Comparison between BCR sequential extraction and geo-accumulation method to evaluate metal mobility in sediments of Dongting Lake, Central China

The form in which a metal exists strongly influences its mobility and thus, the effects on the environment. Operational methods of speciation analysis, such as the use of sequential extraction procedures, are commonly applied. The Dongting Lake, the second largest fresh-water lake in China, contains three China wetlands of international importance, the East Dongting Lake, South Dongting Lake, and West Dongting Lake. In this work, an optimized BCR sequential extraction procedure was used to assess the environmental risk of Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb and Zn in contaminated sediment of the Dongting Lake. The procedure was evaluated by using a certified reference material, BCR701. The results of the partitioning study indicated that in the lake sediments, more easily mobilized forms (acid exchangeable) were predominant for Cd, particularly in the samples from the East Dongting Lake. In contrast, the largest amount of Pb was associated with the iron and manganese oxide fractions and Cu, Zn, Cr, and Ni analyzed were mainly distributed in residual phase at an average percentage greater than 60% of the total metals. The potential risk to the lake's water contamination was highest in the East Dongting Lake based on the calculated contamination factors. On the other hand, the total metal content was determined as well by inductively coupled plasma and mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) and assessed by using geo-accumulation index. The assessment results using geo-accumulation index were compared with the information on metal speciation. Both were correspondent with each other.

Geochemistry of Potentially Toxic Elements in Soil and Sediments of a Tanzanian Small-Scale Gold Mining Area

Small-scale gold mining is linked to significant environmental pollution by potentially toxic elements (PTEs). However, research on the pollution caused by such mining activities remains insufficient especially in developing countries. In the present study, a systematic investigation assessed the pollution and level of ecological risk of PTEs in soil and stream sediments in an active small scale gold mining area of Isanga, in Nzega, Tanzania. Samples amounting to 16 soil and 20 sediment were gathered from the study area and analyzed for five PTEs concentrations (As, Cd, Cr, Hg and Pb) using the AAS method. The contamination level and ecological risk were assessed using several pollution indices. The results suggest that the assessed environmental systems of the Isanga mining area and its vicinities are lowly contaminated by PTEs and have a low potential to pose ecological risks. Hg and Cd with mean concentrations of 0.09 mg/kg and 0.26 mg/kg respectively were found to be the most enriched PTEs in soil, compared to their average continental crust concentrations (0.056 mg/kg and 0.102 mg/kg respectively). The levels of the evaluated PTEs in the study area are susceptible to increase over time if proactive steps are not taken to control mining and waste disposal activities.

Contamination and Ecological Risk Assessment of Heavy Metal in the Sediment of Turag River, Bangladesh: An Index Analysis Approach

Encroachment, disposal of untreated domestic and industrial wastewater and dumping of solid wastes have degraded the overall quality of the river Turag, which is located in Dhaka—the Capital City of Bangladesh. The present study investigated the extent of pollution of sediments of this river and analyzed the regional variability for the concentrations of Cr, Pb, Zn, Cu and Cd—all of concern because of their potential toxicity, using atomic absorption spectrophotometer. As per US EPA sediment quality guideline, metal concentrations ranged between Cd: 0.00 - 0.80, Cr: 32.00 - 75.50, Cu: 46.30 - 60.00, Pb: 28.30 - 36.40, and Zn: 94.60 - 190.10 mg/kg in the Turag river sediments. Cr, Cu, Zn belongs to moderately to highly polluted, Pb and Cd belongs to not polluted for Turag river. The heavy metals contamination in the sediments were also evaluated by applying Index of geo-accumulation (Igeo), contamination factor (Cf), pollution load index (PLI) etc. Toxicity characteristics leaching procedure (TCLP) test (US EPA 1311) for sediment samples have been performed also for metals (Pb, Cd, Cr, Cu and Zn) to determine the readily toxicity level of heavy metals. Sieve analysis of sediment performed in this study to determine the physical characteristic of sediment samples. The metal concentrations are well below the regulated level as per US EPA. This index can be complemented with the contamination index, which allows more site-specific and accurate information on contaminant levels. If the aim of work on contamination evaluation is to assess the overall contamination of a study area, the indices are highly appropriate.

The Geochemistry of Heavy Metals in the Mudflat of Salinas de San Pedro Lagoon, California, USA

Sediment core samples were collected from the Salinas de San Pedro to assess the pollutant deposition processes in response to extensive human activities. Analysis of the sediment samples for heavy metals and some trace elements was conducted with ICP-OES for 20 sites showing enrichment for some of trace and heavy metals. The results demonstrated that heavy metal concentrations in mud varied greatly for each metal, with concentration values (mg/g) ranging from 1.05 - 4.8 (Al);0.003 - 0.011(As);0.001 - 0.005 (Cd);0.02 to 0.82 (Cr);0.085 - 0.47 (Cu);5.98 - 14.22 (Fe);0.06 - 0.19 (Mn);0.03 - 0.67 (Ni);0.05 - 0.38 (Pb);- 0.069 (Se);0.18 - 0.63 (Ti);0.040 - 0.091 (V) and 0.149 - 0.336 (Zn). The Index of Geo-accumulation factor showed highest values for Pb, Mn, As, and Cu. Enrichment factors >1for these elements suggest anthropogenic inputs for most metals. The bioavailability of metals in lagoon sediments has the potential to be highly dynamic with local waste and natural H2S discharge from existing fault line.

Geochemical Assessment of Impact of Mine Spoils on the Quality of Stream Sediments within the Obuasi Mines Environment, Ghana

Stream sediment samples were analyzed for the concentrations of some trace metals in the Obuasi gold mining environment, Ghana. The objectives were to determine the possible impacts of mining operations in the area on sediments’ trace metal load, and the resulting effects on agriculture and livelihoods. The concentrations of arsenic (As), copper (Cu), lead (Pb), zinc (Zn), iron (Fe), with calcium (Ca) as reference element, were compared to their respective background concentrations to calculate the enrichment and contamination factors, and also geo-accumulation and pollution load indices of each trace metal. These were in turn compared to standard tables to determine the status of contamination. Q-mode hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) was then applied to the samples for spatial classification. This study suggests probable contribution of mining and associated activities in the Obuasi area to the concentrations of trace metals especially arsenic, in the stream sediments. Three spatial relationships were revealed based on the concentrations of these trace metals from the Q-mode HCA. The samples presented generally high concentrations, which were more profound for samples taken closer to holding pond and tailings dams, and decreased downstream.

Assessment of Heavy Metal Contamination in Sea Bed Sediment of the Bight of Bonny, Southern Atlantic Coast of Nigeria Using Index Model Analysis

The heavy metal contamination status of Bight of Bonny sea bed sediment was investigated. Sediment samples were collected from eleven locations grouped into three stations. The samples were analyzed to determine the heavy metals (Fe, Pb, Ni, Zn, Mn, Co, Cd, Cu, Cr) concentration using atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Index model analyses, such as geo-accumulation index (I-geo), Enrichment factor (EF), and Pollution load index (PLI) were used for pollution assessment of sea bed sediment. The most predominant heavy metals in the upstream sediment were Fe;13.57 ± 1.838 mg/kg, cobalt;7.987 ± 3.550 mg/kg, and Ni;1.020 ± 0.802 mg/kg, midstream sediment were Fe;8.554 ± 3.010 mg/kg, Co;8.520 ± 4.00 mg/kg, and Ni;1.140 ± 0.879 mg/kg, while the downstream sediment result had Fe;11.12 ± 3.825 mg/kg, Co;7.275 ± 1.700 mg/kg, and Cd;1.025 ± 0.159 /kg. The I-geo results indicate that Cu, Mn, Pb, Cr, Fe, Zn, Ni, and Co were in their background concentrations while Cd had I-geo > 3 which implies a moderately or heavily polluted environment. The EF indicates metal enrichment from anthropogenic sources for Co, Ni, Pb, Cd, Cu, and Cr while Fe and Mn predicate biogenic origin. The PLI of the heavy metals in the three sample stations of sea bed sediment was found to be generally low (<1). The Enrichment Factor and geo-accumulation index strongly suggest the Bight of Bonny sea bed sediment contamination by Cd from anthropogenic sources.

延河底泥的重金属分布特征和生态风险评价

为了评估延河底泥的重金属分布特征和污染风险,以延河为研究对象,采集底泥样品,测定延河流域9个代表性断面中Cr、Pb、Cu、Zn、Ni、As、Cd和Hg等8种重金属的含量。运用潜在生态风险指数法和地累积指数法计算延河底泥重金属的生态风险,并通过Pearson相关系数甄别底泥中重金属的来源。结果表明:延河底泥中Cr、Pb、Cu、Zn、Ni、As、Cd和Hg平均含量分别为124.56、98.21、66.00、46.20、22.64、4.45、0.14、0.11 mg·kg^(-1),其中Pb、Hg、Cu、Cr、Cd分别超过陕西省环境背景值5.8、4.4、3.2、1.8、1.4倍,Ni、As和Zn低于陕西省环境背景值;延河底泥重金属的潜在生态风险指数平均值为303.14,从高到低依次为S8>S1>S5>S7>S2>S3>S6>S9>S4,中等生态风险和强生态风险为11.1%和88.9%,主要由Hg导致;同时,底泥中的Cr、Pb、Hg和Cu的地累积指数大于0,属于轻度-中度污染,Cd的地累积指数在-0.37~0.11之间,属于无-轻度污染,Ni、Zn和As的地累积指数小于0,属于无污染;延河底泥Ni、Cd和Cu呈现高度相似性,产业布局、道路交通和地质活动是其主要污染源。

重庆稻田土壤重金属污染特征分析及风险评价

【目的】探究重庆稻田土壤重金属元素的含量特征并对其进行风险评价,为土壤重金属污染防控及耕地土壤保护提供参考依据。【方法】采集重庆市7个典型水稻主产区的稻田土壤样品230个,分析测定土壤样品的pH及Cd、Hg、As、Pb、Cr等5种重金属元素含量,利用内梅罗污染指数评价法与地累积指数评价法进行污染程度分析,并与重庆土壤重金属背景值和农用地土壤风险筛选值进行比对,分析评估重庆稻田土壤重金属污染特征,再通过皮尔逊相关性分析和聚类分析探究土壤重金属污染可能来源。【结果】研究区土壤中Pb、Cd、Cr、As、Hg等5种重金属元素的平均含量分别为25.4、0.312、66.8、4.71、0.0827 mg/kg。通过单因子污染指数与内梅罗污染指数评价法分析,研究区稻田土壤有19.57%的点位处于Cd元素轻污染状态,0.43%的点位处于Hg元素中污染状态,其余点位处于无污染状态。地累积指数分析发现,稻田土壤中Cd处于轻污染水平,其余重金属元素属于无污染水平,但存在极少部分土壤的Hg元素地累积指数极高(4.03,属于强-极强污染等级)。与重庆市土壤背景值比对发现,Cd、Hg元素含量均超过了重庆土壤背景值,分别是背景值的2.84倍、1.38倍,有累积效应;Pb、Cr、As元素含量略低于重庆土壤背景值,基本无富集。通过与农用地土壤风险筛选值比对,所调查的稻田土壤重金属含量均值均小于对应的农用地土壤风险筛选值。相关性及聚类分析发现,重金属污染主要源于成土过程及人为因素。【结论】重庆稻田土壤总体处于清洁状态,但存在Cd、Hg元素的污染风险。

外源废水输入对福州东湖湿地水体污染元素浓度和分布特征的影响

滨海湿地作为一种特殊的湿地类型,对人类活动和环境污染响应十分敏感。近年来,外源废水输入导致滨海湿地水体污染严重,对生态环境和人类健康产生威胁。该研究以福州东湖湿地为研究对象,分析上游径流、生活污水、工业废水、养殖塘废水、退塘还湿以及天然湿地等外源水输入对福州东湖水体Cr、Cu、Zn、As、Pb和Mn浓度及分布特征的影响,并对养殖塘水体与沉积物中污染元素浓度进行分析和生态风险评估。研究结果表明,福州东湖湿地水体中Cr、Cu、Zn、As、Pb、Mn的质量浓度分别为(0.50±0.20)、(3.87±1.54)、(34.48±1.71)、(4.72±0.48)、(0.77±0.38)、(151.96±58.81)μg/L,各污染元素浓度符合地表水Ⅱ类水标准。工业废水和养殖塘废水输入是福州东湖水体中污染元素的主要来源,其中工业废水的Mn浓度、养殖塘废水的Cr、Cu、Pb和Mn浓度较高。由于养殖饵料与消毒剂的添加,部分养殖塘沉积物Cr和Mn存在轻度或偏中度污染,呈现轻度生态风险。为防止水质进一步恶化,应改良工业废水处理设施,优化农业养殖模式,控制周边地区污染源。

兰州市地铁站灰尘重金属污染及健康风险评价

以兰州市地铁站为研究对象,通过采集11个站点的站内与站外地表灰尘,分析灰尘中Cu,Pb,Cr,Ni,Mn和As 6种重金属含量;同时,采用地累积指数法和美国国家环保局人体健康风险评价模型对重金属污染程度和人体健康风险水平进行评价,并通过相关性-聚类分析解析重金属来源.结果表明,兰州地铁站站内与站外灰尘中Cu,Pb,Cr,Ni,Mn和As的平均含量相比于甘肃省和兰州市土壤背景值均存在不同程度的超标.地累积指数结果表明,站内与站外灰尘中Cu,Pb,Cr和Ni为主要污染物,且站内灰尘重金属富集程度较高.健康风险评估结果表明,地铁站内与站外地表灰尘重金属对儿童和成人既不存在非致癌健康风险,也不具有致癌健康风险.源解析显示,站内灰尘中Cu,Pb,Cr,Ni,Mn的富集与地铁运行和站外输入有关;站外灰尘中Cu,Pb,Cr,Ni,Mn则源自于交通源和工业源;站内、外灰尘中As分别与站内标识颜料和杀虫剂有关.综合来看,兰州地铁站站内和站外灰尘存在不同程度的重金属污染.

鄱阳湖生态经济区污水处理厂污泥重金属污染特征、来源及潜在生态风险评价

鄱阳湖生态经济区是我国南部市场经济最活跃区域之一,为了解该区域城市污水处理厂污泥重金属的来源及污染情况,为污泥处理和资源化开发再利用提供科学依据,收集环鄱阳湖生态经济区主要城市污水处理厂脱水污泥,得到污泥中8种主要重金属含量,并分析重金属污染特征、来源和风险评价。结果表明:①研究区域污泥重金属含量高低依次为Zn、Cu、Pb、Cr、Ni、As、Cd和Hg,其中Cu、Zn、Pb、Cd和Cr变异程度较高,属于强变异。②主成分分析结果显示,研究区域污泥中重金属主要来源有2个,其中Cu、Zn、Pb、Cd、Cr和As来源主要为生活清洁和工业部门,Ni和Hg来源主要为电镀化工行业和医疗。③内梅罗综合污染指数为1.615,污泥重金属为轻度污染。④Cd元素地累积指数平均值最高,污染达强-极强污染级别。⑤Cd、Hg生态风险为严重风险,且Cd元素对研究区域生态风险影响最大,研究区域综合生态风险指数为467.43,区域潜在生态风险程度属于重风险。研究显示,鄱阳湖生态经济区污水处理厂脱水污泥中重金属污染程度中等,但Cd元素潜在生态风险值得关注。

防城港海域沉积物重金属分布特征及风险评价

为探究防城港海域沉积物重金属污染水平,于2021年9月在防城港海域采集表层沉积物21件、柱状沉积物1件,对重金属和有机质的时空分布特征、相关性以及污染程度进行分析,并对重金属生态风险进行评价,分析重金属的来源。结果表明,防城港海域表层沉积物中Cu、Pb、Zn、Cr、Cd、As和Hg含量的平均值分别为18.78、34.86、78.90、61.55、0.06、9.27、0.05 mg·kg^(-1),7种重金属含量均符合国家海洋沉积物一类标准。通过C/N值对柱状沉积物中有机质来源进行分析,结果表明研究海域重金属沉积过程中有机质来源以陆源有机质为主。相关性分析和聚类分析结果表明,研究海域表层沉积物中重金属的组成和分布主要受地质背景、近岸工业及人类活动的影响,其次为船舶和海水养殖等。地累积指数评价结果表明,存在轻微及以上污染的元素主要为Pb和Hg。潜在生态风险评价结果显示,重金属的潜在生态风险为Hg>Cd>As>Pb>Cu>Cr>Zn,潜在生态风险指数相对高值区分布在白龙半岛和企沙半岛南部,Hg是主要的潜在生态风险贡献因子。研究海域沉积物重金属的生物毒性风险较低。研究结果可为防城港海域可持续发展、海洋环境保护和治理提供科学依据。

基于GIS的城市土壤氡浓度分布规律和健康风险评价

研究城市土壤氡浓度分布特征和健康风险评价,填补城市地质调查放射性领域空白,为城市开发建设提供基础数据。运用GIS分析技术,将研究区划分为特定区域型、线型和区域型三种调查尺度,应用地累积指数法、内梅罗指数法和潜在生态危害指数法进行了土壤氡风险评价。结果表明:1)用地累积指数、内梅罗指数、潜在生态危害指数测算健康风险,全区污染等级和污染指数分别为清洁(-0.287)、轻度污染(2.585)和生态危害高(103.42),各尺度调查对象土壤氡污染程度排序为:全区地质体>全区>秋长构造>沙田构造>秋长社区空地;2)地累积指数、内梅罗指数和潜在生态危害指数测算不同调查尺度的土壤氡健康风险水平基本一致,可作为土壤氡健康风险评价较有效方法。

基于GIS的某流域土壤放射性分布特征和健康风险评价

土壤中天然放射性核素含量调查是土壤污染防治的基础。选取广东省珠江流域某水系,基于GIS技术和放化方法,应用γ辐射剂量率、等效镭比活度、外照射指数和年有效剂量率指标评价了土壤环境放射性水平,最后应用地累积指数法、单因子指数法和内梅罗综合指数法进行了土壤放射性健康风险评价。结果表明:1)研究区土壤中放射性核素^(238)U、^(226)Ra、^(232)Th、^(40)K、^(137)Cs和^(210)Pb含量均值分别为73.31、68.62、103.48、535.12、0.74、60.75 Bq kg(干),与全省范围水平总体水平相当。2)研究区土壤中放射性核素238 U、232 Th、226 Ra、40 K、137 Cs、210 Pb的背景值和异常阈值分别为(27.50,111.55)、(40.46,134.7)、(26.98,103.95)、(232.61,904.00)、(0.43,0.7)、(25.14,98.35)Bq kg(干)。3)土壤环境放射性水平指标D、Raeq、Hex和AEDR的均值分别为(118.68±54.26)nGy h、(257.8±122.91)Bq kg、0.70±0.33、(145.55±66.54)μSv a。4)地累积指数法和单因子指数法测算研究区土壤中放射性核素污染等级均为轻度污染,但内梅罗综合指数法测算结果偏高,污染等级为重度污染。

广西主要贝类养殖区重金属含量分布特征及污染评价

为探究广西主要贝类养殖区重金属含量的分布状况及污染水平,依据2016-2018年广西主要贝类养殖区的海水、表层沉积物及生物体中重金属元素(Cu、Pb、Zn、Cd、Hg、As)的调查分析数据,分别采用单因子污染指数(P_i)法、地积累指数(I_(geo))法和生物富集系数(Bioconcentration Factors, BCF)对养殖区重金属进行污染评价。结果表明:海水中各重金属的含量分布为Zn>Cu>As>Pb>Cd>Hg,污染程度为Cu>Hg>Zn=Pb>Cd>As;沉积物中各重金属的含量分布为Zn>Cu>Pb>As>Cd>Hg,污染程度为As>Cd>Pb>Hg>Cu=Zn;近江牡蛎(Crassostrea rivularis)贝体中各重金属的含量分布为Zn>Cu>Cd>As>Pb>Hg,污染程度为Zn>Cu>Cd>Pb>Hg>As,生物富集能力为Zn>Cu>Cd>Hg>As>Pb。由此可知,广西主要贝类养殖区的海水水质较好,属于本底水平;沉积物环境属于较清洁水平,适合贝类养殖;生物体中重金属存在不同程度的污染,其中Zn、Cu和Cd的富集积累现象较显著,应引起重视。

海南岛农用地土壤重金属的生态风险评价

为了探究海南岛农用地土壤的环境质量和重金属污染情况,采集全岛133个农用地表层土壤样品,用地累积指数法以及潜在生态风险指数法对海南岛农用地土壤重金属污染情况和生态危害程度进行评估,结果显示:(1)海南岛农用地土壤中8种重金属Cd、Cr、Zn、Pb、Cu、Ni、Hg、As的地累积指数处于清洁水平的点位占83.46%,处于轻度污染的点位占7.52%,其中主要为Cd、Cr和Cu污染;处于偏中度污染的点位占4.51%的点位,其中Ni的污染占比最大。(2)海南岛农用地土壤受到重金属危害程度较低,研究区整体潜在生态风险等级为低风险。Cd为主要潜在危害元素,Cd处于中等、重度风险采样点占采样点数量的21.80%和3.76%,所占比重最大,说明部分点位地区农用地土壤Cd元素富集。本研究的结论:海南岛的农用地土壤环境质量总体良好,但有少部分区域土壤重金属污染属中等生态风险,主要分布区域在定安县南部、澄迈县北部以及昌江县和东方市交界处。

Contamination and Potential Risks of Heavy Metals in the Sediments of the Chari and Logon Rivers in N’Djamena, Chad

The pollution of sediments by inorganic pollutants requires particularly important attention because of their toxicity, their persistence in the environment and their bioaccumulation by animal and plant life. The pollution of sediments by inorganic pollutants requires particularly important attention because of their toxicity, their persistence in the environment and their bioaccumulation by animal and plant living beings. This study focuses on the pollution of sediments of the Chari and Logon rivers in the city of N’Djamena by heavy metals. The objective of this study is to evaluate the degree of contamination, the geo-accumulation index and the degree of the Pollutant Loading Index of some heavy metals (Pb, Cr, Cu, Mn and Cd) and iron in the sediments of the sampled sites. The average concentrations of heavy metals and iron in the sediments are: Pb (10.00 ± 00 μg/Kg to 126 ± 16.52 μg/Kg);Cr VI (0.13 ± 00 mg/Kg to 0.21 ± 00 mg/Kg);Cd (trace);Cu (0.08 ± 0.02 mg/kg to 3.23 ± 0.64 mg/kg);Fe (0.25 ± 0.00 mg/kg to 5.79 ± 0.00 mg/kg);and Mn (0.2 ± 0.00 mg/Kg to 1.1 ± 0.00 mg/Kg);in order of highest to lowest abundance: Fe > Mn > Cd > Cu > Cr VI > Pb for the Logon;Fe > Cu > Mn > Cd > Cr VI > Pb for the Chari and Fe > Mn > Cu > Cd > Cr VI > Pb for the Confluent. The contamination factors for all heavy metals range from no contamination to low contamination for the sediments analyzed. The geo-accumulation indices indicate that the sampled sites are not polluted. The same is true for Er and RI which confirm an absence of ecological risks in the analyzed sediments.

成都市PM_(2.5)中有毒重金属污染特征及健康风险评价

2009年4月至2010年1月在成都市城区采集PM2.5样品.采用X射线荧光光谱法分析20种元素,并重点分析As、Cd、Cr、Mn、Ni、Pb和Sb 7种有毒重金属元素.采用富集因子法、地累积指数法、相关性分析法和美国环保局暴露模型分别讨论了有毒重金属的污染特征、来源和健康风险.结果表明:成都市PM2.5中有毒重金属浓度处于较高水平,分别是:As(40.5±30.3),Cd(9.5±13.2),Cr(17.9±10.5)、Mn(137.6±84.3),Ni(5.1±4.1),Pb(320.5±186.0)和Sb(11.0±16.0)ng/m3.As严重超标,Cd和Pb也有超标现象.多数元素均在冬季达到最大值,夏季达到最小值.Cr、Mn、Ni污染程度较低,属于轻微污染,As、Cd、Pb、Sb的污染程度极高.PM2.5中有毒重金属主要来源于土壤尘及其扬尘,机动车排放和煤燃烧,冶金及机械制造和刹车磨损.Mn对儿童、成人均产生较严重的非致癌健康风险,分别为6.01、2.59、2.46,As、Cd、Cr、Ni、Pb、Sb的非致癌风险值均小于1,健康影响较小.As、Cr对人体有致癌健康风险.