Trace Element Concentrations In Water Research Articles

Unveiling concentrations of trace elements in the Lower Indus River: risks to aquatic life and human health

Concentration of trace elements (CTEs) is a significant environmental concern worldwide. This study assessed CTE levels in the Lower Indus River (LIR) by analyzing CTEs in water, sediments, tissues of fish (Cirrhinus mrigala), and macrophytes using electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry (ETAAS) and flame atomic absorption spectrometry (FAAS). The study shows that CTE range—arsenic (As, 58.7–112.1 μg/L), lead (Pb, 59.9–95.6 μg/L), cadmium (Cd, 3.8–8.1 μg/L), nickel (Ni, 40.9–63.4 μg/L), and zinc (Zn, 590.7–847.6 μg/L)—and water parameters (temperature, pH, COD, BOD, turbidity, and alkalinity) exceeded WHO (World Health Organization) acceptable limits. The CTEs (mg/kg dried basis) were analyzed in fish tissues, and As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Hg, Ni, and Zn have the following accumulation order: liver > gill > muscle. In contrast, Ag and Pb were present in higher amounts in gills than in the liver (gill > liver > muscle). Prediction of bioavailability of CTEs, with the extraction of sediment load with EDTA, revealed that As, Cd, and Zn were among the most bioavailable elements in the LIR. Health risk assessment indicated that the presence of CTEs in the fish could pose potential adverse health effects on humans. The study emphasizes significant ecological and health concerns due to fish consumption in the affected region, noting high risks of non-carcinogenic effects. These insights are essential for policymakers and stakeholders in Sindh Province to manage and reduce trace element pollution.

Trace element concentrations in water and Clupeonella cultriventris caspia in the Southern Caspian Sea and Assessment of Potential Risk to Human Health.

Despite the fishing pressure on common kilka (Clupeonella cultriventris caspia) and the importance of the Caspian Sea, there are little data on trace element levels in those. Therefore, the concentrations of 27 trace elements were measured in water (n=15) and C. cultriventris (n=1050) collected from the southern Caspian Sea. The concentrations of Cd, Hg, and Zn in the water exceeded permissible limits and posed potential ecological risks to the aquatic biota, especially in the southeastern region of the Caspian Sea. The estimated daily intakes of As, Cd, Co, Hg, Mn, Pb, Sb, and V from the consumption of C. cultriventris were higher than the acceptable daily intake recommended by the JECFA and USEPA. However, the target hazard quotients and hazard index values were lesser than one. It appears that C. cultriventris provides a small amount of essential element nutrition for consumers. In conclusion, this study revealed that consumers are exposed to As, Co, Hg, Mn, Mo, Sb, and, V through the consumption of C. cultriventris. Also, the concentrations of Cd, Hg, and Zn in water showed significant ecological risk.

Dynamics of Trace Element Composition of Bratsk Reservoir Water in Different Periods of Anthropogenic Impact (Baikal Region, Russia).

Bratsk water reservoir is a part of the unified Baikal-Angara water system, the world's largest reservoir of surface drinking water. This study intends to assess the water quality of Bratsk reservoir by examining the spatial and temporal variability of trace element concentrations over periods of changing by the anthropogenic impact. The water samples were collected along the length of the reservoir in 2003, 2008, 2012, and 2018 and analyzed for 12 trace elements (Al, Cr, Mn, Fe, Cu, Zn, As, Cd, Cs, Pb, U, and Hg). The results show that in the zone of maximum anthropogenic impact the concentrations of these elements increased as follows: Al 781.0µg L-1; Cr 1.43µg L-1; Fe 1052.4µg L-1; Cu 3.34µg L-1; Zn 15.52µg L-1; Cd 0.691µg L-1; Cs 0.070µg L-1; U 1.74µg L-1; Hg 0.0505µg L-1. The trace element concentrations in Bratsk reservoir water did not exceed levels set by the international drinking water quality standards. At the same time, the uniqueness of the reservoir requires the use of stricter criteria for water quality control. The trace element concentrations in the water from the source of the Angara river (the only run-off from Lake Baikal) used as reference levels indicate higher levels of metal contamination and pollution indices in Bratsk reservoir water. Over different periods of observation, the contamination factor (CF) showed very high contamination for Al, Mn, Cd, and Cs. PLI indices for 2003 and 2018 classify the majority of water samples as polluted. The NPI values were indicative of severe water contamination by Mn and Pb (all years), Cu (2009), Fe and Cd (2003), Al, Cr, Zn, Cs, and Hg (2003, 2009, 2018). The obtained results showed the importance of using water quality criteria with a view to strengthening the requirements of environmental protection measures in the Baikal region.

Temporal correspondence of selenium and mercury, among brine shrimp and water in Great Salt Lake, Utah, USA

The specific source of high burdens of selenium (Se) and mercury (Hg) in several bird species at Great Salt Lake (GSL) remain unknown. Frequent co-located water and brine shrimp samples were collected during 2016 through 2017 to identify potential correlations of element concentrations among brines and brine shrimp, a keystone species in the GSL. Like many aquatic systems, GSL is characterized by elevated methylmercury (MeHg) in deep waters. However, in contrast to thermally-stratified aquatic systems, biota in the salinity-stratified GSL do not reside in its deep waters, obscuring the presumed relationship between elevated MeHg in biota and in the deep brine. Brine shrimp and water column (shallow and deep, filtered and unfiltered) samples were collected from six sites spanning the South Arm of GSL approximately every other month. Mercury concentrations in brine shrimp (on average 89% of which is MeHg) were correlated only with total mercury in surface filtered water, and displayed little spatial variability, but consistent seasonal trends across the two sampled years. In contrast to Hg, temporal correspondence was observed between Se concentrations in brine shrimp and those in all water samples regardless of filtering and depth, with maxima and minima at higher-than-seasonal frequency.The data suggest a spatially diffuse source of bioavailable mercury to the shallow brine that responds to seasonal influences, for which the underlying deep brine, surficial sediments, and overlying atmosphere were evaluated in terms of potential temporal correspondence to shallow brine and brine shrimp Hg concentrations, as well as potential to mix across the extent of the shallow brine. Bioaccumulation factors were at the low end of those reported for marine systems, and decreased at higher trace element concentrations in water.

Direct Trace Element Determination in Oil and Gas Produced Waters with Inductively Coupled Plasma‐Optical Emission Spectrometry: Advantages of High‐Salinity Tolerance

Waters co‐produced during petroleum extraction are the largest waste streams from oil and gas development. Reuse or disposal of these waters is difficult due to their high salinities and the sheer volumes generated. Produced waters (PWs) may also contain valuable mineral commodities. While an understanding of produced water trace element composition is required for evaluating the associated resource and waste potential of these materials, measuring trace elements in brines is challenging due to the dilution requirements of typical methods. Alternatively, inductively coupled plasma‐optical emission spectrometry (ICP‐OES) has shown promise as being capable of direct measurements of trace elements within PWs with minimal dilution. Here, we evaluate direct ICP‐OES trace element quantification in PWs for seventeen trace elements (As, Al, Ba, Be, Cd, Cr, Co, Cu, Hg, Mo, Ni, Pb, Rb, Sb, U, V and Zn) within fifteen PWs from five U.S. continuous reservoirs. The total analytical uncertainties associated with the trace element levels determined using ICP‐OES were estimated to be better than ± 30% (2s) except for Rb, which could not be determined due to ionisation interferences. The ICP‐OES results are compared with trace element levels determined using inductively coupled plasma‐mass spectrometry from the same samples. Our results demonstrate the potential for direct analysis of high‐salinity waters using ICP‐OES with minimal dilution and provide trace element concentrations in waters from several important U.S. petroleum‐generating reservoirs where available data are sparse.

A first record of the antioxidant defense and selected trace elements in Salamandra salamandra larvae on Mt. Avala and Mt. Vrsacki Breg (Serbia)

We investigated the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), glutathione reductase (GR) and the phase II biotransformation enzyme glutathione S-transferase (GST) in the whole body of fire salamander larvae (Salamandra salamandra) from two localities on Mt. Avala (AVS and ABP) and one locality on Mt. Vrsacki Breg (VSB), Serbia. We also determined the total glutathione (GSH) and sulfhydryl group (SH) contents, as well as the concentrations of manganese (Mn), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), selenium (Se), arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb) and uranium (U). The obtained results show that animals from VSB had significantly lower weights and lengths than animals from AVS and ABP. The activities of all investigated enzymes were significantly higher, while the SH content was significantly lower in animals from VSB compared to those from AVS and ABP. No correlations between trace-element concentrations in water and animal tissue were observed. We concluded that the obtained results were more likely a consequence of the combination of developmental differences and the effects of different habitat conditions, environmental and anthropogenic influences than of concentrations of trace elements in the water alone.

Assessment of trace metallic element contamination in sediment and water of the Bou Grine District, North-western Tunisia: concentrations, sources and environmental implications

The present investigation was conducted in the vicinities of the Bou Grine abandoned mine in order to assess the presence and the spatial distribution of trace metallic elements (TME) or trace metals in soil, surface water and groundwater. Water and sediment samples were collected and analysed to determine the principal physicochemical properties of the TME. High level contamination of soil by Pb, Zn and Cu was detected, with maximum concentrations of 14,149 mg/kg, 14,691 mg/kg and 165.7 mg/kg, respectively. These relatively high concentrations bring insight to the anthropogenic impact related to the erosion of dump deposits, which represent the principal source of metal contamination in the soil. The distribution of trace elements concentrations in water (surface or groundwater) shows that the high values, which largely exceed the World Health Organization (WHO) standards for drinking water, occur downstream the abandoned mine. This finding confirms the assumption that the abandoned mine site constitutes the main source of metal pollution, which needs its urgent rehabilitation in order to avoid the undesirable interaction with agricultural and urban areas.

Assessment of trace metallic element contamination in sediment and water of the Bou Grine District, North-western Tunisia: concentrations, sources and environmental implications

The present investigation was conducted in the vicinities of the Bou Grine abandoned mine in order to assess the presence and the spatial distribution of trace metallic elements (TME) or trace metals in soil, surface water and groundwater. Water and sediment samples were collected and analysed to determine the principal physicochemical properties of the TME. High level contamination of soil by Pb, Zn and Cu was detected, with maximum concentrations of 14,149 mg/kg, 14,691 mg/kg and 165.7 mg/kg, respectively. These relatively high concentrations bring insight to the anthropogenic impact related to the erosion of dump deposits, which represent the principal source of metal contamination in the soil. The distribution of trace elements concentrations in water (surface or groundwater) shows that the high values, which largely exceed the World Health Organization (WHO) standards for drinking water, occur downstream the abandoned mine. This finding confirms the assumption that the abandoned mine site constitutes the main source of metal pollution, which needs its urgent rehabilitation in order to avoid the undesirable interaction with agricultural and urban areas.

Trace element and strontium isotopic analysis of Gulf Sturgeon fin rays to assess habitat use

Trace element and 87Sr/86Sr isotope analyses of fish pectoral fin rays offer non-destructive methods for determining habitat use. In this study, water and fin ray samples were analyzed for Gulf Sturgeon Acipenser oxyrinchus desotoi from the Choctawhatchee River Basin (FL and AL, USA) and compared with reference samples from Atlantic Sturgeon A. o. oxyrinchus held at controlled salinities (0, 10, 33 ppt). Samples were analyzed using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry, with a multi-collector for 87Sr/86Sr. In water, Sr, Ba, Mn and Zn differed between freshwater and saline habitats, with increases in Sr and decreases in Ba, Mn and Zn. 87Sr/86Sr decreased upstream to downstream with lowest values in saline habitats. In the reference study, water trace element concentrations and 87Sr/86Sr corresponded to those in pectoral fin rays. 87Sr/86Sr was higher in pectoral fin ray than water, due to influence of diet, which differed with salinity. In wild fish, trace elements in pectoral fin rays indicated freshwater emigration to saline habitats primarily occurred in the second to third growth zone with some heterogeneity in the population (4% <0.3 years, 39% 0.5–1.3 years, 39% 1.5–2.3 years, 17% 2.5–3.3 years). Analyses of 87Sr/86Sr indicated initial locations of Gulf Sturgeon were in the middle river, with few fish in the upper or lower river. Most (74%) juvenile Gulf Sturgeon utilized more than one river region prior to freshwater emigration and 48% moved upstream temporarily based on increased 87Sr/86Sr. After initial freshwater emigration, fish utilized lower-river to saline habitats. Collectively, these studies demonstrate the usefulness of trace element and 87Sr/86Sr analyses in sturgeon pectoral fin rays.

Assessment of some trace heavy metals and radioactivity concentration in drinking water of Saudi Arabia

Concentration of trace elements and natural gross radioactivity were measured in the drinking water in Jizan region (Saudi Arabia). A preliminary study on trace elements (Zn, Fe, Mn, Ni, Cu, Cr, Co, Se, Sr, V, Ti, Mo, Hg, Cd, Ba, As, Al and Pb) concentrations and natural radioactivity related to gross-α and gross-β radiations in the drinking water were determined. The obtained results showed that, in general, the trace elements concentrations in water did not exceed WHO [1], and GSO [2] guidelines. Generally, heavy metals concentration of the drinking water were found to be in the sequence of Sr &gt; Ti &gt; Fe &gt; Al &gt; Zn &gt; Ba &gt; As &gt; Cu &gt; Mo &gt; Ni &gt; Cr &gt; Co &gt; Se &gt;Hg &gt; Mn, respectively. The results of this study indicated that a general absence of serious pollution in the drinking water used in this region. The results obtained from the radioactivity determination indicate that the drinking water radioactivity concentration of gross-α and gross-β were ranging from 0.06±0.001 to 0.45±0.03 Bq/l and from 0.05±0.006 to 2.95±0.23 Bq/l, respectively. The gross alpha values were found to fall below the GSO and WHO recommended MCL of 0.5 Bq/l while the gross beta values in two samples only exceeds the MCL value of 1 Bq/l, respectively.

Is trace element concentration correlated to parasite abundance? A case study in a population of the green frog Pelophylax synkl. hispanicus from the Neto River (Calabria, southern Italy).

Bioaccumulation of 13 trace elements in the livers of 38 Pelophylax sinkl. hispanicus (Ranidae) and its helminth communities were studied and compared among three sites, each with a different degree of pollution along River Neto (south Italy) during September, 2014. Trace element concentrations in water and liver were measured using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. For most elements, the highest concentration was recorded in the frogs inhabiting the third site, the one with the highest degree of pollution. The trend of trace element concentration in the liver can be represented as follows: Cu>Zn>Mn>Se>Cr. Concentrations of some elements in water and liver samples were significantly different among the three sites and this is evidenced by the bioaccumulation in the frogs. Four species of helminths, all belonging to Nematoda, were found: Rhabdias sp., Oswaldocruzia filiformis (Goeze, 1782), Cosmocerca ornata (Dujarden, 1845), Seuratascaris numidica (Seurat, 1917). The parasite survey presents an important difference of prevalence and average number of helminths in frogs between the three sites. Correlating parasitological and ecotoxicological data showed a strong positive correlation between prevalence and number of parasites with some trace elements such as Mn, Co, Ni, As, Se, and Cd.

Interlayer interference analysis based on trace elements in water produced from coalbed methane wells: a case study of the Upper Permian coal-bearing strata, Bide–Santang Basin, western Guizhou, China

Commingling coalbed methane (CBM) production will cause interlayer interference and severely impede the efficient drainage and pressure drop in coal seams. Effective recognition of interlayer interference is important during commingling CBM production. On the basis of water samples and trace element data from CBM wells in the Bide–Santang Basin, western Guizhou, China, the trace element dynamic characteristics and their significance for recognition of interlayer interference are discussed. As drainage proceeds, the trace element concentrations in the water tend to increase. Li, Ga, Rb, Sr, and Ba were selected as characteristic trace elements and were used to detect the water source apportionment of commingling production. The trace element concentrations in water derived from deep coal seams are relatively higher than those in water from shallow coal seams. The characteristic trace element concentrations in produced water exhibit good correlation with gas production and the interlayer span (the maximum vertical distance between produced coal seams in a well) of the CBM wells. Low trace element concentrations are indicative of interlayer interference. Wells with low gas production are characterized by a longer interlayer span, higher water production, and lower trace element concentrations. Wells with high gas production characteristically display a short interlayer span, lower water production, and higher trace element concentrations in produced water. Preliminary diagrams for recognition of interlayer interference are established based on characteristic trace elements in the produced water. The upper CBM system has poor commingling compatibility with the middle and lower CBM systems; thus, the middle and lower CBM systems should be a priority for future development.

Heavy metals and trace elements in muscle of silverside (Odontesthes bonariensis) and water from different environments (Argentina): aquatic pollution and consumption effect approach

The concentrations of As, Ag, B, Ba, Bi, Ca, Cd, Co, Cr, Fe, Ga, Hg, K, Li, Mg, Mn, Mo, Na, Ni, Pb, Rb, Sb, Se, Sn, Sr, Te, Ti, U, V and Zn were determined in water and silverside (Odontesthes bonariensis) muscle samples from four important commercial fishing sites (Argentina) by ICPMS. Trace element concentrations in water with well-documented human health effects were above the recommended maximum levels established by Argentinean and international guidelines for the aquatic biota protection in three sampling sites (e.g. As: 28.4–367μgL−1; Cd: 0.17–1.05μgL−1; Hg: 0.07–0.63μgL−1; Zn: 71.3–90.0μgL−1). High concentrations of As, Hg and Pb (0.03–0.76; 0.03–0.42 and 0.04–0.19mgkg−1 wet weight, respectively) were found in silverside muscle. Fishing communities associated with contaminated environments are likely to have higher consumption rates and are thus more likely to be exposed to higher concentrations of the toxic elements (As, Hg and Pb).

Trace elements in waters of inland, low-salinity shrimp ponds in Alabama

Trace element concentrations in waters of 10, inland, low-salinity shrimp ponds in Alabama tended to be greater than those found in normal seawater – molybdenum, boron and silicon were exceptions. Concentrations of most trace elements varied greatly among ponds on individual sampling dates, and average concentrations based on all sampling dates in individual ponds also varied considerably. The analytical method used, digestion of water samples in nitric acid followed by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrophotometry, measured total concentrations of trace elements – free ions, hydrolysis products, ion pairs, coordination compounds (chelated forms) and particulate forms. Free ions are the toxic forms of most trace elements and the ionic concentration is much less than the total concentration of a trace element. Based on total concentrations of trace elements, it is doubtful that free-ionic concentrations of trace elements were great enough to harm shrimp. The fact that no negative correlations were noted between trace element concentrations and shrimp survival and production supports this conclusion. However, positive correlations (P < 0.05) between shrimp survival and production and increasing concentrations of zinc, cobalt and iron should be investigated further to ascertain if additions of these elements to ponds might improve shrimp performance.

The Trace Element Analysis in Freshwater Fish Species, Water and Sediment in Iyidere Stream (Rize-Turkey)

Many environmental problems like dam construction, agricultural debris, flooding and industrial establishments threaten Iyidere stream (Rize, Turkey) on the southeastern coast of the Black Sea (Turkey). The trace element concentrations in water, fish and sediments in lyidere stream (Rize, Turkey) were investigated in this study. The concentration of six different elements in ten freshwater fish species and sediment was determined using energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence method. A radioisotope excited X-ray fluorescence analysis using the method of multiple standard addition is applied for the elemental analysis of fish and sediments. Water samples for trace metals were analyzed using standard spectrophotometry methods. A qualitative analysis of spectral peaks showed that ten different freshwater fish samples (Chondrostoma colchicum, Chalcalburnus chalcoides, Salmo trutta labrax, Alburnoides bipunctatus, Leuciscus cephalus, Barbus taurus escherichia, Capoeta tinca, Neogobius kessleri, Rutilus frisii, Lampetra lanceolata) and sediment contained phosphorus (P), sulphur (S), chlorine (Cl), potassium (K), calcium (Ca) and titanium (Ti). Heavy metals as toxic elements for biota (Pb, Cd, Hg, Zn and Mn etc.) were not detected in fish, water and sediments. Thus, It can be declared that freshwater fish of Iyidere does not contains health risks for consumers in terms of metal pollution.

Determination of Toxic and Trace Elements in Water Sediment and Vegetation in Topcamp Stream

Human activities have continuously disturbed the natural aquatic ecosystem. The objective of the study was to determine some trace elements concentrations in water, sediments and vegetations in the impacted Topcamp stream. The study area lies between Latitudes 07°25'30'' N to 07°25'50'' and Longitude 003°2'00'' to 003°55'50'' E, a 3 km stretch of freshwater within metropolitan city. Single grab of surface water and sediment samples on sequential sites were studied. Vegetation samples, syndrella modiflora, were collected in the vicinity of the stream and analyzed. Results showed that the cation ions Ca and K were in excess of normal good quality water. The values of As, Cu, Cr, Fe and Zn were generally low and below the European Commission and WHO guidelines of drinking water quality. The trace elements concentration in the sediments, As, Cr, Cu, Fe, and Zn were elevated relative to water concentrations. The element concentrations in plant, syndrella nodiflora showed high moderate of Ca and Mg, low of As, Cr, P and Cd. Lead and Cd were below detection limit in water and sediment. When the sediment level of elements were compared to that of water, it is obvious that the residue levels of all heavy metals decreased indicating some capacity for assimilation.

Geochemical distribution of trace element concentrations in the vicinity of Boroo gold mine, Selenge Province, Mongolia

The environmental impacts of Boroo gold mine project in Mongolia was evaluated by chemical characterization of trace element concentrations in water, soils and tailing dam sediment samples. The results showed that concentrations of B, Cd, Ni and Se in the water samples were within the accepted levels of the Mongolia water quality standard (MNS4586: 1998). However, the concentrations of Al, As, Cu, Mn, Fe, Pb, U and Zn were higher than the maximum allowable concentration especially in the monitoring and heap leach wells. The average concentrations of As, Cd, Cu, Ni, Pb and Zn in the tailing dam sediment were 4419, 58.5, 56.0, 4.8, 20.6 and 25.7 mg/kg, respectively. Generally, arsenic and heavy metals in the soil samples were within the acceptable concentrations of the soil standard of Mongolia (MNS 5850: 2008). The chemical characterization of As solid phase in tailing dam sediment showed that the majority of As were found in the residual fraction comprising about 74% of total As. Assessing the potential risk to humans, simple bioavailability extraction test was used to estimate bioavailability of arsenic and heavy metals, and the concentrations extracted from tailing dam sediment were; 288.2 mg/kg As, 7.2 mg/kg Cd, 41.1 mg/kg Cu, 13.5 mg/kg Pb, 4.7 mg/kg Ni and 23.5 mg/kg Zn, respectively. From these results, the Boroo gold mine project has presently not significantly impacted the environment, but there is a high probability that it may act as a source of future contamination.

Practical aspects of the uncertainty and traceability of spectrochemical measurement results by electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry

The determination of trace elements concentration in water by electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry (ETAAS) is a common and well established technique in many chemical testing laboratories. However, the evaluation of measurement uncertainty results is not systematically implemented. The paper presents an easy step-by-step example leading to the evaluation of the combined standard uncertainty of copper determination in water using ETAAS. The major contributors to the overall measurement uncertainty are identified due to amount of copper in water sample that mainly depends on the absorbance measurements, due to certified reference material and due to auto-sampler volume measurements. The practical aspects how the traceability of copper concentration in water can be established and demonstrated are also pointed out.

Trace element concentration in São Francisco River water using STXRF and PIXE techniques

Trace element concentrations in water from Sao Francisco River using Particle Induced X-ray Emission (PIXE) and Synchroton Total Reflection X-ray Fluorescence (STXRF) techniques are measured. The main objective of this work was to characterize and to monitor the trace elements in the water of Sao Francisco River, as well as to provide valuable information about the levels of metallic ions pollutants. Water samples were collected monthly at five locations along the course of the river from July 2003 to April 2004. As an internal standard, 11.6 ppm of Yttrium was added to 10 ml of the water sample. The PIXE and TXRF measurements were performed at the Ion Beams and Materials Laboratory (LAMFI) and the Brazilian National Synchrotron Light Laboratory (LNLS), using a proton beam and a polychromatic X-ray beam, respectively. Si(Li) detectors were used to collect the X-ray spectra. Due to the excellent detection limits of the PIXE and STXRF analysis, up to 15 elements were quantified. The highest total content of Cr, As, Cu and Zn detected in river water are above the limits recommended by the environmental legislation.