Trace Element Contamination Research Articles

Fast and effective simultaneous determination of metals in soil samples by ultrasound-assisted extraction and flame atomic absorption spectrometry: assessment of trace elements contamination in agricultural and native forest soils from Paraná - Brazil

This study proposes a simple and effective method for determination of Al, Cd, Cu, Ni, and Zn in soil samples, associating ultrasound-assisted extraction and flame atomic absorption spectrometry (FAAS). Ultrasound-assisted extraction conditions were optimized using a central composite design. This method required small volumes of HCl, HNO3, and HF as an extraction solvent blend to ensure effective analyte extraction. Limits of detection and quantification were determined to assess the minimum accurate concentration of the studied elements that can be detected and quantified in a soil sample. Therefore, the ultrasound-assisted extractionwas concluded as a simple and straightforward pretreatment technique to determine Al, Cd, Cu, Ni, and Zn concentrations in soil samples. Eight sites of agricultural and native forest areas of the city of Ponta Grossa and Guarapuava, State of Paraná, Brazil, were evaluated for metals, and compared with the reference values for trace elements provided by the Brazilian National Environment Council. Environmental assessment of soils from those eight sites was accomplished through Igeo, EF, CF, and PLI parameters, which aimed at the evaluation of agricultural sites in comparison with adjacent natural forest sites with no history of anthropogenic mobilization to determine the degree of the contribution of anthropogenic sources to metal concentrations. According to the Igeo, EF, and CF parameters, all sites were classified as unpolluted to moderately polluted and none or minor enrichment due to anthropogenic activities were noticed. PLI parameter evaluated the concentration of all studied metals in soils to stipulate an order of contamination, which was concluded as site 8 <site 4 <site 3 <site 7 <site 2 <site 6 <site 1 <site 5 for the sites under study.

Contamination, ecological and health risks of trace elements in soil of landfill and geothermal sites in Tibet

Due to the utilization of landfill technology and geothermal energy production in Tibet, the contamination of the soils and underground water by trace element has currently become a serious problem, both ecologically and to the human health point of view. However, relevant studies concerning this critical problem, particularly in the Tibet area has not been found. Therefore, this study investigated the soil contamination and the spatial distribution of the trace elements in the areas surrounding the Tibetan landfill sites (LS) and geothermal sites (GS) through several pollution evaluation models. In addition, the possible sources of trace elements and their potential impact on public health were also investigated. Results showed that the trace elements in soils nearby LS and GS had moderate to high contamination risk. In soils surrounding LS, mercury had the highest concentration of 0.015 mg/kg and was 6 times higher than the background value of 0.008 mg/kg while in GS, arsenic had the highest concentration of 66.55 mg/kg, and exceeded the soil contamination risk value of 25 mg/kg. Maizhokunggar LS was the most polluted site with an average pollution load index value of 2.95 compared to Naqu, Nyingchi, Shigatse, and Lhasa. 42% of LS were with considerable ecological risk, and all GS had low ecological risk. Both carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risk for children and adults (male, female) were within the acceptable range. According to the source analysis, unscientific anthropogenic activities including accumulated MSW, industrial discharges, and vehicle emissions significantly contributed 51.83% to soil trace element contamination. Considering that Tibet is an environment-ecologically vulnerable region with very weak self-adjustment ability, accumulated municipal solid waste in the landfill sites should be well disposed of, and even soil remediation should be well implemented.

Stream contamination by trace elements: biota incorporation and phytoremediation

Abstract: In this review, we present information about the presence of trace elements on streams and the consequences related to the increase of these chemical elements on aquatic systems. Although several studies on trace elements contamination in aquatic environments are conducted on point sources, non-point sources also have a high potential to contaminate water bodies. Some trace elements are important for the development of an organism. However, even essential elements, in high concentrations, may be toxic to aquatic organisms. In some cases, trace elements may accumulate and be transferred along food webs, generating changes in the structure and functioning of terrestrial ecosystems. The phytoremediation techniques could be an important tool in reducing the problems generated by trace elements. Thus, understanding the effects generated by the increase of trace elements concentrations on aquatic ecosystems becomes important to help public managers to apply solutions for the mitigation of this chemical pollution on natural resources.

Distribution, Sources and Modified Degree of Contamination of Trace Elements in Linggi Estuary Surface Sediments, Malaysia

Distribution, Sources and Modified Degree of Contamination of Trace Elements in Linggi Estuary Surface Sediments, Malaysia

Evaluation of Trace Elements from Used Industrial Waste in Soil improvement.

The use of industrial waste as an additive in soil improvement has many advantages, including recycling of waste, reducing the need for waste storage, and obtaining an economical material. With the use of these wastes, desired positive results are obtained in some geotechnical properties of soil. However, the wastes can create trace element contamination in soil and groundwater. In this study, trace elements originating from industrial wastes contaminating groundwater are investigated. The industrial wastes were mixed at different proportions with the soil. These mixtures were compacted into a permeameter cells, and a seepage tests were performed. The leachates obtained from seepage tests were analyzed with inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) to determine trace elements. The measured trace element quantities were compared with the allowable values in the relevant standards (EPA 822, WHO, TS266). The results reveal that quantitative values of the trace elements from the leachates were within the allowable limits, except for arsenic and chromium. Furthermore, when fly ash is used As and Cr can be combined with ettringite and be immobilized. Boron and silica fume are hazardous substances caused by trace elements. However, considering its long-term effect, they can be used with fly ash.

Trace element concentrations in fine sediment and linkages to non-point pollution source: Lower Johor river basin

Johor Strait is an economically important freshwater system in the southern portion of Peninsular Malaysia. In past decades, Johor has been experiencing rapid developments especially in industrialisation, urbanisation and agricultural activities which have impacted the quality of Johor river. This study focused on identifying the intensity and degree of sediment contamination by trace elements from different anthropogenic sources using the multiple Risk Indexes. Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) was used to detect trace element concentrations from nine sampling stations. The overall ranges for metals are 0.35-4.25, 505.86-1864.56, below detection limit (BDL)-5.37, 0.02-0.07, 0.02-0.17, 0.59-2.05, BDL-5.35, 247.07-1010.23, 0.71-9.62, 1.08-5.68 and 10.87-21.15 mg/kg for Ag, Al, As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, and Zn respectively. The mean concentrations of trace elements follow the order: Al > Fe > Zn > Cu > Mn > Ni > Ag > Cr > As > Co > Cd. In this study, high concentrations of most elements (Al, As, Cd, Co, Fe, Mn, and Ni) were recorded at SS5 as the station is located near the Kota Tinggi city. Comparison with the sediment quality guidelines (SQGs) portrayed that concentrations of As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, and Zn were below the Threshold Effects Level (TEL), Severity Effects Level (SEL), Probable Effects level (PEL) values in all sampling stations. The Pollution Load Index (PLI) that ranged between 0.151 and 0.389 (PL1 < 1) indicates that the Johor river sediments are free of trace element contamination. Potential Ecological Risk Index (RI), and Potential Ecological Risk Factor (Er) were in the range of 3.018-11.823 (RI < 150) and 0.103-7.141 (Er <40) respectively, which indicate that trace elements in Johor river pose no adverse effects on aquatic biota. The Pearson’s correlation matrix showed a good positive correlation between Al and As (0.546), Co (0.595), Fe (0.440), Mn (0.770), and Ni (0.496), representing similar sources of pollution. The cluster analysis indicates that Al, Mn, As, Ni, Fe, Cd, and Co originated from natural processes while Cr, C, Ag, and Zn are mainly from anthropogenic sources. Suggesting that man-made activities are accelerating sedimentation rate and washing down the pollutants together to the adjacent water bodies. Tracing the origin of the elements and planning for target mitigation to reduce further deterioration to the receiving river system could be the next mode of action.

Physiological and histopathological responses of Porcellio laevis (Isopoda, Crustacea) as indicators of metal trace element contamination

This study was designed to assess the impact of the mixture of cadmium (Cd) and zinc (Zn) on the bioaccumulation and the ultrastructural changes in the hepatopancreas of Porcellio laevis (Latreille, 1804) after 4 weeks of exposure to contaminated Quercus leaves under laboratory conditions. For each metal, four concentrations were used with four replicates for each concentration. Metal concentrations in the hepatopancreas and the rest of the body were determined using atomic absorption spectrometry. From the first week until the end of the experiment, a weight gain in P. laevis was observed particularly between the first and the end of exposure from 93.3 ± 18.22 mg fw to 105.22 ± 16.16 mg fw and from 106.4 ± 22.67 mg fw to 125.9 ± 23.9 mg fw for Mix1 and Mix4, respectively. Additionally, the determined metal trace elements (MTE) concentrations in the hepatopancreas were considerably higher compared to those in the rest of the body and seem to be dose-dependent. Using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), some alterations were highlighted in the hepatopancreas. The main observed alterations were (a) the destruction of the microvilli border in a considerable portion of cells, (b) the increase of the lipid droplets with different shapes and sizes, (c) the increase in the number of the mitochondria, and (d) the appearance of TE in the form of B-type granules. The obtained results confirmed the ability of P. laevis to deal with high amounts of MTE, suggesting its possible use in future soil's biomonitoring programs.

Assessment of heavy metal and other toxic elements deposition in the Karaganda Region based on moss analysis

В работе приведены результаты оценки загрязнения окружающей средыследовыми элементами на основе анализа мхов-биомониторов, собранных в центральномКазахстане. Концентрации элементов определяли с помощью нейтронного активационногоанализа и атомной абсорбционной спектрометрии в Объединенном институте ядерныхисследований. В целом было определено 39 элементов, в том числе тяжелые металлы.

The troubling and troublesome worlds of urban soil trace element contamination baselines

Many urban areas feature soil pollution legacies that are augmented by recurring contaminant emissions. Because trace elements (like arsenic or lead) are not degradable like organic pollutants, tra...

Effects of industrial disturbances on biodiversity of carrion-associated beetles

Energy production systems such as nuclear reactors and coal-burning power plants produce a multitude of waste contaminants including radionuclides, trace elements, and heavy metals. Among invertebrates, much of the effort to understand the impact of these contaminants has focused in aquatic environments, while relatively less attention has been on terrestrial communities. We investigated the effects of trace element and radionuclide contamination on assemblages of beetles that are drawn to vertebrate carrion. Samples were collected from riparian sites at the Savannah River Site in South Carolina to compare trap catches (i.e., measure of relative abundance) of beetles and species diversity along a habitat gradient (0–300 m) away from an aquatic habitat and between uncontaminated and contaminated sites. We collected 17,800 carrion-associated beetles representing 112 species in nine families, which were classified as either scavenger or predatory beetles. Beetle catches and species diversity were generally higher at contaminated than uncontaminated sites. These trends were likely driven by scavenger species, which showed similar patterns between sites, whereas patterns of catches and species diversity were variable between sites for predatory beetles. Species compositions of contaminated and uncontaminated sites were generally distinct, however habitat edges appeared to substantially affect beetle assemblages. Overall, our study suggests carrion beetle assemblages are sensitive to edge effects and may exhibit variable responses to the presence of anthropogenic contaminants or disturbances associated with energy production systems. Such results reflect the inherent variability among individual beetle species, populations, and communities to local environmental conditions, and underscores the need for multi-taxa approach in environmental impact assessments.

Generation of effective zinc-deficient agar-solidified media allows identification of root morphology changes in response to zinc limitation

ABSTRACTEarlier, we demonstrated that transcript levels of METAL TOLERANCE PROTEIN2 (MTP2) and of HEAVY METAL ATPase2 (HMA2) increase strongly in roots of Arabidopsis upon prolonged zinc (Zn) deficiency and respond to shoot physiological Zn status, and not to the local Zn status in roots. This provided evidence for shoot-to-root communication in the acclimation of plants to Zn deficiency. Zn-deficient soils limit both the yield and quality of agricultural crops and can result in clinically relevant nutritional Zn deficiency in human populations. Implementing Zn deficiency during cultivation of the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana on agar-solidified media is difficult because trace element contaminations are present in almost all commercially available agars. Here, we demonstrate root morphological acclimations to Zn deficiency on agar-solidified medium following the effective removal of contaminants. These advancements allow reproducible phenotyping toward understanding fundamental plant responses to deficiencies of Zn and other essential trace elements.

Determination of trace element contaminants in herbal teas using ICP-MS by different sample preparation method.

In recent years, the consumption rate of herbal teas has increased rapidly. In this study, 28 different plants (fennel, linden, roots, chamomile, green tea, thyme, sage, rosemary, rosehip, ginger, balm, echinacea, blue tea etc.) used as herbal tea bags and leaves/flowers. Different types of herbal tea were prepared keeping boiling water in contact for ten min with herbal teas and were digested with HNO3 and H2O2 in a microwave oven. In these samples, trace element concentrations (As, Ba, Cd, Co, Cu, Cr, Ni, Pb, Se, V, Zn) were determined by Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry. The analytical performances were assessed as linearity, the limit of detection, limit of quantification, specificity/selectivity and recovery (%). The recovery values changed between 88 and 112%.

The Impact of Inhaled Ambient Ultrafine Particulate Matter on Developing Brain: Potential Importance of Elemental Contaminants.

Epidemiological studies report associations between air pollution (AP) exposures and several neurodevelopmental disorders including autism, attention deficit disorder, and cognitive delays. Our studies in mice of postnatal (human third trimester brain equivalent) exposures to concentrated ambient ultrafine particles (CAPs) provide biological plausibility for these associations, producing numerous neuropathological and behavioral features of these disorders, including male-biased vulnerability. These findings raise questions about the specific components of AP that underlie its neurotoxicity, which our studies suggest could involve trace elements as candidate neurotoxicants. X-ray fluorescence analyses of CAP chamber filters confirm contamination of AP exposures by multiple elements, including iron (Fe) and sulfur (S). Correspondingly, laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry of brains of male mice indicates marked postexposure elevations of Fe and S and other elements. Elevations of brain Fe and S in particular are consistent with potential ferroptotic, oxidative stress, and altered antioxidant capacity-based mechanisms of CAPs-induced neurotoxicity, supported by observations of increased serum oxidized glutathione and increased neuronal cell death in nucleus accumbens with no corresponding significant increase in caspase-3, in male brains following postnatal CAP exposures. Understanding the role of trace element contaminants of particulate matter AP as a source of neurotoxicity is critical for public health protection.

The alga Ulva lactuca (Ulvaceae, Chlorophyta) as a bioindicator of trace element contamination along the coast of Sicily, Italy

The marine environment is subjected to ever-increasing levels of contamination, especially along the coastal areas with urban and industrial activities. Consequently, monitoring campaigns on large scales should be conducted on a regular basis for a better management of marine ecosystems. This study tested the capacity of the green alga Ulva lactuca to act as a bioindicator of trace elements along the coasts of Sicily (Italy). The concentrations of the metals Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb and Zn were analyzed in samples of water, sediments and U. lactuca thalli, which were collected in ten different sites at diverse levels of human impact. The results showed that U. lactuca can accumulate essential and non-essential elements at similar concentrations. The analysis of trace elements showed also that the metal content in U. lactuca is significantly correlated with the levels of trace elements in water and sediments. U. lactuca fits numerous features that make it one of the best bioindicators of marine pollution, also thanks to its worldwide distribution and capacity to accumulate trace elements under toxic conditions. The use of U. lactuca should be encouraged to set up large-scale monitoring programs, especially in highly impacted seas like the Mediterranean where U. lactuca is widespread.

Sources of trace elements identification in drinking water of Rangpur district, Bangladesh and their potential health risk following multivariate techniques and Monte-Carlo simulation

The contamination of several trace elements (TEs) in groundwater is one of the most environmental issues associated with sustainable development in many countries including Bangladesh. Therefore, this study aims to elucidate source apportionment of contamination, and their potential health risk in Rangpur district, Bangladesh using multivariate statistics, and Monte Carlo simulation. The results of the study showed that the average concentrations of iron, manganese and barium were exceeded the permissible limits for drinking water set by WHO and Bangladesh standards. However, the analysis for sources of contamination index: principal component analysis, correlation coefficient, and cluster analysis (CA) revealed that geogenic sources were much contributed than anthropogenic activities for elevating concentrations of TEs in the study area. Both R-mode and Q-mode of CA was used to show the relationship between the location of the clusters and the sources of contamination. The results of non-carcinogenic risk evaluation revealed that hazard index (HI) values for both age groups were exceeded the safe limits (>1.0) in several locations set by US EPA, suggesting a reasonable human health risk. The carcinogenic risk value for As exposure surpassed the US EPA range of 1 × 10−6 to 1 × 10−4, with higher risk for children compared to adults. An uncertainty study showed that the concentration of As was the most sensitive parameter affecting the potential health risk. In a whole, arsenic in drinking water may pose health impacts to some extent in local residents; thus, special attention and groundwater monitoring should focus on As contamination in groundwater of the study region.

Trace element contamination in marine sediments along the southeast Indian shelf following Cyclone Gaja.

In this study, twenty seven surface sediments were collected off Pushpavanam, Nagapattinam coast, southeast coast of India for understanding the sedimentological and geochemical behaviour after the Cyclone Gaja. The sediment samples were analysed for texture, organic matter (OM), carbonates, and trace metals such as Cr, Cu, Zn, Ni, Co including Fe and Mn. The Geoaccumulation index, contamination factor, enrichment factor and pollution load index revealed that Cu, Zn, Ni and Co is highly contaminated in the study area. Fe and Cr are moderately to considerably contaminated, while Mn shows uncontaminated. The principal component analysis also confirms the concentration of Cu, Zn, Ni and Co were mainly derived from the anthropogenic sources and related activities. Since Cyclones like Gaja often causes frequent ecological disturbance to the coastal environments and it distributes pollutants such as trace elements from localized area of contamination to offshore.

Improving the utility of the seagrass Posidonia oceanica as a biological indicator of past trace element contamination

Abstract The reliability of the seagrass Posidonia oceanica as an indicator of past trace element contamination was examined. Emphasis was placed on the examination of the potential effect of the mass loss of a dead sheath during decomposition on trace element concentrations in the dead sheath. The variations of Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Ni and Pb concentrations in dead sheaths of P. oceanica dated by lepidochronology as a function of lepidochronological years and their relationship with the variation in the mass of a dead sheath were investigated at eight sites in an uncontaminated coastal area (coasts of Thrace, Aegean Sea). Co, Cr, Cu, Ni and Pb concentrations displayed a general tendency to increase from recent towards past lepidochronological years, as well as a negative correlation with the mass of a dead sheath, indicating that the observed trend is largely related to the mass loss of a dead sheath during decomposition and implying that the total quantity of these elements in a dead sheath remains almost stable during the decay process. Exponential equations described satisfactorily both the increasing trend in element concentrations and the decreasing trend in the mass of a dead sheath. The estimated rates of Co, Cr, Cu and Ni concentrations increase were comparable to, while that of Pb concentrations was higher than, the decrease rate of the mass of a dead sheath, suggesting that additional processes also markedly contribute to the increasing trend of Pb concentrations. The exponential equations obtained permit the effect of the mass loss of a dead sheath and of additional pocesses on element concentrations to be considered and, thereby, the evolution of past trace element contamination to be assessed more precisely. A method (Mass Loss Effect method, MaLE), based on these equations and on the determination of trace element concentrations in dead sheaths of P. oceanica at a given site, was developed to this end and was applied to a contaminated coastal area (Gulf of Thessaloniki, Aegean Sea). Cd concentrations in dead sheaths showed no clear trend related to lepidochronological years, and, in addition, no significant correlation with the mass of a dead sheath, suggesting no marked effect of the mass loss of a dead sheath on this element concentrations. The data presented improve the utility of P. oceanica as an indicator of trace element contamination and could be utilized in the development of long-term biomonitoring programmes for the protection of the Mediterranean coastal environment.

Soil elemental concentrations, geoaccumulation index, non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risks in functional areas of an informal e-waste recycling area in Accra, Ghana

This study assesses the distribution, contamination and human health risks of major, minor and trace elements in the topsoil and subsoil of two informal e-waste recycling sites in Accra, Ghana. Metal concentrations in Agbogbloshie exceeded the Dutch Soil intervention values with exceedances of 72%, 57%, 57%, 38%, 16%, 2% for Cu, Zn, Pb, Ba, Cd and As respectively. Metal concentrations in Ashaiman exceeded the Dutch Soil intervention values with exceedances of 62%, 57% and 46% for Cu, Zn and Pb respectively. Geoaccumulation indices indicated that the topsoils of the burn area and dismantling areas of Agbogbloshie e-waste recycling site were strongly contaminated by Pb and uncontaminated by Cr, Fe, As and Ba. Lead (Pb) contributed greatly to non-carcinogenic ingestion hazard quotient for residents living near Agbogbloshie and Ashaiman e-waste recycling sites while arsenic (As) presented carcinogenic risks to children from the dismantling area topsoils. Non-carcinogenic risks from ingestion were significant with children being more susceptible to non-carcinogenic ingestion risks than adults. Non-carcinogenic risks from dermal exposure were negligible. Hazard quotients of Pb for children in burn area topsoils and dismantling area topsoils were 7.4–7.6-fold greater than that for adults. The mean geoaccumulation indices values of Pb and Cu indicated extreme contamination of topsoils with these elements. A “novel environmental assessment tool” based on the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ASTDR) total impact points confirmed Pb and Cu as the most toxic elements.

Trace element contamination in fish impacted by bauxite red mud disposal in the Cassidaigne canyon (NW French Mediterranean)

From 1966 to 2015, the Gardanne alumina refinery discharged some 20 million tons of bauxite residue (called red mud) into the Cassidaigne Canyon (northwest French Mediterranean) with impacts on local ecosystem functioning. Although these red muds contained high levels of trace elements (TE), in particular titanium (Ti), vanadium (V), aluminum (Al) and arsenic (As), surprisingly, their impacts on fish contamination levels and the risk related to fish consumption have been little studied until now. Here, 11 trace elements (Al, As, Cd, Cr, Co, Cr, Mn, Ni, Pb, Ti and V) were analyzed in muscle and, when possible, liver, from 1308 fish of 26 species from an impacted zone in the vicinity of the Cassidaigne Canyon and a reference zone, unaffected by red mud disposals. Moreover, 66 arsenic speciation analyses were performed. Although the impact of human activities on the levels of fish contamination by trace elements is generally not easy to assess in situ because it is blurred by interaction with biological effects, we highlighted significant contamination of the fish species collected from the Cassidaigne Canyon, especially by the main trace elements attributable to the discharges of the Gardanne alumina refinery, namely Al, V and Ti. Moreover, inorganic toxic As concentrations were higher in the impacted zone. The results of this baseline research also confirmed the concern previously raised regarding Hg in Mediterranean organisms and that trace element contamination levels in fish are generally negatively related to fish length for all TE except Hg.

An assessment of trace element contamination in groundwater aquifers of Saharanpur, Western Uttar Pradesh, India

Abstract Groundwater is a vital natural resource needed for the growth and development of life on the Earth. The aim of the present study was to estimate trace elements concentration in groundwater and their effect on human health in Saharanpur district, Uttar Pradesh, India. Groundwater samples were collected from the government hand pumps and analyzed for eight trace elements using ICP-MS. In all the samples, concentrations of two trace elements namely Hg and Fe were above the drinking water limits (mean values of 2.04 ± 1.94 and 1531 ± 1372 μg/L, respectively) as specified by Bureau of Indian Standards (2012) and World Health Organization (2011). For Cr and Pb, 10% and 15% of the groundwater samples respectively, were above the specified limits. The concentration of As, Cd, and Zn was within limits as specified for drinking water. Hazard Quotient (HQ) for the assessment of human health showed no potential adverse health risk except Fe. This study showed that the value of the Hazard Index (HI) for all the samples was also within limits except for one of the sampling sites (#S9). HQ and HI values were almost equivalent to permissible limits at the majority of sites. However, on the basis of cumulative results obtained during the study, it was concluded that urgent management actions are required to protect future groundwater quality of this region.