Distribution and immobilization of heavy metals in Pliocene aquifer sediments in Wadi El Natrun depression, Western Desert

The Pliocene aquifer receives inflow of Miocene and Pleistocene aquifer waters in Wadi El Natrun depression. The aquifer also receives inflow from the agricultural activity and septic tanks. Nine sediment samples were collected from the Pliocene aquifer in Wadi E1 Natrun. Heavy metal (Cu, Sr, Zn, Mn, Fe, Al, Ba, Cr, Ni, V, Cd, Co, Mo, and Pb) concentrations of Pliocene aquifer sediments were investigated in bulk, sand, and mud fractions. The determination of extractable trace metals (Cu, Zn, Fe, Mn, and Pb) in Pliocene aquifer sediments using sequential extraction procedure (four steps) has been performed in order to study environmental pathways (e.g., mobility of metals, bounding states). These employ a series of successively stronger chemical leaching reagents which nominally target the different compositional fractions. By analyzing the liquid leachates and the residual solid components, it is possible to determine not only the type and concentration of metals retained in each phase but also their potential ecological significance. Cu, Sr, Zn, Mn, Fe, and Al concentrations are higher in finer sediments than in coarser sediments, while Ba, Cr, Ni, V, Cd, Co, Mo, and Pb are enriched in the coarser fraction. The differences in relative concentrations are attributed to intense anthropogenic inputs from different sources. Heavy metal concentrations are higher than global average concentrations in sandstone, USEPA guidelines, and other local and international aquifer sediments. The order of trace elements in the bulk Pliocene aquifer sediments, from high to low concentrations, is Fe?>?Al?>?Mn?>?Cr?>?Zn?>?Cu?>?Ni?>?V?>?Sr?>?Ba?>?Pb?>?Mo?>?Cd?>?Co. The Pliocene aquifer sediments are highly contaminated for most toxic metals, except Pb and Co which have moderate contamination. The active soluble (F0) and exchangeable (F1) phases are represented by high concentrations of Cu, Zn, Fe, and Mn and relatively higher concentrations of Pb and Cd. This may be due to the increase of silt and clay fractions (mud) in sediments, which act as an adsorbent, retaining metals through ion exchange and other processes. The order of mobility of heavy metals in this phase is found to be Pb?>?Cd?>?Zn?>?Cu?>?Fe?>?Mn. The values of the active phase of most heavy metals are relatively high, indicating that Pliocene sediments are potentially a major sink for heavy metals characterized by high mobility and bioavailability. Fe–Mn oxyhydroxide phase is the most important fraction among labile fractions and represents 22% for Cd, 20% for Fe, 11% for Zn, 8% for Cu, 5% for Pb, and 3% for Mn. The organic matter-bound fraction contains 80% of Mn, 72% of Cu, 68% of Zn, 60% of Fe, 35% of Pb, and 30% of Cd (as mean). Summarizing the sequential extraction, a very good immobilization of the heavy metals by the organic matter-bound fraction is followed by the carbonate-exchangeable-bound fraction. The mobility of the Cd metal in the active and Fe–Mn oxyhydroxide phases is the highest, while the Mn metal had the lowest mobility.     

Application of multivariate geostatistics in the investigation of heavy metal contamination of roadside dusts from selected highways of the Greater Toronto Area, Canada

A good understanding of roadside soil contamination and the location of pollution sources is important for addressing many environmental problems. The results are reported here of an analysis of the content of metals in roadside dust samples of four major highways in the Greater Toronto area (GTA) in Ontario, Canada. The metals analyzed are Pb, Zn, Cd, Ni, Cr, Cu, Mn, and Fe. Multivariate geostatistical analysis [correlation analysis (CA), principal component analysis (PCA), and hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA)] were used to estimate soil chemical content variability. The correlation coefficient shows a positive correlation between Cr–Cd, Mn–Fe, and Fe–Cu, while negatively between Zn–Cd, Mn–Cd, Zn-Cr, Pb–Zn, and Ni–Zn. PCA shows that the three eigenvalues are less than one, and suggests that the contamination sources are processing industries and traffic. HCA classifies heavy metals in two major groups. The cluster has two larger subgroups: the first contains only the variables Fe, Mn, Cu, Cr, Ni, and Pb, and the second includes Cd and Zn. The geostatistical analysis allows geological and anthropogenic causes of variations in the contents of roadside dust heavy metals to be separated and common pollution sources to be identified. The study shows that the high concentration of traffic flows, the parent material mineralogical and chemical composition, and land use are the main sources for the heavy metal concentration in the analyzed samples.     

Multivariate statistical techniques for evaluating and identifying the environmental significance of heavy metal contamination in sediments of the Yangtze River, China

The concentrations of heavy metals (Cr, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Pb, Cd, As, Hg, and Fe) in sediments of the Yangtze River, China, were investigated to evaluate levels of contamination and their potential sources. The lowest heavy metal concentrations were found in the source regions of the river basin. Relatively high concentrations of metals, except Cr, were found in the Sichuan Basin, and the highest concentrations were in the Xiangjiang and Shun’anhe rivers. All concentrations, except Ni, were higher than global averages. Principal component analysis and hierarchical cluster analysis showed that Zn, Pb, As, Hg, and Cd were derived mainly from the exploitation of various multi-metal minerals, industrial wastewater, and domestic sewage. Cu, Co, and Fe were derived mainly from natural weathering (erosion). Cr and Ni were derived mainly from agricultural activities, municipal and industrial wastewater. Sediment pollution was assessed using the geoaccumulation index (I _geo) and enrichment factor (EF). Among the ten heavy metals assessed, Cd and Pb had the highest I _geo values, followed by Cu, As, Zn, and Hg. The I _geo values of Fe, Cr, Co, and Ni were <0 in all sediments. EF provided similar information to I _geo: no enrichment was found for Cr, Co, and Ni. Cu, Zn, As, and Hg were relatively enriched at some sites while Cd and Pb showed significant enrichment.     

Heavy metals contamination in road dust in Delhi city,India

Road dust samples were collected from four different areas having different landuse patterns: industrial, heavy traffic, residential and mixed use in Delhi city of India. The samples were analyzed for Ba, Co, Cr, Cu Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb and Zn by ICP-AES. Results indicate high levels of Co, Cr, Cu, Mn and Ni in samples collected from industrial area. Ba, Pb and Zn showed higher concentration levels in heavy traffic area while Fe did not show any discernible variation between the localities. The concentrations of Fe, Mn, Ba, Zn, Cr, Cu, Pb, Ni and Co showed a decreasing trend. The content of heavy metals was comparable to those in other cities in the world. A multivariate statistical approach which includes Pearson’s correlations and principal component analysis was used to identify the possible sources of metals in the road dust. Enrichment factors were estimated for further confirming the sources of contamination. Significant positively correlations between road dust metals Cu–Mn–Co–Cr–Ni suggest that major common source of origin is industrial activities. A meaningful correlation between Ba and Zn, and a moderate positive correlation between Pb and Ba indicate the influence of traffic activities. Enrichment factors calculation indicated that Pb, Cu, Cr and Zn are moderately enriched whereas Co, Ni and Mn are less enriched while Ba exhibited very low enrichment in the dust samples. The results indicate that industrial and vehicular traffic are the two major sources. Traffic appears to be responsible for the high levels of Zn, Cu and Ba. High concentration of Co, Cr, Cu and Mn may be due to industrial sources.     

Heavy metals in freshly deposited sediments of the Gomati River (a tributary of the Ganga River): effects of human activities

 The concentrations of various metals (Cr, Cu, Co, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, Zn, and Cd) were determined in recently deposited surface sediments of the Gomati River in the Lucknow urban area. Markedly elevated concentrations (milligrams per kilogram) of some of the metals, Cd (0.26–3.62), Cu (33–147), Ni (45–86), Pb (25–77), and Zn (90–389) were observed. Profiles of these metals across the Lucknow urban stretch show a progressive downstream increase due to additions from 4 major drainage networks discharging the urban effluents into the river. The degree of metal contamination is compared with the local background and global standards. The geoaccumulation index order for the river sediments is Cd>Zn>Cu>Cr>Pb. Significant correlations were observed between Cr and Zn, Cr and Cu, Cu and Zn and total sediment carbon with Cr and Zn. This study reveals that the urbanization process is associated with higher concentrations of heavy metals such as Cd, Cu, Cr, Pb, and Zn in the Gomati River sediments. To keep the river clean for the future, it is strongly recommended that urban effluents should not be overlooked before their discharge into the river. Received: 16 February 1996 · Accepted: 29 February 1996     

Environmental assessment of heavy metal contamination in bottom sediments of Al-Kharrar lagoon,Rabigh, Red Sea,Saudi Arabia

In order to assess the pollution levels of selected heavy metals, 45 bottom sediment samples were collected from Al-Kharrar lagoon in central western Saudi Arabia. The concentrations of the heavy metals were recorded using inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometer (ICP-MS). The results showed that the concentrations of Pb and Cd exceeded the environmental background values. However, the heavy metal contents were less than the threshold effect level (TEL) limit. The concentrations of heavy metals in lagoon bottom sediments varied spatially, but their variations showed similar trends. Elevated levels of metals were observed in the northern and southern parts of the lagoon. Evaluation of contamination levels by the sediment quality guidelines (SQG) of the US-EPA revealed that sediments were non-polluted-moderately to heavily polluted with Pb; non-polluted to moderately polluted with Cu; and non-polluted with Mn, Zn, Cd, and Cr. The geoaccumulation index showed that lagoon sediments were unpolluted with Cd, Mn, Fe, Hg, Mo, and Se; unpolluted to moderately polluted with Zn and Co; and moderately polluted with Pb, Cr, Cu, and As. The high enrichment factor values for Pb, As, Cu, Cr, Co, and Zn (>2) indicate their anthropogenic sources, whereas the remaining elements were of natural origins consistent with their low enrichment levels. The values of CF indicate that the bottom sediments of Al-Kharrar lagoon are moderately contaminated with Mn and Pb.     

Vertical distribution and water solubility of phosphorus and heavy metals in sediments of the St. Lucie Estuary, South Florida, USA

Accumulation and distribution of heavy metals and phosphorus in sediments impact water quality. There has been an increasing concern regarding fish health in the St. Lucie Estuary, which is related to increased inputs of nutrients and metals in recent decades. To investigate vertical changes of contaminants (P, Cd, Cr, Co, Cu, Ni, Pb, Zn, and Mn) in sediments of the St. Lucie Estuary in South Florida, 117 layer samples from six of the 210 to 420 cm depth cores were analyzed for their total and water-soluble P and heavy metals, clay, total Fe, Al, K, Ca, Mg, Na, and pH. Principal component analysis (PCA) was used in two sets of analytical data (total and water-soluble contaminant concentrations) to document changes of contaminants in each core of sediments. The PCA of total contaminants and minerals resulted in two factors (principal components). The first and second factors accounted for 61.7 and 17.2 % of the total variation in all variables, and contrast indicators associated with contaminants of P, Cd, Co, Cr, Ni, Pb, Zn, and Mn and accumulation of Fe and Al oxides, respectively. The first factor could be used for overall assessment of P and heavy metal contamination, and was higher in the upper 45–90 cm than the lower depths of each core. The concentrations of P and heavy metals in the surface layers of sediments significantly increased, as compared with those in the sediments deeper than 45–90 cm. The PCA of water-soluble contaminants developed two factors. The second factor (Cu–P) was higher in the upper than the lower depths of the sediment, whereas the highest score of the first factor (Cd–Co–Cr–Ni–Pb–Zn–Mn) occurred below 100 cm. The water-soluble Cu and P concentrations were mainly dependent on their total concentrations in the sediments, whereas the water-soluble Cd, Co, Cr, Ni, Pb, Zn, and Mn concentrations were mainly controlled by pH.     

Spatial variation and risk assessment of heavy metals in paddy rice from Hunan Province,Southern China

Heavy metal contamination in polished rice grains collected from Hunan Province, Southern China, has been investigated in this study. The concentrations of Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb and Zn in rice were determined by microwave-assisted digestion and inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry method. In order to evaluate the correlations among heavy metals, statistical analyses including Pearson’s correlation analysis, principal component analysis and hierarchical cluster analysis were performed. Three distinct clusters were classified by the hierarchical cluster analysis approach. In the principal component analysis, three principle components were extracted with the eigenvalue >1.0. The spatial distribution of heavy metals was predicted by the ordinary kriging interpolation. Cu and Ni with similar distribution patterns could be primarily originated from geogenic source. The hot-spot areas in the distribution patterns of Mn, Pb and Zn could be mainly related to mining and smelting activities. Cd and Co might be derived from the combination of natural existence and anthropogenic sources. The chronic non-carcinogenic effect on local rice consumers from exposure to heavy metals was estimated by the target hazard quotient. The average target hazard quotient values of Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb and Zn were 1.754, 0.367, 0.003, 0.544, 0.165, 0.775, 0.228, 0.049 and 0.481, respectively. The target hazard quotient value of Cd exceeded the threshold value suggesting high potential health risk to residents in Hunan Province through rice consumption.     

Multivariate analysis of heavy metals in surface sediments from lower reaches of the Xiangjiang River, southern China

The concentrations of heavy metals (Cr, Mn, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Cd, and Pb) in 16 samples collected from the lower reach (Changsha–Xiangtan–Zhuzhou section) of the Xiangjiang River in southern China were determined by high-resolution inductively coupled plasma mass spectroscopy (HR-ICPMS). Multivariate analysis, such as principal component analysis and cluster analysis, coupled with correlation coefficient analysis, was used to analyze the analytical data and to identify possible pollution sources of heavy metals. The results showed that the eight studied heavy metals accumulated in the sediments from the lower Xiangjiang River, especially Mn, Cu, Zn, Pb and Cd, which were 2.0–2.6, 1.7–2.6, 3.5–3.8, 3.2–3.6 and 189.5–152.8 times the soil trace element background for Hunan Province and UCC background values, respectively. Principal component analysis and cluster analysis, coupled with correlation coefficient analysis, revealed that the sediments from lower Xiangjiang River were mainly influenced by two sources: Cr, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Cd and Pb mainly originated from industrial sources, whereas Mn was derived from both industrial and natural sources, but mainly from natural sources due to weathering and erosion.     

Assessment of trace element geochemistry of Hampton Roads harbor and lower Chesapeake Bay area sediments

Acid extractable Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb. and Zn were determined in sediments from the Inner Virginia Shelf, and from shipping channels in the lower Chesapeake Bay and Hampton Roads, Virginia, harbor system. Data were evaluated by a variety of techniques Levels of Cd, Cu, Pb, and Zn exceeded average crustal abundances for most of the study sites. Cumulative frequency curves suggested that there were two major populations for all metals and perhaps a third and smaller, one for Cd, Cr, and Mn Plots of metal vs Fe indicated no anthropogenic inputs of metals for shelf and Chesapeake Bay channel sites, but suggested anthropogenic influences for all metals in several of the inshore sites. Enrichment factor calculations showed enrichment of Cd, Pb, and Zn with respect to average crustal abundances for all sites and of Cu for the industrial harbor system. A recommendation of this study for evaluation of environmental geochemical metals data is to utilize mean concentrations, cumulative frequency plots, and metal vs Fe and/or enrichment factor calculations when evaluating the pollution status of sediments.     

Spatial distribution,environmental assessment and source identification of metals content in surface sediments of freshwater reservoir,Pakistan

Surface sediments were collected from different sites of a freshwater reservoir, Pakistan, and analyzed for eight metals (Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Pb and Zn) using flame atomic absorption spectrometry. The estimated metals levels were found higher than other reported studies. The environmental indices including geoaccumulation index, enrichment factor and contamination factor identified Cd, Co, Pb and Zn as the priority pollutants of concern. Chromium, Cu and Mn were also found to be enriched in some areas. The pollution load index (≥1) indicated progressive deterioration of the sediments quality. Principal component and cluster analyses revealed that Cd, Co, Pb and Zn were mainly originated from agricultural activities, domestic wastes, road runoffs and recreational activities. Chromium, Cu, Fe and Mn were mainly derived from natural sources though Cr, Cu and Mn were partially contributed by human inputs. Based on spatial distribution, inlet and middle sites of the reservoir were found more contaminated. This study would drive urgent attention to develop preventive actions and remediation processes for aquatic system protection and future restoration of the reservoir.     

Environmental geochemistry of El Temsah Lake sediments, Suez Canal district, Egypt

The heavy metal contents of Mn, Ni, Cu, Zn, Cr, Co, Pb, Cd, Fe, and V in the surface sediments from five selected sites of El Temsah Lake was determined by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Geochemical forms of elements were investigated using four-step sequential chemical extraction procedure in order to identify and evaluate the mobility and the availability of trace metals on lake sediments, in comparison with the total element content. The operationally defined host fractions were: (1) exchangeable/bound to carbonate, (2) bound to Fe/Mn oxide, (3) bound to organic matter/sulfides, and (4) acid-soluble residue. The speciation data reveals that metals Zn, Cd, Pb, Ni, Mn, Cu, Cr, Fe, and V are sink primarily in organic and Fe–Mn oxyhydroxides phases. Co is mainly concentrated in the active phase. This is alarming because the element is enriched in Al Sayadin Lagoon which is still the main site of open fishing in Ismailia. Average concentration of the elements is mostly above the geochemical background and pristine values of the present study. There is a difference on the elemental composition of the sediment collected at the western lagoon (Al Sayadin Lagoon), junction, the shoreline shipyard workshops, and eastern beach of the lake. Depending upon the nature of elements and local pollution source, high concentration of Zn, Pb, and Cu are emitted by industrial wastewater flow (shoreline workshops), while sanitary and agricultural wastewater (El Bahtini and El Mahsama Drains) emit Co and Cd in Al Sayadin Lagoon. On the other hand, there is a marked decrease in potentially toxic heavy metal concentrations in the sediments at the most eastern side of the lake, probably due to the successive sediment dredging and improvements in water purification systems for navigation objective. These result show that El Temsah receives concentrations in anthropogenic metals that risk provoking more or less important disruptions, which are harmful and irreversible on the fauna and flora of this lake and on the whole ecobiological equilibrium.     

Speciation of some heavy metals in bottom sediments of the Ob and Yenisei estuarine zones

The speciation of Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu, Co, Ni, Cr, Pb, and Cd was studied in 52 samples of bottom sediments collected during Cruise 49 of the R/V Dmitrii Mendeleev in estuaries of the Ob and Yenisei rivers in the southwestern Kara Sea. Immediately after sampling, the samples were subjected to on-board consecutive extraction to separate metal species according to their modes of occurrence in the sediments: (1) adsorbed, (2) amorphous Fe-Mn hydroxides and related metals, (3) organic + sulfide, and (4) residual, or lithogenic. The atomic absorption spectroscopy of the extracts was carried out at a stationary laboratory. The distribution of Fe, Zn, Cu, Co, Ni, Cr, Pb, and Cd species is characterized by the predominance of lithogenic or geochemically inert modes (70–95% of the bulk content), in which the metals are bound in terrigenous and clastic mineral particles and organic detritus. About half of the total Mn amount and 15–30% Zn and Cu is contained in geochemically mobile modes. The spatiotemporal variations in the proportions of metal species in the surface layer of sediments along the nearly meridional sections and through the vertical sections of bottom sediments cores testify that Mn and, to a lesser extent, Cu are the most sensitive to changes in the sedimentation environment. The role of their geochemically mobile species notably increases under reducing conditions.     

湘江入湖河段沉积物重金属污染及其Pb同位素地球化学示踪

湘江是我国重金属污染最严重的河流之一.本次工作利用等离子质谱(ICP-MS)和多接收同位素质谱(MC-ICP-MS)等技术,对湘江入湖河段沉积物进行了系统的重金属微量元素和Pb同位素分析.结果表明,湘江河床沉积物明显富集Bi、Sc、V、Mn、Ni、Cu、Zn、Pb、Cd、Sn、Sb等多种重金属微量元素,而湖盆沉积物重金...     

江苏扬中长江漫滩沉积物重金属垂向分布特征及其背景值确定方法

对扬中长江漫滩柱状沉积物Cd、Pb、Cu、N i、Cr、Zn重金属垂向变化特征分析,表层20 cm以上,重金属含量普遍较高,表明了人类活动对长江重金属输入量呈现日益增加的趋势。通过重金属与Fe元素作线性回归方程,求得重金属的背景含量。相比而言,表层沉积物重金属含量反映了长江滩涂沉积物已经呈现明显的污染趋势。     

包头市典型工业区表层土壤中重金属污染状况及其潜在生态风险研究

为了解包头市典型工业企业对其所在地土壤中重金属含量的影响及污染现状,利用相关性系数对其表层土壤中7种重金属(Cu、Zn、Pb、Cr、Cd、Mn、Ni)来源进行研究,并采用内梅罗综合污染指数法和潜在生态危害指数对其污染状况进行评价。结果表明,7种重金属含量平均值均高于内蒙古土壤背景值,其中Cd、Mn、Ni超标率已达100%,而Cu、Pb、Zn的超标率分别为97%、93%和93%,只有Cr超标率较低(53%),污染程度依次为CdPbCuNiZnMnCr,其中Pb和Cd为重度污染,Cu、Zn、Ni为中度污染,Cr、Mn为轻度污染;Cu、Zn、Cr、Mn、Ni可能同时来自工业生产和交通运输两个源,而Pb和Cd除上述来源外,燃煤烟气的排放有较大贡献。潜在生态危害依次为CdPbCuNiCrZnMn,其中Cd的潜在生态风险最大,应予以高度重视,其他金属的风险均为轻微。     

Distribution of heavy metals in the clastic fine-grained sediments of Gavkhuni playa lake (Southeast of Isfahan,Iran)

The sedimentary basin of Gavkhuni playa lake includes two sedimentary environments of delta and playa lake. These environments consist of mud, sand and salt flats. There are potentials for concentration of heavy metals in the fine-grained sediments (silt and clay) of the playa due to existence of Pb/Zn ore deposits, industrial and agricultural regions in the water catchment of Zayandehrud River terminating to this area. In order to study the concentration of heavy metals and the controlling factors on their distribution in the fine-grained sediments, 13 samples were taken from the muddy facies and concentration of the heavy metals were determined. The results showed that the heavy metal concentrations range in the sediments (in ppm) are Mn (395.5–1,040), Sr (100.4–725.76), Pb (14.66–91.06), Zn (23.59–80.9), Ni (37–73.66), Cu (13.83–29.83), Co (5.73–13.78), Ag (3.03–4.76) and Cd (2.3–5.5) in their order of abundances. The concentration of Ag is noticeable in the sediments relative to the average concentration of this element in mud sediments. The amounts of Pb and Zn are relatively high in all the samples in comparison with the other elements. The concentration of Ni is relatively high in the oxidized samples. The distribution of Pb is directly related to organic matter content of the sediments. The concentrations of Zn, Sr, Cu, Co and Cd in the samples of the playa are lower than those in the delta. The amount of illite is another factor influencing Zn and Pb concentrations. Sr is more concentrated in the sediments with the high content of calcium carbonate. The distribution pattern of Cu, Co, Pb and Mn resembles to that of the clay content of the sediments. The clay content shows positive correlations with Co, Cu and Mn concentrations and negative correlation with Ag. The Sr and Ag concentrations are positively correlated with the amount of CaCO₃. The amounts of Co, Cu, Ni and Mn show negative correlations with the calcium carbonate content. Pb and Co are noticeably correlated with Mn.     

Release of heavy metals during weathering of the Lower Cambrian Black Shales in western Hunan,China

Weathering of heavy metal enriched black shales may be one of the most important sources of environmental contamination in areas where black shales are distributed. Heavy metal release during weathering of the Lower Cambrian Black Shales (LCBS) in western Hunan, China, was investigated using traditional geochemical methods and the ICP-MS analytical technique. Concentrations of 16 heavy metals, 8 trace elements and P were measured for samples from selected weathering profiles at the Taiping vanadium ore mine (TP), the Matian phosphorous ore mine (MT), and Taojiang stone-coal mine (TJ). The results show that the bedrock at these three profiles is enriched with Sc, V, Cr, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Pb, Th, U, Mo, Cd, Sb, Tl, and P. Based on mass-balance calculation, the percentages of heavy metals released (in % loss) relative to immobile element Nb were estimated. The results show significant rates of release during weathering of: V, Cr, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, U, Mo, Cd, Sn, Sb, and Tl for the TP profile; Sc, Cr, Mn, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Pb, Th, Cd, and Sn for the MT profile; and Sc, Mn, Co, Ni, Zn, Th, Cd, Sn, and Tl for the TJ profile. Among these heavy metals, Co, Ni, Zn, Cd, and Sn show very similar features of release from each of the three weathering profiles. The heavy metals released during weathering may affect the environment (especially topsoil and surface waters) and are possibly related to an observed high incidence of endemic diseases in the area.     

Spatio-temporal trends of heavy metals and source apportionment in Tolo Harbour,Hong Kong

This study provided a picture of the spatial and temporal distributions of Cr, Co, Ni Cu, Zn, As, Cd and Pb in bottom sediments of Tolo Harbour. The concentrations of the eight heavy metals differed significantly between sites due to the poor tidal flushing in Tolo Harbour. The levels of Cu, Zn, Cd and Pb were generally enriched in sediments from inner Tolo Harbour, while sediments from outer Tolo Harbour (Tolo Channel) had higher levels of Cr, Co and Ni. The redox sensitive element arsenic showed no distinct spatial pattern in Tolo Harbour. The decreasing levels of Cu, Zn, Pb and Cd in sediments with increasing distance from land demonstrated a typical diffusion pattern from land to the direction of sea. Two hot spots of Cu, Zn, Pb and Cd in sediments were located near Tai Po and Sha Tin new town, indicating that Cu, Zn, Pb and Zn were from land-derived sources. The sites with relatively high levels of Cr, Co and Ni in sediments were located in areas close to waste spoil in sea floor. The natural and anthropogenic inputs from Sha Tin and Tai Po to Tolo Harbour were mostly responsible for Cu, Zn, Cd and Pb enrichment in sediments from inner Tolo Harbour. The waste spoil in sea floor was believed to contribute to the Cr, Co and Ni in outer Tolo Harbour. The results of correlation coefficient between the eight heavy metals showed that Cu, Zn, Cd and Pb were strongly positively correlated, and Cr, Co and Ni were also significantly correlated with each other. The best explanation of strong correlation was their similar source. As, however, is not well correlated with the other seven heavy metals. The average concentrations of Cu and Zn displayed general increasing trends from 1978 to 2006 in Tolo Harbour, while the mean levels of Cr and Pb displayed a substantial decrease from 1978 to 1987, then a slight increase after 1987. No distinct temporal trends of the concentrations of Ni and As were observed from 1978 due to the inconsecutive data. On the other hand, the increasing trends of Cr, Cu, Zn, Cd and Pb were observed since 1996.     

The spatial distribution pattern of heavy metal concentrations in urban soils — a study of anthropogenic effects in Berehove,Ukraine

In the present study we examined the Ba, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb and Zn contamination levels of the soils of Berehove, a small city in West-Ukraine. As a first step we determined the spatial distribution of the heavy metal contents of the urban soils; then, by studying the land use structure of the city and by statistical analysis we identified the major sources of contamination; we established a matrix of correlations between the heavy metal contents of the soils and the different types of land use; and finally, we drew a conclusion regarding the possible origin(s) of these heavy metals. By means of multivariate statistical analysis we established that of the investigated metals, Ba, Cd, Cu, Pb and Zn accumulated in the city’s soils primarily as a result of anthropogenic activity. In the most polluted urban areas (i.e. in the industrial zones and along the roads and highways with heavy traffic), in the case of several metals (Ba, Cd, Cu, Pb, Zn) we measured concentration levels even two or three times higher than the threshold limit values. Furthermore, Cr, Fe and Ni are primarily of lithogenic origin; therefore, the soil concentrations of these heavy metals depend mainly on the chemical composition of the soil-forming rocks.