scholarly journals An Ecological Risk Assessment of Sediments in a Developing Environment—Batticaloa Lagoon, Sri Lanka

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 73
Author(s):  
Madurya Adikaram ◽  
Amarasooriya Pitawala ◽  
Hiroaki Ishiga ◽  
Daham Jayawardana ◽  
Carla M. Eichler
Keyword(s):  
Trace Elements ◽  
Sri Lanka ◽  
Ecological Risk ◽  
Surface Sediments ◽  
Risk Index ◽  
Sediment Cores ◽  
Sediment Quality ◽  
Potential Ecological Risk ◽  
Published Data ◽  
Core Samples

The land-sea interface is considered as a threatening environment due to anthropogenic development activities. Unplanned developments can cause effects on important ecosystems, water and human health as well. In this study, the influence of rapid regional development on the accumulation of trace elements to the sediments of an important ecosystem, Batticaloa lagoon, Sri Lanka was examined. Surface sediment pollution status and ecological risk was compared with that of the recent sedimentary history of about 1 m depth. Sediment core samples were collected and analyzed for grain size, organic matter and carbonate contents and trace elements (As, Pb, Zn, Cu, Ni and Cr) by the X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) technique. The chemical results of core samples and recently published data of surface sediments of the same project were evaluated by pollution load index (PLI), potential ecological risk index (PERI) and sediment quality guidelines (SQG). Except for Cr, all other elements in cores show lower concentrations than the SQGs confirming the high Cr contents as recorded in the most of other Sri Lankan sediments. The sediment cores indicate an unpolluted, low ecological risk sedimentary history for all core sampling locations, whereas most of the surface sediments of the lagoon are less polluted with low potential ecological risk. Present anthropogenic practices and illiteracy of this rapid developing region can damage the green environment and hence environmental management planning is suggested for a sustainable future.

scholarly journals 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 ◽  
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.

scholarly journals Trace element contamination in the mine-affected stream sediments of Oued Rarai in north-western Tunisia: a river basin scale assessment

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.

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

2017 ◽  
Vol 43 (1) ◽  
pp. 34-47 ◽  
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.

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

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.

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

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.

scholarly journals Baseline Study of Trace Element Concentrations in Sediments of the Intertidal Zone of Amazonian Oceanic Beaches

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jéssica C. E. Vilhena ◽  
Ana Amorim ◽  
Lourenço Ribeiro ◽  
Bernardo Duarte ◽  
Maíra Pombo
Keyword(s):  
Trace Elements ◽  
Trace Element ◽  
Ecological Risk ◽  
Risk Index ◽  
Sediment Quality ◽  
Contamination Factor ◽  
Probable Effect Level ◽  
Threshold Effect Level ◽  
Sampling Points ◽  
Effect Level

Analyzing the presence and quantifying trace elements is of paramount importance to understand natural environmental processes and monitor the degree of anthropogenic disturbance to mitigate impacts already caused. Here, we aimed to establish a baseline of the trace elements profile and concentrations in sandy sediments of intertidal areas of three Amazonian beaches (Brazil). For each beach, sediments were collected from three different sectors (south, center, and north) and five shoreline distance levels (from the high- to the low-water mark), totalizing 15 samples per beach. The concentration of the different trace elements (Mg, Al, P, S, Ca, Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Br, Rb, Sr, Y, Zr, Cd, Sn, I, Hg, and Pb) was determined by Total reflection X-ray Fluorescence spectrometry. Sediment was also characterized for its grain size, organic matter, and pH. To assess possible enrichment due to anthropogenic activities we compared trace element levels with the values for the Earth’s crust and calculated pollution indexes: geoaccumulation index (Igeo), ecological risk index (RI), contamination factor (CF), pollution load index (PLI), and sediment quality guideline (SQG), threshold effects level (TEL) and probable effects level (PEL). Individual trace metal concentrations did not vary significantly between beaches, sectors, or sample levels, evidencing a homogeneity of trace elements composition and concentrations across this environment. Igeo indicated 62.2% of the sampling stations uncontaminated, 20.0% from uncontaminated to moderately contaminated, and 4.44% (two sampling stations) strongly contaminated, the same two areas classified as high ecological risk by RI. Most of the sampling points presented low CF. Cadmium and Hg were the only elements that showed moderate to very high values of CF. According to the SQGs, 77.7 and 8.8% of the sampling points presented values above the moderate threshold effect level (SQG-TEL) and probable effect level (SQG-PEL), respectively. All points were classified as non-polluted according to the PLI. Our results show that the three beaches present safe levels of almost of the elements demonstrating the good state of preservation. Most of the indexes classified the sampling points as non-polluted, except for Cd and Hg in a few specific sampling points.

Distribution Characteristics and Potential Ecological Risk Assessments and Heavy Metals in Surface Sediments and Water Body of the Yalu River Estuary China

2014 ◽  
Vol 522-524 ◽  
pp. 88-91
Author(s):  
Yao Qing Wu ◽  
Li Li
Keyword(s):  
Heavy Metals ◽  
Ecological Risk ◽  
Water Body ◽  
Surface Sediments ◽  
Risk Index ◽  
River Estuary ◽  
Potential Ecological Risk ◽  
Yalu River ◽  
Total Hg ◽  
Ecological Risk Assessments

Surface sediments and water body of the Yalu River estuary were monitored to evaluate the spatial distribution and the enrichment condition of heavy metals: As, Cu, Cd, Cr, Hg, Pb and Zn. Surface sediment samples and water samples were collected from 5 stations, at seven month intervals from May 2012 to November 2012. The correlation of the heavy metals in the surface sediments and the water body was analyzed by using Pearson method. And the method of potential ecological risk index presented by Hakanson was used to evaluate the potential ecological risk of heavy metal pollution in the Yalu River estuary. The results showed that, the order of heavy metals spatial fluctuation degree was Zn > Cr > Pb > Cu > total As > Cd > total Hg, the fluctuation degree of total contents of heavy metals was A1 > A3 > A2 ≈ A4 > A5. The evaluation of potential ecological risk showed that, total Hg reflected considerate ecological risk, total As and Cd reflected moderate ecological risk, and the rest of the heavy metals posed a low ecological risk.

Evaluation of Mercury Contamination in Surface Sediments of Southern Kaohsiung Harbor, Taiwan

2013 ◽  
Vol 716 ◽  
pp. 459-464 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cheng Di Dong ◽  
Chih Feng Chen ◽  
Chiu Wen Chen
Keyword(s):  
Ecological Risk ◽  
Municipal Wastewater ◽  
Surface Sediments ◽  
Risk Index ◽  
River Mouth ◽  
Potential Ecological Risk ◽  
Mercury Contamination ◽  
River Bank ◽  
Accumulation Index ◽  
Severe Degree

Total mercury (T-Hg) concentration was determined to evaluation the distribution, enrichment, accumulation and potential ecological risk of mercury contamination in the surface sediments of southern Kaohsiung Harbor, Taiwan. Sediment samples from 12 locations located between the river mouths (i.e., Jen-Gen River and Salt River) and harbor entrance of southern Kaohsiung Harbor were collected and characterized for T-Hg, aluminum, water content, organic matter, and grain size. Results showed that the T-Hg concentrations varied from 0.190.45 mg/kg with an average of 0.28±0.09 mg/kg. The spatial distribution of T-Hg reveals is relatively high in the river mouth region, and gradually diminishes toward the harbor entrance region. This indicates that upstream industrial and municipal wastewater discharges along the river bank are major sources of Hg pollution; and Hg may drift with sea current to be dispersed into open sea. Results from the enrichment factor (EF) and geo-accumulation index (Igeo) analyses imply that the sediments can be characterized between moderate and moderately severe degree enrichment and between none to medium and moderate accumulation of Hg, respectively. Results of potential ecological risk index indicate that the sediment has higher to high ecological potential risk.

scholarly journals A Review of Heavy Metals in Coastal Surface Sediments from the Red Sea: Health-Ecological Risk Assessments

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (6) ◽  
pp. 2798
Author(s):  
Khalid Awadh Al-Mutairi ◽  
Chee Kong Yap
Keyword(s):  
Red Sea ◽  
Ecological Risk ◽  
Surface Sediments ◽  
Risk Index ◽  
Human Health Risk ◽  
Potential Ecological Risk ◽  
Carcinogenic Risk ◽  
Coastal Sediments ◽  
Mean Values ◽  
Ecological Risk Assessments

The heavy metal (HM) pollution in sediment is of serious concern, particularly in the Red Sea environment. This study aimed to review and compile data on the concentrations of four HMs (Cd, Cu, Pb, and Zn) in the coastal surface sediments from the Red Sea, mainly from Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Yemen, published in the literature from 1992 to 2021. The coastal sediments included those from mangrove, estuaries, and intertidal ecosystems. It was found that the mean values of Cd, Cu, Pb, and Zn in coastal Red Sea sediments were elevated and localized in high human activity sites in comparison to the earth upper continental crust and to reference values for marine sediments. From the potential ecological risk index (PERI) aspect, 32 reports (47.1%) were categorized as ‘considerable ecological risk’ and 23 reports (33.8%) as ‘very high ecological risk’. From the human health risk assessment (HHRA) aspect, the non-carcinogenic risk (NCR) values (HI values < 1.0) of Cd, Cu, Pb, and Zn represented no NCR for the ingestion and the dermal contact routes for sediments from the Red Sea countries. The reassessment of the HM data cited in the literature allowed integrative and accurate comparisons of the PERI and HHRA data, which would be useful in the management and sustainable development of the Red Sea area, besides being a helpful database for future use. This warrants extensive and continuous monitoring studies to understand the current and the projected HM pollution situation and to propose possible protective and conservative measures in the future for the resource-rich Red Sea ecosystem.

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