Trace Metal Emissions Research Articles

Mathematical-model Analysis of the Potential Exposure to Lead, Zinc and Iron Emissions from Consumption of Premium Motor Spirit in Nigeria

Environmental pollution has been on the increase due to emission from vehicles using fossil fuels. This research investigated the exposure of air, soil and water bodies to trace metal emissions: Pb, Zn and Fe, as a result of the consumption of premium motor spirit (PMS) in Nigeria. The exposure of air, soil, and water bodies to these emissions also lead to exposure of humans, food and animals to the emissions. This was done to estimate the emission rates, emission rate per capita, and emission rates per land areas (or land distribution). The results showed that: the annual emission rates ranged between 4.66 kg/y for Pb in 2012 in Jigawa State and 5.050∙103 kg/y for Fe in 2015 in Lagos State; the emission rates per capita ranged between 0.52∙10−6 kg/(y∙person) for Pb in 2012 in Kwara State and 2.33∙10−3 kg/(y∙person) and this was recorded in Lagos State in the year 2015; while the rate per land area ranged between 0.093∙10−3 kg/(y∙km2) for Pb in 2012 in Taraba State and 1.38 kg/(y∙km2) for Fe in 2015 in Lagos State. Results showed that residents of Lagos are at the highest risk of trace metal poisoning because they had the highest emission rates per capita, followed by Abuja, Osun, and Ogun. The states at the lowest risk are Yobe and Taraba, with Yobe as the lowest. It is recommended that regulations concerning the trace metal contents of fuels imported and distributed in Nigeria should be created and implemented to curb these risks.

Occurrence, dietary influence and risks of selected trace metals in different coastal predatory species

The global issue of ongoing trace metal emissions and legacy accumulation from diverse sources is posing threats to coastal wildlife. This study characterized the distribution of five metals in relation to dietary ecology (carbon and nitrogen stable isotopes: δ15N and δ13C) in representative predatory species (starfish, fish, and seabird) collected from the coast of Qingdao, northeastern China. Zinc (Zn) was the most abundant metal across species, followed by copper (Cu), chromium (Cr), cadmium (Cd), total and methylated mercury (THg and MeHg). Among the studied species, black-tailed gulls (Larus crassirostris) occupied the highest trophic position, followed by three predatory fish species, whereas the northern Pacific seastar (Asterias amurensis) had the lowest trophic position. The starfish exhibited high capacity to accumulate Cd, Cr and Cu. Conversely, black-tailed gulls exhibited high levels of Zn, while Hg was highest in predatory fishes. Across species, Cr, MeHg, THg and MeHg:THg showed significant positive correlations with δ13C, suggesting the influence of inshore food sources on their accumulation. Both MeHg and THg were significantly and positively correlated with δ15N, with MeHg demonstrating a greater slope, indicating their potential trophic magnification. We assessed health risks from the studied metals using established toxicity reference thresholds. Elevated risks of Hg were identified in three predatory fish species, while other metals and species remain within safe limits. These findings emphasize the significance of foraging patterns in influencing trace metal accumulation in coastal predators and highlight the importance of further monitoring.

Gaseous, particulate matter, carbonaceous compound, water-soluble ion, and trace metal emissions measured from 2019 peatland fires in Palangka Raya, Central Kalimantan

This study aimed to develop field emission factors of gaseous pollutants, PM2.5, OC/EC, water-soluble ions, and trace elements and to estimate the total gas and particulate emissions from peatland fires. This study was conducted in Palangka Raya, Central Kalimantan, in September 2019 during the main fire episode. Gas samples were collected using the LGR-ICOS analyzer at a flow rate of 0.5 L/min. In comparison, particulate pollutant samples were collected using two Airmetrics Mini Volume Portable Air Samplers at a flow rate of 5 L/min with Quartz fiber and PTFE filters. For further analysis, quartz fiber filters were used for carbon aerosols and water-soluble inorganic ions, while PTFE filters were used for trace element analysis. The gaseous emission factors determined in this study for CO2, CO, and CH4 were 1589.5 ± 41.8 g/kg, 236.5 ± 25.7 g/kg, and 5.4 ± 1.3 g/kg, respectively. Meanwhile, the emission factors for PM2.5, OC, EC, water-soluble inorganic ions, and elements were 27.8 ± 41.8 g/kg, 18.1 ± 8.9 g/kg, 0.25 ± 0.06 g/kg, 1.7 ± 0.7 g/kg, and 62.5 ± 32.3 mg/kg, respectively. With peat burned density of 0.11 g/cm3, a burned depth of 37 cm, and a total area burned of 317,749 ha, peatland fires in Central Kalimantan in 2019 had emitted CO2, CO, PM2.5, total carbon aerosol, water-soluble ions, and elements about 34.9 ± 0.9 Tg, 5.3 ± 0.6 Tg, 0.6 ± 0.3 Tg, 0.4 ± 0.2 Tg, 36.7 ± 15.9 Gg, and 1.4 ± 0.7 Gg, respectively.

Environmental impacts associated with hydrogen production in La Guajira, Colombia

The global push to decarbonize sectors of the economy and phase-out coal use has attracted a renewed interest in hydrogen. At the forefront of this debate, Colombia, the world’s 6th largest coal exporter, must consider strategies to support a just transition for regions that depend economically on coal exports. However, the role of hydrogen as a part of the energy transition has yet to be examined from an environmental justice lens. A full-chain life-cycle assessment of hydrogen production is yet to be considered in Colombia. Using life-cycle assessment (LCA) methodology, we examine the greenhouse gas emissions, water consumption, and trace metal emissions associated with six potential Colombian liquid hydrogen production strategies: (1) electrolysis powered by the country’s national electricity grid, (2) on-site electrolysis powered by electricity produced by a wind farm, (3) off-site electrolysis powered by electricity produced by a wind farm, (4) electrolysis powered by electricity produced from a coal-fired power plant, (5) coal gasification without carbon capture and storage (CCS), and (6) coal gasification with CCS. Upstream conversion has an outsized influence on the sustainability of a hydrogen transition in Colombia. Impact levels for wind-powered electrolysis are lower than those of the coal- and grid-powered scenarios for every impact category analyzed, apart from emissions of aluminum to air, nitrogen emissions to water, and phosphorous, nitrate, and nitrite emissions to soil. The grid-based electrolysis scenario is found to consume the largest amount of water, while coal-fueled scenarios pathways raise concerns of greater life-cycle mercury, nickel, and arsenic emissions. While coal gasification with CCS reduced gasification CO2 emissions by 35%, the CCS scenario’s VOC emissions were 37% greater than gasification without CCS, given that increased levels of coal inputs were required to account for the loss of efficiency associated with the addition of CCS technology. For Colombia to benefit most from a hydrogen-based decarbonization transition with minimal environmental impacts, community-focused planning and wind-based hydrogen systems should be prioritized.

Methanol/Ethanol/Butanol–Gasoline Blends Use in Transportation Engine—Part 2: Composition, Morphology, and Characteristics of Particulates

Abstract Spark ignition (SI) engines have a remarkable share in the passenger car segment in urban areas worldwide. Particulate matter (PM) emitted from these vehicles has an adverse health impact since it can penetrate deep into the lungs, leading to cardiovascular issues. In this study, a detailed physical, chemical, and morphological characterization of the PM emitted by a production-grade SI engine fueled with different alcohol–gasoline blends (gasohols), namely GM10 (10% methanol blended with gasoline, v/v), GE10 (10% ethanol blended with gasoline, v/v), and GB10 (10% butanol blended with gasoline, v/v) vis-à-vis baseline gasoline was performed. Results exhibited that gasohol-fueled engines emitted relatively lower particulate mass and numbers. Trace metal analysis was performed to explore the composition of PM, which showed that gasoline-fueled engines exhibited comparatively higher emissions of trace metals than gasohol-fueled engines. PM morphology was also investigated to evaluate the suitability of alcohol blending with gasoline, revealing that even a small fraction of alcohols blended with gasoline could alter the structure of particulates. This study successfully demonstrated that the large-scale implementation of gasohols in SI engines could reduce PM emissions and trace metals in the particulates. This study also showed the potential of gasohols to partially replace fossil fuels, which could be explored further for higher alcohol fractions.

Trace metal emission history captured in a Chilean ice core

Ice core records provide a robust tool for reconstructing past climate variability and for improving our understanding of the relative contributions of natural and anthropogenic emissions into the atmosphere. In particular, heavy metal pollution from anthropogenic emissions poses a significant health and environmental risk. We present a sub-annually dated, continuously sampled Tupungatito ice core (TPG-12) data set that documents change in atmospheric pollution in Central Chile. Results from our well-preserved environmental record display a significant change in atmospheric pollutant concentrations coincident with anthropogenic activities in this region, notably from Chile. TPG-12 Enrichment factors (EFs) for Cd, As, Pb, Cu, and Ag exhibit values in excess of natural inputs over the last one hundred years, with increases beginning around 1930. Terrestrial source dust elements such as Ce, La, Pr, and Ti do not exhibit similarly increased EF values, demonstrating an anthropogenic source for Cd, As, Pb, Cu, and Ag. Our results also capture a decrease in As and Pb starting in the early 2000s, in concert with new environmental regulations in Chile (Caldentey and Mondschein, 2003).

Investigation of Some Gaseous and Trace Metal Emissions With Their Emission Factors From Various Brands of Mosquito Coils Used in Nigeria.

Mosquito coils of various brands are frequently burnt in indoor environments to drive away mosquitoes—the vector for malaria parasite in regions where the disease is endemic. Emissions from the coils could be a source of indoor air pollution. In this study, various brands of mosquito coils obtained from retail shops in Lagos, Nigeria were burnt in an environmental test box with a view to characterizing carbon monoxide (CO), nitric oxide (NO), and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) in the gaseous emissions as well as elemental concentrations of the ash. Emission characterization achieved with the RAS1700 bio-gas analyzer while AAS was adopted for elemental analysis of the mosquito coil ashes. The emission factor of CO, NO and NO2 from the coil samples ranged between 0.00138 to 0.26277 μg/m3, 0.0002 to 0.00454 μg/m3, and 0.000074 to 0.00714 μg/m3, respectively. These values were found to be lower than permissible indoor levels recommended by NIOSH. The range of concentrations of Pb, Zn, Cd, Cr, Cu, As, Hg, Fe in the coil ashes from all the brands were 0.02 to 0.04 mg/g, 0.011 to 0.02 mg/g, 0.001 to 0.003 mg/g, 0.004 to 0.008 mg/g, 0.004 to 0.006 mg/g, 0.0001 to 0.0004 mg/g, 0.001 to 0.003 mg/g, and 0.124 to 0.14 mg/g, respectively. Although, the concentrations of the pollutants obtained in this study are within the recommended limits, prolong exposure could trigger chronic disease conditions. Adequate ventilation of indoor environments or utilization of mosquito nets in place of coils could be considered.

A historical record of trace metal deposition in northeastern Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau for the last two centuries.

Owing to rapid socio-economic development in China, trace metal emissions have increased and lakes even in remote areas have experienced marked changes in the last century. However, there are limited studies revealing long-term trends, anthropogenic fluxes, and spatial characteristics of trace metals in lakes. In this study, we present a geochemical record from Lake Qinghai in the northeastern Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau and reconstruct trace metal pollution history during the last two centuries. The lacustrine sediment core was dated by 137Cs and 210Pb, and sediments deposited prior to the 1850s were selected as the pre-industrial background. Factor analysis and enrichment factor indicated Cr, Cu, and Ni generally originated from natural sources, while Cd, Pb, and Zn have been influenced by human contamination since the mid-1980s. The anthropogenic Cd mainly derived from non-ferrous metal smelting in Gansu Province, and fluxes to Lake Qinghai sharply increased after the mid-1980s. The metal reconstruction is similar to other lake sediment records from China and corresponds well with rapid economic development in China. The spatial pattern of anthropogenic Cd fluxes to lakes is primarily attributed to regional industrial emission, phosphate fertilizers, and manure applied in agriculture.

Household solid waste combustion with wood increases particulate trace metal and lung deposited surface area emissions

In households, municipal solid waste (MSW) is often burned along with wood to get rid of waste, to help in ignition or simply to reduce fuel costs. The aim of this study was to characterize the influence of household waste combustion, along with wood, on the physical and chemical properties of particulate emissions in a flue gas of a masonry heater.The MSW burning alongside wood increased average particulate matter (PM) mass (65%), lung deposited surface areas (LDSA, 15%), black carbon (BC, 65%) concentrations and the average particle size in the flue gas. The influence of MSW was smaller during ignition and burning phases, but especially during fuel additions, the mass, number, and LDSA concentrations increased significantly and their size distributions moved towards larger particles. For wood burning the trace metal emissions were relatively low, but significant increase (3.3–179 -fold increase over cycle) was seen when MSW was burned along the wood. High ratios were observed especially during fuel addition phases but, depending on compounds, also during ignition and burning end phases. The highest ratios were observed for chloride compounds (HCl, KCl, NaCl). The observed increase in light-absorbing particle, trace metal and BC concentrations in flue gas when adding wood with MSW are likely to have negative impacts on air quality, visibility, human health and climate. Furthermore, metals may also affect the condition and lifetime of the burning device due to corrosion.

Life cycle impact assessment of metal production industries in Australia

Metal production industries are associated with positive economic benefits, however their activities are significantly resource and energy intensive, contributing to emission of pollutants and greenhouse gases to the environment. The balance between the economic inputs and environmental footprint of the metal production industries determines their contribution to sustainability. This work provides environmental impact assessment of the production of aluminium, copper, gold, iron and steel, lead, nickel and zinc, and considers their contribution to the economy. The emissions of selected representative industries in Australia were sourced from public national emission inventories and used as input parameters in the openLCA software. ReCiPe midpoint and endpoint hierarchist impact assessment methods were used to investigate the environmental impacts of the selected industries. The results indicate that lead, followed by aluminium and nickel production had the largest environmental impacts. The work further revealed the specific emissions for better control for each industry taking into consideration their relative environmental and economic impacts. For instance, adoption of renewable energy sources would significantly decrease the greenhouse gas emissions and the associated environmental impacts of the copper, zinc, gold, and iron and steel production industries. Improvement of sustainability of the production of lead would require further control of trace metal emissions, while for aluminium and nickel production, improved control of emissions of particles and the acidic gases SO2 and NOx.

Coal beneficiation technology to reduce hazardous heavy metals in fly ash

Fly ash emitted from the coal-fired power plant is the major contributor of the outdoor airborne particulate matters (PMs). Coal beneficiation, an industrial process to improve the quality of raw coal by removing ash-bearing components, can be a cost-effective sustainable and clean technology to reduce the emission of hazardous trace metals. As the removal efficiency of mineral matters and heavy metals within the coal is depend highly on the raw coal and the employed beneficiation process, a wide range of case studies at laboratory- and industrial-scale, published in the last 20 years, are reviewed in this study. Our review indicates that the coal beneficiation processes can effectively reduce content of heavy metals of fly ash, encouraging the use of clean coal to reduce pollutants emission.

Refined spatio-temporal emission assessment of Hg, As, Cd, Cr and Pb from Chinese coal-fired industrial boilers

Coal-fired industrial boilers (CFIBs) are a significant source of trace metals (TMs) emissions, due to its large number and widespread industry application. In this study, a highly resolved of county-based atmospheric emission inventory of Hg, As, Cd, Cr and Pb for Chinese CFIBs in 2017 is established firstly based on integrated source-specific information of both activity level and air pollution control devices (APCDs) from ~61,000 CFIBs in mainland China. Our results estimated that the total emissions of Hg, As, Cd, Cr and Pb from national CFIBs in 2017 were about 25.46, 115.33, 7.04, 371.40, and 589.76 t, respectively. Hg0 was the majority species of atmospheric Hg, accounting for 71.5% of the total Hg emission. The peak emission intensities of five TMs were mainly concentrated in northern and eastern region of China due to its large demand of coal consumption for winter heating, broad economic activity, as well as high population density. Monthly emission characteristics of TMs exhibited seasonal peak. The overall uncertainties of the newly updated emission inventory were estimated at the ranges of −42.0%–45.5%. Generally, TMs emissions from Chinese CFIBs were effectively controlled through implementing energy substitution, APCDs upgrading, and ultra-low emission (ULE) retrofitting in different regions of China, which contributed to 18.8%–29.4% of five TMs emission reductions. We believe that our highly resolved county-level emission inventory will be comprehensively explored the current tempo-spatial emission characteristics of atmospheric TMs from Chinese CFIBs and the forecast results will be useful for developing effective emission control programs for policy makers in the county levels and improving the regional air quality in the future.

Urban forests near municipal solid waste incinerators do not show elevated trace metal or rare earth element concentrations across three cities in the northeast USA.

With the World Bank estimating global municipal solid waste MSW to increase to 3.4 billion tonnes by 2050, municipal solid waste incineration (MSWI) needs to be considered as part of sustainable waste management. In spite of major advancements in air pollution control systems and emission regulations, emissions of trace metals (TMs) (As, Cd, Cu, Ga, Mn, Ni, Pb, V, W, Zn) and rare earth elements (REEs) (La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Yb) may occur. Here, leaves, wood, forest floor, and A horizons in urban forests were assessed to determine if TM and REE concentrations show enrichment near MSWI relative to other urban areas for three cities in the northeastern USA. Vegetation and soil concentrations measured were generally comparable to concentrations observed in previous studies in non-urban sites. Overall, higher TM and REE in forest floor, A horizons, leaves, and wood were not observed consistently for MSWI sites when compared to city sites. Although pooled forest floor Ni and V and A horizon La and Nd concentrations were significantly different, they were not consistent but driven by a large difference at one of the three cities. This indirect study suggests air pollution control systems have prevented or have reduced TM and REE emissions to local urban forests to negligible amounts. Further studies are needed to evaluate potential interferences from other urban air pollution sources, and conduct direct emission measurements to validate MSWIs are not emitting TMs and REEs.

Spatial Distributions, Sources, Potential Risks of Multi-Trace Metal/Metalloids in Street Dusts from Barbican Downtown Embracing by Xi’an Ancient City Wall (NW, China)

A total of 116 dust samples in downtown within the city wall were collected, and the spatial occurrence, source and health risk status of 19 trace metal/metalloids bound in street dusts (SDs) were systematically investigated. Geochemical maps, associations, risk models and indices were calculated to define levels of distribution, possible natural or anthropogenic sources, ecological and human health risks. It was found that the wide variations of these 19 trace metals would be observed in spatial maps, which indicated strongly anthropogenic activities inputs. Compared to the calculations of the potential ecological risk index of toxic trace metals, Pb (Eri = 20.32) ranked at the level of considerable ecological risk. The non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risk from most trace metals exposed to children and adults were no significant health risks, except for the non-carcinogenic risk of Cr and As to children, and the carcinogenic risk of Cr to adults. The unacceptable risk locations were observed at traffic conjunctions, which should be given attention. The source apportionment results indicated that the trace metals/metalloids Co, Ga, Nb, As, Ni, and Y, coupled with main elements Al, K, Mg, Ca and Si, would possibly originate from “Soil Re-suspension”, whereas Fe, Cu, Rb, La, Ba, Mn, Ti, Ce and Zr were possibly derived from “Brake Wear”. As regards the Na, no valid assumption was formulated about the presence of this element in brake wear, while Cr, Sr, Zn were possibly associated with “Tire Wear”. Comparatively, V would be suggested as a representative source of fuel consumption, and Pb could possibly belong to “Traffic Pigment”. It was noted that the barbican city, surrounded by the Xi’an Ancient City Wall at 12 m high, would trap the trace metal emissions, and consequently increase the health risk for local residents.

Particulate and trace metal emission from mosquito coil and cigarette burning in environmental chamber

The objectives of this study were to characterize the emissions of indoor air pollutants from the burning of mosquito coils and cigarettes using a closed environmental chamber, to compare air pollutant emissions from different types of mosquito coils and cigarettes, which are popular in Indian market; to quantify emissions from burning of mosquito coils and cigarettes with respect to particulate matter (PM0.25, PM1.0, PM2.5, and PM10) and metals. Smoke contains several thousands of chemicals and heavy metals, and most of them are formed during the burning of cigarettes and burning of mosquito coils. The present study attempts to characterize the emissions of PM and heavy metals from different types of mosquito coils and cigarettes burning which were monitored in three different phases pre-burning, during burning, and post-burning. Five different brands of cigarette and mosquito coils were taken which are commonly used in India. Samples collected were analyzed for heavy metal (Al, Cu, Zn, Cd, Cr, Mn, Ni, Pb, V, Se, and Sc) concentration using ICP-AES, and the morphological analysis was performed with the help of scanning electron microscopy. The trend of concentration of PM in mosquito coil is followed as M1 > M3 > M2 > M4 > M5, and in a cigarette it was C5 > C2 > C4 > C3 > C1. The study suggests that burning of mosquito coil and a cigarette in the indoor environment emits quiet higher respirable PM, which may on prolonged exposure lead to illnesses. The maximum concentration of Al, Cu, Zn and Mn was found higher, while that of Cd, V and Se was below the detection limit in both types of samples. Calculations were made to explore expected cancer and non-cancer risks, using published toxicity potentials for three metals (Cr, Pb, and Ni). Hazards quotient values for adults were under safe limit. The order of excess cancer risk for the carcinogenic elements follows the similar trend for both cigarette and mosquito coils in adults; it was observed as Pb < Ni < Cr. Overall, the cancer risk was below the acceptable level (10−4–10−6).

Metal transport in volcanic plumes: A case study at White Island and Yasur volcanoes

We report new data on trace metal emissions at White Island volcano (2015–2016), the first estimates from Yasur volcano (2016), and a brief review of global volcanic metal fluxes. Bi, Cd, Tl, Se, Sb, Te and Au are the most enriched metals and metalloids in the particulate phase of volcanic plumes. Observations of the particulate phase from the volcanic plumes of White Island, Yasur and Etna reveal abundant silicates and sulfates, sulfuric acid and more interestingly Zn oxide containing variable amounts of Cu. Thermodynamic speciation calculations show chloride species to be very important in terms of gaseous metal transport. Complexation with sulfur, in contrast, appears significant only in S-rich and Cl-poor gases, at high (>700 °C) temperature. Bromine, despite being a minor component of volcanic gases, is very efficient at complexing with metals, and especially with Cu, Pb, Bi, Zn and Cr. Metal emission rates in the study period at White Island are one to two orders of magnitude lower than reported previously, with ~6–10 kg/d of Cu, As, Se and Zn, and <2 kg/d of Pb, Bi, Tl, Sb, Te and Cd. Higher values were measured at Yasur volcano, ranging from ~175 kg/d of Cu, ~30 kg/d of As, Zn and Pb, and ~3 kg/d of Tl and Cd. Such fluxes of toxic metals are significant, representing a potential threat for local populations. We compare our new data to previously reported metal emissions from volcanoes worldwide, and show that high halogen emissions appear as the critical parameter controlling metal emissions, explaining the high metal fluxes measured at some intraplate volcanoes.

Fluidized Bed Combustion: Technology for Efficient Utilization of Biomass Residues

Fossil fuels are the most common and reliable energy source, which presently fulfill 80% energy requirements all across the world. In the last few decades, over-consumption, fast pace modernization and population growth are some prominent factors which are exploiting the fossil fuels. The degradation of natural resources has gone up at an alarming rate which provoked to look for an alternate source of energy. From all available alternative renewable energy sources, biomass is the only carbon-based sustainable option. But, its diversity makes it a complex and difficult fuel. Among all technologies used for energy generation from the biomass, fluidized bed combustion is emerging as a suitable best option to handle fuel diversity. This article deals with biomass fluidization and its combustion in a fluidized bed. The difficulties encountered during biomass combustion and different solutions for the same have been highlighted. Problems like deposition, corrosion, agglomeration and trace metal emission have been discussed and their remedies to avoid the discontinuity in the operation of biomass-fired fluidized bed combustor. This technical approach will help to reduce environmental problems, improve the economic structure of the nation, and remove obstacles for sustainable energy development.

The air pollution during Diwali festival by the burning of fireworks in Jamshedpur city, India

Short-term measurements of PM10, trace gases (SO2, NO2, and O3) and heavy metals during Diwali festival were studied in a moderately polluted site in the city of Jamshedpur (India). In this study, Diwali day event recorded extremely high 12-h PM10 levels (500.5 μgm−3, which is >5 times to the WHO standard) and massive loadings of ozone (53.33 μgm−3), SO2(8.6 μgm−3) and NO2 (73.32 μgm−3), On Diwali day, all the measured values for PM10, SO2, NO2 and O3 were found to be higher than prescribed limit of National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS) (PM10 = 60 μg/m3). The first time study about any firework episode was carried in this region. The concentrations of Fe, Zn, Pb, Mn, Cu, Cd, Be and Ni were higher by the 2.2,1.5,2.8,1.6,2.2,1.2,5.9 and 3.3, times respectively, on Diwali as compared to normal days values. The metal concentrations on Diwali day were found to be significantly different from a normal day (except Zn & Cd). In Diwali day the Diurnal variation of PM10, SO2, and NO2 was found to be significantly higher than daytime concentrations for a normal day (control). It was estimated that firework aerosol contributed 21–27% to ambient PM10 on Diwali. Inter correlation among the trace gases, PM10 and metals are clearly indicates the fireworks emissions extremely fluctuates in air quality. These results indicate that fireworks episode during Diwali festival affected the ambient air quality adversely due to emission and accumulation of PM10, SO2, NO2, O3, and trace metals.

Trace metal enrichment during the Industrial Period recorded across an altitudinal transect in the Southern Central Pyrenees

The study of three lacustrine sedimentary archives along an altitudinal transect in the Southern Central Pyrenees - lakes Estanya, Basa and Marboré- has provided a unique record of changes in anthropogenic trace metal concentrations over the last six centuries in NE Iberian Peninsula. Although site-specific processes influence metals enrichments in each lacustrine system, significant enrichments of Hg and Pb and minor to moderate enrichments of Cu, Cd, and Zn with respect to baseline (Pre-industrial) concentrations highlight intensive release of anthropogenic trace metals with the advent of the Industrial Revolution leading to maximum values during the 20th century. The largest trace metal pollution occurred between 1840s and 1920s CE mainly derived from the increasing demand of ore resources in Southern Europe during the Industrialization. A second, less distinct pollution phase occurred between 1950s and 1990s, associated with the “Great Acceleration” and increased trace metal emissions related to road-transport, use of fertilizers in agriculture and the global boost of the Chemical Industry. Enrichment of mercury during the Industrial Period correlates well with Hg production in Spanish Almadén mines and global emission inventories. Local mining in the Pyrenees and regional smelting activities in Spain and Southern France may explain the enrichment of lead (and associated by-products cadmium and zinc) during the first pollution phase while the use of leaded gasoline since the mid-20th century drives the higher Pb enrichment factor found till the late 20th century. This investigation demonstrates that environmental regulations controlling emissions of hazardous metals during the last decades have greatly contributed to a significant reduction of these anthropogenic trace metals enrichments in natural ecosystems although they still double pre-industrial levels. This study also exemplifies the different sensitiveness of lacustrine systems to record past atmospheric pollution phases and highlights the need of multi-archive studies to conduct regional (rather than local) pollution reconstructions.

Tracking past mining activity using trace metals, lead isotopes and compositional data analysis of a sediment core from Longemer Lake, Vosges Mountains, France

A 157-cm-long sediment core from Longemer Lake in the Vosges Mountains of France spans the past two millennia and was analyzed for trace metal content and lead isotope composition. Trace metal accumulation rates highlight three main input phases: Roman Times (cal. 100 BC–AD 400), the Middle Ages (cal. AD 1000–1500), and the twentieth century. Atmospheric contamination displays a pattern that is similar to that seen in peat bogs from the region, at least until the eighteenth century. Thereafter, the lake sediment record is more precise than peat records. Some regional mining activity, such as that in archaeologically identified eighteenth-century mining districts, was detected from the lead isotope composition of sediment samples. Compositional data analysis, using six trace metals (silver, arsenic, cadmium, copper, lead and zinc), enabled us to distinguish between background conditions, periods of mining, and of other anthropogenic trace metal emissions, such as the recent use of leaded gasoline.