Pb Concentrations In Water Research Articles

Public health risk of heavy metal residues in meat and edible organs of broiler in an intensive production system of a region in Pakistan.

The aim of this study was to find the concentration of lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), nickel (Ni), manganese (Mn), and zinc (Zn) in feed, drinking water, and their residues in meat and internal organs in broilers at three different locations in Charsadda. For this purpose, a total of 48 representative water and feed samples and 240 meat and internal organs of broilers were collected. Significantly (P < 0.05) higher concentrations of Zn and Mn were found in feed samples. In water samples assessed for heavy metals, a significantly (P < 0.05) higher concentration of Pb was observed at Umerabad and Kula Dher as compared with Nisatta whereas a significantly (P < 0.05) higher concentration of Ni was recorded at Umerabad as compared with Nisatta and Kula Dher. Similarly, a significantly (P < 0.05) higher concentration of Mn in water was recorded at Kula Dher as compared with Nisatta and Umerabad. The concentration of Pb in water at all locations and the concentration of Ni at Umerabad were above the maximum permissible limits. A significantly (P < 0.05) higher concentration of Pb in the liver, breast, and thigh muscles and a significantly (P < 0.05) higher concentration of Mn in the liver, gizzard, breast, and thigh muscles of broilers were recorded at Kula Dher. A significantly (P < 0.05) higher mean concentration of Pb, Cd, Ni, Mn, and Zn was recorded in the liver as compared with the gizzard, breast, and thigh muscles. It was concluded from the present study that broiler farms near the roadside/canal and waste disposal site/wastewater drains cause accomulaiton ofhigh concentrations of someheavy metals in meat and internal organs of broiler birds.

Erzurum İlindeki Farklı Hydrophilidae (Coleoptera) Türlerini Kullanarak Ağır Element Kirliliğinin Değerlendirilmesi

ABSTRACT:&#x0D; This study&#x0D; evaluates the level of some heavy elements (Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn,&#x0D; As, Se, Br, Sr, Pb) in Erzurum Province, and to observe whether Hydrophilidae (Coleoptera) is a useful&#x0D; candidate for biomonitoring studies. For this purpose, water, sediment&#x0D; and hydrophilid samples were collected from four sites on June,&#x0D; July, August 2014, Erzurum (Turkey). Heavy&#x0D; elements levels in insect, sediment and water samples which are at the same&#x0D; place were measured by Energy Dispersive X-Ray Fluorescence (EDXRF)&#x0D; spectrometer. The results have showed that the hydrophilids were contaminated&#x0D; by their environments, therefore&#x0D; accumulated some elements at higher concentration. The sediments heavy&#x0D; element analysis indicated that among the fourteen heavy elements Cr was&#x0D; maximally accumulated, followed by Ni and Fe. In all sampling sites, Ti, Fe,&#x0D; Ni, Cu, Br, Pb concentrations in water and sediment were measured, and every&#x0D; insect species accumulated Ti, Fe, Ni, Cr, Zn, Br, Sr, Pb in different levels.&#x0D; The water samples’ results were compared with national water quality criteria.&#x0D; Some heavy elements’ concentrations exceed the allowable&#x0D; limits.

Monitoring of seasonal variation of some trace metals concentration in surface water collected from the coastal area of Bangladesh

This study was conducted to determine the seasonal variation of Cr, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Cd and Pb concentrations in water from four coastal sites of Bangladesh. The mean concentrations of trace metals in the water samples in the range of each elements were Cr (2.6−15.3), Ni (5.1−77.5), Cu (10.2−510), Zn (5.0-1390), As (2.1−13.3), Cd (0.006−0.09), Pb (0.4−109 μg/l) in summer and Cr (3.6−43.7), Ni (10.8−42.4), Cu (7.3−45.2), Zn (18.0-73.9), As (4.0−19.7), Cd (0.025−0.087), Pb (2.8−34.8 μg/l) in winter. The mean concentrations of the metals in water followed a decreasing order of Zn &gt; Cu &gt; Pb &gt; Ni &gt; Cr &gt; As &gt; Cd in the summer and Zn &gt; Ni &gt; Cr &gt; Cu &gt;Pb &gt; As &gt; Cd in the winter. The water of Cox’s Bazar hatchery site showed the highest levels of Zn (1390), Cu (510) and Pb (109 μg/l) in summer while As (19.7 μg/l) showed highest in Cox’s Bazar Bakkhali estuary in the winter samples. The elevated level of Ni (77.5 μg/L) in the summer and Cr (43.7 μg/l) in the winter water samples were also found in the Sundarbans site. The mean concentrations of all estimated trace metals were higher in the winter than in the summer season. It was both in the Chittagong port and Meghna estuary. For the Meghna estuary, the highest concentration of Zn (36.0 μg/l) was observed in the water sample of winter season. Some trace metals exceeded the international quality guidelines. Suspended solid, temperature, rainfall, anthropogenic inputs and geomorphologic setup are influenced by seasonal vagaries which alter the variation of metal distribution.&#x0D; J. Biodivers. Conserv. Bioresour. Manag. 2018, 4(2): 67-80

Potentially toxic elements in water, sediments and fish of the Evrotas River under variable water discharges

Among different stressors like drought, hydro-morphological alterations, and pollution from agricultural activities, nutrients, organic compounds and discharges from wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs), potentially toxic elements (PTE) may also contribute to the overall pollution of the Evrotas River, Greece. Nevertheless, information on pollution of elements in water and sediments in this river is scarcely documented. There is also no information available on the impact of elemental pollution from the aquatic environmental compartments on biota. To fill these gaps, in this study, water, sediment and fish samples were collected from four sampling sites along the Evrotas River under variable flow regimes (July 2015, higher discharge; June 2016, low discharge and September 2016, minimum discharge). Total and dissolved element concentrations in water samples, total and acetic acid extractable contents in sediments, and element concentrations in fish samples were determined by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry and significant relationships between samples were established using correlation analysis. The concentrations of PTE (Ni, Cr, Cd, As, Pb, Zn and Cu) in water were generally low, while elevated Ni and Cr contents were found in sediments (up to 150 and 300 mg/kg, respectively), with total Cr concentration in water and sediment being positively correlated. The ecological risk posed by the simultaneous presence of PTE in sediments evaluated by calculating the Probable Effect Concentration Coefficient (PEC-Q), demonstrated that PEC-Qs, which were above the critical value of 0.34, derived mostly from Cr and Ni inputs. Since their mobile sediment fraction was extremely low, Cr and Ni origin is most probably geogenic. The analysis of elements in the target fish species, the Evrotas chub, showed low to moderate PTE concentrations, with Pb being positively correlated with total Pb concentration in water. Moderate Zn concentrations found in fish samples from the Evrotas are possibly derived from pesticides and fertilizers.

Otolith fingerprints as natural tags to identify juvenile fish life in ports

The construction of ports has caused substantial habitat destruction in coastal areas previously used as nursery grounds by many fish species, with consequences to fish stocks. These artificial coastal areas might provide alternative nursery habitats for several species for juvenile fish abundances and growth in ports, although their contribution to adult stocks had never been estimated. The variability of otolith composition in the juveniles of two Diplodus species was investigated in three contrasting port areas and two adjacent coastal juvenile habitats of the Bay of Toulon (northwestern Mediterranean) in order to determine the possible use of otolith fingerprints as natural tags for the identification of juvenile fishes in ports. The global accuracy of discrimination between ports and coastal areas was very high (94%) irrespective of species, suggesting that otolith fingerprints can be used with confidence to retrospectively identify past residency in the ports of this bay. However, Ba was systematically the most discriminating element, since its concentrations in otoliths were generally higher outside ports than in inside them, probably due to river runoff. Moreover, otolith signatures varied greatly by species and between sampling sites. Furthermore, although Cu and Pb concentrations in water were at least 2.3–34-fold higher inside ports than outside, this was not consistently reflected in fish otoliths, confirming that spatial differences in otolith concentrations depend on the species and do not directly reflect differences in environmental contamination levels. Therefore, it seems unlikely that otolith microchemistry could provide a universal fingerprint capable of discriminating ports from other coastal areas. Nevertheless, the contribution of ports to adult fish populations can be determined well by establishing a library of otolith fingerprints for all juvenile habitats.

CONCENTRATION OF LEAD (Pb) IN WATER, SEDIMENT AND Tubifex sp. IN THE METAL POLLUTED WATERS

Lead is one of the heavy metals of pollutant sources that are highly toxic and can not be degraded thus accumulating in sediments and aquatic organisms including Tubifex worms. The objectives of the study were to determine the concentration and to analyze the correlation of lead concentration (Pb) contained in water, sediments and Tubifex worms. The research method used is survey. Samples were taken at the waters of the landfill. The determination of lead concentration (Pb) was used by Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS) method. The results of measurements of lead concentration (Pb) in water, sediments and Tubifex worms tabulated in tables and graphs, were analyzed descriptively. To prove that the increase of Pb concentration in Tubifex worms along with the increase of Pb content in water and sediment, a simple linear regression analysis was performed. The results showed the concentration of Pb in water (0.4923 ± 0.0091 mg / L - 0.6647 ± 0.0067 mg / L), in sediments (1.3803 ± 0.0042 mg / L - 1.4530 ± 0 , 0046 mg / L) and in Tubifex worms (0.9213 ± 0.0032 mg / L - 0.9767 ± 0.0060 mg / L). The concentration of Pb in the Tubifex worm has increased with increasing concentrations of Pb in water and sediment.

Lead concentrations and isotopic compositions in the Western Philippine Sea

Dissolved lead (Pb) concentrations and isotope ratios in seawater of the Western Philippine Sea (WPS) were determined to investigate sources of Pb in the region. Surface seawater concentrations at seven sampling stations ranged from 36.2 to 68.1pmolkg−1. Isotopic composition of surface water, with 206Pb/207Pb ranging from 1.162 to 1.170, 208Pb/207Pb ranging from 2.445 to 2.451, and 206Pb/204Pb ranging from 18.14 to 18.27, reflects Asian anthropogenic aerosols input to the WPS. Shallow water Pb concentrations within the Kuroshio Current domain are about 15pmol kg−1 lower than at other sites and, together with a distinct isotopic signature (206Pb/207Pb=1.167–1.170, 208Pb/207Pb=2.447–2.451 and 206Pb/204Pb=18.22–18.27), reflect water originating from the Equatorial Pacific that is relatively less impacted by contamination from anthropogenic inputs. An isotopically distinct sub-surface Pb maximum at about 100 to 250m, representing water originating from the Western North Pacific where anthropogenic Pb deposition is high, was seen at all seven sites. Lead concentrations in deep water in the stations further from shore are typically lower than in the surface layer and ranged from 11.2 to 51.6pmolkg−1. Lead isotopic signatures in deep water at these sites (206Pb/207Pb=1.162–1.184; 208Pb/207Pb=2.448–2.471; 206Pb/204Pb=18.13–18.51) are offset from pre-anthropogenic values and suggest that anthropogenic sources have penetrated the deep water column. Elevated concentrations and isotopic signatures observed in the deep water at stations closer to shore, where sediment transport is prevalent, indicate that sedimentary input is a major source of dissolved Pb at these sites. Differences in Pb concentrations and isotopic signatures between samples collected from the Pacific Deep Water (PDW) water-mass during this study and those collected a decade ago suggest that Pb inputs even in deep water change on decadal scales.

Pb-Sr isotopic and geochemical constraints on sources and processes of lead contamination in well waters and soil from former fruit orchards, Pennsylvania, USA: A legacy of anthropogenic activities

Isotopic discrimination can be an effective tool in establishing a direct link between sources of Pb contamination and the presence of anomalously high concentrations of Pb in waters, soils, and organisms. Residential wells supplying water containing up to 1600ppb Pb to houses built on the former Mohr orchards commercial site, near Allentown, PA, were evaluated to discern anthropogenic from geogenic sources. Pb (n=144) and Sr (n=40) isotopic data and REE (n=29) data were determined for waters from residential wells, test wells (drilled for this study), and surface waters from pond and creeks. Local soils, sediments, bedrock, Zn-Pb mineralization and coal were also analyzed (n=94), together with locally used Pb-As pesticide (n=5). Waters from residential and test wells show overlapping values of 206Pb/207Pb, 208Pb/207Pb and 87Sr/86Sr. Larger negative Ce anomalies (Ce/Ce*) distinguish residential wells from test wells. Results show that residential and test well waters, sediments from residential water filters in water tanks, and surface waters display broad linear trends in Pb isotope plots. Pb isotope data for soils, bedrock, and pesticides have contrasting ranges and overlapping trends. Contributions of Pb from soils to residential well waters are limited and implicated primarily in wells having shallow water-bearing zones and carrying high sediment contents. Pb isotope data for residential wells, test wells, and surface waters show substantial overlap with Pb data reflecting anthropogenic actions (e.g., burning fossil fuels, industrial and urban processing activities). Limited contributions of Pb from bedrock, soils, and pesticides are evident. High Pb concentrations in the residential waters are likely related to sediment build up in residential water tanks. Redox reactions, triggered by influx of groundwater via wells into the residential water systems and leading to subtle changes in pH, are implicated in precipitation of Fe oxyhydroxides, oxidative scavenging of Ce(IV), and desorption and release of Pb into the residential water systems. The Pb isotope features in the residences and the region are best interpreted as reflecting a legacy of industrial Pb present in underlying aquifers that currently supply the drinking water wells.

Low doses of Pb affected Lactuca sativa photosynthetic performance

The effects of soil and water contamination by lead (Pb) and the consequences on plant growth and yield are of great concern worldwide. Limits of the Pb concentration in water have been established by governmental institutions but these differ from each other. In this study, Lactuca sativa (var. Reine de Mai) plants were exposed to low Pb(NO3)2 doses (0.05–20 mg L−1), including the recommended limit values for irrigation water by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). After 28 d of exposure, lettuce plants did not present visible morphological alterations or growth impairment, but CO2 assimilation rate (PN), photochemical quenching, and effective quantum efficiency of PSII were negatively affected, while intercellular CO2 concentration, stomatal conductance, or transpiration rate were not influenced. Our results suggested that limitations on photosynthesis occurred from different reasons than due to the decrease of internal CO2 availability, alterations of photophosphorylation, and/or electron transport rate. Thus, this lettuce cultivar showed photosynthetic susceptibility to low doses of Pb, even at lower concentrations than those maximal allowed for irrigation water by FAO. Furthermore, PN seemed to be the most sensitive biomarker for evaluation of Pb susceptibility.

Impact of Dust from Ore Processing Facilities on Rain Water Collection Tanks in a Tropical Environment—The Obvious Source “Ain’t Necessarily So”

Concerns have been expressed that dust from the minerals processing facilities at Karumba Queensland Australia have resulted in elevated lead (Pb) concentrations in rain water tanks. The ores derived from the Century mine some 304 km from the port. High precision Pb isotopic measurements on environmental samples have been undertaken to evaluate the source of Pb in rainwaters and acid digests from roof wipes and gutter wipes. There does not appear to be any relationship between sample location and the processing facility but samples from the area subject to the prevailing winds show the highest contribution of Century Pb. All gutter wipes (82 to 1270 µg Pb/wipe) have contributions of Century ore ranging from 87% to 96%. The contribution of Century ore to five roof wipes (22 to 88 µg Pb/wipe) ranges from 89% to 97% and in the other two samples there is a mix of Century and Broken Hill Pb. Three of the seven rainwater have contributions of Century ore Pb ranging from 33% to 75%. Two of the other four rainwater samples have the highest water Pb concentrations of 88 and 100 µg/L and their isotopic data show Broken Hill Pb contributions ranging from 77% to 80%. The source of the Broken Hill Pb is probably from the galvanized roofing material and/or brass fittings in the rainwater tanks. The discrimination between various sources is only detectable using high precision 204Pb-based isotopic ratios and not the now common inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS ) data presentations of the higher abundance isotopes 208Pb, 207Pb and 206Pb. Isotopic results for the waters demonstrate that apportioning blame where there is an obvious point source may not always be the correct conclusion. Nevertheless the isotopic data for the gutter wipes indicates that there was widespread contamination from the processing facilities throughout the town.

KONTAMINASI LOGAM BERAT MERKURI (Hg) DAN TIMBAL (Pb) PADA AIR, SEDIMEN DAN IKAN SELAR TETENGKEK (Megalaspis cordyla L) DI TELUK PALU, SULAWESI TENGAH

Palu bay waters is susceptible to heavy metal pollution due to the inclusion of the waste product of Palu city, and such as agriculture, and traditional mining. The objective of this research was to determine the contamination of heavy metals mercury (Hg) and lead (Pb) in water, sediment, and torpedo scad fish (Megalaspis cordyla) Sampling was done purposively at 10 sampling points. Parameters of water quality measurements were done in the field for temperature, pH, brightness, turbidity, and dissolved oxygen (DO), and at laboratory analysis for salinity, chemical oxygen demand (COD), ammonia, and nitrates. Heavy metals were analized by following APHA, and Indonesian National Standard (SNI) methods. The results showed that Hg consentrations in water, sediment, gill, meat, liver, and spleen were 0.0008-0.0042 mg/l, 0.017-0.287 mg/kg, 0.007-0.145 mg/kg, 0.014-0.046 mg/kg, 0.052-0.106 mg/kg, and 0.043-0.414 mg/kg, respectively. Pb concentrations in water, sediments, gill, meat, liver, and spleen were 0.0130-0.0392 mg/l, 2.647-8.987 mg/kg, 0.132-0.775 mg/kg, 0.005-0.734 mg/kg, 0.295-1.871 mg/kg, and 1.654-12.92 mg/kg, respectively. The average of Hg and Pb concentrations in the water had exceeded the specified quality standards, while in the sediment were still below the quality standards. The average of Hg and Pb concentrations in all observed fish organs were below the quality standards, except for Pb concentrations in gill, liver, and spleen.

KONTAMINASI LOGAM BERAT MERKURI (Hg) DAN TIMBAL (Pb) PADA AIR, SEDIMEN DAN IKAN SELAR TETENGKEK (Megalaspis cordyla L) DI TELUK PALU, SULAWESI TENGAH

Palu bay waters is susceptible to heavy metal pollution due to the inclusion of the waste product of Palu city, and such as agriculture, and traditional mining. The objective of this research was to determine the contamination of heavy metals mercury (Hg) and lead (Pb) in water, sediment, and torpedo scad fish ( Megalaspis cordyla ). Sampling was done purposively at 10 sampling points. Parameters of water quality measurements were done in the field for temperature, pH, brightness, turbidity, and dissolved oxygen (DO), and at laboratory analysis for salinity, chemical oxygen demand (COD), ammonia, and nitrates. Heavy metals were analized by following APHA, and Indonesian National Standard (SNI) methods. The results showed that Hg consentrations in water, sediment, gill, meat, liver, and spleen were 0.0008-0.0042 mg/l, 0.017-0.287 mg/kg, 0.007-0.145 mg/kg, 0.014-0.046 mg/kg, 0.052-0.106 mg/kg, and 0.043-0.414 mg/kg, respectively. Pb concentrations in water, sediments, gill, meat, liver, and spleen were 0.0130-0.0392 mg/l, 2.647-8.987 mg/kg, 0.132-0.775 mg/kg, 0.005-0.734 mg/kg, 0.295-1.871 mg/kg, and 1.654-12.92 mg/kg, respectively. The average of Hg and Pb concentrations in the water had exceeded the specified quality standards, while in the sediment were still below the quality standards. The average of Hg and Pb concentrations in all observed fish organs were below the quality standards, except for Pb concentrations in gill, liver, and spleen. Keywords: heavy metals, water, sediment, Megalaspis cordyla , Palu Bay

Heavy metal spatial variation, bioaccumulation, and risk assessment of Zostera japonica habitat in the Yellow River Estuary, China

Globally, seagrass habitats are decreasing due to both natural and environmental contaminations by human activities, including heavy metal pollution. To expand the global seagrass detection network, this study reports the spatial distributions of Zostera japonica seagrass habitats in the Yellow River Estuary, China. In addition, heavy metal concentrations of Z. japonica tissue, sediment, and surface seawater were analyzed to determine the bioaccumulation and consequent ecological risk to Z. japonica habitats due to the effects of heavy metals. It was found that concentrations of heavy metals were 1.00–2.03 times higher in seagrass-rooted sediment than in adjacent non-seagrass sediment, except for Mn (with a factor of 0.99). Pb and Hg concentrations in sediments exceeded background values more than the other heavy metals, by factors of 1.74 and 1.24, respectively. Metal concentrations in the surrounding seawater were 2.60–4.63 times higher at seagrass sites than at non-seagrass sites, except for Hg (factor of 0.97). Metal concentrations were much higher in seagrass tissues than in the sediment (e.g., bioconcentration factor of Cd is 30.95). Pb concentrations in water may cause the greatest adverse reactions among aquatic organisms, while As, Cr, Hg, Mn and Cu in sediments may occasionally cause negative ecological effects. Z. japonica showed higher bioaccumulation of Cd and Pb in the above-ground tissues. Among other recent studies of seagrasses from other parts of the world, Cd concentrations are similar to the results of the present study, but Pb concentration in present study is higher than in other studies. In conclusion, Pb and As in the surrounding environment present potential risks to the seagrass habitats of the Yellow River Estuary, China.

The aeration effect in pilot reed bed to phytoremediate water containing Lead (Pb)

A pilot reed bed study was conducted with the aid of aeration to remove lead (Pb) contaminated water using Scirpus grossus L. f. The plants were grown in sand medium in pilot-scale reed beds, and exposed to water containing Pb in a various concentration (10, 30 and 50 mg/L) with aeration rate of 2 L/min. The samples were taken on day-1, day-14, day-28, day-42, day-70 and day-98. The results showed that Pb concentration in water decreased 74% on day-7, 80% on day-14, 99% on day-28 and reach 100% on day-48 for treatment 10 mg/L. Pb concentration decreased 91% on day-7, 93% on day-14 and then on the day-28 the reduction reached 99% for treatment of 30 mg/L. For Pb treatment of 50 mg/L, the reduction reached 92% on day-7, 96% on day-14, and 99% on day-28. The sand adsorbed Pb up to 7.91×10 -4 mg/kg for 10 mg/L, 1.07×10 -3 mg/kg for 30 mg/L and 2.41×10 -3 mg/kg for 50 mg/L. Pb uptake by plant was 2286 mg/kg on day-98, 4174 mg/L on day-28 and 8297 mg/kg on day-14 for 10, 30 and 50 mg/L, respectively. The highest Bioaccumulation Concentration (BC) was 10618 for 10 mg/L on day-28, 81311 for 30 mg/L and 81467 for 50 mg/L both on day-42, with the Translocation Factor (TF) related to the same day of these BC were 0.13, 0.24, and 0.35 respectively. The highest TF value for 10 mg/L were 0.7 on day-98, 0.38 for 30 mg/L on day-70 and 0.59 for 50 mg/L on day-14.

Lead (Pb) contamination of self-supply groundwater systems in coastal Madagascar and predictions of blood lead levels in exposed children.

Thousands of households in coastal Madagascar rely on locally manufactured pitcher-pump systems to provide water for drinking, cooking, and household use. These pumps typically include components made from lead (Pb). In this study, concentrations of Pb in water were monitored at 18 household pitcher pumps in the city of Tamatave over three sampling campaigns. Concentrations of Pb frequently exceeded the World Health Organization's provisional guideline for drinking water of 10 μg/L. Under first-draw conditions (i.e., after a pump had been inactive for 1 h), 67% of samples analyzed were in excess of 10 μg/L Pb, with a median concentration of 13 μg/L. However, flushing the pump systems before collecting water resulted in a statistically significant (p < 0.0001) decrease in Pb concentrations: 35% of samples collected after flushing exceeded 10 μg/L, with a median concentration of 9 μg/L. Based on measured Pb concentrations, a biokinetic model estimates that anywhere from 15% to 70% of children living in households with pitcher pumps may be at risk for elevated blood lead levels (>5 μg/dL). Measured Pb concentrations in water were not correlated at statistically significant levels with pump-system age, well depth, system manufacturer, or season of sample collection; only the contact time (i.e., flushed or first-draw condition) was observed to correlate significantly with Pb concentrations. In two of the 18 systems, Pb valve weights were replaced with iron, which decreased the observed Pb concentrations in the water by 57-89% in one pump and by 89-96% in the other. Both systems produced samples exclusively below 10 μg/L after substitution. Therefore, relatively straightforward operational changes on the part of the pump-system manufacturers and pump users might reduce Pb exposure, thereby helping to ensure the continued sustainability of pitcher pumps in Madagascar.

Identification of environmental sources of lead exposure in Nunavut (Canada) using stable isotope analyses

BackgroundBlood lead levels (BLLs) were measured in the adult Inuit population of Nunavut, Northern Canada, during the Inuit Health Survey (IHS) in 2007–2008. Approximately 10% of the adult participants had BLL over the Health Canada's guidance of 100μg/L. Objectives1) To repeat the measurement of BLL among the IHS participants with high BLL and household members including pregnant women and children under 10years of age; 2) to measure lead (Pb) concentrations in environmental samples to identify potential sources and 3) to explore how Pb from environmental samples contributes to BLL using Pb stable isotopic analyses. MethodsBlood samples were collected from 100 adults and 56 children in 2012. A total of 169 environmental samples (tap water, house dust, paint, country food, soil, and ammunition) were collected from 14 houses from three communities where the IHS participants had the highest BLL. Total Pb concentrations and Pb isotope mass balance were determined by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). ResultsThe geometric mean of BLL was 43.1μg/L; BLL increased with age and was higher in adults than children (71.1 vs. 17.5μg/L). Median Pb concentrations in water (1.9μg/L) and dust (27.1μg/m2 for wiped dust, 32.6mg/kg for vacuum dust coarse fraction, and 141.9mg/kg for vacuum dust fine fraction) were generally higher than in other parts of Canada. Median Pb concentrations of food and soil coarse and fine fractions were low (36.6μg/kg, 5.4mg/kg and 11.8mg/kg respectively); paint chips exceeded the Canadian guidelines in two houses (median: 3.8mg/kg). Discriminant analyses and isotope ratio analyses showed that ammunition and house dust are major sources of Pb in this study population. ConclusionAnalyses of Pb stable isotopes are useful to identify the routes of exposure to Pb. This approach can contribute to develop targeted public health programmes to prevent Pb exposure.

Metal concentration in water, sediment and four fish species from Lake Titicaca reveals a large-scale environmental concern

Although intensive mining activity and urban sewage discharge are major sources of metal inputs to Lake Titicaca, the risk posed by metal pollution to wildlife and human populations has been poorly studied. In this study we compared the concentrations of Cu, Zn, Cd, Hg, Pb, Co, and Fe in water, sediment, and two tissues (liver and muscle) of four fish species (Odontesthes bonariensis, Orestias luteus, Orestias agassii, and Trichomycterus rivulatus) across important fishery areas in Lake Titicaca. The concentration of Pb in water at the discharge sites of the main rivers and of most elements, with the exception of Co and Fe, in all fish collected in this study exceeded the safety thresholds established by international legislation. The highest metal concentrations were observed in benthopelagic species, and liver tissue was identified as the main depository for all metals with the exception of mercury. The metal bioaccumulation pattern in fish was weakly related to the metal concentrations in the environment with the exception of Hg at the most polluted location, partly explained by the different metabolic role of essential and non-essential elements and the influence of other factors such as species' ecology and individual traits in the bioaccumulation of most metals. As metal pollution extended across the study area and high metal concentrations were detected in all four fish species, we urge the authorities to enforce legislation for water and fish consumption and to evaluate the effects of metal pollution on fish health.

Metal complexation by organic ligands (L) in near-pristine estuarine waters: evidence for the identity of L

Environmental context Metal toxicity to marirne organisms is largely controlled by organic ligands (L) although the source, structure and stimuli of most ligands remain unknown. We studied trends in Cd and Zn complexing ligands in a near-pristine Irish estuary to gain clues on the identity of L in natural waters. The evidence suggests the naturally occurring Cd ligands include fulvic acids whereas the Zn ligands are likely to be exuded from seaweeds. Further research is required to determine their exact identity. Abstract Trace metal interactions with organic ligands largely control metal bioavailability in marine systems, although little is known about the identity of the ligands. To gain insight into the identity of metal complexing ligands (L), surface water and four species of brown seaweed were sampled from four sites in a region of the Lough Furnace Estuary, Ireland with varying salinity. We measured metal (Cd, Cu, Pb, Zn) speciation, complexing ligands, stability constants (log K′), glutathione (GSH), cysteine (Cys) and seaweed metal contents. Although prevalent in seaweed tissue, dissolved Cu and Pb concentrations in water were below the detection limits. Both Cd and Zn occurred in seaweed tissue. In water, both Cd and Zn occurred predominantly complexed to ligands. Levels of complexed Zn increased with decreasing salinity, increasing from 77% at high salinity to 100% at low salinity. Total dissolved Cd showed a mid-salinity decrease in complexation. The concentration of zinc ligands (LZn) ranged from 27.41nM at high salinity to 95.81nM at mid-salinity. Cd ligands (LCd) occurred in the highest concentration, 8.72nM, at mid-salinity. Comparison of the log K′ values with known ligands provided evidence of their identity: similarities were identified for LCd and fulvic acid, and LZn and macroalgal exudates.

Exposure to Metals in Environmental Media Near a Mine Tailings Site

Background: Residents near metal mine tailings sites may have higher exposures to certain metals. Aims: This study investigates whether there is a relationship between living near a former mine and smelter site in Arizona and exposure to metals, particularly arsenic (As) and lead (Pb), via soil, dust, and water. Methods: Metals were measured in residential soil, dust, water, urine and toenail samples from 31 children in 18 households up to 5 miles from a former mine and smelter site. Soil from the house perimeter and dust from vacuum bags were collected, sieved to &lt;63 ?m before nitric acid digestion and analysis via ICP-MS. Water and urine were analyzed without digestion, while toenails were washed, digested and analyzed. Blood lead was tested by an independent, certified laboratory. Spearman correlation coefficients were calculated between each environmental media and urine and toenails. Results: Geometric mean (GSD) As concentrations in soil and dust (&lt;63 ?m) were 29.4 (2.49) ppm and 11.0 (5.5) ppm. Concentrations in water were 8.04 (7.52) ppb. Geometric mean total urinary As was 12.7 (2.15) ?g/g creatinine. Soil and dust values for Pb were 20.3 (2.07) ppm and 15.9 (5.71) ppm. The majority of water Pb concentrations and blood Pb were below the limit of quantification. Toenail As was 0.745 (3.42) ?g/g and Pb was 1.27 (3.89) ?g/g. Correlation coefficients for As were: water-urine 0.44, soil-urine 0.11, dust-urine 0.58, urine-toenails 0.003, water-toenail 0.34, dust-toenail 0.021, soil-toenail 0.044. Conclusions: Total urinary As was above the NHANES 2009 geometric mean for ages 6-11 years with about 16% of the children above the 90th percentile, indicating a possible local source of exposure. Urine appears to have a better correlation with environmental samples than toenails. Children do not appear to be highly exposed to lead from the tailing/smelter site. Further work will examine the spatial gradient between the site and environmental and biomarker levels, as well as other potential predictors of biomarker levels.

Phytoremediation of Wastewater Containing Lead (Pb) in Pilot Reed Bed Using Scirpus Grossus

Phytoremediation is a technology to clean the environment from heavy metals contamination. The objectives of this study are to threat Pb contaminated wastewater by using phytoremediation technology and to determine if the plant can be mention as hyperaccumulator. Fifty plants of Scirpus grossus were grown in sand medium and 600 L spiked water in various Pb concentration (10, 30 and 50 mg/L) was exposed. The experiment was conducted with single exposure method, sampling time on day-1, day-14, day-28, day-42, day-70, and day-98. The analysis of Pb concentration in water, sand medium and inside the plant tissue was conducted by ICP-OES. Water samples were filtered and Pb concentration were directly analyzed, Pb in sand samples were extracted by EDTA method before analyzed, and Pb in plant tissues were extracted by wet digestion method and analyzed. The results showed that on day-28, Pb concentration in water decreased 100%, 99.9%, 99.7%, and the highest Pb uptake by plant were 1343, 4909, 3236 mg/kg for the treatment of 10, 30, and 50 mg/L respectively. The highest BC and TF were 485,261 on day-42 and 2.5295 on day-70 of treatment 30 mg/L, it can be mentioned that Scirpus grossus is a hyperaccumulator.