlations with their antagonists.

Health Risk Assessment of Heavy Metals in Groundwater of Industrial Township Virudhunagar, Tamil Nadu, India.

The present investigation deals with the health risk assessment due to the heavy metals (Cd, Cr, Cu, Co, Mn, Pb, Ni, and Zn) in groundwater in the industrial township of Virudhunagar district. Twenty groundwater samples were collected, and the measured concentration of the heavy metals follows the order Pb > Ni > Zn > Co > Cr > Cd > Cu > Mn. The metal pollution indices (heavy metal evaluation index, Heavy metal pollution index, degree of contamination) were calculated using the measured heavy metal concentrations. The samples collected nearer to the industrial zone have elevated concentrations of Pb, Cd, and Ni. The carcinogenic and noncarcinogenic risks were calculated based on the measured heavy metals concentration and average daily intake of water. The calculated carcinogenic risk values (5.66 × 10-3-1.56 × 10-2) (Pb, Cd, and Ni) exceed the acceptable limit of 10-6-10-4. The noncarcinogenic risk exceeds the acceptable limit of one for the heavy metals Pb and Cr. The higher carcinogenic and noncarcinogenic risk values reveal that the study area has health risks due to Pb, Cd, Ni, and Cr metals. Furthermore, factor analysis and cluster analysis showed that the industrial impact and wastage dumpsites are the prime sources for heavy metal contamination in groundwater of the study area.

Higher bioavailability of Cu and Zn in the eastern part of Johore Causeway: Will the pattern remain the same beyond 2030?

The purpose of this paper is to discuss Cu and Zn concentrations in Perna viridis soft tissues from the western and eastern parts of Johore Singapore Causeway. The polluted eastern portion of the Causeway had greater levels of Cu and Zn in different areas of the soft tissues of mussels than the western part. This indicated the eastern section of the semi-enclosed Causeway had higher Cu and Zn bioavailability than the western part. With some reports of high metal levels in the eastern part of the Causeway from 2015 to 2018, it is predicted that there will be a plausible constant source of anthropogenic metal contamination in the eastern part of the Causeway beyond 2030 if anthropogenic activities are not effectively controlled.

Heavy metal contamination in surface water of Mohammedia wetland, Morocco

Assessing heavy metal concentrations in wetlands and identifying sources of metal contamination are critical steps in protecting wetlands. Using seven sampling stations, we evaluated the spatial variation of some heavy metal concentrations in surface waters of the Mohammedia wetland and a selected segment of the El Maleh wadi that feeds the wetland. Field observations made it possible to identify and map the pollution discharged into El Maleh wadi, carrying heavy metals into the wetland. The analyses showed that the concentrations of lead, manganese, and cadmium far exceed the thresholds relating to fish life in 100% of sampling stations. All the evidence points to heavy metals contamination of surface water in Mohammedia wetland, generated by industrial activities, wastewater discharges, and leachate from the old landfill located upstream.

Seasonal variations in proximate composition and metallic elements of three cyprinids from a Central Himalayan river Alaknanda in Garhwal Himalaya, India

Fish is an irreplaceable, highly nutritious aquatic food in a balanced diet. On the contrary, fish can also be a source of metal contamination when ingested in excess through food and water. The aim of the present study was to determine the seasonal variations in the proximate body composition and levels of Na, K, Ca, Fe, Zn, Cu, and Pb in the muscle tissue of three fish species namely, Schizothorax plagiostomus, Schizothorax progastus and Barilius bendelisis dwelling in Central Himalayan river Alaknanda at Srinagar (Garhwal) in Garhwal Himalaya. The protein (21.01-21.74%) and carbohydrates (2.31-2.69%) were found maximum in summer season in all the studied fishes while lipid was found to be highest during monsoon season in S. plagiostomus (2.73%) and S. progastus (2.70%) and lowest (1.62-1.68%) in the winter season. B. bendelisis showed a different pattern of variation in lipid content being highest (6.32%) during summer and lowest (3.34%) in monsoon season. Significantly (F=5.69, p<0.04) high content of lipid was found in B. bendelisis as compared to S. plagiostomus and S. progastus during the three seasons. Na, Ca, K, and Fe were detected highest during monsoon, Pb, and Cu during summer and Zn during the winter season. However, Pb was not detected in all the fish samples during monsoon season. B. bendelisis was significantly (p<0.001)rich in Na and Ca, S. plagiostomus in K (p<0.01), and S. progastus in Fe (p<0.001) content during all three seasons. Ca was rich among macroelements while Fe among microelements in all the studied fishes. The amount of Zn (1.48-4.55 mg/100g), Cu (0.429-0.869 mg/100g), and Pb (0.117-0.447 mg/100g) were within the permissible limits of International food safety guidelines. The seasonal variations in the parameters are attributed to food availability, temperature changes, fish metabolism, and prevailing environmental conditions. Thus, these cyprinid species were regarded as safe and useful for human consumption.

Ecological risk assessment of trace metals in sediments under reducing conditions based on isotopically exchangeable pool

Determination of potential mobility of toxic trace metals in sediments under changing redox condition is important in ecological risk assessment. Current methods are limited in risk prediction in such dynamic environment. In this study, we have discussed the general disagreement from widely used methods (sediment quality guideline (SQGs), potential ecological risk index (PERI), risk assessment code (RAC) using BCR fraction information). In addition, the stable isotopic dilution method (IDM) was also modified to quantify metal lability in a microcosm experiment mimicking river bank sediment turning into anaerobic. The isotopically exchangeable Cd, Cu, Pb, and Zn quantified by IDM (%E incub) was used in the RAC to reveal the trend of risk during this process. Strong risks from Cd are suggested by the PERI and RAC as a result of high toxicity and mobility of the element, while SQGs suggests medium risk for Cu, Pb, and Zn in certain samples. The disagreement between the results of RAC assessed by metal lability (%E dry) and by BCR metal fractionation reflects the effect of sediment properties and source of metal contamination. The RAC based on the non-residual fractions is likely to overestimate the potential risk for most metals even there is a significant change in sediment Eh. The RAC assessed by %E incub reveals that the variability in risk in response to the reducing Eh is not consistent. Large fluctuation in %E incub for Cd (28.5%, 49.5%), Pb (27.6%, 18.2%), and Cu (14.4%, 24.7%) can shift the risks to a higher level in certain range of Eh in two sediments. In sediment with lower contents of metal binding phases (e.g. mineral oxides, organic matters), the release of metals can be more significant, thus higher ecological risk in changing redox condition.

Evaluation of the accumulation of heavy metals in water, sediments and plants of a coastal zone of Mexico

AbstractA preliminary environmental assessment of four heavy metals (Mn, Pb, Zn and Fe) on the coast of Campeche, Mexico was carried out. Surface sediments (0–10 cm), water and plants were collected in four sites of the coastline to obtain information about the levels and spatial distribution of the selected elements. The bioconcentration factor (BCF) was calculated for plants, where the BCF of Mn (3.375–3.558) and Zn (0.291–0.888) were high for Conocarpus erectus (button mangrove) and the BCF of Fe ranged from 0.022 to 0.023 in Laguncularia racemosa (white mangrove). This study showed that a significant source of metal contamination in the coastline of Campeche could be the discharge of municipal sewage. The relationship among metals, water, sediments and plants revealed a distinct behaviour of metals transportation in the marine environment. Mangroves operated as excluder species for nonessential metals (Pb) and accumulators for essential metals (Zn). Results showed that mangroves could be employed as a phytostabiliser of heavy metals.

Metal Distribution and Sediment Quality Variation across Sediment Depths of a Subtropical Ramsar Declared Wetland

The study of wetlands is particularly important as these systems act as natural water purifiers and thus can act as sinks for contaminated particles. Wetland sediments are important as they provide an indication of potential contamination across temporal and spatial scales. The current study aimed to investigate the distributions of selected metals and nutrients in different sites in relation to sediment depth, and identify relationships among sediment metals. Significant differences in nutrient (i.e., N, P) and metal (i.e., K, Mg, Na, Fe, Cu, B) concentrations were found across study sites, whereas nutrients (i.e., N, P) and metals (i.e., Ca, Mg, Fe, Cu, Zn) were significantly different with sediment depths. When compared against Canadian sediment standards, most of the assessed metals were within the “no effect” level across the different sites and depths. The K, Ca, and Mg concentration showed extreme contamination across all sites and depths. The enrichment factor values for K, Ca, and Mg showed extremely high enrichment levels for all sites and sediment depths. The Na, Mn, Fe, Cu, Zn, and B concentration showed mostly background enrichment levels. All sediments across the different sites and sediment depths indicated deterioration of sediment quality. Pearson correlations suggest that most metals might have originated in a similar source as that of Mn and B, owing to a lack of significant differences. These results provide baseline information for the general management of the Nylsvley Wetland in relation to sediment metal pollution. The specific sources of metal contaminants also require further elucidation to further inform management efforts.

Toxicity of Copper in Epinephelus marginatus (Perciformes; Serranidae) After Ingestion of Contaminated Food.

The dusky grouper Epinephelus marginatus is predator fish subjected to be impacted due to the contamination of their habitats. A viable source of metal contamination, i.e., copper (Cu), in this species is the ingestion of contaminated food. The objective of this work was to verify the toxic effects of Cu contaminated feed in dusky grouper. A 15days trial was conducted with three treatments: control, 1g and 2g Cu/kg of fish feed. After the trial, the gut was analyzed for Cu concentration and the liver for SOD and GST activity. The Cu concentration in the intestinal tract was significantly greater in fish from contaminated treatments when compared with control. The SOD was significantly lower in contaminated fish, and the GST did not show differences among treatments. Copper showed to be toxic for the species, as evidenced by gut accumulation and suggested by SOD response.

Ecological risk assessment of toxic metals contamination in Tuticorin coast of Gulf of Mannar, Southern India

ABSTRACT The concentration of toxic metals due to manmade activities in Tuticorin coastal zone in the surface water and sediment samples was estimated and summarised. Toxic metals such as Cd, Cu, Pb, and Zn were analysed trimonthly for a continuous period of one year from July 2014 to June 2015 consisting four seasons. The outcomes uncovered that higher concentration of metals was recorded throughout the mid-year season in the water and sediment samples. Likely, the order of metals is as follows: Pb > Zn > Cu > Cd in the water, and Zn > Cu > Pb > Cd in the sediment samples. The dataset was dissected through multivariate statistical examination to comprehend the relationship, occasional circulation, and source of pollution. Geo-accumulation index indicated that the study sites were moderately contaminated. Ecological risk assessment showed that the study area is under moderate risk. The main sources of metal pollution in the study area are due to industrial wastes, chemical fertilisers, shipping activities, and sewage dump from the municipal waste, which predominantly pollute the Tuticorin coastal zones. The present investigation has uncovered that sources of metal contamination have aggravated in the Tuticorin coastal zone.

Assessment of Heavy Metal Contamination and the Probabilistic Risk via Salad Vegetable Consumption in Tabriz, Iran.

Considering the importance of vegetables as a source of micronutrients and fibers in a balanced diet, there is still a concern that vegetables could also be a source of toxic heavy metal contaminants. The study aimed to determine the concentrations of lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), arsenic (As), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), nickel (Ni), and zinc (Zn) in the salad vegetables sold in Tabriz city, Iran, and to evaluate the probabilistic health risk assessment. The amount of toxic metals in 240 samples was evaluated by atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AAS) method. The average levels of toxic metals in the samples were found to be 1.59, 1.26, 1.42, 4.89, 13.38, 1.01, and 32.65mg/kg for Pb, Cd, As, Cr, Cu, Ni, and Zn, respectively. According to the results, Zn and Cu had the highest concentration, whereas the lowest concentration belonged to Ni. The rank order of the toxic elements in the samples based on target hazard quotient (THQ) values was Cr > Cd > As > Pb > Cu> Zn > Ni, for both females and males. Leafy vegetables had a higher amount of total target hazard quotient (TTHQ) than tuber crops for both males and females. The carcinogenic risks of As and Pb were 0.032 and 0.03 in the females and 0.22 and 0.19 in males. According to the finding, there may be a potential risk of toxic metals, especially Cr, Cd, and As, for both females and males in Tabriz through the consumption of vegetables.

Higher Bioavailability and Contamination of Copper in the Eastern Part of Johore Causeway: Will the Pattern Remain the Same Beyond 2020?

The aim of this paper is to determine and discuss the Concentrations of Copper (Cu) in the different soft tissues of Perna viridis and surface sediments collected from western and eastern parts of Johore Singapore Causeway. In general, it is found that the different tissues of eastern mussel populations were found to have significant (p < 0.05) higher Cu levels than those in the western mussel populations. This indicated higher Cu bioavailability in the eastern part of causeway than that in the western part. The geochemical fractions (except for oxidizable-organic fraction) showed significant (p < 0.05) higher Cu levels in the eastern sediments than those in the western part of the causeway. This indicated higher Cu contamination in the eastern part of causeway than that in the western part. With consistent scientific reports of high metal levels in the eastern part of causeway between 2015-2018, it is predicted that there is a plausible constant source of anthropogenic metal contamination at the eastern part of the causeway beyond 2020 should there is no drastic effective control of the anthropogenic activities.

Distribution of levels of soil contamination by heavy metals in the Ivanovo and Kostroma regions, Russia

Aim . Identify potential sources of heavy metal contamination of soil in the Ivanovo and Kostroma regions, Russia. Identify the risks to public health in the regions studied. Material and Methods . 72 sampling sites were laid out. Laboratory preparation of extracts from soil samples was carried out in the facilities of the Biological ‐ Chemical Faculty of Ivanovo State University. Hardware analysis was undertaken using a 210 VGP atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Statistical and mathematical data processing was carried out with the OpenOffice Calc open ‐ source software package. The plotting of cartographic materials was done with Quantum GIS Brighton. Since soils are often contaminated with several elements at the same time, the total pollution index (Zc) was calculated for them, thus reflecting the effect of exposure of the groups of elements. Results . Significant excesses above the maximum permissible concentrations (MPC) for cobalt, lead, and cadmium were not found in spring soil samples. The average pollution value Zc for the Ivanovo region was 20 units (a significant pollution level) and for Kostroma ‐ 38 (a high pollution level). The hazard coefficient for the content of heavy metals in the soil cover of the Ivanovo region is thus in the second range (significant risk), while in the soil cover of the Kostroma region it is in the third range (high risk). Conclusions . Mostly heavy metals enter the soil from solid waste dumps and also settle during the snowless season. There is a risk to public health.

Heavy metal contamination assessment and source apportionment analysis using multivariate methods in surface sediments of mining-impacted rivers in Benguet

ABSTRACT This study provides a comprehensive assessment of Hg, As and Pb contamination in surface sediments of two rivers in Benguet, Philippines where mining is a primary industry and a potential source of heavy metals pollution in the rivers. Concentrations of Hg, As and Pb in river sediment samples were measured and assessed using single-element and multi-element indicators. Two points in each river were identified as highly contaminated while the other sites have low to moderate contamination and ecological risk. Multivariate analyses revealed the affinity of Hg and As to fine particles and the co-existential nature of Hg and As in the rivers, which suggests common anthropogenic source.

Microbes as a boon for the bane of heavy metals

Modern globalisation has escalated anthropocentric sources for heavy metal contamination in diverse natural habitats. Pernicious nature of heavy metals poses a major threat to all life forms in the environment. Heavy metals are not degradable like the organic pollutants but could be transformed to be persistent in a less toxic form. Microbes are the cheap tool as they evolve rapidly to combat heavy metal stress by developing various survival strategies, for instance sequestration or active transportation of metal. Their short generation time, large surface area and ease of genetic manipulation makes them ideal candidates to use for the bioremediation process. Many heavy metal resistant microbes such as species of Bacillus, Pseudomonas, Acidothiobacillus, Saccharomyces, Geobacter and Rhizophus have been used for remediation of heavy metal contaminated sites. The effectiveness of bioremediation technique depends upon various factors, including biotic as well as abiotic, which mainly determine bio-availability of metal for remediation. The different metal microbe interactions such as sorption, accumulation, mineralization, transformation and solubilization are responsible for tapering heavy metal concentration at various loci or sites. The review emphasizes on the different interactions of the microbes with heavy metals, their survival strategies and the applications of the resistant strains in remediation.