scholarly journals Quantitative assessment of atmospheric emissions of toxic heavy metals from anthropogenic sources in China: historical trend, spatial variation distribution, uncertainties and control policies

2015 ◽  
Vol 15 (8) ◽  
pp. 12107-12166 ◽  
Author(s):  
H. Z. Tian ◽  
C. Y. Zhu ◽  
J. J. Gao ◽  
K. Cheng ◽  
J. M. Hao ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Heavy Metals ◽  
Spatial Variation ◽  
Anthropogenic Activities ◽  
Anthropogenic Sources ◽  
Atmospheric Emissions ◽  
Toxic Heavy Metals ◽  
Average Growth ◽  
Regional Population ◽  
Industrial Boilers ◽  
Cu And Zn

Abstract. Anthropogenic atmospheric emissions of typical toxic heavy metals have received worldwide concerns due to their adverse effects on human health and the ecosystem. By determining the best available representation of time-varying emission factors with S-shape curves, we established the multiyear comprehensive atmospheric emission inventories of 12 typical toxic heavy metals (Hg, As, Se, Pb, Cd, Cr, Ni, Sb, Mn, Co, Cu and Zn) from primary anthropogenic activities in China for the period of 1949–2012 for the first time. Further, we allocated the annual emissions of these heavy metals in 2010 at a high spatial resolution of 0.5° × 0.5° grid with ArcGIS methodology and surrogate indexes, such as regional population and gross domestic product (GDP). Our results show that the historical emissions of Hg, As, Se, Cd, Cr, Ni, Sb, Mn, Co, Cu and Zn during the period of 1949–2012, have been increased by about 22–128 times at an annual average growth rate of 5.1–8.0%, amounting to about 79 570 t in 2012. Nonferrous metal smelting, coal combustion of industrial boilers, brake and tyre wear, and ferrous metals smelting represent the dominant sources for Hg / Cd, As / Se / Pb / Cr / Ni / Mn / Co, Sb / Cu, and Zn, respectively. In terms of spatial variation, the majority of emissions were concentrated in relatively developed regions, especially for the northern, eastern and southern coastal regions. In addition, because of the flourishing nonferrous metals smelting industry, several southwestern and central-southern provinces play a prominent role in some specific toxic heavy metals emissions, like Hg in Guizhou and As in Yunnan. Finally, integrated countermeasures are proposed to minimize the final toxic heavy metals discharge on accounting of the current and future demand of energy-saving and pollution reduction in China.

scholarly journals Quantitative assessment of atmospheric emissions of toxic heavy metals from anthropogenic sources in China: historical trend, spatial distribution, uncertainties, and control policies

2015 ◽  
Vol 15 (17) ◽  
pp. 10127-10147 ◽  
Author(s):  
H. Z. Tian ◽  
C. Y. Zhu ◽  
J. J. Gao ◽  
K. Cheng ◽  
J. M. Hao ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Heavy Metals ◽  
Nonferrous Metal ◽  
Anthropogenic Activities ◽  
Ferrous Metal ◽  
Anthropogenic Sources ◽  
Atmospheric Emissions ◽  
Toxic Heavy Metals ◽  
Average Growth ◽  
Industrial Boilers ◽  
Cu And Zn

Abstract. Anthropogenic atmospheric emissions of typical toxic heavy metals have caused worldwide concern due to their adverse effects on human health and the ecosystem. By determining the best available representation of time-varying emission factors with S-shape curves, we establish the multiyear comprehensive atmospheric emission inventories of 12 typical toxic heavy metals (Hg, As, Se, Pb, Cd, Cr, Ni, Sb, Mn, Co, Cu, and Zn) from primary anthropogenic activities in China for the period of 1949–2012 for the first time. Further, we allocate the annual emissions of these heavy metals in 2010 at a high spatial resolution of 0.5° × 0.5° grid with ArcGIS methodology and surrogate indexes, such as regional population and gross domestic product (GDP). Our results show that the historical emissions of Hg, As, Se, Cd, Cr, Ni, Sb, Mn, Co, Cu, and Zn, during the period of 1949–2012, increased by about 22–128 times at an annual average growth rate of 5.1–8.0 %, reaching about 526.9–22 319.6 t in 2012. Nonferrous metal smelting, coal combustion of industrial boilers, brake and tyre wear, and ferrous metal smelting represent the dominant sources of heavy metal emissions. In terms of spatial variation, the majority of emissions are concentrated in relatively developed regions, especially for the northern, eastern, and southern coastal regions. In addition, because of the flourishing nonferrous metal smelting industry, several southwestern and central-southern provinces play a prominent role in some specific toxic heavy metals emissions, like Hg in Guizhou and As in Yunnan. Finally, integrated countermeasures are proposed to minimize the final toxic heavy metals discharge on account of the current and future demand of energy-saving and pollution reduction in China.

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

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (25) ◽  
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

Spatio-temporal variation level of heavy metals in surface water and sediment in Tagwai Lake, Minna, Nigeria

2020 ◽  
Vol 29 (1) ◽  
pp. 123-131
Author(s):  
V.I. Chukwuemeka ◽  
E.A. Jimoh ◽  
K.O. Olajide ◽  
Y.I. Auta ◽  
H.S. Auta ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Heavy Metals ◽  
Surface Water ◽  
Anthropogenic Activities ◽  
Absorption Spectrometry ◽  
Average Concentration ◽  
Toxic Heavy Metals ◽  
Water And Sediment ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Spatio Temporal ◽  
Standard Range

The high contamination of aquatic systems with toxic heavy metals is of major concern since the elements are not biodegradable. Heavy metals often get into the water through runoff from farmlands and dumping of effluents from industries into the water bodies. The toxicity of these heavy metals can cause harmful and even lethal effects on the human health. The objective of this study was to investigate the level of Pb, Cu, Mn, and Fe in both surface water and sediment of Tagwai Lake. Atomic Absorption Spectrometry investigation was carried out on the collected and digested water and sediment samples to determine the extent of these heavy metals contamination in the water. The results showed that the average concentration of heavy metals ranked in the following order: Pb>Mn>Cu>Fe with higher concentration in sediment compared to the water. The correspondence of the mean concentrations of heavy metals in water and sediment of the Tagwai Lake with the WHO standard suggests that the mean concentration of Pb, Cu, and Fe lies within the standard range while Mn exceeds the standard range in both the water and sediments. We therefore advocate regular surveillance as a tool for monitoring impacts of anthropogenic activities in the lake to ensure safety of the general populace who depend on it for their livelihood. Keywords: spatio-temporal, heavy metals, sediments, Tagwai Lake

Antioxidative and Biochemical Responses in Dalbergia sissoo Roxb. Seedlings Growing Under Cobalt and Lead Stress

2016 ◽  
Vol 39 (3) ◽  
pp. 211-216
Author(s):  
A.K. Tripathi ◽  
M.K. Gupta ◽  
Nemit Verma ◽  
Sohni Sinha ◽  
Amrendra Bhushan
Keyword(s):  
Heavy Metals ◽  
Ascorbic Acid ◽  
Anthropogenic Activities ◽  
Soil Conditions ◽  
Timber Species ◽  
Dalbergia Sissoo ◽  
Toxic Heavy Metals ◽  
Chlorophyll Contents ◽  
Biochemical Responses ◽  
Four Levels

Dalbergia sissoo Roxb. is one of the most important timber species of India. It is used for high quality furniture, cabinets making and has pesticidal property. It is commonly planted tree species in urban and suburban areas, roadsides and industrial areas where the soil may be polluted with heavy metals such as Co or Pb. Lead (Pb) and Cobalt (Co) are one of the non essential and toxic heavy metals which can cause oxidative stress in plants. The concentrations of these heavy metals in the environment are currently increasing, due mainly to anthropogenic activities. The effect of these heavy metals on biochemical parameters and antioxidant activity were studied in leaves of Dalbergia sissoo Roxb. grown under control laboratory conditions in pot culture and four levels of heavy metal stress (10, 20, 30 and 40ppm Pb2+, Co2+). Six months exposure of Dalbergia sissoo Roxb. plantlets to different concentration of Co or Pb in normal soil conditions elicited an antioxidative response, measured in terms of ascorbic acid, proline accumulation and biochemical responses in terms of protein and free amino acids. The results indicate that the proline, ascorbic acid contents increased with increase in Co and Pb amount in soil whereas the protein and total chlorophyll contents showed opposite trend.

scholarly journals Detection, Distribution and Health Risk Assessment of Toxic Heavy Metals/Metalloids, Arsenic, Cadmium, and Lead in Goat Carcasses Processed for Human Consumption in South-Eastern Nigeria

Foods ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. 798
Author(s):  
Emmanuel O. Njoga ◽  
Ekene V. Ezenduka ◽  
Chiazor G. Ogbodo ◽  
Chukwuka U. Ogbonna ◽  
Ishmael F. Jaja ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Heavy Metals ◽  
Risk Assessment ◽  
Health Risk ◽  
Health Risk Assessment ◽  
Anthropogenic Activities ◽  
Human Consumption ◽  
Eastern Region ◽  
Toxic Heavy Metals ◽  
South Eastern ◽  
Kidney Liver

Notwithstanding the increased toxic heavy metals/metalloids (THMs) accumulation in (edible) organs owed to goat′s feeding habit and anthropogenic activities, the chevon remains increasingly relished as a special delicacy in Nigeria. Specific to the South-Eastern region, however, there is paucity of relevant data regarding the prevalence of THMs in goat carcasses processed for human consumption. This work was, therefore, aimed to investigate the detection, distribution and health risk assessment of THMs in goat carcass processed for human consumption in South-Eastern Nigeria. To achieve this, a total of 450 meat samples (kidney, liver and muscle) were evaluated from 150 randomly selected goat carcasses processed in two major slaughterhouses in Enugu State. The detection, distribution, as well as health risk assessment parameters followed standard procedures. Results revealed that at least one THM was detected in 56% of the carcasses. Mean concentrations of arsenic (As) were 0.53 ± 0.10 mg/kg, 0.57 ± 0.09 mg/kg and 0.45 ± 0.08 mg/kg, lead (Pb) were 0.48 ± 0.38 mg/kg, 0.45 ± 0.24 mg/kg and 0.82 ± 0.39 mg/kg, cadmium (Cd) was 0.06 ± 0.32 mg/kg, 0.02 ± 0.00 mg/kg, and 0.02 ± 0.00 mg/kg for kidney, liver and muscle tissues, respectively. The estimated daily intakes (EDI) for all THMs were above the recommended safe limits. The target hazard quotient (THQ) and hazard index (HI) computed for all As, Cd and Pb fell below unity in all the studied organs, which indicated no non-carcinogenic risks. Curtailing the anthropogenic activities that aid the THM-contamination in goat production/processing lines is recommended. Screening for THM-contamination in Nigerian slaughterhouses is imperative, so as to ascertain the toxicological safety of meats intended for human consumption.

scholarly journals Concentration of Mobile Forms of Heavy Metals and Magnetic Properties of Soils in the Town of Volsk, Saratov Region, Russia

2020 ◽  
Vol 15 (1) ◽  
pp. 137-144
Author(s):  
D. S. Majeed ◽  
M. V. Reshetnikov ◽  
V. N. Eremin ◽  
A. S. Sheshnev
Keyword(s):  
Heavy Metals ◽  
Magnetic Susceptibility ◽  
Anthropogenic Activities ◽  
P Value ◽  
Anthropogenic Contamination ◽  
Reliable Technique ◽  
Composite Surface ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
Saratov Region ◽  
Cu And Zn

Aim. Magnetic susceptibility is a fast, inexpensive and reliable technique for estimating and monitoring anthropogenic contamination of soil with heavy metals. However, certain factors affecting magnetic susceptibility need to be determined before applying this technique to environmental studies. The objectives of this study were to investigate: (1) the effect of parent materials and land use on magnetic susceptibility and concentrations of Ni, Pb, Cr, Cd, Cu and Zn; and (2) the possible use of magnetic susceptibility as an indicator of anthropogenic heavy metals contamination of soil in the city of Volsk, Saratov region, Russia.Material and Methods. Fifty (50) composite surface soil samples (0–10 cm) were selected. 1M HNO3 extractable concentrations of Ni, Pb, Cr, Cd, Cu and Zn were analyzed using atomic absorption spectroscopy. Concentrations of organic matter in the soil were determined. Magnetic susceptibility at low and high frequency (χlf and χhf) were measured and frequency dependent susceptibility (χfd) was calculated.Results. Magnetic susceptibility varied from 1.34 to 29.6 × 10−7 m3 kg−1. A positive strong correlation (P value = 0.01, r = 0.55) was obtained between Pb and χlf. Significant correlational relationships were observed between Pb with χlf, most likely due to significant effects of anthropogenic activities on magnetic susceptibility, therefore enhancing Pb concentrations in urban soils.Conclusions. In the soils studied, magnetic susceptibility could be employed as an indicator of anthropogenic contamination of soil with heavy metals.

scholarly journals Concentrations, Source Characteristics, and Health Risk Assessment of Toxic Heavy Metals in PM2.5 in a Plateau City (Kunming) in Southwest China

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (21) ◽  
pp. 11004
Author(s):  
Xinyu Han ◽  
Shuai Li ◽  
Zezheng Li ◽  
Xiaochen Pang ◽  
Yuzhai Bao ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Heavy Metals ◽  
Risk Assessment ◽  
Health Risk ◽  
Health Risk Assessment ◽  
Principal Component ◽  
Carcinogenic Risk ◽  
Anthropogenic Sources ◽  
Toxic Heavy Metals ◽  
Men And Women ◽  
Vehicles Emissions

To explore the mass concentration levels and health risks of heavy metals in the air in dense traffic environments, PM2.5 samples were collected at three sites in the city of Kunming in April and October 2013, and January and May 2014. Ten heavy metals––V, Cr, Mn, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Cd and Pb––were analyzed by ICP–MS, and the results showed PM2.5 concentrations significantly higher in spring and winter than in summer and autumn, especially for Zn and Pb. The concentration of heavy metals on working days is significantly higher, indicating that vehicle emissions are significant contributors. An enrichment factor analysis showed that Cr, Mn, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Cd and Pb come mainly from anthropogenic sources, while V and Co may be both anthropogenic and natural. The correlation and principal component analysis (PCA) showed that Ni, Cu, Zn, Cd and Pb mainly come from vehicles emissions and metallurgical industries; Cr and Mn, from vehicles emissions and road dust; and As, mainly from coal combustion. The health risk assessment shows that the non-carcinogenic risk thresholds of the heavy metals in PM2.5 to children and adult men and women are all less than 1. The carcinogenic risk of Cr for men and women in traffic-intensive areas exceeds 10−4, reaching 1.64 × 10−4 and 1.4 × 10−4, respectively.

scholarly journals Estimation the Presence of Heavy Metals and Trace Elements in Indian Herbal Cosmetics by Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer

1970 ◽  
Vol 7 (5) ◽  
pp. 59-64
Author(s):  
Krishnasis Chakraborty ◽  
Suraj Chaudhary
Keyword(s):  
Heavy Metals ◽  
Trace Elements ◽  
Atomic Absorption Spectrometry ◽  
Atomic Absorption ◽  
Absorption Spectrometry ◽  
Permissible Limit ◽  
Toxic Heavy Metals ◽  
Herbal Cosmetics ◽  
Cu And Zn ◽  
Metals And Trace Elements

Heavy metals are identically Pb, Cd and micronutrients elements like Ca, Mg, Al, Cu and Zn were quantitatively estimated using Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (FAAS). Similarly, heavy metals such as As and Hg were quantitatively estimated by Hydride Generation Technique i.e. Cold Vapor Atomic Absorption Spectrometry method expending nitrogen as carrier gas in 30 herbal cosmetic preparations available in Indian markets. The results designate that among the toxic heavy metals. In the present study, Arsenic was found significantly well below the permissible limit, but Cd was found above the permissible limit in the all samples. Trace elements like Ca and Mg were found in higher amount than compare to Al, Cu, and Zn. Presence of trace elements can corroborate to be beneficial but existence of toxic heavy metals in such amounts certainly has adverse effects on the consumer health who always take the herbal products in an impression of being safe because of the natural origin. In conclusion, execution of strict and isolated regulatory guidelines and promotion of Good Analytical Practice (GAP), Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and Good Agricultural and Control Practices (GACP) is suggested for herbal cosmetics by WHO and other regulatory agencies. This study presents the status of heavy metals and trace elements in marketed herbal cosmetic formulations and provides a simple and convenient AAS method which can effectively be adopted at Industrial level for the quality control and standardization of herbal cosmetic preparations and other related products.  

scholarly journals Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology of Hazardous Heavy Metals: Environmental Persistence, Toxicity, and Bioaccumulation

2019 ◽  
Vol 2019 ◽  
pp. 1-14 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hazrat Ali ◽  
Ezzat Khan ◽  
Ikram Ilahi
Keyword(s):  
Heavy Metals ◽  
Human Health ◽  
Environmental Chemistry ◽  
Anthropogenic Sources ◽  
Health Concern ◽  
Food Chains ◽  
Toxic Heavy Metals ◽  
Environmental Persistence ◽  
Metals And Metalloids ◽  
Heavy Metals And Metalloids

Heavy metals are well-known environmental pollutants due to their toxicity, persistence in the environment, and bioaccumulative nature. Their natural sources include weathering of metal-bearing rocks and volcanic eruptions, while anthropogenic sources include mining and various industrial and agricultural activities. Mining and industrial processing for extraction of mineral resources and their subsequent applications for industrial, agricultural, and economic development has led to an increase in the mobilization of these elements in the environment and disturbance of their biogeochemical cycles. Contamination of aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems with toxic heavy metals is an environmental problem of public health concern. Being persistent pollutants, heavy metals accumulate in the environment and consequently contaminate the food chains. Accumulation of potentially toxic heavy metals in biota causes a potential health threat to their consumers including humans. This article comprehensively reviews the different aspects of heavy metals as hazardous materials with special focus on their environmental persistence, toxicity for living organisms, and bioaccumulative potential. The bioaccumulation of these elements and its implications for human health are discussed with a special coverage on fish, rice, and tobacco. The article will serve as a valuable educational resource for both undergraduate and graduate students and for researchers in environmental sciences. Environmentally relevant most hazardous heavy metals and metalloids include Cr, Ni, Cu, Zn, Cd, Pb, Hg, and As. The trophic transfer of these elements in aquatic and terrestrial food chains/webs has important implications for wildlife and human health. It is very important to assess and monitor the concentrations of potentially toxic heavy metals and metalloids in different environmental segments and in the resident biota. A comprehensive study of the environmental chemistry and ecotoxicology of hazardous heavy metals and metalloids shows that steps should be taken to minimize the impact of these elements on human health and the environment.

scholarly journals The Geomicrobiology of Chromium (VI) Pollution: Microbial Diversity and its Bioremediation Potential

2016 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 379-389 ◽  
Author(s):  
Huda Al-Battashi ◽  
Sanket J. Joshi ◽  
Bernhard Pracejus ◽  
Aliya Al-Ansari
Keyword(s):  
Heavy Metals ◽  
Anthropogenic Activities ◽  
Industrial Processes ◽  
Toxic Heavy Metals ◽  
Natural Processes ◽  
Chromium Vi ◽  
Microbial Utilization ◽  
Naturally Occurring ◽  
Current Review ◽  
Low Concentrations

The role and significance of microorganisms in environmental recycling activities marks geomicrobiology one of the essential branches within the environmental biotechnology field. Naturally occurring microbes also play geo-active roles in rocks, leading to biomineralization or biomobilization of minerals and metals. Heavy metals, such as chromium (Cr), are essential micronutrients at very low concentrations, but are very toxic at higher concentrations. Generally, heavy metals are leached to the environment through natural processes or anthropogenic activities such as industrial processes, leading to pollution with serious consequences. The presence of potentially toxic heavy metals, including Cr, in soils does not necessarily result in toxicity because not all forms of metals are toxic. Microbial interaction with Cr by different mechanisms leads to its oxidation or reduction, where its toxicity could be increased or decreased. Chromite contains both Cr(III) and Fe(II) and microbial utilization of Fe(II)- Fe(III) conversion or Cr (III) - Cr (VI) could lead to the break-down of this mineral. Therefore, the extraction of chromium from its mineral as Cr (III) form increases the possibility of its oxidation and conversion to the more toxic form (Cr (VI)), either biologically or geochemically. Cr (VI) is quite toxic to plants, animals and microbes, thus its levels in the environment need to be studied and controlled properly. Several bacterial and fungal isolates showed high tolerance and resistance to toxic Cr species and they also demonstrated transformation to less toxic form Cr (III), and precipitation. The current review highlights toxicity issues associated with Cr species and environmental friendly bioremediation mediated by microorganisms.

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