Seasonal Variations Of Heavy Metals Research Articles

Assessment of Seasonal Variations of Heavy Metals and Microbial Parameters on Well Water Quality in Urban Centre, Effluent Locations and Non-Effluent Location of Kano Metropolis, Nigeria

Assessment of Seasonal Variations of Heavy Metals and Microbial Parameters on Well Water Quality in Urban Centre, Effluent Locations and Non-Effluent Location of Kano Metropolis, Nigeria

Seasonal variations of heavy metals in seawater and integrated poly-cultured scallop Chlamys farreri in Ailian Bay, northern China

Seasonal variations of heavy metals in integrated poly-cultured scallops and seawater from Ailian Bay, northern China were analyzed to reveal the potential factor in bioaccumulation of metals in scallop Chlamys farreri. Results showed that heavy metals (Cu, Zn, As, Cd, Cr, Pb and Hg) in seawater were much below the maximum permissible limits and showed no seasonal changes, but were consistent with the growing period of the poly-cultivated kelp. The content of Zn in scallop tissues was highest with an average value of 88.35 ± 11.50 mg/kg, and Hg content was lowest (0.046 ± 0.025 mg/kg). The accumulation of Cu, As, Cd and Hg in scallops presented a significant seasonal change, and they were closely correlated with the physicochemical quality instead of heavy metals in seawater. Cadmium provided 88.9 % of the total hazard index for adults and 72.2 % for children. Arsenic should also be paid more attention in the risk assessment of human health.

Determination of Geographical and Seasonal Variations of Heavy Metals in Swordfish (Xiphias gladius) and Yellowfin Tuna (Thunnus albacares)

Bioaccumulation of heavy metals in marine fish is a major concern worldwide and it leads to some economical burdens for the tropical fish exporters. However, data is yet to be unavailable in Sri Lanka in this regard. Hence this study was conducted to explore geographical variation of heavy metal accumulation in the Swordfish (Xiphias gladius) and Yellowfin tuna (Thunnus albacares) as they play a predominant role in the export fish market in Sri Lanka. Secondary heavy metal analysis data of Mercury, Led, Arsenic and Cadmium were collected from two major fish export companies in Sri Lanka during the period of 2015 to 2017. Particular points were traced with the aid of log sheets and heavy metal variations were mapped against fish species and heavy metal concentrations by using QGIS software. Heavy metal analysis data were concentrated between 64 to 70 longitudes and 0 to 8 latitudes, 76 to 80 longitudes and 0 to 8 latitudes, 88 to 92 longitudes and 14 to18 latitudes and 82 to 90 longitudes and 6 to 14 latitudes. Heavy metals such as Cd, As and Pb were not detected in the fish samples. Mercury was the major heavy metal accumulated among the tested and high concentration was detected in Swordfish. Mercury accumulation was highest in longitudes between 64 to 70 and latitudes of 0 to 8.This shows serious health issues that are challenging to humans and provides clear evidence on marine pollution. It is recommended to prevent fishing in these particular areas. Proactive measures and techniques need to be applied to fix safe limits of heavy metals in these natural aquatic ecosystems and protect the organisms in the environment.

Determination of Geographical and Seasonal Variations of Heavy Metals in Swordfish (Xiphias gladius) and Yellowfin Tuna (Thunnus albacares)

Determination of Geographical and Seasonal Variations of Heavy Metals in Swordfish (Xiphias gladius) and Yellowfin Tuna (Thunnus albacares)

Seasonal variations of heavy metals in water, sediment, and organs of Vossia cuspidata (Roxb.) Griff. in River Nile ecosystem: implication for phytoremediation.

The present study aimed at investigating (1) the seasonal concentrations of heavy metals in different organs of Vossia cuspidata (Roxb.) Griff. in its main natural habitats in the River Nile ecosystem in Cairo, Egypt, (2) the bioaccumulation and translocation of heavy metals in the organs of V. cuspidata and its potentials as a phytostabilizer, and (3) the seasonal changes in the dry matter (DM) biomass of the organs. Two river islands were selected for seasonal sampling of water, sediment, and plant organs in eighteen randomly distributed quadrates (0.5 × 0.5 m each) during the period from February 2018 to January 2019. The total annual mean DM biomass was ≈ 18.7 ton ha-1. The aboveground organs had significant seasonal variations in DM biomass (p < 0.05). The belowground DM biomass represents 23% of the aboveground DM biomass. Belowground organs had the highest DM biomass values in winter for the roots (23.85 g DM m-2, 4.75% from the total DM) and spring for the rhizomes (108.96 g DM m-2, 37.3% from the total DM). Regardless of the heavy metals concentrations in water and sediment, V. cuspidata can accumulate Fe, Mn, Ni, and Pb at high levels. There was a statistically significant interaction between the effects of seasons and organs on the concentrations of Mn, Ni, and Pb at p < 0.001. The root was the main accumulating organ for the analyzed elements in the present study. Vossia cuspidata can transfer low concentrations of the analyzed metals from belowground to aboveground organs. We recommend V. cuspidata as a potential phytostabilizer to Fe, Zn, Mn, Cu, Ni, and Pb from the mainstream of River Nile.

Accumulation of nine heavy metals in water and gills, intestine and digenean parasites of the silver catfish, Bagrus bajad Forskål, 1775.

Bioindicator value of digenean parasites (Acanthostomum absconditum, Acanthostomum spiniceps and Haplorchoides cahirinus) of silver catfish, Bagrus bajad was assessed by analyzing the concentrations of nine heavy metals (Fe, Zn, Cu, Ni, Cd, Cr, Mn, Co, and Pb) using atomic absorption spectrometry. Additionally, the study compared heavy metals concentrations in four sinks (water, gills, intestine and digenean worms) from two aquatic habitats (the upstream and downstream) of the Damietta Branch of the River Nile from January to December, 2018. The results revealed that iron and manganese were the most abundant metals in water, gills, intestine and digenean worms at both the upstream and downstream aquatic habitats. In addition, the digenean worms of B. bajad inhabiting these two localities accumulated higher amounts of all analyzed heavy metals than water, gills and intestine (especially iron and manganese), except for chromium, the highest level of which was encountered in the gill tissues. The seasonal variations of heavy metals indicated their highest concentration in summer (for water, gills, intestine and digenean worms) and lowest concentration in autumn and winter (for water, gills and intestine), and in winter and spring (for digenean parasites). The results confirmed that the digenean intestinal parasites accumulate heavy metals pollutants in a significant manner and are important model for monitoring pollution.

Seasonal variations of heavy metals in the marine bivalve Cerastoderma glaucum (Bruguière, 1789) from Temsah Lake, Ismailia, Egypt, and their relation to anti‌oxidant enzymes

Cerastoderma glaucum is a common bivalve in Temsah Lake. It plays important direct and/or indirect roles in the nutrient cycle. This work determined the seasonal variation of heavy metals [copper (Cu), iron (Fe), magnesium (Mg), manganese (Mn), zinc (Zn), chromium (Cr), nickel (Ni), cobalt (Co), cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb)] in the tissue of the investigated bivalve, and the effect of these metals on the antioxidant enzymes. The results revealed that the greatest values for all studied metals in the soft tissues of C. glaucum occurred during winter and autumn seasons, while the least values were recorded during spring and summer seasons. Mg and Fe concentrations were significantly higher in all seasons when compared with all other metals. The concentrations of metals, such as Mn, Ni, Fe, and Cr were present beyond the WHO recommended standards, especially during winter and autumn seasons. Also, this study showed highly significant increase in lipid peroxidation (MDA) activity during autumn and winter seasons that was associated with a decrease in the mean activity levels of catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) than summer season and decrease in superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity than spring season. These results related to high heavy metals concentrations, such as Cu, Fe, and Zn during the autumn season, and Mg, Mn, Cr, Co, and Ni during the winter season. Moreover, the present study recorded positive significant correlations between MDA activity and Cu, Cr and Fe concentrations, and significantly negative correlations between MDA activity and SOD activity, between CAT activity and Ni and Mn, and between GPx and Mn, Cr and Fe. So, the present study suggests that MDA and antioxidant enzymes (CAT, GPx and SOD) can be used as biomarkers to reflect the level of heavy metal pollution stress, especially Fe and Cr in the soft tissues of C. glaucum.

Seasonal Variations of Heavy Metals in the Soil Around a Coal-Fired Thermal Power Plant, South-West Coast of India.

This study focuses on seasonal variations of heavy metals in the soil around a coal fired thermal power plant in Udupi district, which is a densely populated town in the tropical southwest coast of India. This study, pertaining to 48 soil samples, collected during the pre-monsoon, early-monsoon, monsoon and post-monsoon seasons for oneyear, reveals that the chemistry of collected soil samples is influenced by non-pedogenic (anthropogenic) sources such as fly-ash deposition from the thermal power plant and vehicular emissions. This was concluded based on grouping of similar behaved elements through correlation-regression analysis. The distance-wise distribution of heavy metals and backward wind-trajectory analysis suggests that pre-monsoon and post-monsoonal samples are more influenced by anthropogenic activities compared to rest of the seasons. This is supported by high concentration of Zn in pre-monsoon (25.21mg/kg) and post-monsoon (21.32mg/kg) seasons compared to early-monsoon (17.05mg/kg) and monsoon (8.60mg/kg) seasons.

Assessment and Seasonal Variations of Heavy Metals and Mineral Elements in River Sokoto, North-western Nigeria

The water quality of River Sokoto in North-western Nigeria was monitored from January, April, June, August, September and November, 2014. Analyses of some selected metals and mineral elements namely Na, Mg, K, Ca, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Mo, Ag, Cd, Sn, Sb, Hg, and Pb from six sampling points was conducted to determine their concentrations in the river during dry (January) and rainy (August) seasons. Analyses of Na and K were carried out using Flame Emission Spectroscopy, while other metals were analysed using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry (AAS). The elemental concentrations are generally higher in dry season than in the rainy season. Though Pb was not found in any of the water samples in the dry season, it was found in sample collected from sampling point P4 (a point on stream drainage immediately from Sokoto Cement Factory) at value above WHO’s permissible limit in the rainy season. Ag and Cd were not found in the water samples in rainy season whereas they were found at values above permissible limit in dry season. Hg was found at value above permissible limit in both seasons. The result of T-test analysis shows there was highly significant difference (p≤0.01) in the values of Mg, K, Cr, Fe, Co, Ag, Cd, Sn and Hg in all samples for dry and rainy seasons. High level of Cr, Co, Ag, Cd, Hg and Pb in River Sokoto above WHO’s permissible limit will certainly have adverse effect on the health of the residents. Keywords : Seasonal variation, heavy metals, mineral elements, pollution, River Sokoto.

Evaluation of geochemical behavior and heavy metal distribution of sediments: The case study of the Tirumalairajan river estuary, southeast coast of India

The purpose of this study was to assess the chemical partitioning of selected heavy metals (Fe, Mn, Cu, Zn, Pb, Cr, Co and Ni) in 10 surface sediments at Tirumalairajan River Estuary in the southeastern coast of India. A five-step sequential extraction technique was used to assess the environmental status of heavy metals. Most of metals were considered to be immobile due to the high availability in the residual fraction of heavy metals. The sediments of Tirumalairajan River estuary had not been polluted by heavy metals, and they didn't pose any high ecological risk. The seasonal variations of heavy metals were slightly higher in summer than in monsoon season. Factor analysis was also carried out to understand the associations of metals in different fractions with sand, silt, clay, organic matter, pH, salinity and other metals. The relationship between the Q-mode and R-mode cluster analyses was useful for identifying the pollution levels in both seasons. It was proved that the enrichment of heavy metals was related with geogenic and anthropogenic sources. The information on total metal concentrations in sediments was not sufficient for assessing the metal behavior in the environment, but the sequential extraction technique was more effective in estimating the environmental impact of contaminated sediments.

Effect of seasonal variations on the surface sediment heavy metal enrichment of a lake in South India

Environmental effects due to continuous accumulation of hazardous materials like heavy metals in the surface sediments of lake systems can stress fragile ecosystems. Elucidating the mechanisms influencing the concentration and distribution of heavy metals becomes vital in formulating lake management strategies to preserve the quality of the water environment. Studying of the effect of seasonal variations on surface sediments will help in understanding the different factors and sources contributing and diluting these persistent pollutants. In this study, heavy metal pollution in a tropical shallow lake (Akkulam-Veli) in South India was investigated by monitoring the seasonal variations of heavy metals and major elements in surface sediments. The metallic pollutants (Cr, Ni, Co, Cu, Zn, Pb, Fe, and Mn) and major elements (Si, Ti, Al, Ca, Mg, Na, K, and P (measured as oxides) in the surface sediments of this lake were monitored during four consecutive seasons. The results were subjected to correlation analysis and principal component analysis to study the interrelationships of different parameters as well to determine the possible origin of pollutants. Although metal concentrations were found to be unaffected by seasonal variations, the factors contributing to occurrence of these heavy metals were found to be affected by seasonal fluctuations.

Spatial and Seasonal Variations of Heavy Metals in Wetland Soils of the Tidal Flats in the Yangtze Estuary, China: Environmental Implications

The environment of estuarine wetlands has been attracting worldwide attention. To study the spatial distribution of pollutants in the tidal flats of the Yangtze Estuary, Southeast China, the Eastern Tidal Flat of Chongming Island (EC) and the Jiuduansha Shoal (JS) of the estuary were selected as the study sites. At each of the two sites, a cross-transect from land to sea was established and topsoil and soil core samples in the cross-transect were collected spatially and seasonally to determine their contents of heavy metals (Cu, Zn, Pb, Cd, Cr, Ni, Mn, and Fe) and grain-size characteristics. The results showed that the heavy metal loads were commonly higher in the soils of nearshore high tidal flats and had a tendency of decreasing from land to sea at both of the study sites. The contents of heavy metals in the soils of the high and medial tidal flats were mostly higher in April and November but lower in July. Corresponding spatial and seasonal variations in grain size of the intertidal soils were also observed at the two study sites. The soils in the nearshore high tidal flats were finer and gradually got coarser seawards; they were relatively finer in April and November but coarser in July. Furthermore, the contents of heavy metals in the intertidal soils of both the sites EC and JS were significantly positively correlated with the clay (< 2 μm) and 2–20 μm fractions, but negatively with the sand (> 63 μm) and 20–63 μm fractions, which suggested that the heavy metals in the intertidal soils were primarily combined with the fine particulate fraction (< 20 μm), especially clay, and hence the spatial and seasonal variations in heavy metals were actually caused by the change of the grain-size characteristics of the intertidal soils due to the different sedimentary environments in the estuary. The results of this study may also contribute to a better understanding of the soil formation and classification in the tidal flats of the Yangtze Estuary.

Spatial Distribution and Seasonal Variations of Heavy Metals in Surface Water of the Taizi River

The contamination levels and distribution of heavy metals in surface water of the Taizi River were investigated. Samples of water were collected from upstream to downstream locations, and also from the main tributaries of the Taizi River. All samples were analyzed for arsenic, mercury, and chromium (Ⅵ). Results indicated that the metal levels of upriver sites were lower than downriver sites. The total concentrations of Cr6+ and As in dry season was higher than that in flood season. While heavy metal Hg represents the highest concentration in flood season. Compared with the permissible levels of surface water environmental quality standards (GB3838-2002), the levels of Cr6+ and As attained the first and second level, but Hg attained the fifth level. This indicated that most sites of the Taizi River have a high risk of Hg pollution in flood period.

Seasonal variations of heavy metals in some organs of carp (Cyprinus carpio L., 1758) from Beyşehir Lake (Turkey)

In this study which was carried out between March 2003 and February 2005 Fe, Cu, Zn, Mn, Cr, Pb and Cd contents were determined in muscle, liver and gill of carp (Cyprinus carpio L., 1758) caught from Beyşehir Lake. Among the heavy metals analyzed Cr, Pb and Cd were below the detection limit (<0.03). Heavy metal concentrations varied significantly depending on the type of the tissue and season. The highest metal concentrations were found in the liver, followed by gill and muscle. Heavy metal levels in tissues of carp were increased in summer and winter, while were decreased in autumn and spring. The present study shows that precautions need to be taken in Beyşehir Lake in order to prevent heavy metal pollution that can occur in the future.

A two century record of strontium isotopes from an ice core drilled at Mt Blanc, France

New techniques which allow small amounts of Sr to be reliably analysed [G.R. Burton, V.I. Morgan, C.F. Boutron, K.J.R. Rosman, High-sensitivity measurements of strontium isotopes in polar ice, Anal. Chim. Acta 469 (2002) 225–233] by TIMS (Thermal Ionisation Mass Spectrometry) have been used to measure the isotopic composition of Sr and the concentration of Rb and Sr at sub-nanogram per gram levels in a Mt Blanc snow and ice core. This two century time series of Sr isotopes is the first to be reported in an Alpine glacier. The Sr and Rb concentrations range from 3 ng/g to 20 pg/g and 1 ng/g to 10 pg/g, respectively, with higher concentrations evident in more recent times. This trend is consistent with that reported previously for other metals such as Cd, Cu and Zn [K. Van de Velde, C. Barbante, G. Cozzi, I. Moret, T. Bellomi, C. Ferrari, C. Boutron, Changes in the occurrence of silver, gold, platinum, palladium and rhodium in Mont Blanc ice and snow since the 18th century, Atmos. Environ. 34 (2000) 3117–3127; K. Van de Velde, C. Boutron, C. Ferrari, T. Bellomi, C. Barbante, S. Rudnev, M. Bolshov, Seasonal variations of heavy metals in the 1960s Alpine ice: sources versus meteorological factors, Earth Planet. Sci. Lett. 164 (1998) 521–533; K.J.R. Rosman, C. Ly, K. Van de Velde, C.F. Boutron, A two century record of lead isotopes in high altitude Alpine snow and ice, Earth Planet. Sci. Lett. 176 (2000) 413–424]. The 87Sr/ 86Sr ratios vary between 0.7020 and 0.7176 and display relatively larger variations in recent times which have been attributed to seasonal variations made evident by the increased sampling resolution available at shallower depths. No change with time is evident in this ratio which has a mean value of ∼ 0.712 and is similar to Glacial ice at Summit Greenland, suggesting that aerosols reaching Mt Blanc represent the same mixture of sources. Also, anthropogenic sources would appear to have the same isotopic ratio. The presence of Saharan dust in some samples is confirmed here by their strontium isotopic ratios.

Seasonal variations of heavy metals in central Greenland snow deposited from 1991 to 1995.

To better assess the seasonality in the fallout of heavy metals to central Greenland, a continuous series of 68 snow samples has been collected at a remote site in the Summit area from a 2.7 m pit using ultraclean sampling procedures. This covers a continuous four year time period from spring 1991 to spring 1995. Co, Cu, Zn, Mo, Rh, Pd, Ag, Cd, Sb, Pt, Pb, Bi and U were determined using ultrasensitive inductively coupled plasma sector field mass spectrometry under clean room conditions. In addition we also determined Al by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry and Na+, Ca2+, SO4(2-), MSA and oxalate by ion chromatography, species that will assist in the interpretation of the trace metal data. The data show pronounced inter- and intra-annual variations, with large differences in the amplitude of these variations for the element studied, with few clear seasonality patterns. Generally, high concentrations are observed in the spring snow layers, while much lower concentrations are typical of summer snow layers. Significant correlations are observed between Co, Cu, Zn, Ag and Sb, while Pt, Pd and Rh show no correlation with the other metals. Crustal enrichment factors show that while the crustal dust contribution is probably important for some metals for part of the year (spring), anthropogenic inputs are as important in many instances. Pronounced intra-annual variations are observed for some metals, in particular Pt. The variations observed for this metal parallel fairly closely changes in Russian Pt production, which points to emissions from smelters in the Russian Arctic as likely sources for Pt.

Seasonal variations of heavy metals in the 1960s Alpine ice: sources versus meteorological factors

We present here the first reliable data on the occurrence of Pb, Zn, Cu, Cd, Bi, Mn and Al in high altitude cold Alpine ice. They were obtained by analyzing with three different analytical techniques various sections of a 140 meter long ice core drilled near the summit of Mont Blanc at the French–Italian border. Special emphasis was given to the study of seasonal variations in ice dated from 1960/61 and 1967/68, i.e. ice deposited just before and after the opening of the Mont Blanc road tunnel. For all the metals, concentrations vary by two orders of magnitude from summer to winter, with the highest concentrations being observed in summer. For Pb, Zn, Cu, Cd and Bi, the lowest concentrations range from 0.1 pg/g (for Bi) to 50 pg/g (for Pb), i.e. values which are comparable to concentrations observed in central Greenland. Anthropogenic inputs are dominant for Pb, Zn, Cd, and Bi while inputs from natural sources are important for Cu, Mn and Al. Both source and meteorological parameters are responsible for the heavy metal content of high altitude alpine ice. These metals mainly originate from Western European sources as indicated by back air trajectories and emissions data for the different countries. The observed seasonal variations are however largely linked with the changing vertical structure of the regional troposphere, which prevented the transfer of pollutants to higher altitudes in winter but not in summer. Our data do not indicate a significant change linked with the opening of the Mont Blanc tunnel.

On the spatial and seasonal variations of heavy metals of the Razzazah lake, Iraq

Five heavy metals, namely Cd, Cu, Fe, Mn, and Pb in the surface water and through the water column were studied at 10 selected stations in the Razzazah lake and Karbala drainage canal for the period between November 1990 to October 1991∗. pH and total hardness were also measured. Lead was found to be the highest in concentration as overall average values, followed by an manganese, iron, copper then cadmium at the surface as well as along the water column. All the studied metals were below or close to the maximum allowed limits of Iraqi standards for inland water. The spatial and seasonal variations were discussed.

Seasonal variations of heavy metals in sediments and aquatic mosses from the Cávado river basin (Portugal)

Concentrations of Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb and Zn in surface sediments and aquatic mosses from the Cávado river basin were determined in order to evaluate the overall metal contamination and trace the main pollution sources. The natural background levels were calculated for both plants and sediments (fraction < 63 μm) collected at uncontaminated sites and concentrations were normalized to the natural levels. The maximum resulting contamination factors in the aquatic mosses ranged from 6 (Zn) to 101 (Cr). In the sediments the accumulation rates are lower, between 3 (Zn) and 18 (Pb). The degree of contamination was also evaluated by calculating a metal pollution index and the more polluted reaches were identified. Metal concentration variations in plants and sediments in two different surveys (1988 and 1989) were studied by factor analysis. Three factors are sufficient to characterize data variance. Factors corresponding to plants and sediments show different metal composition and provide evidence that industrial effluents and drainage waters from a mining area are the main causes of variations of element concentrations. The seasonal variations of metal concentrations both in plants and sediments are also discussed.

Monitoring of water quality: Seasonal variations of heavy metals in sediment, suspended particulate matter and tubificids of the Elbe river

Abstract Seasonal variations of the concentrations of the toxic heavy metals Hg, Cd and Pb in suspended particulate matter (SPM) and sediment in a shallow inlet of the Elbe River were caused by phytoplankton dynamics: In summer, the phytoplankton bloom caused an increase of SPM content and a higher sedimentation rate . A"dilution”; of the highly polluted SPM coming downstream by authochthonous phytoplankton led to a decrease of heavy metal concentration in SPM and sediment. After the break‐down of the phytoplankton bloom the heavy metal concentration in SPM increased again. No seasonal variations of heavy metal concentrations were found in the tissue of tubificids. They are, therefore, not reliable biomonitors of heavy metal pollution.