Effective removal of mercury (Hg) from sediment by acid extraction

Abstract Mercury (Hg) is a hazardous and toxic substance that is resistant to decomposition and can accumulate in sediment and enter the living organisms via food chain. Due to the status of level mercury in Indonesia has reached the warning level, the action should be taken to avoid any negative impact on the environment and human health. The purpose of this study to developed a simple, fast, and effective sediment washing method for Hg removal using acid extraction. The results showed that pollution level of sediment in Ciujung watershed and its tributaries was high, especially the pollution of Hg and Cd, according to geoaccumulation index (I geo) and potential ecological risk index (PERI). By the proposed method, Hg-contaminated sediment can be extracted within 21 minutes with 99.5% of extraction rate. CRM ERM CC580 (estuarine sediment) was used for validating the results. The optimal conditions such as vortex time, acid concentration, sonication time were evaluated according to analytical parameters. The method is valuable for designing a remediation protocol for sediment washing in developing countries.

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Investigation of heavy metals concentration in soil around a Pb-Zn mine and ecological risk assessment

Environmental Health Engineering and Management ◽

10.15171/ehem.2019.17 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 6 (3) ◽

pp. 151-156 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Amir Hossein Baghaie ◽

Forough Aghili

Keyword(s):

Heavy Metals ◽

Soil Pollution ◽

Ecological Risk ◽

Agricultural Land ◽

Agricultural Soils ◽

Risk Index ◽

Potential Ecological Risk ◽

Pollution Level ◽

Ecological Risk Index ◽

Accumulation Index

Background: Soil pollution with heavy metals seriously threatens soil quality, food safety, and humanhealth. This study was conducted to determine the soil pollution level and ecological risk assessmentof different heavy metals in agricultural soils around Nakhlak Pb-Zn mine, located in Anarak district,Nain county of Isfahan province.Methods: A total of 50 soil samples were collected from agricultural land around Nakhlak mine andanalyzed to determine the concentrations of Pb, Cd, Zn, Ni, Cu, and Mn. The geo-accumulation index(Igeo), enrichment factor (EF), and potential ecological-risk index (Er) were used to assess the level ofsoil pollution with heavy metals.Results: The mean concentrations of Pb, Cd, Zn, Ni, Cu, and Mn were 355, 2.72, 347, 26, 36, and505 mg/kg, respectively, which were higher than the background values of world soils. Based on theIgeo index, the study area was moderately to heavily contaminated with Pb and Zn, uncontaminated tomoderate contaminated with Cd and Cu, and uncontaminated with Mn and Ni. According to the EFvalues, the study soil was moderately contaminated with Mn, Ni, and Cu, significantly contaminatedwith Cd and Zn, and highly enriched with Pb. The RI values showed a moderate level of heavy metalscontamination in the study soil.Conclusion: According to the results, the ecological risk of heavy metals for ecosystem in agriculturallands around Nakhlak Pb-Zn mine is moderate. However, the contamination status should be consideredperiodically.

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

10.21203/rs.3.rs-361177/v1 ◽

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.

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Soil heavy metal contamination assessment in the Hun-Taizi River watershed, China

Scientific Reports ◽

10.1038/s41598-020-65809-0 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 10 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Wei Zhang ◽

Miao Liu ◽

Chunlin Li

Keyword(s):

Heavy Metal ◽

Ecological Risk ◽

Risk Index ◽

Potential Ecological Risk ◽

National Standard ◽

Pollution Level ◽

River Watershed ◽

Background Value ◽

Local Soil ◽

Taizi River

Abstract The Hun-Taizi River watershed includes the main part of the Liaoning central urban agglomeration, which contains six cities with an 80-year industrial history. A total of 272 samples were collected from different land use areas within the study area to estimate the concentration levels, spatial distributions and potential sources of arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), mercury (Hg), nickel (Ni), lead (Pb) and zinc (Zn) with a geographic information system (GIS), principal component analysis (PCA) and canonical correspondence analysis (CCA). Only the concentration of Cd was over the national standard value (GB 15618–2018). However, the heavy metal concentrations at 24.54%, 71.43%, 63.37%, 85.71, 70.33%, 53.11%, and 72.16% of the sampling points were higher than the local soil background values for As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Hg, Ni, Pb and Zn, respectively, which were used as standard values in this study. The maximal values of Cd (16.61 times higher than the background value) and Hg (12.18 times higher than the background value) had high concentrations, while Cd was present in the study area at higher values than in some other basins in China. Cd was the primary pollutant in the study area due to its concentration and potential ecological risk contribution. The results of the potential ecological risk index (RI) calculation showed that the overall heavy metal pollution level of the soil was considerably high. Three groups of heavy metals with similar distributions and sources were identified through PCA. The results of the CCA showed that the distribution of mines was the strongest factor affecting the distributions of Ni, As, Zn, Pb, and Cd. However, Cu was strongly influenced by the distance to the nearest river. These findings can provide scientific support for critical planning and strategies for soil pollution control and removal to support the sustainable development of the study area.

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The Status of Noise Pollution in the Major Traffic Intersections of Khulna Metropolitan City in Bangladesh and its Possible Effect on Noise-Exposed People

European Journal of Environment and Earth Sciences ◽

10.24018/ejgeo.2020.1.5.58 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 1 (5) ◽

Author(s):

Aliza Sultana ◽

Ashok Kumar Paul ◽

Meher Un Nessa

Keyword(s):

Noise Level ◽

Noise Pollution ◽

Pressure Level ◽

Pollution Level ◽

Metropolitan City ◽

Mixed Area ◽

Commercial Area ◽

Significant Difference ◽

Traffic Intersections ◽

The Status

This study was conducted in the Khulna metropolitan city to determine the status of noise pollution at major traffic intersections and assess the possible effect of noise on regular noise afflicted people. For this research, five busiest roadways and traffic intersections; two mixed zone and three commercial zones were selected purposively and 'ST-8850 Sound Level Meter' was used to record the noise pressure level. Average noise pressure level and some noise parameters (Leq, L10, L50, L90, and Lnp) were measured at different shifts in each location both on working days and holidays. The result evidently specified that noise level in all major traffic circles of Khulna metropolitan city was much higher than the recommended threshold of acceptable noise level set by the Department of Environment (DOE) of Bangladesh. It was observed that the mixed area (Sonadanga, Gollamari) tends to have a higher average noise level than those of the commercial area (Shibbari, Notunrasta, Dakbangla). The noise pollution level (Lnp) in mixed areas varied from 92.77 dB (A) to 104.74 dB(A) on working days and 86.9 dB(A) to 105.5 dB(A) on holidays. On working days, the highest Leq was observed 92.65 ± 4.15 dB(A) in Sonadanga (mixed area), whereas the lowest was 85.13 ± 2.83 dB(A) in Dakbangla (commercial area). However, on holidays the highest level of Leq was found 90.41 ± 2.25 dB(A) in Sonadanga, while the lowest levels were 80.43 ± 3.20 dB(A) in Dakbangla. One-way ANOVA with LSD post-hoc test results illustrated that on working days there was a significant difference between the noise pollution levels (NPL) in different shifts of day time (F = 8.412, p < .05). The respondents of the study area addressed that they were the most affected by annoyance (70%), headache (62%), and hearing loss (46%) due to regular exposure to the traffic noise. Therefore, it is recommended to enhance awareness regarding the cause and effect of noise pollution among the noise producers and oppressed people. Subsequently, administrative measures have to take to attenuate noise pollution and indemnify the quality health of the citizens.

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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 ◽

10.3390/w13131801 ◽

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.

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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.

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The Monitoring and Ecological Evaluation of Beng River Sediment for Heavy Metals (Hg,Pb,Cr)

Applied Mechanics and Materials ◽

10.4028/www.scientific.net/amm.675-677.345 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 675-677 ◽

pp. 345-349

Author(s):

Ji Cai Qiu

Keyword(s):

Heavy Metals ◽

Risk Index ◽

Potential Ecological Risk ◽

Index Method ◽

Ecological Risk Index ◽

Ecological Evaluation ◽

Main Research ◽

Bottom Mud ◽

River Reach ◽

Very High

In order to analysis the Heavy metals in the bottom mud at beng river, we put the river reach between the bridge of beng river beside the er’huang road and the bridge beside the yin’meng road as the main research object, survey 14 transects of bottom mud from three indications (Hg,Pb,Cr) of the river and build a relate standards about the pollution of bottom mud depend on the domestic standards, in this paper, we use the potential ecological risk index method which was putted forward by Swedish scientists Hakanson as the criterion of the pollution about heavy metals in the mud. The results show that: at the rive reach mentioned above, we found there are very high heavy metals content in the bottom mud.

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Graphene Oxide-Based Nanofiltration for Hg Removal from Wastewater: A Mini Review

Membranes ◽

10.3390/membranes11040269 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (4) ◽

pp. 269

Author(s):

Megawati Zunita

Keyword(s):

Graphene Oxide ◽

Negative Impact ◽

Treatment Area ◽

Functionalized Graphene Oxide ◽

Flexible Membrane ◽

High Mechanical Strength ◽

Wide Range ◽

Living Organisms ◽

Filtration Properties ◽

High Chemical Stability

Mercury (Hg) is one of heavy metals with the highest toxicity and negative impact on the biological functions of living organisms. Therefore, many studies are devoted to solving the problem of Hg separation from wastewater. Membrane-based separation techniques have become more preferable in wastewater treatment area due to their ease of operation, mild conditions and also more resistant to toxic pollutants. This technique is also flexible and has a wide range of possibilities to be integrated with other techniques. Graphene oxide (GO) and derivatives are materials which have a nanostructure can be used as a thin and flexible membrane sheet with high chemical stability and high mechanical strength. In addition, GO-based membrane was used as a barrier for Hg vapor due to its nano-channels and nanopores. The nano-channels of GO membranes were also used to provide ion mobility and molecule filtration properties. Nowadays, this technology especially nanofiltration for Hg removal is massively explored. The aim of the review paper is to investigate Hg removal using functionalized graphene oxide nanofiltration. The main focus is the effectiveness of the Hg separation process.

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

Archives of Environmental Protection ◽

10.1515/aep-2017-0007 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 43 (1) ◽

pp. 34-47 ◽

Cited By ~ 10

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

Journal of Soils and Sediments ◽

10.1007/s11368-021-03091-x ◽

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.

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