Metals In Stream Water Research Articles

Detection of heavy metal contamination in Batlama Stream (Turkiye) and the potential toxicity profile

In this study, heavy metal pollution in Batlama stream flowing into the Black Sea from Giresun (Turkiye) province and the toxicity induced by this pollution were investigated by Allium test. Heavy metal concentrations in stream water were analyzed by using ICP-MS. Germination percentage, weight gain, root length, micronucleus (MN), mitotic index (MI), chromosomal abnormalities (CAs), proline, chlorophyll, malondialdehyde (MDA), antioxidant enzyme activities were used as indicators of physiological, cytogenetic and biochemical toxicity. In addition, Comet assay was performed for detecting DNA fragmentation. Anatomical changes caused by heavy metals in the root meristem cells were observed under the microscope. A. cepa bulbs are divided into two groups as control and treatment. The bulbs in the control group were germinated with tap water and the bulbs in the treatment group were germinated with stream water. As a result, heavy metals such as Al, Ti and Co and radioactive heavy metals such as Rb, Sr, Sb and Ba were detected in the stream water above the acceptable parametric values. Heavy metals in the water caused a decrease in germination, root elongation, weight gain, MI and chlorophyll values, and an increase in MDA, proline, SOD, CAT, MN and CAs values. Comet assays indicated the presence of severe DNA damage. In addition, heavy metals in stream water caused different types of CAs and anatomical damage in root meristem cells. As a result, it was determined that there is intense heavy metal pollution in the stream water and this pollution promotes multi-dimensional toxicity in A. cepa, which is an indicator organism. For this reason, the first priority should be to prevent pollution of water resources in order to prevent heavy metal-induced toxicity in water.

Evaluation of the water quality of a highly polluted stream with water quality indices and health risk assessment methods

The water quality of Çorlu Stream, located in the Thrace region of Türkiye, and exposed to intense industrial pressure, was evaluated by monitoring 10 toxic metals and 13 other water quality variables in the dry and wet seasons of 2021. Seven different water quality indices were applied to determine the pollution level at the sampling stations in the stream. In addition, human health risks from exposure to toxic metals in stream water via ingestion and dermal contact were evaluated. The results showed that the water quality at stations S2 and S3 of Çorlu Stream receiving domestic and industrial discharges are seriously polluted by NH4–N, PO4–P, COD, BOD5 and suspended solids according to surface water quality standards. In addition, these stations were highly polluted and had poor water quality according to the results of the water quality indices. The average Cr level at station S3 exceeded the permissible levels set for the protection of aquatic life due to effluent discharges from the leather factories. Considering the results of the health risk assessment methods, non-carcinogenic risks from ingestion of combined metals in stream water can be expected at station S3 for both children and adults and at station S2 for children. Also, it was estimated that Cr and As at station S3 may cause carcinogenic health risks for residents.

Tellus regional stream water geochemistry: environmental and mineral exploration applications

Regional stream water geochemistry acquired as part of the Tellus programme in Ireland has been analysed to assess its potential for application to environmental assessment and mineral exploration. Interpolated geochemical maps and multivariate statistical analysis, including principal component analysis and random forest classification, demonstrate broad geogenic control of stream water chemistry, with both bedrock and subsoil contributing to the patterns observed. Surface water regulations set Environmental Quality Standard values for individual Priority Substances and Specific Pollutants that may depend on background concentrations and/or water hardness. The high resolution of Tellus stream water data and their location on low-order streams have allowed estimation of background concentrations and water hardness in the survey area, with significant implications for water monitoring programmes. Anthropogenic inputs to stream water in the survey area come mainly from agricultural sources and Tellus data suggest few catchments are unaffected. Comparison of Tellus stream water geochemistry with stream sediment and topsoil geochemistry suggest that stream water geochemistry has strong potential for use in mineral exploration, with the same base metal and gold pathfinder anomalies apparent in all three data sets. Cluster analysis indicates that base metals in stream water are associated with organic matter but statistical analysis may be employed to distinguish mineralization-related signatures. Supplementary material: Comparison of cation/anion associations using Piper plots and principal component analysis is available at https://doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.c.5683094 Thematic collection: This article is part of the Hydrochemistry related to exploration and environmental issues collection available at: https://www.lyellcollection.org/cc/hydrochemistry-related-to-exploration-and-environmental-issues

Heavy metal contamination of water, soil and vegetables in urban streams in Machakos municipality, Kenya

Pollution of the environment by heavy metals emanating from rapid economic growth and improper waste and effluent disposal is a major concern. In this study, heavy metal concentrations (Cd, Cu, Pb, Zn and Cr) in vegetables, soil and water in two urban streams in Machakos municipality were analyzed. Physicochemical parameters; pH, temperature, total dissolved solids (TDS) and electrical conductivity (EC) were also measured on-site. One-way Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to test for the significant difference (p ≤ 0.05) of heavy metal concentrations in the vegetables, soil, and water across the different sampling sites. The relationship between the heavy metals in the soil, water and vegetables was investigated using Pearson correlation. Temperature (21.58 – 23.05 °C), pH (7.5 – 8.45) and TDS (577.5 – 865.83 mg/L) mean values were found to be within WHO acceptable limits for surface water while EC (864 – 1778.5 µS/cm) exceeded the set limits. Results showed that the mean concentrations (mg/kg) of Cd (BDL – 0.0011), Cu (0.0034 – 0.0055), Pb (0.0012 – 0.007), Zn (0.0232 - 0.1351), and Cr (0.0036 - 0.0292) in water and Cd (0.0058 - 0.0534), Cu (10.39 – 27.5), Pb (4.23 - 8.35), Zn (20.1 – 28.8) and Cr (8.17 – 10.03) in soil were within WHO permissible limits. Mean concentration values of (Zn (9.05 – 11.8), Pb (0.28 – 0.636), Cr (BDL – 1.002)) in spinach exceeded WHO permissible limits while Cd (BDL – 0.1285) and Cu (3.07 – 14.5) were within recommended levels. Cd (0.004 – 0.243), Cu (0.909 – 3.60) and Pb (BDL – 0.458) concentration levels in kale were within WHO safe limits for human consumption while Zn (12.06 – 18.8) and Cr (BDL – 1.62) exceeded WHO set limits. Presence of heavy metals (Zn, Pb, Cr) in the vegetables signifies a health risk hazard from consumption of these vegetables. Continuous monitoring of heavy metals in stream water, soil and vegetables is critical towards safeguarding public health.

Geochemical Characterization of Base Metals in Stream Water and Sediments in the Caddo Lake Watershed, Cass, Harrison and Marion Counties, Texas

The Caddo Lake watershed is located in northeastern Texas and encompasses much of Cass, Harrison, and Marion counties. The watershed is drained by major streams and tributaries flowing in an easterly direction over Eocene-aged rocks and sediments of the Wilcox and Claiborne groups, and empty into the western arm of Caddo Lake. Since 1995, Caddo Lake and some of its tributaries have been included on the State of Texas Clean Water Act 303(d) list by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) for impairment due to mercury content in edible tissue, depressed dissolved oxygen, base metal concentrations, and low pH values. The purpose of this multi-year study was to characterize base metal concentrations in stream water and sediments in the Caddo Lake watershed, and document the potential watershed transport and contribution to the impairment of Caddo Lake. Recent water (n = 58) and sediment (n = 116) sampling at 29 sites revealed copper, lead, and zinc concentrations within normal limits and below EPA actionable standards. Mercury concentrations were elevated at 21 of the 29 sampling sites, which could lead to methylation and bioavailability to organisms at all trophic level.

부산 특별관리해역 내 수영만 유역 하천수와 강우유출수에서의 용존 및 입자상 중금속 연구

부산 특별관리해역 내 수영만 유역 하천수와 강우유출수에서의 용존 및 입자상 중금속 연구

Assessment of Contamination and Sources Identification of Heavy Metals in Stream Water and Sediments around Industrial Complex.

Assessment of Contamination and Sources Identification of Heavy Metals in Stream Water and Sediments around Industrial Complex.

Geochemical distribution and threshold values determination of heavy metals in stream water in the sub-basins of Vermelho and Sororó rivers, Itacaiúnas River watershed, Eastern Amazon, Brazil

Geochemical survey in the Vermelho (VSB) and Sororo (SSB) sub-basins of the Itacaiunas basin in southeastern Amazonian region has shown that the physical-chemical parameters of stream water do not display accentuated variations between the rainy and dry seasons. Except for Fe and Mn, in general most metals show low contents in water and evidences of significant contamination were not observed. Higher contents were mostly registered during the rainy season. Fe is regularly distributed in water in the studied area and the increase of its concentration was favored by deforestation. Mn contents increase during the dry season possibly due to biogeochemical processes. High Fe and Mn contents in water are inherent to the specific local conditions prevalent in the Amazonian region. Geogenic influence in metal distribution in water is significant for Co, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, Sn, V, and Zn. Anthropic effects are subordinate except for Fe and Mn or in local areas. The definition of threshold values for As, Co, Cr, and Pb, was limited, however, threshold values for Cu, Ni, Sn, V, and Zn were estimated for at least one season in each sub-basin. Threshold values of total iron were obtained (5 to 6 mg/L and 2 to 3 mg/L in the rainy and dry seasons, respectively). Estimated Mn threshold values are 0.30 to 0.45 mg/L in the rainy season and in the dry season they decrease to 0.20 to 0.30 mg/L in VSB and increase to 1.3 to 1.4 mg/L in SSB.

Post-fire water-quality response in the western United States

Wildfires are increasing in size and severity in forested landscapes across the Western United States. Not only do fires alter land surfaces, but they also affect the surface water quality in downstream systems. Previous studies of individual fires have observed an increase in various forms of nutrients, ions, sediments and metals in stream water for different post-fire time periods. In this research, data were compiled for over 24 000 fires across the western United States to evaluate post-fire water-quality response. The database included millions of water-quality data points downstream of these fires, and was synthesised along with geophysical data from each burned watershed. Data from 159 fires in 153 burned watersheds were used to identify common water-quality response during the first 5 years after a fire. Within this large dataset, a subset of seven fires was examined further to identify trends in water-quality response. Change-point analysis was used to identify moments in the post-fire water-quality data where significant shifts in analyte concentrations occurred. Evaluating individual fires revealed strong initial increases or decreases in concentrations, depending on the analyte, that are masked when averaged over 5 years. Evidence from this analysis shows significant increases in nutrient flux (different forms of nitrogen and phosphorus), major-ion flux and metal concentrations are the most common changes in stream water quality within the first 5 years after fire. Dissolved constituents of ions and metals tended to decrease in concentration 5 years after fire whereas particulate matter concentration continued to increase. Assembling this unique and extensive dataset provided the opportunity to determine the most common post-fire water-quality changes in the large and diverse Western USA. Results from this study could inform studies in other parts of the world, will help parameterise and validate post-fire water-quality models, and assist communities affected by wildfire to anticipate changes to their water quality.

DGT as a useful monitoring tool for radionuclides and trace metals in environments impacted by uranium mining: Case study of the Sagnes wetland in France

The Diffusive Gradients in Thin films (DGT) technique was used to analyse U, 226Ra and other trace metals in stream water and soil porewater in a wetland in France impacted by uranium mining. High resolution profiles of metals in soil porewater obtained by DGT could be measured for the first time up to a depth of 75 cm by the construction of a novel DGT holder. In stream water, the DGT technique was compared to speciation carried out by filtration (0.45 μm) and ultrafiltration (UF) (500 kDa/100 kDa/10 kDa) and DGT porewater profiles were compared with piezometer data obtained in a parallel study. An increase in the trace concentrations of dissolved (0.45 μm) and particulate U, 226Ra, and elements such as Al, Fe, Mn and Ba was observed in the stream water as it passes through the bog as a results of mobilization from the wetland. The porewater results indicate DGT labile metals species to be present in porewater and mobilization of uranium and other elements linked to the presence of enriched clays. In stream water, colloids and particles govern the behavior of U, Al and Fe, whereas Mn, Ba and Ra are essentially transported as truly dissolved metal species with DGT labile concentrations accounting for 100% of the dissolved fraction. The combined approaches of DGT and UF allow us to obtain a better understanding on the biogeochemical processes involved in the retention and mobility of U and 226Ra in the wetland.

Assessment of Heavy Metals in the Water of Sahastradhara Hill Stream at Dehradun, India

A study on heavy metals assessment in the water of Sahastradhara hill-stream was conducted with different five sites at significant differences. The present paper deals with the water quality status of Sahastradhara stream by the assessment of heavy metals. Heavy Metals were found in fluctuated trend from first upstream to last downstream. The values of almost all Heavy Metals were found in increasing manner especially after the fourth sampling site. After the third sampling station, a solid waste dumping site was found. So, there may be a relation between heavy metals in stream water and solid waste dumping site. Concentrations of all Heavy Metals at fourth and fifth sampling site were found very high. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/ije.v3i3.11076 International Journal of Environment Vol.3(3) 2014: 164-172

In-Stream Processing of Sediment-Associated Metals in Peatland Fluvial Systems

The interaction between fluvially transported, metal contaminated peat particulates and acidic waters draining peatland catchments has received limited attention. Potential in-stream processing of sediment-associated metals in acidic stream water was investigated in laboratory based mixing experiments, designed to represent conditions of fluvial sediment transport in a highly contaminated and severely eroding peatland catchment in the Peak District (UK). Over the initial 20 min of the first experiment, stream water Cr and Zn concentrations increased by at least an order-of-magnitude and remained elevated for the full duration (24 h) of the experiment. Stream water As, Mo, Pb, Ti and V concentrations increased between 43% (As) and 440% (V) over the first hour of the experiment. After 24 h most of the metals appeared to have reached equilibrium in the water column. Results of the second experiment revealed that when the concentration of metal contaminated peat particulates is increased, there is an associated increase in the stream water As, Cr, Mo, Pb, Ti, V and Zn concentrations. The experimental data suggest that As, Cr, Mo, Pb, Ti, V and Zn are liable to desorption from metal contaminated peat into acidic stream water. The solubilisation of contaminated peat particulates may also contribute to elevated stream water metal concentrations. The laboratory based approach used in this study may indicate that when there is erosion of metal contaminated peat into acidic fluvial systems there is a concomitant increase in dissolved metal levels, especially when suspended sediment concentrations are high. Further laboratory and field based experiments are required to evaluate the relative importance of physical and chemical processes in the interaction between contaminated peat particulates and stream water in peatland fluvial systems.

Downstream Changes in Bed-sediment and Streamwater Metal Concentrations along a Watercourse in a Rehabilitated Post-industrial Landscape in South Wales

Over 250 years of metal smelting in Swansea (South Wales) left metal-rich slag across the Nant-y-Fendrod valley floor and aerial metal pollution over the wider landscape. Reclamation since 1965 included: (1) partial removal of spoil, flattening the rest and capping it with topsoil, (2) culverting watercourses and creation of two flood-relief lakes and (3) revegetation of the aerially polluted landscape. This paper assesses downstream changes along the Nant-y-Fendrod stream–lake system in metal levels of (a) fine bed-sediment and (b) streamwater and seepages. In the upper, ‘aerial-pollution zone’ total Zn, Cu, Pb and Cd in surface bed-sediment increase marginally within the first lake to 892, 207, 212 and 7.2 mg/kg, respectively. Farther downstream, Cu and Pb rise sharply, and Zn and Cd progressively, to 12,853, 595, 871 and 155 mg/kg, respectively, as the stream traverses the ‘capped metal-rich waste zone.’ Zn and Cd reach 22,671 and 229 mg/kg, respectively, in the second lake, before falling 35–56% below its outlet. Streamwater metal levels rise (but seepage metal concentrations remain stable) in most storm events, though patterns (including whether levels are reduced downstream of the lake) vary with antecedent conditions. Possible interactions between seepages, bed sediment and streamwater metal dynamics are explored.

Impact of ditching in a small forested catchment on concentrations of suspended material, organic carbon, hydrogen ions and metals in stream water

Stream-water samples were collected during a 4-year-period in twosmall streams, one whose catchment was ditched for forestry halfway through the sampling period and another nearby reference stream whose catchment was not ditched during this period. The main aim was to study the impact of forest ditching on stream-water quality. Whereas the artificial drainage did not change the hydrograph pattern, it had a large effect on stream hydrochemistry: the concentrations of suspended material, Mn, Ca, Mg and Al increased, theconcentrations of total organic carbon decreased, and pH increased by approximately one unit, from an average of 4.4 to 5.4. The increase in suspended material, Mn and Al concentrations is explainedby the physical mobilisation of mineral particulates/colloids from mineral soils (till) exposed on the ditch slopes beneath the peat layer, while the increase in Ca and Mg loads is explained by the release of Ca2+ and Mg2+ in exchange reactions in this same soil layer. The increase in pH and decrease in TOC concentrations after ditching are related to changes in hydrological flow paths in the catchments, and most likely to immobilisation of both hydrogen ions and humic substances in the near neutral till horizon exposed beneath the peat layer. Only the aquatic abundance of Fewas not significantly affected by the ditching.

Trace metal loss following whole-tree harvest of a northeastern deciduous forest, U.S.A.

We examined changes in the biogeochemistry of trace metals following a commercial whole-tree harvest (WTH) at the Hubbard Brook Experimental Forest in New Hampshire. Within 6 months after completion of the WTH, maximum streamwater concentrations of Ni, Cd, Ba, Sr, Mn, Zn and Fe increased two- to nine-fold. Streamwater concentration of Cu remained unchanged after harvest. Streamwater pH decreased from 5.2 to 4.5 after the harvest, and correlated strongly with trace metal concentrations except for Fe. The decrease in pH apparently resulted from increased nitrogen mineralization and nitrification following harvest. All streamwater metal concentrations (except Mn and Fe) in the disturbed watershed increased prior to the decrease in streamwater pH, suggesting that the loss of readily exchangeable metals, not increased mineral dissolution, was responsible for the initial increase in streamwater trace metal concentrations. In contrast, streamwater Mn concentrations did not increase until streamwater pH dropped to 4.5, due in part to increased mineral dissolution. Although pH related strongly to trace metal concentrations in the harvested watershed, it did not account for much of the variation in metal concentrations in the reference (W6) watershed. Annual flux of trace metals increased two- to eight-fold following WTH. Annual losses of Mn and Sr were 14% and 12%respectively of the forest floor pool for each element, and less than 10% of forest floor pools for all other elements. Except for Cd and Cu, annual trace metal losses in streamwater exceeded annual inputs in bulk precipitation.

NON-VACUUM PIXE FOR MULTI-ELEMENTAL ANALYSIS OF HEAVY METALS IN STREAM WATER

An improvement has been made on a liquid target preparation for an external proton beam PIXE which is regarded as an excellent technique for multi-elemental analysis of a liquid specimen. A 2.5 MeV proton beam taken out to the atmosphere through an exit Kapton foil bombards an acidic solution target. Such bombardment enables the comparison of X-ray yields of a liquid sample with those of standard solutions so that one can determine the elemental concentration in a liquid sample more precisely and easily. The dose limit of a 7.5 µm Kapton foil was found to be 0.8~1.0 mC for a 2 MeV proton beam of 10 ~ 20 nA in intensity. An example is given for the analysis of heavy metals in stream water.

A comparative study of stream water and stream sediment as geochemical exploration media in the Rio Tanama porphyry copper district, Puerto Rico

To test the relative effectiveness of stream water and sediment as geochemical exploration media in the Rio Tanama porphyry copper district of Puerto Rico, we collected and subsequently analyzed samples of water and sediment from 29 sites in the rivers and tributaries of the district. Copper, Mo, Pb, Zn, SO 4 2−, and pH were determined in the waters; Cu, Mo, Pb, and Zn were determined in the sediments. In addition, copper in five partial extractions from the sediments was determined. Geochemical contrast (anomaly-to-background quotient) was the principal criterion by which the effectiveness of the two media and the five extractions were judged. Among the distribution patterns of metals in stream water, that of copper most clearly delineates the known porphyry copper deposits and yields the longest discernable dispersion train. The distribution patterns of Mo, Pb, and Zn in water show little relationship to the known mineralization. The distribution of SO 4 2− in water delineates the copper deposits and also the more extensive pyrite alteration in the district; its recognizable downstream dispersion train is substantially longer than those of the metals, either in water or sediment. Low pH values in small tributaries delineate areas of known sulfide mineralization. The distribution patterns of copper in sediments clearly delineate the known deposits, and the dispersion trains are longer than those of copper in water. The partial determinations of copper related to secondary iron and manganese oxides yield the strongest geochemical contrasts and longest recognizable dispersion trains. Significantly high concentrations of molybdenum in sediments were found at only three sites, all within one-half km downstream of the known copper deposits. The distribution patterns of lead and zinc in sediments are clearly related to the known primary lead-zinc haloes around the copper deposits. The recognizable downstream dispersion trains of lead and zinc are shorter than those of copper.