Heavy metal pollution in the Black Sea shore and offshore of Turkey

Land-locked seas were polluted mainly by land-based pollutants. The Black Sea is the largest enclosed sea in the world and widely perceived to be heavily polluted. In order to determine the impact of marine activities on heavy metal pollution, shore (500 m distance from edge)–offshore (5,555 m distance from edge) samples of various stations through the Sinop, Samsun and Ordu cities located in the Middle Black Sea region between May 2000 and October 2001 were taken. In addition, samples were taken between April–May 2000 in order to designate the heavy metal pollution of certain rivers, streams, harbor and shores in Samsun’s boundary and 32 sampling stations for the routine pollution monitoring studies are selected including rivers, streams, industrial and domestic discharge points along the Black Sea coast of Turkey in the year 1996. Heavy metal concentrations of whole samples were measured and compared with “Quality Criteria of General Marine and Continental Inside Water Sources” currently effective in Turkey so as to bring up the levels of pollution in marine, rivers and streams.     

Heavy metal pollution of coastal river sediments, north-eastern New South Wales, Australia: lead isotope and chemical evidence

 Heavy metal and metalloid concentrations within stream-estuary sediments (<180-μm size fraction) in north-eastern New South Wales largely represent natural background values. However, element concentrations (Ag, As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Hg, Ni, Pb, Sb, Zn) of Hunter River sediments within the heavily industrialized and urbanized Newcastle region exceed upstream background values by up to one order of magnitude. High element concentrations have been found within sediments of the Newcastle Harbour and Throsby Creek which drains into urbanized and light industry areas. Observed Pb enrichments and low ²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb, ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁴Pb and ²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁴Pb ratios are likely caused by atmospheric deposition of Pb additives from petrol and subsequent Pb transport by road run-off waters into the local drainage system. Sediments of the Richmond River and lower Manning, Macleay, Clarence, Brunswick and Tweed River generally display no evidence for anthropogenic heavy metal and metalloid contamination (Ag, As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Hg, Ni, Pb, Sb, Zn). However, the rivers and their tributaries possess localized sedimentary traps with elevated heavy metal concentrations (Cu, Pb, Zn). Lead isotope data indicate that anthropogenic Pb provides a detectable contribution to investigated sediments. Such contributions are evident at sample sites close to sewage outlets and in the vicinity of the Pacific Highway. In addition, As concentrations of Richmond River sediments gradually increase downstream. This geochemical trend may be the result of As mobilization from numerous cattle-dip sites within the region into the drainage system and subsequent accumulation of As in downstream river and estuary sediments. Received: 5 September 1997 · Accepted: 4 November 1997     

Assessment of heavy metal pollution in urban topsoils from the metropolitan area of Mexico City

This study reports the degree of heavy metal pollution (Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, Zn and V) in 135 urban topsoil samples from the metropolitan area of Mexico City. Pollution indices (PI) were calculated to identify the metal accumulation with respect to the background values. The levels of heavy metals in the analyzed samples show a wide range of variation. Lead, Zn and Cu are the elements most enriched in the analyzed area, presenting pollution indexes of up to 23.8, 21.6 and 12.4, respectively. Geochemical maps were produced to assess the spatial distribution of pollution index. It is concluded that emissions from vehicles may be the major source of Pb urban contamination; furthermore, other small or large factories are possible sources for soil pollution (Cu, Zn). The concentration of Cr, Ni, and V in most of the analyzed samples do not appear to reach pollution levels. The assessment of the soil environmental quality in the metropolitan area Mexico City in terms of PI can be used as the basis for a regular monitoring program for implementing suitable pollution control measures.     

Heavy metals on tidal flats in the Yangtze Estuary, China

 Five short cores were used to examine heavy metals on tidal flats in the Yangtze Estuary, China. Statistically insignificant trends in lead-210 and most metals with core depth are primarily due to high sedimentation rates. Metal contents are correlated with percent aluminum, which reflects the clay contents in the sediment, and they are also affected by proximity to sewage outlets and local industry. National standards for copper are exceeded in four cores, zinc in one core, and arsenic in all cores. Heavy metal contents are generally lower on the Yangtze tidal flats compared to most other estuaries because high sediment loads dilute metal inputs. Received: 1 June 1999 · Accepted: 15 August 2000     

土壤有毒元素镉污染修复方法探讨

植物中的镉含量与土壤溶液中的镉含量成正相关关系，与土壤的pH值成负相关关系，土壤的酸碱度对植物吸收重金属元素具有显著的控制作用。因此，通过提高呈酸性土壤的pH值可以降低植物中的镉含量，解决植物中的镉超标问题。在土壤中施用硅酸钙、碳酸钙、熟石灰、硅酸镁钙等农用石灰性物质，特别是熟石灰，是提高土壤pH值最有效、最经济、最可行的方法。利用我省丰富而廉价的粘土资源，配合施加碱性物质，可更进一步提高土壤“抵抗力”，确保重金属镉超标区植物的安全。     

长江江苏段生物体内重金属污染调查与评价

分别在3个不同水期采集了长江江苏段鱼类及底栖动物,分析了可食用部分中铅、汞等金属元素。分析结果表明,鱼及螺蛳受到不同程度的金属污染,底栖动物污染程度重于鱼类,主要污染元素为铅。     

唐山滨海湿地沉积物重金属污染评价

通过对唐山滨海湿地表层沉积物采样,采用3种不同的方法,评价了不同采样点重金属元素Pb、Cr、Zn、Cu、Cd、As、Hg污染水平,并进行级别的划分;分析了不同重金属元素富集的影响因素,为判别其沉积物来源提供依据;通过潜在生态危害评价方法评价重金属对该区域生物的影响,以期为渤海湾重金属防治提供参考资料。结果表明,渤海湾唐山滨海湿地表层沉积物中各重金属的污染程度从大到小依次为:Pb> Cr> Zn> Cu> Cd> As> Hg;主要污染指示为Zn、Cr和Pb等元素;其表层沉积物As、Cd、Hg、Pb、Cu、Cr、Zn存在低等潜在危害程度;重金属元素对生态城生物为负面效应且偶尔发生,其中As元素的潜在危害最强。     

Heavy metals in sediments of the Tecate River, Mexico

Ten sites along the Tecate River, Mexico were sampled to evaluate the cadmium, lead, nickel and chromium concentrations in sediments. The result shows contamination for cadmium in most of the sites, where two sites were class 4 (polluted to strongly polluted) according to geoaccumulation index proposed by Muller. Two sites were found polluted for all the heavy metals analyzed (Cr, Cd, Pb and Ni), indicating the effect of anthropogenic activities. A correlation between Ni and Cd concentration had been found indicating a common source. These metals are usually used in electroplating industry. The results of this study can be used for decision makers to prioritize measures to control the pollution for these metals.     

Heavy metal concentrations in sediment deposits on the Tar River floodplain following Hurricane Floyd

The relation between the magnitude of a flood event and the resulting environmental impacts remains unclear. This study examines the impact of the flood of record on heavy metal deposition on the Tar River floodplain in eastern North Carolina, USA. Samples of sediment deposited on the floodplain following Hurricane Floyd were collected from 85 sites along the lower Tar River basin and analyzed for heavy metal concentration. The Hurricane Floyd event is the flood of record for the Tar River basin. Despite the magnitude of the flood, little suspended sediment was deposited on the floodplain. In almost all cases the deposition was less than 0.2 cm. There was variability in heavy metal content from site to site, but the overall concentrations were lower than might be expected for a flood of the magnitude of Floyd. To aid in comparison of contamination levels, the heavy metal concentrations were normalized to two environmental standards; the EPA preliminary remediation goals for residential soil and the general background concentrations of stream sediments throughout the Tar River basin. Most samples were highly enriched in heavy metals relative to the background concentration of stream sediments. However, samples were generally not contaminated relative to EPA PRG regulations. Arsenic, which was significantly elevated in nearly all samples, was the only exception. This contradiction makes it clear that the standard to which contaminants are compared must be considered carefully. The overall low concentration of heavy metals was likely the result of smaller flooding from Hurricane Dennis, 10 days prior to Hurricane Floyd, moving most of the stored sediment out of the basin prior to wide-spread overtopping of the banks. The implication is that event sequencing is as important as flood magnitude when examining environmental impacts.     

我国渔港沉积物的重金属污染及潜在生态风险评价

分析了青岛、宁波、舟山、厦门、深圳、珠海、澳门、茂名和三亚共9个渔港（包括综合港口区）表层沉积物中的Cd、Cu、Pb、Zn、Co和Ni等典型重金属元素的含量,探讨了其可能的来源。采用沉积物质量基准法和Hakanson潜在生态风险指数法,评价了各渔港重金属的污染状况和潜在生态风险。结果表明：（1）渔港沉积物中重金属Cu、Zn、Pb和Cd的富集较为严重,位于珠江三角洲的渔港重金属含量显著高于其他渔港,尤其是Cu和Zn,最高含量分别达到1249mg／kg和664mg／kg,而Cd和Pb的污染也不容忽视;（2）珠三角渔港具“高”或“中等”潜在重金属生态风险,其中Cu和Cd具有高的潜在生态风险,其他渔港均属低生态风险,渔港总的潜在生态风险由高至低顺序为：澳门〉深圳〉珠海〉茂名〉三亚〉厦门〉青岛〉宁波〉舟山;（3）渔港沉积物中重金属主要来自工业废水、生活污水、污灌土壤以及大气沉降的污染和渔船防护漆的使用。而船体防护漆中Cu／氧化亚铜的大量使用是渔港中Cu污染的主要来源。     

重庆老龙洞地下河间隙水重金属污染及毒性评估

为查明重庆岩溶地区老龙洞地下河重金属污染情况,于2013年9月采集了地下河上覆水体和表层沉积物间隙水共7组水样,用ICP-OES测定地下河上覆水体和表层沉积物间隙水中的Mn含量,ICP-MS测定Cu、Cd、Cr、As和Pb含量,分析了老龙洞地下河表层沉积物间隙水中各重金属元素的空间分布,对不同介质中的重金属元素进行相关性分析,并参考美国EPA推荐的“国家推荐水质标准”对间隙水中重金属可能产生的生物毒性进行评估。结果表明：老龙洞地下河上覆水体中Mn和Pb的浓度超过了GB 5749-2006规定的生活饮用水限值（Mn≤100 ug/L,Pb≤10 ug/L）,不可作为饮用水源;间隙水中各重金属元素的浓度都比上覆水体高,有向上覆水体扩散的潜在可能性。除Pb、Mn外,间隙水中重金属的含量大小依次为上游>中游>下游。上覆水中除Mn与As、Cd与Cr外,其他金属元素之间的相关性不大;间隙水中Cr、Cu、As和Cd的相关系数分别为0.895～0.997,呈高度正相关。间隙水中金属元素除As不会对水生生态系统产生急性毒性外,Cr、Cu、Cd和Pb都会对水生生态系统产生急性毒性,尤以Cr、Cu、Cd最为严重。     

土壤重金属污染潜在风险评价

以北方某河流河床及河流两侧农田中土壤为研究对象,采用地累积指数法和潜在生态危害指数法对土壤中Cd 和Ni 的污染状况进行风险评价。结果表明,废弃冶炼中心处河床及河流两侧土壤中 Cd 和Ni 污染严重,均超过当地土壤背景值; 河床中土壤重金属富集程度为Cd ＞ Ni,其中Cd 富集程度达5 级,为重污染。以当地土壤背景值作为参比值进行评价,该河流处于重度的潜在生态危害程度,重金属的生态危害顺序为Cd ＞ Ni。     

Historical record of heavy metal pollution deduced by lead isotope ratios in core sediments from the Osaka Bay,Japan

Three marine sediment cores from Osaka Bay were analyzed for ²¹⁰Pb geochronology, heavy metal concentrations (Zn, Cu, and Pb) and stable lead isotope ratios (²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁷Pb) in order to reconstruct high-resolution heavy metal pollution history from 1900–2006. Anthropogenic metal accumulation in sediments peaked in 1970 in agreement with the high economic growth period in Japan. The comparison of temporal patterns of ²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁷Pb ratio with other areas of Japan suggested that the heavy metals, imported from several different countries during the periods of economic growth (1955 to 1973), are the main pollution source for the country. For the period 1970–2006, the sediment data reflect the result of stricter environmental regulations applied after the late 1960s. However, heavy metal concentrations in the surface sediments are still elevated to levels several times higher than the levels at the bottoms of the cores. Additionally, the lead isotope ratio does not show significant change after the 1980s. Secondary heavy metal pollution through the mixing of deeper polluted sediment appears to be the likely reason for the deterioration of present time submarine sediment environments. In conclusion, this study has demonstrated that it is difficult to recover over a period of several years the benthic quality of a bay, once it is heavily polluted.     

Source of pollution as a factor controlling distribution of heavy metals in bottom sediments of Chechło River (south Poland)

 The influence of sources of effluents on pollution of bottom sediments of the small Chechło River (23 km long, mean discharge 1.5 m³ s^–1) in southern Poland was examined through analysis of heavy metals distribution in transverse and longitudinal cross sections. Underground waters from a Pb–Zn mine cause very high concentrations of Zn, Cd, and Pb in both fractions investigated (<1 mm and <0.063 mm) of sediments in the active channel zone, whereas sedimentation of huge amounts of suspended matter discharged from oil refinery cause concentrations of heavy metals in fine fractions rather uniform in cross sections. In the lowest reach, with relatively reduced contamination, the highest concentration both in fine and coarse fractions occurs close to the river banks and in the deepest points of the channel. The lowest concentrations have been found at the points of strongest reworking and accumulation of sandy material in the riverbed. Received: 25 April 1995 · Accepted: 11 September 1995     

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

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

Soil and groundwater pollution of an urban catchment by trace metals: case study of the Addis Ababa region, central Ethiopia

Analysis of the total heavy metal (Cr, Cd, Pb, As, Cu, Ni, Zn, Co) concentration was performed on 33 soil samples taken from different profiles and soil types in a highly urbanized and industrial sector of Addis Ababa, central Ethiopia. They were analyzed using aqua regia extraction coupled with a four-stage sequential extraction (SE) procedure. The objectives of the analysis were to investigate the degree of soil heavy metal contamination, its binding forms, mobility and the implications for the groundwater resource. The results show a relatively high content of the analyzed trace metals in the soil attributed to anthropogenic and geogenic sources. Although most of the trace metals are found in the upper few centimeters of the residual soils, because of churning processes within the black cotton soils, vertical distribution of the trace metals is complex. According to the heavy metal SE analysis, the major heavy metal contribution is from the residual followed by the hydroxide phases. Groundwater heavy metal contamination is present with more than 90 and 50% of the analyzed groundwater samples exceeding WHO guidelines for Cr and Cd, respectively. Since the degree of soil heavy metal contamination has apparently not surpassed the soil’s buffering capacity, it appears that the transport path of these toxic metals to the groundwater is through fractures, joints, and related preferential flow paths.     

Investigation of water pollution in the Yalvac basin into Egirdir Lake,Turkey

The aim of this study is to understand the effects of pollution of anthropogenic origin on water quality in Yalvac Basin, part of the Egirdir Lake catchment. Surface discharge from the basin to the lake is 63 m³/year and underground discharge is 114 m³/year. Possible water pollution is categorized into domestic, industrial and agricultural origin. Domestic and industrial wastewaters, including effluents from leather tanneries are discharged, without being purified, into Yalvac Stream, which flows into Egirdir Lake directly or via the drainage canal. Surface waters flowing into the lake are used in winter for irrigation of agricultural areas. In agricultural areas natural and synthetic fertilizers and pesticides are used extensively. Lake Egirdir is used as a source of drinking water. Sampling sites were established for surface and underground waters, taking into account the known point sources of pollution. These sites were sampled in May and October of 2002, and analysed chemically. Cr³⁺ and Pb²⁺ concentrations exceed standard limits, meaning that pollution caused by effluent from the tanneries is adversely affecting the water quality in the lake.     

A study of heavy metal pollution in the Tinto-Odiel estuary in southwestern Spain using factor analysis

The estuary of Odiel and Tinto rivers, located on the southwestern coast of the Iberian Peninsula, receives acidic fluvial water discharges with high concentrations of sulphates and heavy metals from these rivers. In addition, a big industrial complex which efflues directly on the system is located in the same estuary. The effluents induce the presence in the estuary of high concentrations of heavy metals and phospates (nutrients). The application of factorial analysis techniques on the nutrients and heavy metal concentrations in 46 water samples taken from 32 different sampling stations located along the estuary, allows three groups of elements and compounds with a distinct origin to be determinated. So, Cu and Zn have a clear fluvial provenance, whereas PO₄ and As are clearly industrial wastes and Cl, K, Ca, Li, Rb and Sr come from the sea. From the factorial analyses we can deduce the existence of two agents controlling the behavior of the analyzed elements, which are: the tidal exchange with the open sea and the fluvial supply. Received: 20 November 1998 · Accepted: 11 August 1999     

Heavy metal distribution in karst soils from Croatia and Slovakia

With the use of the optimised three-step BCR sequential-extraction procedure it was possible to assess the mobility of selected elements in soil profiles from Croatian and Slovakian karst terrains. The soils in the Croatian karst were enriched in Cr, Ni, V, Mn, Cu, Cd and Mo, while soils from the Slovak Karst had high Pb and Zn concentrations. It was determined that the elements were most readily mobilised from the topsoil and the degree of mobility decreased with depth. Cr and Ni were mainly bound to the residual fraction, and Pb in the oxidisable fraction. Cu mobility was high in samples treated with agrochemicals throughout the soil profile.     

Calcareous skeletons of sea urchins as indicators of heavy metals pollution. Portman Bay, Spain

 Portman Bay presents elevated quantities of metals and heavy metals in the sediments and rocky outcrops. The calcitic skeletons of the sea urchins that live there present elevated concentrations of Mn, Fe, Zn, and Pb (249, 273, 32, and 59 ppm) in comparison with control zones (beach of La Vila) where the concentrations for these elements are 5, 7, 8, and 2 ppm, respectively. Two species of sea urchins have been studied: Paracentrotus lividus and Arbacia lixula. The different compositions between the plates and the spines of their skeletons have also been studied. Received: 20 November 1995 · Accepted: 25 January 1996