Environmental Availability of Potentially Toxic Elements in an Agricultural Mediterranean Site

2019 ◽  
Vol 25 (2) ◽  
pp. 169-178 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dimitrios Alexakis ◽  
Dimitra Gamvroula ◽  
Eleni Theofili
Keyword(s):  
Sequential Extraction ◽  
Toxic Elements ◽  
Soil Depth ◽  
Extraction Procedure ◽  
Potential Ecological Risk ◽  
Potentially Toxic Elements ◽  
Geochemical Partitioning ◽  
Exchangeable Fraction ◽  
High Bioavailability

ABSTRACT Total contents of 36 potentially toxic elements are summarized for agricultural topsoil (n = 12; soil depth = 0–20 cm), subsoil (n = 12; soil depth = 20–40 cm), and representative rock samples collected from a Mediterranean site (Megara Plain, Greece). The five-stage sequential extraction procedure for the geochemical partitioning of cadmium (Cd), cobalt (Co), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), manganese (Mn), and nickel (Ni), proposed by Tessier, was applied to topsoil and subsoil collected from the study area. Soil Cd was highly associated with exchangeable fraction, illustrating high bioavailability of this element. The order of mobility of the elements was as follows: Cd > Cu > Co > Zn > Ni > Cr > Mn. Results from sequential extraction experiments illustrated that the bioavailability of Cu, Co, and Zn is moderate, while Ni, Cr, and Mn presented low bioavailability, indicating that these elements could pose a limited threat to the quality of crops. Cadmium is the chief contamination controlling factor posing moderate potential ecological risk. The contamination sources of the examined elements are discussed.

scholarly journals Fractionation of potentially toxic elements in urban soils from five European cities by means of a harmonised sequential extraction procedure

2006 ◽  
Vol 565 (1) ◽  
pp. 63-72 ◽  
Author(s):  
Christine M. Davidson ◽  
Graham J. Urquhart ◽  
Franco Ajmone-Marsan ◽  
Mattia Biasioli ◽  
Armando da Costa Duarte ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sequential Extraction ◽  
Urban Soils ◽  
Toxic Elements ◽  
Extraction Procedure ◽  
Potentially Toxic Elements ◽  
Sequential Extraction Procedure ◽  
European Cities

scholarly journals Ecological risk by potentially toxic elements in surface sediments of the Lake Maracaibo (Venezuela)

2021 ◽  
Vol 27 (4) ◽  
pp. 210232-0
Author(s):  
Julio Marín ◽  
Marinela Colina ◽  
Hilda Ledo ◽  
P.H.E. Gardiner
Keyword(s):  
Ecological Risk ◽  
Toxic Elements ◽  
Sediment Quality ◽  
Potential Ecological Risk ◽  
Potentially Toxic Elements ◽  
Lake Area ◽  
Risk Assessment Code ◽  
Quality Guidelines ◽  
Lake Maracaibo ◽  
Superficial Sediments

The evaluation of potential ecological risk of aquatic sediments associated with the presence of potentially toxic elements (PTE) determines its degree of danger on native biota. In this work, the potential ecological risk of V, Ti, Cr, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Se, Cd, Sn, Hg and Pb in superficial sediments is explained in three different areas of Lake Maracaibo: El Tablazo Bay, Strait of Maracaibo and the lake itself, through a multi-guideline approach (elemental enrichment (enrichment factor, contamination degree, pollutant load index and geo-accumulation index), sediment quality guidelines and risk assessment code). The PTE levels ranged from < 0.025 to 176.722 mg·kg−1 DW, with an overall proportion of V > Ti > Pb > Zn > Cr > Cu > Ni > As > Cd > Se > Hg > Sn. The PTE concurrent effect on biota was El Tablazo Bay > lake > Strait of Maracaibo. The superficial sediments of Lake Maracaibo constitute a medium with a high potential ecological risk on estuarine biota. This is mainly due to the levels of As in El Tablazo Bay, Cd in the Strait of Maracaibo and Pb in the lake area. This represents a latent toxicity hazard for native biological communities and other associated organisms.

scholarly journals Risk Assessment of Potentially Toxic Elements Pollution from Mineral Processing Steps at Xikuangshan Antimony Plant, Hunan, China

Processes ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 29
Author(s):  
Saijun Zhou ◽  
Renjian Deng ◽  
Andrew Hursthouse
Keyword(s):  
Ecological Risk ◽  
Toxic Elements ◽  
Risk Index ◽  
Pollution Index ◽  
Potential Ecological Risk ◽  
Potentially Toxic Elements ◽  
Hunan Province ◽  
Ecological Risk Index ◽  
Potential Ecological Risk Index ◽  
Dust Generation

We evaluated the direct release to the environment of a number of potentially toxic elements (PTEs) from various processing nodes at Xikuangshan Antimony Mine in Hunan Province, China. Sampling wastewater, processing dust, and solid waste and characterizing PTE content (major elements Sb, As, Zn, and associated Hg, Pb, and Cd) from processing activities, we extrapolated findings to assess wider environmental significance using the pollution index and the potential ecological risk index. The Sb, As, and Zn in wastewater from the antimony benefication industry and a wider group of PTEs in the fine ore bin were significantly higher than their reference values. The content of Sb, As, and Zn in tailings were relatively high, with the average value being 2674, 1040, and 590 mg·kg−1, respectively. The content of PTEs in the surface soils surrounding the tailings was similar to that in tailings, and much higher than the background values. The results of the pollution index evaluation of the degree of pollution by PTEs showed that while dominated by Sb, some variation in order of significance was seen namely for: (1) The ore processing wastewater Sb > Pb > As > Zn > Hg > Cd, (2) in dust Sb > As > Cd > Pb > Hg > Zn, and (3) surface soil (near tailings) Sb > Hg > Cd > As > Zn > Pb. From the assessment of the potential ecological risk index, the levels were most significant at the three dust generation nodes and in the soil surrounding the tailings reservoir.

scholarly journals Characteristics of Potentially Toxic Elements, Risk Assessments, and Isotopic Compositions (Cu‒Zn‒Pb) in the PM10 Fraction of Road Dust in Busan, South Korea

Atmosphere ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (9) ◽  
pp. 1229
Author(s):  
Hyeryeong Jeong ◽  
Kongtae Ra
Keyword(s):  
South Korea ◽  
Toxic Elements ◽  
Road Dust ◽  
Enrichment Factors ◽  
Potential Ecological Risk ◽  
Potentially Toxic Elements ◽  
Atmospheric Environment ◽  
Isotopic Compositions ◽  
Significant Health ◽  
Cu And Zn

The pollution status of ten potentially toxic elements (PTEs), isotopic compositions (Cu, Zn, Pb), and the potential ecological risk posed by them were investigated in the PM10 fraction of road dust in Busan Metropolitan city, South Korea. Enrichment factors revealed extremely to strongly polluted levels of Sb, Cd, Zn, Pb, and Cu in the PM10 fraction of road dust, with Sb levels being the highest. Statistical analyses showed that the major cause for contamination with PTEs was non-exhaust traffic emissions such as tire and brake wear. Cu and Zn isotopic compositions of road dust were related to traffic-related emission sources such as brake and tires. Pb isotopic compositions were close to that of road paint, indicating that Pb was a different source from Cu and Zn in this study. No significant health risk was posed by the PTEs. Taking into account the total length of road in Busan, a high quantity of PTEs in road dust (PM10) can have serious deleterious effects on the atmospheric environment and ecosystems. The results of metal concentrations and isotopic compositions in road dust will help identify and manage atmospheric fine particle and coastal metal contamination derived from fine road dust.

scholarly journals Implications of Soil Potentially Toxic Elements Contamination, Distribution and Health Risk at Hunan’s Xikuangshan Mine

Processes ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (9) ◽  
pp. 1532
Author(s):  
Jing Bai ◽  
Wen Zhang ◽  
Weiyin Liu ◽  
Guohong Xiang ◽  
Yu Zheng ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Health Risk ◽  
Ecological Risk ◽  
Toxic Elements ◽  
Risk Index ◽  
Principal Component ◽  
Mining Area ◽  
Potential Ecological Risk ◽  
Parent Material ◽  
Potentially Toxic Elements ◽  
Hunan Province

A field survey was conducted to determine the pollution grade, sources, potential ecological risk, and health risk of soil potentially toxic elements (PTEs) in Xikuangshan Mine (XKS), the largest antimony (Sb) deposit in the world. A total of 106 topsoil samples were collected from 6 sites in XKS to measure the concentrations of PTEs Cr, Zn, Cd, Pb, As, Hg, and Sb. The results show that the average concentrations of these elements at all six sites were generally greater than their corresponding background values in Hunan province, especially Sb, Hg, and As. Correlation and principal component analyses suggested that Cd, Zn, Pb, Hg, and Sb were primarily released from mining and other industrial and human activities, while Cr and As were mainly impacted by the parent material from pedogenesis. A risk index analysis showed that, overall, sites were at very high ecological risk, and Sb is the highest ecological risk factor, followed by Cd and Hg. According to health risk assessment, oral ingestion is the main non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risk exposure route. The higher potentially non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risks happen to the local children who live in the vicinity of mining area. It revealed that the mining and smelting processes of XKS have negatively influenced the local people, therefore, we should pay increasing attention to this practical issue and take effective measures to protect the ecology of XKS.

scholarly journals Pollution Caused by Potentially Toxic Elements Present in Road Dust from Industrial Areas in Korea

Atmosphere ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (12) ◽  
pp. 1366
Author(s):  
Hyeryeong Jeong ◽  
Jin Young Choi ◽  
Jaesoo Lim ◽  
Kongtae Ra
Keyword(s):  
Toxic Elements ◽  
Risk Index ◽  
Road Dust ◽  
Potential Ecological Risk ◽  
Potentially Toxic Elements ◽  
Coastal Pollution ◽  
Industrial Complex ◽  
Industrial Areas ◽  
Pollution Levels ◽  
Efficient Management

We examined the pollution characteristics of potentially toxic elements (PTEs) in road dust (RD) from nine industrial areas in South Korea to assess PTE pollution levels and their environmental risks for devising better strategies for managing RD. The median concentrations (mg/kg) were in the order Zn (1407) > Cr (380) > Cu (276) > Pb (260) > Ni (112) > As (15) > Cd (2) > Hg (0.1). The concentration of PTEs was the highest at the Onsan Industrial Complex, where many smelting facilities are located. Our results show that Onsan, Noksan, Changwon, Ulsan, Pohang, and Shihwa industrial areas are heavily polluted with Cu, Zn, Cd, and Pb. The presence of these toxic elements in RD from the impervious layer in industrial areas may have a moderate to severe effect on the health of the biota present in these areas. The potential ecological risk index (Eri) for PTEs was in the decreasing order of Cd > Pb > Hg > Cu > As > Zn > Ni > Cr, indicating that the dominant PTE causing ecological hazards is Cd owing to its high toxicity. Our research suggests the necessity for the urgent introduction of an efficient management strategy to reduce RD, which adds to coastal pollution and affects human health.

scholarly journals Improvement of the sequential extraction procedure based on supercritical CO2 and subcritical H2O solvents for the estimation of the environmentally mobile potentially toxic element fractions of sediments and soils

2018 ◽  
Vol 67 (1) ◽  
pp. 35-48
Author(s):  
Anita Takács ◽  
Katalin Kovács ◽  
Gábor Halász ◽  
Zoltán Győri ◽  
Ilona Fekete ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sequential Extraction ◽  
Extraction Procedure ◽  
Potentially Toxic Elements ◽  
Toxic Element ◽  
Water Soluble ◽  
Sequential Extraction Procedure ◽  
Mass Ratio ◽  
Fractionation Procedure ◽  
Soils And Sediments ◽  
Element Contents

The estimation of environmental risk caused by pollution with potentially toxic elements (PTE) is usually carried out using the (3+1) step sequential extraction procedure suggested in 1993 by the Community Bureau of Reference (BCR). In the 1st step the water-soluble, exchangeable and carbonate-bound element content is extracted with acetic acid. In 2002 a fractionation procedure based on the application of supercritical CO2, subcritical H2O and of a mixture of subcritical H2O/CO2 was proposed, which allowed the water-soluble and carbonatebound element contents to be extracted separately from sediment or soil samples weighed into the preparative column of a supercritical fluid extractor and diluted with quartz sand in a mass ratio of 1:20. The aim of the present study was to develop a new reduced-size column construction with which this dilution rate could be decreased to 1:2. A kinetic study was performed to determine the extraction time necessary for samples with different carbonate contents and the extracted element contents were compared to the results of the BCR sequential procedure on the same samples. It was established that fractionation using the reduced-size column may be a rapid way to obtain more reliable information on the easily mobilizable (watersoluble and carbonate-bound) PTE content of soils and sediments than was previously available to supplement BCR fractionation.

Fractionation of Heavy Metals in Sewage Sludges

1985 ◽  
Vol 17 (4-5) ◽  
pp. 587-598 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. J. Oake ◽  
C. S. Booker ◽  
R. D. Davis
Keyword(s):  
Heavy Metals ◽  
Sewage Sludge ◽  
Sequential Extraction ◽  
Extraction Procedure ◽  
Sequential Extraction Procedure ◽  
Organic Fraction ◽  
Sewage Sludges ◽  
Exchangeable Fraction ◽  
Complete Extraction

Metals (Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb and Zn) have been fractionated in representative sewage sludges (primary, secondary, digested) by a sequential extraction procedure using KNO3 1M (removes the ‘exchangeable' fraction), KF 0.5M (‘sorbed'), Na4P2O7 0.1M (‘organic'), Na2EDTA 0.1M (‘carbonate') and HNO3 6M (‘sulphide'). Major differences according to sludge type were not seen. Cd occurred mainly in the ‘carbonate' fraction and 38–62% of Cr was in the ‘organic' fraction. 43–70% Cu was in the sulphide fraction whilst &gt;40% of Ni was extracted in the ‘exchangeable/sorbed' fractions. Pb was found predominantly in the ‘organic' and ‘carbonate' fractions and Zn in the ‘organic' fraction. The complete extraction procedure removed 54–100% of the total metals content of the sludges. Changes in fractionation caused by drying, storage and time of extraction are reported. The results form the first part of a detailed investigation into the chemistry of metals in sewage sludge.

scholarly journals Accumulation of Potentially Toxic Elements in Mosses Collected in the Republic of Moldova

Plants ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
pp. 471
Author(s):  
Inga Zinicovscaia ◽  
Constantin Hramco ◽  
Omari Chaligava ◽  
Nikita Yushin ◽  
Dmitrii Grozdov ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Air Pollution ◽  
Ecological Risk ◽  
Toxic Elements ◽  
Risk Index ◽  
Contamination Factor ◽  
Potential Ecological Risk ◽  
Potentially Toxic Elements ◽  
Republic Of Moldova ◽  
Mass Fractions ◽  
The Republic

For the second time, the moss biomonitoring technique was applied to evaluate the deposition of potentially toxic elements in the Republic of Moldova. The study was performed in the framework of the International Cooperative Program on Effects of Air Pollution on Natural Vegetation and Crops. Moss Hypnum cupressiforme Hedw. samples were collected in May 2020 from 41 sampling sites distributed over the entire territory of the country. The mass fractions of 35 elements (Na, Mg, Al, Cl, K, Ca, Sc, Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Br, Se, Rb, Sr, Sb, Cs, Ba, Cd, La, Ce, Sm, Eu, Tb, Hf, Ta, Th, Pb, and U) were determined using neutron activation analysis and atomic absorption spectrometry. Comparing with 2015/2016 moss survey data, significant differences in the mass fractions of Cr, As, Se, Br, Sr, Sb, Cd, Pb, and Cu were found. Main air pollution sources (natural processes, transport, industry, agriculture, mining) were identified and characterized using factor and correlation analyses. GIS maps were built to point out the zones with the highest element mass fractions and to relate this to the known sources of contamination. Contamination factor, geo-accumulation index, pollution load index, and potential ecological risk index were calculated to assess the air pollution levels in the country. According to the calculated values, Moldova can be characterized as unpolluted to moderately polluted, with low potential ecological risk related to the degree of atmospheric deposition of potentially toxic elements. The cities of Chisinau and Balti were determined to experience particular environmental stress and are considered moderately polluted.

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