The distribution of heavy metals in the hard clam,Mercenaria mercenaria,in the lower Chesapeake Bay region

Populations of the hard clam,Mercenaria mercenaria, were sampled at thirty sites in the lower Chesapeake Bay region in 1972 and 1973. Subsamples were taken for analysis for the trace metals cadmium, copper and zinc. Emphasis was placed on samples from the York and James rivers, two very productive and commercially utilized clam grounds. The levels of metals determined were comparable to those reported from other regions except Southampton Water in the United Kingdom. Differences in levels between the York and James rivers were statistically significant (P<0.001) which indicates that the James River probably suffers from contamination by these metals. One metal, copper, varied significantly with the age of the organism whereas the other two, cadmium and zinc, varied with salinity. InMercenaria the salinity of the sampling site must be considered before cadmium and zinc data can be interpreted. A standard action-level to denote pollution from copper would be adequate in this species.     

Organic matter scavenging of copper, zinc, molybdenum, iron and manganese, estimated by a sodium hypochlorite extraction (pH 9.5)

The importance of trace metal scavenging by organic matter in geochemical samples was estimated using an alkaline sodium hypochlorite extraction to leach copper, zinc, molybdenum, iron and manganese from a variety of soils, and stream and lake sediments collected on the Nechako plateau, central British Columbia. The reagent oxidizes or dissolves most forms of organic matter, together with any sulphide minerals, to give strongly coloured extracts containing the associated trace elements at a pH where solution of other sample fractions is at a minimum. Metals precipitated due to alkaline conditions are redissolved by a succeeding distilled-water leach (pH 3.0 ± 0.3).A large fraction of the copper, zinc, molybdenum, and manganese held within the organic fraction of the A soil horizon is liberated whereas only minor amounts of copper, zinc, and manganese are released from inorganic soil (B and C) horizons. Molybdenum, however, is relatively soluble in all soils as the molybdate ion. Despite similar concentrations of organic matter in A horizon soils and stream sediments the latter release a lower proportion of their trace element content. Behaviour of the organic fraction of lake sediments varies from lake to lake and there is great variability in the association of copper, zinc, molybdenum and manganese with organic matter even within the same lake.The presence of organic matter in samples subjected to other partial extractions can be a deleterious factor if the organic fraction is not first removed by a hypochlorite extraction.     

Distribution of heavy metals in the core sediments of a tropical wetland system

Five sediment cores from the fresh water region of the Vembanad wetland system were studied for the trace element contents The average concentration of iron, manganese, nickel, copper, zinc, cadmium, lead, mercury and chromium were determined. The core samples were collected using gravity type corer, digested with a mixture of nitric acid and perchloric acid and analyzed by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Heavy metals such as iron, copper, nickel and zinc reported enrichment towards the surface of the core sediment sample collected from the centre of the lake. Lead, cadmium and mercury showed uniform distribution through out the core. Quality of the sediments were evaluated based on sediment quality guidelines, pollution load index, sum of toxic units and with effect range low/effect range median and threshold effect level/probable effect level values of Environmental Protection Agency guidelines. The degree of contamination for each station was determined. The concentration of different heavy metals has been compared with the world average concentration of shale values. Results of the analysis showed that Vembanad lake is facing serious metal pollution with increased rate of deposition.     

Trace metals in surface seawaters and sediments from various habitats of the Red Sea coast of Yemen

The purpose of this study was to determine and assess the concentrations of trace metals in surface seawaters and sediments from different coastal habitats of the Red Sea coast of Yemen. Surface seawater and sediment samples were collected, treated and analyzed for cadmium, cobalt, manganese, chromium, lead, iron, nickel, copper, zinc and vanadium by the atomic absorption spectrometric analysis. The concentrations were high for cadmium, cobalt and lead and low or consistent with the natural background concentrations for the rest of the metals. However, the coastal habitats of the Red Sea coast of Yemen are still considered unpolluted, it is concluded that the cadmium cobalt and lead levels in surface seawaters are high and could have negative effects on marine life of the sites. Further studies are needed to characterize the sources fate, biogeochemical processes and impacts of these trace metals on coastal habitats and marine life of the region.     

Trace metal assessment in soils in a small city and its rural surroundings,Pensacola, FL,USA

This study assesses the origin and pollution of trace metals in surface soils in a region with contrasting land uses (urban vs. rural). Principal component analysis (PCA) reveals that Cr and Ni are predominantly of geogenic origin. These two trace metals are also the only ones with statistically significant correlations with soil particle size and organic matter content. Copper, Pb and Zn, and possibly Hg, are of anthropogenic origin, but their concentrations rarely reach levels described as strongly polluted by pollution indexes. The concentrations of these anthropogenic trace metals are statistically not different in urban and rural areas, except for Pb that is higher in the urban area. This general lack of a difference between the two land uses indicates that the influence of this small urban area on trace metal concentrations in soils is minor. Lead and Zn have the most, but still a modest number, of strongly polluted sites, mainly in an industrial part of the city. GIS analysis shows that, based on the pollution load index (PLI), overall concentrations of trace metals also reach their highest levels in that industrial area. These observations indicate that the influence of industry on trace metal pollution in soil exceeds that of other urban activities in the region. Local background concentrations were found to be very different from general crustal background concentrations. This demonstrates the importance of the careful selection of a background type in studies like this.     

Heavy metal contamination and its indexing approach for river water

The objective of the study is to reveal the seasonal variations in the river water quality with respect to heavy metals contamination. To get the extend of trace metals contamination, water samples were collected from twelve different locations along the course of the river and its tributaries on summer and the winter seasons. The concentrations of trace metals such as cadmium, cromium, copper, cobalt, iron, manganese, nickel, lead, mercury and zinc were determined using atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Most of the samples were found within limit of Indian drinking water standard (IS: 10500). The data generated were used to calculate the heavy metal pollution index of river water. The mean values of HPI were 36.19 in summer and 32.37 for winter seasons and these values are well below the critical index limit of 100 because of the sufficient flow in river system. Mercury and chromium could not be traced in any of the samples in the study area.     

浙江椒江口潮间带沉积物中痕量金属的活性态分布特征及其生物有效性

3个未扰动柱状样分别采自浙江椒江口潮间带高、中、低潮带,用冷盐酸法测定了沉积物中酸可挥发硫化物(AVS)及同步提取金属（SEM）,分析了不同潮位沉积物剖面类型及形成机理,并根据SEM-Me/AVS比值评价痕量金属（Cu、Pb、Zn、Cd、Cr、As、Hg及Ni）的活性和生物有效性。结果表明：在高潮带和低潮带形成了薄活动层剖面（<6 cm）,痕量金属的活性态浓度较低,AVS浓度较高;而中潮带形成了厚活动层(约26 cm),痕量金属的活性态浓度较高。潮间带不同潮位痕量金属活性态浓度剖面类型的形成是沉积速率、有机质供源及所处潮位共同作用的结果。在河口区应该存在表层mm尺度上的高值有机碳（C_有机）分布。     

Minor elements in sphalerite and galena from Binnatal

The trace element contents of 23 sphalerites and galenas from Binnatal, Switzerland, have been determined. Most of these samples have been previously studied in respect to lead and sulphur isotope abundances. Coloration of sphalerites — varying from yellow to black for nearly identical iron contents — seems to be strongly influenced by the manganese content. A linear relationship between sulphur isotope composition and copper content in sphalerites was found. Trace elements in galenas show a significant inverse relationship between silver and copper. With the determination of the bismuth content, it is possible to distinguish several galena types; a similar grouping has been found by lead isotope determinations. The results of the trace analyses are discussed in connection with the occurrence of a large number of very rare and special Pb-As-sulphosalt minerals in the Binnatal dolomites.     

Geographical variations of trace elements in sediments of the major rivers in eastern China

 A total of 26 geographically and hydrologically diverse sediment samples were collected from 12 major rivers in eastern China. The <63-μm fraction of the sediments was analysed for both total concentrations of Cu, Zn, Pb and Cd, and their associations with various geochemical phases. The geographical variations of sediment-bound trace metals can be related to the bedrock types and weathering processes in the corresponding river basins. The rivers in southern China had notably higher concentrations of trace metals in sediments because of abundant non-ferrous mineral deposits and stronger weathering process in the region. A large proportion of trace metals in these sediments was associated with iron and manganese oxides and organic matter. Relative low levels of trace metals were found in river sediments in northern China, and a significant proportion of the metals was bound to organic matter, carbonates, and the residual fraction. The sediments in the Yellow River, originating from special loess, had the lowest concentrations of trace metals. Most of the trace metals were associated with the carbonates and residual phases. Received: 24 March 2000 · Accepted: 11 July 2000     

Temporal and spatial distribution of dissolved Cu, Ni and Zn in the coastal waters of Jeddah, eastern Red Sea

Dissolved Cu, Ni, and Zn were measured in the surface coastal waters of Jeddah, eastern Red Sea during October 2004 and April 2005. High values of trace metals, particularly Zn, were recorded in the Southern Corniche area close to a sewage effluent indicating a significant contribution from the wastewater. Concentrations of trace metals decreased northward and southward under the effect of dilution. Another hot spot was also observed in the vicinity of Jeddah Desalination Plant (JDP) during April 2005 indicating a possible contribution from the JDP to trace metal contents in the study area. Trace metals were correlated to salinity, nutrients and particulate organic carbon (POC). The good association between Zn and reactive silicate and Ni and ammonium is attributed to simultaneous biological utilization and regeneration. The behavior of copper suggested adsorption of Cu onto the POC during October 2004 whereas in April 2005 the most important process seems to be desorption of Cu from the particulate materials.     

Assessment of hazardous mine waste transport in west central Sinai,using remote sensing and GIS approaches: a case study of Um Bogma area,Egypt

Um Bogma area is the most famous mineralized locality in Sinai, Egypt. It is characterized by the presence of manganese, iron, and copper deposits. Apart from the mill tailings and spoil heaps, the results indicated the decrease of soil contamination downstream. As a result of random manganese mining activity in Um Bogma area, many hazardous elements such as iron, copper, manganese, lead, and zinc as well as many others associating heavy metals such as arsenic, selenium, and sulfur are dispersed in the environment. This study assesses and monitors the environmental impacts of such mining activities in the west central Sinai, using multitemporal spectral remote-sensing sensors (MSS 1972, TM 1986, and ETM+7 2000). The results have shown the very high potential of temporal imagery in mining-related contamination either directly through mineral and rock mapping of the mining waste and residues and related contaminated areas.     

Assessment of heavy metal pollution in the urban stream sediments and its tributaries

Globally, aquatic ecosystems are highly polluted with heavy metals arising from anthropogenic and terrigenous sources. The objective of this study was to investigate the pollution of stream sediments and possible sources of pollutants in Nakivubo Channel Kampala, Uganda. Stream sediments were collected and analysed for heavy metal concentration using flame atomic absorption spectrophotometer. The degree of pollution in Nakivubo channelized stream sediments for lead, cadmium, copper, zinc, manganese and iron was assessed using enrichment factor, geo-accumulation index and pollution load index. The results indicated that (1) the sediments have been polluted with lead, cadmium and zinc and have high anthropogenic influences; (2) the calculation of geo-accumulation index suggest that Nakivubo stream sediments have background concentration for copper, manganese and Fe (I _geo ≤ 0); (3) factor analysis results reveal three sources of pollutants as explained by three factors (75.0 %); (i) mixed origin or retention phenomena of industrial and vehicular emissions; (ii) terrigenous and (iii) dual origin of zinc (vehicular and industrial). In conclusion, the co-precipitation (inclusion, occlusion and adsorption) of lead, cadmium and zinc with manganese and iron hydroxides, scavenging ability of other metals, very low dissolved oxygen and slightly acidic to slightly alkaline pH in stream water could account for the active accumulation of heavy metals in Nakivubo stream sediments. These phenomena may pose a risk of secondary water pollution under sediment disturbance and/or changes in the geo-chemistry of sediments.     

Potential of natural bed soil in adsorption of heavy metals in industrial waste landfill

Development of higher welfare could not be realized unless by energy consumption and other natural resources. Growth of industrial complexes has shown an unprecedented trend during recent years. Many of these towns have no treatment systems for the industrial wastes leachates. Besides, the chemical composition of wastes in such complexes varies considerably due to the different kinds of industries. It is endeavored in the present work to study the natural potential of soil to treat leachate of such industrial wastes. For this purpose, the Aliabad industrial complex in Tehran — Garmsar road was selected as the study area. The potential of adsorption of elements such as nickel, copper, cadmium, zinc, chromium, lead and manganese was investigated. The results indicated that the soil potential to adsorb heavy metals (except for manganese) was very high (95 %) in the adsorption of heavy metals (except for manganese). Further, chemical partitioning studies revealed that heavy metals are associated with various soil phases such as loosely bonded ions, sulfide and organics to various extents. Among the mentioned soil phases, one can deduce that major portion of metal contaminants is absorbed as loosely bonded ions. Organic bond and sulfide bond are in the 2^nd and 3^rd positions of metal contaminants adsorption, respectively. The results of the present study apparently showed that soil column had ample capacity to adsorb metal contaminants. Thus, determination of soil potential in adsorption of heavy metals during site selection is as important criteria.     

Variation in DOC and trace metal concentration along the heavily urbanized basin in Kathmandu Valley,Nepal

Water samples were analyzed for DOC and trace metals from Bagmati River within Kathmandu valley, Nepal, to understand the variation trends of DOC and trace metals and their relationship along the drainage network. The variability in organic matter and wastewater input within the Bagmati drainage basin appeared to control DOC and most of the trace metal concentration. The large input of organic matter and wastewater creates anoxic condition by consuming dissolved oxygen and releasing higher concentrations of DOC, trace elements such as nickel, arsenic, barium, cadmium, and copper with downstream distance. Concentrations of DOC and trace metals like barium and zinc showed strong relationships with human population density and suggest that human activities have strong control on these parameters along the drainage network. The DOC and most of the trace metal concentration increased with downstream distance and appeared to be directly associated with human activities. The variation trends of most of the trace metals appeared to be the same; however, concentration varied widely. Inputs of organic matter and wastewater due to human activities appeared directly to be associated for the variation of DOC and trace metals along the Bagmati drainage network within Kathmandu valley.     

(Pre-) historic changes in natural and anthropogenic heavy metals deposition inferred from two contrasting Swiss Alpine lakes

Continuous high-resolution sedimentary record of heavy metals (chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), lead (Pb), zinc (Zn), manganese (Mn), and mercury (Hg)), from lakes Lucerne and Meidsee (Switzerland), provides pollutant deposition history from two contrasting Alpine environments over the last millennia. The distribution of conservative elements (thorium (Th), scandium (Sc) and titanium (Ti)) shows that in absence of human disturbances, the trace element input is primarily controlled by weathering processes (i.e., runoff and erosion). Nonetheless, the enrichment factor (EF) of Pb and Hg (that are measured by independent methods), and the Pb isotopic composition of sediments from the remote lake Meidsee (which are proportionally more enriched in anthropogenic heavy metals), likely detect early mining activities during the Bronze Age. Meanwhile, the deposition of trace elements remains close to the range of natural variations until the strong impact of Roman activities on atmospheric metal emissions. Both sites display simultaneous increases in anthropogenic trace metal deposition during the Greek and Roman Empires (ca 300 BC to AD 400), the Late Middle Ages (ca AD 1400), and the Early Modern Europe (after ca AD 1600). However, the greatest increases in anthropogenic metal pollution are evidenced after the industrial revolution of ca AD 1850, at low and high altitudes. During the twentieth century, industrial releases multiplied by ca 10 times heavy metal fluxes to hydrological systems located on both sides of the Alps. During the last decades, the recent growing contribution of low radiogenic Pb further highlights the contribution of industrial sources with respect to wood and coal burning emissions.     

Mineralogy of metal contaminated estuarine sediments,Derwent estuary,Hobart, Australia: implications for metal mobility

The mobility, bioaccessibility and transfer pathways of metals and metalloids in estuarine sediments have been the focus of much detailed research. However, to date, few studies have examined the mineralogical siting of metals and metalloids in such sediments. This is despite the fact the mineralogy of sediments is an important factor that controls which and how much of a particular metal is released to pore waters and overlying water columns. This study reports on the mineralogical siting of metals in contaminated estuarine sediments, Hobart, Australia, and aims to evaluate the mobility of metals in the contaminated substrates. Mineralogical, mineral chemical and bulk chemical analyses demonstrate that the sediments contain very high levels of several metals and metalloids. The contaminated sediments have concentrations of zinc (Zn), lead (Pb), copper (Cu) and cadmium (Cd) ranging from 0.55 to 4.23 wt%, 0.16 to 0.70 wt%, 415 to 951 mg/kg and 23 to 300 mg/kg, respectively. Franklinite and lesser sphalerite are the main repositories of Zn, whereas much of the Pb and Cu is hosted by sulfides, organic matter and undetermined iron (Fe) oxides. While the release of contaminant loads from franklinite through dissolution is likely to be insignificant, even small releases of metals from the highly contaminated sediments can still cause the deterioration of local water quality. The contaminated sediments represent long-term sources of metal pollutants, particularly Zn, to local waters. This study demonstrates that mineralogical analyses are a vital tool to recognise the potential mobility of trace metals in estuarine environments.     

Gases and trace elements in soils at the North Silver Bell deposit, Pima County, Arizona

Soil samples were collected over the North Silver Bell porphyry copper deposit near Tucson, Arizona. Volatile elements and compounds in gases derived from the soils and metallic elements in the soils were analyzed in order: (1) to see which volatile constituents of the soils might be indicative of the ore body or the alteration zones; and (2) to distinguish the ore and alteration zones by comparison of trace elements in the soil.Plots of analytical data on trace elements in soils indicated a typical distribution pattern for metals around a porphyry copper deposit, with copper, molybdenum, and arsenic concentrations higher over the ore body, and zinc, lead, and silver concentrations higher over the alteration zones.Higher than average concentrations of helium, carbon disulfide, and sulfur dioxide adsorbed on soils were found over the ore body, whereas higher concentrations of carbon dioxide and carbonyl sulfide were found over the alteration zones.     

Hydrogeochemical characteristics of mine water in the Harz Mountains,Germany

Water samples (springs, creeks, mine adits) from different former mining districts of the Harz Mountains and the nearby Kupferschiefer (copper shale) basin of Sangerhausen were analysed for major ions and trace metals. Due to more intensive water rock interactions including the ore minerals, the mine water concentrations of main components and trace metals are generally higher compared to non mining affected surface waters of the mountain range. Furthermore, the content of major ions in mine water is enriched by mixing processes with saline waters from Permian layers in the Kupferschiefer district and at the deeper levels of the mines in the Upper Harz Mountains. The waters of the different mining districts can be distinguished by trace metal occurrences and concentrations derived from the different ore bodies. Water from the Kupferschiefer mines shows the highest Na, Cl, Cu, Mo and U concentrations, whereas a combination of elevated As and Se concentrations is typical for most of the samples from the mines around St. Andreasberg. However, there are exceptions, and some water samples of all the investigated mining districts do not follow these general trends. Despite the influence of mining activities and ore mineralisation, hydrochemical effects due to rain water dilution can be seen in most of the waters. According to the elevation of the mountain range, higher precipitation rates decrease the ion concentrations in the waters of springs, creeks and mine adits.     

Rates of accumulation of manganese nodules and associated sediment from the equatorial Pacific

The accumulation rates and trace element contents of manganese nodules and coexisting sediment in a core collected from the central equatorial Pacific indicate that the nodules are chemically very similar and accumulated at similar rates, but that each stopped growing when it was buried. Elements largely confined to authigenic phases accumulate at comparable rates in nodules and sediment, whereas elements associated with detrital phases accumulate much more rapidly in the sediment.     

Geochemical and statistical approach for evaluation of heavy metal pollution in core sediments in southeast coast of India

Industrialization coupled with urbanizaton has led to stress in the Buckingham Canal which runs parallel to Bay of Bengal at a distance of around 1 km from the coastline. 4 sediment cores were collected along Ennore — Pulicat stretch to determine acid leachable trace metal concentration. Core samples were collected using gravity corer. The cores were sliced horizontally at 2.5 cm to determine the grain size, sediment composition, pH, organic matter, calcium carbonate, acid leachable trace metals; cadmium, chromium, copper, lead, zinc. The trace metals were extracted using acid mixture containing hydro fluoric acid, nitric acid and sulphuric acid and analysed by atomic emission spectrophotometer. In an attempt to infer anthropogenic input from geogenic input, several approaches including comparison with sediment quality guidelines — ecotoxicological sense of heavy metal contamination and classification by quantitative indexes such as geoaccumalation index, anthropogenic factor, enrichment factor, contamination factor and degree and pollution load index was attempted. Grain size analysis and sediment composition of core samples shows Ennore is sandy in nature having a neutral pH. Organic matter enrichment is observed to a higher extent in core 3. Core 2 at a depth of 5 cm shows organic matter of 9.4 %. calcium carbonate is totally absent at the surface sediments in core 2. Cores collected within the canal showed a higher heavy metal concentration than the cores collected from Pulicat lagoon and 2 km into the Ennore Sea. The trace metal concentration for cadmium, lead and zinc in Ennore does not pose a threat to the sediment dwelling fauna whereas chromium and copper are likely to pose a threat. Quantitative indexes place Ennore under moderately polluted. Ennore is likely to face a serious threat of metal pollution with the present deposition rates unless stringent pollution control norms are adopted.