Assessment Of Trace Metal Pollution Research Articles

Assessment of Trace Metal Pollution in Surface Sediments from Southwestern Part of Bay of Bengal, India

Abstract Twenty-nine shelf sediment samples have been collected from the Southwestern part of the Bay of Bengal in 5 transects lying offshore between the coasts of Cuddalore and Nagapattinam district, Tamil Nadu, India. Collected samples were analyzed for sediment texture, organic matter (OM), and trace metals (Fe, Cu, Co, Mn, Pb, Zn, Cr, and Ni). Sandy fractions were found to be abundant in all transects except transect 3, because of the existence of the Pichavaram estuary fed by river Vellar in the north and Coleroon in the south. Among all the trace metals, Fe is the most abundant in the sediment samples. And metals such as Co, Pb, Cr and Ni are higher than the average background values, suggesting adverse effects of human activities in polluting the marine environment. The pollution indices viz. Enrichment Factor (EF), Geoaccumulation Index (Igeo), and Contamination Factor (CF) were calculated to assess trace metal pollution. The results imply that Cu, Co, Mn, Pb, Zn, Cr, and Ni in most of the sampling sites are highly contaminated in terms of Geoaccumulation Index (Igeo). Pb, Zn and Cr are heavily contaminated, while Cu, Mn, Ni, and Co showed moderate contamination, as demonstrated by the CF values. Pearson correlation and principal component analysis (PCA), explain the combination of geogenic and anthropogenic sources contributing trace metals to the marine system.

Assessment of trace metal pollution in the coastal sediments of Fethiye-Göcek Bay (SW Turkey) and evaluation of pollution sources

This research evaluated the trace metal pollution and the pollution sources in the coastal sediments of Fethiye-Göcek Bay by using the spatial distribution maps, correlation and statistical analysis, which were acquired from 69 sampling points. Spatial distribution maps for eleven elements (namely Al, As, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Mo, Ni, Pb, Ti, V, and Zn) revealed that there is an enrichment of the studied elements, especially near Fethiye harbor. Moreover, the contamination evaluation carried out by using different evaluation methods suggests considerable contamination of As, Co, Cr and Ni. There is a high correlation between Ni, Co, and Fe, Even the minimum Ni concentrations are 9 fold enriched relative to the Earth Crust's values. The controlling factors for element distribution in the area are both natural and anthropogenic. The natural sources are related to the weathering of the geological units and hydrothermal activity. In contrast, various anthropogenic sources include coal smoke, fuel oils used near the crowded harbors, urbanization and the increase in the population recently. When the ecological risk of these enriched elements is considered, the level of probability of toxicity comes out to be the highest, which demonstrates that the accumulation of trace metals in harbor sediments should be considered in the near future to prevent any contamination toward biota and human.

Preliminary Assessment of Trace Metal Pollution and Their Bioaccumulation in Mollusks Inhabiting the Intertidal Sediments of the Atlantic Coast of Accra, Ghana.

The present study investigated the trace metal levels in sediments, enrichment in sediments, and its bioaccumulation in mollusks collected from the intertidal sediments of the coast of Accra, Ghana, which is influenced by anthropogenic activities. The metals (Fe, Mn, Cu, Cr, and Zn) were analyzed in sediments. The metals (Mn, Cu, Cr, and Zn) were analyzed in the soft tissue of the mollusks collected from the different coastal areas. The results indicate that although Accra is the capital city and the coast receives tons of anthropogenic wastes, trace metal levels were low and there was no enrichment for the metals analyzed except Cu which showed minor to moderate enrichment in the coastal sediments. There was bioaccumulation of the trace metals in the soft tissue of the mollusks, and the results suggest that the mollusks studied, the gastropods (Agaronia razetoi) and the bivalves (Tivela tripla), can be used for biomonitoring.

Assessment of trace metal pollution in the bottom sediments of Manzala Lagoon, Egypt

Assessment of trace metal pollution in the bottom sediments of Manzala Lagoon, Egypt

Validation of Hydrocharis morsus-ranae as a possible bioindicator of trace element pollution in freshwaters using Ceratophyllum demersum as a reference species.

The assessment of trace metal pollution in aquatic environments remains a challenge. Chemical methods are insufficient and bioindicators seem to be the most promising alternative. Finding an adequate species is important to ensure accurate data. The combined use of several bioindicators may help to overcome the limitations of species' spatial distribution and specific reactions. The aims of the present study were to compare the contents and bioaccumulation capability of 11 trace elements in Ceratophyllum demersum and different organs of Hydrocharis morsus-ranae and to validate H.morsus-ranae as a bioindicator of pollution in aquatic reservoirs using C.demersum, an established bioindicator, as a reference species. The application of several statistical techniques allowed us to identify similarities in accumulation patterns and concentration gradients between the two species. The results showed that concentrations of Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb, Rb, Zn, V in C.demersum and roots of H.morsus-ranae were similar and mostly higher than in the leaves and stems of H.morsus-ranae. The contents of Cd, Co, Cr, Li, Mn, Ni, Rb, V, Zn were positively correlated. The inner transport of metals in H.morsus-ranae was limited (TF<1). Both species are accumulators (BF>103) of Ni and Zn, and H.morsus-ranae also of Cu and Pb. Frog-bit roots were chosen to be most promising in bioindication. Major axis regression analysis showed that the uptake of Cd, Cr, Co, Li and Pb was similar in the two species. Neural networks demonstrated substantial uniformity in responses of C.demersum and roots of H.morsus-ranae to the type of anthropogenic activity and land use and similar spatial distributions of Cd, Cr, Co, Li and Pb. When Nemerow Pollution Index was applied, both species showed congruent gradients of contamination. Thus, H.morsus-ranae was validated as a reliable bioindicator of trace metal pollution in freshwater.

Multi-tracer analysis to estimate the historical evolution of pollution in riverbed sediment of subtropical watershed, the lower course of the Piracicaba River, São Paulo, Brazil

The main land use/land cover changes (LULCC) have been associated with population growth and energy policies in the São Paulo State, Brazil, since 1970. The LULCC can alter the behavior of trace elements in different environmental systems, with the riverbed sediments being the main reservoirs or sinks for trace elements, and thus become a valuable environmental archive on temporal changes. Thus, the main purpose of the study was to apply a multi-tracer analysis to estimate the historical evolution of pollution in riverbed sediment of a subtropical watershed, the lower course of the Piracicaba River, São Paulo, Brazil. 210Pb measurements done on river sediment core samples allowed estimating a sedimentation rate of 9 mm yr−1 between 1971 and 2001. Zn was the most abundant trace element in the sediment core, followed by Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, Sc and Cd. The total concentrations of Cd, Cr, Ni, Sc and Pb presented practically no variations in the sediment core, with a continuous excess of ca. 0.27 μg g−1 yr−1 of Cu and of ca. 0.54 μg g−1 yr−1 of Zn between 1971 and 2001. The excess of Cu and Zn was associated with labile fractions, in particular with carbonate bound to Zn and organic matter bound to Cu. The assessment of trace metal pollution indicated that most of the trace elements were of geogenic origin, except for Cu and Zn. According to the sediment quality guidelines used in Brazil, Pb showed no potential toxic effect, Cu, Cr and Zn were intermediate to Threshold Effect Level (TEL) and Probable Effect Level (PEL) and the Cd and Ni concentrations were above the PEL limits. The elemental and isotopic analysis of C and N and the C/N ratio indicated that the anthropogenic origin of POM found in the sediment core is related mainly to domestic sewage.

Assessment of trace metal pollution in roof dusts and soils near a large Zn smelter

The spatial extent of dust emissions from a Zn smelter was assessed based on metal concentrations in roof dust samples. In addition, the vertical mobility of metal loads in soils was assessed from metal concentrations and Pb isotopic compositions. Moreover, the source apportionment of metals in the roof dusts and soils was estimated using Pb isotopes. A total of 13 roof dust and 11 smelter dust samples were collected respectively from residential houses and smelter stacks. The vertical distribution in soils was assessed at 10 cm intervals in four sites along the predominant wind direction. High metal concentrations were found in the roof dusts, which were enriched in Zn, Pb, Cd, and Cu by a factor of 48–937, 13–169, 161–3400 and 10–135, respectively, compared to the regional background values of soils, depending on the distance from the smelter. Horizontal extents of the airborne metal transport were estimated to exceed the impact radius (<4 km) calculated by a numerical model. As for soils, the metal concentrations were high in the surface layer and decreased abruptly with depth. The vertical extent of the metal contamination was found up to 60 cm. Considering the operational period of the smelter, the Pb migration rate was 0.4–1.3 cm/year and the farmlands showed higher penetration rates than the other sites, probably due to agricultural practices. The Pb isotope compositions for the contaminated soils lay on a mixing line between the anthropogenic Pb of the smelter and the geogenic Pb of the background soils, which confirmed that the emission and deposition of the airborne particles produced by the smelter contributed to 49–83% of trace metals in the surface soils. Similarly, the Pb isotopic compositions of the roof dusts indicated that most of Pb was derived from the smelter, in particular, from the casting and leaching stacks.

Assessment of selected Physicochemical Parameters and Trace Metals in Street Dust along roads in Enugu Metropolis, Nigeria

Trace metals, present above permissible limits are an ever present threat to public health due to their toxicity and carcinogenic nature. They can also impair important biochemical processes in animals and affect plant growth. The assessment of these pollutants, commonly found in street dust, is important for environmental health quality. The present work investigated the level, sources and assessment of trace metal pollution in street dust along selected roads in Enugu metropolis. A total of 32 dust samples were collected from 10 major roads and analyzed for trace metal content with a Buck 210VGP AAS after strong tri-acid digestion. Values were obtained for 9 trace metals in the dust samples within the following ranges (in mg kg-1): Cr(0.67 - 3.67), Mn (2.33 - 7.67), Fe (408.33 - 512.33), Co (3.00 - 61.75), Ni (39.67 - 193.67), Cu (11.50 - 90.00), Zn (1.00 - 31.67), Cd (0.00 - 1.33), and Pb (0.00 - 46.67). pH values, electrical conductivity (EC) and total organic matter (TOM) of the samples ranged from 6.75 - 8.39, 556 - 578.67 μS/cm and 1.27 - 10.35% respectively. The geoaccumulation index (Igeo) shows moderate pollution of Cd and Pb in the roads. The integrated pollution index (IPI) also showed moderate to high level of pollution of the metals in the following order: Cu&lt;Pb&lt;Ni&lt;Cd. Multivariate statistical analysis identified the major sources of these trace metals along the roads as vehicles (from parts and emissions) and road infrastructure.

Using magnetic susceptibility to evaluate pollution status of the sediment for a typical reservoir in northwestern China.

Intensive anthropogenic activities may add to pollution risks to lakes and rivers, which can be revealed by the magnetic characteristics of sediments. The present study aims to assess the pollution status of the sediment of a typical reservoir in northwestern China by application of magnetic susceptibility. The values of magnetic susceptibility exhibited significant positive correlations with trace metals (Co, Cu, Mn, Ni, and V) and natural radionuclides (232Th and 40K). Multivariate statistical analysis indicated common sources and similar deposition characteristics of magnetic particles and trace metals. It was conformed that magnetic susceptibility could be used as an indicator to identify industrial sources of trace metals, but was not suitable to indicate the traffic or natural sources. Linear regression equations between the low-frequency magnetic susceptibility and the integrated pollution index as well as annual effective dose rate indicated a potential for using magnetic susceptibility in semi-quantitative assessment of trace metal pollution and radiological hazard in sediments. A three-step procedure is proposed for the use of magnetic susceptibility in pollution monitoring, which provides a fast and effective method for estimating the pollution extent and tracing the major sources of trace metals in the sediment of lakes and rivers.

Trace metal pollution assessment in the surface sediments of nearshore area, off Calicut, southwest coast of India

Metal concentrations (Al, Cr, Ni, Cu, Zn, and Pb), grain size, and total organic carbon content in 29 surface sediment samples from the nearshore area off Calicut were analyzed to determine their distribution and pollution status. Surface sediments were dominantly silts with low percentage of clay and sand at nearshore and offshore areas. The mean metal concentrations were in the following order: Cr>Ni>Zn>Pb>Cu. The enrichment factor and geo-accumulation index of metals suggest that the surface sediments were not polluted by Zn and moderately polluted by Cu and Ni. By contrast, Cr and Pb showed significant enrichment levels. Results from a multivariate statistical analysis suggested that the spatial enrichment of these heavy metals was related to sediment type. Thus, the sediment distribution and their metal enrichment were mainly controlled by local hydrodynamic conditions that caused the winnowing of fine-grained sediments.

Geochemical assessment of trace metal pollution in sediments of the Cochin backwaters

ABSTRACTThe Cochin backwaters are facing widespread environmental pollution because of the release of solid wastes and liquid effluents from industrial, domestic, and agricultural sectors. The waters are contaminated with trace metals due to an inefficient waste disposal system. Here, the potential trace metal enrichment in sediments related to human activities was evaluated using an enrichment factor, contamination factor, geo-accumulation index, and pollution load index. Metal concentration ranges in sediments during the monsoon, post-monsoon, and pre-monsoon periods were as follows: Fe (15517–90885 µg/g), Mn (122.5–970.9 µg/g), Co (6.9–41.9 µg/g), Ni (12.9–62.9 µg/g), Cu (15.9–56.8 µg/g), Zn (58.7–888.7 µg/g), Cd (0.9–14.5 µg/g), and Pb (12.7–46.8 µg/g). Data on sediment trace metal concentrations are important for environmental forensic investigations, useful for monitoring (i.e., tracing) sources of contaminants (i.e., metal pollutants) and their impacts, and valuable for tracking the dispersal pathways of contaminants in estuarine environments.

울산-온산연안 표층퇴적물 내 미량금속 오염도 및 생태위해성 평가

완전산분해법과 단일시약(1 M HCl) 추출법을 이용하여 울산-온산연안 표층퇴적물 내 미량금속의 오염도 및 생태위해성을 평가하였다. 표층퇴적물 내 미량금속 중 Cu, Cd, Pb, Zn, Hg의 농도는 울산연안에 비해 온산연안에서 2배 이상 높게 나타났다. 단일시약 추출 분석 결과, Cd과 Pb은 총함량 중 가용성부분의 평균 함량이 각각 72%, 78%로 인위적 기원에 의해서 주로 공급되는 것으로 나타난 반면, Cr, Li, Ni, As는 잔류성부분에서 평균 80% 이상 존재하여 주로 자연적 기원의 영향을 받는 것으로 나타났다. 국내 해저퇴적물 해양환경기준과 비교한 결과, Cu, Pb, Zn, Hg의 총농도는 온산연안 일부 정점에서 관리기준을 초과하였으며, Cr, Ni은 모든 정점에서 주의기준 이하였다. 미량금속의 오염도 및 생태위해성을 다양한 지수(EF, ISUBgeo/SUB, m-PEL-Q, ERI)로 평가한 결과, 울산-온산연안에서 미량금속 중 Cu, Cd, Pb, Zn, Hg의 오염도가 높았으며, 생태계에 잠재적 위해성은 Cd과 Hg이 가장 큰 것으로 나타났다.

Assessment of trace metal pollution in sediments and intertidal fauna at the coast of Cameroon.

Coastal systems act as a boundary between land and sea. Therefore, assessing pollutant concentrations at the coast will provide information on the impact that land-based anthropogenic activities have on marine ecosystems. Sediment and fauna samples from 13 stations along the whole coast of Cameroon were analyzed to assess the level of trace metal pollution in sediments and intertidal fauna. Sediments showed enrichment of As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, V, and Zn. However, pollution of greater concern was observed for Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, and Zn at the northern stations. Some sites recorded trace metal levels higher than recommended in sediment quality guidelines. Species diversity was low, and high bioaccumulation of trace metals was observed in biological samples. Some edible gastropod species accumulated trace metals above the safety limits of the World Health Organization, European Medicine Agency, and the US Environment Protection Agency. Although industrial pollution is significant along Cameroon's coast, natural pollution from the volcano Mount Cameroon is also of concern.

Sediment properties and trace metal pollution assessment in surface sediments of the Laizhou Bay, China.

Spatial distribution, ecological risk, pollutant source, and transportation of trace metals in surface sediments, as well as the sediment properties, were analyzed in this study to assess the pollution status of trace metal in the Laizhou Bay, China. Results of provenance analyses indicate that surface sediments were primarily from weathering products carried by the surrounding short rivers and partially from loess matters carried by the Yellow River. Variations of trace metal concentrations were mostly controlled by the accumulation of weathering products, organic matters, and the hydrodynamics. Geoaccumulation index suggests that no Cr pollution occurred in the study area, and Cu, Pb, and Zn pollutions appeared only at a few stations. Comparatively, Cd and As pollutions were at noticeably weak to moderate level at many stations. The combination of six trace metals in this study had a 21% probability of being toxic in our study area based on sediment quality guidelines. Enrichment factors (EFs) and statistical analyses indicate that Cu, Pb, and Zn were primarily derived from the natural process of weathering. By contrast, Cd, As, and Cr (especially Cd and As) were provided by the anthropogenic activities to a large extent. Due to the dilution of coarse-grained sediments, there was even no contamination at some of stations that were obviously influenced by humans. Based on the current study of transportation process of fine-grained sediments in combination with the spatial distribution of EFs, it is found that the migration of anthropogenic trace metals was mainly controlled by the tide in the Laizhou Bay. The study suggests that an effective strategies and remedial measures should be designed and undertaken to prevent further anthropogenic Cd and As pollutions in this area in the future.

The Reconstruction of Lead Contamination History Using Tree Ring, Jinan, China

In this document we analysis the lead contamination in tree ring of Platycladus orientalis and Poplar, and found that lead concentrations in contaminated tree rings has a good relationship with industrial dust emissions and automobiles, the lead contamination in tree ring can reconstruction the lead contamination history of Jinan. The case study in Jinan, showed that trees can provide continuous monitoring data for assessment of trace metal pollution in the future.

Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrometric Determination of Pb, Cd, and Cu in Pinus nigra L. and Eriobotrya japonica Leaves Used as Biomonitors in Environmental Pollution

The assessment of trace metal pollution in Gaziantep city-Turkey has been studied using plant leaves of Pinus nigra L. and Eriobotrya japonica as biomonitor. The concentrations up to 3,056 mg Pb kg(-1) in the needles of Pinus nigra L., and 367 ng Cd g(-1) in the leaves of Eriobotrya japonica were determined. The observed Cu concentrations were in range of 1.6-7.1 mg kg(-1). The Pb, Cd, and Cu levels in soils were determined to be in the range of 17-602, 0.142-0.656, and 12-38 mg kg(-1), respectively. It was concluded that Pinus nigra L. can be considered as both biomonitor of atmospheric Pb pollution and hyperaccumulator plant.

Preliminary Risk Assessment of Trace Metal Pollution in Surface Water from Yangtze River in Nanjing Section, China

Preliminary Risk Assessment of Trace Metal Pollution in Surface Water from Yangtze River in Nanjing Section, China

Preliminary Risk Assessment of Trace Metal Pollution in Surface Water from Yangtze River in Nanjing Section, China

In order to investigate the contamination levels of trace metals, surface water samples were collected from six regions along Yangtze River in Nanjing Section. The concentrations of trace metals (As, B, Ba, Be, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Pb, Li, Mn, Mo, Ni, Sb, Se, Sn, Sr, V and Zn) were determined using inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-AES). Total concentrations of the metals in the water samples ranged from 825.1 to 950.4 microg/L. The result was compared with international water quality guidelines. Seven metals levels were above the permissible limit as prescribed by guidelines. A preliminary risk assessment was then carried out to determine the human health risk via calculating Hazard Quotient and carcinogenic risk of the metals. Hazard Quotients of all metals were lower than unity, except As. The carcinogenic risk of As and Cd was higher than 10(-6), suggesting that those two metals have potential adverse effects on local residents.

Assessment of trace metal pollution in surface sediments of Nemrut Bay, Aegean Sea

Surface sediments collected from nine stations in Nemrut Bay, Aegean Sea were analyzed for trace metals (Hg, Cd, Pb, Cr, Cu, Zn, Mn, Ni, Fe, As, and Mg) and grain sizes. The results were compared with the numerical sediment guidelines used in North America as well as literature values reported for similar studies conducted in Izmit Bay and Izmir Bay. The metal levels were also evaluated according to the enrichment factor and contamination factor analyses. The analyses revealed significant anthropogenic pollution of Hg, Pb, Zn, and As in the surficial sediments of Nemrut Bay.

Marine trace metal pollution assessment by fish as indicator species

Levels of eleven trace metals (Ag, As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, Zn and Hg) and four macronutrients (Na, K, Ca and Mg) were estimated in the edible muscle of six commercially exploited fish species using the atomic absorption spectrophotometric method. The fish included in the study were: Argyrops spinifer, Fistularia petimba, Bramnoplaties suppositus, Lepidotriqla omaneaisis, Pampus argentus and Sphyraena obtusata harvested from the south‐west coast of the Arabian Sea along the Karachi coast, Pakistan. All metals have shown substantial increase in their average levels over the past few years. Pampus argentus was found undesirable for human consumption as it contained elevated levels of five metals (As, Cr, Pb, Zn and Hg). This species could be used to monitor marine trace metal pollution since it was found to contain consistently enhanced levels of the industrial metals.