scholarly journals Assessment of heavy metal pollution in soil and bottom sediment of Upper Egypt: comparison study

2019 ◽  
Vol 43 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Esmat Ahmed Abou El-Anwar

Abstract Background Aswan and Luxor Governorates are characterized by multifaceted activities such as cement, chemicals, fertilizers, detergents, nitrogen fertilizer factory at Aswan, the sugar and diary factory at Kom Ombo, and several other factories such as the sugar, pulp, paper, ferrosilicon, and phosphate factories at Edfu, urbanization and agriculture. In addition, there is a main sewage station which is used for irrigation of many crops. Assessing the pollution of soil and sediment with some heavy metals in these areas is the main aim of the current work. Results The average heavy metals content in the studied cultivated soils and Nile sediments are above the acceptable levels. Generally, Nile sediments and cultivated soils at Aswan and Luxor were unpolluted to moderately polluted with heavy metals. Pollution indices indicated that the studied Nile sediments were at considerably ecological risk from Cd (Er = 138.89) and Zn (Er = 140.52). In contrast, the cultivated soil was at very high ecological risk from Cd (Er = 295.24). Conclusions The current research revealed that the soil and sediments in the Upper Egypt are less polluted than Lower Egypt. Thus, the concentrations of toxic elements are increased from south to north direction in Egypt along the Nile River. The sources of the toxic metals may possibly be natural or anthropogenic in the studied area. The anthropogenic source is resulting from paper, pulp, ferrosilicon factories, and phosphate mining at Edfu. In addition, there are some polluting industries such as sand quarry, shale mining, and the nitrogen fertilizer factory at Aswan. On the other hand, the natural sources of toxic waste are the drains during the seasonal flash floods.

Author(s):  
Sanja Przulj ◽  
Ana Radojicic ◽  
Milica Kasanin-Grubin ◽  
Dusica Pesevic ◽  
Sanja Stojadinovic ◽  
...  

Heavy metals are naturally occurring elements, but they are regarded as significant environmental pollutants due to high density and high toxicity even at low concentrations. The aim of this paper is evaluation of the pollution level of heavy metals in the river and riverbank sediments as well as the estimation of their origin and spatial differences along the course of the Vrbas River through Banja Luka. The concentrations of metals have been assessed using the Inductively coupled plasma - optical emission spectrometry and Advanced mercury analyzer for mercury determination. Anthropogenic impact on heavy metal concentration in sediments was estimated by calculating pollution indices: Geoaccumulation index (Igeo), Contamination factor (Cf), Pollution Load Index (PLI), and Potential Ecological Risk Index (Er). Obtained results indicate that there is no statistically significant spatial difference in metal concentration, indicating that heavy metals in sediments have a constant source. The anthropogenic impact expressed by values of pollution indices showed that sites are generally uncontaminated by Co, Cr, and V and moderately contaminated by Zn, Cu, and Ni. On the contrary, lead, mercury and cadmium pose the highest ecological risk. The anthropogenic source of Pb, Hg and Cd is industry, municipal waste and the combustion of fossil fuels. Obtained results demonstrate the high ecological risk and need for environmental monitoring, supporting an efficient strategy to reduce local pollution and contamination of the investigated system.


Water ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (13) ◽  
pp. 1801
Author(s):  
Valentina Andreea Calmuc ◽  
Madalina Calmuc ◽  
Maxim Arseni ◽  
Catalina Maria Topa ◽  
Mihaela Timofti ◽  
...  

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.


2012 ◽  
Vol 610-613 ◽  
pp. 928-931 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hui Min Zhang ◽  
Hui Zhang ◽  
Ai Min Song ◽  
Jian Qiao Qin ◽  
Ming Wei Song

This paper was seleced Qingyuan as a case study, in order to analyze Hg, As, Cu, Zn, Pb, Cd, Ni, Cr concentrations of the soil samples. And used the Hakanson potential ecological risk index method to assess the potential ecological risks of concentrations of heavy metals in soil. The results shows that the average concentration of Hg, As, Cu, Zn, Pb, Cd, Ni, Cr in soil is 6.45, 0.26, 20.25, 119.11, 181.67, 189.22, 0.27, 32.92, 201.35 mg•kg-1 respectively. The rank by severity of ecological risk as Hg > Cu > Pb > As > Cr > Cd > Ni > Zn, based on their single-element indexes. Heavy metals in several samples of the soil have posed a serious threat on the ecosystem.


2017 ◽  
Vol 14 (3-4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Nusreta Djonlagic

In this study the results of a 15-year long monitoring survey on heavy metals in water at Lake Modrac were assessed using pollution indices of heavy metals, such as Heavy metal pollution index HPI, Heavy metal evaluation index HEI and the Degree of contamination CD. The results of the survey on heavy metal pollution of sediment conducted in 2015 were used as input data for the following pollution indices: Concentration factor , Pollution load index PLI, Enrichment factor EF, Index of geo-accumulation Igeo, Ecological risk factor , Potential ecological risk index to the water-body, RI. The results showed a good correlation and the lake sediment was characterized as polluted. Enrichment factors and indices of geo-accumulation of heavy metals were indicated as very high enriched in the sediment, and have been identified as an anthropogenic source of pollution. Cumulative presence in the sediment is assessed through the pollution index, RI, and has been assessed as moderate ecological risk to the lake water-body. The application of pollution indices presents a valuable tool in assessing the long-term pollution status of Lake Modrac.


Agriculture ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 47 ◽  
Author(s):  
Haifang He ◽  
Longqing Shi ◽  
Guang Yang ◽  
Minsheng You ◽  
Liette Vasseur

Tea plantations have used many synthetic chemicals to ensure performance and control of pests. This has led to increased contamination of soils and reduced tea growth. We assessed the levels of heavy metals, including Cd, Cr, Pb, Cu, Ni, Zn, Hg, As, and pesticide residues, such as HCHs, biphenyl chrysanthemum ester, methamidophos, imidacloprid, permethrin, in the soil of tea plantations of Taiwan, Tibet, Guangdong, and Fujian. The Potential Ecological Risk Index and the Nemerow comprehensive pollution index were used to analyze the data. The results showed that risk indices in Tibet, Guangdong and Fuzhou were considered as moderate ecological harm level. Ecological risk assessment index of Anxi organic and Anxi conventional tea gardens suggested a “low” risk level. The Nemerow comprehensive pollution indices for soil pesticide residues in the tea plantations of Taiwan, Tibet, Anxi organic and Anxi conventional were considered mild. Guangdong and Fuzhou had values suggesting “slight pollution” levels. According to National Soil Environmental Quality Standard (GB15618-1995), soil in tea plantations in Taiwan, Tibet, and Anxi conventional matched the national first grade of soil quality and those from Guangdong, Fuzhou, and Anxi organic tea garden matched the national second grade.


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