Geochemical characteristics and evaluation of minor and trace elements pollution in groundwater of Tuticorin city,Tamil Nadu,India using geospatial techniques

In this work the major and trace elements pollution levels in groundwater of Tuticorin city of Tamil Nadu was investigated. This coastal city with numerous large and small scale industries has increasingly affected the water quality by dumping effluents. The mean major and trace elements levels in groundwater in descending order: Si > Sr > Zn > Fe > Rb > Se > Al > Mn > Cu > As > Cr > Ba > V > Ni > Pb > Mo > Co > Sb > Cd > Ag. The concentrations of As, Se, Pb, Ba, Al, Fe and V (0.084, 0.150, 0.057, 0.837, 0.357 and 0.052) in some of the groundwater samples exceed the standard value of world health organization (WHO, 2004). Interrelationship between the elements was done by correlation matrix and factor analysis which indicates the contribution from industrial and irrigation fields. Spatial interpolation of inverse distance method (IDW) maps of all the elements suggested that discharge of effluents from chemical factory (STERLITE, TAC, SPIC, HEAVY WATER PLANT, NILA SEA FOODS), municipal wastewater, fertilizers were added to the natural sources. Results of this research suggests that proper measures should be taken to protect the vital groundwater resources in the Tuticorin city.     

Trace elements in groundwater of Hindon-Yamuna interfluve region, Baghpat district, Western Uttar Pradesh

The present study was carried out in parts of Hindon-Yamuna interfluve region to evaluate the concentration of trace elements (Al, Cr, Mn, Fe, Ni, Co, Cu, Zn, As, Se, Cd, B and Pb) in groundwater. Pre-monsoon groundwater samples were collected in 2007 from 22 locations distributed throughout the study area, and were analyzed using Inductive Coupled Plasma Mass-Spectrophotometer (ICPMS). Trace element analyses show high concentration levels for Al and Cr in almost all groundwater samples. Relatively high values are also reported for Pb, Se, Fe and Mn (as per B.I.S (1991) standard for drinking water) in few samples. These high concentrations of metal ions in groundwater were probably due to discharge of untreated effluents from Textile, dyeing and other industries. As far as Al is concerned, its source is rather enigmatic.     

Mobility of arsenic and trace element inventories in sediment cores from Masuda City,southwestern Japan

The vertical distribution of arsenic and other trace and major elements has been studied in four sediment cores from Masuda City, Nagashima and Okite in the Shimane Prefecture of southwestern Japan. The sediment cores were also subjected to leaching techniques and ¹⁴C dating. The stratigraphic sequences in the cores consist of silt and sandy silt at top, passing downward into gray to black clays. Elevated values of As, Pb, Zn, Cu, Ni, Cr, and V are present in several horizons while abundances of these elements tend to be higher in the black and gray clays, probably due to adsorption onto clay sediments. Higher concentrations of Fe and total sulfur (TS) occur in black clays. The correlations of the trace metals with iron suggest their adsorption onto Fe (oxy)hydroxides, whereas correlations with sulfur in some cores indicate that they were precipitated as Fe-sulfides. Age determinations suggest that clay horizons at ∼5 m depth were deposited at around 5,000 and 6,000 years BP (¹⁴C ages) during the transgressive phase of sea level change. The results of the leaching techniques in the core samples show that higher amounts of As were extracted with deionized water. Even at neutral pH, As can be released from sediments to groundwater, and therefore groundwater pollution is a concern in Masuda City and the surrounding area.     

Groundwater contamination in parts of Nalgonda district,Telangana, India as revealed by trace elemental studies

The present paper deals with major and trace elements geochemistry of the groundwater from Nalgonda district, Telangana. The study area is very important in terms of anthropogenic activity like rapid industrial, urban development, pesticides, pharmaceutical, granite polishing and agro based industries. Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer (ICPMS) was employed to determine the concentration of trace elements in collected groundwater samples (bore well). These probe elements were further categorized as toxic elements (Pb, As, Cd, and V), alkaline earths (Sr and Ba), alkali metals (Li, Rb), transition metals (Cr, Mo and Ni), metallic elements (Cu, Fe, Zn, Al, Co), and other non-metallic elements (Se and Si). The groundwater quality was examined in perspective of Indian as well as World Health Organization drinking water standards. Based on the analytical results, groundwater in the study area is found to be slightly alkaline in nature and very hard, the average abundance of the major cations and anions is in the order of Ca⁺<Na⁺<Mg⁺<K⁺ and Cl^-<HCO₃ ^?<CO₃ ^?<SO₄ ^?<NO₃ ^?<F^– respectively. The dominant hydro chemical facies of groundwater is Na⁺ - HCO ₃ ^– – Cl^– and Na⁺ - Cl^– – HCO^– ₃ types.The results of trace elements shows that concentration of Pb, As, Cd, V in collected samples exceeding the desirable limits, and in the case of alkaline, alkali, transition, non-metallic elements, seventy per cent of the samples crossed the desirable limits, but all metallic elements viz. Cu, Fe, Zn, Al, Co is within the limits as per Indian as well as World Health Organizations drinking water standards. Factor analysis results shows that seven factors emerged as a significant contributor to the groundwater contamination is about 65.32 per cent. The spatial variation maps decipher trace elemental concentrations both geogenic and anthropogenic origin, by three zones i.e. ‘low’, ‘moderate’ and ‘high’ of the study area based on environment using Arc-GIS. High concentrations of trace elements are indicative of phenomenal rise in chemical composition and likely to have its origin from silicate weathering reactions and dissolution/precipitation processes supported by rainfall and anthropogenic activities, indiscriminate use of fertilizers/pesticides, and disposal of waste and sewage, release of reactive pollutants into the atmosphere by industries. Hence, this work is of immense societal benefit in terms of prevailing human health hazards in the study area with a direct relevance to such industrially populated regions elsewhere.     

The hydrochemical characteristics and evolution of groundwater and surface water in the western part of the River Nile, El Minia district, Upper Egypt

A combination of major and trace elements have been used to characterize surface- and groundwater in El Minia district, Egypt. Surface water versus groundwater chemistry data enabled geographical zonation and chemical types to be differentiated. The main target of this research is to investigate the groundwater quality and hydrochemical evaluation. The situation is further complicated by contamination with lithogenic and anthropogenic (agricultural and sewage wastewaters) sources and low plan exploitation techniques. The investigated Pleistocene aquifer is composed of sand and gravel of different sizes, with some clay intercalation. The semi-confined condition was around the River Nile shifted to unconfine outside the floodplain. The groundwater flow generally from south to north and locally diverts towards the western part from the River Nile. Fifty-six, 11, five, and two water samples were collected from the Pleistocene aquifer, River Nile, Ibrahimia canal, and Al Moheet drain, respectively. The collected water samples were analyzed for major and trace elements. The toxic metal concentrations of Al Moheet drain are higher than those in the River Nile and the Ibrahimia canal. Cr, Hg, As, and Cd concentrations in the River Nile and Ibrahimia canal are fluctuated above and below the WHO drinking standards. Se concentration in River Nile and Ibrahimia canal is below WHO drinking and irrigation guidelines. Total dissolved solid content in groundwater is generally low, but it is increased due to the western part of the study area. The geographic position of the River Nile, Ibrahimia canal, and Al Moheet drain impact on the groundwater quality. The PHREEQC confirm the high mixing proportions from the River Nile into the groundwater and decline away from it. In addition to the thicknesses of the Pleistocene, aquifer and aquitard layer enhance the River Nile and agricultural wastewaters intrusion into the aquifer system. The toxic metal concentrations (Pb, Cd, Cr, PO₄, Se, Mn, As, Hg, Ni, Al, Fe, and SIO₂) in groundwater were increased mainly in the northwestern and southeastern part (far from the River Nile). It is attributed to anthropogenic, high vulnerability rate (unconfined), and partially to lithogenic. In most localities, the groundwater are unsuitable for drinking and irrigation purposes with respect to Se concentration, while they are unsuitable for dinking according Mn, As, and Hg contents. There are some Cd and Pb anomalies concentrations, which cause severe restriction if used in irrigation. The results suggested that significant changes are urgently needed in water use strategy to achieve sustainable development.     

Trace element distribution and risk assessment in South Indian surface waterways

The concentrations of 27 major and trace elements are determined in surface water samples collected from 48 sites of diverse waterways in four states (Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka, and Telangana) of South India. The aims of this study are to identify the element distribution, comparatively assess the pollution risk, and evaluate human health risks related to diverse waterways in the study area. The results indicate that elements such as Cr, Se, As, Fe, and Mn are the major pollutants, as their concentrations exceeded the acceptable national and international water quality standards in several sites of Ennore, Adyar, Cooum, Periyar, and Vrishabhavathi rivers. Furthermore, statistical analysis reveals that the Ennore, Adyar, Cooum, Periyar, and Kaveri river basins are affected by various anthropogenic activities, leading to moderate-to-high pollution by As, Cr, Mn, Fe, and Se. Potential pollution sources are industrial waste, sewage intrusion, paint industry waste, and automobile runoff. Overall, the investigated sites are categorized into three major groups: highly, moderately, and least polluted. Risk on human health by metals is then evaluated using hazard quotients (HQs) and carcinogenic risk evaluation; the results indicated that As with HQ >1 is the most hazardous pollutant, which could lead to non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic concerns, particularly in children. This study helps in establishing pollutant loading reduction goal and the total maximum daily loads and consequently contributes to preserving public health and developing water conservation strategies.     

Distribution of arsenic and other minor trace elements in the groundwater of Ischia Island (southern Italy)

The island of Ischia belongs to the active volcanic area of Naples. It is formed from Quaternary volcanic rocks and exhibits intense hydrothermal activity, which is manifested through numerous springs, fumaroles and sporadic geysers. The content of minor and trace elements in groundwater has been analyzed, including some elements that are considered toxic for humans. Mean concentrations of As, B, Fe, Mn, Sb, and Se in samples from 43 aquifer points exceed the WHO recommended values and the limits set by European and Italian legislation (98/83/CE and DM 471, respectively). In general, the spatial distribution of the elements follows a common pattern: it is governed by a marked structural control, which favors hydrochemical processes that liberate the elements into the water.     

Statistical characteristics of heavy metals content in groundwater and their interrelationships in a certain antimony mine area

In recent years, most of domestic and foreign researches about heavy metal pollutions of metal mine mainly focus on water, soil and plants on the surface. There is lack of researches about heavy metal pollution in groundwater of metal mine. In this research, a certain antimony mine area is selected as a typical study area. Also, the study about statistical characteristics of heavy metals in groundwater has been carried out. Furthermore, the interrelationships have been preliminarily discussed through related analysis, such as relevant analysis, cluster analysis and principle component analysis. The results show that: the excessive elements in groundwater of study area are Sb, As, Pb, Se, and Ni. The average mass concentration of Sb, As, and Pb is higher than that of drinking water standards (GB5749-2006). The concentration of most heavy metals in dry season is lower than or equal to that in wet season for groundwater. Zn is the only metal in groundwater showing a different pattern, the concentration of which in dry season is higher than that in wet season. Under the impacts of stratum leaching and absorption effect, the concentration of heavy metals (except Pb and Ba) in groundwater are lower than or equal to that in surface water. As and Se, the two heavy metals have a significant positive correlation, which shows the two elements might have gone through similar environmental geochemical effect. Also, the connection among Zn, Hg, Pb, and Mn is not obvious; therefore, the sources of those elements are quite different. In addition, the elements of Se and As have obvious positive interrelationship with elements of CO32- and F-. Also, the Pb has significant positive correlation with PO43-, H2SiO3 and oxygen consumption. The results of cluster analysis show that 9 different heavy metals in the study area can be divided into 3 categories: Zn, Cd, Mn, Hg, Cu, and Cr belong to the first category, Se and As belong to the second one, and the last category is Pb. Also, the principle component analysis divides 6 heavy metals (Zn, As, Hg, Pb, Mn, and Se) into 4 different principle components, which can be utilized to assess heavy metals pollution situations in groundwater. The reliability of this method is higher than 91%. Moreover, the research provides theory basis and models for establishing evaluation index system and exploring the evaluation method of heavy mental pollution in groundwater.     

吉林东部花岗岩区地下水化学成分及其对岩石风化作用的制约

在吉林东部花岗岩区地下水化学成分和化学类型研究的基础上,以Na作为参比元素,确定了花岗岩风化过程中22种主量元素和微量元素的相对活动顺序。花岗岩区地下水的地球化学类型属低矿化度(变化范围为69.51×10-6~386.49×10-6,平均值为199.48×10-6)的HCO3-Ca和HCO3-Na-Ca型。花岗岩风化过程中元素的活动性顺序(RM)从大到小依次为:B、Ca、Mo、Zn、Sr、Na、Mg、Cr、Cu、Ni、K、Co、Li、V、As、Ba、Si、Y、Fe、Ti、Al、Mn。风化产物中的粘土矿物主要为高岭土、蒙脱石,反映出本区花岗岩的风化淋滤程度较弱的特点。     

Application of major and trace elements as well as boron isotopes for tracing hydrochemical processes: the case of Trifilia coastal karst aquifer,Greece

The Trifilia karst aquifer presents a complex hydrochemical character due to the intricate geochemical processes that take place in the area. Their discernment was achieved by using the chemical analyses of major, trace elements and boron isotopes. Major ion composition indicates mixing between seawater and freshwater is occurring. Five hydrochemical zones corresponding to five respective groundwater types were distinguished, in which the chemical composition of groundwater is influenced mainly due to the different salinization grade of the aquifer. The relatively increased temperature of the aquifer indicates the presence of hydrothermal waters. Boron isotopes and trace elements indicate that the intruding seawater has been hydrothermally altered, as it is shown by the δ¹¹B depleted signature and the increased concentrations of Li and Sr. Trace elements analyses showed that the groundwater is enriched in various metallic elements, which derive from the solid hydrocarbons (bitumens), contained in the carbonate sediments of the Tripolis zone. The concentration of these trace elements depends on the redox environment. Thus, in reductive conditions As, Mn, Co and NH₄ concentrations are high, in oxidized conditions the V, Se, Mo, Tl and U concentration increases while Ni is not redox sensitive and present high concentration in both environments.     

Nitrate and heavy metal pollution resulting from agricultural activity: a case study from Eskipazar (Karabuk,Turkey)

In most countries of the world, groundwater and surface water are at a serious risk of pollution due to chemicals used in agricultural activities. The present study examined whether such a risk exists in Eskipazar, Turkey and the surrounding area, which covers a surface area of 696 km². Nitrate pollution (NO₃) was observed in waters discharging from the Örencik Formation, consisting of loose conglomerate, sandstone, mudstone, siltstone, and claystone levels; from the Yörük member of the Örencik Formation consisting of limestone, from areas where the Örencik Formation and Yörük member are located together, and from alluvium. Agricultural is practiced in these areas, and the waters discharging from these formations are used as drinking water and for domestic purposes. In particular, periodically varying levels of pollutants, such as B, Pb, Hg, Se were detected in wells drilled in Örencik Formation featuring a high NO₃ concentration. The concentrations of S, Cr, Mn, Fe, Cu, Zn, Ga, Br, Sr, Y, I, Ba, and U in these waters are also slightly higher than other cold waters in the study area. In addition to the NO₃ pollution, high levels of Ca and SO₄ pollution was observed at a well drilled in alluvium. In addition, some trace element concentrations identified in the wells drilled in the Örencik Formation were higher than the average values at geothermal and/or mineral springs in the study area. The study area has an adequate sewage system and has no sources of pollution, such as mineralization, industrial center, waste disposal area, etc. Therefore, it is believed that the main causes of NO₃ and trace element pollution are fertilizers and pesticides used in agricultural activities. Water–rock interaction, usage period of fertilizers and pesticides, amount of precipitation, groundwater level, usage of elements by plants, mobility of elements, pH value of the environment, redox potential, adsorption/desorption, biochemical processes, etc. are thought to be the causes of the periodical variation of some trace element concentrations observed in these waters.     

Concentration and distribution of trace elements in some coals from Northern China

The concentration, distribution and modes of occurrence of trace elements in thirty coals, four floors and two roofs from Northern China were studied. The samples were collected from the major coalfields of Shanxi Province, Shaanxi Province, Inner Mongolian Autonomous Region, and Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region. The concentrations of seventeen potential hazardous trace elements, including Hg, As, Se, Pb, Cd, Br, Ni, Cr, Co, Mo, Mn, Be, Sb, Th, V, U, Zn, and five major elements P, Na, Fe, Al, and Ca in coals were determined.Compared with average concentration of trace elements in Chinese coal, the coals from Northern China contain a higher concentration of Hg, Se, Cd, Mn, and Zn. They may be harmful to the environment in the process of combustion and utilization. Vertical variations of trace elements in three coal seams indicated the distributions of most elements in coal seam are heterogeneous. Based on statistical analyses, trace elements including Mo, Cr, Se, Th, Pb, Sb, V, Be and major elements including Al, P shows an affinity to ash content. In contrast, Br is generally associated with organic matter. Elements As, Ni, Be, Mo, and Fe appear to be associated with pyrite. The concentrations of trace elements weakly correlate either to coal rank or to maceral compositions.     

Review of water and soil contamination in and around Salihli geothermal field (Manisa,Turkey)

The town of Salihli is situated in Gediz Graben in the western Anatolia. This region is important in terms of industry, mining, geothermal energy, water sources, and agricultural production. Geothermal flow and anthropogenic activities in Salihli threaten the surrounding environment due to the contamination of cold groundwater, surface water, and soil. The goal of the present study is to determine the environmental effects of the geothermal and anthropogenic activities in Salihli on soil, stream sediments, and water. Stream sediments and farm soil have been contaminated by substances derived from geothermal and industrial effluents. To this end, the quality review of the water was completed and the heavy metal levels in stream sediment samples were measured to determine the extent of contamination. The elements As, B, Br, Fe, and Ni are the major contaminants present in surface water and groundwater in the study area. The concentrations of these elements excess tolerance limits of international water standards. Gibbsite, K-mica, kaolinite, sepiolite, halite, sulfur, willemite, and Pb(OH)₂ might be precipitated as scales at low temperatures on the soil; this could be interpreted as a resultant from soil contamination. The concentrations of 17 elements (As, Ba, B, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Hg, Li, Mo, Mn, Ni, Pb, Sb, Sr, and Zn) were measured in samples from stream sediments and surface soils. In the study area, especially geothermal and anthropogenic activities give rise to environmental pollution.     

An assessment of soil contamination due to heavy metals around a coal-fired thermal power plant in India

Combustion of coals in thermal power plants is one of the major sources of environmental pollution due to generation of huge amounts of ashes, which are disposed off in large ponds in the vicinity of the thermal power plants. This problem is of particular significance in India, which utilizes coals of very high ash content (∼55 wt%). Since the thermal power plants and the ash ponds are located in densely populated areas, there is potential chance for contamination of soil and groundwater of the surrounding areas from the toxic trace elements in the ash. An attempt has been made to study the extent of soil contamination around one of the largest thermal power plants of India located at Kolaghat, West Bengal India. Chemical analysis of the top soils and the soils collected from the different depth profiles surrounding the ash ponds, show that the top soils are enriched in the trace elements Mo, As, Cr, Mn, Cu, Ni, Co, Pb, Be, V, Zn, which show maximum enrichment (2–5) in the top soils collected from all the soil profiles. These elements are also enriched in the pond ash. Since there are no other sources of industrial effluents, it can be said that the enrichment of the trace elements (Mn, Co, Mo, Cr, Cu, Pb, Zn, As, Ni, Be, V) is attributed to their input from ash from the disposal pond. The study has been further strengthened by log-normal distribution pattern of the elements.     

Evaluation of aquifer environment under Hazaribagh leather processing zone of Dhaka city

Hazaribagh is a densely populated area of Dhaka city where about 185 leather processing industries have been operating and discharging solid and liquid wastes directly to the low-lying areas, river and natural canals without proper treatment. The area is covered by alluvial deposits of Holocene age and is underlain by Pleistocene Madhupur clay. The Dupi Tila Formation of Mio-Pliocene age underlain by this yellowish gray to brick red clay bed serves as the main water-bearing aquifer of Dhaka city. To assess the environmental degradation as well as the groundwater environment, major anions, cations and heavy metals of water samples, heavy metals and organic carbon content of sediment samples were analyzed in this study. Analyses of tannery effluent detect high concentration of Na⁺, Mg²⁺, Cl⁻ and SO ₄ ²⁻ followed by Ca²⁺, NH ₄ ⁺ and K⁺ with remarkable contents of some trace elements, mainly Cr, Fe, Mn, S, Ni and Pb. Higher accumulations of Cr, Al and Fe are observed in topsoil samples with significant amounts of Mn, Zn, Ni and Cu. Concentrations of ions and all the investigated trace elements of sampled groundwater were within the maximum allowable limit for drinking water of the Department of Environment, Bangladesh (DoE), and World Health Organization (WHO). However, excessive concentrations of Cr, Pb, etc., have already been reported in the shallow groundwater (10–20 m) of the area. Due to excessive withdrawal the vulnerability of groundwater contamination in deeper parts cannot be avoided for the future.     

吉林白山地区原煤微量元素地球化学特征

对吉林白山地区煤矿主采煤层中的As、B、Ba、Cd、Cu、Hg、Pb、Se、Sr等微量元素进行了分析,结果表明:太原组与山西组由于成煤环境不同,微量元素组成及其质量分数存在一定的差异,太原组原煤中As、B、Hg、Pb、Se、Zn的质量分数明显高于山西组,山西组原煤中Ba、Cr、Cu、Mn、V的质量分数明显高于太原组。白山地区原煤中As、B、Hg、Pb、Se的质量分数明显高于地壳元素平均值,呈富集状态;Co、Cd与地壳平均值接近,其他元素均亏损。与全国煤中微量元素的质量分数平均值相比,As、Ba、Co、Cr、Cu、Hg、Ni、Pb、Se、V、Zn的质量分数高于全国平均值。B、Mn、Sr质量分数低于全国平均值。微量元素赋存状态及相关分析表明,Fe与亲硫有害元素As、Cu、Hg、Pb、Se具有显著相关关系,说明煤中黄铁矿及其他硫化物是许多有害微量元素的重要载体。      

淮南张集矿区煤中微量元素的含量分布特征分析

在采用ICP-AES对张集7个煤层144个样品微量元素含量测试分析的基础上,探讨了元素在不同煤层中的变化规律及其在煤层对比中的应用。结果表明:张集矿区煤中元素B、Se和As含量偏高;不同煤层中微量元素含量变化较大,但具有一定的规律性,其中在9煤层中元素Ba和Cr含量最低,Mn、Zn、As和Se含量相对较高,可以利用这些元素分布特征来区别和划分相邻煤层。     

Using multivariate statistical analyses to evaluate groundwater contamination in the northwestern part of Saudi Arabia

Chemical characteristics of groundwater in the Midyan Basin (northwestern Saudi Arabia) were investigated and evaluated. A total of 72 water samples were collected from existing shallow wells and analyzed for different elements. Two multivariate statistical methods, hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) and principal components analysis (PCA), were applied to a subgroup of the data set in terms of their usefulness for groundwater classification, and to identify the processes controlling groundwater geochemistry. The subgroup consisted of 46 water samples out of 72 samples and 24 variables included major elements (Ca²⁺, Na⁺, Mg²⁺, K⁺, Cl^?, HCO₃ ^?, NO₃ ^?, SO₄ ^2?), minor and trace element (SiO₂, Al, As, B, Ba, Cd, Cr, F, Fe, Mo, P, Pb, Sb, Sn, Ti, and V). For water samples, four geochemically distinct clusters (i.e., C1, C2, C3 and C4) have been observed by hierarchical cluster analysis. Cr, F and Pb are the dominant ions in cluster C2. Al, As, Cd, Mo, Sb and Ti are the dominant ions in cluster C3, while B, Ca, Cl, HCO₃, K, Mg, Na, SO₄ and V are identified as dominant ions in the cluster C4. In the PCA, a total of five components are extracted form the data set, which explained 73.37 % of the total data variability. Among them the first component reveals strong associations between As, B, Cd, Cr, F, Mo, Pb, Sb and Ti. The second component reveals the associations between Ca, Cl, HCO₃, Mg, Na, SO₄ and V.     

Dissolved trace elements and heavy metals in the Danjiangkou Reservoir,China

Concentrations of trace elements and heavy metals (Al, As, Ba, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Hg, Mn, Ni, Pb, Sb, Se, Sr, V and Zn) in the Danjiangkou Reservoir, the water source area of the Middle Route of China’s interbasin South to North Water Transfer Project, were analyzed using an Inductively Coupled Plasma Atomic Emission Spectrometer (ICP-AES) and compared with the national and international standards for drinking water. The results indicated that concentrations of As, Pb, Sb and Se in the Reservoir exceeded the standards and they would pose health risk for residents in the region and the water receiving areas of the interbasin water transfer project. Spatial and temporal variability of the trace elements and heavy metals in the Reservoir implies their mixed sources of natural processing and anthropogenic activities in the upper drainage of the Reservoir. The research results would help develop water resource management and conservation strategy for the interbasin water transfer project.     

Assessment of trace element contamination in soils around Chinnaeru River Basin, Nalgonda District, India

Concentrations of trace elements such as As, Ba, Co, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, Rb, Sr, V, Y, Zn and Zr were studied in soils to understand metal contamination due to agriculture and geogenic activities in Chinnaeru River Basin, Nalgonda District, India. This area is affected by the geogenic fluoride contamination. The contamination of the soils was assessed on the basis of geoaccumulation index, enrichment factor (EF), contamination factor and degree of contamination. Forty-four soil samples were collected from the agricultural field from the study area from top 10–50 cm layer of soil. Soil samples were analyzed for trace elements using X-ray fluorescence spectrometer. Data revealed that soils in the study area are significantly contaminated, showing high level of toxic elements than normal distribution. The ranges of concentration of Ba (370–1,710 mg/kg), Cr (8.7–543 mg/kg), Cu (7.7–96.6 mg/kg), Ni (5.4–168 mg/kg), Rb (29.6–223 mg/kg), Sr (134–438 mg/kg), Zr (141.2–8,232 mg/kg) and Zn (29–478 mg/kg). The concentration of other elements was similar to the levels in the earth’s crust or pointed to metal depletion in the soil (EF < 1). The high EFs for some trace elements obtained in soil samples show that there is a considerable heavy metal pollution, which could be due to excessive use of fertilizers and pesticides used for agricultural or may be due to natural geogenic processes in the area. Comparative study has been made with other soil-polluted heavy metal areas and its mobility in soil and groundwater has been discussed. A contamination site poses significant environmental hazards for terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. They are important sources of pollution and may result in ecotoxicological effects on terrestrial, groundwater and aquatic ecosystems.