Application of pollution assessment models in soil contaminated by heavy metals in two steel rods markets, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria

Soil samples were collected at a depth of 0-30cm within two steel markets and a control site in Port Harcourt, Rivers State Nigeria to assess the level of heavy metals (Fe, Pb, Cu, Cd, Cr, Ni and As) in the environment. Atomic Adsorption Spectrophotometer was used to analyze the samples for heavy metals. The concentrations of all the heavy metals in the steel rods markets exceeded that of the control. The results indicated that heavy metals concentrations in the sites were in the order; Mile III > Kala > RSU. The average levels of contamination of heavy metals recorded followed the order Fe > Cr > Cu > Pb > Ni > As > Cd in Mile III, Fe > Pb > Cu > Cr > Ni > As > Cd in Kala and Fe > Cu > Pb > Cr > Ni > As > Cd in RSU (control). Mean concentrations obtained for heavy metals within the months of investigation were; 1420.931±9.155, 7.753±0.184, 8.730±0.050, 2.843±0.124, 9.428±0.122, 7.433±0.047 and 3.732±0.047 mg/Kg for Fe, Pb, Cu, Cd, Cr, Ni and As respectively at the mile III station, while the mean concentrations of heavy metals observed at the Kala station were; 1161.173±1.823, 9.425±0.054, 7.596±0.027, 1.425±0.020, 6.507±0.006, 5.455±0.033 and 1.901±0.010 mg/Kg for Fe, Pb, Cu, Cd, Cr, Ni and As respectively. The mean values of heavy metals concentrations observed at the RSU station within the period were; 892.064±1.025,5.603±0.007, 5.841±0.051, 0.173±0.005, 3.389±0.009, 2.309±0.010 and 0.706±0.006 mg/Kg for Fe, Pb, Cu, Cd, Cr, Ni and As respectively. Pollution assessment models used for assessing the anthropogenic input on the quality of the soil in the area using the control site as the basis of judgment were: contamination factor (CF), pollution load index (PLI), contamination degree (CD), modified contamination degree (mCD), potential ecological risk coefficient (Eir), potential ecological risk index (RI), Geo-accumulation index (Igeo) and anthropogenicity. These indices revealed that the steel markets were contaminated and polluted and poses ecological risks by heavy metals, even though the values obtained were still below the WHO acceptable limits. The steel rods markets need to be adequately monitored and regulated to avoid further soil contamination by heavy metals to a degree that will be dangerous to human health.

Download Full-text

Heavy Metal Loading in Surface Sediments along the Kawere Stream, Tarkwa, Ghana

Ghana Mining Journal ◽

10.4314/gm.v20i2.9 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 20 (2) ◽

pp. 77-85

Author(s):

S. A. Ndur ◽

S. Y. Nyarko ◽

I. Quaicoe ◽

L. B. Osei

Keyword(s):

Heavy Metals ◽

Heavy Metal ◽

Ecological Risk ◽

Anthropogenic Activities ◽

Risk Index ◽

Sediment Quality ◽

Ecological Integrity ◽

Pollution Assessment ◽

Well Being ◽

Potential Ecological Risk

Sediment contamination by heavy metals resulting from anthropogenic activities is increasingly becoming a global concern due to the risk it poses to human well-being and ecological integrity at large. The purpose of this study was to assess the heavy metals loading in sediment along the Kawere stream. Ten sediment samples were collected, acid digested and analysed for copper (Cu), lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), manganese (Mn), zinc (Zn), nickel (Ni), chromium (Cr), cobalt (Co) and iron (Fe) using a Varian AA240FS Atomic Absorption Spectrometer (AAS). The Australian and New Zealand Environment and Conservation Council (ANZECC) guidelines for freshwater sediment quality was used as the benchmark against which the measured metal concentrations were compared. Nemerow’s pollution and potential ecological risk indices were used to evaluate the pollution status and ecological risk levels of the heavy metals in the stream. The results obtained indicated that, except Cu which exceeded the ANZECC trigger value of 65 mg/kg at three sampling sites (K01=171.29 mg/kg, K05=170.83 mg/kg and K07=113.31 mg/kg), all other measured heavy metals concentrations were below their corresponding ANZECC values. Heavy metal pollution assessment showed that three samples (K01, K05 and K07) were slightly polluted, suggesting the likelihood of posing a health threat to the aquatic organisms and humans. Calculated Ecological Risk Index (RI) ranged from 3.229 to 19.750 (RI < 150), representing a low ecological risk. As such, the metals, Cu, Ni, Cd, Pb, Cr, and Zn pose a low ecological risk to the aquatic ecosystem. Although the ecological risk is low based on the current results, constant monitoring of the stream quality is recommended due to the increasing human activities along the stream as well as the sediments ability to accumulate and remobilise heavy metals back into the water column and possibly transferring them through the food chain. Keywords: Heavy Metals, Sediment, Ecological Risk Assessment, Pollution, Stream

Download Full-text

ECOLOGICAL RISK ASSESSMENT AND POLLUTION LOAD OF HEAVY METALS IN SOILS WITHIN BORI URBAN, RIVERS STATE, NIGERIA.

African Journal of Engineering and Environment Research ◽

10.37703/ajoeer.org.ng/q12021/03 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 2 (1) ◽

Keyword(s):

Heavy Metals ◽

Ecological Risk ◽

Urban Soils ◽

Anthropogenic Activities ◽

Risk Index ◽

Potential Ecological Risk ◽

Pollution Load ◽

Ecological Risk Index ◽

The Mean ◽

Heavy Metals In Soils

The study assessed the ecological risk and polluting load of heavy metals (Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb and Zn) in surface soils within Bori Urban. The composite soil samples collected from different locations were prepared and atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AAS) was used for the analysis of the heavy metals. From the results of the analysis, the mean concentrations (mg/kg) of the heavy metals decreased in the order Cu (37.42) > Ni (34.06) > Cr (28.66) > Zn (7.75) >Pb (2.03) > Cd (0.89). The mean concentrations of Cd, Cu, and Ni were above USEPA soil guidelines and world unpolluted soil average, while those of Pb and Zn were below. The mean concentrations of the heavy metals from the study locations were all above that of the control location. The findings indicated that the urban soils of the study were loaded with heavy metals due to anthropogenic activities. The anthropogenic percentage input was in the range of 63.92 - 89.13 above 50% indicating anthropogenic origin of the heavy metals in soils of the study area. The results of ecological risk index (Er) indicated that Cd with Er (467.40) contributed up to 94.51% to the potential ecological risk index (RI) while Zn (0.78) contributed 0.16%. The heavy metals under study posed highly strongly potential ecological risk with RI value of 494.56 to the Bori urban soil due to anthropogenic activities. The ANOVA result of FCal 6.42 > [F(5.30) = 2.53, P< 0.05)] revealed significant differences between the soil sample mean values due to different anthropogenic pollution sources with different loads of heavy metals as pollutants. The Omega Squared (w2) value of 0.52 > 0.14 showed very strong interactive relationship among the heavy metals to bring about high level of ecological potential risk of the urban soils in the study area. Based on the findings, the surface soils have elevated load of heavy metals thereby posing ecological potential risk to Bori urban soils. Therefore, there should be periodic monitoring and environmental audit by relevant authorities to ensure good soil quality of Bori urban soil. Keywords: Potential ecological risk, pollution load, Bori Urban, Anthropogenic Percentage input, contamination Factor.

Download Full-text

Heavy Metal Pollution and Ecological Risk Assessment in Soils Adjacent to Electrical Generators in Ramadi City, Iraq

Iraqi Journal of Science ◽

10.24996/ijs.2021.62.4.4 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 1077-1087

Author(s):

Lina F.D. AL-Heety ◽

Omer M. Hasan ◽

Emad A. Mohammed Salih Al-Heety

Keyword(s):

Heavy Metals ◽

Ecological Risk ◽

Risk Index ◽

Potential Ecological Risk ◽

Matrix Analysis ◽

Common Source ◽

Ecological Risk Index ◽

Mean Values ◽

Power Generators ◽

The Mean

This study aims to evaluate the concentration of the heavy metals (Co, Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, and Zn) and their ecological risk in soils adjacent to the power generators of Ramadi city, Iraq. The soil samples were collected from a depth of 20cm. The obtained results showed that the mean concentrations of heavy metals (HMs) are ranked as in the following order: Cr (360.90mg/kg) > Ni (283.65mg/kg) > Zn (190.96mg/kg) > Pb (130.75 mg/kg) > Cu (36.54 mg/kg) > Co (16.62 mg/kg) > Cd (2.55 mg/kg). The mean values of HMs concentration exceed the international guidelines. The result of correlation matrix analysis at P £ 0.05 showed significant correlations between the concentrations of HMs. These correlations are interpreted in the context of a common source of pollution and/or common origin. Results of the potential ecological risk factor assessment of metal i (Eir) in soil adjacent to the power generators of Ramadi city showed that the Eir values take the following descending order: Ni (354.56, very severe) > Cd (255.31, severe) , Co (207.77, severe) > Zn (88.69, heavy) > Cu (25.73, light) > Cr (17.43, light) > Pb (12.0, light). The potential ecological risk index (RI) values are classified as severe ecological risk for all studied heavy metals. This study provides the environmental protection managers and decision-makers with important information about the risk of using electrical generators in residential neighborhoods.

Download Full-text

Spatial-Temporal Variations for Pollution Assessment of Heavy Metals in Hengshui Lake of China

10.21203/rs.3.rs-416457/v1 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Weiwei Liu ◽

Ziliang Guo ◽

Henian Wang ◽

Daan Wang ◽

Manyin Zhang

Keyword(s):

Heavy Metals ◽

Ecological Risk ◽

Wetland Management ◽

Risk Index ◽

Pollution Assessment ◽

Temporal Variations ◽

Potential Ecological Risk ◽

Spatial And Temporal Variations ◽

Conservation Strategies ◽

Contamination Sources

Abstract A comprehensive analysis of the spatial and temporal variations of heavy metals in wetland sediment can delineate the changes in possible contamination sources, providing valuable conservation strategies for further wetland management. Using pollution index, enrichment factors, and potential ecological risk index, the spatial and temporal variations in heavy metals (Cd, Hg, As, Pb, Cr, Cu, and Zn) were evaluated in Hengshui Lake in north China from 2005 to 2020. The results demonstrated that the concentrations and assessment index for most heavy metals all decreased, with that of As decreasing the most (-54.3%), which mainly benefited from the implementation of a series of ecological conservation and restoration projects. Although the assessment indexes for most heavy metals indicated non-pollution status, Hg and Cd exhibited medium enrichment and moderate potential ecological risk. Especially for Cd, the related-indexes increased by 859.3%. Furthermore, the high pollution was mainly distributed nearby the regions of dense enterprises and the spilled into of water (i.e., Wangkou sluice, the Jizhou Small Lake and its causeway). This was primarily attributed to discharge of industrial wastewater and Cd-polluted ecological diversion water. These findings demonstrated the necessity of continued and targeted implementation of wetland conservation and restoration projects, identified possible contamination sources and important pollution regions that could provide insights into contamination control options and targeted management strategies for Hengshui Lake.

Download Full-text

Assessment of heavy metals contamination and associated risks in shallow groundwater sources from three different residential areas within Ibadan metropolis, southwest Nigeria

Applied Water Science ◽

10.1007/s13201-021-01414-4 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (5) ◽

Author(s):

Saheed Adekunle Ganiyu ◽

Abimbola Temitope Oyadeyi ◽

Azeem Adedeji Adeyemi

Keyword(s):

Heavy Metals ◽

Cancer Risk ◽

Urban Area ◽

Ecological Risk ◽

Water Samples ◽

Risk Index ◽

Shallow Groundwater ◽

World Health ◽

Southwest Nigeria ◽

The Mean

AbstractThis study has been conducted to appraise the concentrations of selected heavy metals and total dissolved solids (TDSs) in the drinking water from shallow wells in parts of Ibadan metropolis, southwest Nigeria. Fifteen (15) water samples were collected from three representative residential locations [traditional core area (TCA), peri-urban area (PUA), and urban area (UA)] for geochemical analysis. Heavy metals and TDS were analyzed with the aid of atomic absorption spectrophotometer and calibrated meter, respectively. The mean concentration (mg/L) of Zn, Pb Mn, Fe, and Cd has been 3.930, 0.658, 0.0304, 1.698, and 0.501, respectively, and as a consequence, the order of abundance of studied metals was Zn > Fe > Pb > Cd > Mn. Concentrations of Zn, Fe, Pb, and Cd were higher than recommended standards in 60%, 86.7%, 100%, and 100% of groundwater samples, respectively. However, at all points tested, the mean concentrations of Mn and TDS in water samples lie within the safe limits set by World Health Organization. The evaluation of geoaccumulation index (Igeo), enrichment factor (EF), and contamination factor suggests that representative water samples were low-to-moderate contamination. The potential ecological risk index advocates low-to-moderate ecological risk in TCA and PUA, while it demonstrated exclusive “moderate” risk in UA. Further, the range of pollution load index (PLI) (0.55–1.32) in both TCA and PUA shows nil-to-moderate pollution status, while PLI values > 1 in UA indicate moderate contaminated state. The degree of contamination in groundwater showed the following trends: UA > TCA > PUA in the study area. Moreover, the results of EF and quantification of contamination of analyzed metals in water samples indicate geogenic and anthropogenic inputs. The contribution of studied metals to the incidence of non-cancer risk via oral intake within the residential sites follows the order: cadmium > lead > zinc > iron > manganese. The hazard index as a result of ingested heavy metals for the three population classes surpasses the acceptable range in the order of infant < child < adult. Cadmium and lead made considerable impact to the estimation of cancer risk in the study area for the three human population categories. Factor analysis extracted only one component that explained 94.64% of the entire variance, while cluster analysis identified three distinct groups based on similar water quality characteristics. Based on the findings of the study, awareness programs toward protecting the shallow groundwater sources should be launched, encouraged, and sustained. Moreover, the study suggests better hygienic practices and pre-treatment of contaminated water before consumption.

Download Full-text

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.

Download Full-text

Migration and transformation of heavy metals during the microwave-assisted thermal hydrolysis of sewage sludge

Water Science & Technology ◽

10.2166/wst.2021.272 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Chunsheng Qiu ◽

Jinxin Zheng ◽

Chenchen Wang ◽

Bingbing Wang ◽

Nannan Liu ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Heavy Metals ◽

Sewage Sludge ◽

Ecological Risk ◽

Risk Index ◽

Oxygen Demand ◽

Microwave Treatment ◽

Potential Ecological Risk ◽

Ammonium Nitrogen ◽

Thermal Hydrolysis ◽

Microwave Assisted

Abstract The migration, transformation and ecological risk of heavy metals (Cr, As, Ni, Cu, Zn, Cd and Pb) in the sewage sludge during the microwave-assisted thermal hydrolysis process were investigated under different temperatures (80 °C, 100 °C, 120 °C, 140 °C, and 160 °C). The potential relationship between the bio-availability of heavy metals and the variables of microwave treatment, including pH, ammonium-nitrogen, soluble chemical oxygen demand, pH, soluble protein, soluble polysaccharide and volatile solid, was also explored. The results showed that the migration of heavy metals between solid-liquid phase mainly depended on the temperature. The percentage of all heavy metals (except Cu) in mobile (acid-soluble/exchangeable and reducible) forms decreased after microwave-assisted thermal hydrolysis treatment. The solubilization of compounds with C = O and O-H accompanied with the generation of organic and inorganic metal halides were also observed in the treated sludge through fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analysis. NH4+-N showed the highest negative correlation to the bio-availability of most heavy metals (except Cu and Cr) with coefficients (absolute value) over 0.87 (P < 0.05). VS showed a positive correlation to the bio-availability of most heavy metals (except Cu). The total potential ecological risk index (RI) decreased by 46.65% after microwave treatment at 160 °C.

Download Full-text

Distribution and Contamination Acessment of Heavy Metals in Sediments of Harbin Section of Songhua River, China

Advanced Materials Research ◽

10.4028/www.scientific.net/amr.955-959.2280 ◽

2014 ◽

Vol 955-959 ◽

pp. 2280-2284

Author(s):

Kai Yue Gong ◽

Pei Shi Qi ◽

Yun Zhi Liu

Keyword(s):

Heavy Metals ◽

Ecological Risk ◽

Risk Index ◽

Potential Ecological Risk ◽

Risk Level ◽

Index Method ◽

Songhua River ◽

Ecological Risk Index ◽

Risk Levels ◽

Accumulation Index

In this study, the distribution and enrichment characters of heavy metals were explored. And the potential ecological risk levels of heavy metals were evaluated by geo-accumulation index method and potential ecological risk index method. The concentrations of heavy metals in sediments of Harbin section of Songhua River are: Zn>Pb>Cr>Cu>Ni>Cd. The enrichment degree of Zn is the highest, while Cd is the lowest. The potential ecological risk indexes of heavy metals in the sediments of section of Songhua River in Harbin are: Cd>Pb>Cu>Zn>Ni>Cr. The main heavy metals pollution is Cd, which has low content but considerable potential ecological risk and contributes most to RI. The ecological risk level of heavy metals in the sediments of the section of Songhua River in Harbin is moderate.

Download Full-text

Contamination status and ecological risk of heavy metals in surface sediment of Kelantan River and its nearshore area, Malaysia

Water Science & Technology Water Supply ◽

10.2166/ws.2019.138 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 20 (1) ◽

pp. 103-117

Author(s):

Nagaiah Pooveneswary ◽

Ahmad Farid Bin Abu Bakar ◽

Bong Chui Wei ◽

Choon Weng Lee ◽

Wang Ai Jun ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Heavy Metals ◽

Ecological Risk ◽

Surface Sediment ◽

Inductively Coupled Plasma ◽

Risk Index ◽

Potential Ecological Risk ◽

Pollution Load Index ◽

Emission Spectrometry ◽

Nearshore Area ◽

Significant Enrichment

Abstract A study on contamination status and ecological risk of heavy metals in surface sediment at selected sites on Kelantan River and its nearshore area was carried out. Ten samples along Kelantan River and 25 samples from the nearshore were analyzed using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) to determine heavy metal concentrations. Sediment samples were also analyzed for particle size compositions, total organic matter and pH content. The average concentrations for As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb, Zn were 7.38, 1.31, 17.71, 11.40, 507.15, 5.97, 22.61, 32.95 mg/kg for riverine and 14.14, 4.59, 29.79, 14.07, 389.96, 9.65, 62.21, 41.04 mg/kg for nearshore samples respectively. The potential ecological risk index showed stations Bekok, Manek Urai, and RH under considerable risk followed by station Pasir Mas under moderate risk. The pollution load index classified four nearshore sites (KW10, KW17, KW18, KW37) as polluted. The geo-accumulation index (Igeo) categorized moderate contamination for Cd and Pb. The enrichment factor (EF) along the river categorized extremely high enrichment for Cd, and significant enrichment for As, Pb and Mn while Pb and As were under very high and significant enrichment in nearshore areas. Pb, Cu, Zn, As, Ni and Cr showed significant correlations with each other.

Download Full-text

Geochemistry pollution status and ecotoxicological risk assessment of heavy metals in the Pahang River sediment after the high magnitude of flood event

Hydrology Research ◽

10.2166/nh.2020.122 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

K. Y. Lim ◽

N. A. Zakaria ◽

K. Y. Foo

Keyword(s):

Heavy Metals ◽

Ecological Risk ◽

River Sediment ◽

Risk Index ◽

River Sediments ◽

Sediment Quality ◽

Contamination Factor ◽

Potential Ecological Risk ◽

Flood Event ◽

Pollution Status

Abstract The present work is aimed at assessing the aftermath effects of the 2014 flood tragedy on the distribution, pollution status and ecological risks of the heavy metals deposited in the surface river sediment. A series of environmental pollution indexes, specifically the enrichment factor (EF), geo-accumulation index (Igeo), contamination factor (CF), modified degree of contamination (mCd), pollution load index (PLI), potential ecological risk index (PERI) and sediment quality guidelines (SQGs) have been adopted. Results revealed that the freshly deposited sediments collected soon after the flood event were dominated by Cu, Fe, Pb, Ni, Zn, Cr and Cd, with the average concentrations of 38.74, 16,892, 17.71, 4.65, 29.22, 42.36 and 0.29 mg/kg, respectively. According to the heavy metal pollution indexes, Pahang River sediments were moderately to severely contaminated with Pb, Ni, Cu, Zn and Cr, while Cd with the highest risk of 91.09 was the predominant element that illustrated an aesthetic ecological risk to the water body after the tragic flood event. The findings highlighted a critical deterioration of the heavy metals content, driven by the catastrophic flood event, which has drastically altered their geochemical cycles, sedimentary pollution status and biochemical balance of the river's environment.

Download Full-text