Metal Contamination In Sediments Research Articles

Contamination and risk assessment of heavy metals in coastal sediments from the Mid-Black Sea, Turkey

Contamination and risk assessment of heavy metals in coastal sediments from the Mid-Black Sea, Turkey

Contamination and source of metals in surface sediments from the Nandu River of Hainan Island, China.

Concentrations of eight metals, organic carbon (Corg), and eight oxides were measured in 33 river sediment samples from the Nandu River. Sediment quality guidelines (SQGs) showed no severe pollution at all stations. However, according to the geo-accumulation index (Igeo), enrichment factor (EF), and potential ecological risk index (EI and RI), As and Cd were the primary pollutants in the survey area and caused low to moderate potential ecological risk. The positive correlations between Al2O3, TFe2O3, Mn, Corg, and metals indicated that clay, FeMn oxides, and organic carbon content were the main factors for metal accumulation in the study area. From the results of correlation (CA) and principal component analysis (PCA), we inferred that Cr, Ni, Cu, and Zn were mainly from natural sources, while As, Cd, Hg, and Pb were from anthropogenic activities in the Nandu River basin. This was the first study of metal pollution in the surface sediments of the Nandu River, which will serve as a reference for future research.

Heavy metal contamination of soil, sediment and water due to galena mining in Ebonyi State Nigeria: Economic costs of pollution based on exposure health risks

In this study, the effect of galena mining with respect to heavy metal pollution of groundwater, surface water, soil and sediments in Enyimagalagu and Mkpuma-Akpatakpa Communities in Ebonyi State, Nigeria, was investigated to estimate the health and economic burden. The heavy metals were measured using atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS). The water quality of the groundwater and surface water was determined using the water quality index (WQI). The potential health burden was estimated by determining carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic health risks via risk index (RI) and hazard index (HI), respectively. The potential economic burden was estimated using the value of statistical life (VSL) and cost of illness (COI). Obtained results revealed that the WQI of the groundwater and surface water ranged from 197 to 327 indicating very poor to unsuitable water for drinking. No non-carcinogenic risks were associated with exposure to the soil and sediment components of the environment. However, there were non-carcinogenic risks associated with the surface and groundwater, with the HIs ranging from 1.8 to 5.4. Based on the carcinogenic risk threshold of 10−6, there were carcinogenic risks across all the environmental media ranging from 8.4*10−5 - 2.1*10−3. The economic cost of heavy metal pollution ranged from 20.7 million USD (10.35 billion) to 543.3 million USD (271.6 billion) for the VSL, whereas it ranged from 0.141 million USD (70.8 million) to 3.72 million USD (1.86 billion) for the COI. These costs are quite huge and can be avoided via pollution abatement measures.

Heavy metal contamination and risk characterisation in sediment of an urban riverine system in Bangladesh

ABSTRACT Metal contamination in river sediment can cause environmental and human health hazards. The present study was conducted in sediments of Louhajong River, Bangladesh to determine the contents of six heavy metals, their spatial distribution, ecological risks, sources of metals and health hazards through several exposure pathways. The mean concentration of Ni, Cd, Cr, As, Pb and Cu in sediments were 12.35, 0.60, 14.14, 11.69, 8.91 and 25.28 mg/kg, respectively. The mean content of Cd and As was higher than the threshold effect level whereas As and Cu content was higher than the toxicity reference value indicating sediment pollution by these metals. Potential ecological risks (203.82) and Nemerow pollution index (5.68) showed moderate and the highest contamination in sediment. The mean PEL quotient (1.58) and mean ERM quotient (0.64) indicated medium-high contamination based on sediment quality guidelines. The PCA indicated that the Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin Measure of Sampling Adequacy value was 0.61 and Pb, As, Cu and Cr were derived from anthropogenic sources in sediment. The total hazard index and cancer risks values for adults (HI: 3.20E+00, CR: 1.26E-03) and children (HI: 2.08E+01, CR: 8.18E-03) were higher than the standard limit (HI > 1, CR> 1.0E-04) resulting potential health hazards.

Assessment and source analysis of heavy metal contamination in water and surface sediment in Dongping Lake, China

Dongping Lake is the only natural lake in the lower Yellow River and an important hub of South-North Water Diversion Project, its water quality is of vital importance to the environmental protection and the security of water supply. To assess the heavy metal (HM) contamination in Dongping Lake, samples in water and surface sediment were taken from 59 sampling sites over the entire lake. The statistical characteristics, pollution conditions, and source identifications were analyzed using coupling methods of entropy water quality index (EWQI), modified pollution index (mCd), enrichment coefficient (EF), geo-accumulation index (Igeo), potential ecological risk index (PERI), and positive matrix factorization (PMF). In present study, the averaged concentrations of all studied HMs in water body of Dongping Lake were below the limit of drinking water quality standard recommended by WHO, and the EWQI and mCd of HM concentrations were identified to be in good and excellent conditions. The concentrations of almost all studied HMs in surface sediment of Dongping Lake exceeded the background values in the soil of Shandong Province, and Cd (cadmium) was the dominant pollutant. With EF > 2, Igeo > 1, and Er > 80, Cd in sediment was under moderate pollution. The outcomes of source analysis revealed that the HMs in surface sediment were mainly derived from the primary and secondary industries. Specifically, manufacturing industries contributed the most to the HM contaminations in sediment of Dongping Lake.

Metal contamination of intertidal sediment and macroalgae in an area impacted by paint from abandoned boats

Metals commonly employed in boat paint (Ba, Cr, Cu, Pb, Sn and Zn) have been determined in 63-μm-fractionated intertidal sediments and in Ulva lactuca and Fucus vesiculosus sampled in the vicinity of abandoned vessels. Metal concentrations in sediment were elevated but highly variable, both between sites and amongst replicates from the same site (e.g., mean Cu ~ 100 to 1200 mg kg−1; mean Pb ~ 130 to 6900 mg kg−1) due to heterogeneous contamination by metal-rich boat paint particles. Concentrations of all metals except Zn were higher in U. lactuca than F. vesiculosus but in both species metal levels were also elevated and variable. These observations were attributed to contamination by sediment particles and physical and chemical interactions between fine, suspended or deposited paint particles and the algal surface. The latter interactions act as a means by which boat paint metals may enter the foodchain.

Assessment of heavy metal contamination and health risk in the coastal sediments of Suez Bay, Gulf of Suez, Egypt

Urban and industrial wastewaters, and the weathering of rocks are the main anthropogenic and natural sources of heavy metals (HMs) in coastal worldwide environments. The present work examined the content, distribution, potential sources, and ecological risks of HM contamination in the coastal sediments of Suez Bay, Egypt. Six pollution and health risk indices and multivariate statistical tools were applied. The ranges of HMs (μg/g) were in order: Fe (239–983), Mn (4.70–189), Cr (1.75–19.49), Co (0.04–12.87), Zn (0.78–15.57), Ni (0.78–10.90), Cu (0.23–7.53), Pb (0.74–6.92), Cd (0.10–0.97), and Hg (0.11–0.89). The results of pollution load index (PLI) and modified contamination degree (mCdeg) indicated that the Suez Bay area seems to be free from pollution. However, some individual sites recorded high concentrations of Cd and Hg, which might be attributed to the presence of some ports, industrial activities, sewage, shipbuilding workshops and heavy traffic of commercial ships. Moreover, the assessment of the carcinogenicity risks by dermal absorption was in order Cr > Pb > Cd for adults and children. However, the study area does not suffer from any potential carcinogenic risk because the total cancer risk (LCR) was less than 1 × 10−6.

Yesterday's contamination–A problem of today? The case study of discontinued historical contamination of the Mrežnica River (Croatia)

The remnants of historical industrial contamination can be detected in many aquatic ecosystems worldwide even at present time. Mrežnica is a river in Croatia that has been, for more than a hundred years, continually exposed to effluents of various industries, which have, in modern time, mostly ceased to operate. Our aim was to establish the level of current contamination and pollution of the Mrežnica river-water and sediments. The study of river contamination at three sites (reference site; site nearby former cotton industry facility in Duga Resa – DRF; industrial zone of Karlovac town - KIZ) in three sampling campaigns (May 2020, April and September 2021) encompassed analyses of physico-chemical water parameters, screening of 369 pesticides, measurement of metal (loid) concentrations in the sediments, and in the dissolved and particulate phases of the river-water. The sediment pollution was assessed through the analyses of total bacteria abundance (by targeting 16S rRNA genes), and their associated metal resistance genes (cnrA, pbrT and czcD) and class 1 integrons (intl1). At the DRF site, industrial organic contaminants that can be traced to textile production were detected (dye and nylon components), as well as increased levels of some metals bound to suspended particulate matter and sediments. At the most downstream KIZ site, occasional high level of industrial herbicide neburon was measured in the river-water, and metal contamination of suspended particulate matter and sediments was evident. Although, based on the comparison with legislation and literature data, the level of contamination was rather mild, the effects on microbial communities were unquestionable, confirmed by increased abundance of the czcD gene at DRF site and the intI1 gene at both industrially impacted sites. Obtained results indicated long-term sediment retention of some industrial contaminants at the places of historical freshwater contamination, and, thus, the necessity for their monitoring even after the termination of contamination sources.

Assessment of Heavy Metal Pollution in Suburban River Sediment of Nantong (China) and Preliminary Exploration of Solidification/Stabilization Scheme

Sediments are sinks and sources of pollutants, playing a rather important role in metal migration and transformation. A set of toxic metals of Hg, Pb, Zn, Cr, Cu, Ni and Cd in a suburban river sediment was investigated in the Yangtze River Delta of China, Nantong, and then, the solidification/stabilization scheme and resource-oriented utilization for heavy metal-contaminated sediment were explored. The results showed that all of the metals were apparently higher than the background values. The geo-accumulation index indicated that Ni, Cr, Pb, Cu, Zn and Cd exhibited a none–moderately polluted degree, while Hg corresponded to the moderately contaminated grade. A correlation analysis showed that the contents of metals were not strongly affected by the pH and organic matter content (p > 0.05), but they were associated with each other (p < 0.05) and might have common natural and anthropogenic sources. Moreover, the leaching experiment revealed that the concentration of Ni exceeded the national standard of China for groundwater, which might cause environmental contamination. Thus, three effective solidification/stabilization formulations for amendments were developed: (1) zero valent iron (9.5% w.w.) and sodium carboxymethylcellulose (0.5% w.w.); (2) sulphate aluminum cement (1% d.w.) and sodium carboxymethylcellulose (0.3% d.w.) and (3) sulphate aluminum cement (1% d.w.), zero valent iron (0.5% d.w.) and sodium carboxymethylcellulose (0.3% d.w.). The findings can provide an effective approach and theoretical basis for the treatment of heavy metal pollution in river sediments.

Heavy Metal Content and Pollution Assessment in Typical Check Dam Sediment in a Watershed of Loess Plateau, China

To understand historical trends and assess the ecological risk associated with heavy metal pollution, the concentration of eight species of heavy metals (vanadium (V), chromium (Cr), manganese (Mn), cobalt (Co), nickel (Ni), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), and arsenic (As)) in typical silt dam sediments on the Loess Plateau were analyzed. The radionuclide 137Cs was used to quantify rates of erosion, deposition, and heavy metal contamination in the soils of a watershed that supplies a check dam. The sediment record revealed three time periods distinguished by trends in erosion and pollutant accumulation (1960–1967, 1968–1981, and 1985–1991). Heavy metal concentrations were highest but exhibited significant fluctuation in the first two periods (1960–1967 and 1968–1981). From 1985 to 1991, heavy metal pollution showed a downward trend and tended to be stable. The potential risks of heavy metals in silt dam sediments were explored by applying the geo-accumulation index and the potential ecological risk index. The results indicated medium risk associated with Cu and As accumulation, especially in 1963, 1971, and 1986 when the assessed values increased significantly from previous levels. Agricultural practices and high rates of slope erosion may be responsible for the enrichment of As and Cu in soil and the accompanying increase in risk. Land use optimization and the careful use of fertilizers could be used to control or intercept heavy metal pollutants in dammed lands. The results provide the basis for evaluating the current status and ecological risk of heavy metal contamination in dam sediments and for predicting possible heavy metal pollution in the future.

Heavy Metal Contamination in Sediments from Wetlands Invaded by Spartina alterniflora in the Yellow River Delta.

Heavy metals are major pollutants that pose threats to wetland environments. In the present study, surface sediments from wetlands vegetated by invasive species Spartina alterniflora in the Yellow River Delta were collected and determined for the mass fractions of Co, Ni, As, Cd and Pb. Results showed mass fractions of Co, Ni, As, Cd and Pb in the sediments of the S. alterniflora communities ranged from 8.5 to 16.0, 13.9–27.9, 3.2–13.8, 0.08–0.24, and 17.6–37.5 mg/kg dw, respectively, generally presenting an order of Pb > Ni > Co > As > Cd. The levels of heavy metals in sediments in the S. alterniflora communities were higher than those in the wetland vegetated by the native plant species Suaeda heteroptera. Correlations among metal elements were highly significant, suggesting that they might have the same sources. Clay and TOC were important factors affecting the spatial distribution of metals. The Igeo values of the investigated elements in the sediments were frequently lower than 0, revealing the slight pollution status of these metals. Relatively slight values of Eri and RI suggested that the potential ecological risks caused by the 5 metals were low. Our findings could provide a better understanding of the correlation between metal pollution and bio-invasion in wetland ecosystems.

Spatio-temporal variation and assessment of trace metal contamination in sediments along the Lom River in the gold mining site of Gankombol (Adamawa Cameroon)

Spatio-temporal variation and assessment of trace metal contamination in sediments along the Lom River in the gold mining site of Gankombol (Adamawa Cameroon)

Contamination and Ecological Risk Assessment of Heavy Metals in Surface Sediments of Huangshui River, Northwest China

In the Xining area of Huangshui River, China, the concentrations of globally alarming toxic heavy metals such as chromium (Cr), arsenic (As), lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), and zinc (Zn) in the surface sediments were measured to determine the ecological risks to the riverine ecosystem. Overall, the concentrations of heavy metals in the surface sediments were relatively high. The results indicated that the concentrations of Pb/Zn/Cr were lower than 120/250/200 mg·kg−1 which was the risk screening value of each heavy metal for soil contamination of agricultural land (GB15618-2018). The concentrations of As/Cd were higher than 120/3.0 mg·kg−1 which was the risk intervention value of As/Cd for soil contamination of agricultural land (GB15618-2018). Their values were arranged in the following decreasing order: As (151.23–818.55 mg·kg−1) > Cr (44.18–201.70 mg·kg−1) > Pb (29.10–121.95 mg·kg−1) > Zn (1.45–86.18 mg·kg−1) > Cd (4.36–6.21 mg·kg−1). The concentrations of As, Cr Pb, and Cd greatly exceeded the background contents of elements in Qinghai soils. While Zn was lower than background. The contamination factor (CF), the geoaccumulation index (Igeo), and the potential ecological risk index (RI) of As, Cr, Cd, and Pb followed the descending order of Cd > As > Pb > Cr > Zn. The order of the enrichment factor (EF) was as follows: As > Cd > Pb > Cr > Zn. The contamination level of heavy metals implied that the condition is frightening and probably severely affecting the aquatic ecology. Cd and As were the main contributing elements to the ecological risk of the sediments in the Xining area of the Huangshui River, which should be mainly studied and prevented.

Comparison of ultrasonic and microwave assisted digestion methods for the determination of heavy metals in soil and sediment: The effect of seasonal variations on metal concentrations and risk assessment

ABSTRACT This study presents the analysis of twelve trace elements in soil and sediment samples using microwave-assisted and ultrasonic-assisted digestion prior to analysis with inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy. The recoveries obtained for the microwave-assisted ranged between 81–101% and 80–98% while ultrasonic-assisted recoveries were 80–108% and 79–103% for soil and sediment samples respectively. The metal concentrations obtained ranged from 0.10–355.4 mg/kg and 1.50–308.3 mg/kg in soil and sediments respectively. Most of the studied elements were below the maximum permissible limits in soil except for zinc. Both digestion methods revealed similar accuracy, indicating that both can be used for accurate determination of the target metals. However, ultrasonic-assisted digestion can be recommended as an alternative method to the conventional microwave-assisted digestion since it can successfully digest without the use of extreme temperatures and pressures, and it requires inexpensive technique. Further geo-statistical analysis for heavy metal contamination in soil and sediment were assessed. The enrichment factor and geo-accumulation index ranged between 0.1–18.9 and −2.6–2.5 respectively. The potential ecological risk index showed the overall biological hazard to be the highest at Woodhouse soil classified as risk level C (strong pollution level), indicating a need for continuous monitoring of these metals.

Ecological risk assessment and sources identification of heavy metals in surface sediments of a river–reservoir system

Heavy metal contamination of river water and sediments is a global issue affecting ecological health. To reveal heavy metals' ecological risks and biological toxicity in the middle and lower Han River (MLHR), sediment samples collected in this area were analyzed based on a modified ecological risk assessment method (NIRI) and a biological toxicity assessment method. Also, Spearman correlation analysis and Positive Matrix Factorization (PMF) methods were applied to identify the potential sources of heavy metals. The results indicated that the heavy metal content significantly exceeded the background concentrations in Hubei Province. The average potential risk of heavy metals at sampling sites was: Cd > Hg > As > Pb > Cu > Zn. Consequently, high biological toxicity occurred along the MLHR due to the heavy metal enrichment. River damming and water diversion significantly enhanced the hydrologic regime variations and ecological risk in the MLHR. Moreover, two possible pollution sources of the MLHR were identified: one is a combined source of traffic pollution, agricultural pollution, and partial industrial pollution consisting of five heavy metals, Pb, Hg, Zn, Cu, and As, the other is an industrial pollution source dominated by Cd and As. This study provides insights into sediment heavy metal pollution management and ecological risk control in the MLHR and similar rivers worldwide.

Assessment of heavy metal contamination in surface sediments off the Dongying coast, Bohai Sea

In this study, 214 surface sediment samples were collected from the offshore area of the Dongying coast and were analysed for heavy metals; particularly, their concentrations and pollution status were evaluated. The copper (Cu) and chromium (Cr) distributions were similar, their concentrations were the highest in the northeast areas and the Xiaoqing River estuary, where dominated by fine-grained sediments. Higher concentrations of lead (Pb), zinc (Zn), cadmium (Cd), and arsenic (As) were generally found in the offshore area of the study location, and the highest Cd concentration was observed in the Xiaoqing River estuary. The sediments were not polluted by Cu, Pb, Zn, and Cr; they were not polluted or moderately polluted by Cd and As. Results of the principal component analysis indicated that Cu, Pb, Zn, and Cr were derived from natural sources and Cd and As were derived from anthropogenic sources.

Heavy metal contamination in river water, sediment, groundwater and human blood, from Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, India.

Exponential industrialization and anthropogenic activities have resulted in water contamination by various heavy metals in Kanpur city, India. Heavy metal pollution, an issue of great concern, is not only affecting river water, but contamination of groundwater is creating health issues and worries. In the present investigation, blood samples were collected from selected volunteers, water and sediment samples from four sites of river Ganga and drinking groundwater samples from 23 locations of Kanpur city. Heavy metals analysis in river water, sediment, and human blood, was done byinductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES) and atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS) was used for groundwater samples. Human blood showed a high concentration of arsenic (As) (66.6 ± 0.00 and 76.9 ± 0.01μg L-1 in males and female subjects, respectively) and thallium (Tl) (13.4 ± 0.004 and 16.6 ± 0.005μg L-1 in males and female subjects, respectively) with higher concentrations in females than males. Other heavy metals (Nickle, Beryllium, Cadmium, Cobalt, Chromium, Lithium, Molybdenum, Lead) were not observed in any of the tested human blood samples. However, in groundwater sampling, iron (Fe), copper (Cu), and arsenic (As) were detected, one sample had the presence of chromium (Cr), and two samples showed lead (Pb) contamination. River water [Cu (32-125μg L-1), Cr (19-725μg L-1), Cd (1-59μg L-1), Pb (37-163μg L-1), As (32-153μg L-1), Th (26.75μg L-1)] showed a high level of the heavy metals, as compared to reference values of BIS, CPCB (2016a), WHO, EPA and USEPA. River sediment [Cu (4168-34,470μg Kg-1), Cr (4040-145,650μg Kg-1), Cd (326-5340μg Kg-1), Pb (1840-19,350μg Kg-1), As (103-188μg Kg-1)] also showed high concentration when compared to reference values of USEPA and PASS. River site 4, with high Cr (725 μg L-1), also showed Cr levels (19.8 μg L-1) in the groundwater samples, indicating Cr contamination in groundwater while Pb was observed at groundwater samples close to two industrial sites. Drinking water might be the primary exposure pathway for As and Tl to enter the human body. The study recommends periodic monitoring of river water, sediment, groundwater, and human blood samples for contamination of heavy metals.

Analysis of Selected Heavy Metals in Surface Water and Sediments from Unreclaimed Mining Ponds Used for Irrigation Farming in Jos South, Nigeria

The present study is aimed at examining the heavy metal contamination in surface water and sediments from selected unreclaimed mining ponds Bukuru and Rayfield towns, Jos south Local Government Area “L.G.A” Plateau State. Five representative unreclaimed ponds were purposively selected in each unreclaimed mine ponds of Bukuru and Rayfield. Water and sediment samples were collected from Januaryto September, 2019, with January to March representing dry season and April to September as rainy season. A total of 22 water samples were collected for the study with 11 samples in each of the seasons. Samples collected for each of the seasons were analyzed for Cd, Mn, Hg, Cu, Ni, Pb, Ur and Zn, while a control point was selected in Riyom. In the exception of Cd, mean levels of sampled metals were within NESREA permissible limits in water samples for most locations, while Mn, Hg Cu were very high and above permissible limits. The result of a one-sample t-test showed that there is no significant difference between the observed mean levels and NESREA standard either in water at p>0.05, d = 0.0993 or sediment at p>0.05, d = 0.209. Mean levels of all heavy metals in both water and sediment samples were higher in the dry season when compared to the rainy season samples, although the difference was not statistically significant at p>0.05, d = 0.052 for water, while the difference was found in sediment at p>0.05, d = 0.015. The study found that concentration levels in sediment were significantly higher than levels in water at p>0.05, d = 0.006. In terms of spatial variation, concentration levels differ significantly in sediment samples between Bukuru and Rayfield mine sites at p>0.05, d = 0.019, while water samples did not show a statistical difference at p>0.05, d = 0.053 between the two locations. Since the water in unreclaimed mining ponds are used for fish farming, irrigating and domestic purposes, it is of great concern that Cd is in high concentration because it is extremely toxic and carcinogenic.

Integrated Spatial Distribution and Multivariate Statistical Analysis for Assessment of Ecotoxicological and Health Risks of Sediment Metal Contamination, Ömerli Dam (Istanbul, Turkey)

Integrated Spatial Distribution and Multivariate Statistical Analysis for Assessment of Ecotoxicological and Health Risks of Sediment Metal Contamination, Ömerli Dam (Istanbul, Turkey)

The relationship between population attributes of the mud snail Amphibola crenata and sediment contamination: A multi-estuary assessment

This study assessed the potential of the New Zealand mud snail Amphibola crenata to act as a bioindicator of contaminated estuarine sediment. Seventeen sites with varying contaminant burdens were identified within six New Zealand regions. Attributes (population density, individual length distribution and individual dry weight condition index) were measured for field-collected A. crenata, and related to measurements of sediment trace metals and nutrients. Population density of the mud snail was relatively high in sites with elevated nutrients and organic matter. The length distribution of A. crenata showed significant regional and site-specific variations. Minimum, mean, and median shell length of A. crenata were positively correlated with sediment cadmium and zinc concentration. Overall, the sites were able to be distinguished by A. crenata population attributes and the sediment metal and nutrient content. These results suggest that A. crenata population information has potential value for assessing estuarine sediment metal and nutrient contamination.