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 Assessment of Heavy Metal Pollution Levels in Sediments and of Ecological Risk by Quality Indices, Applying a Case Study: The Lower Danube River, Romania

Water ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (13) ◽  
pp. 1801
Author(s):  
Valentina Andreea Calmuc ◽  
Madalina Calmuc ◽  
Maxim Arseni ◽  
Catalina Maria Topa ◽  
Mihaela Timofti ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Heavy Metals ◽  
Heavy Metal ◽  
Ecological Risk ◽  
Metal Pollution ◽  
Heavy Metal Pollution ◽  
Surface Sediments ◽  
Risk Index ◽  
Potential Ecological Risk ◽  
Danube River ◽  
Pollution Indices

It is a well–known fact that heavy metal pollution in sediments causes serious problems not only in the Danube basin, but also in the large and small adjacent river streams. A suitable method for assessing the level of heavy metals and their toxicity in sediments is the calculation of pollution indices. The present research aims to assess heavy metal pollution in the Lower Danube surface sediments collected along the Danube course (between 180 and 60 km) up to the point where the Danube River flows into the Danube Delta Biosphere Reserve (a United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization – UNESCO, protected area). In addition, this monitored area is one of the largest European hydrographic basins. Five heavy metals (Cd, Ni, Zn, Pb, Cu) were analyzed in two different seasons, i.e., the autumn of 2018 and the spring of 2019, using the Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP– MS) technique. Our assessment of heavy metal pollution revealed two correlated aspects: 1. a determination of the potential risks of heavy metals in sediments by calculating the Potential Ecological Risk Index (RI), and 2. an evaluation of the influence of anthropogenic activities on the level of heavy metal contamination in the surface sediments, using three specific pollution indices, namely, the Geo–Accumulation Index (Igeo), the Contamination Factor (CF), and the Pollution Load Index (PLI). The results of this pioneering research activity in the region highlighted the presence of moderate metal (Ni and Cd) pollution and a low potential ecological risk for the aquatic environment.

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.

Toxic Elements Contents and Associated Potential Ecological Risk in the Bottom Sediments of Hrazdan River Under the Impact of Yerevan City (Armenia)

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gevorg Tepanosyan ◽  
Norik Harutyunyan ◽  
Nairuhi Maghakyan ◽  
Lilit Sahakyan
Keyword(s):  
Ecological Risk ◽  
Bottom Sediments ◽  
Toxic Elements ◽  
Risk Index ◽  
Ecological Status ◽  
Contamination Factor ◽  
Potential Ecological Risk ◽  
Anthropogenic Factors ◽  
Pollution Level ◽  
The Impact

Abstract This research aimed to assess the ecological status of the Hrazdan river section flowing through Yerevan. The distribution of toxic elements (Cr, V, As, Zn, Cu, Ni, Co, Mn, Pb, Ti, Mo, Fe, Ba), the bottom sediments pollution level and ecological risks, were assessed employing the contamination factor (CF), enrichment factor (EF), the potential ecological risk index (RI) and geoaccumulation index (Igeo). On sampling sites, water quality parameters (turbidity, DO, conductivity (EC), salinity, TDS, pH, T°C) were measured, as well. The correlation analysis revealed a significant correlation between Zn - Cu, Pb; Cu - Pb, Mo; Co - Fe, Ti pointing out the similar sources and origination of these elements. The results have indicated that the content of the studied elements in the Hrazdan bottom sediments exceed the background content in urban soils, which is due to a set of geological and anthropogenic factors. High contents of elements were determined on sampling sites spatially confined to the residential and industrial areas. According to EF and Igeo data, the priority bottom sediment contaminants are As, Pb, Mo, Zn, V, Cu. The RI value varies from 195.9 to 316.3 with the mean of 245.9 which corresponds to the moderate-level ecological risk. On the whole, a moderate (77.8%) and considerable (22.2%) ecological risk was revealed. An essential source of Pb, Cu, Zn, Mo contents was itentified to be the surface runoffs in urban environment.

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 Distribution of Potential Harmful Trace Elements and Potential Ecological Risk in the Jiulongchi Wetland of Fanjing Mountain, Southwest China

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (5) ◽  
pp. 1731
Author(s):  
Weidan Shen ◽  
Kangning Xiong ◽  
Yang Gao ◽  
Mingying Quan ◽  
Haijun Peng ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Trace Elements ◽  
Ecological Risk ◽  
Southwest China ◽  
Anthropogenic Activities ◽  
Scientific Evidence ◽  
Risk Index ◽  
Pollution Prevention ◽  
Pollution Index ◽  
Potential Ecological Risk ◽  
Ecological Condition

In order to understand the distribution and ecological risk of potential harmful trace elements (PHTEs) in the high altitude areas of the Fanjing Mountain World Natural Heritage Property, 30 surface samples including soil and plants were collected in April, 2019 in the Jiulongchi wetland which lies in the saddle between the New Jinding Peak of Fanjing Mountain and Fenghuang Peak. The contents of 23 major and trace elements were determined, and the pollution characteristics and potential ecological risk of 11 PHTEs (Mn, V, Zn, Cr, Co, Ni, Cu, As, Cd, Sb and Pb) were discussed. The element contents showed significant differences in plant and soil samples. Enrichment factor and single-factor pollution index demonstrated that Mn, Zn, Co, As and Cd in the soil were in a clean state. The potential ecological risk index and pollution load index indicated an overall good ecological condition of Jiulongchi wetland, with a weak pollution degree. Comparisons of relevant studies showed the anthropogenic activities have considerable impacts on the pollution status of PHTEs with significant spatial differences in Fanjing Mountain. Multivariate statistical analysis proved that Pb and Sb were main pollutants of the soil in the Jiulongchi wetland, and the mining and smelting of minerals such as mercury, manganese and lead-zinc ore in the adjacent areas could be the main pollution sources through atmospheric deposition. This study could provide targeted strategies for the environmental protection and management of the Property and give scientific evidence for the pollution prevention in southwest China.

scholarly journals Soil quality and metal distribution around stone quarries within Abeokuta, Southwest, Nigeria

2021 ◽  
Vol 23 (2) ◽  
pp. 53-61
Author(s):  
K.A. Olatunde ◽  
T. Towolawi ◽  
I. Kolawole ◽  
N. Aiyelabola ◽  
O. Michael ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Soil Contamination ◽  
Soil Quality ◽  
Ecological Risk ◽  
Risk Index ◽  
Contamination Factor ◽  
Potential Ecological Risk ◽  
Metal Distribution ◽  
Metal Concentrations ◽  
Ogun State ◽  
Southwest Nigeria

Quarrying activities are explored to extract a variety of materials deposited underneath the earth surface. These activities however can potentially impact negatively on soil quality and cause elemental pollution. This study assessed soil quality and distribution of metals in soils around four quarrying sites (PAPA, S&D, TCity and Mile 8) within Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria. Thirty six topsoil samples were collected at distances from quarry gates in September 2019 and analyzed using standard methods. Soil quality and metal concentrations were compared with reference and standards and the degrees of soil contamination assessed using relevant indices. Soil quality reduced with distance from the quarry gates. Similarly, metal concentrations had strong and significant (P=0.05) negative relationships with distance and were higher in soil samples compared to the reference. Moderate contaminations for all metals were observed in soils collected close to the quarry gates soils from the results of the contamination factor index (Cf).  However, the results of ecological risk index (Ei) showed that the metal  loads in soils currently do not pose any ecological risk. Keywords: Quarry, Soil quality, Metal distribution, Soil contamination, Potential ecological risk

scholarly journals Spatial distribution and potential ecological risk assessment of some trace elements in sediments and grey mangrove (Avicennia marina) along the Arabian Gulf coast, Saudi Arabia

2020 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
pp. 77-96
Author(s):  
Hameed Alsamadany ◽  
Hassan S. Al-Zahrani ◽  
El-Metwally M. Selim ◽  
Mohsen M. El-Sherbiny
Keyword(s):  
Trace Elements ◽  
Trace Element ◽  
Ecological Risk ◽  
Oil Pollution ◽  
Gulf Coast ◽  
Arabian Gulf ◽  
Avicennia Marina ◽  
Potential Ecological Risk ◽  
Average Concentration ◽  
Grey Mangrove

AbstractTo assess trace element concentrations (Zn, Cu, Pb, Cr, Cd and Ni) in the mangrove swamps along the Saudi coast of the Arabian Gulf, thirteen samples of surface sediment and leaves of grey mangrove, Avicennia marina were collected and analyzed. The detected trace element contents (μg g-1) in surface sediments were in the following descending order according to their mean values; Cr (49.18) > Zn (48.48) > Cu (43.06) > Pb (26.61) > Ni (22.88) > Cd (3.21). The results showed that the average concentrations of Cd and Pb exceeded their world average concentration of shale. The geo-accumulation, potential ecological risk and toxicity response indices demonstrated that trace elements have posed a considerable ecological risk, especially Cd. The inter-relationships between physico-chemical characters and trace elements suggests that grained particles of mud represent a noteworthy character in the distribution of trace elements compared to organic materials. Moreover, the results revealed that Zn was clearly bioaccumulated in leaf tissues A. marina. Dredging, landfilling, sewage effluents and oil pollution can be the paramount sources of pollution in the area under investigation.

scholarly journals Seasonal and Spatial Patterns of Ecotoxicological Indices of Trace Elements in Superficial Sediments of the Marchica Lagoon Following Restoration Actions during the Last Decade

Diversity ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
pp. 51
Author(s):  
Bouchra Oujidi ◽  
Mohammed El Bouch ◽  
Mounia Tahri ◽  
Mostafa Layachi ◽  
Soilam Boutoumit ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Trace Elements ◽  
Integrated Management ◽  
Risk Index ◽  
Sediment Quality ◽  
Contamination Factor ◽  
Management Plan ◽  
Mediterranean Coast ◽  
Pollution Indices ◽  
Ecological Value ◽  
Wet Season

Marchica Lagoon, a Ramsar site on the Mediterranean coast of Morocco, is experiencing the impacts of watershed pollution, which includes pollutants from the domestic, agricultural, industrial, and mining sectors. Restoration actions were undertaken around this lagoon during the last decade in order to protect its ecological value and to develop tourist activity. To conserve the biodiversity in the lagoon, it is important to assess the environmental state of this ecosystem. This study aims to evaluate the ecotoxicological state of sediments through the post restoration characterization of the trace elements Pb, Cu, Zn, Cr, Co, and Ba, as well as their correlation to the major elements, grain size, and total organic carbon, sampled during two campaigns (the wet and dry seasons of 2018) across a sampling network of thirteen stations. Multivariate analysis and ecotoxicological risk assessment of the trace elements using the sediment quality guidelines and five pollution indices (geoaccumulation index (Igeo), enrichment factor (EF), contamination factor (CF), pollution-load index (PLI), and mean effect range median quotient (m-ERM-Q)) revealed contamination of the lagoon by Pb, Zn, and Cu, and minimal pollution by Cr, Co, and Ba. The distribution of the biological-risk index reveals that four zones of the lagoon may present a high probability of toxicity, thus constituting potential risk areas for aquatic organisms: during the wet season, the area in the northwestern sandbar border, the southwest eutrophication zone, and the mouth of the stream valley conveying industrial discharges; and during dry season, the northwestern eutrophication zone. Despite the restoration actions achieved around the lagoon, the lead, zinc, and copper concentrations increased, and their variation was significant between group stations. The biodiversity conservation of Marchica Lagoon requires continuous monitoring and assessment, as well as the implementation of an integrated management plan with restoration actions, not only around the lagoon, but also at its watershed level.

scholarly journals Bioecological and statistical risk assessment of toxic metals in sediments of a worldwide important wetland: Gala Lake National Park (Turkey)

2017 ◽  
Vol 43 (1) ◽  
pp. 34-47 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cem Tokatli
Keyword(s):  
Ecological Risk ◽  
National Park ◽  
Risk Index ◽  
Sediment Quality ◽  
Potential Ecological Risk ◽  
Irrigation Canal ◽  
Anthropogenic Pressure ◽  
Ecological Risk Index ◽  
Potential Ecological Risk Index ◽  
Biological Risk

Abstract Gala Lake National Park that has an international importance is one of the most important wetland ecosystems for Turkey. As same as many aquatic habitats, Gala Lake is under a significant anthropogenic pressure originated from agricultural activities conducted around the lake and from industrial discharges by means of Ergene River. The aim of this study was to evaluate the sediment quality of Gala Lake and Irrigation Canal by investigating some toxic element accumulations (As, B, Ni, Cr, Pb, Cd, Zn and Cu) from a statistical perspective. Pearson Correlation Index (PCI) and Factor Analysis (FA) were applied to detected data in order to determine the associated contaminants and effective factors on the system. Potential Ecological Risk Index (RI) and Biological Risk Index based sediment quality guidelines (mERM-Q) applied to detected data in order to assess the ecological and biological risks of heavy metals in the ecosystem. Also Geographic Information System (GIS) technology was used to make visual explanations by presenting distribution maps of investigated elements. According to the results of PCI, significant positive correlations were recorded among the investigated toxic elements at 0.01 significance level. According to the results of FA, two factors, which were named as “Agricultural Factor” and “Industrial Factor”, explained 86.6% of the total variance. According to the results of Potential Ecological Risk Index, cadmium was found to be the highest risk factor and according to results of Biological Risk Index, nickel and chromium were found to be the highest risk factors for Gala Lake and Irrigation Canal. As a result of the present study, it was also determined that heavy metal contents in sediments of Gala Lake National Park reached to critical levels and the system is intensively under effect of agricultural and industrial originated pollution.

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