Heavy metal concentrations (Cd,Cu and Pb) in five aquatic plant species in Tasik Chini,Malaysia

The purpose of this study was to determine the levels of heavy metals namely cadmium (Cd), copper (Cu) and lead (Pb) in the five aquatic plants. For this purpose, the concentration of heavy metals were measured in water and in the five aquatic plant species, Lepironia articulata, Pandanus helicopus, Scirpus grossus, Cabomba furcata and Nelumbo nucifera, in 15 sites from Tasik Chini. The concentrations were different among the plant species as well as among the parts of plants. The highest concentration of heavy metals among the aquatic plants and plant parts was found in the roots of S. grossus. The concentrations of Cd in the leaves and stems of submerged aquatic plant, C. furcata, were higher than concentration of Cd in the leaves and stems of emergent aquatic plant and floating leaf plant. The concentration of Cu in the stem of C. furcata was greater than that in the leaf, while the concentration of Cd was more in the leaf than in the stem. The heavy metal contents of the aquatic plants were in descending order of Pb > Cu > Cd. The metal concentration quotient of leaves/roots and stems/roots (ML/MR and MS/MR) were calculated. The highest internal translocation was found in P. helicopus, while the lowest internal translocation was found in S. grossus.     

Heavy metals accumulation and ecophysiological effect on <Emphasis Type="Italic">Typha angustifolia</Emphasis> L. and <Emphasis Type="Italic">Cyperus esculentus</Emphasis> L. growing in distillery and tannery effluent polluted natural wetland site,Unnao, India

Distillery and tanneries are major source of heavy metals pollution in natural wetland sites in India. Present study deals with the heavy metals accumulation potential of Typha angustifolia and Cyperus esculentus growing in distillery and tannery effluent polluted wetland sites. The metal accumulation pattern in both macrophytes showed direct correlation with the metal content in sediments. Both macrophytes were observed root accumulator for Fe, Cr, Pb, Cu, and Cd. The metal accumulation in T. angustifolia was found higher than C. esculentus, and accumulation pattern was Fe > Mn > Cr > Zn > Pb > Cu > Ni > Cd. Simultaneously, chlorophyll, protein, cysteine, and ascorbic acid were also induced in T. angustifolia than C. esculentus. In addition, formation of multinucleolus in shoot of T. angustifolia was found an evidence of extra protein synthesis for tolerance under stress conditions. Hence, C. esculentus was observed potential but less tolerance for metals than T. angustifolia. Therefore, these wetland plants could be used for phytoremediation of heavy metals from wastewater.     

The environmental impact of Aguilar mine on the heavy metal concentrations of the Yacoraite River,Jujuy Province,NW Argentina

The Yacoraite River and its tributaries run down the eastern slope of the Aguilar Range. It is one of the tributaries of the Rio Grande, located in Quebrada de Humahuaca, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The Aguilar underground mine (Pb–Ag–Zn) is located in the upper reaches of the Yacoraite River drainage basin. The aim of this work is to characterize the presence of heavy metals in water and sediments of the Yacoraite River and to identify their sources. The analysis shows the seasonal variation of heavy metals concentration in water and their relation with the World Health Organization (WHO) limits established for human consumption. The Yacoraite basin is naturally anomalous in some metals and some elements, such as As which is controlled by the chemical composition of regional lithology. During the wet season, Al, Co, Mo and Pb concentrations in water samples are higher than during the dry season; in addition, these metals are also higher than WHO limit values. High enrichment factors for Ba, Mo, Pb, Zn and Cd were found in Casa Grande stream, indicating the direct influence of the mining activities. Cd, Pb and Zn are present in the Aguilar ore minerals, such as sphalerite and galena. Sediments collected during the dry season show a drastic increase in the concentration of As, Pb, Ba, Zn, Cd and Mn. The Müller geo-accumulation index in Casa Grande indicates that it is a highly polluted stream. The concentrations of As, Pb, Ba, Zn, Cd are also high in Yacoraite River: Security Quality Guidelines indicates toxicity. A decrease in enrichment factors and geo-accumulation indices observed in sediments indicates the occurrence of precipitation/adsorption processes in the river to restore the equilibrium composition. Strict environmental controls in Aguilar Mine are necessary to avoid the uncontrolled input of toxic metals in Casa Grande stream and Yacoraite River.     

Stream water geochemistry from selected catchments on the Kola Peninsula (NW Russia) and in neighbouring areas of Finland and Norway: 2. Time-series

Stream water composition, measured weekly for 8–9 months in 1994 in three arctic catchments on and around the Kola Peninsula (Russia, Finland and Norway), is presented in the form of time-series. In all three catchments, snowmelt causes a major dilution of the stream water, as reflected by marked dips in electrical conductance. In the most polluted catchment (C2), the snowmelt flood (the major hydrological event at these latitudes) is reflected in the stream water by a pH dip and a pulse in technogenic heavy metals (Cu, Ni, etc.), Al and S. This results from melting of the snow laden with heavy metals and sulphate, and from leaching of the topsoil layer. In the most pristine catchment (C8), snowmelt causes no heavy metal pulse (remote location) but yields an increase in stream water Al (acidic lithology/overburden). In the intermediate catchment (C5), very subdued heavy metal and S increases are noticeable in the stream water, whilst its pH increases steadily until summer (basic lithology). Some elements (Cl, S) may be mobilised out of the snowpack before its complete thawing and reach the stream 1–2 weeks ahead of the heavy metals. The substrate (soil, overburden and bedrock) of a catchment controls to a large extent its ability to buffer acid inputs.     

Spatio-temporal dynamics of heavy metals in sediments of the river estuarine system: Mahanadi basin (India)

Dynamics of heavy metals in the surface sediments of Mahanadi river estuarine system were studied for three different seasons. This study demonstrates that the relative abundance of these metals follows in the order of Fe > Mn > Zn > Pb > Cr > Ni ≥ Co > Cu > Cd. The spatial pattern of heavy metals supported by enrichment ratio data, suggests their anthropogenic sources possibly from various industrial wastes and municipal wastes as well as agricultural runoff. The metal concentrations in estuarine sediments are relatively higher than in the river due to adsorption/accumulation of metals on sediments during saline mixing, while there is a decreasing trend of heavy metal concentrations towards the marine side. The temporal variations for metals, such as Fe, Mn, Zn, Ni and Pb exhibit higher values during monsoon season, which are related to agricultural runoff. Higher elemental concentrations are observed during pre-monsoon season for these above metals (except Ni) at the polluted stations and for metals, such as Cr, Co and Cd at all sites, which demonstrate the intensity of anthropogenic contribution. R-mode factor analysis reveals that “Fe–Mn oxy hydroxide”, “organic matter”, “CaCO₃”, and “textural variables” factors are the major controlling geochemical factors for the enrichment of heavy metals in river estuarine sediment and their seasonal variations, though their intensities were different for different seasons. The relationships among the stations are highlighted by cluster analysis, represented in dendrograms to categorize different contributing sites for the enrichment of heavy metals in the river estuarine system.     

A history of the ‘Zambian copper flower', Becium centraliafricanum (B. homblei)

This contribution is a short history of the Zambian copper flower, Becium homblei (recently renamed B. centraliafricanum that has attracted attention as a plant associated with Cu-rich soils. It has a peculiar discontinuous distribution in Central Africa which has been explained in terms of biotype depletion. A field investigation into the ecology of the species shows that it is able to tolerate soil Cu concentrations of up to 15,000 μg/g (ppm), and soil nickel concentrations of nearly 5000 μg/g. B. homblei is also found on areas where soil metals are in trace quantities, and where soil bases, particularly Ca, are low. In spite of its tolerance to a wide range of edaphic conditions, the distribution of the species is very restricted in Zimbabwe, and this is almost certainly due to severe interspecific competition with a closely related species, B. obovatum, which is common on soils not unusually enriched in heavy metals. Pioneering work on geobotanical prospecting by use of Becium homblei was carried out by the late G. Woodward and others in the 1950s and 1960s. This species was used successfully for geobotanical prospecting for Cu. This present report is a brief history of these pioneering studies     

Effects of ammonium molybdate on phytoremediation by alfalfa plants and (im)mobilization of toxic metals in soils

Ammonium molybdate has been used to remove the toxic metals in waste water by forming precipitates, such as Pb. However, the ammonium molybdate has not been used to remediate the toxic metals contaminated soils. The objectives of this study were to report: (1) the reaction mechanisms of ammonium molybdate with toxic metals; (2) the effects of ammonium molybdate on (im)mobilization of the toxic metals in soils; (3) and the effects of ammonium molybdate on uptake toxic metals from soils by alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) plants. In this paper, it was found that: the effects of ammonium molybdate on toxic metals are amphoteric-immobilization/mobilization. Cr and Zn can be precipitated with ammonium molybdate, but Cd, Ni, Cu can be formed more soluble fractions with ammonium molybdate. The ammonium molybdate can be named as half-chemical stabilization agent, half-extracting agent, or amphoteric agent. The contents and BCF values of toxic metals in alfalfa plants were increased after the soils were treated with ammonium molybdate. TF values of alfalfa plants (both controls and treatments) were lower than 1. The addition of ammonium molybdate can increase the acid soluble fractions of Cd, Ni, Cu, and residual fractions of Cr, Zn. In other words, the toxicities of Cd, Ni, and Cu to plants in soils have been increasing. Instead, the toxicities of Cr, Zn have been decreasing. The ammonium molybdate has promoted plants to produce more biomass, but the growths of shoot and root in seedling stages have been decreased by the increasing Cd, Ni, and Cu toxicities which caused by ammonium molybdate.     

内蒙古包头某铁矿尾矿库生态修复的植物优选研究

【研究目的】植物修复技术因其具有绿色、经济、环保的特点,在矿山生态修复中应用广泛,而调查和筛选矿山周边适应本地生境的植物物种是进行植物生态修复的关键环节。【研究方法】通过野外调查取样和室内分析测试相结合的方法,对内蒙古包头某废弃铁矿尾矿库及周边11种优势植物的重金属含量、重金属迁移富集能力及其上覆土壤重金属特征进行分析研究,以期筛选优良修复植物,为矿区生态修复提供科学依据。【研究结果】该废弃铁矿尾矿库及周边土壤Fe、Mn、Cu、Pb、Zn、Cr、Cd、F含量均远超过河套平原土壤背景值,地累积指数显示污染等级为2～7级,污染程度从轻—中度污染到极强度污染。植物地下部分各元素含量总体上高于地上部分,除Cu外各植物重金属含量大多超出了正常值范围。【结论】沙蒿和独行菜具有富集型植物特征,玉米、狗尾草、虎尾草和拂子茅属于根部囤积型,碱蓬、灰条菜、苍耳、新疆杨和红柳符合规避型植物特征。可根据植物对重金属的吸收和富集特点,科学合理地选择适宜的植物进行矿区受污染土壤植物修复。创新点：研究了废弃铁尾矿库及周边11种优势植物的重金属特征;揭示了优势植物对重金属的吸收机制。     

Competitive adsorption of Cd,Cu, Pb and Zn by different soils of Eastern China

Simultaneous competitive adsorption behavior of Cd, Cu, Pb and Zn onto nine soils with a wide physical–chemical characteristics from Eastern China was measured in batch experiments to assess the mobility and retention of these metals in soils. In the competitive adsorption system, adsorption isotherms for these metals on the soils exhibited significant differences in shape and in the amount adsorbed. As the applied concentration increased, Cu and Pb adsorption increased, while Cd and Zn adsorption decreased. Competition among heavy metals is very strong in acid soils with lower capacity to adsorb metal cations. Distribution coefficients (K _dmedium) for each metal and soil were calculated. The highest K _dmedium value was found for Pb and followed by Cu. However, low K _dmedium values were shown for Zn and Cd. On the basis of the K _dmedium values, the selectivity sequence of the metal adsorption is Pb > Cu > Zn > Cd and Pb > Cu > Cd > Zn. The adsorption sequence of nine soils was deduced from the joint distribution coefficients (K _dΣmedium). This indicated that acid soils with low pH value had lower adsorption capacity for heavy metals, resulting in much higher risk of heavy metal pollution. The sum of adsorbed heavy metals on the soils could well described using the Langmuir equation. The maximum adsorption capacity (Q _m) of soils ranged from 32.57 to 90.09 mmol kg⁻¹. Highly significant positive correlations were found between the K _dΣmedium and Q _m of the metals and pH value and cation exchange capacity (CEC) of soil, suggesting that soil pH and CEC were key factors controlling the solubility and mobility of the metals in soils.     

Assessment of heavy metal accumulation in macrophyte, agricultural soil, and crop plants adjacent to discharge zone of sponge iron factory

The present study deals with the characterization of effluent released from sponge iron industries and distribution of heavy metals in soil and macrophytes near to effluent discharge channel. Apart from this, accumulation of heavy metals in nearby soil and vegetation system irrigated with effluent-contaminated water is also the subject of this study. Physico-chemical analysis of effluent reveals that the concentration of total suspended solids (TSS), total hardness (TH), iron (Fe²⁺), and oil and grease are greater than the IS (1981) norms for discharge of water into inland water body. The soil along the sides of the effluent channel also shows higher concentration of heavy metals than the background soil. The enrichment of the heavy metals are in the order of Chromium (Cr) > Iron (Fe) > Manganese (Mn) > Zinc (Zn) > Copper (Cu) > Cadmium (Cd). Macrophytes growing along the sides of the effluent channel also show significant accumulation of heavy metals almost in the same order as accumulated in soil. Higher uptake of heavy metals by these varieties reveals that these species can be used for future phytoremediation. The effluent as well as contaminated water is extensively used for irrigation for growing vegetables like tomato (Lycopersicon esculatum) in the surrounding areas. Heavy metal accumulation in this agricultural soil are in the sequence of Cr > Fe > Mn > Zn > Cu > Cd. More or less similar type of accumulation pattern are also found in tomato plants except Fe and Zn exceeding Cr and Mn. Transfer Factor of heavy metals from soil to tomato plants (TF_S) shows average value of <1, suggesting less uptake of heavy metals from soil. Among the plant parts studied, fruit shows least accumulation. Although tomato plants show some phenotypic changes, the survival of tomato plants as well as least accumulation of metals in fruit reveals their tolerance to heavy metals. Therefore it may be suggested that this plant can be grown successfully in the heavy metal contaminated soil. Further research work on in situ toxicity test will be necessary in order to identify the most resistive variety on this particular type of contaminated site.     

Utilization of ochre as an adsorbent to remove Pb(II) and Cu(II) from contaminated aqueous media

The ability of ochre to remove Pb(II) and Cu(II) from aqueous media has been studied by batch sorption studies varying the contact time, initial metal concentration, initial solution pH and temperature to understand the adsorption behaviour of these metals through adsorption kinetics and isotherms. The pH of the solution and the temperature controlled the adsorption of metal ions by ochre and rapid uptake occurred in the first 30 min of reaction. The kinetics of adsorption followed a pseudo-second-order rate equation (R ² > 0.99) and the isotherms are well described by the Freundlich model. Adsorption of metals onto ochre is endothermic in nature. Between the two metals, Pb(II) showed more preference towards the exchangeable sites on ochre than Cu(II). This study indicates that ochre is a very effective adsorbent in removing Pb(II) and Cu(II) from the aqueous environment with an adsorptive capacity of 0.996 and 0.628 mg g^?1 and removal efficiency of 99.68 and 62.80 %, respectively.     

Effect of bacterial activity on trace metals release from oxidation of sphalerite at low pH (<3) and implications for AMD environment

A series of experiments was conducted to better understand the bacterial influence on the release of trace metals during oxidation of sphalerite mineral and element cycles in acid mine drainage (AMD) systems. Batch experiments were carried out as biotic and abiotic control at pH 3. Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans, sulfur and Fe(II) oxidizer, was used in the biotic sphalerite experiment. The abiotic control experiment was run without adding the bacteria. The release behavior of six trace metals (As, Cd, Co, Pb, Cu and Mn), Fe and Zn were determined during the period of 54 days. Compared to the abiotic experiments, enhanced oxidation of sphalerite by bacteria produced high sulfate (~2,000 mg/L) and Fe_tot (139 mg/L) along with the low pH (<2.3). Consistent with this, the concentration of trace metals (As, Cd, Co, Pb, Cu and Mn) was significantly higher in the biotic experiments than those in the abiotic experiments. Results indicate that the distributions of Co and Cd in both biotic and abiotic experiments are directly related to the sphalerite dissolution whereas Pb, Cu distribution shows no strong relation to sphalerite dissolution especially in the abiotic experiments. Pb distribution in the solution appears to be controlled by pH-dependent solubility. Approximately 80% of the trace metals were removed from the solution at the end of the biotic experiments along with biologically induced Fe precipitation. Experimental results showed that bacteria play major role not only in the release of trace metal from sphalerite but also in controlling concentration of the metals in the solution by producing Fe-oxyhydroxides. The study suggest that in order to develop an effective rehabilitation strategy for AMD, it is necessary to understand bio/geochemical processes governing mobilization and deposition of trace metals in the environment.     

Competitive adsorption,release and speciation of heavy metals in the Yellow River sediments,China

The competitive adsorption and the release of selected heavy metals and their speciation distribution before and after adsorption in the Yellow River sediments are discussed. The adsorption of metals onto sediments increases with increasing pH value and decreases with increasing ionic strength. The competitive coefficient K _c and the distribution coefficient K _d are obtained to analyze the competitive abilities of selected heavy metals, which are ranked as Pb > Cu >> Zn > Cd. The competition among selected heavy metals becomes more impetuous with increasing ion concentration in water. Speciation analysis was done by an improved analytical procedure involving five steps of sequential extraction. Cu, Pb and Zn were mainly transformed into the carbonate-bound form (50.8–87.7%) in adsorption. Most of (60.7–77.3%) Cd was transformed into the exchangeable form, and the percentage of carbonate-bound Cd was 19.7–30.4%. The release reaction was so quick that the release capacity of selected heavy metals from sediments to aqueous solution reached half of the maximum value only in 30 s. As opposed to adsorption, the release capacities of selected heavy metals were ranked as Cd > Zn >> Cu > Pb. In this study, Cd produces the most severe environmental hazards, because its concentration in the release solution is 85.8 times more than the human health criteria of US EPA.     

Heavy metal concentrations in marine green,brown, and red seaweeds from coastal waters of Yemen,the Gulf of Aden

The purpose of this study was to investigate the concentration levels of heavy metals in different species of the main three marine algal divisions from the Gulf of Aden coastal waters, Yemen. The divisions included Chlorophyta—green plants (Halimeda tuna, Rhizoclonium kochiamum, Caldophora koiei, Enteromorpha compressa, and Caulerpa racemosa species), Phaeophyta—brown seaweeds (Padina boryana, Turbinaria elatensis, Sargassum binderi, Cystoseira myrica, and Sargassum boveanum species), and Rhodophyta—red seaweeds (Hypnea cornuta, Champia parvula, Galaxaura marginate, Laurencia paniculata, Gracilaria foliifere, and species). The heavy metals, which included cadmium (Cd), cobalt (Co), copper (Cu), chromium (Cr), Iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), nickel (Ni), lead (Pb), zinc (Zn), and vanadium (V) were measured by Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAs). The concentrations of heavy metals in all algal species are in the order of Fe >> Cu > Mn > Cr > Zn > Ni > Pb > Cd > V > Co. The results also showed that the uptake of heavy metals by different marine algal divisions was in the order of Chlorophyta > Phaeophyta > Rhodophyta. These heavy metals were several order of magnitude higher than the concentrations of the same metals in seawater. This indicates that marine alga progressively uptake heavy metals from seawater.     

Heavy metal contamination of cultivated wetland soils along a typical plateau lake from southwest China

Topsoil (0–20 cm) samples were collected from four cultivated wetlands including Northern and Western Fields (about 30-year tillage), and Southern and Western Fields (about 20-year tillage) along the Yilong Lake of China in October, 2005. Total concentrations of As, Cr, Cu, Pb, and Zn were determined using the inductively coupled plasma atomic absorption spectrometry in order to assess contamination status in four sampling plots. Results showed that the average concentrations of these heavy metals in Northern and Western Fields were significantly (P < 0.01) higher than those in reference soils, while they were generally lower in Southern and Eastern Fields. All the mean concentrations of heavy metals were lower, except that the average concentrations of As and Cr in Northern Field slightly exceeded the soil quality guidelines. The contamination indices showed low-contamination levels for As, Cu, Pb, and Zn in Northern and Western Fields, while no contamination levels could be observed in Southern and Eastern Fields. As for Cr, they showed moderate-contamination levels in Northern Field, but low or no contamination levels in other three Fields. The integrated contamination index values indicated Northern and Western Fields were moderately contaminated, while Southern and Eastern Fields were less contaminated. The same contamination sources of these heavy metals were identified in these fields using factor- and cluster analysis.     

Accumulation of heavy metals in wild commercial fish from the Baotou Urban Section of the Yellow River,China

In this work we studied the accumulation of heavy metals in nine species of fish with different life and feeding habitats which are native and major commercial fish in the Baotou Urban Section of the Yellow River. The results showed that the concentration of heavy metals was significantly dependent on fish species; the pollution index of heavy metals in different species were ranked as Hemiculter leucisclus > Carassius auratus auratus > Hemibarbus maculatus > Megalobrama amblycephala > Abbottina rivularis > Cyprinus carpio > Squaliobarbus curriculus > Perccottus glehni > Saurogobio dabryi. Product–moment correlation coefficients among the metal pairs Pb–Zn, Cu–Cd, Cu–Zn, Cu–Pb, Pb–Cd, and Zn–Cd revealed there was no competitions between metals in each tissue. Correlations between heavy metal concentrations and fish length or weight indicated that accumulation of the heavy metals by the different fish species was related to their surrounding environments and their life and feeding habitats. According to the mean bioconcentration factors (BCFs), the heavy metal concentrations in these nine species were ranked Zn ≫ Cu > Cd ≈ Pb. In this work, the bioaccumulation factors (BAFs) were developed by using the sum of exchangeable and bound-to-carbonate heavy metals as Cs values. It was found that BAFs better reveal the accumulation characteristics of the heavy metals in the fish, which might provide an effective method for assessing bioaccumulation of heavy metals.     

Geochemistry of trace metals and Pb isotopes of sediments from the lowermost Xiangjiang River, Hunan Province (P. R. China): implications on sources of trace metals

This paper reports a geochemical study of trace metals and Pb isotopes of sediments from the lowermost Xiangjiang River, Hunan province (P. R. China). Trace metals Ba, Bi, Sc, V, Cr, Mn, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Mo, Cd, Sn, Sb, Pb, Tl, Th, U, Zr, Hf, Nb and Ta were analyzed using ICP-MS, and Pb isotopes of the bulk sediments were measured by MC-ICP-MS. The results show that trace metals Cd, Bi, Sn, Sc, Cr, Mn, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Sb, Pb and Tl are enriched in the sediments. Among these metals, Cd, Bi and Sn are extremely highly enriched (EF values >40), metals Zn, Sn, Sb and Pb significantly highly (5 < EF < 20), and metals Sc, Cr, Mn, Co, Ni, Cu and Tl moderately highly (2 < EF < 5) enriched in the river sediments. All these metals, however, are moderately enriched in the lake sediments. Geochemical results of trace metals Th, Sc, Co, Cr, Zr, Hf and La, and Pb isotopes suggest that metals in the river sediments are of multi-sources, including both natural and anthropogenic sources. Metals of the natural sources might be contributed mostly from weathering of the Indosinian granites (GR) and Palaeozoic sandstones (PL), and metals of anthropogenic sources were contributed from Pb–Zn ore deposits distributed in upper river areas. Metals in the lake sediments consist of the anthropogenic proportions, which were contributed from automobile exhausts and coal dusts. Thus, heavy-metal contamination for the river sediments is attributed to the exploitation and utilization (e.g., mining, smelting, and refining) of Pb–Zn ore mineral resources in the upper river areas, and this for the lake sediments was caused by automobile exhausts and coal combustion. Metals Bi, Cd, Pb, Sn and Sb have anthropogenic proportion of higher than 90%, with natural contribution less than 10%. Metals Mn and Zn consist of anthropogenic proportion of 60–85%, with natural proportion higher than 15%. Metals Sc, Cr, Co, Cu, Tl, Th, U and Ta have anthropogenic proportion of 30–70%, with natural contribution higher than 30%. Metals Ba, V and Mo might be contributed mostly from natural process.     

Contamination by heavy metals (Cd, Zn, Cu, and Hg) of eight fish species in the Gironde estuary (France)

The Gironde estuary, one of the largest in Europe, is considerated as a reference ecological system, with all the western European diadromous fish species present. The national biomonitoring program on the coastal marine environment has revealed since 1979 severe metal pollution (mostly cadmium [Cd]) in oysters collected from the estuary. No data are available on metal contamination levels in fish, despite their ecological and economic importance. We present the results from a detailed study based on 4 metals (Cd, zinc [Zn], copper [Cu], and mercury [Hg]) measured in 4 organs (gills, dorsal skeletal muscle, liver, and kidneys) from 8 fish species illustrating several ecological combinations: European eel (Anguilla anguilla), twaite shad (Alosa fallax), bass (Dicentrarchus labrax), meagre (Argyrosomus regius), flounder (Platichthys flesus),, thin-lippid grey mullet (Liza ramada), sole (Solea vulgaris), and Canary drum (Umbrina canariensis). The results show very marked differences between species and organs, as well as very significant variations between the 4 metals. Although metal concentrations measured in fish muscle are low, except in the case of Hg for theA. fallax, high levels of Cu and Cd were observed in the kidneys and livers ofL. ramada andA. anguilla. A multifactorial analysis based on rank ordered metal concentrations for the 8 fish species clearly shows 4 clusters of species assigned to the different degrees of metal contamination, from the lowest contaminated (A. regius, D. labrax, S. vulgaris, andU. canariensis), to the most contaminated group (L. ramada). The most contaminated species (L. ramada, A. angailla, andP. flesus) are characterized by long residence times in the estuary, between 3.5 and 14 yr. ForL. ramada, biofilms with high metal storage capacities would be the principal uptake route; the two other species are benthic with a carnivorous regime. Comparisons between our data and four estuaries (Seine, France; Mersey, U.K.; La Plata, Argentina; Guadalquivir, Spain), on a limited number of common species, metals and fish organs, clearly reveal higher Cd bioaccumulation levels in the Gironde estuary.     

Distribution of heavy metals in the Piscinas beach sediments (SW Sardinia, Italy)

We have studied sediments of the Piscinas beach (SW Sardinia, Italy), which is supplied by two streams that wash mine dumps of abandoned lead and zinc mines at Montevecchio and Ingurtosu, situated inland from the supply basin of the beach itself. A study of the texture, mineralogy and geochemistry of the sediments was conducted for the purpose of assessing the possible influence of the mine waste on the composition of the sediments, looking for any anomalous enrichments in heavy metals. Furthermore, to evaluate and quantify metal release into the sea, samples of Posidonia oceanica, a bioaccumulator marine plant, were also examined. The results indicate that the distribution of heavy metals in the foreshore sediments is particularly affected by the contribution of the streams, while in the shoreface the distribution is affected by the currents that disperse the sediments both out to sea and southwards. The metal contents of the Posidonia oceanica are correlated with the different stages of activity of the mines. Received: 28 January 1998 · Accepted: 22 April 1998     

Adsorption characteristics of heavy metals in soil zones developed on spilite

Various soil zones such as Bw, C1, and C3 are developed on spilite. Montmorillonite, vermiculite and chlorite is moderately occurred in the C1 and C3 soil zones, in contrast montmorillonite and vermiculite are absent in Bw soils whereas illite and sesquioxide are relatively increased. The high cation exchange capacity (CEC) of montmorillonite and vermiculte and moderate CEC of chlorite and illite resulted in the high adsorption of heavy metals. The adsorption of the heavy metals on spilite soil zones was studied at different concentrations and pH levels. Heavy metals like lead, cadmium, and copper were selected for adsorption studies considering their contribution as toxic metals in the environment. The initial solute concentrations ranged from 7.0 × 10⁻³ to 1.0 × 10² mg/L. The sorption behavior of Cd²⁺, Pb²⁺, and Cu²⁺ on soil zones of spilite was investigated using the batch equilibrium technique at 25°C. The characteristics of the adsorption process were investigated using Scatchard plot analysis (q/C vs. q) by the batch equilibrium technique at 25°C. In the adsorption of heavy metals, deviation from linearity in the plot of q/C versus q was observed, indicating the presence of multi-model interaction and non-Langmuirean behavior. When the Scatchard plot showed a deviation from linearity, greater emphasis was placed on the analysis of the adsorption data in terms of the Freundlich model, in order to construct the adsorption isotherms of the metal(s) at particular concentration(s) in solutions. The adsorption behavior of these metal ions on spilite soil zones is expressed by the Freundlich isotherms. Adsorption constants and correlation coefficients for the Cd, Pb, and Cu on spilite soil zones were calculated from Freundlich plots.