Spatial–Temporal Variations, Ecological Risk Assessment, and Source Identification of Heavy Metals in the Sediments of a Shallow Eutrophic Lake, China

The contamination of heavy metals (Pb, Cr, Hg, Cd, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, and Sb) in the sediments were investigated in Lake Yangcheng, a eutrophic lake in China. Results showed that the average concentrations of each metal in the surface sediments generally exceeded their corresponding background values. Higher values were observed in deeper zones, supporting the retention and accumulation of heavy metals in the core sediments. The spatial distributions of metal averages, pollution load index (PLI), and combined ecological risk index (RI) revealed that ecological risks were highest in the west lake, followed by middle lake, and were lowest in the east section. For the temporal variations of metal contents, the highest concentration was usually observed in the winter. However, the seasonal dynamics of Hg showed a different pattern with higher values in the autumn and lower values in the winter. According to contamination factor (CF), the Hg and Sb contaminations were considerable, while the other metals were moderate contamination. In terms of geoaccumulation index (Igeo) values, sediments were moderately–heavily polluted by Sb and moderately polluted by Hg, Cd, and Ni. Meanwhile, Hg exhibited a considerable health risk, while Cd and Sb were moderate risks, based on single ecological risk index (Er) values. Significant positive correlations among heavy metals and principal component analysis (PCA) indicated that anthropogenic activities were major sources. The source of Sb might be different from other metals, with industrial discharge as the main loading. This study highlighted the urgency of taking measures to prevent Hg, Sb, and Cd pollutions in Lake Yangcheng, especially the west region of this lake.

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Evaluation of Contamination and Ecological Risk of Heavy Metals Associated with Cement Production in Ewekoro, Southwest Nigeria

Journal of Health and Pollution ◽

10.5696/2156-9614-10.25.200306 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 10 (25) ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

Temitope Ayodeji Laniyan ◽

Adeniyi JohnPaul Adewumi

Keyword(s):

Heavy Metals ◽

Ecological Risk ◽

Anthropogenic Activities ◽

Risk Index ◽

Contamination Factor ◽

Average Concentration ◽

Railway Track ◽

Anthropogenic Sources ◽

Cement Production ◽

Heavy Metals In Soils

Background. Exposure to heavy metals emanating from cement production and other anthropogenic activities can pose ecological risks. Objectives. A detailed investigation was carried out to assess the contamination and ecological risk of heavy metals associated with dust released during cement production. Methods. Sixty samples, including 30 soils and 30 plants, were collected around Lafarge Cement Production Company. Control samples of soil and plants were collected in areas where human activities are limited. Samples were dried, sieved (for soil; 65 μm), packaged and analyzed using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry at Acme Laboratory in Canada. Results. The average concentration of heavy metals in soils of the area are: copper (Cu): 41.63 mg/kg; lead (Pb): 35.43 mg/kg; zinc (Zn): 213.64 mg/kg; chromium (Cr): 35.60 mg/kg; cobalt (Co): 3.84 mg/kg and nickel (Ni): 5.13 mg/kg. Concentrations of Cr in soils were above the recommended standards, while other metals were below recommended limits. The average concentrations of heavy metals in plants were: Cu: 26.32 mg/kg; Pb: 15.46 mg/kg; Zn: 213.94 mg/kg; Cr: 30.62 mg/kg; Co: 0.45 mg/kg and Ni: 3.77 mg/kg. Levels of heavy metals in plants were all above international limits. Geo-accumulation of metals in soils ranged between −0.15 and 6.32, while the contamination factor ranged between 0.53 and 119.59. Ecological risk index of heavy metals in soils ranged between 49.71 and 749. Discussion. All metals in soils of the study area except for Cr were below the allowable limits, while the levels of metals in plants were above the permissible limits. Levels of heavy metals reported in this study were higher than those from similar cement production areas. Soils around the Ewekoro cement production area were low to extremely contaminated by toxic metals. Cement production, processing, transportation in conjunction with the abandoned railway track in the area greatly contribute to the high degree of contamination observed in the area. Metal transfers from soil to plant are a common phenomenon. The metals pose low to considerable ecological risk. Conclusions. Anthropogenic sources, especially cement processing activities, release heavy metals which leads to progressive pollution of the environment and poses high ecological risk. Competing Interests. The authors declare no competing financial interests

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Assessment of heavy metals concentrations in the soil of Mongla industrial area, Bangladesh

Environmental Health Engineering and Management ◽

10.15171/ehem.2019.22 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 6 (3) ◽

pp. 191-202

Author(s):

Md. Abu Rayhan Khan ◽

Mosummath Hosna Ara ◽

Palash Kumar Dhar

Keyword(s):

Heavy Metals ◽

Anthropogenic Activities ◽

Pearson Correlation ◽

Risk Index ◽

Contamination Factor ◽

Industrial Area ◽

Ecological Risk Index ◽

Significant Difference ◽

One Way Anova

Background: Contamination of soil with heavy metals is an alarming issue around the world. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the contamination status of heavy metals in the soil of Mongla industrial area, Bangladesh. Methods: Soil samples were randomly collected from 20 sites and digested by wet digestion method. The concentrations of heavy metals (Mn, Fe, Cu, Zn, Cd, and Pb) were determined using atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AAS). The quality of soil was assessed based on the contamination factor (CF), geoaccumulation index (Igeo), enrichment factor (EF), and ecological risk index factor (ERIF) analyses. Results: The average concentrations of Mn, Fe, Cu, Zn, Cd, and Pb were obtained to be 258.08±51.61, 3736.90±322.17, 19.55±6.49, 66.76 ± 18.32, 0.59±0.13, and 10.40 ± 1.49 mg kg-1, respectively, which were below the permissible limit. The highest value of CF (0.74±0.16), Igeo (0.35±0.34), EF (24.86±6.27), and PERIF (22.11±4.81) was observed for Cd. The pollution of CF, Igeo, EF, and ERIF was classified as very severely polluted, unpolluted to moderately polluted, strongly to extremely polluted, and slightly polluted, respectively, with these heavy metals due to anthropogenic activities. One-way ANOVA indicated a significant difference between Zn and Cd concentrations (P<0.05), whereas Pearson correlation showed a positive correlation between Zn-Pb (P=0.01) and Fe-Zn (P=0.05). Conclusion: There are different classes of contamination with heavy metals in the study area. Therefore, necessary steps should be taken and people’s awareness of the soil pollution should be raised.

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The ecological risk assessment and suggestions on heavy metals in river sediments of Jinan

Water Science & Technology ◽

10.2166/wst.2017.380 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 76 (8) ◽

pp. 2177-2187 ◽

Cited By ~ 5

Author(s):

Xu Wang ◽

Lijun Ren ◽

Fengchao Jiao ◽

Wenjie Liu

Keyword(s):

Heavy Metals ◽

Ecological Risk ◽

Risk Index ◽

River Sediments ◽

Principal Component ◽

Potential Ecological Risk ◽

Moderate Degree ◽

Multivariate Statistical ◽

Ecological Risk Index ◽

Heavy Metals Pollution

The concentrations of eight heavy metals (Cr, Hg, As, Pb, Cd, Cu, Zn, Ni) in six river sediment samples were collected for evaluation of the degree of the heavy metals pollution distribution and ecological risk of three main rivers' sediments in Jinan. Multivariate statistical techniques were used to determine the most common pollution sources. The results illustrated that all of the metals in Damatou and Xinfengzhuang sections of the Xiaoqing River were much higher than the background value, and the level of potential ecological risk index was very high. The remaining four sections had a low or moderate degree of ecological risk. Principal component analysis (PCA) showed that all metals, with the exception of As, formed the first component explaining 86.85% of the total variance and industry sources could be considered as the first component, while As alone could be the second component, representing agricultural source. The elements Cr and Zn were grouped together while the remaining six metals formed a separate category. Among all heavy metals, Hg and Cd were the most significant contributors to the pollution. Therefore, the prevention of pollution should pay more attention to controlling the sources, especially Hg and Cd.

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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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Ecological Risk Assessment of Heavy Metals along Three Main Drains in Nile Delta and Potential Phytoremediation by Macrophyte Plants

Plants ◽

10.3390/plants9070910 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 9 (7) ◽

pp. 910

Author(s):

Yasser A. El-Amier ◽

Giuliano Bonanomi ◽

Saud L. Al-Rowaily ◽

Ahmed M. Abd-ElGawad

Keyword(s):

Heavy Metals ◽

Ecological Risk ◽

Nile Delta ◽

Risk Index ◽

Translocation Factor ◽

Contamination Factor ◽

Drainage Water ◽

High Concentration ◽

Ecological Risk Index ◽

Industrial Activities

The use of drainage water in the irrigation of agroecosystem is associated with environmental hazards, and can pose threats to human health. Nine heavy metals (Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu, Co, Cr, Ni, Cd and Pb) along three main drains in the middle Nile Delta were measures in the sediments, roots and shoots of three common macrophytes (Echinochloa stagnina, Phragmites australis and Typha domingensis). The physicochemical characteristics, as well as the enrichment factor (Ef), contamination factor (Cf), geoaccumulation index (Igeo), ecological risk factor (Er), degree of contamination (Dc) and potential ecological risk index (PERI), were determined for sediment. The metal bioaccumulation factor (BAF) and translocation factor (TF) were assessed for plants. Data revealed high contents of Cr, Zn and Cd in the upstream of the drains, while Mn, Cu and Ni were recorded in high concentrations in the downstream. Mn, Cr, Co, Cu, Ni and Zn were recorded to be within EU (2002), CSQGD (2007) and US EPA (1999) limits, while Cd and Pb showed high a ecological risk index. This high concentration of pollutants could be attributed to unremitting industrial activities, which can bioaccumulate in the food chains and cause serious problems for humans. The root of P. australis showed the effective accumulation of most of the elements, while T. domingensis revealed the highest accumulation of Pb. However, the highest BAF shoot value was found in T. domingensis for most of the heavy metals, except for Fe and Zn in P. australis and Mn in E. stagnina. Thus, P. australis could be used as a potential phytoextractor of these hazardous metals, as an eco-friendly and cost-efficient method for remediation of the polluted drains. Further, T. domingensis could be integrated as a hyperaccumulator of Pb. Strict laws and regulations must be taken into consideration by the policymaker against unmanaged industrial activities, particularly near the water streams in the Nile Delta.

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Contamination Evaluation and Source Identification of Heavy Metals in the Sediments from the Lishui River Watershed, Southern China

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph16030336 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 16 (3) ◽

pp. 336 ◽

Cited By ~ 18

Author(s):

Fang Shen ◽

Longjiang Mao ◽

Runxia Sun ◽

Jijing Du ◽

Zhihai Tan ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Heavy Metals ◽

Ecological Risk ◽

Southern China ◽

Risk Index ◽

River Sediments ◽

Human Health Risk ◽

Contamination Factor ◽

Principal Component ◽

Industrial Activities ◽

River Watershed

Seven heavy metals (Cr, Mn, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Pb) were measured in surface sediments from the Lishui River watershed, an area with increased soil erosion in China. The mean concentrations of heavy metals were 61.20 mg/kg (Cr), 757.15 mg/kg (Mn), 9.39 mg/kg (Co), 25.31 mg/kg (Ni), 22.84 mg/kg (Cu), 91.66 mg/kg (Zn), and 40.19 mg/kg (Pb), respectively. The spatial distribution of heavy metals was site-specific, exhibiting a remarkably high level in the sampling stations with intense agricultural activities (Lixian) and industrial activities (Jinshi). Contamination indexes including contamination factor, pollution load index, nemerow multi-factor index, potential ecological risk index, and human health risk were used to assess the pollution degree of the river sediments. The results indicated the pollution degree of heavy metals decreased in the order of Mn>Pb>Zn>Cr>Cu>Ni>Co. Heavy metals resulted in non-pollution to moderate pollution, with low ecological risk and an acceptable carcinogenic risk caused by Cr and Ni for children and adults. Person’s correlation analysis and principal component analysis, coupled with cluster analysis, revealed that the sediments from the Lishui River were mainly influenced by two sources. Cr, Co, Ni, and Cu were mainly derived from natural sources, while Mn, Zn, and Pb originated from agricultural and industrial activities, mining, and vehicular traffic.

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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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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.

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Geospatial Mapping, Environmetrics and Indexing Approach for a Tropical River Sediment in Southern Nigeria

Pakistan Journal of Scientific & Industrial Research Series A: Physical Sciences ◽

10.52763/pjsir.phys.sci.63.3.2020.176.187 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 63 (3) ◽

pp. 176-187

Author(s):

Osikemekha Anthony Anania ◽

John Ovie Olomukoro ◽

Alex Ajeh Enuneku

Keyword(s):

Heavy Metals ◽

Ecological Risk ◽

Anthropogenic Activities ◽

Risk Index ◽

Principal Component ◽

Kriging Interpolation ◽

Mean Values ◽

Significant Difference ◽

The Mean ◽

Geospatial Mapping

The objectives of this study are to assess the trace and heavy metals pollution in the sediments of Ossiomo river, using geospatial mapping, environmetrics and ecological risk indices. The results from the descriptive statistics showed that there was significant difference (P<0.05) of the mean values of Fe, Mn, Cu, Cr, Cd, Pb, Ni and V. A posterior analysis using Duncan multiple regression analysis showed that stations 2 and 3 were significantly different from stations 1 and 4. While, there was no significant difference (P>0.05) in the mean values of Zn across the stations. The results of the relationship of the metals revealed a negative correlation between Fe and Mn with the other metals correspondingly. The results of the Kriging interpolation indicated a strong bull eye colour for stations 2 and 3 (6.42), while stations 1 and 4 were minimal (1.4). The results of the geospatial mapping indicated Fe, Zn and Mn to be the most dominant metals across the stations. The results of the PCA (principal component analysis) yielded 16 variables under 9 components with Eigenvalues >1 in components 1- 6 and these variables explained 99.99 % of the total variance in the sediment. The results of the degree of suitability and sphericity of the PCA revealed a high significant difference at P<0.001. The results of the potential ecological risk index values were very high in station 2 (824.30) and 3 (802.11) correspondingly. That of index of geo-accumulation was generally low (< 2). The findings from this study generally revealed the source apportionment of the trace and heavy metals to come from anthropogenic influences such as farming; fertilizers. Sustainable agriculture is highly recommended in order to reduce the impacts of anthropogenic activities, deterioration of the ecosystem and possible death of the life forms in this watercourse.

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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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