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

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.

scholarly journals Pollution indices and biotests as useful tools for the evaluation of the degree of soil contamination by trace elements

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jerzy Wieczorek ◽  
Agnieszka Baran
Keyword(s):  
Trace Elements ◽  
Soil Contamination ◽  
Ecological Risk ◽  
Risk Index ◽  
Potential Ecological Risk ◽  
Anthropogenic Factors ◽  
Pollution Indices ◽  
Northwestern Part ◽  
Soil Ecotoxicity ◽  
Geochemical Indices

Abstract Purpose The aim of the study was the calculation of geochemical, ecological, and ecotoxicological indices for the assessment of risk resulting from the presence of trace metals in soil. Methods Around 320 soil points were determined for the tests by the regular square-grid method with a square side equal to 7.5 km. A total of 11 indices were used, including 6 geochemical indices, 1 index assessing potential ecological risk, and 4 indices assessing soil ecotoxicity. Results Two groups of elements were distinguished. The first one included Ni, Cr, and Cu. The calculated geochemical indices generally indicated their natural content and low degree of soil contamination with them and that the elements’ sources were connected with natural processes. The second group included Cd, Pb, and Zn. These elements occur in high concentrations in the studied area, which is influenced by both natural and anthropogenic factors. However, contamination with these elements is heterogeneous in the Małopolska and generally observed in its northwestern part. PCA showed that Cd and Pb had the greatest effect on the degree of soil contamination and pose the greatest potential threat to the soil environment. Heterocypris incongruens proved to be a more sensitive indicator of soil ecotoxicity compared to plant tests. The potential ecological risk index and biotests indicated that most of the soil samples had low potential ecological risk and low ecotoxicity. Conclusion The key to the effective assessment of soil contamination with trace elements is the combined use of geochemical, ecological, and ecotoxicological indices, which allows comprehensive monitoring of soil quality.

scholarly journals Heavy Metals Distribution, Sources, and Ecological Risk Assessment in Huixian Wetland, South China

Water ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (2) ◽  
pp. 431
Author(s):  
Liangliang Huang ◽  
Saeed Rad ◽  
Li Xu ◽  
Liangying Gui ◽  
Xiaohong Song ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Heavy Metals ◽  
Risk Assessment ◽  
Ecological Risk ◽  
South China ◽  
Ecological Risk Assessment ◽  
Risk Index ◽  
Pollution Index ◽  
Principal Component ◽  
Potential Ecological Risk ◽  
Anthropogenic Sources

This research has focused on the source identification, concentration, and ecological risk assessment of eight heavy metals in the largest karst wetland (Huixian) of south China. Numerous samples from superficial soil and sediment within ten representative landuse types were collected and examined, and the results were analyzed using multiple methods. Single pollution index (Pi) results were underpinned by the Geoaccumulation index (Igeo) method, in which Cd was observed as the priority pollutant with the highest contamination degree in this area. As for the most polluted landuse type, via applying Nemerow’s synthetical contamination index (PN) and Potential ecological risk index (RI), the river and rape field posed the highest ecological risks, while moderate for the rest. To quantify the drivers of the contaminants, a principal component analysis (PCA) was carried out and weathering of the watershed’s parent carbonate rocks was found to be the main possible origin, followed by anthropogenic sources induced by agricultural fertilizer. Considering the impacts of these potentially toxic elements on public health, the results of this study are essential to take preventive actions for environmental protection and sustainable development in the region.

scholarly journals Concentrations, Distribution, Sources and Ecological Risk Assessment of Trace Elements in Soils from Wuhan, Central China

2018 ◽  
Vol 15 (12) ◽  
pp. 2873 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ababo Tadesse ◽  
Tekleweini Gereslassie ◽  
Qiang Xu ◽  
Xiaojun Tang ◽  
Jun Wang
Keyword(s):  
Trace Elements ◽  
Ecological Risk ◽  
Soil Depth ◽  
Risk Index ◽  
Principal Component ◽  
Central China ◽  
Anthropogenic Sources ◽  
Innovative Technology ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Mean Concentration

This study aimed to determine the concentration levels, potential sources and ecological risks of eleven trace elements, namely Cr, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, As, Sb, Cd, Zn, Hg and Pb, in the soil from Huangpi district, Wuhan, Central China. Soil samples were collected from eighteen sites at soil depths of 1–10 and 10–20 cm and analyzed using Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometer ICP-MS (Thermo X SERIES 2, Scientific and Innovative Technology Co. Ltd., Beijing, China). The recorded mean concentration of the elements were in a decreasing order of Fe > Co > Cr > Ni > Pb > Cu > As > Cd > Sb > Zn > Hg. The mean concentration of trace elements, soil pH and total organic carbon (TOC) were higher at a soil depth of 1–10 cm. The obtained mean concentration of Cr, Co, As, Cd, Ni, Cu, Hg and Pb were above the soil background values of Wuhan and Hubei Province. The mean concentration values of Co, Ni and Cd, exceeded the recommended FAO (Food and Agriculture Organization)/ISRIC (International Soil Reference and Information Centre) (2004) and WHO/FAO (2001) values. Pearson’s correlation analysis illustrated that there was a strong and significant correlation between trace elements, whereas, a weak positive and negative correlation between elements and soil properties (pH and TOC). The principal component analysis (PCA) and cluster analysis (CA) result indicated that the concentration of trace elements in Huangpi soil were originated from anthropogenic sources. Potential ecological risk index (RI) of this study revealed that there is a high ecological risk of trace elements in the soil. Enrichment factor (EF) and geo-accumulation index (Igeo) of trace elements for this study indicated that the study area is strongly contaminated with Cd and Co. Generally, the finding of this research showed that Huangpi soil is contaminated.

scholarly journals Source Identification, Ecological Risk and Spatial Analysis of Heavy Metals Contamination in Agricultural Soils of Tanjaro Area, Kurdistan Region, Iraq

2021 ◽  
Vol 5 (2) ◽  
pp. 18-27
Author(s):  
Hayder Issa ◽  
Azad Alshatteri
Keyword(s):  
Heavy Metals ◽  
Ecological Risk ◽  
Risk Index ◽  
Pollution Index ◽  
Potential Ecological Risk ◽  
Soil Samples ◽  
Anthropogenic Sources ◽  
Emission Spectrometry ◽  
Kurdistan Region ◽  
Ecological Risk Index

The current work accomplished a comprehensive evaluation of heavy metals pollution in soil of agricultural areas from Tanjaro sub-district, Sulaimaniyah province, Kurdistan Region, NE Iraq. Ninety soil samples were collected from thirty different locations. Concentrations of 16 heavy metals were measured by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry ICP-OES. The pollution index (PI), potential ecological risk index (Er), enrichment factor (EF), and ecological risk index (RI) were used to assess the pollution in soil samples. High levels of Li and Ni, and moderate Ba, Cd, Hg, and Pb according to the results of concentration analysis, pollution index (PI), and potential ecological risk (ERI). High levels of Cd and Hg according to the results of Er. Agglomerative hierarchical clustering (AHC) and principal component analysis (PCA) suggested that heavy metals were generated from different natural and anthropogenic sources like natural weathering, fertilizer application, and transportation. Origins of Hg, Cd, Ni, and Pb are probably from activities like overuse of pesticides and fertilizers, whereas Pb could be exhausted from vehicle exhausts as well. Furthermore, spatial distributions revealed nonpoint source pollution for the studied heavy metals. The obtained results help in the remediation techniques of contaminated soils such as dilution with decontaminated soil or extraction or separation of heavy metals.

scholarly journals Accumulation and Potential Ecological Risk of Heavy Metals in the Sediments of Rivers System in Beijing-Tianjin Area

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shengguang Yuan ◽  
wenqiang zhang ◽  
Wenye Li ◽  
Zhenhan Li ◽  
Minshan Wu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Heavy Metals ◽  
Spatial Distribution ◽  
Ecological Risk ◽  
Risk Index ◽  
Management Strategies ◽  
Potential Ecological Risk ◽  
Pollution Load Index ◽  
Toxicity Assessment ◽  
Anthropogenic Sources ◽  
Sampling Points

Abstract Human activities cause heavy metals to enter the water body and consequently deposit in sediment with slow flow velocity, however little studies have explored the spatial distribution and ecological risk of heavy metals in sediments. The risk, spatial distribution and toxicity of heavy metals in sediment were investigated along the North Canal in the Beijing-Tianjin area. The study revealed that the mean concentrations of heavy metals in sediments exhibited a descending order of Zn > Cr > As > Cu > Pb > Ni > Co > Cd. The average geoaccumulation index (Igeo) value of Cd was highest and ranged from 0.2 to 2.91. Moreover, the greatest contamination of Cd (the Igeo values > 2) was observed in three sampling sites around the Tianjin City. The pollution load index (PLI) of all sampling points were greater than 1, which indicated the inflow of heavy metals originated from anthropogenic sources. The risk index (RI) values of three sampling points were greater than 300, which demonstreated high potential ecological risk. With regards to the toxicity assessment of combined heavy metals, there were two probable effect concentration (PEC) quotient (Qm-PEC) values greater than 0.5 which suggested potential toxicity to certain sediment-dwelling organisms. Identification of the possible sources and factors contributing to the content and spatial distribution of heavy metals could assist in improvement of the water quality, as well as support efficient management strategies to restoration of the environment.

scholarly journals Deposited Particulate Matter Enrichment in Heavy Metals and Related Health Risk: A Case Study of Krakow, Poland

Proceedings ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 44 (1) ◽  
pp. 1 ◽  
Author(s):  
Agnieszka Gruszecka-Kosowska
Keyword(s):  
Heavy Metals ◽  
Particulate Matter ◽  
Ecological Risk ◽  
Hazard Quotient ◽  
Risk Index ◽  
Contamination Factor ◽  
Potential Ecological Risk ◽  
Anthropogenic Sources ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Very High

The aim of these investigations was to determine the impact of heavy metals bound with deposited particulate matter (PM) on contamination degree and related toxicological effects by calculating enrichment indices, namely, the geo-accumulation index (Igeo), contamination factor (CF), and enrichment factor (EF), as well as the ecological risk index (ERI) and modified hazard quotient (mHQ). Calculations were made based on the selected element concentrations determined in deposited PM samples in Krakow. The results of the investigations revealed that deposited PM was enriched in heavy metals. As Igeo provides information on the level of metal accumulation, it was found that deposited PM was practically uncontaminated with Be, Cd, and Tl (class 0) but heavily to extremely contaminated (class 5) with Co and Sn and extremely contaminated (class 6) with As, Ba, Cr, Cu, Li, Mn, Ni, Pb, Sr, Ti, V, and Zn. On the other hand, the calculated values of CF revealed very high contamination of deposited PM with Cd and Zn, considerable contamination with Sn, Pb, and As, and moderate contamination with Cu and Li. Values of calculated EF revealed that among the investigated elements, only Zn originated from anthropogenic sources. For Cd, a small influence of anthropogenic sources was observed. For Pb and Sn, non-crustal sources of emission were expected. The calculated ERI values indicated potential ecological risk levels that were very high for Cd and considerable for Zn, as well as low potential ecological risk for As, Co, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, and Tl. Moreover, the calculated mHQ values of severity of contamination were extreme for Zn, considerable for Cr, and moderate for As, Cu, and Pb. The analysis revealed that the impact of atmospheric and re-suspended PM on inhabitants constitutes a complex effect of a mixture of heavy metals simultaneously affecting human health.

scholarly journals Concentrations of Major and Trace Elements within the Snowpack of Tyumen, Russia

Minerals ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (7) ◽  
pp. 709
Author(s):  
Dmitriy Moskovchenko ◽  
Roman Pozhitkov ◽  
Aleksandr Zakharchenko ◽  
Aleksandr Tigeev
Keyword(s):  
Trace Elements ◽  
Atmospheric Transport ◽  
Chemical Elements ◽  
Risk Index ◽  
Pollution Prevention ◽  
Potential Ecological Risk ◽  
Major And Trace Elements ◽  
Anthropogenic Sources ◽  
And Control ◽  
High Degree

A study on the composition of snow allowed for a quantitative determination of pollutants deposited from the atmosphere. Concentrations of dissolved (<0.45 μm) and particulate fractions of 62 chemical elements were determined by ICP–MS and ICP–AES in 41 samples of snow from Tyumen (Russia). The background sites were characterized by a predominance of the dissolved phase of elements, except for Al, Sn, Cr, Co and Zr. The increased concentrations of dissolved Cd, Cu, Zn, Pb, Ni, As and Mo can be explained by a long-range atmospheric transport from the sources located in the Urals. The urban sites showed multiple increases in particulate depositions and a predominance of the particulate phase, with a high degree of enrichment in many heavy metals. Sources of trace elements were determined according to the enrichment factor (EF). Highly enriched elements (Pb, Sb, Cd, Ag, Mo, As, Zn and Cu) with an EF > 100 were emitted from anthropogenic sources. According to the potential ecological risk index (RI), the worst ecological conditions were identified in Tyumen’s historical center, industrial zone and along roads with the heaviest traffic. The data obtained in the present study allowed us to identify the most polluted parts of the city, which are located in the center and along the roads with the most intensive traffic. This research could offer a reference for the atmospheric pollution prevention and control in Tyumen.

scholarly journals An Ecological Risk Assessment of Sediments in a Developing Environment—Batticaloa Lagoon, Sri Lanka

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 73
Author(s):  
Madurya Adikaram ◽  
Amarasooriya Pitawala ◽  
Hiroaki Ishiga ◽  
Daham Jayawardana ◽  
Carla M. Eichler
Keyword(s):  
Trace Elements ◽  
Sri Lanka ◽  
Ecological Risk ◽  
Surface Sediments ◽  
Risk Index ◽  
Sediment Cores ◽  
Sediment Quality ◽  
Potential Ecological Risk ◽  
Published Data ◽  
Core Samples

The land-sea interface is considered as a threatening environment due to anthropogenic development activities. Unplanned developments can cause effects on important ecosystems, water and human health as well. In this study, the influence of rapid regional development on the accumulation of trace elements to the sediments of an important ecosystem, Batticaloa lagoon, Sri Lanka was examined. Surface sediment pollution status and ecological risk was compared with that of the recent sedimentary history of about 1 m depth. Sediment core samples were collected and analyzed for grain size, organic matter and carbonate contents and trace elements (As, Pb, Zn, Cu, Ni and Cr) by the X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) technique. The chemical results of core samples and recently published data of surface sediments of the same project were evaluated by pollution load index (PLI), potential ecological risk index (PERI) and sediment quality guidelines (SQG). Except for Cr, all other elements in cores show lower concentrations than the SQGs confirming the high Cr contents as recorded in the most of other Sri Lankan sediments. The sediment cores indicate an unpolluted, low ecological risk sedimentary history for all core sampling locations, whereas most of the surface sediments of the lagoon are less polluted with low potential ecological risk. Present anthropogenic practices and illiteracy of this rapid developing region can damage the green environment and hence environmental management planning is suggested for a sustainable future.

scholarly journals Characterization of Heavy Metals in Typical River Sediments on the West Bank of Taihu Lake, China

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fei Wang ◽  
Xiaoming Ren ◽  
Yang Qiu ◽  
Jiade Cheng ◽  
Yan Chen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Heavy Metals ◽  
Ecological Risk ◽  
Taihu Lake ◽  
West Bank ◽  
Risk Index ◽  
River Sediments ◽  
Principal Component ◽  
Potential Ecological Risk ◽  
Contamination Level ◽  
The West

Abstract In this study, nine heavy metals (Cd, Cr, As, Hg, Pb, Cu, Ni, Be, Sb) in typical river sediments of Wujin and Yixing, two cities on the west bank of Taihu Lake, were determined. Variety of statistical methods were applied to analyze the distribution, sources, pollution status and the potential ecological risk of these metals. The results showed that the mean concentrations for most of the heavy metals in sediments exceeded their local background values, except for Hg and Be. Geoaccumulation index (Igeo) and potential ecological risk index (RI) analysis showed the partially serious contaminated status and strong potential ecological risk for Cd in most sites. The highest contamination level was observed in the estuary of Taihu Lake and most of the sediment samples were polluted and under risk. Principal component analysis (PCA), Cluster analysis (CA) and correlation analysis demonstrated that Ni, Sb, Cr and Cu were controlled by industrial sources, whereas the other metals appeared to be influenced by complex origins including industrial, agricultural and natural sources.

scholarly journals Concentration, Spatial Distribution and Potential Ecological Risk of Heavy Metals in Stream Sediments of the Misiones Province, Argentina

Minerals ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (10) ◽  
pp. 1112
Author(s):  
Dongjie Zhao ◽  
Yuming Chen ◽  
Weibo Zhang ◽  
Xifeng Chen ◽  
Xiufa Chen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Heavy Metals ◽  
Factor Analysis ◽  
Spatial Distribution ◽  
Ecological Risk ◽  
Human Activities ◽  
Potential Ecological Risk ◽  
Stream Sediments ◽  
Anthropogenic Sources ◽  
Pollution Level ◽  
Misiones Province

One hundred and twenty-eight stream sediment samples were collected in the Misiones province of Argentina by the low-density geochemical mapping project of the China Geological Survey. The analyzed data were used to study the concentration, spatial distribution, local pollution level and potential ecological risk of eight heavy metals (As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Hg, Ni, Pb and Zn) by factor analysis, geoaccumulation index (Igeo), enrichment factor (EF) and the Hakanson’s potential ecological risk index (Eir and RI) methods. Results showed that the background values (median) of those elements were 2.97 ppm, 0.13 ppm, 212.60 ppm, 322.53 ppm, 0.013 ppm, 64.42 ppm, 12.58 ppm, and 198.85 ppm, respectively. Except for Hg, the contents of other elements were higher than the abundance of continental crust. The spatial distribution of Cu and Zn in stream sediments were consistent, while that of other elements were different. The factor analysis results implied that Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni and Zn were mainly affected by geological background and inherited the characteristics of regional parent rocks. Furthermore, Pb was not only controlled by natural conditions but also related to human activities, while As and Hg represented the anthropogenic sources, and their concentrations were affected by human activities. The results of Igeo and EF told us that Cu was heavily polluted in stream sediments; Pb and Zn were largely mildly polluted; As, Cr, Cd, Ni and Hg were mostly nonpolluted. The ecological risks were ordered as As > Cu > Cd > Pb > Hg > Cr > Ni > Zn. In general, the potential ecological risk of heavy metals in the Misiones province was low, but As and Cu also have a high ecological risk at some sampling points, which should be considered.

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