Metals In Soil Samples Research Articles

Assessment of the Environmental Impact of Fly Ash on the Concentration of Heavy Metals around Cement Company of Northern Nigeria

This study assessed the impact of Coal Fly Ash on the concentration of Heavy metals in water, soil, and vegetables (moringa and spinach) in the environment of Cement Company of Northern Nigeria. The samples collected were digested, and analysed for heavy metals concentration using Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy. The concentrations of heavy metals obtained in water samples were higher than the WHO/SON permissible limit, except for Cu and Zn which are below the standard limits. The average concentration of Pb, Mn, Cd, and Ni in all plant samples was higher than the permissible limit, except Cd in spinach sample. The roots of the spinach accumulate higher concentrations of heavy metals than the leaves and stem, while leaves of moringa accumulate higher than the roots and stem. The concentration of heavy metals in soil sample was below the WHO limit. Comparatively the plants samples have the highest concentrations of heavy metals than the water and soil samples. The coal fly ash from the Cement Company must have contributed to the significant concentration of Heavy metals in the environment making the water and plants from the study area unfit for human and animal consumption.

Heavy Metal Pollutants Or Contaminant In Soil Samples Obtained From Wash Boreholes Within Pantisawa, Yorro L.G.A. Of Taraba State

The problem of environmental pollution and its compartments due to an increase in contamination as a result of the accumulation of heavy metals and microorganisms from soil has raised wide-spread of concerns in different parts of the nations and this has compromised the ability of the environments to foster life and render them an intrinsic value. Hence the study aimed to ascertain the level of environmental pollution in soil from wash borehole within Pantisawa Yorro Local Government Area of Taraba State, Nigeria. A total of 45 samples for soil were collected aseptically from the five different zones (Pantisawa Main Market YM, Kapazang YG, Dola YD, Kallau YK and Zabi YZ) of Pantisawa. The levels of trace metals in soil samples were determined using Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS) PG-990. The results were analyzed using SPSS Version 20. The soil samples result for these metals revealed that iron concentration was between 3000-4010mg/kg most especially for site SD which is higher than all other elements analyzed. Zinc ranges from 2.54-6800mg/kg which is above the standard as prescribed by WHO and FEPA in soil and also exceeded the dutch target values of (Zn: 50mg/kg and Cu: 30mg/kg) in some of the sampling sites. Nickel was between 8.47-19.09 mg/kg in soil samples, this is below the toxicity threshold limit of 35mg/kg for safe environment as stated by WHO. Arsenic ranges from 53.06mg/kg–141mg/kg, which is higher than the admissible limit of 50mg/kg in soil recommended by UNEP. The order of all the metal concentration in the areas was Fe>Zn>Mn>As>Pb>Cu>Mn>Co and Cd respectively. Based on this study, the high concentration of the metals such as Zn, As, Cd, Pb, and Co in some of these sites most especially SK, SM and SD within Pantisawa revealed that some of the soil samples collected from these areas were contaminated with heavy metal pollutants which may have serious health risk to the people using it for various activities. The higher concentrations of these toxic metals in soils need to be monitored regularly for heavy metal enrichment.

Impact of Metals Scrap Yard on the Presence of some Heavy Metals Concentration within Gombe Metropolis, Gombe State, Nigeria, using Atomic Absorption Spectrometry

The Metal scrap yards play a crucial role in the recycling and reuse of metals, contributing significantly to the economy and conservation of natural resources. However, the processing and storage of metal scraps can lead to the release of heavy metals such as lead, chromium and cadmium, into the environment. The presence of heavy metals in metal scrap yards poses a significant risk to nearby communities, workers and the environment, also causing air and water pollution, soil contamination, and health problem. Study of impact of metals scrap yard on the presence some of some heavy metals in soil samples was done using Atomic Absorption Spectrometer (AAS). Top soil sample were collected from eight metals scrap yards and their corresponding control areas. One gram (1 g) each of the soil samples was digested and then heated slowly and steadily, the solution appears colorless. The samples were allowed to cool and ready for analysis. The result obtained was, the mean elemental concentration element was of the order ofMn (41.022±41.202)> Cu (4.416±4.274) >Pb (2.685±1.399) > Mg (0.500±10.122) > Cr (0.460±0.187) > Cd (0.125±0.027) > Co (0.04±0.000)> Ni (0.000±0.000). The comparison of the elemental concentration of the heavy metals of (Mn, Mg, Cu, Pd, Cr, Cd, Co and Ni) in the study area ware shows the metal scrap yard has impact in the presence of heavy metals in soil. In addition, the Contamination factor (CF), and Pollution load index (PLI) of each trace element in soil of the study area and their respective control area were all < 1 which implies that they all have low contamination factors, less polluted and low contaminated.

Detection of available heavy metals in soil using gold nanoparticles-modified ion exchange membrane with laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy

The available heavy metals in soil can directly threaten food security and human health. However, traditional detection methods are often complicated and time-consuming. In this study, a novel method with nanoparticles-modified ion exchange membrane with laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (NMIEM-LIBS) was proposed for the sensitive detection of available heavy metals in soil samples. Gold nanoparticles modified-ion exchange membrane was used to high-efficiency enrich lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) ions in soil solution and detected after separation. This method can realize the highly sensitive quantitative analysis of available Pb and Cd in soil, with the detection limits (LoDs) of 2.62 mg/kg and 0.24 mg/kg, respectively. Furthermore, the method was successfully applied to detect available Pb and Cd concentrations in three spiked soil samples, with recoveries of 87.02–115.79 % and 82.45–114.81 %, respectively. The developed method can provide a simple, rapid, and sensitive strategy for monitoring available heavy metals in environmental samples.

Environmental pollution by mercury and trace metals in highly vulnerable afro-descendant territories in the Department of Cauca, Colombia

ABSTRACT Illegal gold mining causes mercury and trace metal contamination in many Colombian territories. The government has been requested by several ethnic communities to monitor and evaluate the state of mercury contamination in strategic ecosystems. The work aimed to evaluate mercury and trace metal contamination in a mining area located in Afro-descendant communities in the department of Cauca, Colombia. The study estimated the Hg content in different environmental compartments, such as soil, water, sediments, and trees. The level of trace metals in soil samples was assessed. It also estimated the human health risk associated with Hg from fish consumption. The concentration of T-Hg was measured using atomic absorption, and the trace element content was measured using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Two out of three watersheds examined had a mean T-Hg concentration in water that exceeded the international standard limit of 2.0 µg/L set by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA). The Rattlesnake River had the highest mean concentration of T-Hg in sediments at 1.05 µg/g. The community of La Toma exceeded the maximum permissible value for T-Hg in soil. While T-Hg concentrations in C. macropomum were low at 0.02 µg/g, they were surprisingly high in Prochilodus sp. at 0.53 µg/g. F. luschnathiana trees had the highest T-Hg levels at 18.3 ± 2.3 ng/g. The soil samples analyzed showed levels of As (21.4 µg/g), Cr (148.5 µg/g), V (205.0 µg/g), and Zn (146.5 µg/g) that exceeded the maximum levels established internationally. The presence of mercury and trace elements in the communities indicates a potential risk to human and environmental health.

Determination of Heavy Metals in Soil Sample

Determination of Heavy Metals in Soil Sample

Concentration of heavy metals in soil and leaves of Conocarpus Erectus Tree: A Biomonitoring Study, Ahvaz, Iran.

Heavy metals biomonitoring was performed using the Conocarpus erectus tree in Ahvaz city. Composite leaf and soil samples were collected from 23 selected stations. The concentrations of heavy metals (Pb, Zn, Cd, Cu, Fe and Mn) in leaf and soil samples, and bioavailability of metals in soil samples were determined. Examination of soil physicochemical parameters proved neutral to slightly alkaline nature, and low organic matter content in the soil samples. The mean concentration of heavy metals in soil was: Fe > Mn > Zn > Pb > Cu. Ecological risk assessment of heavy metals was in the range of safe to low risk (RI < 150). Although the concentration of metals in the more polluted areas was higher in both leaf and soil samples, there was no significant relationship between the concentrations of metals in the leaf and soil samples. This relationship is even lower between the bioavailable component of metals in the soil and the concentration of metals in the leaves. Transfer factor values based on total contents of metals in soil samples indicated that Conocarpus erectus is mostly contaminated with Zn and Cu. The results of Accumulation factor of plant revealed that Pb, Zn, and Fe were mostly enriched in the plant by anthropogenic activities. MAI values in heavy and light traffic, and industrial areas were 11.88, 8.01 and 8.15, respectively. In general, it is evident that the Conocarpus erectus leaves accumulate heavy metals in polluted areas, so it can be used as a bioindicator of air pollution with heavy metals in regions with similar conditions.

Remediation of heavy metals by native plant species grown in Iran’s richest gold mine and study of plants’ pollution tolerance strategies

Mining is defined as an environmentally hazardous activity that releases metals and other elements to the environment. Bioremediation is a natural and sustainable technique for harnessing the potential of microorganisms and plants to remove, degrade, or stabilize pollutants from contaminated sites and enable cleanup and restoration of the environment. In the present study, following the investigation of pollution of heavy metals in soil samples collected from the Zarshuran mining area, the role of twenty native plant species in the bioaccumulation of heavy metals was evaluated. After preparation of soil and plant samples, inductively coupled plasma-mass spectroscopy (ICP-MS) was used to determine the concentrations of elements in the soil and plant samples. It was confirmed that the soil samples were highly contaminated by silver (Ag), zinc (Zn), cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), and antimony (Sb). High amounts of Pb and Zn were accumulated in Eryngium billardieri and Astragalus rostratus. Further, these two plant species could uptake, transport, and accumulate Ag in their aerial parts and the enrichment coefficient of their shoots was more than 1. Scorzonera latifolia also had good potential to stabilise Ag, Zn, and Pb in its root. As a result, E. billardieri, A. rostratus, and S. latifolia may be suitable candidate species to clean heavy metals from soils in contaminated sites. Overall, augmentation of superoxide dismutase activity and the amounts of total phenols and flavonoids in different parts of E. billardieri and A. rostratus confirmed the induction of antioxidant defense systems in the plants (compared to the control plants) and an attempt by the plants to tolerate heavy metal pollution.

Soil Toxicity Around the Textile Industry in Bantul using Spinach Seeds (Amaranthus gangeticus) and Bean Sprouts (Phaseolus aureus)

The toxicity test of zinc metal in soil samples around the textile industry in Bantul on the growth of spinach (Amaranthus gangeticus) and bean sprouts (Phaseolus aureus) has been investigated in relation with the environmental assesment for the impact of industrial activities. This research was conducted to study physicochemical properties, adsorption-desorption, and zinc metal toxicity in the soil around the textile industry on the growth of spinach and bean sprouts. The study of physicochemical properties were water content, pH, electrical conductivity, ash content, total organic carbon, cation exchange capacity, metal content, and characterization using FTIR (Fourier transform infrared) spectrophotometry. Various zinc concentrations were studied for the adsorption capacity, whereas citric acid concentrations were used for the desorption. Atomic absorption spectrophotometry (AAS) was applied to measure metal concentrations for all samples. A toxicity tests were conducted on the growth of spinach and bean sprouts. The maximum zinc concentration was measured in point I, at 532.03 mg kg-1. Adsorption of zinc followed the Langmuir and Freundlich isotherms, and desorption process occurred at optimum concentration 0.7 mol L-1 citric acid and a pH of 3. In the zinc metal toxicity test, large concentration of zinc metal revealed inhibition effect on spinach and bean sprouts growth.&#x0D; &#x0D; Keywords: Adsorption, desorption, toxicity test, zinc.&#x0D;

Detection of Cadmium and Lead Heavy Metals in Soil Samples by Portable Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy

Heavy metal pollution in soil is becoming more and more serious. LIBS is one of the most promising technologies for rapid detection of heavy metal contamination in soil. However, due to the wide variety of soils and complex matrices, accurate quantification remains a challenge. In total, 451 soil samples were prepared and detected by the portable detector of LIBS, which were divided into six categories based on the compactness of the soil pellets, and a separate quantitative model for each type of soil sample was used for quantitative analysis by external standard method. It did not need a lot of data to train the model, and only a small number of calibration samples could be used for quantitative analysis of a large number of samples. The results showed that 78 standard samples and 334 collected samples were quantitatively analyzed by 39 standard samples. Compared with the standard value, the correlation coefficients were all above 0.95. A comparative experiment indicated that the portable LIBS system combined with soil classification and calibration methods can achieve fast and accurate quantitative detection.

Intelligent monitoring of the available lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) in soil samples based on half adder and half subtractor molecular logic gates

The available heavy metals in soil samples can cause the direct toxicity on ecosystems, plants, and human health. Traditional chemical extraction and recombinant bacterial methods for the available heavy metals assay often suffer from inaccuracy and poor specificity. In this work, we construct half adder and half subtractor molecular logic gates with molecular-level biocomputation capabilities for the intelligent sensing of the available lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd). The available Pb and Cd can cleave DNAzyme sequences to release the trigger DNA, which can activate the hairpin probe assembly in the logic system. This multifunctional logic system can not only achieve the intelligent recognition of the available Pb and Cd according to the truth tables, but also can realize the simultaneous quantification with high sensitivity, with the detection limits of 2.8 pM and 25.6 pM, respectively. The logic biosensor is robust and has been applied to determination of the available Pb and Cd in soil samples with good accuracy and reliability. The relative error (Re) between the logic biosensor and the DTPA + ICP-MS method was from −8.1 % to 7.9 %. With the advantages of programmability, scalability, and multicomputing capacity, the molecular logic system can provide a simple, rapid, and smart method for intelligent monitoring of the available Pb and Cd in environmental samples.

Human health risk assessment of metals in soil samples of a Brazilian city with a historic contamination complex.

Rio Grande is a city located on a narrow industrialized and urbanized Brazilian peninsula, characterized by wetlands. Due to population growth, numerous urban backfilled regions were built to expand the territorial area of the city. Currently, more than 60% of the central area of the city comes from the grounding of wetlands. The material used for the expansion of the territory had a history of contamination from metals from the tannery and textile industries (mainly Hg) and urban solid waste. In addition to past sources, the city has an active industrial complex with fertilizer, petrochemical, and grain industries. This study evaluated the risks to human health caused by metals (Hg, Fe, Ni, Cr, Cu, Pb, and Zn) in original soils and backfills, considering the oral, inhalation, and dermal routes of exposure for children and adults using the tool human health risk assessment (HHRA) proposed methodology by USEPA. A total of 63.81% of the original soil samples and 57.14% of the backfill soil samples showed a non-carcinogenic risk (HInc>1) for at least one evaluated metal. Still, approximately 10% of the samples presented carcinogenic risk when the Cr was considered in the hexavalent form. The dermal (Hg, Ni, and Cr) and oral (Fe, Cu, and Zn) exposure routes had the greatest contribution to the total risk. The non-carcinogenic risk for Hg, Cr(VI), and Pb was heterogeneously distributed between the original soils and backfills and associated with the proximity to some pollution sources. Given the complexity of historical occupation in the municipality and the increasing industrialization, both the original areas and the backfills should be included in the risk management strategy to minimize risks.

Physicochemical and Analysis of Heavy Metals in Soil Samples Around Gashua and Hadejia, Nigeria

Physicochemical and Analysis of Heavy Metals in Soil Samples Around Gashua and Hadejia, Nigeria

Assessment of some Heavy Metals in Soil Samples Around Identified Metal Workshops in Otun-Ekiti, Nigeria

Assessment of some Heavy Metals in Soil Samples Around Identified Metal Workshops in Otun-Ekiti, Nigeria

Application of the k-Means Algorithm and the Gaussian Mixture Model (GMM) – African Vulture Optimization Algorithm (AVOA) for the Resolution of Overlapping Energy-Dispersive X-Ray Fluorescence (EDXRF) Peaks

Limitations in instrument resolution mean that soil samples analysis using energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence (EDXRF) often produced overlapping spectral peaks of heavy metals with similar energies. This overlapping of spectral peaks posed a significant problem in the quantitative analysis of heavy metals in soil samples. Therefore, it was necessary to decompose the overlapping peaks. In this paper, a new method for decomposing overlapping peaks was presented in the context of Gaussian Mixture Model (GMM) parameter estimation, combining the k-means algorithm and the African Vulture Optimization Algorithm (AVOA). The data acquired from EDXRF instruments were preprocessed before being input to the k-means algorithm, which produces the output used to initialize the parameters of the GMM. Subsequently, AVOA was employed to optimize the GMM parameters based on a fitness function derived from the data. Ultimately, the optimized GMM parameters obtained through the AVOA process yield the optimal solution for the decomposition of overlapping peaks. This approach effectively addressed the challenge of peak overlap in the determination of heavy metals in soil by EDXRF. Soil samples were obtained from national standard samples, peach gardens, and vegetable-growing regions. The results showed that the maximum absolute errors for the peak channel and peak area were 1.46% and 6.37%, respectively. A comparison of the proposed model with others models indicated that the k-means-GMM-AVOA model exhibits the best performance in terms of speed, accuracy, and stability.

Exploring the impact of transportation on heavy metal pollution: A comparative study of trains and cars

This study aimed to investigate the impact of road and rail traffic on the soil through the analysis of the presence of heavy metals in soil samples collected next to a busy highway, local roads, and next to an active railway line. Results showed that cars emitted higher levels of heavy metals than trains. Soil samples near the highway had higher levels of Cu, Ni, and Hg. The values of the calculated indices like geo-accumulation index, potential toxicity response index, ecological risk factor, contamination factor, pollution load index, Nemerow's pollution index, and degree of contamination confirm that the soil samples sampled near the highway are the most polluted and highway have the greatest negative impact on the soil environment. These results suggest that controlling car emissions through strict regulations and promoting public transportation could effectively reduce the heavy metal concentrations in soil, particularly from highway emissions.

Exploration of Seasonal Metal Pollution in Karacaören II Dam Lake Sediment Samples using X-ray Fluorescence Method

In this study, the seasonal metal pollution of sediment samples taken from twelve distinct notes of the Karacaören II Dam Lake was examined. The quantity of metal in soil samples was determined using energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy. The geoaccumulation index and enrichment factor expressions were created using the metal concentrations found in the sediments. Seasonal values at the local, state, and international levels were compared to the findings. The ratios of the elements copper, zinc, lead, arsenic, nickel, chromium, and mercury, measured in parts per million (ppm), were found to be 42-96, 53-78, 11-14, 4-7, 233-244, and 611-711, respectively. There is also discussion of the sediments' elemental composition and degree of pollution. In contrast, it was found that the Urbach energy increased from 0.246 eV to 0.630 eV with increasing levels of V2O5. These synthetic glasses' densities and molar volumes were also investigated and discussed.

Quantification of toxic metals in cropland soil using X-ray fluorescence

We aimed to assess toxic heavy metals in soil samples from cropland in Weenen (KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa) using X-ray fluorescence (XRF) spectroscopy. The metal contents in the soil samples were detected and quantified by wavelength dispersive XRF (WD-XRF) spectroscopy. On average, the values of all elements (mg/kg) were: Al (91.4 ± 6.9), Ba (0.488), Ca (16.8 ± 5), Fe (39.3 ± 0.8), K (15.7 ± 0.04), Mg (10.1 ± 0.3), Mn (0.6), Na (8.0 ± 1), P (1.3 ± 0.4), Si (458 ± 8) and Ti (5.6 ± 0.3). Toxic metals such as Hg, Cd, As, Pb, and Cr were not detected in the soil samples. The macronutrient P, which is capable of causing eutrophication in water bodies, was present at a low level in soil samples. The metal contents in both control and field samples were comparable, suggesting that the metals were mostly of lithogenic origin and not entirely influenced by anthropogenic activities. The metal levels we detected were within the limits reported to be safe by other studies. Significance: Although they are within the detection range, the toxic heavy metals mercury, cadmium, arsenic, lead and chromium, which enter the environment through the use of fertilisers on agricultural land, were not detected in this WDXRF spectrometry analysis. The remaining elements detected are lithogenic and non-anthropogenic, as the field and control samples had comparable concentrations. Nitrogen was not quantified, but phosphorus was present in a low concentration, so the field water run-off into the water bodies need not directly lead to water pollution in the area studied.

Impaired Soil Health in Agricultural Areas Close to Fe-Ni Mines on Euboea Island, Greece, Caused by Increased Concentrations of Potentially Toxic Elements, and the Associated Impacts on Human Health

Agricultural soils close to mining establishments may suffer from airborne pollution, due to excavation and transportation activities. To assess the impact of soil pollution from potentially toxic elements (PTEs) on soil and human health in agricultural areas close to Fe-Ni mines, 36 composite topsoil samples were collected from central Euboea Island, Greece. The soils were analyzed for their physicochemical properties and for total and bioavailable Ni, Cr, Co, Mn, Fe, Pb, Cu, and Zn concentrations; the BCR sequential extraction protocol was additionally applied to all samples. Soil enrichment caused by the metals and the implications of soil degradation on the ecosystem were evaluated using the calculation of single pollution indices (PI) and the potential ecological risk index (RI), respectively. The hazard index (HI) for non-carcinogenic metals and life cancer risk (LCR) for carcinogenic metals were used to appraise the human health risks. Extremely high, very high, and considerably high total concentrations of Ni, Cr, and Mn, respectively, were determined. Though most of the total amounts of metals in soil samples were found to be related to the residual fraction, the considerable portion extracted in the first two steps of the BCR process can be regarded as able to introduce toxicity issues in the local biota. High PI values of Cr, Co, and especially Ni point to severely polluted soils, and the mean RI values indicate a considerable risk for biota. HI values &gt; 1 show increased possibilities for non-carcinogenic health issues in children, whereas the LCR values of Ni were above the critical limit, 1 × 10−4, for both children and adults.

A comparison of methods of analysis of heavy metals in soil samples of Mitrovica environment, Republic of Kosovo

In this work, the distribution of heavy metals in surface soil samples (0-5 cm) from the MitrovicaRegion, was studied. The investigated region (301.5 km2) is covered by a sampling grid of 1.4×1.4 km. Intotal 156 soil samples from 149 locations were collected. Digestion methods, including Aqua RegiaDigestion (mixture of HNO3 and HCl and water at 95ºC - the 1DX1 method) and acid digestion: use ofconcentrated acids such as hydrofluoric acid (HF), hydrochloric acid (HCl), nitric acid (HNO3) andperchloric acid (HClO4) (ISO 14869- 1:2001(E) method), are used to prepare samples for spectroscopicanalysis. High-sensitivity spectroscopy techniques such as inductively coupled plasma emissionspectrometry (ICP-AES) and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) were applied tomeasure the concentration of Ni and Co in soil samples. Data analysis and construction of the map wereperformed using the Statistica (ver. 9), AutoDesk Map (ver. 2008) and Surfer (ver. 9) software. It was foundthat the average content of Ni and Co in the surface soil for the entire study area is 96 mg/kg (with a rangeof 7.6-2600 mg/kg) and 22 mg/kg (with a range of 2.7-1600 mg/kg), respectively. The obtained averageand median values obtained by ICP-MS are very similar to those obtained by ICP-AES. Namely, thecorrelation factor for Co and Ni between the results from both methods are 0.92 (for normal distribution),0.93 (for logarithmic) and 0.94 (for rank), and 0.86 (for normal distribution), 0.94 (for logarithmic) and0.96 (for rank), respectively. The obtained results show that the high concentrations of Ni and Co in thesurface soil samples may originate from similar sources and their distribution follows the lithology of thestudy area.