Sources Of Heavy Metal Pollution Research Articles

Quantitative assessment of ecological risk from pollution source based on geostatistical analysis and APCS-MLR model.

The safety of human health and agricultural production depends on the quality of farmland soil. Risk assessment of heavy metal pollution sources could effectively reduce the hazard of soil pollution from various sources. This study has identified and quantitatively analyzed pollution sources with geostatistical analysis and the APCS-MLR model. The potential ecological risk index was combined with the APCS-MLR model which has quantitatively calculated the source contribution. The results revealed that As, Cr, Cd, Pb, Zn, and Cu were enriched in soil. Geostatistical analysis and the APCS-MLR model have apportioned four pollution sources. The Mn and Ni were attributed to natural sources; As and Cr were from agricultural activities; Cu and Zn were originated from natural sources; Cd and Pb were derived from atmospheric deposition. Atmospheric deposition and agricultural activities were the largest contributors to ecological risk of heavy metals in soil, which accounted for 56.21% and 36.01% respectively. Atmospheric deposition and agricultural activities are classified as priority sources of pollution. The combination of source analysis receptor model and risk assessment is an effective method to quantify source contribution. This study has quantified the ecological risks of soil heavy metals from different sources, which will provide a reliable method for the identification of primary harmfulness sources of pollution for future studies.

Snow dumping station – A considerable source of tyre wear, microplastics, and heavy metal pollution

Snow dumping stations can be a hotspots for pollutants to water resources. However, little is known about the amount of microplastics including tyre wear particles transported this way. This study investigated microplastics and metals in snow from four snow dumping stations in Riga, Latvia, a remote site (Gauja National Park), and a roof top in Riga. Microplastics other than tyre wear particles were identified with Attenuated Total Reflection Fourier Transform Infrared (ATR-FTIR) (>500 µm) and focal plane array based micro-Fourier Transform Infrared (FPA-µFTIR) imaging (10–500 µm), tyre wear particles by Pyrolysis Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectroscopy (Py-GC–MS), and total metals by Inductively Coupled Plasma with Optical Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-OES). Microplastics detected by FTIR were quantified by particle counts and their mass estimated, while tyre wear particles were quantified by mass. The concentrations varied substantially, with the highest levels in the urban areas. Microplastic concentrations measured by FTIR ranged between 26 and 2549 counts L−1 of melted snow with a corresponding estimated mass of 19–573 µg/L. Tyre wear particles were not detected at the two reference sites, while other sites held 44–3026 µg/L. Metal concentrations varied several orders of magnitude with for example sodium in the range 0.45–819.54 mg/L and cadmium in the range 0.05–0.94 µg/L. Correlating microplastic measured by FTIR to metal content showed a weak to moderate correlation. Tyre wear particles, however, correlated strongly to many of the metals. The study showed that snow can hold considerable amounts of these pollutants, which upon melting and release of the meltwater to the aquatic environment could impact receiving waters.

Determination of Heavy Metal Sources in an Agricultural Catchment (Poland) Using the Fingerprinting Method

This study investigates the heavy metal contamination of soils and suspended sediments in the Nurzec River catchment (Eastern Poland), focusing in particular on the effects of catchment land use. The fingerprinting technique has been combined with the classic, Igeo, and EF index-supported contamination analysis to identify heavy metals sources. A wide range of elements (31 chemical elements including heavy metals) allowed the author to analyse the pathways and to identify the pressures of heavy metal contamination. The developed statistical models of heavy metal source distribution displayed results at a statistically significant level. The results have revealed the significant impact of land use connected with urban areas (URBAN) and pastures (PAST), which together constitute less than 20% of the river catchment area. These results are relevant to the local authorities and stakeholders, as they highlight the significant impact of low-density urban areas that are not locally considered as the major sources of heavy metal pollution. These results will contribute to sustainable decisions in the field of contaminated catchment area remediation.

Quantifying the mitigating effect of organic matter on heavy metal availability in soils with different manure applications: A geochemical modelling study

Manure is one of the main sources of heavy metal (HM) pollution on farmlands. It has become the focus of global ecological research because of its potential threat to human health and the sustainability of food systems. Soil pH and organic matter are improved by manure and play pivotal roles in determining soil HM behavior. Geochemical modeling has been widely used to assess and predict the behavior of soil HMs; however, there remains a research gap in manure applications. In this study, a geochemical model (LeachXS) coupled with a pH-dependent leaching test with continuously simulations over a broad pH range was used to determine the effects and pollution risks of pig or cattle manure separate application on soil HMs distribution. Both pig and cattle manure applications led to soil pH reduction in alkaline soils and increased organic matter content. Pig manure application resulted in a potential 90.5–156.0 % increase in soil HM content. Cattle manure did not cause significant HM contamination. The leaching trend of soil HMs across treatments exhibited a V-shaped change, with the lowest concentration at pH = 7, gradually increasing toward strong acids and bases. The dissolved organic matter-bound HM content directly increased the HM availability, especially for Cu (up to 8.4 %) after pig manure application. However, more HMs (Cr, Cu, Zn, Ni) were in the particulate organic matter-bound state than in other solid phases (e.g., Fe-Al(hydr) oxides, clay minerals), which inhibited the HMs leaching by more than 19.3 % after cattle manure application. Despite these variations, high HM concentrations introduced by pig manure raised the soil contamination risk, potentially exceeding 40 times at pH ±1. When manure is returned to the field, reducing its HM content and mitigating possible pollution is necessary to realize the healthy and sustainable development of circular agriculture.

Current water pollution status at an important wintering site of the black-faced spoonbill Platalea minor in Xinghua Bay, south China

Xinghua Bay is one of the largest wintering sites of the black-faced spoonbill Platalea minor in mainland China. The ecosystem of Xinghua Bay has shown a deteriorating trend with the increasing pressure of economic development in recent decades. To understand the current conservation status of the wintering spoonbills in Xinghua Bay, we collected water samples along the coast of Xinghua Bay and important spoonbill habitats during the wintering period to analyze the pollution degree of 7 target heavy metals and organics. The Nemerow pollution index (NPI), heavy metal pollution index (HPI) and contamination degree (CD) were used to assess the heavy metal pollution levels. The ecological risk index of a target heavy metal (Efi) and potential ecological risk index of all target heavy metals (RI) were used to assess the ecological risk of heavy metals levels in Xinghua Bay. Positive matrix factorization (PMF) was used to determine the sources of heavy metals in coastal waters with the EPA PMF5.0 model. The results showed that there was moderate to very heavy pollution by heavy metals and moderate associated ecological risks in Xinghua Bay, in which Hg and Cd were the major heavy metal pollution sources, and the level of organic pollution was of serious concern. The use of fertilizers for cultured shellfish and aquaculture in and around the bay were the major cause of the excessive nitrogen and phosphorus levels, and factories surrounding Xinghua Bay were the major sources of heavy metals and organic pollution. We propose conservation measures to increase black-faced spoonbill population and enhance its habitats.

Extent and Sources of Heavy Metal Pollution from Discharging Rivers in the Bohai Region, China

Studies have investigated heavy metal (HM) contamination in the Bohai Sea, but primarily in seawater and associated sediments, or in single rivers. For the first time, 31 major rivers discharging into the Bohai Sea were analyzed, along with 27 uniformly distributed coastal seawater samples and selected invertebrates. The elements measured were As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, V, and Zn. We calculated the ‘geo-accumulation index’, the ‘metal enrichment factor’, and the ‘contamination factor’, coupled with the ‘pollution load index’, and our findings suggested low-grade HM pollution, although two conspicuous associations of elements were found to stand out in particular: One is a combination of As, Cu, Cr, and V in seawater samples that may indicate pollution from intensive ship traffic. The other shows a significant pattern of Cr, Pb, and Zn in water samples from rivers discharging between Yantai and Weihai on the Shandong Peninsula at the south edge of the Bohai Sea. This is primarily a farming area, with a moderate share of industrial enterprises. Investigations including fertilizers and pesticides point to agricultural practices and textile printing/chrome tanneries as the causes of contamination. Overall, a significant decline was found in the HM load in the rivers, apart from those discharging into the Yellow Sea section.

Anthropogenic–induced environmental and ecological changes in the Nile Delta over the past half-century

Anthropogenic activities over the past half-century have had a negative impact on the wetland ecosystem in the Nile Delta, which provides essential provisioning and regulating services. Therefore, it is crucial to systematically investigate pollution levels and their ecological consequences at both spatial and temporal scales in order to promote sustainable development. In this study, data on metal pollution in the Manzala Lake were compiled through a systematic review of all published literature from 1968 to 2020. Additionally, agricultural data (including land use, pesticide and fertilizer usage, and discharge) and economic data for the same time period were collected to identify the main drivers of pollution. The results indicated an overall increasing trend in heavy metal concentrations during the study period. The average concentrations of metals, arranged in descending order, were as follows: Fe (15,115.5 μg/g) > Mn (722 μg/g) > Zn (115.4 μg/g) > Cu (65.9 μg/g) > Ni (62.5 μg/g) > Cr (58.1 μg/g) > Pb (54.1 μg/g) > Cd (4.7 μg/g) > Hg (0.1 μg/g). A linear regression model revealed that wastewater discharge, water reuse, and the use of pesticides and fertilizers are the main sources of heavy metal pollution in the Manzala Lake. Consequently, there has been a dramatic decrease in the biodiversity of fish and molluscan communities. The study also found a correlation between heavy metal pollution and socio-economic development, highlighting the urgent need for attention to the conservation, management, and sustainable development of the lake.

Spatiotemporal Distribution and Source Analysis of Heavy Metals in Surface Sediments in Lake Ulansuhai Based on PCA-APCS-MLR Model

To explore the spatial and temporal distribution characteristics of heavy metals in the surface sediments of lakes in cold regions during ice-sealing and non-ice-sealing periods, we analyzed the potential ecological risk degree and the pollution sources. A total of 20 sampling sites in Lake Ulansuhai in cold regions were collected from 2020 to 2021, and 120 surface sediment samples were collected during different periods. The contents of As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, Zn, and Hg were determined. Correlation analysis, principal component analysis, and the absolute factor score-multiple linear regression (APCS-MLR) receptor model were used to trace the source of heavy metal pollution. The results showed that:① the distribution of heavy metals in lake surface sediments was different between the ice-sealing period and the non-ice-sealing period. The distribution of heavy metals during the ice-sealing period was higher in the north and lower in the south. Cd and Hg were mainly distributed in the central and southern lakes during the non-glacial period. ② Hg, Cd, and As were moderately polluted, and Ni was mildly polluted in the surface sediments of the lake. The overall performance was at a high risk level, and the pollution level during the non-ice-sealing period was higher than that during the ice-sealing period. The main environmental risk factors were Hg and Cd, which showed high risk and moderate risk, respectively. ③ The sources of heavy metals in lake surface sediments were mainly industrial sources from mining and transportation, agricultural sources, and natural sources. As, Ni, Pb, and Hg were mainly affected by industrial sources, with contribution rates of 62.67%, 75.31%, 77.47%, and 80.11%, respectively. The main sources of Cu and Zn were natural sources, and Cd was greatly affected by agricultural sources. The contribution rate was 81.57%. The source of Cr was mainly affected by natural factors, and the influence of human activities and unknown sources require further attention.

Characteristics and Identification Priority Source of Heavy Metals Pollution in Farmland Soils in the Yellow River Basin

Assessments of the soil environmental quality of farmland and pollution source apportionment are the foundation for ensuring national food security and agricultural sustainable development, as well as an important prerequisite for the pursuit to keep our lands clean. This study evaluated the characteristics of heavy metal pollution in farmland soils in the Yellow River Basin from 2000 to 2023, based on the data of heavy metal contents including As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Hg, Ni, Pb, and Zn, using the geo-accumulation index method. Source apportionment was conducted by employing a positive matrix factorization (PMF) model. The probabilistic health risks were evaluated by coupling Monte Carlo simulation with a human health risk assessment model, and priority pollution sources and elements were identified. The results showed that:① the average content of all heavy metals in farmland soils within the study area was lower than the screening values specified in the soil environment quality risk control standard for soil contamination of agriculture land (GB 15618-2018) (pH>7.5). However, the contents of Cd, As, and Zn in the samples exceeded their screening values, with percentages of 21.69%, 5.56%, and 1.23%, respectively, with Cd having the highest rate of exceedance. ② Hg and Cd were moderately polluted, Cu and Pb were slightly polluted, and the other elements were not polluted. ③ The main sources of heavy metals in farmland soil were traffic-industrial sources, natural-agricultural sources, industrial-natural sources, and agricultural-industrial sources, with contribution rates of 37.04%, 26.69%, 21.72%, and 14.55%, respectively. ④ Heavy metals in farmland soil posed carcinogenic health risks to adults and children but did not have non-carcinogenic risks; As and Cd were priority control elements for human health risks, and industrial-natural sources and agricultural-industrial sources were priority control sources in the study area.

Traceability Analysis and Environmental Quality Assessment of Soil Heavy Metal Pollution in West Hunan Province

In order to explore the status of soil heavy metal pollution and environmental quality in west Hunan, relevant areas of Phoenix County were selected as the study area. Using data from 440 soil samples collected in the study area from June to August 2022, the pH value of the soil and contents of eight heavy metal elements, namely, As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Hg, Ni, Pb, and Zn, were analyzed. The PMF model was used for traceability analysis and geochemical evaluation of soil environmental quality. The results showed that the average values of soil heavy metals ω(Zn), ω(Cr), ω(Pb), ω(Ni), ω(Cu), ω(As), ω(Cd), and ω(Hg) were 81.02, 64.67, 31.63, 29.27, 25.52, 9.93, 0.28, and 0.13 mg·kg-1, respectively. The soil in the study area was mainly weakly acidic, and the contents of the Cd and Hg elements were relatively high compared to the national soil background values and were highly variable. The contents of the Hg and Cd elements in forest land were higher than that in other land uses. The PMF model results showed that the contribution rates of heavy metal pollution sources in the study area were mining sources (37.4%), atmospheric sedimentation sources (7.7%), natural sources (41.1%), and agricultural activity sources (13.8%) and provided suggestions on pollution control measures according to the spatial distribution of the four types of pollution sources. Through the comprehensive assessment of soil environmental geochemistry, the study area was divided into three types of plots, namely, non-risk areas (94.27 km2), accounting for 76.38%; risk-controllable areas (27.45 km2), accounting for 22.24%; and high-risk areas (1.7 km2), accounting for 1.38%. This study provided data support for the prevention and control measures of land pollution in the research area, as well as the delineation of the prevention and control scope.

A study of environmental pollution and risk of heavy metals in the bottom water and sediment of the Chaohu Lake, China.

Most of the existing research for heavy metals in water at present is focusing on surface water. However, potential environmental risk of heavy metals in the bottom water of lakes cannot be ignored. In this study, the content, distribution, and speciation of nine heavy metals (As, V, Cr, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Cd, and Pb) in the bottom water and sediment of Chaohu Lake were studied. Some pollution assessment methods were used to evaluate the environmental effect of heavy metals. Positive matrix factorization was conducted to investigate the potential sources of heavy metals in sediment. The contents of heavy metals in the bottom water of Chaohu Lake mean that its environmental pollution can be ignored. In sediment, Cd and Zn have showed stronger ecological risk. pH and redox potential are more likely to affect the stability of heavy metals in the bottom water of Chaohu Lake during the dry reason. Industrial sources (16%) are no longer the largest source of heavy metal pollution; traffic sources (33.6%) and agricultural sources (23.4%) have become the main sources of pollution at present. This study can provide some support and suggestions for the treatment of heavy metals in lakes.

Pollution Source Apportionment of Heavy Metals in Cultivated Soil Around a Red Mud Yard Based on APCS-MLR and PMF Models

In order to explore the characteristics and sources of heavy metal pollution in cultivated soil around a red mud yard in Chongqing， the content and spatial distribution characteristics of eight heavy metal elements （Cd， Cr， Hg， Ni， Pb， As， Cu， and Zn） in the soil were analyzed， and the single factor pollution index method and Nemerow comprehensive pollution index method were used to evaluate the characteristics of heavy metal pollution in soil. On the basis of correlation analysis， the APCS-MLR and PMF models were used to quantitatively analyze the sources of heavy metals. The results showed that the average contents of the other seven heavy metal elements were higher than the background values of Chongqing soil， except for that of Cr. The heavy metals Cd， Hg， and As were moderately polluted， and Pb， Cu， Ni， and Zn were mildly polluted. The spatial distribution pattern of Cr， Ni， Pb， Cu， and Zn in the soil was similar， and there was a very significant positive correlation between them （P < 0.01）. The spatial distribution characteristics of Cd， Hg， and As were significantly different， and there was no significant correlation between them （P > 0.05）. The source apportionment showed that the sources of heavy metals in the soil in the study area were relatively complex， and the APCS-MLR and PMF models could identify the same four pollution sources， namely red mud yard percolation emission and natural sources， thermal power generation emission sources， agricultural activities and natural sources， and non-ferrous metal smelting emission sources. There was little difference in the results of source apportionment between the two models. The contribution rates of the four pollution sources in the APCS-MLR model were 51.8%， 18.0%， 15.9%， and 14.3%， respectively， whereas those in the PMF model were 45.9%， 12.8%， 21.5%， and 19.8%， respectively.

Spatial Distribution, Risk Assessment and Sources of Heavy Metals in Roadside Soils Exposed to the Zhengzhou-Kaifeng Intercity Railway in Huanghuai Plain, China

ABSTRACT Heavy metal accumulation in soil can seriously harm human health, and it is necessary to identify the accumulation status and access the potential risks for local pollution control and sustainable economic development. This study evaluated the pollution level, spatial distribution, potential risk and sources of soil heavy metals along the Zhengzhou-Kaifeng intercity railway and compared pollution characteristics in north side soils with south side soils of the railway. A total of 260 soil samples were collected from a section along the railway. In practice, only the average Zn and Pb contents in soils were slightly higher than their corresponding risk screening values. The heavy metal enrichment in the north side soils was marginally lower than that in the south side soils. The spatial distribution of soil heavy metals except Pb could be mainly influenced by the different land use types. The geoaccumulation index and potential ecological risk of a single heavy metal indicated that Cd was the major contaminant with moderate pollution and high ecological risks in the south side soils and none to moderate pollution and moderate ecological risks in the north side soils. However, the mean multimetal potential ecological risk values suggested that the north side soils were at low ecological risks and the south side soils were at moderate ecological risks. The comprehensive non-carcinogenic risks and total carcinogenic risks for adults were low and acceptable, respectively. Pearson correlation analysis, PCA, and APCS-MLR analyses identified that the contributions of natural sources, mixed sources of industrial and traffic activities, agricultural activities, and other sources were 57.49%, 21.44%, 12.67% and 8.40%, respectively, and the major soil pollution Cd was mainly related to mixed sources of industrial and traffic activities. Therefore, continuous soil heavy metal monitoring is essential to elucidate the long-term railway operation effect on soil heavy metal accumulation.

Pollution Level and Sources of Heavy Metals in Indoor Dust from College of Science, University of Anbar Campus, Iraq

This research aims to evaluate the level of heavy metal pollution [Cadmium (Cd), Cobalt (Co), Chromium (Cr), Copper (Cu), Lead (Pb) and Zinc (Zn)] in indoor dust samples taken from the College of Science at the University of Anbar in Iraq and their likely sources. Atomic absorption spectrophotometer was used to evaluate the dust samples that were taken from 39 locations (classrooms, offices, and laboratories). Zn > Pb > Cr > Co > Cu > Cd was the order in which the heavy metal concentrations were found. The findings showed that all metal concentrations at various times exceeded background values. Using the geo-accumulation index (Igeo) and contamination (CF), the pollution level was calculated. The values of Igeo and CF indicate that the indoor dust in the College of Science is heavily polluted with Pb and Cd and is unpolluted to moderate polluted with the other metals. Pb, Cd, and Zn may be released from anthropogenic sources, while Co, Cr, and Cu may come from a combination of sources, according to the coefficient of variation (CV) comparison of the heavy metal concentrations with background values, Pearson’s correlation, cluster analysis (CA), and principle component analysis (PCA).

Migration and Transformation of Heavy Metal and Its Fate in Intertidal Sediments: A Review

Intertidal sediments are rich in biological resources, which are important for material circulation and energy exchange. Meanwhile, these areas can be treated as sinks as well as sources of coastal heavy metal pollutants. Due to the influence of the tide, the intertidal sediments are in a state of periodic flooding and exposure, and environmental factors such as dissolved oxygen, salinity and overlying water pressure are changeable. Heavy metals in sediments are prone to migration and transformation with the dynamic effects of tidal water and the changes in the environment factors, which increase the bioavailability of heavy metals. In this review, the characteristics of distribution and the bioavailability of heavy metals in intertidal sediments are described; the migration and transformation behavior of heavy metals and its influencing factors under tidal conditions are analyzed; and the mechanisms of heavy metal’s migration and transformation in the intertidal zone are summarized. Moreover, the bioaccumulation of heavy metal by organisms and the remediation techniques are discussed. Therefore, this review systematically summarizes the states of existence, the transport mechanisms, and the fate of heavy metals in the intertidal sediment, fills in the research gap of the cycling of heavy metal in the intertidal zone, and provides a theoretical basis for the control of heavy metal pollution.

Advances in Studies on Heavy Metals in Urban Soil: A Bibliometric Analysis

Recent advancements in urban economies and population growth have led to an escalation in urban soil heavy metal pollution, thereby posing significant threats to human life and health. This paper presents a comprehensive bibliometric analysis, detailing the developmental trajectory, research hotspots, and emerging trends in the field of urban soil heavy metal pollution research. Utilizing the CiteSpace and VOSviewer software tools, we conducted an analysis of 1247 articles sourced from the Web of Science Core Collection Database (WoSCC) spanning the period from 2000 to 2022. Our analysis revealed a significant upward trend in the number of publications during the period 2000–2022, a trend expected to persist. Ahmad Kafeel, Khan Zafar Iqbal, and Huang Biao emerged as the leading authors in this domain. The journal, Science of the Total Environment, held the most influence, while China led in the number of publications, with the Chinese Academy of Sciences as the foremost contributor. The research predominantly focused on source apportionment of urban soil heavy metal pollution, pollution risk assessment, and the application of environmental magnetism. Future research priorities include assessing the human health risks from diverse sources of heavy metal pollution, a key aspect of ensuring urban safety and soil health. Our findings delineate the evolutionary trajectory of urban soil heavy metal pollution research over the past two decades and underscore the viability of employing a dynamic bibliometric approach to investigate this research discipline.

Assessment of sources and health risks of heavy metals in metropolitan household dust among preschool children: The LEAPP-HIT study

The most common construction material used in Taiwan is concrete, potentially contaminated by geologic heavy metals (HMs). Younger children spend much time indoors, increasing HM exposure risks from household dust owing to their behaviors. We evaluated arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), and lead (Pb) concentrations in fingernails among 280 preschoolers between 2017 and 2023. We also analyzed HM concentrations, including As, Cd, Pb, chromium (Cr), nickel (Ni), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), iron (Fe), and manganese (Mn), in 90 household dust and 50 road dust samples from a residential area where children lived between 2019 and 2021 to deepen the understanding of sources and health risks of exposure to HMs from household dust. The average As, Cd, and Pb concentrations in fingernails were 0.12 ± 0.06, 0.05 ± 0.05, and 0.95 ± 0.77 μg/g, respectively. Soil parent materials, indoor construction activities, vehicle emissions, and mixed indoor combustion were the pollution sources of HMs in household dust. Higher Cr and Pb levels in household dust may pose non-carcinogenic risks to preschoolers. Addressing indoor construction and soil parent materials sources is vital for children's health. The finding of the present survey can be used for indoor environmental management to reduce the risks of HM exposure and avoid potential adverse health effects for younger children.

Contamination Characteristics and Source Apportionment of Soil Heavy Metals in an Abandoned Pyrite Mining Area of Tongling City, China

To investigate the impact of pyrite mining on the heavy metal pollution in the surrounding soil in Tongling City, 50 surface soil and sediment samples were collected from mining fields, farmland, forests, villages, and the river. The contents of Zn, Cr, Cu, Pb, Ni, Cd, and As in soils and sediments were analyzed. Then, the spatial distribution characteristics of heavy metals in soil were analyzed, and the degree of heavy metal pollution and potential ecological risk level were assessed. Finally, the sources of soil heavy metal pollution were identified. In general, the soil in the study area was weakly acidic (average pH=6.32), and the contents of other heavy metals except Ni exceeded the background values of the soil in Tongling City. Moreover, Ni and Cd were enriched in the river sediments. According to the Nemerow pollution index, Pb and As reached heavy pollution levels, Cu and Cd reached moderate pollution levels, and other elements belonged to light or non-pollution levels. The comprehensive pollution index of different land types was ranked in the order of mining field > river > forest > farmland > village. Mining fields and the river were heavily polluted, forest land was moderately polluted, and farmland and villages were mainly mildly polluted. Pb, As, and Cd belonged to the medium ecological risk category. The contribution rates of the potential ecological risk index were 33.27%, 27.39%, and 20.22%, which were much higher than the other four elements. The ranking results of the potential ecological risk index of different land types was the same as that of the comprehensive pollution index. Mining fields and the river were at a high-risk level, forest land reached moderate risk, and the rest were at a slight risk level. The consistent results of correlation analysis, principal component analysis (PCA), and positive definite matrix factor analysis (PMF) indicated that Zn, Cu, Pb, Cd, and As were mainly derived from pyrite mining activities, Cr mainly came from the parent material and agricultural production, and Ni was mainly affected by soil-forming parent material and pyrite mining activities.

Analysis of the Source Apportionment and Pathways of Heavy Metals in Soil in a Coal Mining Area Based on Machine Learning and an APCS-MLR Model

Long-term coal mining activities have led to severe heavy metal pollution in the soil environment of coal mining areas, posing significant threats to both ecological environments and human health. In this study, surface soil samples were collected from the overlying soil of coal gangue and the surrounding areas of the Panyi coal mine in Huainan. The concentrations of Cd, Zn, Cu, Ni, and Pb elements were determined. A self-organizing map (SOM) and an absolute principal component score multiple linear regression (APCS-MLR) receptor model were employed for the quantitative analysis of the soil’s heavy metal pollution sources and contributions. Additionally, this study focused on the analysis of the pathways of the relatively serious pollution of Cd. The results revealed that the average concentrations of heavy metals (Cd, Pb, Zn, Cu, Cr, and Ni) in the study area were 4.55, 0.59, 1.54, 0.69, 0.59, and 0.71 times the local soil background values, respectively. The concentrations of Cd and Zn exceeded the risk screening values at some sampling points, with exceedance rates of 44% and 8%, respectively, indicating a relatively serious Cd contamination. The sources of heavy metals in the soil in the study area were classified into four categories: mining activities, agricultural activities, weathering of natural matrices, and other unknown sources, with average contributions of 55.48 percent, 24.44 percent, 8.91 percent and 11.86 percent, respectively. Based on the spatial distribution of Cd, it was inferred that atmospheric deposition is one of the important pollution pathways of Cd in the study area. Cd profile distribution patterns and a surface water pollution survey showed that the farmland areas were affected by the irrigation water pathway to some extent. The vertical distribution of heavy metal content in the forest area showed a strong disorder, which was related to the absorption function of plant roots. The results of this study can help to improve the environmental management of heavy metal pollution so as to protect the ecological environment and human health.

Assessment of heavy metals and radionuclides (U and Th) contamination, and source identification of the Lékié Watershed sediments, Cameroon

This study aims to assess the pollution levels and sources of heavy metals (Al, Mn, Co, Ni, Sc and V) and radionuclides (Th and U) in sediments of Lékié Watershed in Cameroon. Surface sediment samples were collected from 14 stations across different areas of the Lékié Watershed. The heavy metal and radionuclide analysis on sediments were carried out and pollution indices such as enrichment factor (EF), contamination factor (CF), degree of contamination (DC), pollution load index (PLI), potential ecological risk assessment and multivariate statistical methods were utilized to evaluate the degree of contamination and estimate the source of metals in the sediments of Lékié Watershed. The results show that the mean concentrations are lower than those of the upper continental crust (UCC) reference values except those of Mn, Co, Ni, and V. The values of EF varied from moderate to severe enrichments (from 4 to 44). The contamination factor (1 < CF < 3), potential ecological risk (<40) and degree of contamination (<8) revealed a low to moderate degree of contamination. The majority of stations have PLI > 1, indicating pollution. The application of multivariate analysis to these metallic elements reveals contaminations attributed to anthropogenic activities, including the release of domestic, artisanal mining, and industrial effluents, as well as natural sources originating from the leaching of local surrounding soils and geological factors. To mitigate more pollution in this watershed which is closed from urbanization, it is crucial for local authorities to implement wastewater treatment measures.