Metal Enrichment Factors Research Articles

Terrestrial response to the Early Cretaceous Weissert Event: Insights from carbon isotope records of organic matter and leaf wax n-alkanes in an inland East Asian lake

The Weissert Event (WE), a significant Early Cretaceous environmental disruption, is recognized globally in marine carbonate records for its positive carbon isotope excursion (CIE), organic matter (OM) enrichment, and widespread anoxia. However, records of its terrestrial impact are sparse. This study examines carbon isotope compositions (δ13C) from the lacustrine facies of North China's Dabeigou Formation (Yushuxia section, Luanping Basin). The synchronous positive CIEs of total organic carbon (TOC) and C27–C31n-alkanes within Members 2 to 3 of the Dabeigou Formation corroborate the Weissert Event, marking its first terrestrial observation in North China. Ratios of the isoprenoids pristane and phytane (Pr/Ph), Corg/P ratios and enrichment factors (EFs) of redox-sensitive trace metals (Mo and U) indicate transient anoxic conditions within a mainly oxic-suboxic setting from the late Valanginian to early Hauterivian, which were unfavorable for OM preservation. This highlights that although a global positive CIE occurred during the Weissert Event, anoxia and/or high TOC deposition in inland lakes were not inherent features.

A correlation study of road dust pollutants, tire wear particles, air quality, and traffic conditions in the Seoul (South Korea)

The interdependence of traffic dynamics and air quality on the concentrations of tire wear particles (TWP), heavy metals, and carbon black (CB) in road dust collected from 15 locations in Seoul, South Korea, was assessed. Pearson correlation, principal component analysis, and network analysis were employed to evaluate the correlations among traffic volume, vehicle speed, air quality parameters (PM10, PM2.5, NOx, and CO), and the concentrations of TWP (5934 to 16,253 mg/kg, average 9581 ± 4086 mg/kg), CB (371–22,287 mg/kg, average 4291 ± 6096 mg/kg), and heavy metals (Cr, Mn, Fe, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Cd, and Pb) in road dust. The enrichment factors for heavy metals and the pollution index of TWP and CB were also calculated to evaluate the contribution of vehicle-derived particulate substances to road dust contamination. It was found that Cluster B, characterized by traffic-related variables such as traffic volume, vehicle speed, and heavy metals (Zn, Cd, and Pb), was significantly correlated with these pollutants, with correlation coefficients reaching up to 0.933. TWP was identified as a significant mediator in the increase of Zn, Pb, and Cd concentrations linked to traffic activities, contributing to pollution levels that were 2–16 times higher than the geochemical background. The presence of TWP and CB in road dust was identified as an indicator of contamination from traffic-related activities, highlighting the importance of Zn, Pb, and Cd as emerging pollutants that require targeted management strategies.

Spatiotemporal and multi-isotope assessment of metal sedimentation in the Great Lakes

This study investigates spatiotemporal dynamics in metal sedimentation in the North American Great Lakes and their underlying biogeochemical controls. Bulk geochemical and isotope analyses of n = 72 surface and core sediment samples show that metal (Cu, Zn, Pb) concentrations and their isotopic compositions vary spatially across oligotrophic to mesotrophic settings, with intra-lake heterogeneity being similar or higher than inter-lake (basin-scale) variability. Concentrations of Cu, Zn, and Pb in sediments from Lake Huron and Lake Erie vary from 5 to 73 mg/kg, 18–580 mg/kg, and 5–168 mg/kg, respectively, but metal enrichment factors were small (<2) across the surface- and core sediments. The isotopic signatures of surface sediment Cu (δ65Cu between −1.19‰ and +0.96‰), Zn (δ66Zn between −0.09‰ and +0.41‰) and Pb (206/207Pb from 1.200 to 1.263) indicate predominantly lithogenic metal sourcing. In addition, temporal trends in sediment cores from Lake Huron and Lake Erie show uniform metal concentrations, minor enrichment, and Zn and Pb isotopic signatures suggestive of negligible in-lake biogeochemical fractionation. In contrast, Cu isotopic signatures and correlation to chlorophyll and macronutrient levels suggest more differentiation from source variability and/or redox-dependent fractionation, likely related to biological scavenging. Our results are used to derive baseline metal sedimentation fluxes and will help optimize water quality management and strategies for reducing metal loads and enrichment in the Great Lakes and beyond.

Extent and Sources of Heavy Metal Pollution from Discharging Rivers in the Bohai Region, China

Studies have investigated heavy metal (HM) contamination in the Bohai Sea, but primarily in seawater and associated sediments, or in single rivers. For the first time, 31 major rivers discharging into the Bohai Sea were analyzed, along with 27 uniformly distributed coastal seawater samples and selected invertebrates. The elements measured were As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, V, and Zn. We calculated the ‘geo-accumulation index’, the ‘metal enrichment factor’, and the ‘contamination factor’, coupled with the ‘pollution load index’, and our findings suggested low-grade HM pollution, although two conspicuous associations of elements were found to stand out in particular: One is a combination of As, Cu, Cr, and V in seawater samples that may indicate pollution from intensive ship traffic. The other shows a significant pattern of Cr, Pb, and Zn in water samples from rivers discharging between Yantai and Weihai on the Shandong Peninsula at the south edge of the Bohai Sea. This is primarily a farming area, with a moderate share of industrial enterprises. Investigations including fertilizers and pesticides point to agricultural practices and textile printing/chrome tanneries as the causes of contamination. Overall, a significant decline was found in the HM load in the rivers, apart from those discharging into the Yellow Sea section.

Characteristics of Soil Heavy Metal Pollution and Health Risks in Chenzhou City

The objective of this inquiry is to illuminate the attributes of heavy metal contamination and evaluate the potential ecological hazards inherent in the surface soil of Chenzhou City. A comprehensive analysis was conducted on 600 systematically collected soil samples within the study area, utilizing enrichment factors, geo-accumulation indices, comprehensive pollution indices, potential ecological hazard indices, and health risk assessment models to evaluate the degree of heavy metal contamination in the soil, potential ecological risks, and associated health hazards. The findings reveal that the average enrichment factor (EF) for each heavy metal is below 2, with the hierarchy from highest to lowest being Hg &gt; Cd &gt; Cu &gt; Pb &gt; Ni &gt; Zn &gt; Cr &gt; As. Approximately 78.67% of soil samples exhibit no pollution to weak pollution levels based on heavy metal enrichment factors. Moreover, the comprehensive pollution index (IPIN) indicates that 95.17% of soil samples are within safe and pollution-free levels, indicating an overall environmentally secure setting. However, 2.67% of samples display heightened potential ecological risk levels, primarily concentrated in the southwestern region of the study area, influenced by nearby industrial activities. Additionally, it is noteworthy that both the non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic health hazards emanating from soil heavy metals to adult individuals lie within tolerable thresholds. Among these, arsenic (As), chromium (Cr), and lead (Pb) have been discerned as the principal non-carcinogenic agents. It is of particular significance that only a solitary soil specimen, located in the southwestern quadrant of the investigative region, manifests detectable health perils for children.

Identifying the key sources of metal (loid) deposition to remote Tasmanian lakes: is legacy mining a problem?

Reports have shown that even remote lakes have been negatively affected by anthropogenic activities. This study used metal concentrations and enrichment factors to comprehensively determine key metal sources and identify potential impacts of recent anthropogenic activity in remote Central Highland Tasmanian (Australia) lakes. Metal concentrations (Al, As, Cd, Cu, Fe, Pb, and Zn) in these lakes remain below Australian interim sediment quality guidelines but have been slowly increasing since the start of the twentieth century. This increase is likely related to increasing organic matter content, rather than any direct, increased input of metals. The largest anthropogenic impact to these systems was damming, which typically led to an increase in organic matter content either directly, by the trapping of particles and nutrients, or indirectly, by stimulating primary production in the lake. This increased organic matter content, in turn, increased the retention of metals, manifesting as an increase to measured metal concentrations. Minor impacts are the historical use of lead shot, leaded petrol, and industrial processes, which may have contributed to the higher Pb enrichment, compared to the other studied metals, in these lakes. Despite recent concerns of metal contamination in the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area from distant mining activities, there is no strong evidence in this study indicating that lakes in the Central Highlands (a similar distance away) have been impacted by long-distance atmospheric deposition. This is likely related to the decreased rainfall, and thus decreased rates of wet deposition of aerosols in the east of Tasmania, compared to that of the west and in the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area.

Variability of Metal(loid) Contamination in Road Dust from an Urban Park and a Traffic Intersection Between Two Rainfall Events and Its Implications

ABSTRACT Metal(loid) pollutants in road dust (road-deposited sediment) show obvious seasonal characteristics under the influence of sources. However, the short-term (days to weeks) variations of metal contamination in road dust in different functional areas with antecedent dry days (ADDs) and their relationships with the source factors were poorly understood, which reduced the comparability of researches and effectiveness of pollution remediation. Herein, temporal characteristics of As, Ba, Ca, Cd, Cr, Cu, Pb and Zn contamination in road dust were studied in two distinct functional areas in Nanjing, i.e. an urban park (Xuanwu, XW) and a stop light-controlled traffic intersection (Baima, BM), following a continuous 23-day sampling between two rainfall events. Mean concentrations of each metal at BM and XW were 1.6–29.5 and 1.3–10.8 times higher than those in the background soil, respectively. The enrichment factor (EF) was used to compensate for grain-size effect. EFs of metals were between 1.3 and 50.3, showing minor to extremely high contamination and different temporal trends. Combined with the EFs and positive matrix factorization (PMF) results, dry atmospheric deposition of industrial and construction sources was the main cause for comparable contamination levels of As, Ca, Cd and Zn between BM and XW and those stable temporal trends. Due to the traffic contribution, contamination levels of Cu, Ba, Pb and Cr at BM were higher (p < .05) than at XW. Different from the stable contamination levels at XW, contamination levels of Cu, Ba, Pb and Cr decreased at BM with the ADDs due to the dilution of traffic particles by less metal enriched atmospheric deposition. These results shed light on the quite different variations of metal contamination in road dust from different functional areas with ADDs under the influence sources, and have instructive significance on road dust sampling, metal contamination remediation and comparison between studies.

Enrichment Factors and Metallogenic Models of Critical Metals in Late Permian Coal Measures from Yunnan, Guizhou, and Guangxi Provinces

The Late Permian coal measures in eastern Yunnan, western Guizhou, and central Guangxi are significantly enriched in critical metals that could serve as important supplements to conventional critical metal deposits in China. This study collected previous geochronological and geochemical data from the Late Permian coal measures to evaluate the distribution characteristics and enrichment factors of critical metals. Moreover, metallogenic models for critical metals were also developed. The results showed that Late Permian coal measures in Yunnan, Guizhou, and Guangxi provinces exhibited abnormal enrichment in Nb, Zr, and rare earth elements (REY, or REE if Y is excluded). The Emeishan mafic rocks and intermediate-felsic volcanic ash from the Truong Son orogenic belt underwent chemical weathering, with Nb and Zr selectively preserved in situ in the form of heavy minerals (e.g., rutile, zircon, and anatase), which subsequently led to the enrichment of Nb and Zr in bauxite and Al-claystone at the bottom of the Late Permian coal measures. Intermediate-felsic volcanic ash from the Emeishan large igneous province (ELIP) and the Truong Son orogenic belt supplied Nb, Zr, and REY for the middle and upper parts of the Late Permian coal measures. The intermediate-felsic mineral material of the coal measures in the intermediate zone, outer zone, and outside zone of ELIP are derived mainly from the ELIP, the mixture from ELIP and the Truong Son orogenic belt, and the Truong Son orogenic belts, respectively. Nb, Zr, and REY were leached by acidic aqueous solutions and from the parting and roof into underlying coal seams, where they deposited as authigenic minerals or adsorbed ions on organic matter during early coalification.

Late Carboniferous marine-continental transitional sediments in the Datong Basin, North China: Mineralogical and geochemical characteristics and paleoenvironmental significance

To understand the sedimentary paleoenvironmental changes in the marine-terrestrial strata of the Upper Carboniferous Taiyuan Formation in the Datong Basin of North China, we generated mineralogical and geochemical data of the Tashan and Emaokou mines in the eastern Datong Basin. The study strata vertically comprise kaolinitic claystones in the upper and lower parts and calcareous mudstones in the middle. The kaolinitic claystones are primarily composed of kaolinite and quartz, with a small amount of illite, feldspar and siderite, whereas the calcareous mudstones comprise mixed-layer illite/smectite (I/S) clay and carbonate minerals, with a minor amount of quartz, kaolinite, feldspar, and siderite. The paleosalinity indicators (B/Ga, Sr/Ba, and paleontological detritus) indicate that kaolinitic claystones are formed in freshwater, whereas calcareous mudstones are formed in marine water. The redox-sensitive trace element ratios (U/Th and Ni/Co) and trace metal enrichment factors (MoEF and UEF) indicate that kaolinitic claystone and calcareous mudstone formed under oxic and anoxic–suboxic conditions, respectively. Clay assemblages, chemical alteration index (CIA), and the Sr/Cu ratios show that kaolinitic claystones and calcareous mudstones were deposited under hot, humid, intense weathering conditions and warm, humid, and moderately weathering conditions, respectively. Based on these data and combined with previous studies, we conclude that transgressive events caused the changes in sediments in the study area, and the occurrence of transgressive events is related to the global glacio-eustatic fluctuation and paleoclimate changes during the Late Paleozoic Ice Age (LPIA). Our results are essential for unraveling the relationship between the study area and global paleoenvironmental changes during the LPIA.

Pollution Characteristics of Different Components of PM2.5 in Taiyuan during 2017–2020 Wintertime and Their Toxicity Effects on HepG2 Cells

Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) is a common pollutant, and its health risk has attracted much attention. Studies have shown that PM2.5 exposure is associated with liver disease. The composition of PM2.5 is complex, and its hepatotoxic effects and lipid metabolism process are not well understood. In this study, we detected the concentrations of PM2.5 and its components (metals and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAHs)) in the winter in Taiyuan, Shanxi Province, China, from 2017 to 2020 and then assessed the health risks. We also investigated the effects of different components (whole particles (WP), water-soluble particles (WSP), organic particles (OP)) of PM2.5 on the cytotoxicity and lipid metabolism in human liver cell line (HepG2) after 24 h of treatment. The changes in cytotoxicity indexes (LDH, IL-6, reactive oxygen species (ROS)) and lipids (triglyceride (TG), free fatty acid (FFA)) were measured after 24 h. The mRNA expression of lipid metabolism-related factors (SREBP1, CD36, MTTP) was determined by real-time quantitative RT-qPCR. Finally, the correlation between metals and PAHs with higher PM2.5 content in 4 years and biomarkers was analyzed. The results showed that: (1) The PM2.5 pollution was severe in Taiyuan during winter in 2017 and the subsequent four years. The calculation results of the metal enrichment factor (EF) value and PAHs characteristic ratio of PM2.5 showed that PM2.5 pollution sources differed in different years. (2) Exposure to metals and PAHs in PM2.5 did not cause a non-carcinogenic risk. Metals had no cancer risk, while PAHs inhaled in PM2.5 in 2017 and 2018 had a potential cancer risk. The atmospheric PM2.5 pollution in Taiyuan has had a downward trend, but the PAHs in the PM2.5 of 2017–18, when the pollution is relatively serious, have a potential carcinogenic risk. (3) WP, OP and WSP inhibited cell survival rate from 2017 to 2020, and OP had higher cytotoxicity at the same concentration. (4) WP, OP and WSP increased the levels of LDH, IL-6, TNF-α, ROS, MDA, TG and FFA, and inhibited SOD activity in a dose-effect relationship. The organic components in PM2.5 are more toxic to HepG2 cells and affect the expression of lipid metabolism-related factors at the transcriptional level. (5) The mRNA expressions of factors related to lipid synthesis, uptake, oxidation and output were up-regulated after treatment with PM2.5 and its components, suggesting a lipid metabolism disorder. (6) The biomarkers were associated with certain metals (Zn, Pb, Cu and Cr) and PAHs in PM2.5. These suggested that PM2.5- and PM2.5-bound organic matter caused HepG2 cytotoxicity and affected lipid metabolism.

Trace-metal enrichment mechanisms in Bakken Formation black shales, Williston Basin, North Dakota, USA

The Bakken black shales represent a unique sedimentary system characterized by high total organic carbon contents (TOC; Lower Bakken shale = 10.8 and Upper Bakken shale = 11.8 avg. wt%) and enrichment factors (EF) of various trace metals (TMs) such as Cu (6.2–7.7), Mo (219.7–237.8), Ni (9.4–10.2), U (20.6–29.3), V (9.9–14.2), and Zn (10.4–12.2) that are considerably higher than many other Devonian-Mississippian (D–M) black shales. In this study, raw distributions of elemental concentrations combined with bivariate and principal component analysis (PCA) were used to clarify processes that contributed to high TM EF values in the Bakken shales. Total organic carbon shares heavier PCA component loadings (>0.445) and stronger Pearson correlation coefficients (r) with Cu, Mo, Ni, U, V, and Zn than with pyrite-associated (As, Co, Fe, and S) elements, suggesting that organic matter (OM) played a primary role in the scavenging and accumulation of TMs in the sediments. Reducing conditions within bottom waters or sediment pore waters may have accelerated the accumulation of redox-sensitive Cu, Mo, Ni, V, and Zn introduced into the sediments via an OM detritus host and most likely played a secondary role in their enrichment. Deep-water renewal times for the Bakken have been estimated to be ∼10–30 yrs. based on Mo/TOC results. The high TM EF values observed in the Bakken shales may reflect frequent resupply of TMs into basin waters, enhanced primary productivity that is necessary in scavenging TMs from the water column, the presence of H2S within sediment pore or bottom waters, or possibly secondary processes associated with basin-wide fluid and hydrocarbon migration. High TOC concentrations may be the result of a possible shallow water column (∼150 m), which would limit exposure time of OM to oxidation and degradation, coupled with intermittent fluctuations between dysoxic and anoxic/euxinic bottom-water redox conditions, the latter of which would reduce rates of OM degradation by benthic organisms.

Assessment of heavy metals contamination and ecological risk of roadside agricultural soil, used for sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) cultivation

The present study is an attempt for comprehensive assessment of the pollution intensity and corresponding ecological risk of heavy metals including Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Ni, Pb, Zn and Sb for agricultural soil, located alongside the national road II-81 in Bulgaria, used for the sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) cultivation, by various factors and indices calculation. In total, 18 surface soil samples (0 - 20 cm depth) were collected at distances 11 m, 36 m and 61 m from the road edge at two sunflower plants’ growth stages: vegetative (V-3) and maturity (R9). The total concentrations of heavy metals of soil samples, collected at two different sunflower growth stages were used for assessment of the potential ecological risk. Based on the results for the potential ecological risk index, pollution load index, enrichment factor, contamination factor and the degree of contamination, calculated from the average total concentrations, considerable pollution of the tested agricultural soil was observed, mainly with Sb. The values of enrichment factor show that with the exception of Fe, Cr and Ni the rest of the tested heavy metals are mostly from anthropogenic sources. There are strong, not statistically significant correlations between the enrichment factors, ecological risk index, pollution load index and contamination degree and the distance from the road edge and strong correlations between enrichment factors of heavy metals related to the road traffic emissions and the distance from the road edge. The values of the factors and indices above mentioned are lower at the growth stage R9 than at the growth stage V-3 that shows the sunflower capacity of accumulation of the tested heavy metals.

Cross-basin Mo and U analysis of the Upper Mississippian Bowland Shale, UK

Abstract The Bowland sub-basin is a target for hydrocarbon exploration, but to a large extent it remains unexplored. To determine the economic potential of the Bowland sub-basin, it is important to identify the oceanographic processes involved in the deposition of the Bowland Shale Formation in the Late Mississippian ( c. 330 Ma). Palaeoceanographic processes are known to be a major control on the development of hydrocarbon source rocks. This study investigates core (Preese Hall-1 and Becconsall-1Z) materials from the Upper Bowland Shale, and makes a comparison with previously published data (outcrop Hind Clough), all from the Bowland sub-basin, Lancashire, UK. The sedimentology and geochemistry of this formation were determined via a multi-technique approach including X-ray fluorescence, sedimentology, gamma-ray spectra, X-ray diffraction and Rock-Eval pyrolysis. Key trace metal abundances and enrichment factors were used to assess sediment provenance and to determine the bottom-water redox conditions during the deposition of the Upper Bowland Shale. Our results support interpretations of contemporaneous anoxia developing in bottom waters in at least three sites in the Bowland sub-basin. In a comparison with the Fort Worth Basin (Barnett Shale, USA), the Bowland sub-basin was apparently less restricted and deposited under a much higher mean sediment accumulation rate. Knowledge from this study will improve future resource estimates of the Bowland Shale Formation, and challenge the early assumptions that the Barnett Shale is an analogue of the Bowland Shale.

A comparative study on metal pollution from surface dust of informal and formal e-waste recycling sectors in national capital region of New Delhi and associated risk assessment

Electrical and electronic waste (e-waste) is considered as resource and secondary source of metals, and is being recycled for recovery of precious and base metals. But the processes of recycling and the waste generated during e-waste recycling in informal and formal sectors contribute toxic metals in to the environment. This work aimed to compare the environmental and health impacts of informal and formal e-waste recycling facilities at New Delhi and Bhiwadi Industrial area in India, respectively. Here, concentrations of Ba, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, Sn, V, Zn, and Ag, and As in surface dust collected from informal and formal recycling sectors and their associated pollution, human health and ecological risk are presented. Metal concentrations were higher than the background levels in both sectors. Contamination factor (Cf), contamination degree (Cdeg), pollution load index (PLI), geo-accumulation index (Igeo) and enrichment factor (EnF) of metals indicated severe pollution levels in both sectors. However, contamination in informal sector was comparatively higher than the formal sector. Sampling sites in both sectors had very high ecological risk. Storage, dismantling/shredding and recycling techniques were contributors of metals in surface dust in formal sector whereas fumes deposition, re-suspension, and dried by-products during acid bath treatments were additional sources in informal sector. Metal pollution depends on metal(s), e-waste type(s) and recycling sector(s). Total non-carcinogenic health risk due to metals was 6.5E+00 and 6.0E+01 and 6.2E+00 and 5.5E+01 in adult and children in informal and formal sectors, respectively. Total carcinogenic risk was 3.3E-03 and 7.2E-03 in informal and formal sectors, respectively. Ingestion was major pathways of metals followed by dermal and inhalation and children were more prone to risk compared to adults. Formal sectors too cause metal pollution but to lesser degree compared to informal. More effective pollution control measures are required in formal sector to control environmental pollution.

Guleman Kromit Yatağı Çevresindeki İnci Çayı Sedimentlerindeki Metal Kirliliğinin Temel Değer ve Ortalama Yerkabuğu Değerleri Tarafından Değerlendirilmesi (Alacakaya-Elazığ), Türkiye

The total concentration of elements in the Inci stream sediments on the drainage network of chromite deposits was determined to evaluate the level of contamination by natural background, the average of ultramafic and mafic rocks in this study. The average concentration shows that toxic heavy metals originated from mineraliszing in the Inci stream sediments that have a controlling influence on accumulation and transportation both lithologically and anthropogenically. The metal enrichment factors of Pb, As, Ni, Sr, and Ba, and geoaccumulation factor values (Igeo) of Pb, As, Sr, Ba, and Rb indicated that these values are higher than background values and heavily contaminated. The highest metal concentrations and assessments of contaminants were obtained from ultramafic rock normalization. Enrichment factor (EF), contamination factor (CF), and Igeo values indicate that primary ore metals are represented by Pb, Cu, Mn, Ni, and Cr. Cr's enrichment factor (EF) is moderate contamination due to the high Cr concentration in the host rock. However, Cr is extremely contaminated according to the Earth's average in the stream sediments around the chromites deposit. The calculated Cu, Ni, and Cr threshold values are higher than the probable effect level (PEL) and threshold effect level (TEL). That is why these regions should be evaluated for relationships between human health and geochemistry in further multidisciplinary studies and considered important in terms of potential Cr, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb and Zn mineralization.

Heavy metals distribution in the bottom sediments of Nizampatnam Bay -Lankevanidibba Coast, East Coast of India

This study determined metal concentrations in the bottom sediment of the Nizampatnam Bay-Lankevanidibba Coast, East Coast of India. Also, the heavy metal pollution load index (PLI), enrichment factor (E.F.), and geo-accumulation index (Igeo) were calculated for sediments from the Nizampatnam Bay-Lankevanidibba Coast on the East Coast of India. It was observed that metal concentrations in river entry sediment were lower. Still, those in river entry water were higher than corresponding values on the Nizampatnam Bay-Lankevanidibba Coast, East Coast of India. Heavy metal concentrations (ppm) in the bottom sediments have been studied to establish their concentration in Fe (ppm). The concentration of heavy metals is measured using ICP-OES instruments. It observes that heavy metal concentrations in the sediments meet the criteria of international marine sediment quality. However, the geoaccumulation index (Igeo), enrichment factor (E.F.), and pollution load index (PLI) values suggested the elevation of a few region's metal concentrations. It continuously monitors the Nizampatnam Bay-Lankavanidibba coast and sediment to minimize the risk to population health and the detrimental impacts on the aquatic ecosystem. The pollutant levels for pre-monsoon and post-monsoon studies are compared in this work.

Comparison Results of the Two Different Enrichment Factor Analysis Methods of Heavy Metals in the West Banjir Kanal River Sediment, Central Java

The West Banjir Kanal (WBK) River in Semarang City is a river that plays an important role in supporting the various needs of the people of Semarang City. Land use around the river and utilization of WBK river water, cause river water to be contaminated with heavy metals, which have the potential to accumulate in sediments. This study was conducted to analyze and compare the results of the analysis of metal enrichment factors Cd, Cr, Cu, Pb, and Zn in the sediments of the WBK river, Semarang, with 2 different methods. The study was conducted at 7 sampling stations, representing estuaries, middle, and upper reaches of rivers. Sediment was collected with Van Veen Grab, then prepared with wet digestion, then analyzed the metal concentration with AAS. The results showed that the concentration of metals in the sediment at the studied station was still within the limits of natural concentration. The enrichment factor of the metals Cd and Zn is smaller than 1, however, for other metals (Cr, Cu, and Pb) some have exceeded 1. The test results of the comparison of Cr, Cu, and Pb metal enrichment factors in sediments differed markedly for the 2 different methods. But on metals Cd and Zn can not be compared, because the variety of data is 0.

Mineral dust and lead deposition from land use and metallurgy in a 4800-year-old peat record from the Central Alps (Tyrol, Austria)

Humans have occupied the Alps over most of the Holocene. Yet, continuous records on the impact of using montane resources and landscapes are scarce or confined to segregated areas or periods. We present a high-resolution geochemical record of the last 4800 years from the ombrotrophic peatland Piller Moor in the Central Alps (Tyrolean Oberland, western Austria), using inductively coupled mass plasma spectrometry (ICP-MS) and highly efficient inter-calibrated portable X-ray fluorescence analysis (pXRF). Fluctuations of metal enrichment factors (EF) for lead (Pb), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn) and antimony (Sb), accumulation rates of anthropogenic lead (Pbanth AR) and mineral matter (MAR), based on titanium (Ti), are in line with archaeological and pollen evidence for human presence and environmental change. Periods of intensified, erosive land use are indicated by MAR around 4400 cal BP, 3400 cal BP and, very prominently, at 2400 cal BP. After low MAR in the early Middle Ages, soil disturbances reappear around 1200 cal BP (750 AD), after 200 cal BP (1750 AD) and during the 20th century AD. We found evidence that metallurgy was practised in the area as early as 4450 cal BP, again from 3500 to 2900 cal BP and episodically between 2400 and 1400 cal BP. The Central Alps were presumably a source of increased Pb-emissions in the post-Roman period from 1500 to 1400 cal BP (450–550 AD). Generally, our findings suggest that mining predates archaeological and historical evidence. Following a continuous increase since the Middle Ages, atmospheric Pb EF and Pbanth AR peak around 1980 AD. The record of mineral atmospheric input illustrates the notable impact of human activities on soil erosion and dust entrainment in the Central Alps. Furthermore, links between Little Ice Age cold phases and reduced human impact and mining are established. Our high-resolution peat-geochemistry data quantifies atmospheric deposition of mineral matter and Pb, which act as proxies for landscape evolution and metallurgy on a local and regional scale. It provides new insights and a deeper understanding of the interaction of climate, environment and humans in mountainous landscapes like the Central Alps.

Human exposure to dust and heavy metals in industrial regions and its relationship with the prevalence of multiple sclerosis disease.

In recent decades, multiple sclerosis (MS) diseases have been significantly prevalent in some industrial areas of Iran, such as steel industrial areas in Isfahan province (central Iran). In this study, the environmental impacts of two steel mill factories in Isfahan province and their effects on the spread of MS in the region were investigated. To examine the extent of exposure, seasonal dust samples were collected from 15 sites around the two investigated factories. The annual dust deposition rate (DDR) was then determined and the concentrations of lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), nickel (Ni), cobalt (Co), and manganese (Mn) in the dust samples were measured. Furthermore, the concentration of the mentioned elements was determined in the nail samples taken from 40 MS patients and 40 healthy people (control) living in the study region. The interpolated map extracted from the DDR values showed the highest dust deposition around the two studied steel factories, which decreases with increasing distance from them. The enrichment factor (EF) of heavy metals was the highest at the distance between the two steel factories, decreasing by moving away from them which indicate that these two steel factories are the source of investigated heavy metals in the region. The statistical analysis also revealed significant differences (P < 0.01) between the concentration of heavy metals measured in nail samples taken from MS patients and healthy people. The mean Pb concentration measured in the nail sample taken from MS patients was more than 18 times that of healthy people (93.45 and 5.02mg/kg, respectively). These results revealed a buildup of heavy metals in the body of MS patients much more than usual, originating from the activities of two investigated steel companies in the region.

Heavy metal profile, mobility, and source characterization in size-fractionated bed-sediments of River Ganga, India

Sediment quality assessment is vital while assessing the quality of rivers since sediments can alter the water quality depending on pH, redox conditions, and other physico-chemical characteristics. The present study aims to assess the heavy metal concentration in the size-fractionated sediments of River Ganga, and ascertain the sources of contamination in upper Himalayan stretch of around 300 km. The bed sediments of River Ganga were collected from Gomukh, Bhojwasa, Gangotri, Jhala Bridge, Chinyalisaur, Devaprayag, and Rishikesh; and these were size-fractionated in the range of 0–75, 75–150, 150–200, 200–250, 350–300, 300–450, 450–600 μm particle size to determine the concentration of heavy metals associated with each range of particle size using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS). The mean concentration of the metals in the sediments varied in the order Al (126 g/kg) > Fe (68 g/kg) > Cr (79 mg/kg) > Zn (67 mg/kg) > Pb (59 mg/kg) > Ni (38 mg/kg) > Cu (36 mg/kg) > Cd (2 mg/kg), and representing more affinity of metals with finer particle size of sediments. Contamination Factor and Metal Enrichment Factor indicated that sediments in the lower stretch were contaminated and enriched with many toxic metals. Geo-accumulation index, Sediment Pollution Index, and Pollution Load Index revealed that the sediments of Chinyalisaur, Devaprayag, and Rishikesh were moderately to strongly polluted and are progressively getting deteriorated by metals, thus, classifying these locations as hotspots of contamination. The major sources of Al and Fe were found to be natural; whereas Cr, Zn, Pb, Ni, Cu and Cd were mainly contributed by anthropogenic sources. The study stresses for immediate interventions to control further contamination by restricting addition of wastewater directly to River Ganga, or through other streams in Ganga basin.