Contamination and potential mobility assessment of heavy metals in urban soils of Hangzhou,China: relationship with different land uses

Concentration and distribution of heavy metals (Cd, Cu, Pb and Zn) in urban soils of Hangzhou, China, were measured based on different land uses. The contamination degree of heavy metals was assessed on the basis of pollution index (PI), integrated pollution index (IPI) and geoaccumulation index (I _geo). The 0.1 mol l⁻¹ HCl extraction procedure and gastric juice simulation test (GJST) were used to evaluate the potential mobility and environmental risk of heavy metals in urban soils. The average concentration of Cd, Cu, Pb and Zn in urban soils was measured at 1.2 (with a range of 0.7–4.6), 52.0 (7.4–177.3), 88.2 (15.0–492.1) and 206.9 (19.3–1,249.2) mg kg⁻¹, respectively. The degree of contamination increased in the order of industrial area (IA) > roadside (RS) > residential and commercial areas (RC) > public park and green areas (PG). The PIs for heavy metals indicated that there is a considerable Cd, Cu, Pb and Zn pollution, which originate from traffic and industrial activities. The IPI of these four metals ranged from 1.6 to 11.8 with a mean of 3.5, with the highest IPI in the industrial area. The assessment results of I _geo also supported that urban soil were moderately contaminated with Cd and to a lesser extent also with Cu, Pb and Zn. The IP and I _geo values reveal the pollution degree of heavy metal was the order of Cd > Pb > Zn ≈ Cu. It was shown that mobility and bioavailability of the heavy metals in urban soils increased in the order of Cd > Cu > Zn ≈ Pb. Owing to high mobility of Cd and Cu in the urban soils, further investigations are needed to understand their effect on the urban environment and human health. It is concluded that industrial activities and emissions from vehicles may be the major source of heavy metals in urban contamination. Results of this study present a rough guide about the distribution and potential environmental and health risk of heavy metals in the urban soils.     

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 Cd,Pb, Zn and Cu and their chemical speciations in soils from a peri-smelter area in northeast China

An exploratory study on soil contamination of heavy metals was carried out surrounding Huludao zinc smelter in Liaoning province, China. The distribution of total heavy metals and their chemical speciations were investigated. The correlations between heavy metal speciations and soil pH values in corresponding sites were also analyzed. In general, Cd, Zn, Pb, Cu and As presented a significant contamination in the area near the smelter, comparied with Environmental Quality Standards for Soils in China. The geoaccumulation index showed the degree of contamination: Cd > Zn > Pb > Cu > As. There was no obvious pollution of Cr and Ni in the studied area. The speciation analysis showed that the dominant fraction of Cd and Zn was the acid soluble fraction, and the second was the residual fraction. Pb was mostly associated with the residual fraction, which constituted more than 50% of total concentration in all samples. Cu in residual fraction accounted for a high percentage (40–80%) of total concentration, and the proportion of Cu in the oxidizable fraction is higher than that of other metals. The distribution pattern of Pb and Zn was obviously affected by soil pH. It seemed that Pb and Zn content in acid solution fraction increased with increasing soil pH values, while Cd content in acid soluble fraction accounted for more proportion in neutral and alkaline groups than acidic one. The fraction distribution patterns of Cu in three pH groups were very similar and independent of soil pH values. And the residual fraction of Cu took a predominant part (50%) of the total content.     

固体聚合膜电解浓集法测量天然水中低含量氚的化学淬灭效应研究

固体聚合膜电解浓集法是浓缩氚含量较低(1 Bq/m~3)的天然水样的常用方法,但因水样自身含有杂质离子或电解装置聚合膜带入杂质进入浓集液,使浓集液偏酸性,在测量过程中易产生化学淬灭效应,导致氚的测量值偏低。本文研究了水样自身存在的杂质离子和聚合膜上残留的杂质离子、样品溶液的pH值及其电导率所产生的化学淬灭效应的影响,实验表明,为减少化学淬灭效应,提高测量低含量氚的准确性,需保证水样溶液呈中性,电导率≤1μS/cm,同时避免杂质沉积在聚合膜上。如果水样溶液的pH值偏酸性、电导率大于1μS/cm,可采用酸碱混合型离子交换树脂去除水样中自身的杂质;对于聚合膜引入的杂质,可在电解后的水样中加入微量氨水将其pH值调节至中性。     

Environmental contamination of Zn,Cd, Ni,Cu, and Pb from industrial areas in Hamadan Province,western Iran

Eleven surface soil samples from calcareous soils of industrial areas in Hamadan Province, western Iran were analyzed for total concentrations of Zn, Cd, Ni, Cu and Pb and were sequentially extracted into six fractions to determine the bioavailability of various heavy metal forms. Total Zn, Cd, Ni, Cu and Pb concentrations of the contaminated soils were 658 (57–5,803), 125.8 (1.18–1,361), 45.6 (30.7–64.4), 29.7 (11.7–83.5) and 2,419 (66–24,850) mg kg⁻¹, respectively. The soils were polluted with Zn, Pb, and Cu to some extent and heavily polluted with Cd. Nickel values were not above regulatory limits. Copper existed in soil mainly in residual (RES) and organic (OM) fractions (about 42 and 33%, respectively), whereas Zn occurred essentially as RES fraction (about 69%). The considerable presence of Cd (30.8%) and Pb (39%) in the CARB fraction suggests these elements have high potential biavailability and leachability in soils from contaminated soils. The mobile and bioavailable (EXCH and CARB) fractions of Zn, Cd, Ni, Cu, and Pb in contaminated soils averaged (7.3, 40.4, 16, 12.9 and 40.8%), respectively, which suggests that the mobility and bioavailability of the five metals probably decline in the following order: Cd = Pb > Ni > Cu > Zn.     

三峡库区澎溪河消落带土壤中重金属形态分布与迁移特征研究

消落带是水域与陆地的过渡地带,对水环境有着至关重要的影响。本文以三峡库区消落带面积最大的澎溪河流域作为研究区域,采集消落带土壤及其沿岸土壤样品,分析重金属形态分布特征,并使用地质累积指数法和风险评价准则(RAC)对重金属污染程度及生态风险进行评价。研究表明,消落带土壤中Pb、Cu、Cr、Cd、Zn和Ni平均含量分别为68.70、36.96、55.10、0.68、108.26、31.68 mg/kg,污染程度依次为CdPbZnCuNiCr,以Cd和Pb污染较为突出,普遍高于长江干流土壤,远高于重庆地区土壤。Cd的RAC值为20.62%,呈中等环境风险;其形态稳定性最差,以可还原态和酸提取态为主。Pb、Cu、Cr、Zn、Ni的RAC值为5.45%~10.0%,环境风险较低;且均以残渣态为主,占总量的54.69%~83.05%。以消落带沿岸土壤为对照,消落带形成后土壤中各重金属总量均有不同程度升高,且不同重金属在其增量部分的形态存在差异,Cr和Ni的增量部分以残渣态为主,Cd、Pb、Zn的增量以非残渣态为主。研究发现,由于受到水域与陆地污染源的双重影响,澎溪河流域重金属具有由沿岸向消落带沉积富集的趋势。     

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

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

Heavy metals pollution in the soils of suburban areas in big cities: a case study

Soil pollution in agricultural areas surrounding big cities is a major environmental problem. Tabriz is the largest city in the northwest of Iran and the fourth largest city in the country. Soil samples were taken from 46 sites in the suburbs of the Tabriz city, and separate samples were taken from control site and analyzed. The results indicated that the mean pH value of the soil samples was 9.29, while the mean EC value was 354.33 μs/cm and the amount of TOC and TOM was 0.99 and 1.7 %, respectively. The mean concentrations of Cd, Pb, Cu, Cr, Ni, and Zn in the soil were determined to be 1.61, 10.56, 101.25, 87.40, 38.73, and 98.27 mg/kg, respectively (dry weight). The concentrations of heavy metals (Cd, Pb, Cu, Cr, and Zn), with the exception of Ni, were higher than the concentrations of the same heavy metals at the control site. Despite these elevated concentrations, the concentrations of heavy metals were lower than the toxicity threshold limit of agricultural soils. The values of the pollution index revealed that the metal pollution level was Pb > Cr > Cu > Zn > Cd > Ni, and the mean value of the integrated pollution index was determined to be 1.81, indicating moderate pollution. Nevertheless, there were some sites that were severely polluted by Cr (maximum values of 1,364 mg/kg). It was concluded that city probably has affected the surrounding agricultural area. Application of wastewater (municipal and industrial) as irrigation water, using of sludge as soil fertilizer, and atmospheric perceptions have been considered as main reasons of increased heavy metals concentrations found in the studied area.     

甘肃嘉峪关市表层土壤重金属空间分布与评价

为研究嘉峪关市重金属分布对环境的影响,分析了嘉峪关市表层土壤重金属分布和含量变化,并评价其富集程度,判断其来源和影响因素。采用电感耦合等离子体质谱仪（ICP-MS）测量嘉峪关市134个表层土壤样品中六种重金属元素（Cr、Cd、Cu、Pb、Ni、Zn）的含量,其平均含量分别为281.6 mg/kg、0.35 mg/kg、60.68 mg/kg、51.39 mg/kg、108.65 mg/kg、161.0 mg/kg。在土壤重金属含量空间分布的基础上,用内梅罗指数法和地累积指数法对研究区土壤重金属富集程度进行了评价,六种元素地累积指数排序依次为: Cr > Cd > Pb > Cu > Zn > Ni,各功能区重金属元素整体富集程度依次为工业区 > 戈壁 > 生活区 > 农业区。戈壁采样点重金属元素含量（除Ni外）高于农业区,除工业因素外,地表植被的缺失加剧了戈壁地区重金属元素的富集。结合主成分分析,重金属元素空间展布,及内梅罗指数评价和地累积指数评价,分析了各元素可能的来源,认为Cr、Zn主要来自以钢铁生产加工为主的工业源,Cd、Cu、Pb来自于交通源,Ni可能与钢铁生产或当地背景值有关。通过分析嘉峪关市土壤重金属分布情况,以期为改善当地土壤质量提供科学依据,为我国西北地区土壤重金属的研究提供参考。     

氨基泡塑的合成及其应用于富集地质样品中的痕量金

采用泡塑(PUF)富集,AAS或ICP-OES测定地质样品中痕量金是常用的分析方法。与活性炭相比,PUF的选择性好,但吸附容量偏低,可将泡塑负载不同的萃取剂或修饰不同的官能团提高吸附容量。本文将聚醚型泡塑经盐酸水解制备成氨基泡塑(PUF-NH_2)。红外光谱和扫描电镜表征显示,PUF-NH_2峰形发生了明显红移(3376.5 cm-1),其中的氨基数量显著增加,另外PUF-NH_2的高分子出现明显断裂,发生水解后裸露出的氨基具有还原性,在吸附金的过程中易与金离子在PUF-NH_2表面发生氧化还原反应,形成金纳米颗粒。改性后的PUF-NH_2吸附容量达到96 mg/g,与PUF相比提高了8倍。将PUF-NH_2应用于富集地质样品中的金,经炭化灼烧、50%王水提取后用ICP-OES测定,金的加标回收率在95.0%~105.0%之间,检出限为0.15μg/g。实验证明用PUF-NH_2处理样品提高了富集倍数和分析灵敏度,有利于低品位矿石的分析。     

武水河上游区域土壤重金属污染风险及来源分析

生态功能区在涵养水源、保持水土、维系生物多样性等方面具有重要的作用。本文以位于南岭生态功能区的流域——武水流域为研究对象,采集流域上游交通运输用地、采矿用地、工业用地、耕地及林地5种土地利用类型土壤样品,分析7种重金属Cd、As、Cu、Hg、Ni、Pb、Zn的含量特征,采用内梅罗综合污染指数评价重金属污染的程度,Hakanson潜在生态风险指数法评价土壤重金属潜在生态风险,并应用主成分分析法探究重金属污染的来源。研究结果显示,武水河上游地区土壤重金属Cd、As、Cu、Hg、Ni、Pb、Zn平均含量分别为1.28、72.44、54.62、0.27、68.32、72.29和158.42mg/kg,均高于土壤背景值,其中采矿用地土壤重金含量除Hg外均高于其他类型土壤。均值状态下土壤中Cd和As单因子污染指数分别为5.07、3.25,其中采矿用地中Cd单因子污染指数可达13.59;土壤重金属综合污染指数表明,采矿用地污染最为严重,其次是工业用地,林地呈安全状态。潜在生态危害指数评价结果显示,采矿用地和工业用地达到了强生态危害,其他类型土壤为轻微生态危害,而采矿用地土壤中Cd达到极强生态危害,As为强生态危害。土壤重金属来源研究结果表明,As、Cd、Cu和Zn来源于矿山开采及工业活动,Ni和Hg主要来源于成土母质,Pb则来源于交通运输。研究认为:武水流域上游区土壤重金属污染情况较为严重,Cd和As是区内主要的风险因子,主要来源于矿山开采以及工业活动。     

The distribution characteristics of heavy metals in Guiyang urban soils

Guiyang is located in southwestern China,which is a famous tourism city,and is awarded the title of"the Summer Capital of China".A study on heavy metals in Guiyang urban soils was conducted.The results showed that the concentrations of Cd,Cu,Ni,Pb and Zn in Guiyang urban soils are significantly higher than their background values and Cu,Zn and Pb in Guiyang soils are accumulated seriously.The distribution characteristics of heavy metals in 3 districts are described as follows:the level of heavy metals in soils follows the order of Nanming District> Yunyan District>Xiaohe District.The spatial distribution of metals in urban soils of Guiyang shows that the level of metals in the central and eastern parts of Guiyang is relatively high,and its characteristics are attributed to the influence of commercial activities,heavy traffic and industrial emission.Compared with some other cities in China,Guiyang is characterized by relatively high accumulation level of Cd,Cu,and Zn in its soils.     

Trace metal in beach sediments of Velanganni Coast,South India: application of autoclave leach method

The concentration of trace metals like Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Zn were studied in beach and estuarine sediments of the Velanganni Coast, South East coast of India to understand metal pollution due to urbanization/industrialization. This area was affected by the urbanization activity like untreated effluent discharge, transportation and incineration of solid waste, etc. In this context, quality of the sediments was evaluated based on the enrichment factor, geo-accumulation index (Igeo), pollution load index, and sediment quality guidelines. Furthermore, correlation matrix and principal compound analyses have been performed with SPSS 7.5 statistical software. The result illustrated that the metal enrichment is in the following order: Cd > Cr > Ni > Zn > Pb > Mn > Cu. The level of Igeo suggests that Cd has moderately polluted the sediment class. Similarly, principal component analysis showed that Cd and Pb accounted for the anthropogenic pollution, but Pb inferred as its tracers level. The results strongly indicate anthropogenic sources for moderate input of Cd contamination in to Velanganni coastal sediments.     

Assessment of heavy metals contamination in urban topsoil from Changchun City,China

Due to the rapid urbanization and industrialization that has occurred in China over the last few decades, metals have been continuously emitted into the urban environment and now pose a serious threat to human health. Indeed, there is a growing concern over the potential for pollution of urban soils with heavy metals. Therefore, an extensive soil survey was conducted in urban areas of Changchun, China, to evaluate the current status of heavy metal contamination in soils and to evaluate its potential sources. A total of 352 samples of urban soils were collected from urban areas of Changchun using a systematic sampling strategy in which one sample per km² was taken (0 ~ 20 cm). The levels of Cu, Pb, Zn and the major elements (Mn, Al₂O₃, CaO, Fe₂O₃, MgO, SiO₂, K₂O and NaO) were then determined by X-Ray fluorescence spectrometry (XRF), while the level of Cd was determined by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry (GF-AAS), and the Hg and As concentrations were determined by atomic fluorescence spectroscopy (AFS). The results indicated that, when compared with the background values of topsoil in the Changchun region, the topsoil in urban areas were enriched with metals, particularly Cu, Cd, Zn, Pb and Hg. The results of correlation coefficient analysis showed that Hg, As, Cd, Cu, Pb and Zn were significantly positive correlated with each other, while Cr and Mn formed another group. Moreover, significantly positive correlations were observed between pH and Zn, Pb, Cu, Cd, As and Hg, indicating that pH influences the distributions of these metals in urban soils in Changchun. Principal component analysis (PCA) was conducted to identify sources of heavy metals and the results revealed distinctly different associations among the trace metals and the major elements in the urban soils. The concentration of Cr appeared to be controlled by the parent material (natural sources), while Cu, Pb and Zn were mainly from vehicle emissions, with Zn primarily coming from vehicle tires. Additionally, Hg and As primarily originated from coal combustion, while Cd was mainly associated with industrial sources. According to the pollution index (PI) of each metal, the overall levels of metal pollution were not especially high, but there were clearly contaminated sites concentrated in the central and northeast portion of the studied region. The Nemerow integrated pollution index (NIPI) of the seven metals also indicated that urban soils in Changchun city were classified as having low level of pollution.     

Distribution and speciation of heavy metals in surface sediments from the Yangtze estuary and coastal areas

The concentrations and speciation of heavy metals (As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Hg, Ni, Pb and Zn) in the sediments of the nearshore area, river channel and coastal zones of the Yangtze estuary, China, were systematically investigated in this study. The concentrations of all heavy metals except Ni in the sediments of the nearshore area were higher than those of the river channel and coastal zones. In the nearshore area, the concentrations of most heavy metals except Hg in the sediments of the southern branch were higher than those of the northern branch because of the import of pollutants from the urban and industrial activities around. When compared with the threshold effect level (TEL) and geochemical background levels, Cr, Ni and As accumulated and posed potential adverse biological effects. The speciation analysis suggested that Cd, Pb and Zn in the sediments of the three zones showed higher bioavailability than the other heavy metals, and thus posed ecological risk. Significant correlations were observed among Cr, Cu, Ni and Zn (r > 0.77) in the nearshore area, Ni, Cu, Zn and Pb (r > 0.85) in the river channel and Ni, Cu, Cr, Pb and Zn (r > 0.75) in the coastal zone. Principal component analysis (PCA) indicated that the discharge of unban and industrial sewage, shipping pollution and the properties of the sediments (contents of Fe, Mn, Al, TOC, clay and silt) dominated the distribution of heavy metal in the nearshore area, river channel and coastal zones of the Yangtze estuary.     

刘家峡水库西南部水域表层沉积物重金属污染评价

为了研究刘家峡水库西南部水域表层沉积物中重金属的污染状况,对采集的55个表层沉积物样品中的6种重金属元素Cr、Cd、Ni、Cu、Zn和Pb的含量进行测试,其平均含量分别为77.03μg/g、0.16μg/g、33.53μg/g、32.09μg/g、291.77μg/g、22.44μg/g。在研究表层沉积物重金属含量空间分布的基础上,运用单因子污染指数法、内梅罗综合污染指数法、地累积指数法、潜在生态风险指数法,综合判断水库的受污染程度并对其潜在生态风险进行评估。6种元素的地累积指数排序依次为：Zn > Cu > Cd > Ni > Pb > Cr;潜在生态风险系数排序依次为：Cd > Cu > Pb > Zn > Ni > Cr;各区域重金属污染程度或潜在生态风险水平依次为黄河主河道 > 大夏河河口 > 黄河横剖面。综合4种方法的评价结果,认为对刘家峡水库西南部表层沉积物重金属污染及潜在生态风险评价贡献率较高的重金属污染因子是Zn、Cu和Cd;综合相关性分析与主成分分析,认为研究区沉积物重金属污染主要来源于两个方面：（1） Zn、Cu主要来源于生活污染或工业污染;（2） Cd主要来源于工农业活动产生的污染。     

Distribution and speciation of heavy metals and their sources in Kumho River sediment,Korea

The interaction between heavy metals and river sediment is very important because river sediment is the sink for heavy metals introduced into a river and it can be a potential source of pollutants when environmental conditions change. The Kumho River, the main tributaries of the Nakdong River in Korea, can be one of the interesting research targets in this respect, because it runs through different geologic terrains with different land use characteristics in spite of its short length. Various approaches were used, including mineralogical, geochemical, and statistical analyses to investigate the distribution and behavior of heavy metals in the sediments and their sources. The effect of geological factor on the distribution of these metals was also studied. No noticeable changes in the species or relative amounts of minerals were observed by quantitative X-ray diffraction in the sediments at different stations along the river. Only illite showed a significant correlation with concentrations of heavy metals in the sediments. Based on an average heavy metal concentration (the average concentrations of Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, and Zn were 1.67, 20.9, 99.7, 125, 97.6, 149, 298 ppm, respectively), the sediments of the Kumho River were classified as heavily polluted according to EPA guidelines. The concentrations of heavy metals in the sediments were as follows: Zn > Pb > Cu > Ni > Cr > Co > Cd. In contrast, contamination levels based on the average I _geo (index of geoaccumulation) values were as follows: Pb > Cd > Zn > Cu > Co = Cr > Ni. The concentrations of heavy metals increased downstream (with the exception of Cd and Pb) and were highest near the industrial area, indicating that industrial activity is the main factor in increasing the concentrations of most heavy metals at downstream stations. Sequential extraction results, which showed increased heavy metal fractions bound to Fe/Mn oxides at the downstream stations, confirmed anthropogenic pollution. The toxicity of heavy metals such as Ni, Cu, and Zn, represented by the exchangeable fraction and the fraction bound to carbonate, also increased at the downstream stations near the industrial complexes. Statistical analysis showed that Pb and Cd, the concentrations of which were relatively high at upstream stations, were not correlated with other heavy metals, indicating other possible sources such as mining activity.     

小秦岭金矿区小麦和玉米重金属的健康风险评价

重金属污染引发的农产品质量安全问题已成为全社会关注的焦点。为了解小秦岭金矿开发引起的重金属污染风险,采集了同点位的农田土壤、小麦和玉米籽粒样品,测定了其中Hg、Pb、Cd、Cr、As、Cu和Zn的含量及其在土壤中的形态;采用指数法和RAC风险评价法分析了土壤重金属的污染风险,采用转移因子和目标风险指数法评价了小麦、玉米籽粒中重金属的健康风险。结果表明:小秦岭金矿区土壤中Hg、Pb、Cd、Cu、Zn含量受矿业活动影响强度大,在土壤中累积明显;土壤中Hg、Cd、Pb、Cu总量超过了国家限值,呈现污染;Cd、Hg、Cu具有潜在生态风险。小麦和玉米籽粒中Pb以及玉米籽粒中的Cd的平均含量高于国家标准,呈现一定程度的污染;部分小麦样品中的Hg、Cd和部分玉米样品中的Cd超过WHO/FAO安全限值,小麦和玉米籽粒中度Pb平均含量超过欧盟安全标准,说明具有潜在的健康风险。重金属的转移因子表明Cd、Zn及Cu比其他重金属更容易从土壤转移到小麦和玉米籽粒中;通过小麦对重金属的摄入量略高于玉米,远低于WHO/FAO推荐剂量;目标风险指数评价表明,只消费小麦或玉米基本不产生健康风险,但同时消费矿区生长的小麦和玉米具有较高的Pb健康风险。     

Effects of copper mining on heavy metal contamination in a rice agrosystem in the Xiaojiang River Basin,southwest China

Metallic ore mining causes heavy metal pollution worldwide. However, the fate of heavy metals in agrosystems with long-term contamination has been poorly studied. Dongchuan District (Yunnan, southwest China), located at the middle reaches of the Xiaojiang River, is a well-known 2000-year-old copper mining site. In this work, a survey on soil heavy metal contents was conducted using a handheld X-ray fluorescence instrument to understand the general contamination of heavy metals in the Xiaojiang River Basin. Furthermore, river water, soil, and rice samples at six sites along the fluvial/alluvial fans of the river were collected and analyzed to implement an environmental assessment and an evaluation of irrigated agrosystem. V, Zn, and Cu soil levels (1724, 1047, and 696 mg·kg⁻¹, respectively) far exceeded background levels. The geo-accumulation indexes (I_geo) showed that cultivated soils near the mining sites were polluted by Cd and Cu, followed by Zn, V, Pb, Cr, Ni, and U. The pollution index (Pi) indicated that rice in the area was heavily polluted with Pb, Cr, Cd, Ni, Zn, and Cu. The difference in orders of metal concentrations between the soil and rice heavy metal contamination was related to the proportion of bioavailable heavy metals in the soil. The crop consumption risk assessment showed that the hazard quotient exceeded the safe threshold, indicating a potential carcinogenic risk to consumers. The Nemerow integrated pollution index and health index indicated that the middle of the river (near the mining area) was the heaviest polluted site.

     

Distribution and mobility of heavy metals in paddy soils of the Kočani Field in Macedonia

Contamination of soils with heavy metals is widespread and poses a long-term risk to ecosystem health. Abandoned and active mining sites contain residues from ore-processing operations that are characterised by high concentrations of heavy metals. The distribution and mobility characteristics of heavy metals (As, Cd, Cu, Pb, and Zn) in paddy soil samples from Kočani Field (Macedonia) using ICP-EAS and a sequential extraction procedure was evaluated. The results indicate that highly elevated concentrations of As, Cd, Cu, Pb, and Zn were detected in the paddy soil sample from location VII-2 in the vicinity of Zletovo mine and Zletovska river in the western part of Kočani Field, which drains the untreated acid mine waters and mine wastes from the active Zletovo mine. The degree of contamination based on index of geoaccumulation (I _geo) from strong to weak in the paddy soils samples is Pb > As > Cd > Zn > Cu. The mobility potential of heavy metals in all paddy soil samples increases in the order As < Cu < Pb < Zn < Cd. According to the results of the anthropogenic impact on the paddy soils, a further study on the heavy metal concentrations in rice and other edible crops, the remediation process of the paddy soils and a dietary study of the local population are needed.