Potentially Toxic Element Content in Arid Agricultural Soils in South Iran

Potentially toxic elements (PTE) are considered to be dangerous threats, both for human health and the environment. Here, the contamination level, sources, and ecological risks posed by PTE were investigated in 19 topsoils from agricultural lands in the Bandar Abbas County on the southern coast of Iran. The soil fraction <63 μm was used for the analysis of the pseudototal contents of PTE (arsenic, cadmium, cobalt, chromium, copper, lead, manganese, molybdenum, nickel, vanadium, and zinc). The results were analyzed using principal component analysis (PCA) and Pearson’s correlations, different pollution indices [enrichment factor (EF), contamination factor (Cf), and modified degree of contamination (mCd), and the potential ecological risk index (PERI). The results of the pollution indices showed that the contamination levels of the studied agricultural soils are low to moderate, while the average PERI values indicate that the ecological risks of PTE range from low to high in the soils of the studied area. Correlations and PCA analyses suggest that studied elements have three possible origins: geogenic (chromium, cobalt, copper, manganese, vanadium, and zinc), anthropogenic (cadmium, nickel, phosphorus and lead) and atmospheric (arsenic) sources. These findings are helpful for the long-term assessment of PTE in the Bandar Abbas County.

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Farmlands Degradation with Intensive Agricultural Practices and Human Health Risk Assessment: A Case Study of Province Punjab, Pakistan

10.22541/au.160630388.86586236/v1 ◽

2020 ◽

Author(s):

Javed Nawab ◽

Sardar Khan ◽

Zia Din ◽

Shah Faisal ◽

Abid Ali ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Health Risk ◽

Human Health ◽

Agricultural Soils ◽

Risk Index ◽

Human Health Risk ◽

Agricultural Practices ◽

Potential Ecological Risk ◽

Pollution Indices ◽

Global Issue ◽

High Cancer Risk

Farmlands contamination with heavy metals (HMs) can be considered as a global issue especially in developing countries. The current study investigates the various pollution indices, potential ecological risk index (PERI) and human health risk caused by HMs in some selected regions of Punjab Province, Pakistan. Farmlands soil samples were collected, acid extracted and analyzed via ICP-MS (Agilent 7500c) for selected HMs. All the HMs were found within permissible limits set by worldwide regulatory authorities except Cd which exceeded its limit in 68% agricultural soils of the study area. The CF values for Cd showed high (CF≥6) degree of contamination to considerable contamination (3≤CF≤6). The CD values indicated low (CD≤6) contamination to moderate (6dermal>inhalation. Furthermore, the RI values were observed higher than 1.0×10–4 for Cd (Lahore and Faisalabad regions) and Cr (Multan and Faisalabad regions) in children working in farmlands and likely exposed to high cancer risk. So, minimization of pollutants must be the top priority of the state to reduce contaminants inputs and immobilization in soil through environmental protection laws and regulations

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Assessment of Heavy Metals in the Sediments of Chalan Beel Wetland Area in Bangladesh

Processes ◽

10.3390/pr9030410 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 9 (3) ◽

pp. 410

Author(s):

Mohammad Abdus Salam ◽

Mohammad Ashraful Alam ◽

Sulav Indra Paul ◽

Fatama Islam ◽

Dinesh Chandra Shaha ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Heavy Metals ◽

Anthropogenic Activities ◽

Risk Index ◽

Contamination Factor ◽

Principal Component ◽

Potential Ecological Risk ◽

Northwestern Part ◽

Accumulation Index ◽

Significant Enrichment ◽

The Mean

This study aimed to determine the levels and possible sources of heavy metals (HMs) in the sediments of Chalan beel (a large lake-like aquatic ecosystem) area located in the northwestern part of Bangladesh. The mean concentrations (mg kg−1) of two HMs, Cd (6.22) and Pb (51.39) exceeded the world normal averages (WNA), whereas the mean concentrations (mg kg−1) of Ni (60.46), Zn (10.75), Mn (8.64) and Cu (4.71) were below the WNA. The sediments showed significant enrichment with Cd, Pb and Ni in the studied area. The geo-accumulation index values of Cd (3.72) and Pb (0.76) were significantly higher in the sediments. The contamination factor and potential ecological risk index values of Cd and Pb revealed that Chalan beel was extremely and moderately contaminated by these heavy metals, respectively. Analysis of dye complexes used in handlooms around the Chalan beel areas revealed that mean concentrations of Cd and Pb exceeded the WNA. Furthermore, analyses of principal component, cluster and correlation matrix indicated that the presence of the higher levels of Cd and Pb in the sediments might be linked to various anthropogenic activities like discharged dyes into the beel water from the nearby handloom dyeing factories.

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“Assessment of Heavy Metal Pollution in Soil of Chattogram Hill Tracts, Bangladesh and Concomitant Health Risk”

10.21203/rs.3.rs-320812/v1 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Troyee Barua ◽

AKM Saiful Islam Bhuian ◽

Mayeen Uddin Khandaker ◽

Nipa Deb ◽

Shahadat Hossain ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Heavy Metals ◽

Risk Index ◽

Hazard Index ◽

Significant Risk ◽

Contamination Factor ◽

Principal Component ◽

Hierarchical Cluster ◽

Potential Ecological Risk ◽

Pollution Load Index ◽

Toxic Heavy Metals

Abstract The increased human population and associated activities may create a risk in the ecological balance of Chattogram Hill Tracts (CHT), Bangladesh via contamination of soil with toxic heavy metals. Thus, the present study was conducted to assess the concentration of heavy metals (Lead, Cadmium, Copper, Zinc, Iron, Manganese, Chromium and Nickel) in forest soils of the CHT area by using an atomic absorption spectrometer. The degree of contamination of soil was evaluated by five indices: geo-accumulation index (I geo ), enrichment factor (EF), contamination factor (CF), pollution load index (PLI) and potential ecological risk index (PERI). According to these criteria, these soils can be classified as moderately contaminated with some metals. Furthermore, the identification of pollution sources based on principal component analysis and hierarchical cluster analysis have revealed that all analyzed metals are anthropogenic except Fe. Calculated hazard index>1 indicates the possibility of noncarcinogenic effect due to higher value of Fe. Carcinogenic risks through the ingestion, inhalation and dermal pathway for carcinogenic elements (Pb, Cd, Cr, and Ni) shows a non-significant risk (CR<10 -6 ) for both children and adults living in the studied area. Measured data may help the policymakers to reduce the potential effects of soil contamination on eco-environment and human health.

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Spatiotemporal Trends, Sources and Ecological Risks of Heavy Metals in the Surface Sediments of Weitou Bay, China

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph18189562 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 18 (18) ◽

pp. 9562

Author(s):

Qiuming Chen ◽

Faming Huang ◽

Anran Cai

Keyword(s):

Heavy Metals ◽

High Risk ◽

Ecological Risk ◽

Risk Index ◽

Principal Component ◽

Potential Ecological Risk ◽

Ecological Risks ◽

Spatiotemporal Trends ◽

High Concentrations ◽

Anthropogenic Contributions

Heavy metals are extremely harmful materials to marine ecosystems and human health. To determine the anthropogenic contributions and ecological risks in Weitou Bay, China, the spatiotemporal variations in the concentrations of heavy metals in surface sediment were investigated during spring 2008 and 2017. The results indicated that high concentrations of pollutants were generally located near the river mouths and along the coast of industrial areas. Principal component analysis indicated that heavy metal contents were mainly affected by industrial waste drainage, urban development, natural weathering and erosion, and interactions between organic matter and sulfides. The potential ecological risk assessment demonstrated that, in 2008, 82% of the sampling sites were at low risk, while 18% were at moderate risk. The situation had deteriorated slightly by 2017, with 73%, 18%, and 9% of stations in Waytou Bay at low, moderate, and very high risk, respectively. Cd was the most harmful metal, followed by Hg. These two elements accounted for more than 80% of the potential ecological risk index (RI) value. The present work analyzed the source of heavy metals, identified the major pollution elements and high risk areas, and provides guidance for pollution control and ecological restoration in Weitou Bay.

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Characterization of Heavy Metals in Typical River Sediments on the West Bank of Taihu Lake, China

10.21203/rs.3.rs-680543/v1 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Fei Wang ◽

Xiaoming Ren ◽

Yang Qiu ◽

Jiade Cheng ◽

Yan Chen ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Heavy Metals ◽

Ecological Risk ◽

Taihu Lake ◽

West Bank ◽

Risk Index ◽

River Sediments ◽

Principal Component ◽

Potential Ecological Risk ◽

Contamination Level ◽

The West

Abstract In this study, nine heavy metals (Cd, Cr, As, Hg, Pb, Cu, Ni, Be, Sb) in typical river sediments of Wujin and Yixing, two cities on the west bank of Taihu Lake, were determined. Variety of statistical methods were applied to analyze the distribution, sources, pollution status and the potential ecological risk of these metals. The results showed that the mean concentrations for most of the heavy metals in sediments exceeded their local background values, except for Hg and Be. Geoaccumulation index (Igeo) and potential ecological risk index (RI) analysis showed the partially serious contaminated status and strong potential ecological risk for Cd in most sites. The highest contamination level was observed in the estuary of Taihu Lake and most of the sediment samples were polluted and under risk. Principal component analysis (PCA), Cluster analysis (CA) and correlation analysis demonstrated that Ni, Sb, Cr and Cu were controlled by industrial sources, whereas the other metals appeared to be influenced by complex origins including industrial, agricultural and natural sources.

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Analysis of heavy metal contamination in surface sediments of Iskenderun Bay, Turkey

Oceanological and Hydrobiological Studies ◽

10.2478/oandhs-2021-0035 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 50 (4) ◽

pp. 411-420

Author(s):

Banu Kutlu ◽

Tahir Özcan ◽

Gülnaz Özcan

Keyword(s):

Heavy Metals ◽

Ecological Risk ◽

Environmental Protection Agency ◽

Heavy Metal Contamination ◽

Risk Index ◽

Contamination Factor ◽

Principal Component ◽

The United States ◽

Potential Ecological Risk ◽

Iskenderun Bay

Abstract The ecological risk resulting from the accumulation of some heavy metals in the sediments of Iskenderun Bay was assessed using the following measures: enrichment and contamination factor, pollution load index (PLI), and potential ecological risk index (RI). The concentrations of the studied heavy metals were in the following order: Fe > Ni > Mn > Cr > Zn > Cu > As > Pb > Cd > Hg. Ni and As had the highest EF values. This situation is most likely due to the presence of iron, pesticide, and fertilizer plants in the region. According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, Ni, As, Mn, and Cr may have harmful effects on faunal communities in sediments. According to the RI, Site 4 was more contaminated and toxic than the other seven study sites, with “moderate” ecological risk. Pearson’s correlation coefficient was determined by multivariate methods – cluster and principal component analysis. As can be inferred from the RI values, the potential toxic effect of As and Ni in the sediments is moderate.

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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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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 ◽

10.3390/d13020051 ◽

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.

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Assessment of Soil Fertility and Crop Nutrient Status in Agricultural Soils Near a Brick Kiln Cluster

Journal of Agricultural Science ◽

10.5539/jas.v13n1p122 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 13 (1) ◽

pp. 122

Author(s):

Nasrin Chowdhury ◽

Md. Mamunur Rasid

Keyword(s):

Heavy Metal ◽

Nutritional Status ◽

Agricultural Soils ◽

Risk Index ◽

Contamination Factor ◽

Nutrition Status ◽

Soil Parameters ◽

Optimum Level ◽

Brick Kiln ◽

The Impact

Brick kiln exhaust when deposited can hamper the nutritional status of the agricultural soils and crops. To study the impact, soil and associated plant samples were collected from the vicinity of a brick kiln cluster in Chattogram, Bangladesh. The soil contamination was evaluated by heavy metal indices. Agricultural soils close to the brick kiln area were very strongly acid to slightly acid. Organic carbon, total nitrogen and available phosphorus content of the agriculture soils near brick kiln cluster were 0.35% to 1.01%, 0.10 to 0.24% and 2.21 to 13.48 mg kg-1 respectively and the significant different mean value of 0.70%, 0.22% and 14.65 mg kg-1 respectively in the reference soil. The nutritional status of sampling sites was lower than the previously reported data. The nutrition status of the plants was at an optimum level as regular fertilizer application was practiced but showed an irregular pattern along with all the soil parameters and heavy metal indices. The contamination factor (Cd), potential ecological risk index (PER) and geo-accumulation index (Igeo) demonstrated that the agricultural soils in the vicinity of the brick kiln cluster were moderately- to highly-polluted. This indicates the deterioration of soil quality by uncontrolled brick kiln operation.

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