Trace elements in natural organic-rich surface soils: Contributions from natural and anthropogenic sources

AbstractObjectivesTrace elements (TEs) from natural and anthropogenic sources are ubiquitous. Essential or not, their relevance for human health and disease is constantly expanding. Biological monitoring is a widely integrated tool in risk assessment both in occupational and environmental settings. However, the determination of appropriate and accurate reference values in the (specific) population is a prerequisite for a correct interpretation of biomonitoring data. This study aimed at determining the reference distribution for TEs (Al, As, Sb, Be, Bi, Cd, Co, Cu, Mn, Hg, Mo, Ni, Pb, Se, Tl, Sn, V, Zn) in the blood and/or plasma of the adult population in Belgium.MethodsBlood and plasma samples were analyzed for 178 males and 202 females, recruited according to an a priori selection procedure, by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS).ResultsReference values were established with high confidence for AsT, Cd, Cu, HgT, Mn, Mo, Pb, Sn, Se, Tl and Zn. Compared to previously published data in the Belgian population, a decreasing time trend is observed for Zn, Cd and Pb. Globally, the results also indicate that the current exposure levels to TEs in the Belgian population are similar to those from other recent national surveys.ConclusionsThese reference values and limits obtained through validated analytical and statistical methods will be useful for future occupational and/or environmental surveys. They will contribute to decision-making concerning both public health policies but also exposure assessments on an individual scale.

Download Full-text

Trace element contamination in the mine-affected stream sediments of Oued Rarai in north-western Tunisia: a river basin scale assessment

Environmental Geochemistry and Health ◽

10.1007/s10653-021-00887-1 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Jamel Ayari ◽

Maurizio Barbieri ◽

Yannick Agnan ◽

Ahmed Sellami ◽

Ahmed Braham ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Trace Elements ◽

Ecological Risk ◽

Risk Index ◽

Potential Ecological Risk ◽

Stream Sediments ◽

Anthropogenic Sources ◽

Contamination Level ◽

North East ◽

Basin Scale ◽

North Western

AbstractHigh-quality and accurate environmental investigations are essential for the evaluation of contamination and subsequent decision-making processes. A combination of environmental geochemical indices, multivariate analyses and geographic information system approach was successfully used to assess contamination status and source apportionment of trace elements (Ag, As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Hg, Ni, Pb, Sb, V and Zn) in surface stream sediments from the Oued Rarai basin in north-western Tunisia, containing various metal and metalloid ores. The contamination level reported in this study indicates a non-negligible potential ecological risk, mainly related to sediment transport along the river. Antimony (concentrations ranged from 0.02 to 297 mg kg−1 and Igeo > 5), arsenic (from 0.5 to 1490 mg kg−1 and Igeo > 5), lead (from 2.9 to 5150 mg kg−1 and Igeo > 5) mercury (from 0.05 to 54.4 mg kg−1 and Igeo > 5) and silver (from 0.05 to 9.4 mg kg−1 and Igeo > 5) showed the most crucial contamination. Besides, potential ecological risk index values were maximum for arsenic with a median of 302, indicating a very high to serious ecological risk (> 160). Results from correlation analysis and principal component analysis revealed three main geochemical associations related to lithologic, tectonic and anthropogenic sources. V, Cr and Cu mainly originated from natural bedrock and soil. Ag and Cd were more controlled by both natural and mining enrichments. Mercury and Pb were mostly influenced by the ancient ore-related activities at the Oued Rarai site and north-east–south-west trending faults. Finally, Sb, As, Ni and Zn were largely controlled by the siliciclastic continental Neogene sequences. Finally, the physical and chemical dynamics of the watershed system, lithological properties, mineralisation, tectonic settings and mobilisation of subsurface sediments largely controlled both concentrations and spatial patterns of trace elements in the study basin. These results need to be considered in the strategies of suitable environmental management at former and current mining sites in north-western Tunisia.

Download Full-text

Anthropogenic Pb contribution in soils of Southeast China estimated by Pb isotopic ratios

Scientific Reports ◽

10.1038/s41598-020-79203-3 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 10 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Jianwu Li ◽

Guoshuang Hao ◽

Xudong Wang ◽

Li Ruan ◽

Jinjie Zhou

Keyword(s):

Anthropogenic Sources ◽

Anthropogenic Activity ◽

Isotopic Ratios ◽

Short History ◽

Surface Soils ◽

Southeast China ◽

Pb Contamination ◽

Sampling Locations ◽

Mass Fractions ◽

History Of

AbstractIsotopic ratios were used to identify the source of Lead (Pb) contamination in rural soils from Southeast China. Enrichment of Pb in surface soils was detected from three sampling locations, with the 206Pb/207Pb ratio indicating recent anthropogenic input. The 206Pb/207Pb ratio from deeper soil profiles reflected the ratio from parent basalt. Mass fractions of anthropogenic-derived Pb for soil samples in the upper profiles was as high as 50%, implying that surface soils in the current study were impacted by anthropogenic activity. The 206Pb/207Pb and 208Pb/206Pb ratios were similar to anthropogenic sources including the combustion of coal, which has been common practice in the region for 2500 years. Considering the relatively short history of petroleum use in this area and the rural location of soils, anthropogenic Pb source from coal burning was considered to be the main cause of lead pollution.

Download Full-text

Hydrochemistry and carbonate sediment characterisation of Bacalar Lagoon, Mexican Caribbean

Marine and Freshwater Research ◽

10.1071/mf18035 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 70 (3) ◽

pp. 382 ◽

Cited By ~ 4

Author(s):

Nidia I. Tobón Velázquez ◽

Mario Rebolledo Vieyra ◽

Adina Paytan ◽

Kyle H. Broach ◽

Laura M. Hernández Terrones

Keyword(s):

Trace Elements ◽

Water Column ◽

Saturation Index ◽

Major Elements ◽

Anthropogenic Sources ◽

Pollution Indices ◽

Mexican Caribbean ◽

High Concentrations ◽

Geochemical Analyses ◽

Changes Over Time

The aim of the study is to determine the distribution of trace and major elements in the water and in the sediments of the south part of the Bacalar Lagoon and to identify the sources of the trace elements and their changes over time. The western part of the lagoon water column is characterised by high concentrations of Ca2+, HCO3– and Sr2+, derived from groundwater input. In contrast, the eastern part of the lagoon is characterised by high concentrations of Mg2+, Na+ and Cl–. The lagoon is not affected by present-day seawater intrusion. Water column and sediment geochemical analyses performed in Bacalar Lagoon show clear spatial distribution of different parameters. The saturation index of the water column indicates three main groups: (1) a zone oversaturated with regard to aragonite, calcite and dolomite; (2) an undersaturated area where all three minerals are dissolving; and (3) an area with calcite equilibrium and undersaturation with regard to the other minerals. Herein we present the first measurements of trace element (Ba2+, Mn2+, K+, Ni2+, Zn2+) concentrations in carbonates obtained from sediments in Bacalar Lagoon. In order to evaluate whether the trace elements are derived from natural or anthropogenic sources, four pollution indices were calculated. The results confirmed that Bacalar Lagoon sediments are not contaminated with Ni2+, K+, Mn2+ and Ba2+, and that the Zn2+ seems to have a predominantly anthropogenic origin.

Download Full-text

Technological Parameters Affecting Atmospheric Emissions of Trace Elements from Major Anthropogenic Sources

Control and Fate of Atmospheric Trace Metals ◽

10.1007/978-94-009-2315-7_2 ◽

1989 ◽

pp. 15-31 ◽

Cited By ~ 6

Author(s):

J. M. Pacyna

Keyword(s):

Trace Elements ◽

Anthropogenic Sources ◽

Atmospheric Emissions ◽

Technological Parameters

Download Full-text

The distribution of trace elements in some South Australian red-brown earths

Australian Journal of Agricultural Research ◽

10.1071/ar9570246 ◽

1957 ◽

Vol 8 (3) ◽

pp. 246 ◽

Cited By ~ 5

Author(s):

RM McKenzie

Keyword(s):

Trace Elements ◽

South Australia ◽

Mobile Elements ◽

Soil Horizons ◽

Surface Soils ◽

Mean Values ◽

Pattern Of Variation ◽

Individual Profiles ◽

Maximum Minimum ◽

Distribution Of Trace Elements

The maximum, minimum, and mean values for six trace elements in four soil horizons are reported for 14 profiles of red-brown earths from South Australia, and the pattern of variation and distribution of these elements discussed. The elements studied could be arranged in a series of decreasing mobility in the soil, the order being cobalt > copper > gallium > vanadium > molybdenum > manganese. The most mobile elements had greater variations within profiles and, except for manganese, greater variations between profiles. Gallium, vanadium, and molybdenum contents were correlated with the amount of clay present in all surface soils, as well as in individual profiles, whereas cobalt and copper contents were correlated with clay only in individual profiles.

Download Full-text

Trace Element Characterization in Household Dusts in Industrial Areas Along Highways in Bangladesh and their Health Implications

Journal of Bangladesh Academy of Sciences ◽

10.3329/jbas.v43i1.42233 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 43 (1) ◽

pp. 47-58 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Md Badiuzzaman Khan ◽

Md Reazul Islam ◽

Bilkis Ara Begum ◽

Md Abdullah Miah

Keyword(s):

Trace Elements ◽

Anthropogenic Sources ◽

Health Impacts ◽

Vehicular Emission ◽

Industrial Areas ◽

X Ray ◽

Sampling Campaign ◽

Carcinogenic Effects ◽

Academy Of Sciences ◽

Different Sources

A study was carried out in the industrial areas in order to determine the composition of trace elements in dusts deposited at homes, identifying different sources of elements and also for their possible health impacts. A total of 14 deposited dust samples were collected from households near industrial areas of Tangail and Gazipur districts during sampling campaign. Samples were analyzed using X-ray Fluorescence and the highest concentration was observed for Fe whereas the overall rank of the concentrations is Fe>Ca>K>Ti>Zn>Pb>Zr>Sr>Rb>Cu>Y>As>Cr>Ni. The Correlation analysis, enrichment factor and factor analysis indicated that anthropogenic sources especially industrial activity, vehicular emission and household cooking are the main sources of trace elements in the study areas. The non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic health risks indicated that children are more vulnerable for non-carcinogenic effects whereas the values of cancer risk for both the child and adult are below the acceptable limit of European Union. Journal of Bangladesh Academy of Sciences, Vol. 43, No. 1, 47-58, 2019

Download Full-text

Total elements in forest soils affected by acid deposition in southern Quebec

Canadian Journal of Soil Science ◽

10.4141/cjss96-023 ◽

1996 ◽

Vol 76 (2) ◽

pp. 165-171 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Z. Q. Lin ◽

W. H. Hendershot ◽

P. H. Schuepp ◽

G. G. Kennedy ◽

P. Dutilleul

Keyword(s):

Trace Elements ◽

Acid Deposition ◽

Forest Soils ◽

Major And Trace Elements ◽

Surface Soils ◽

Mean Values ◽

Podzolic Soils ◽

Element Concentrations ◽

The Mean ◽

Element Enrichment

Major and trace elements (Al, As, Ba, Ca, Cd Co, Cr Cs, Cu Eu Fe, Hf, K, La, Lu, Mg, Mn, Na, Ni, Pb, Rb, Sb, Sc, Si, Sm, Sr, Ta, Tb, Th, Ti, U, V, Yb and Zn) in forest soils from three acid-deposition-affected locations in southern Quebec were investigated. Total element concentrations in the surface layer (0–20 cm) of the Podzolic soils were mostly well within the range of element concentrations in Podzols reported worldwide but showed higher mean values for most elements. The mean concentrations of elements (except Zn, at 124 μg g−1) were also generally comparable to the respective elemental baseline data established for Canadian soils. Element concentrations (μg g−1) of Cs (6.2) Sc (19 8) V (106) Rb (194) K (26 500) and Al (76 900) in the surface soils were significantly higher at the 940-m elevation than the concentrations from the sites at 650 and 770 m along the Roundtop Mountain slope, but Ca (1120) and Ni (4.4) were lowest at the 940-m elevation A similar trend with elevation was not observed at the other mountain location (White Peak). Enrichment-factor (EF) analysis showed significant element enrichment (EF ≥ 10) for Cd, Rb and Sb but impoverishment (EF ≤ 0.1) for Ca, Cu and Ni in topsoils. Key words: Major and trace elements, surface soils, acid deposition

Download Full-text

Baseline Concentrations of Trace Metals in Grassland Topsoils from West Jilin Province, Northeast China

Advanced Materials Research ◽

10.4028/www.scientific.net/amr.347-353.2140 ◽

2011 ◽

Vol 347-353 ◽

pp. 2140-2145

Author(s):

Qing Wei Zhang ◽

She Li Chai ◽

Jing Cai ◽

Li Na Gao

Keyword(s):

Trace Elements ◽

Trace Metal ◽

Trace Element ◽

Northeast China ◽

Quality Standard ◽

Jilin Province ◽

Anthropogenic Sources ◽

Baseline Concentrations ◽

Highly Correlated ◽

West Jilin Province

The objective of this study was to determine the baseline concentrations of trace elements in grassland topsoils from 155 soil sampling sites in West Jilin province, Northeast China, to establish the relationships between the trace metal contents and soil physicochemical properties and major oxide contents and among trace metal concentrations themselves, and to identify the possible sources of trace element in soils. The baseline concentrations of trace elements(mg/kg) were: As 3.12-14.18, B 16.17-49.08, Cd 0.037-0.127, Co 0.96-15.28, Cr 18.87-60.83, Cu 10.81-24.75, Hg 0.004-0.035, Mn 171.25-657.87, Mo 0.08-1.15, Ni 6.79-30, Pb 12.58 -26.08, Se 0.03-0.36, and Zn 18.93-61.03. The upper baseline limits of these elements were all less than the Chinese Environmental Quality Standard for Soils, the Dutch Intervention Values for Soils, implying that trace element contents in the studied soils were of the safety levels.Fe2O3 and Al2O3 had stronger correlations with most trace elements than other oxides, and Co,Cr,Cu,Mn, Ni were highly correlated one another. Three types of geochemical associations were distinguished from this study:the first association involving As,Co,Cr,Cu,Mn,Mo,Ni,Pb,Zn,Al2O3 and Fe2O3 was mainly associated with Al,Fe-Mn oxides and/or with the Al-bearing clay minerals, suggesting that the trace elements were mainly derived from lithogenic and pedogenic processes; the second association including Se, Hg, Cd, CaO and organic carbon was mainly associated with organic matter and calcium oxides, showing that Se,Hg and Cd were mainly contributed by anthropogenic sources; the third association containing B, Na2O, K2O, MgO, pH, and electrical conductivity was mainly associated salinization processes of soils, implying that alkaline pH and high Na contents would enhance B concentration of soils.

Download Full-text