Environmental characteristics of trace metals in seawater from the Ninety East Ridge in the Indian Ocean

The Ninety East Ridge in the Indian Ocean has complex and unique characteristics.The concentrations and distribution characteristics of 10 trace metals(V,Cr,Mn,Fe,Co,Ni,Cu,Cd,Pb,and U)in seawater from the Ninety East Ridge in the Indian Ocean were investigated.Results show that the average concentrations of different trace metals in all the collected seawater samples were 1.134μg/L for V,0.158μg/L for Cr,0.489μg/L for Mn,0.427μg/L for Fe,0.011μg/L for Co,0.395μg/L for Ni,0.403μg/L for Cu,0.097μg/L for Cd,0.139μg/L for Pb,and 3.470μg/L for U.Differences in the horizontal and vertical distributions of all measured trace metals were revealed,and the occurrence of high concentrations was nonuniform.In addition,the significant differences in the concentration distribution of different trace metals in seawater on both sides of the Ninety East Ridge present regional segmentation in the area for various trace metals in deep sea water.This study provided basic data for future investigations on the environmental and ecological impact of trace metals in the Indian Ocean and the potential water mass transport mechanism.

Distribution, Mobility, and Health Risks Assessment of Trace Metals in River Sediments from Intense Agricultural Activity Areas in West Africa

The economy of West African countries is mainly based on agriculture. However, the trace metal(loid)s contamination status in rivers is relatively unknown in the region. In this work, 45 surface sediments collected from the Bandama, Comoé, and Bia Rivers in south and south eastern Côte d’Ivoire (West Africa), were analyzed for total metal concentrations and chemical speciation. The results showed that the river sediments were considerably contaminated by Cd and moderately contaminated by As, Cu, Pb, and Zn. Significant spatial variations were observed among the stations but not between the rivers. Metals Cd and Cu were likely to cause more ecological risks. The speciation analysis unravelled that the metal(loid)s partitioned mainly in the residual fraction, with the potential mobile fraction varying from 14% to 28%. The study calls for establishment of strict policies relative to the application of fertilizers and agrochemicals and mining activities to protect the environment and human health risks.

Study on Dissolved Trace Metals in Sea Surface Microlayer in Daya Bay

Glass-plate sampling during 1988-1999 in Daya Bay and suitable corresponding analytical methods were used for the measurement of dissolved trace metals, dissolved organic carbon, biological oxygen demand, chemical oxygen demand, salinity of the sea surface microlayer and subsurface water. Apparent enrichment mechanism and diurnal variation have been revealed for dissolved trace metals in the microlayer in Daya Bay. The more dissolved organic matter was enriched in the sea surface microlayer, the more dissolved trace metals were enriched in the layer. The organic matter played an important role in the enrichment process. The diurnal variations of dissolved trace metals showed that their concentration was apparently inversely related to the tide activity that the concentration was low during rising tide, but high during falling tide. The behavior of dissolved trace metals expressed by the diurnal variation was clearly opposite to that of salinity.

Environmental Assessments of Trace Metals in Sediments from Dongting Lake, Central China

To examine the degree of contamination in the Dongting Lake （洞庭湖） area, surface sediments samples were collected and investigated in this study. This lake lies in the south of the middle Yangtze River, and it is the second largest fresh-water lake in China. These samples were analyzed for the concentrations of the following 6 elements （CA, Cr, Cn, Ni, Ph and Zn） collected from 46 locations. The index of geo-accumulation was used to assess the degree of contamination of the total trace elements and the assessments showed that the contamination of Cd reached strong to very strong pollution. The speciation of metal in sediments was analyzed using the modified BCR （Community Bureau of Reference） sequential extraction technology and the water column-contamination risk was evaluted by the calculated contamination factors. The results of the speciation of metal indicated that more easily mobilized forms （exchangeable, water soluble, and acid soluble） were predominant for CA, especially in the samples from East Dongting Lake. In contrast, the largest amount of lead was associated with the iron and manganese oxide fractions, and Cn, Zn, Cr, and Ni analyzed were mainly distributed in residual phase at an average percentage higher than 60 % of the total metals. The potential risk to the lake＇s water contamination was the highest in East Dongting Lake based on the calculated contamination factors. The assessment results using geo-accamnlation index were compared with the information obtained by trace metal speciation and both results were consistent.

Distribution and pollution assessment of trace metals in seawater and sediment in Laizhou Bay

Selected trace metals （Pb, Cd, Cu, Hg） and arsenic in seawater and surface sediments of Laizhou Bay were determined, to evaluate their spatial distribution, pollution risk and potential ecological risk. Concentrations of the elements were 0.56-2.07, 0.14-0.38, 12.70-18.40, 0.014-0.094, and 1.13- 2.37 μg/L in the seawater and 8.94-32.2, 0.18-0.67, 4.51-30.5, 0.006-0.058, and 5.75-15.3 mg/kg in sediments for Pb, Cd, Cu, Hg and As, respectively. High concentrations of the trace metals and arsenic in seawater and surface sediments were generally observed near the fiver estuary. The pollution risk result of the elements showed that Cu was the prominent trace metal pollutant in seawater, followed by Hg, Pb, Cd and As. The metal complex pollution index in seawater was at a medium level. The most important trace metal pollutant in sediments was Cd, followed by As, Cu, Pb, and Hg. Our pollution assessment suggests that trace metal pollution in Laizhou Bay sediments was at a low level. The potential ecological risk was also low in surface sediment.

Detection of tyrosine,trace metals and nutrients in cow dung:the environmental significance in soil and water environments

This study examined the dissolved organic matter(DOM) components of cow dung using a combination of fluorescence(excitation–emission matrix,EEM)spectroscopy and parallel factor(PARAFAC) modelling along with eleven trace metals using ICP-MS and nutrients(NH_4^+ and NO_3^-) using an AA3 auto analyser. EEM–PARAFAC analysis demonstrated that cow dung predominantly contained only one fluorescent DOM component with two fluorescence peaks(Ex/Em=275/311 nm and Ex/Em=220/311 nm),which could be denoted as tyrosine by comparison with its standard. Occurrence of tyrosine can be further confirmed by the FTIR spectra. Trace metals analysis revealed that Na,K and Mg were significantly higher than Ca,Fe,Mn,Zn Sr,Cu,Ni and Co. The NH_4^+ concentrations were substantially higher than NO_3^-.These results thus indicate that the dissolved components of the cow dung could be useful for better understanding its future uses in various important purposes.

Preliminary study on the distribution of nutrients, organic matter, trace metals in sea surface microlayer in Xiamen Bay and Jiulong Estuary

The enrichment of nutrients (Noa-, Noa-, PO43-), suspended particles, organic matter (POC, PON,DOC) , and trace metals (Cu, Ni, Cd) was determined in the sea surface microlayer of Xiamen Bay and Jiulong Estuary. The mean enrichment factors ([Xi]microlayer/[Xi ]15cm in depth) mostly ranged between 1 . 0 and 2. 0. The dissolved forms were the major forms of the components measured, the enrichment of dissolved organic matter and suspended particles could lead to the changes in the total amount and speciation of nutrients and trace metals. No correlation was observed between sample concentrations, speciation, enrichment factors and sample locations. However, some evidence shows that these parameters are correlated with sea state, indicating the complexity and dynamic nature of the sea surface microlayer.

Oxidative stress in portal hypertension-induced rats with particular emphasis on nitric oxide and trace metals

AIM: To investigate the oxidative-stress-related changes in rats with portal hypertension with particular emphasis on nitric oxide (NO) and trace metals. METHODS: Cirrhosis was induced by partial portal vein ligation (PVL) in Wistar rats. The lipid peroxidation marker (malondialdehyde, MDA), antioxidant defense enzymes including superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione (GSH), and agents known to have antioxidant features including nitric oxide (NO), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu) were determined both in serum and in liver tissue at 4 wk after surgery in PVL and sham-operated rats. Portal pressure of all experimental animals was measured. MDA was detected by thiobarbituric acid reactivity assay.SOD activity was determined by inhibition of nitroblue tetrazolium reduction with xanthine/xanthine oxidase used asa superoxide generator. CAT activity was determined by the breakdown of hydrogen peroxide. GSH concentrations were measured by using metaphosphoric acid for protein precipitation and 5'-5'-dithio-bis-2-nitrobenzoic acid for color development. NO was detected by the Griess method after reduction of nitrate to nitrite with nitrate reductase, and the concentrations of Zn and Cu were measured by a Shimadzu 680 AA atomic absorption spectrometer. Histopathological confirmation was done under light microscope. Statistical analyses were done by Student's t-test, and significance of the difference was tested by the unpaired Mann-Whitney test. P＜0.05 was considered statistically significant.RESULTS: Histopathological studies confirmed PVL induced cirrhotic changes. There was a statistically significant difference in portal pressure between PVL and control groups (P＜0.001). The results showed significant increases in the levels of MDA and NO in both tissue and serum (P＜0.05 and P＜0.001, respectively in tissue; P＜0.001 for each in serum), and Zn only in tissue (P＜0.001)in rats with PVL compared with sham-operated rats. Besides, PVL rats exhibited reduced plasma and tissue GSH, CAT, SOD (P＜0.001 for each). Serum and tissue Cu concentration did not change.CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that PVL in rats induces important biochemical and molecular changes related to oxidative stress in the liver.

Assessment of trace metals contamination in stream sediments and soils in Abuja leather mining, southwestern Nigeria

This study is aimed at determining the level of environmental degradation as well as the concentration of trace elements in soil and stream sediments in order to evaluate the environmental impact of the mining operation.Twenty-five(25) soils and ten(10) stream sediment samples were collected from the study area. The physicochemical parameters were determined using appropriate instrumentation with the aid of a digital p H meter(Milwaukee meter) to measure the p H and electrical conductivity, total dissolved solids, moisture content and loss on ignition of the soil and stream sediment samples. The p H of the soil sample ranged from(6.10 to 7.19); Electrical conductivity ranged from(21.3 to 279.4 μS/cm), moisture content varied from(0.60% to 7.20%), and the LOI ranged from(2.03% to 18.62%). The results of the analysis showed that the concentrations of the trace elements in the soils and stream sediment samples were slightly higher than the background values. Plots of the trace elements in stream sediment samples show moderate, consistent decrease downstream except at points where there was mine water discharge into the main river. The pollution levels of heavy metals were examined in stream sediment and soil samples using different assessable indices, such as the enrichment factor, which showed significant-moderate enrichment for Cr, Th, Nb, Zn, Pb, Y and Zr and the geoaccumulation index, which showed practically moderate contamination with Cr, Ni and Sr based on regional background reference values. Geo-accumulation index and contamination index for soils and stream sediment revealed uncontaminated to moderate contamination. Likewise,elements with moderate contamination were Cr, Ni and Sr.The Pearson correlation showed that there were significant positive associations among selected metals in soil and stream sediment samples.

The Factors for Transformation between the Fractions of Speciation of Trace Metals in Lake Sediments

Objective Despite the fact that the bioavailability of trace metals indicated by their speciation has been an indispensable parameter in the assessment and treatment of the environmental pollution of trace metals, many studies have suggested that the bioavailability of trace metals may change according to the conditions of the environment, and the speciation of trace metals can also transform between some fractions. These transformations are related with these factors such as the compositions, microorganism, time, and other physical-chemical conditions of the system. Our work aims to systematically investigate and probe the factors to affect the transformation aside from analysis at certain time-place. The results of these understanding and investigations can be used for reasonably determining the allocation of financial and technical resources in natural and engineered processes, with bringing about inspirations from the evolution of the speciation of the trace metals on environmental impacts.

Assessment of Trace Metals in Soils of North-Eastern Lubumbashi （Upper-Katanga Province, Democratic Republic of Congo）

Concentrations of Co, Cu, Cr, Fe, Pb and Zn were investigated in samples of five types of soils： Dembo soil SDC, red clay soil SAR, red clay soil with black spots SAK, lateritic soil SLS and garbage dump soil SNB from the North-eastern Lubumbashi city in the Democratic Republic of Congo from February to July 2011, corresponding to three months （February-April） of rainy season and three months （May-July） of dry season. Of the five soil types, SDC and SNB had higher Co, Cr, Fe and Pb concentrations at A and B horizons than the other soils. In those two soil types, respective mean concentrations of Co were 143 mg/kg and 485 mg/kg; those of Cr were 105 mg/kg and 124 mg/kg, those of Fe were 42,420 mg/kg and 41,327 mg/kg, and those of Pb were 21 mg/kg and 1,837 mg/kg. Both SDC and SNB soils had also high organic matter content varying from 4.04% to 13.36% and from 5.8% to 11.9%, respectively. Their pH values ranged from 6.9 to 7.8 and from 7.3 to 8.0, respectively.

Health Risk Assessment of Trace Metals in Drinking Water Consumed in Dakar, Senegal

Water contamination by chemical pollutants is increasingly associated with waterborne diseases worldwide. The objective of this study is to assess the chemical health risk associated with drinking water consumption in Dakar, Senegal. The methodology adopted in this study is based on the determination of trace metals (Cd, Pb, Fe, Cu and Mn) in human drinking water by flame atomic absorption spectrometry, the estimation of the exposure of populations of the study area on the basis of the quantity of water consumed daily and the determination of the hazard quotient which allows estimating the health risk. The results indicate unacceptable levels of Pb and Cd in the water according to World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines, while the concentrations of Fe, Cu and Mn are below the regulatory values. The hazard quotient (HQ) is in the majority of samples higher than 1 in children and infants for scenario 1 (based on WHO data), reflecting a high risk for this target. In scenario 2 based on consumption data from the populations studied, the HQ is greater than 1 only in heavy consumers. The drinking water consumed by Dakar population presents health risks related to Pb and Cd, particularly for infants, children and heavy consumers, hence the need to strengthen the water treatment system before home consumption.

Trace Metals in Sediments, Macroalgae and Benthic Species from the Western Part of Algerian Coast

The concentrations of Cd, Pb, Cu and Zn were measured in sediments and specimens of four marine organisms： green algae （Enteromorpha linza）, red algae （Corallina officinalis）, mollusc limpet （Patella ferruginea） and sea urchin （Paracentrotus lividus）. The samples were collected at four coastal stations located in two areas in the North-Western Algerian coast： Ghazaouet and Beni-saf. These areas are influenced by anthropogenic activities （harbour and industrial and urban wastes）. Metal concentrations measured in sediments and biota indicated that the area of Ghazaouet was the most polluted. We found high variability of metal bioaccumulation among the four species analysed. The highest concentrations were recorded in the algae whereas metal concentrations in sea urchin and limpet were more correlated with sediments metal concentrations.

Phytoextraction of Trace Metals (Cd, Ni and Pb) by Panicum maximum Grown on Natural Soil

This study aims to assess the effective capacity of Panicum maximum to accumulate cadmium (Cd), nickel (Ni) and lead (Pb). P. maximum observed in a greenhouse was subjected to 2 ppm of Cd, 50 ppm of Ni, 100 ppm of Pb contaminated soil and uncontaminated soil, for 120 days. Plant growth and biomass produced concentration of trace metals in soil and plant, bioaccumulation and transfer factors, location of potentially toxic elements in tissues and cells of plant have been determined. Stem length and biomass produced by P. maximum were higher on the uncontaminated soil followed respectively by those of soil-contaminated by Pb, Cd and Ni. Bioaccumulation factors of trace metals were 8.93 (Pb), 8.47 (Ni) and 3.37 (Cd). Ni was more accumulated in shoot biomass (FT > 1), while Pb and Cd were concentrated in root biomass (FT < 1). Pb is accumulated preferentially in endodermis (roots) and epidermis (leaves). As for Ni and Cd, they are concentrated in central cylinder of roots and in conductive bundles of leaves. At cellular level, Ni and Cd are mainly concentrated in intracellular compartments of leaves and roots, while Pb is strongly detected at cell walls.

Preliminary comparison of trace metals in coastal aerosols between Qingdao and Liverpool

Aerosol samples were collected at two coastal suburban stations, Qingdao （China） in 1995-1996 and Liverpool （U.K.） in 1995, respectively. The samples were analyzed to determine the concentrations of trace metals （Cr, Zn, Cu, Co, Ni, Pb, V, and Cd） as well as A1, Fe and Mn. Data were examined to understand the difference of trace metals in aerosols between coastal zones downwind the developing area （near the Yellow Sea） and developed region （near the Irish Sea）. The results show that most elements at Qingdao have levels 4-5 times higher than those at Liverpool, particularly for the crust-dominated elements （e.g. Al, Fe and Mn）. Moreover, the aerosol composition at Qingdao is higher in spring than in summer, underlying the influence of westerlies and local emissions in combination, whereas seasonal change of aerosol composition is not significant at Liverpool. The enrichment factors for the crustal source elements （EFcrust） at Liverpool are much higher than those at Qingdao. The contributions from the pollutant source （Rp） for some trace metals like Cu, Pb, Zn and Cd are 〉90% at Qingdao and Liverpool, suggesting overwhelming anthropogenic contributions to these metals. The contributions from crustal source （Re） for trace metals tend to increase with higher aerosol levels and Al concentration at Qingdao, indicating a good correlation between the crust-dominated component and the air mass. At Liverpool, the Rc values for trace metals are positively correlated with Al concentrations instead of with aerosol mass, suggesting that Al in aerosols represents the crustal component even though the aerosols come from different sources.

11000-Year Record of Trace Metals in Sediments off the Southern Shandong Peninsula in the South Yellow Sea

Geochemical background values are the normal concentration of trace metals in the natural environment and sediment cores have been proved to be excellent samples to get these values.The trace metal(Cu,Pb,Zn,Cr,Cd,As,Hg,Ni,Li,and Co)concentration profiles along a sediment core are investigated to get the background values and to assess the depositional processes and contamination levels off the southern Shandong Peninsula,China.All the metals,except As and Hg,had similar concentration profiles with the highest average values during the period of 6-3 kyr.The high concentrations of As and Hg occurred before 6ka and during the period of 3-0 kyr.The difference in metal concentrations before and after 6 kyr was mainly attributed to the source of core sediments,which are derived from proximal sediment on the Shandong Peninsula before 6 kyr and the mixture of proximal sediment and Yellow River sediment after 6 kyr.The effects of particle size and human activity were mainly contributed to the metal concentrations since 6 kyr.The average concentrations of trace elements in sediments between 6 and 3 kyr were selected as background values.The principal component factor analysis indicate that the metals were from the natural sources throughout the observed depositional period,with the exception of As and Hg,which may had anthropogenic sources for the sediments from the bottom 2 m of the core.Their geoaccumulation indices indicate that the sediments were not contaminated for Cu,Zn,Cr,Cd,Pb,Ni,Li and Co,whereas they were contaminated recently for As and Hg due to the regional civilization and human activities.

The Analysis of Trace Metals in Bottom Mud of the Weihe River by Atomic Absorption Spectrometry

[Objective] This study was conducted to investigate the contents of trace metal ions in Youhe sediment in the Youhe reach of the Yellow River. [Method] Under certain experimental conditions, the contents of trace metal ions in the Weihe River sediment were mainly analyzed by atomic absorption spectrometry, including the contents of Zn, Cu, Mg and Mn. [Result] The Mn content in the bottom mud was 469.5 μg/g, which was the highest, followed by the Zn content of 111.0 μg/g and the Mg content of 99.0 μg/g, and the Cu content was the lowest, of 8.30μg/g. [Conclusion] This method is simple and rapid with higher accuracy.

Trace Metals （Cu, Pb, Zn, Mn, Mo, As） Analysis as a Base for Environmental Studies in Argentina

In Argentina, at Central Andes Eastside, Cumbres Calchaquies, Aconquija Range and Ambato Block constitute a mountain chain that erects about 5,000 masl. Its geological story reveals morphotectonic and magmatic processes are similar to the Pampean Ranges at which they belong to, giving origin to mineralized areas. Geochemical concentrations of trace metals （Cu, Pb, Zn, Mn, Mo, As） in stream sediments are related to the geology and mineral manifestations of the area. Geochemical high average concentration of Cu, Pb and Mo are observed in all ranges. It highlights the presence of As in Cumbres Calchaquies-Aconquija Range and Zn, Mn in the mountains of Aconquija Range-Ambato Block. It was determined that Cu-Zn-Mn complex is adsorbed or precipitated most frequently by Mn oxides. Complex Pb-Zn, Mn-As, Mo-As and Pb-Mo are absorbed by other agents （clay; oxides of Mn, Fe, AI; organic matter）.

Bioaccumulation of Trace Metals in Tissues of Rohu Fish for Environmental Risk Assessment

In the present study, the two lakes, Vengaiah lake (Lake A-Sewage polluted receiving discharge from storm water drain) and Yellamallappa Chetty lake (Lake B-Industrially polluted) situated near Krishnarajpuram-Hoskote taluk, Bangalore, Karnataka were selected for analysis of trace metals viz., arsenic, aluminium, cadmium, lead, mercury, iron, copper and zinc in water samples. Muscle and gill tissues of freshwater fish Labeo rohita reared in these water bodies were analysed for bioaccumulation of trace metals. Hebbal fish farm was considered as a reference site (Control site) for water and fish samples. Trace metals were analysed by atomic absorption spectroscopy and values were compared with those recommended by FAO/WHO in water and fish samples. Trace metals such as Al, As and Hg were detected in the water sampled from lake B which is attributed to the differences in the sources of pollutants. Fish tissues viz., muscle and gills sampled from Lake B exhibited high concentration of Al, Pb and Cd content showing a positive correlation with their concentration in water samples. The remaining metals as Cu, Zn and Fe were detected in water sampled from all water bodies and also in the fish tissues. Gills exhibited higher concentration of metals in fish from lake B. Bioaccumulation of these trace metals in fish tissues may cause potential danger to human health when consumed on regular basis. Thus necessary remedial measures are required to combat water contamination and its management keeping in view the aquatic ecosystem and public health. Values were statistically significant at P < 0.0001.

Trace Metals in Fine and Respirable Ambient Air Particulates on Trinidad’s West Coast

The paper analyzed the concentrations of trace metals in fine and respirable particulates (fine-PM1 and PM2.5;respirable-PM10) to determine baseline concentrations in the ambient air and the factors impacting its distribution such as land use and time of year when levels may be concerning to public health. Measurements of particulates along with meteorological parameters were made at four sites over the heavily populated west coast of Trinidad (10°32'N, 61°18'W) during March ’15-May ’16, representing rural, urban, mixed background and industrial land uses. The study found mean levels of trace metals to be highest at the industrial and urban stations. Public health exceedances (referenced to the Canadian AAQ public health standards (Ontario-MoE, 2012)) were measured for beryllium, cadmium, chromium, iron, manganese and nickel (in PM10). Iron, manganese and nickel, most associated with particulates at the industrial station, were in frequent exceedance. Beryllium—concentrated in coarse PM (PM2.5-10) with only a single measured exceedance at the mixed background station likely poses minimal threat to the health of the nearby population. Cadmium—concentrated in fine PM which peaked once only at the rural station was likely due to an irregular event within a narrow timeframe during the time of sampling. Iron and manganese were frequently above the Canadian public health threshold, but predominated in the coarse PM fraction, suggesting localised sources. Nickel, concentrated in the fine PM fraction, was frequently in exceedance particularly at the industrial station. Cadmium and nickel are genotoxic and should be regulated in order to reduce the burden of toxic carcinogens to which the population can be exposed.