Effect of Zinc,Copper and Mercury on Channa marulius (HAMILTON)

Static bioassay acute toxicity tests of Zinc, Copper and Mercury were conducted to determine the median lethal concentrations (LC₅₀s) of a freshwater teleost Channa marulius (HAM .) The 96 h LC₅₀ and 95% confidence limits for Zn²⁺ were 25.61 (24.13 … 27.12) mg/l; 0.90 (0.80 … 1.038) mg/l; for Cu²⁺ and 0.314 (0.257 … 0.371) mg/l for Hg²⁺. However, these values decreased at 240 h of exposure and were: 21.09 (18.29 … 24.60) mg Zn²⁺/l; 0.66 (0.568 … 0.841) mg Cu²⁺/l; and 0.131 (0.103 … 0.158) mg Hg²⁺/l. The relative potency ratio of Zn/Hg, Zn/Cu and Cu/Hg suggests that fish were most sensitive to Hg, followed by Cu and Zn ions. The acute toxicities of mixtures of Zn²⁺?Cu²⁺; Zn²⁺?Hg²⁺, Cu²⁺?Hg²⁺ and Zn²⁺?Cu²⁺?Hg²⁺ up to 48 h of exposure were also investigated. The additive index and ranges for Zn²⁺?Cu²⁺ were ?0.241 (-0.577 … 0.054); 0.056 (-0.269 … 0.475) for Zn-Hg; 0.285 (-0.043 … 0.718) for Cu-Hg; and -0.542 (-1.215 … 0.005) for Zn-Cu-Hg. All the mixtures tested showed a greater than additive toxicity because index ranges overlapped zero.     

Studies on the Acute Toxicity of Zinc to a Freshwater Teleost: Channa punctatus (Bloch)

Static bioassay tests were carried out on Channa punctatus Bloch in the laboratory after renewal of concentrations every 24 h. The LC₅₀ values and 95 per cent confidence limits were 45.21 (39.62 … 51.11) ppm at 12 h and 29.8 (27.49 … 31.95) ppm of Zn at 96 h of exposure. The actual dissolution values of zinc were also determined in test solutions using an atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Behavioural changes were the higher rate of opercular movements, surfacing, loss of equilibrium and haemorrhage near mouth and caudal fin. The LT₅₀ values indicate that survival was increased with decreasing Zn concentration. The histopathological changes observed due to Zn toxicity in the gills have been discussed in relation to fish mortality.     

太湖浮游植物中重金属含量的季节变化特征及湖区差异

近年来随着社会经济的发展,排入太湖的污水中重金属含量不断增加,为研究太湖浮游植物中重金属的污染状况,分别于2009年春季(4月)、夏季(7月)和冬季(12月)对太湖不同湖区展开调查,通过HCA聚类分析和Pearson相关分析探讨不同湖区浮游植物中重金属含量的季节变化,并与优势藻种进行CCA分析,对浮游植物重金属与各藻种关系进行初步探讨.结果表明:太湖浮游植物中重金属的含量大小为:ZnMnPbCuNiCrAsCdHg,其中Zn、Cu、Mn、Pb、Ni的季节变化明显,Zn和Cu、Pb、Ni、Cr之间的相关系数很高且具有同源性.通过对比不同湖区,发现北部梅梁湾的浮游植物重金属含量较高,东太湖和湖心区含量均低于沿岸湖区.CCA分析表明春季重金属与优势藻种呈正相关,而夏季和冬季二者呈负相关.三季中重金属与蓝藻和绿藻的相关性最高,与隐藻的相关性最低.蓝藻中,重金属与铜绿微囊藻的相关性高于水华微囊藻.     

Phytoremediation of heavy metal‐contaminated water and sediment by Eleocharis acicularis

Phytoremediation is an environmental remediation technique that takes advantage of plant physiology and metabolism. The unique property of heavy metal hyperaccumulation by the macrophyte Eleocharis acicularis is of great significance in the phytoremediation of water and sediments contaminated by heavy metals at mine sites. In this study, a field cultivation experiment was performed to examine the applicability of E. acicularis to the remediation of water contaminated by heavy metals. The highest concentrations of heavy metals in the shoots of E. acicularis were 20 200 mg Cu/kg, 14 200 mg Zn/kg, 1740 mg As/kg, 894 mg Pb/kg, and 239 mg Cd/kg. The concentrations of Cu, Zn, As, Cd, and Pb in the shoots correlate with their concentrations in the soil in a log‐linear fashion. The bioconcentration factor for these elements decreases log‐linearly with increasing concentration in the soil. The results indicate the ability of E. acicularis to hyperaccumulate Cu, Zn, As, and Cd under natural conditions, making it a good candidate species for the phytoremediation of water contaminated by heavy metals.     

Untersuchungen über die Beeinflussung der planktischen Photosynthese durch anorganische Metallsalze im eutrophen Alpnachersee und der mesotrophen Horwer Bucht

The effects on phytoplankton photosynthesis of inorganic metal salts HgCl₂, CuSO₄, Cd(NO₃)₂, ZnCl₂ and Pb(NO₃)₂ were studied over monthly intervals. In experiments with individual metals, phytoplankton photosynthesis was not adversely affected if the concentration increase above background levels did not exceed 10^?9 mole Hg/l, 5·10^?9 mole Cu/l, 2·10^?8 mole Cd/l, 5·10^?8 mole Zn/l and 2·10^?7 mole Pb/l, respectively. However when the concentration was increased by 5·10^?10 mole Hg/l+5·10^?9 mole Cu/l+5·10^?9 mole Cd/l+5·10^?8 mole Zn/l+5·10^?8 mole Pb/l photosynthesis was significantly reduced, due to a synergetic effect of the combined metals. The influence of phytoplankton density, pH-value concentration of calcium, dissolved organic nitrogen and allochthonous debris on heavy metal toxicity was investigated. Changes in phytoplankton composition are believed to the main reason for the seasonal variation in the toxic effects of heavy metals.     

Assessment of heavy metal contamination of roadside soils in Southwest China

Topsoil (0–20 cm) samples were collected from the edge of roads to the locations about 200 m off the roads along the four roads with different transportation periods in October 2005. Total concentrations of As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb and Zn were determined using the inductively coupled plasma atomic absorption spectrometry in order to assess and compare road transportation pollution. Results showed that with the exception of As, Cu and Pb, the average concentrations of heavy metals were generally, higher than the regional elemental background values. Most soil samples were moderately or highly polluted by Cd or Ni, but the contamination index (P _i ) values for As, Pb and Zn were lower than other heavy metals in all sites. Among the four roads, heavy metal pollution was heavier for Dali Road due to longer transportation periods, while low or no contamination could be observed for the other roads. However, the integrated contamination index (P _c ) values showed a generally low contamination or no contamination level for all soil samples in this region, followed by the order of Dali Road > Dabao Highway > Road 320 > Sixiao Highway. The same pollution source of these heavy metals was found using factor analysis.     

结合主成分分析法(PCA)和正定矩阵因子分解法(PMF)的鄱阳湖丰水期表层沉积物重金属源解析

为识别表层沉积物重金属的来源以及量化源贡献,选取鄱阳湖丰水期表层沉积物为研究对象,测定14种重金属(V、Cr、Co、Ni、Cu、Zn、Sr、Mo、Cd、Sb、W、Pb、Hg和As)的含量,分析其污染及空间分布特征,并利用主成分分析法(PCA)和正定矩阵因子分解法(PMF)对沉积物重金属进行源解析.结果表明:除V和Cr外,Cd、Mo、Hg、Cu、Pb、Zn、W、Sr、As、Ni、Co和Sb的平均含量分别为江西省土壤背景值的5.7、2.2、1.9、1.8、1.5、1.5、1.4、1.3、1.3、1.2、1.0和1.0倍; Cd、Hg、Cu、Mo、Pb、Sr和Zn超出江西省土壤背景值的比例相对较高,分别为100%、100%、100%、100%、97%、97%和93%,所有沉积物样品中Cd含量超过农用地土壤污染风险筛选值的比例为51%; V、Cr、Co、Ni、Cu、Zn、Sr、Mo、Sb、W、Pb、Hg和As含量呈未污染至弱污染水平,而Cd含量属于中等污染水平,接近于重污染水平.总体而言,Cd的污染相对较严重.重金属的分布具有显著的区域特征,其中Cr、Cu、Zn、Sr、Pb、Hg和As的空间分布十分相似,表现为在赣江、抚河、信江和饶河入湖口附近区域含量较高,而Co、Ni、Mo和Sb明显在湖区南部、东北部和修水入湖附近这3个区域聚集,Cd和W的空间变异性相对较大,V的含量分布相对较均匀.PCA和PMF解析结果都表明鄱阳湖丰水期表层沉积物重金属受4种来源的共同影响,其中,矿业和工业活动的影响最大,相对贡献率为38%,其次是尾矿和废渣,相对贡献率为28%,再是农业活动,相对贡献率为19%,最后是自然来源的相对贡献率为14%.     

乌梁素海大气重金属沉降入湖通量初步估算

重金属元素以大气颗粒物为载体,最终以沉降的方式进入湖泊水体,会引起湖泊的重金属污染.为调查大气沉降对乌梁素海重金属污染的贡献,于2013年7月1日至30日围绕乌梁素海进行大气沉降样品采集,分别测定Cu、Zn、Pb、Cd、Cr、Hg、As 7种重金属元素的含量,并在此基础上估算7月大气重金属沉降通量及入湖量.结果表明,乌梁素海重金属元素大气沉降通量大小依次为:ZnPbCuCrAsHgCd.结合社会调查情况及数据分析显示,大气微粒携带重金属借助风力迁移,较大的沉降通量出现在主风向的下风向区域,说明风向是影响乌梁素海大气重金属沉降通量的主要因素之一.排干输入与大气沉降方式下的乌梁素海重金属入湖量比较发现,大气沉降是除排干输入外湖泊的另一重要重金属污染源.Zn、Pb、Cu、Cr、As、Hg、Cd等重金属元素月入湖量分别为10.6、1.04、1.02、0.833、0.342、0.00514、0.00281t/月.通过估算底泥重金属增量来评价大气沉降对湖泊重金属的贡献表明,大气Hg、Zn、Pb、Cu、As、Cd、Cr等重金属沉降对湖泊贡献率分别为46.4%、44.7%、14.1%、12.0%、8.48%、4.75%、4.03%.     

Determination of Partition Coefficients of Metals in Natural Tropical Water

The values for the partition coefficient (K_d) were calculated for Ca, Mg, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Pb, Ni, and Zn at 19 sites in the Capivara hydroelectric reservoir in Brazil. It was found that the relative values of K_d follow the order: Cr > Mn > Fe > Cu > Zn > Ni > Pb > Ca > Cd, differing from the values reported for K_d in aquatic systems in the northern hemisphere. A hierarchical cluster analysis and linear correlations showed that Cr is strongly associated with Fe and Cu, and that Cd is the only metal found in complexation with organic matter, explaining its higher solubility.     

Heavy Metal Pollution in Sediments from Aquatic Ecosystems in China

We conducted an analysis of heavy metals content, including As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Hg, Pb, and Zn in sediments from aquatic ecosystems in China measured in recent publications. Then, we evaluated the extent of heavy metal pollution in these ecosystems in seven different industrial districts in China (Dongbei, Huabei, Huazhong, Huanan, Huaxik, Xibei, and Huadong) with the potential ecological risk index. We found that Cd was the most concentrated pollutant, followed by Hg and As, while Cr, Cu, Pb, Zn were found in low concentrations in sediments from all types of aquatic ecosystem in China. Sediments collected from all seven industrial districts were heavily polluted, and the sequence, from most to least polluted was Dongbei>Huabei>Huazhong>Huanan>Huaxi>Xibei>Huadong. All four types of aquatic ecosystem were found to be seriously polluted and the sequence, from most to least polluted was: river>sea>lake>wetland. Specifically, Cd and Hg were the most serious pollutants in all four aquatic ecosystems, and As was also a serious pollutant in rivers. For the seven industrial districts studied the sea was the most polluted ecosystem in Dongbei, the river was the most polluted ecosystem in Huabei, Huanan, Huazhong, and the lake was the most polluted in Huadong, Huaxi, and Xibei.     

Polarographische Bestimmung von Schwermetallen im Klärschlamm

The differential-pulse polarography (DPP) and the stripping voltametry (SV) are investigated in detail with respect to their suitability for the quantitative detection of individual traces of heavy metals in sewage sludge. The results are checked on the basis of AAS analyses and by the standard-addition method. From the hydrochloric-acid extracts of fused sludge samples down to 1 μg/l can be detected by the SV, whereas the DPP reaches a sensitivity of 100 μg/l. The following basic electrolytes are used: Zn: 2 … 3 mol/l H₃PO₄; Cu: 0.4 mol/l K₂CO₃, 0.2 mol/l Na-K-tartrate, 0.1 mol/l HCl; Ni: 1 mol/l NH₄OH, 1 mol/l NH₄Cl, 25 ml/l triethylamine; Pb and Cd: 0.1 … 0.2 mol/l HCl.     

Assessment of arsenic and heavy metal pollution and ecological risk in inshore sediments of the Yellow River estuary,China

In order to investigate the pollution levels, sources and ecological risks of arsenic (As) and heavy metals (Cr, Ni, Cu, Zn, Pb and Cd) in inshore sediments of the Yellow River estuary, the surface sediment in areas of inshore coastal waters were sampled in October 2014 as the flow-sediment regulation project (FSRP) was implemented for 13 years. Results showed that the concentrations of As and heavy metals in inshore sediments of the Yellow River estuary were in the order of Zn?>?Cr?>?Cu?>?Ni?>?Pb?>?As?>?Cd. Higher levels of As, Cr, Ni, Cu, Zn and Pb generally occurred in fine-grained sediments of the Yellow River estuary and the southeast region, which was consistent with the spatial distribution of clay. In contrast, higher concentrations of Cd were generally observed in northwest area of the Yellow River estuary and near the Qingshuigou estuary, which showed similarly spatial distribution with that of sand. The sediment quality guidelines (SQG_S) and geoaccumulation indices (I_geo) indicated that the inshore sediments were polluted by Cu, Cd, As, Pb and Zn, and, among them, Cd pollution was more serious. Ecological risk indices (E _r ⁱ ) demonstrated low risks for Cr, Ni, Cu, Zn, Pb and As, and high potential toxicity by Cd. The integrated ecological risk index implied that 6.8% of stations presented moderate risk, 4.5% of stations exhibited disastrous risk, and 88.7% of stations demonstrated considerable risk. Principal component analysis indicated that Ni, Cu, Zn, Pb and As might originate from common pollution sources, while Cr and Cd might share another similar sources. With the continuous implementation of FSRP, As and heavy metal levels in inshore sediments of the Yellow River estuary could be classified as stage I (2002–2010) and stage II (2010–2014). In the stage I, As, Cr, Ni, Cu, Zn and Pb levels fluctuated but decreased significantly, whereas Cd concentrations showed little variation. In the stage II, As and heavy metal levels significantly increased although some little fluctuations occurred. The continuous accumulation of As and heavy metals (especially for Cd) in inshore sediments of the Yellow River estuary would occur again as the FSRP was implemented for 9 years (since 2010). The ecotoxicological risk of Cd, As, Ni and Cu in inshore sediments might be more serious since the accumulation of the four elements would be continuously occurred in future years. Next step, there will be long-term potential consequences for marine organism if effective measures are not taken to control the loadings of metal pollutants into estuary.     

Magnetic properties and heavy metal pollution of soils in the vicinity of a cement plant,Xuzhou (China)

This study characterized the magnetic property and levels of heavy metals of the topsoils near a cement plant. The concentrations of five selected heavy metals (Pb, Cu, Zn and Cd) were measured on 32 topsoil samples (0–20 cm) collected near a cement plant via inductively coupled plasma/mass spectroscopy (ICP-MS). The orders of enrichment factors (EF), on average, were Cd (7.3) > Cu (3) > Zn (2.9) > Pb (2.1), respectively. A self-organizing map (SOM) was applied to the concentrations of heavy metals for “correlation hunting”. Mineral magnetic concentration parameters, such as the specific magnetic susceptibility (χ), susceptibility of anhysteretic remanent magnetization (χ_ARM), saturation isothermal remanent magnetization (SIRM), together with interparametric ratios (such as IRM_− 100mT/SIRM, SIRM/χ, χ_ARM/SIRM) show that ferrimagnetic, superparamagnetic (SP) and multi-domain (MD) minerals dominated the soils. The results of correlation analysis indicate that copper showed a significant correlation with χ, χ_ARM and SIRM but such a relationship with χ, χ_ARM and SIRM was only weakly identified for Zn, Cd and Pb.     

鄱阳湖流域饶河龙口入湖段优势淡水鱼类对微塑料及重金属污染物的生物累积

水体生态环境中的微塑料与重金属污染问题正日益受到热切关注为探讨微塑料与重金属对水产品的复合生态效应,选择鄱阳湖饶河段优势淡水鱼为研究对象,对鱼体内微塑料及重金属Cu、Cd、Pb、Zn、Cr等元素的生物累积作用进行分析与评价结果表明:调查区域水环境中微塑料的丰度范围10～64 items/L,平均值38.56 items/L. 8种淡水鱼消化道微塑料丰度范围为1.21～9.11 items/g,平均丰度为5.40 items/g;鳃部丰度范围0.61～5.00 items/g,平均丰度为2.87 items/g;微塑料类型主要有碎片类、纤维类、薄膜类和颗粒类4种,其聚合物成分主要为聚乙烯(PE)、低密度聚乙烯(LDPE)、聚丙烯(PP)和聚苯乙烯(PS);颜色以透明及彩色为主;微塑料粒径范围为0.01～9.5 mm,粒径0.5 mm的微塑料所占比例为79.07%,鱼体内与其生存水环境中微塑料的丰度特征(形态、粒径、颜色和聚合物类型组分比例)具有一定相似性各鱼类对微塑料的累积系数(BAF)平均值为178.29,不同鱼类累积微塑料的能力大小次序为:乌鳢(Channa argus)、黄颡鱼(Pelteobagrus fulvidraco)鲦鱼(Hemicculter leuciclus)、草鱼(Ctenopharyngodon idellus)、鲶鱼(Silurus asotus)鲤鱼(Cyprinus carpio)、刀鱼(Coilia ectenes)、鲫鱼(Carassius auratus)鱼体肌肉组织内重金属Cu、Cd、Pb、Zn、Cr的平均含量分别为4.27、0.13、0.28、11.73、0.53 mg/kg,均符合无公害水产品的要求且低于人体消费卫生标准,属于安全食用范围;鱼类对5种不同重金属的累积能力大小次序为ZnCuCdPbCr,不同鱼类对不同重金属的累积能力具有差异性通过扫描电镜(SEM)与能谱分析(EDS)检测到各类型微塑料表面均有上述5种重金属元素,证实微塑料可能成为重金属的附着载体,相关性分析表明微塑料与Cu呈极显著相关,与Cd、Pb均呈显著相关;微塑料的存在一定程度上会增强Cu、Cd与Pb的累积效应,并可能产生复合污染效应.     

Biomonitoring of heavy metals and trace organics using the intertidal mussel Perna viridis in Hong Kong coastal waters

This paper presents the results of a 6-year (1998–2003) survey of trace toxics in the intertidal mussel Perna viridis conducted by the Hong Kong Environmental Protection Department. Concentrations of heavy metals and trace organics were measured in the soft bodies of P. viridis collected from five sites in Hong Kong waters, i.e. Wu Kai Sha (Tolo Harbour), Ma Wan (Northwest), Tsim Sha Tsui (Victoria Harbour), Tai Tam (Hong Kong South) and Lamma Island (Southern Waters) in order to establish the spatial patterns of contaminants in mussels. Among the metals analysed, Cd showed a significant concentration gradient in Hong Kong waters. The levels of Cd in P. viridis were significantly higher at Ma Wan as compared to the other sites studied. Ma Wan also had relatively higher concentrations of Pb. Mn concentrations were particularly prominent at Wu Kai Sha. Significantly higher concentrations of Hg and Cu were recorded at Tai Tam and Tsim Sha Tsui. Tai Tam and Wu Kai Sha had higher levels of V; whereas higher Ni concentrations were recorded at Lamma Island and Tai Tam. No clear spatial patterns for Al, As, Cr, Fe and Zn were observed.Higher concentrations of PAHs in P. viridis were observed around urban centres impacted by sewage discharges (e.g. Tsim Sha Tsui); whereas higher PCB levels were found not only in Tsim Sha Tsui but also in less urbanised areas such as Lamma Island and Tai Tam, suggesting that these may be due to non-sewage related inputs. The study also shows that Northwest and Southern waters are subject to a higher degree of DDT pollution compared with other sites. Of the 17 dioxin compounds analysed, positive data were mostly recorded for two compounds which are of low toxicity (i.e. OCDD and 1,2,3,4,6,7,8-HpCDD) whereas the most toxic congeners (i.e. 2,3,7,8-TCDD and 1,2,3,7,8-PeCDD) were not detected in the 6 years of monitoring. In general, the levels of OCDD in P. viridis were found to be higher in Tai Tam and Lamma Island in Southern Waters of Hong Kong.This study found that the levels of some highly toxic heavy metals (i.e. Cd, Hg and Pb) in the mussel P. viridis did not exceed the recommended limits for shellfish as food in Hong Kong (i.e. Cd: 2.0 ppm; Hg: 0.5 ppm; Pb: 6.0 ppm wet weight). The levels of As and Ni in P. viridis were also well below the action limits set by the US FDA (i.e. As: 86 ppm; Ni: 80 ppm wet weight). DDT and PCB contaminations in P. viridis were below the concentrations of concern. Compared with data obtained in the 1980s, the current levels of DDTs in P. viridis were 4–16 times lower; whereas Pb concentrations recorded in Tsim Sha Tsui have also been lowered significantly. This is mainly related to reduction in local and regional pollution sources in the past 20 years.     

Effects of heavy metals on the survival and feeding behaviour of the sandy shore scavenging gastropod Nassarius festivus (Powys)

The effects of Cu, Cd, Zn and Cr on the survival and feeding behaviour of the sandy shore scavenging gastropod Nassarius festivus were compared. The 96-h LC₅₀ for Cu, Cd, Zn and Cr were 0.36, 1.52, 1.76 and 36.9 mg l⁻¹, respectively. Four sublethal concentrations of each metal plus a control were prepared and the snails were exposed to experimental solutions for 96 h. Feeding behaviour was studied after the snails were starved for five days. As compared with the control, the number of individuals feeding was significantly reduced by exposure to 0.05 mg l⁻¹ Cu, 0.2 mg l⁻¹ Zn, 0.5 mg l⁻¹ Cd and 5 mg l⁻¹ Cr. The time spent feeding was greater for individuals exposed to greater concentrations of Zn and Cd but no effect was found for Cu and Cr. Chemoreception of food was studied by placing the snails at a fixed distance of 15 cm from the bait. The success rate of reaching the bait was less for individuals exposed to Cr but no effect was found for Zn, Cu or Cd. The time required for an individual to reach the bait decreased as the concentration of Zn increased. In contrast, a longer time was required for individuals exposed to Cr whereas the effect of Cd and Cu was insignificant. The potential of using feeding behaviour and chemoreception in contaminant evaluations is discussed.     

Sedimentary Records of Evolution of Heavy Metals in Songhua Lake,Northeast China

In this paper, the vertical variations of heavy metal elements (including Cd, Cr, Cu, Hg, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Zn) in the sediments of Songhua Lake are analyzed using sediment cores. A 70‐year evolutionary history of these heavy metal elements in Songhua Lake is described and the sources of the heavy metals in the sediments are investigated by evaluating the pollution characteristics of the metals in terms of their enrichment coefficients and geoaccumulation indexes. The results indicate that Cr, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Zn in the sediments originated mainly from basin erosion and were transported to the lake by rivers. Cd and Hg in the sediments also originated from basin erosion that occurred prior to the mid‐1990s, and these sediments have since been overlaid by artificial pollution. The distribution of heavy metals in the sediments of Songhua Lake is influenced by many factors, including sediment composition, the relative importance of fluvial input, and artificial pollution.     

Acute Toxicity of Mercury,Copper and Zinc to a Freshwater Pulmonate Snail,Lymnaea luteola (LAMARCK)

The short-term toxicity of mercury, copper and zinc was studied using a freshwater pulmonate snail, Lymnaea luteola (LAMARCK ). The median period of survival increases with decreasing the toxicant concentration. The 96 h LC₅₀ values and their confidence limits were 0.135 (0.112 … 0.186) ppm of Hg²⁺; 0.172 (0.118 … 0.355) ppm of Cu²⁺; and 6.13 (5.73 to 7.19) ppm of Zn²⁺. The relative potency ratio indicates that the Hg²⁺ ions were most toxic, followed by Cu²⁺ and Zn²⁺ ions.     

Acute toxicity of mine tailings to four marine species

Acute toxicity bioassays were conducted on mine tailings produced by pilot plant testing for the proposed Quartz Hill molybdenum mine, which will be situated near Ketchikan, Alaska. Tailings bioassays were conducted in seawater with juvenile coho salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch), mussel larvae (Mytilus edulis), infaunal amphipods (Rhepoxynius abronius), and euphausiids (Euphausia pacifica). The same general range of mine tailings concentrations was acutely toxic to all four test species with acute effects observed between 61 000 to 277 000 mg l^?1 (wet wt) tailings solids (range of 95% confidence limits for LC₅₀ and EC₅₀ values). Chemical analyses of bioassay test solutions and leaching test solutions were conducted for metals (including Cd, Cu, Pb, Zn, Mn and Mo), EPA Priority Pollutant base/neutral organics, and more general parameters such as sulphate, nitrate/nitrite, cyanides, phosphate and ammonia. Parameters possibly contributing to the observed toxicity were complex contaminant mixtures including total suspended solids and heavy metals. The present study provides information related to the marine disposal of mine tailings and shows that these mine tailings present a relatively low level of acutely toxic effects.     

Distribution and ecological risk assessment of some heavy metals in coastal surface sediments along the Red Sea,Egypt

The ecological risk assessment for Al,Zn,Cu,Ni,V,Pb,Cd,and Hg in surface sediment collected from the Egyptian Red Sea coast was evaluated using the Geo-accumulation Index(I_(geo)).Sediment Enrichment Factor(SEF) and Potential Ecological Risk Index(PERI) methods.The predominant heavy metal,aluminum,showed high concentrations along both of Aqaba Gulf(4378.8 ± 2554.1 μg/g) and southern part of the Red Sea(2972.8 + 1527.5 μg/g).while it recorded the lowest concentration in Suez Gulf(829.7 ± 398.2 μg/g).The determined heavy metal concentrations had the order of Al Zn -Ni V Pb Cu Cd Hg.The statistical analyses showed some correlations among the heavy metals contents.Several international sediment quality guidelines were used to estimate the quality of the collected sediments.Interestingly,the recorded average heavy metals concentrations were lower than those of the permissible contents for sediment quality guidelines.The Geo-accumulation index calculations(I_(geo)) proved that the investigated region could be classified as an unpolluted area.Sediment Enrichment Factor(K_(SEF)) study showed high values in Suez Gulf region.The single pollution index analysis of heavy metals in the sediments(C~i_f) indicated that Al,Zn,V,and Pb were of natural origin,while Ni,Cd and Hg were seriously affected by human activities.Interestingly,amongst,all the determined heavy metals,Cd and Hg gave moderate ecological risk indicators.