Distribution of selected trace elements in sediments of Pamlico river estuary,north Carolina

Sixty-eight samples of sediment collected on a variably-spaced grid pattern from Pamlico River Estuary of North Carolina were analyzed for As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, F, Ni, Pb, U, Zn, clay, and organic matter. The major objectives of the study were to determine background and anomalous levels of trace elements in the sediments, and the effects of human activities on concentration and distribution of trace elements in the sediments. Clay and organic matter are more concentrated near the center of the estuary. This causes the highest concentration of trace elements in the sediments to be located there also owing to their preferential uptake of these elements. Highest trace element concentrations were observed in clay and organic matter near industrial sites, housing developments, and tributary mouths that drain areas of human activity. The apparent increase in trace element contents of fine sediments in Pamlico River Estuary owing to human activities is 4 to 1,750 times normal background levels.     

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.     

Composition of water and suspended sediment in streams of urbanized subtropical watersheds in Hawaii

Urbanization on the small subtropical island of Oahu, Hawaii provides an opportunity to examine how anthropogenic activity affects the composition of material transferred from land to ocean by streams. This paper investigates the variability in concentrations of trace elements (Pb, Zn, Cu, Ba, Co, As, Ni, V and Cr) in streams of watersheds on Oahu, Hawaii. The focus is on water and suspended particulate matter collected from the Ala Wai Canal watershed in Honolulu and also the Kaneohe Stream watershed. As predicted, suspended particulate matter controls most trace element transport. Elements such as Pb, Zn, Cu, Ba and Co exhibit increased concentrations within urbanized portions of the watersheds. Particulate concentrations of these elements vary temporally during storms owing to input of road runoff containing elevated concentrations of elements associated with vehicular traffic and other anthropogenic activities. Enrichments of As in samples from predominantly conservation areas are interpreted as reflecting agricultural use of fertilizers at the boundaries of urban and conservation lands. Particulate Ni, V and Cr exhibit distributions during storm events that suggest a mineralogical control. Principal component analysis of particulate trace element concentrations establishes eigenvalues that account for nearly 80% of the total variance and separates trace elements into 3 factors. Factor 1 includes Pb, Zn, Cu, Ba and Co, interpreted to represent metals with an urban anthropogenic enrichment. Factor 2 includes Ni, V and Cr, elements whose concentrations do not appear to derive from anthropogenic activity and is interpreted to reflect mineralogical control. Another, albeit less significant, anthropogenic factor includes As, Cd and U and is thought to represent agricultural inputs. Samples collected during a storm derived from an offshore low-pressure system suggest that downstream transport of upper watershed material during tradewind-derived rains results in a 2-3-fold dilution of the particulate concentrations of Pb, Zn and Cu in the Ala Wai canal watershed.     

青藏高原南部枪勇冰川雪冰中痕量元素的组成特征及其环境意义

为了认识青藏高原南部雪冰中痕量元素的组成特征、背景含量水平以及人为污染的可能影响,利用高分辨电感耦合等离子体质谱仪首次对2009年4月19日采自枪勇冰川一个40 cm 雪坑中 Al、 Fe、 Ba、 Cd、Co、Cr、Cu、Li、Ni、Zn、Pb、Sb、Sr、U 和 V 共15个痕量元素的浓度进行了测试和研究.分析表明,不同痕量元素之间浓度变化很大,从 Cd 的0.004 ng/g 变化到 Fe 的8628 ng/g;同一痕量元素的浓度变化范围也较大,最大值/最小值从13(Cd)变化到94(Sr).研究表明,不同痕量元素记录反映了人类活动与自然活动的不同影响.对痕量元素地壳富集系数分析表明,岩石和土壤粉尘是 Ba、Fe、Sr、Co、Cr、V 和 U 的主要来源;而人为污染是枪勇冰川中 Pb、Zn、Cu、Li、Ni、Cd 和 Sb 的一个重要来源.对比研究表明,无论是以粉尘源为主要来源的痕量元素,还是以人为源为主要来源的痕量元素,它们的浓度明显高于中亚有关地区冰川中痕量元素的浓度,更远远地高于格陵兰和南极雪冰中的相应浓度,揭示了该地区大气中痕量元素受到粉尘和人为源污染物带来的显著影响     

Concentration distribution and assessment of several heavy metals in sediments of west-four Pearl River Estuary

Grain size parameters, trace metals (Co, Cu, Ni, Pb, Cr, Zn, Ba, Zr and Sr) and total organic matter (TOM) of 38 surficial sediments and a sediment core of west-four Pearl River Estuary region were analyzed. The spacial distribution and the transportation procession of the chemical element in surficial sediments were studied mainly. Multivariate statistics are used to analyses the interrelationship of metal elements, TOM and the grain size parameters. The results demonstrated that terrigenous sediment taken by the rivers are main sources of the trace metal elements and TOM, and the lithology of parent material is a dominating factor controlling the trace metal composition in the surficial sediment. In addition, the hydrodynamic condition and landform are the dominating factors controlling the large-scale distribution, while the anthropogenic input in the coastal area alters the regional distribution of heavy metal elements Co, Cu, Ni, Pb, Cr and Zn. The enrichment factor (EF) analysis was used for the differentiation of the metal source between anthropogenic and naturally occurring, and for the assessment of the anthropogenic influence, the deeper layer content of heavy metals were calculated as the background values and Zr was chosen as the reference element for Co, Cu, Ni, Pb, Cr and Zn. The result indicate prevalent enrichment of Co, Cu, Ni, Pb and Cr, and the contamination of Pb is most obvious, further more, the peculiar high EF value sites of Zn and Pb probably suggest point source input.     

山西高凡银金矿床黄铁矿的微量元素标型特征及其应用

高凡银金矿床黄铁矿的微量元素研究发现富Au、Ag、Pb、Zn、As、Sb,贫Co、Ni、Se,且S/Se较大,S/As和Fe/(Pb+Zn)较小,As/(Co+Ni)、(Pb+Zn)/(Co+Ni)>10。同时高凡矿田中的滩上铜钼矿化点的黄铁矿则显示相反的特征。总结出一套区分两类矿化黄铁矿微量元素的标型特征,对高凡矿田和五台地区各矿化点的判别和评价中显示了一定的适用性,可作为本区寻找同类金银矿床的找矿标型特征。     

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.     

Determination of Trace Elements in Calcite Using Solution and Laser Ablation ICP-MS: Calibration to NIST SRM Glass and USGS MACS Carbonate, and Application to Real Landfill Calcite

We report new data on the trace element concentrations of Mg, Cr, Mn, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Sr, Cd, Ba, La, Ce, Nd, Pb and U in USGS carbonate reference materials (MACS-1 and MACS-2) and compare solution ICP-MS and LA-ICP-MS trace element determinations on landfill calcites using calibration to different reference materials (MACS-1 and MACS-2 carbonate and NIST SRM 612 glass). Very good agreement (differences below 10% relative) was found between laser ablation and solution ICP-MS data for MACS-1 with higher concentrations of trace elements (values between 100 and 150 μg g⁻¹), with the exception of Cu and Zn. Similarly good agreement was found for MACS-2 with lower trace element concentrations (units to tens of μg g⁻¹), with the exception of Cr, Co and Zn. The MACS-1 reference material for calibration of LA-ICP-MS was found to be extremely useful for in situ determination of trace elements in real-world carbonate samples (landfill calcites), especially those present in calcite in higher concentrations (Mn, Sr, Ba; < 5% RSD). Less accurate determinations were generally obtained for trace elements present at low concentrations (∼ units of μg g⁻¹). In addition, good agreement was observed between the instrument calibration to MACS and NIST SRM 612 glass for in situ measurements of trace elements in landfill calcites K-2, K-3 and K-4 (differences below 15% relative for most elements). Thus, the application of MACS carbonate reference materials is promising and points to the need for the development of new carbonate reference materials for laser ablation ICP-MS.     

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.     

Relationships Between Geochemical Parameters (pH, DOC, SPM, EDTA Concentrations) and Trace Metal (Cd, Co, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, Zn) Concentrations in River Waters of Texas (USA)

Water samples from eight major Texas rivers were collected at different times during 1997–1998 to determine the dissolved and particulate trace metal concentrations, expected to show differences in climate patterns, river discharge and other hydrochemical conditions, and human activities along the different rivers. Specifically, two eastern Texas rivers (Sabine, Neches) lie in a region with high vegetation, flat topography, and high rainfall rates, while four Central Texas rivers (Trinity, Brazos, Colorado, and San Antonio) flow through large population centers. Relatively high dissolved organic carbon (DOC) concentrations in the eastern Texas rivers and lower pH led to higher Fe and Mn concentrations in river waters. The rivers that flow through large population centers showed elevated trace metal (e.g., Cd, Pb, Zn) concentrations partly due to anthropogenically produced organic ligands such as ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) present in these rivers. Trace metal levels were reduced below dams/reservoirs along several Texas rivers. Statistical analysis revealed four major factors (suspended particulate matter [SPM], EDTA, pH, and DOC) that can explain most of the observed variability of trace metal concentrations in these rivers. SPM concentrations directly controlled particulate metal contents. Variation in pH correlated with changes of dissolved Co, Fe, Mn, and Ni, and particulate Mn concentrations, while DOC concentrations were significantly related to dissolved Fe concentrations. Most importantly, it was found that, more than pH, EDTA concentrations exerted a major control on dissolved concentrations of Cd and Zn, and, to a lesser extent, Cu, Ni, and Pb.     

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.     

安徽铜陵新桥Cu-Au-S矿床黄铁矿微量元素LA-ICP-MS原位测定及其对矿床成因的制约

激光剥蚀电感耦合等离子体质谱(LA-ICP-MS)是一种固体微区分析新技术。用该技术来分析矿床中硫化物的微量元素组成可以为研究成矿流体特征、矿床成因及找矿勘探提供有关的科学信息。文中以安徽铜陵矿集区内新桥Cu-Au-S矿床中的黄铁矿为研究对象,在详细的野外观察和室内鉴定的基础上,将矿床中的黄铁矿分为具有沉积特征的胶状黄铁矿(PyⅠ)、具有变形重结晶和热液叠加作用特征的细粒他形黄铁矿(PyⅡ)和具热液成因特征的中—粗粒自形黄铁矿(PyⅢ)3种类型。LA-ICP-MS原位微量元素测定结果显示,PyⅠ中相对富含Ti、Co、Ni、As、Se、Te;PyⅡ继承了PyⅠ中富含Ti、Co、Ni、As、Se、Te、Bi的特征,同时还含有不均匀分布的少量成矿元素(Cu、Pb、Zn、Au、Ag);PyⅢ中成矿元素Cu、Pb、Zn、Ag、Au以及Bi元素的含量较高,Co、Ni、As的含量较低。在元素赋存状态方面,Co、Ni、As、Se和Te均以类质同象的形式进入到了黄铁矿的晶格中;Bi在PyⅡ中主要以含Bi矿物的微细包裹体形式存在,而在PyⅢ中的Bi还部分取代了Fe而占据了晶格;Cu、Pb、Zn、Au、Ag这些成矿元素中,Cu和Zn分别以黄铜矿和闪锌矿的矿物包裹体存在于黄铁矿中;PyⅡ中所含的少量Au、Ag,可能分别以自然金和自然银的形式存在,而在PyⅢ中Au可能主要以银金矿的形式存在,Ag除了以银金矿的形式存在以外还可能赋存于黄铁矿中含铋的矿物包裹体内;Pb主要赋存于黄铁矿中的方铅矿或含铋矿物的包裹体中。在综合分析黄铁矿的结构形态和微量元素组成特征的基础上认为,PyⅠ型黄铁矿可能形成于前人提出的晚古生代海底沉积或喷流沉积环境,PyⅡ和PyⅢ型黄铁矿分别形成于中生代区域构造变形-热液叠加改造的过渡环境和热液环境,PyⅡ和PyⅢ的形成时间相近。新桥矿床的形成可能经历了晚古生代海底沉积或喷流沉积期和燕山期热液期,胶黄铁矿主要形成于沉积成矿期,而矿床中成矿物质Cu、Pb、Zn、Au、Ag等主要来自燕山期岩浆侵入作用形成的热液成矿系统。     

Temporal Trends of Dissolved Trace Metals in Jamaica Bay,NY: Importance of Wastewater Input and Submarine Groundwater Discharge in an Urban Estuary

Jamaica Bay, NY, is a highly urbanized estuary within the boroughs of New York City conspicuously lacking published information on dissolved trace metal concentrations. The current study examines the distribution and cycling of trace metals in that embayment with data gathered during cruises in November 2004, April 2005, and June 2006. Most of the metal distributions (Fe, Zn, Co, Ag, Cu, Pb, Ni) in the water column are explained by the input of substantial volumes of treated wastewater effluent. However, several lines of evidence suggest that submarine groundwater discharge (SGD) is also an important source of dissolved Fe, Zn, Co, Ni, and isotopically distinct stable Pb ratios (²⁰⁶Pb, ²⁰⁷Pb, ²⁰⁸Pb) in the Bay. Conversely, the recirculated seawater component of SGD is an apparent sink for dissolved Mo. This study provides the first measurements of dissolved trace metals in the Jamaica Bay water column and subterranean estuary and provides evidence for trace metal input due to SGD.     

Heavy Metal Distribution in Soils near the Almalyk Mining and Smelting Industrial Area,Uzbekistan

Abstract: The present study demonstrates distribution and chemical forms of heavy metals in soils of the Almalyk mining and smelting industrial area along five transects. The study area is located in Almalyk, Uzbekistan, where the intensification of industrial enterprises negatively impacts the environment. The distribution of 17 heavy metals (Cu, Zn, Pb, Sc, V, Cr, Co, Ni, Ga, Rb, Sr, Y, Zr, Nb, Ba, Th, and U) were studied in 21 sampling locations (21×3=63 soil samples) along five radial transects with a total length of 60?km downwind deposition gradient. Soil samples were collected from the upper layer (0–10?cm) at 4–6?km intervals. As a result of X-ray fluorescence spectrometry analyses by using X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (XRF, Philips Analytical Ink, USA ), a significant decrease in heavy metal (Cu, Zn, Pb) deposition was found going from the source in a downwind direction. Soil samples taken from the first location (near the pollution sources) showed higher concentrations of Cu, Zn and Pb, and lower concentrations with increasing distance from the source. Obtained data showed different impact of pollution sources to heavy metal deposition and distribution in soils. The Almalyk mining and smelting complex is the major source of Pb, Zn and Cu enrichment in soils. Distribution of other trace elements does not exceed background content and suggests lithogenic background. This allowed us to divide these elements into two groups: (1) technogenic (Cu, Zn and Pb); and (2) lithogenic (Sc, V, Cr, Co, Ni, Ga, Rb, Sr, Y, Zr, Nb, Ba, Th and U) origins.     

Reconnaissance geochemistry of the nechako plateau, British Columbia, using lake sediments

A lake sediment geochemical survey was undertaken over the Nechako plateau, British Columbia, to test application of the technique to regional exploration and compare its effectiveness with results obtained elsewhere. Organic-rich lake sediment samples were collected towards the centre of approximately 500 lakes on a helicopter-assisted survey covering some 16,000 km². Lakes overlying each of five major lithologies contain a distinctive suite of trace metals. Regional variations of Cu, Mo, Pb, Zn, Ni, Cr, Sr, Ba, Ag, Co, V and Ga can be related to differences in underlying geology. In addition, levels of Cu, Mo, Pb and Zn which exceed their regional thresholds are related to mineralization or lithologies favourable to mineralization. Although metal concentrations within a lake may vary up to 12x, anomalous conditions are not masked by this variability and the survey outlined all major sulphide occurrences known in the region.     

Trace element distribution,Co:Ni ratios and genesis of the big cadia iron-copper deposit,new south wales,australia

Analyses of pyrite, chalcopyrite and magnetite from the volcanic-hosted Big Cadia stratabound iron-copper deposit in Central Western New South Wales show considerable variation in the minor elements Mn, Ba, Ag, Pb, Zn, Cd, Se, Co and Ni. The preferential concentration of Co and Cd in pyrite, Zn and Ag in chalcopyrite and Mn in magnetite can be attributed to variations in activities of the ions in the hydrothermal fluid at the time of crystallisation of the mineral phases, or in cases such as the concentration of Co in pyrite, dependent on compatible electronic spin states between Co²⁺ and Fe²⁺. Trace element concentrations, especially Co and Ni contents and Co:Ni ratios in pyrite (average Co:Ni ratio=17.1) support a volcanic exhalative origin of mineralisation at Big Cadia. Differences in trace element composition such as higher Ni contents in pyrite in contrast with other volcanic-hosted ores may reflect the more basic character of volcanic rocks underlying the Big Cadia deposit.     

Application of pyrite trace element chemistry to exploration for SEDEX style Zn-Pb deposits: McArthur Basin,Northern Territory,Australia

Sedimentary pyrites in black shales contain abundant trace elements that provide information on the chemistry of the seawater at the time of sedimentation. This study focuses on the Barney Creek Formation (~ 1640 Ma) in the McArthur Basin in the Northern Territory of Australia, which is host to one of the world's largest SEDEX Zn-Pb-Ag deposits, and several smaller deposits. Fine-grained sedimentary pyrite has been sampled from three drill holes through the Barney Creek Formation at various distances from SEDEX mineralisation. Samples were selected through the stratigraphy of each hole and analysed by LA-ICPMS for a suite of 14 trace elements. The data show that sedimentary pyrite at the base of the Barney Creek Formation, closest (within 1 km) to SEDEX mineralisation, is strongly enriched in Zn and Tl by one to two orders of magnitude compared to the global average for sedimentary pyrite. In contrast sedimentary pyrite from the hole furthest from SEDEX mineralisation (~ 60 km) contains mean Zn and Tl values equal to, or less than, the global average. Based on the three drill hole pyrite data sets it is concluded that trace elements that are contributed to the basin during hydrothermal exhalation, and adsorbed into contemporaneous sedimentary pyrite, are principally Zn, Tl, Cu, Pb, Ag and As. In contrast, trace elements that are adsorbed into sedimentary pyrite from background seawater are principally Mo, Ni, Co, Se and As. These differences have enabled the development of a SEDEX fertility diagram for sedimentary basins, based on the composition of sedimentary pyrite, that distinguish high Zn, but barren shales, from high zinc SEDEX-related shales. In parallel with the increase in Zn and Tl in sedimentary pyrite approaching mineralisation there is a decrease in Ni, Co and Mo. This means that the ratios Zn/Ni and Tl/Co are particularly good pyrite vectors to SEDEX mineralisation in the McArthur Basin, varying over 4 to 6 orders of magnitude from barren shales to mineralised shales. It is speculated that the reason for the reverse relationship between Ni, Co and Zn, Tl may be caused by hydrothermal exhalations into the water column that effect the ion-exchange pyrite surface complexation processes that alter the uptake of these elements into sedimentary pyrite.Another important conclusion of this study is that hydrothermal exhalations into a sedimentary basin may affect the redox sensitive trace element chemistry of sedimentary pyrite and therefore the trace element chemistry of pyritic black shales. Nickel, Co and Mo all decrease in proximity to hydrothermal vents that form SEDEX deposits, whereas Zn, Tl and Pb increase. Selenium and bismuth are the only redox sensitive trace elements that appear to be unaffected by hydrothermal activity in the McArthur Basin. This has implications on how trace element concentrations of black shales and pyrite are used to reflect past global ocean chemistry.     

Abundances and modes of occurrence of trace elements in the Çan coals (Miocene), Çanakkale-Turkey

This study presents the concentrations and modes of occurrence of trace elements in 81 coal samples from the Çan basin of northwestern Turkey. The concentration of trace elements in coal were determined by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry and inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectrometry. Additionally, traditional coal parameters were studied by proximate, ultimate, X-ray diffraction, and petrographic analyses. Twenty trace elements, including As, B, Ba, Be, Cd, Cu, Co, F, Hg, Mo, Ni, Pb, Sb, Se Sn, Th, Tl, U, V, and Zn, receive much attention due to their related environmental and human health concerns. The Çan coals investigated in this study are lignite to sub-bituminous coal, with a broad range of ash yields and sulphur contents. The trace element concentrations show variety within the coal seams in the basin, and the affinities vary among locations. The concentrations of B, Ba, Be, Cd, Cu, Co, F, Hg, Mo, Ni, Pb, Sb, Se, Sn, Tl, and Zn in Çan coals are within the Swaine's worldwide concentration range, with the exception of As, Th, U, and V. On the other hand, compared with world coals, the Çan basin coals have higher contents of As, B, Cu, Co, Mo, Pb, Th, U, V, and Zn. Based on statistical analyses, most of the trace elements, except for U, show an affinity to ash yield. Elements including As, Cd, Hg, Se, Cu, Mo, Ni, and Zn, show a possible association with pyrite; however, the elements Se, B, and Mo can be have both organic and inorganic associations.     

Assessment of Zn, Cu, Pb and Ni contamination in wetland soils and plants in the Lake Victoria basin

The impact of waste disposal on trace metal contamination was investigated in eleven wetlands in the Lake Victoria Basin. Samples of soil, water and plants were analysed for total Zn, Cu, Pb and Ni concentrations using flame atomic absorption spectrophotometry. The trace metal concentrations in soil were the highest in Katanga wetland with the highest mean concentrations of 387.5±86.5 mg/kg Zn, 171.5±36.2 mg/kg Pb, 51.20±6.69 mg/kg Cu and 21.33±2.23 mg/kg Ni compared to the lowest levels observed at Butabika (30.7±3.2 mg/kg Zn, 15.3±1.7 mg/kg Pb, 12.77±1.35 mg/kg Cu and 6.97±1.49 mg/kg Ni). Katanga receives waste from multiple industrial sources including a major referral city hospital while Butabika is a former solid waste dumpsite. Wetland soil near a copper smelter had a Cu concentration of 5936.3±56.2 mg/kg. Trace metal concentrations in industrial effluents were above international limits for irrigation water with the highest concentrations of 357,000 μg/L Cu and 1480 μg/L Zn at a Cu smelter and 5600 μg/L Pb at a battery assembling facility compared to the lowest of 50 μg/L Cu and 50 μg/L Zn in water discharged from Wakaliga dumpsite. Uptake of trace metals from soil differed from plant to plant and site to site. Higher levels of trace metals accumulated in the root rather than in the rhizome and the least amount was in the leaf. The study identifies industry as a potential source of trace metal contamination of water and the environment pent-up need for policy intervention in industrial waste management.     

Atmospheric pollution indicated by trace elements in snow from the northern slope of Cho Oyu range,Himalayas

Samples collected from a 0.87 m snow pit at a high altitude site in the Cho Oyu range, Himalayas were measured for V, Cr, Mn, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Rb, Sr, Cd, Sn, Sb, Ba, Tl, Pb, Bi, Th, and U using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. In addition, major ions, oxygen stable isotopes, and microparticles were also measured to assist the interpretation of seasonal variation of trace elements. The trace elements show a distinct seasonality, i.e., higher concentrations during the non-monsoon season than those during the monsoon season. Significant correlation is observed between Ba and the other trace elements. Crustal enrichment factor (EF_c) analysis indicates that V, Mn, Co, Ni, Rb, Sr, and Th originate mainly from crustal dust, while anthropogenic inputs make an important contribution to the other trace elements (i.e., Cu, Zn, As, Cd, Sn, Sb, Ti, Pb, Bi, and U). Evidence from air mass back trajectories suggests that atmospheric trace element pollution reaching the studied area is transported dominantly by Indian summer monsoon during the monsoon season, while it is transported mainly by the westerlies during the non-monsoon season.