Migration and contamination of major and trace elements in groundwater of Madras city,India

Groundwater samples collected from both open and bore wells in an area of about 270 km² from Madras City, India, have been analyzed for major ions (HCO₃, Cl, Si, Na, Ca, and Mg) and trace elements (As, Se, B, V, Cr, Fe, Co, Pb, Cu, Zn, Cd, Mn, Ni, Mo, and Ba). The study reveals that the quality of potable water has deteriorated to a large extent. Seawater intrusion into the aquifer has been observed in nearly 50 percent of the study area. The toxic elements (As and Se) have already exceeded the maximum permissible limits of drinking water in almost the entire city. A positive correlation of As and Se with other toxic metals such as V, Cr, Fe, B, etc., indicates that all these elements are anthropogenic in origin. Applying multivariate analysis, the source for trace elements in groundwater has been grouped into two major factors: pollution and mobilization factors. The groundwater in the study area is largely contaminated by organic effluents and reflects the intensity of pollution caused by the overlying soil sediment and rapid infiltration of the pollutants.     

廊坊市规划区土壤环境污染的地球化学评价

系统采集廊坊市规划区耕层和深层土壤,分析2类土壤中的N、P、K、Ca、Mg、Fe、Cu、Zn、Mn、B、Mo、Co、Hg、As、Pb、Cl、Cd、F、Se、Cr、I共 21种元素含量及耕层土壤pH值.区内主要污染元素为Hg、Pb、Mn、Cd、N.通过其计算的耕层土壤环境质量评价表明:西北部较好,东南部较差,从西务、大官庄、周各庄至彭庄、大枣林一带京山铁路北侧环境质量最差.污染成因与工农业生产、日常生活中的废水、废气、废渣排放密切相关.     

内蒙古某矿矿井水重金属污染特征及来源分析

确定矿井水中重金属污染程度及主要来源,对矿井水的再利用及矿区生态环境保护具有重要的理论意义。以内蒙古某矿区为研究对象,采集地表水、第四系潜水、承压水及矿井水水样49组,检测水体中Zn、Pb、Fe、Mn、As、Cu、Cd、Cr、Hg、Se 10种重金属浓度,分析矿井水中重金属污染特征及超标情况,利用HPI模型定量评价重金属污染程度,并综合数理统计、不同类型水样重金属浓度箱形图及煤/顶板重金属浸出试验,分析矿井水重金属主要来源。结果表明:内蒙古某矿矿井水中Zn、Pb、Fe、Mn、As 5种重金属浓度值超标,其中Fe和Zn的超标率高达100%;7个矿井水样中6个矿井水的HPI值大于临界值100,矿井水重金属污染程度较高;矿井水中的Pb、As主要来源于采煤及运输机械油类物质泄漏,Mn主要来源于Ⅲ含地下水,Fe、Zn主要来源于Ⅲ含地下水及煤层中含Fe、Zn矿物的溶滤。该结论将为矿井水中重金属污染防治提供基础与依据。      

重庆秀山西北部农田土壤重金属生态健康风险评价

为了解矿业活动较多的重庆秀山县西北部农田土壤重金属污染状况,采集了表层土壤样品386件,分析测定As、Cd、Cr、Cu、Hg、Ni、Pb、Zn、Mn等9种重金属元素,采用地累积指数法、潜在生态危害指数法和健康风险评估模型,对该区土壤重金属污染程度、生态风险和健康风险进行评估。结果表明,该区农田土壤9种重金属平均值都高于重庆市土壤背景值,呈现不同程度的积累;Cd、Hg明显超出国家农用地土壤污染风险筛选值,超标率分别为75.2%和44.6%。土壤中Hg污染较严重,处于中污染或重污染状态,Mn、As、Cd总体呈轻污染,其余重金属基本无污染。生态风险评价显示,Hg、Cd为主要生态危害元素,Hg以强、很强和极强风险为主,Cd以中等风险为主。人体健康风险评价显示,儿童更易受到重金属污染威胁,重金属对成人不具有非致癌风险,对儿童具有非致癌风险,As、Cr是主要非致癌因子;成人致癌风险在可接受范围内,个别土壤样对儿童具有致癌风险,As致癌风险最大。     

Environmental quality evaluation of the Vacacaí River, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil

The water quality of the Vacacaí River was assessed at different sites in the period between winter 2005 and autumn 2006. All samples were analyzed for 52 elements (Sc, Y, La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, Yb, Lu, Th, Li, Be, Mg, Al, Ca, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Ni, Co, Cu, Zn, Ga, As, Se, Rb, Sr, Ag, Cd, In, Cs, Ba, Tl, Pb, Bi, U, Na, K, Hg, B, Mo, Sn, Te, Ti), temperature, pH, ammonia, and alkalinity levels. Water from the Vacacaí River ranged from slightly acidic to alkaline. No difference was observed in the chemical composition at different sites of the Vacacaí River. Levels of Ba, Ca, Sr and Mg increase in the dry seasons and reach their highest concentrations in autumn; Be and U decrease in the dry season and reach their highest concentration in spring. Al, Fe, Cr, Ni, Th, U Mn, Ca and Mg are highly positively related, indicating a common origin. Se and Cu are probably from anthropogenic source, from the rice crops of the margins of the river. Waterborne Al and Fe levels were above the desirable level for drinking water at all sites during all seasons. These results demonstrate the need for constant monitoring of water parameters, which is crucial to ensure water quality for the population of this region.     

Trace elements in groundwater of Hindon-Yamuna interfluve region, Baghpat district, Western Uttar Pradesh

The present study was carried out in parts of Hindon-Yamuna interfluve region to evaluate the concentration of trace elements (Al, Cr, Mn, Fe, Ni, Co, Cu, Zn, As, Se, Cd, B and Pb) in groundwater. Pre-monsoon groundwater samples were collected in 2007 from 22 locations distributed throughout the study area, and were analyzed using Inductive Coupled Plasma Mass-Spectrophotometer (ICPMS). Trace element analyses show high concentration levels for Al and Cr in almost all groundwater samples. Relatively high values are also reported for Pb, Se, Fe and Mn (as per B.I.S (1991) standard for drinking water) in few samples. These high concentrations of metal ions in groundwater were probably due to discharge of untreated effluents from Textile, dyeing and other industries. As far as Al is concerned, its source is rather enigmatic.     

Historical environmental pollution trend and ecological risk assessment of trace metals in marine sediments off Adyar estuary,Bay of Bengal,India

Geochemical, mineralogical and textural analyses were carried out in core sediments off Adyar estuary, Bay of Bengal, India to record the contamination trend from urban and industrial activities during the historical past. Quartz, feldspar, kaolinite, chlorite and illite were the main lithogenic and clay minerals; carbonate was the predominant biogenic mineral. Trace metals (Fe, Al, Cu, Cr, Ni, Pb and Zn) indicate more enrichment in the surface sediment layers due to recent anthropogenic activities. The mean anthropogenic factor (AF) values for trace metals in core sediments decreased in the following order: Cr > Ni > Zn > Cu > Pb. The pollution load index (PLI) values in Adyar core sediments ranged from 1 to 1.25 with an average of 1.07. Based on AF, PLI, and sediment quality guidelines values for trace metals, significant metal enrichment and ecological risk were obtained in upper-most sediment layer. Multivariate statistical methods such as correlation matrix, principal component analysis and cluster analysis were carried out to find the relationships among the texture size, metals and minerals. The pollution of Adyar estuarine sediments was started in the 1960s, responding to the rapid economic development in Chennai coastal and Adyar estuarine region in the last five decades. Despite these high concentrations in the upper layer, development and expansion of industries are still continuing. The stricter regulations for the discharge and remediation of sediments are urgent for the conservation of environments and human health.     

Assessment of soil and water contamination around an ash-disposal site: a case study from the Seyitömer coal-fired power plant in western Turkey

Seyitömer power plant comprises 4.8% of Turkey's total energy production. The fly ash produced has been deposited in the area, since the 1960s, by a dry disposal technique. In 1997, wet disposal was improperly exercised in the area causing ash flow over agricultural fields. This study is concerned with the chemical analysis of ash, soil and water samples collected in the area following ash-removal studies after the ash flow in 1997. The results reveal that Na, K, Ca, Mg, Mn, Al, Fe, Co, and Cr contents of soil and water are governed by basement lithology in the area, whereas Cd, Pb, Zn, and Cu contents are determined by fly ash from disposal sites. Although lithogenic Cr and Co contents are exceedingly high, comparison with the regulatory standards for drinking water, irrigation water and agricultural soils reveals no pollution pertinent to solid waste production in waters, whereas there is moderate pollution by Pb and Cu in soils.     

Distribution and enrichment of trace metals in marine sediments of Bay of Bengal,off Ennore,south-east coast of India

In order to avoid the pollution of trace metals in marine environment, it is necessary to establish the data and understand the mechanisms influencing the distribution of trace metals in marine environment. The concentration of heavy metals (Fe, Mn, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, Zn, Co and Cd) were studied in sediments of Ennore shelf, to understand the metal contamination due to heavily industrialized area of Ennore, south-east coast of India. Concentration of metals shows significant variability and range from 1.7 to 3.7% for Fe, 284–460 μg g⁻¹ for Mn, 148.6–243.2 μg g⁻¹ for Cr, 385–657 μg g⁻¹ for Cu, 19.8–53.4 μg g⁻¹ for Ni, 5.8–11.8 μg g⁻¹ for Co, 24.9–40 μg g⁻¹ for Pb, 71.3–201 μg g⁻¹ for Zn and 4.6–7.5 μg g⁻¹ for Cd. For various metals the contamination factor (CF) and geoaccumulation index (I _geo) has been calculated to assess the degree of pollution in sediments. The geoaccumulation index shows that Cd, Cr and Cu moderately to extremely pollute the sediments. This study shows that the major sources of metal contamination in the Ennore shelf are land-based anthropogenic ones, such as discharge of industrial wastewater, municipal sewage and run-off through the Ennore estuary. The intermetallic relationship revealed the identical behavior of metals during its transport in the marine environment.     

Geochemical characteristics and evaluation of minor and trace elements pollution in groundwater of Tuticorin city,Tamil Nadu,India using geospatial techniques

In this work the major and trace elements pollution levels in groundwater of Tuticorin city of Tamil Nadu was investigated. This coastal city with numerous large and small scale industries has increasingly affected the water quality by dumping effluents. The mean major and trace elements levels in groundwater in descending order: Si > Sr > Zn > Fe > Rb > Se > Al > Mn > Cu > As > Cr > Ba > V > Ni > Pb > Mo > Co > Sb > Cd > Ag. The concentrations of As, Se, Pb, Ba, Al, Fe and V (0.084, 0.150, 0.057, 0.837, 0.357 and 0.052) in some of the groundwater samples exceed the standard value of world health organization (WHO, 2004). Interrelationship between the elements was done by correlation matrix and factor analysis which indicates the contribution from industrial and irrigation fields. Spatial interpolation of inverse distance method (IDW) maps of all the elements suggested that discharge of effluents from chemical factory (STERLITE, TAC, SPIC, HEAVY WATER PLANT, NILA SEA FOODS), municipal wastewater, fertilizers were added to the natural sources. Results of this research suggests that proper measures should be taken to protect the vital groundwater resources in the Tuticorin city.     

西南典型地下河系统无机-有机指标特征及健康风险评价

岩溶地下水为全球约25%的人口提供饮用水源,地下河作为主要岩溶地下水类型,是中国西南岩溶区重要供水水源,掌握其水质污染状况及人体健康风险,对岩溶区水资源保护与安全用水具有重要意义。本文以广西桂林会仙狮子岩地下河系统为例,采集地下河水样品22组(无机和有机样品各11组),采用电感耦合等离子体质谱、离子色谱、气相色谱-质谱等方法测定11项无机离子、10项金属元素及41项有机指标的质量浓度,运用单指标污染标准指数法、健康风险评价模型揭示了研究区无机与有机指标分布、污染及健康风险。结果表明：(1)狮子岩地下河水中无机超标指标有NH~+₄(1.33倍)、Fe(1.2倍)、Al(1.5倍)和Mn(1.01倍),超标点多位于地下河排泄区;检出18项有机物,其中挥发性有机物(VOCs)、半挥发性有机物(SVOCs)和有机氯农药(OCPs)检出率分别为18.75%、30.77%和91.67%,研究区存在普遍的农药残留(49.14～109.83ng/L)。(2)与地下水对照值相比,研究区受到10项无机指标的轻度～中度污染、14项有机指标的轻度污染,个别采样点受到NO~-_3<...     

Geochemical characterization,its controlling factors,and comparison between the upstream and downstream segments of the Himalayan Satluj River basin,India

Satluj River Basin (SRB) has special economic significance, representing the country's most incredible hydro-structure with fresh water, a primary source of irrigation and hydroelectric power in Northern India. Therefore, SRB's geochemical characterization is vital for hydropower and agricultural sustainability. This study provides a preliminary characterization of the hydrogeochemical processes controlling the natural water evolution in SRB by observing the spatial variation and qualitative assessment of solute chemistry (major ions and trace/heavy elements) in the Satluj river, associated tributaries, and groundwater. Hydrochemical characteristics displayed the predominance of geogenic weathering processes with carbonates dissolution and silicate weathering as end members that could explain all the geochemical variability within the SRB. The results reveal that the chemical signature of the upstream segment is possibly influenced more by carbonate weathering than silicate weathering, and the trends reverse in the downstream section with the increasing influence of silicate weathering. Dissolved heavy metals (HMs) such as Mn, Cr, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Cd, and Pb showed large fluctuations among upstream and downstream sampling sites, indicating diverse environmental conditions. Human health risk assessment (HHRA) studies revealed less or no potential noncarcinogenic via HMs, except for the downstream stretch of tributaries inferring increased non-cancerous risk. Moreover, the HHRA with HMs (Cr, As, Cd, and Pb) manifested high carcinogenic risks for adults and children across the SRB. The finding of this study could be the baseline dataset for assessing the future status, effective management, and better utilization of water resources of the SRB.     

Ecological–Biogeochemical Monitoring of a Linden Avenue in a Megapolis

Ecological–biogeochemical monitoring of a linden avenue on Kosygin Street, Moscow, has revealed that soils at sites regarded as contaminated contain elevated Mn, Fe, Sr, and Se concentrations and lower Zn contents. Linden leaves at the assumed contaminated sites typically contain higher Cu and Fe concentrations and not as much higher Zn, As, and Cr concentrations but much lower Mn and Sr concentrations. Water leachates of soils at sites regarded as background have slightly lower pH and lower Ca, Mg, K, and Na concentrations and total mineralization. Test for phytochelatins in the leaves proved to be rather ineffective, as also were estimates of the fluctuating asymmetry of the leaf laminas. The greatest differences were detected in the degree of leaf pathology and the contents of pigments.     

Spatial distribution patterns and temporal trends of heavy-metal concentrations in a petroleum hydrocarbon-contaminated site: Karaduvar coastal aquifer (Mersin, SE Turkey)

The aim of this study was to investigate spatiotemporal variations in groundwater heavy-metal concentrations at the Karaduvar agricultural-industrial district (Mersin, SE Turkey), where parts of the underlying coastal aquifer has been polluted by petroleum hydrocarbons (PHCs) from diverse sources. The water chemistry data for the present study is comprised of 275 samples collected during 2006–2010 from 55 water-supply wells. The samples were analyzed in situ for physical parameters (EC, DO, pH, and temperature) and in the laboratory for As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Mo, Ni, Pb and Zn using the ICP-MS method. Box–whisker plots and principal components analysis (PCA) method were employed to determine the seasonal changes occurring in heavy-metal concentrations and to identify source apportionment of pollution parameters in groundwater. During the monitoring period, in many wells, heavy-metal concentrations (except for Cd) exceeded the limit values set by Turkish Water Pollution Control Directive (No: 25687). Results from the PCA suggest that elevated Mn, Fe, Co, Ni and As concentrations may be linked to oxidation–reduction of geogenic Mn/Fe oxyhydroxides in PHC-contaminated parts. The high concentrations of Cu, Mo and probably Cd in background areas result from the agricultural and petrochemical activities conducted in the recent past. At the site, high Pb and Zn concentrations are probably related to agricultural activities in PHC-contaminated areas, whereas Cr can be solely attributed to lithogenic sources. At the Karaduvar site, heavy-metal pollution in groundwater is found to be much more persistent than PHC contamination.     

Arsenic and metal mobility from Au mine tailings in Rodalquilar (Almería,SE Spain)

In the old mining area of Rodalquilar, mine wastes, soil and sediments were characterized and the results revealed high concentration of Au, Ag, As, Bi, Cu, Fe, Mn, Pb, Se, Sb and Zn in tailings and sediments. The contaminant of greatest environmental concern is As. The mean concentration in the tailings was 679.9, and 345 mg/kg in the sediments of Playazo creek. The groundwater samples from the alluvial aquifer showed high concentration of Al, As, Cd, Fe, Hg, Mn, Ni, Pb, Se, Sb and Zn and very high concentration of chloride and sulfate, which were above the concentration defined in the European standards for drinking water. The presence of As in groundwater may be caused by the oxidation of arsenian pyrite, the possible As desorption from goethite and ferrihydrite and the jarosite dissolution. Groundwater concentrations of Cd, Fe, Mn, and possibly Cu, were associated with low values of Eh, indicating the possible dissolution of oxy-hydroxides of Fe and Mn. The mobility of metals in the column experiments show the release of Al, Fe, Mn, Cr, Cu, Ni, V and Zn in significant concentrations but below the detected values in groundwater. However, As, Cd, Sb, Se Pb and Au, are generally mobilized in concentrations above the detected values in groundwater. The possible mass transfer processes that could explain the presence of the contaminants in the aquifer and the leachates was simulated with the PHREEQC numerical code and revealed the possible dissolution of the following mineral phases: jarosite, natrojarosite, arsenian pyrite, alunite, chlorite, kaolinite and calcite.     

北京城乡接合部地表颗粒物中重金属污染负荷及健康风险评价

随着我国城市建设的不断推进,城市径流污染越来越受到关注。地表颗粒物(RDS)是重金属的重要载体,雨水径流对地表颗粒物的冲刷引起的径流重金属污染问题凸显。本研究选取北京市城乡接合部作为研究区域,研究区域内地表颗粒物中重金属(As、Cd、Cr、Cu、Mn、Pb、Zn)污染负荷并进行健康风险评估。结果表明,地表颗粒物含有的重金属中,除Mn外,As、Cd、Cr、Cu、Pb、Zn的平均浓度均超过背景值。其中,Cd的平均浓度是其背景值的3倍,Cr的平均浓度是其背景值的4倍之多。在径流冲刷条件下,Cr的污染负荷在各研究区域均最高,为其他重金属的3~4倍。暴露模型计算表明,重金属非致癌日平均暴露量为手口摄入量＞皮肤吸收量＞吸入空气量,经手口接触是人体地表灰尘暴露风险的主要途径。对于非致癌风险,在芦求路主路以及黄鹅路十字路口区域存在对于儿童的非致癌风险,整体区域内成人所受非致癌风险较低。各研究区域内重金属呼吸暴露途径的总致癌风险均低于环境阈值,致癌风险较低。     

Assessment of Groundwater Quality of the Central Gangetic Plain Area of India Using Geospatial and WQI Techniques

The paper presents results of research to determine the health risk of potentially toxic elements (PTEs) in soils of gold mining area in Ilesha, Southwestern Nigeria. Eighteen top soil samples were collected and analysed for PTEs using ICPMS. The pollution level in soils were assessed using pollution load index (PLI) and potential ecological risk index (PERI). The human health risk was assessed using hazard index (HI), non-carcinogenic risk index and carcinogenic risk index. All the PTEs were higher than crustal average values except Fe and follow the order Mn > Ba > Cr > Zn > Cu > Ni > Pb > Co >Fe > As > Cd. The soil samples can be classified as unpolluted to moderately polluted (0.18-1.23) and low risk (15.28-94.24) based on PLI and PERI respectively. The values of hazard Index (HI) calculated for child and adult population for all the pathways were <1 and pose no obvious non carcinogenic risk to the population except for ingestion pathway where 33% of the samples showed value >1 in child population. As, Co, Cd and Pb constituted high cancer risk in the study area with child at higher risk than adult. The Total Cancer Risk (TCR) in the study area based on all the pathways ranges between 0.19 -3.86 and 0.18-3.58 for child and adult respectively and the ingestion route seems to be the major contributor to excess lifetime cancer risk followed by the dermal pathway.     

Dissolved trace elements and heavy metals in the Danjiangkou Reservoir,China

Concentrations of trace elements and heavy metals (Al, As, Ba, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Hg, Mn, Ni, Pb, Sb, Se, Sr, V and Zn) in the Danjiangkou Reservoir, the water source area of the Middle Route of China’s interbasin South to North Water Transfer Project, were analyzed using an Inductively Coupled Plasma Atomic Emission Spectrometer (ICP-AES) and compared with the national and international standards for drinking water. The results indicated that concentrations of As, Pb, Sb and Se in the Reservoir exceeded the standards and they would pose health risk for residents in the region and the water receiving areas of the interbasin water transfer project. Spatial and temporal variability of the trace elements and heavy metals in the Reservoir implies their mixed sources of natural processing and anthropogenic activities in the upper drainage of the Reservoir. The research results would help develop water resource management and conservation strategy for the interbasin water transfer project.     

Concentration and distribution of trace elements in some coals from Northern China

The concentration, distribution and modes of occurrence of trace elements in thirty coals, four floors and two roofs from Northern China were studied. The samples were collected from the major coalfields of Shanxi Province, Shaanxi Province, Inner Mongolian Autonomous Region, and Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region. The concentrations of seventeen potential hazardous trace elements, including Hg, As, Se, Pb, Cd, Br, Ni, Cr, Co, Mo, Mn, Be, Sb, Th, V, U, Zn, and five major elements P, Na, Fe, Al, and Ca in coals were determined.Compared with average concentration of trace elements in Chinese coal, the coals from Northern China contain a higher concentration of Hg, Se, Cd, Mn, and Zn. They may be harmful to the environment in the process of combustion and utilization. Vertical variations of trace elements in three coal seams indicated the distributions of most elements in coal seam are heterogeneous. Based on statistical analyses, trace elements including Mo, Cr, Se, Th, Pb, Sb, V, Be and major elements including Al, P shows an affinity to ash content. In contrast, Br is generally associated with organic matter. Elements As, Ni, Be, Mo, and Fe appear to be associated with pyrite. The concentrations of trace elements weakly correlate either to coal rank or to maceral compositions.     

Ordinary kriging and indicator kriging in the cartography of trace elements contamination in São Domingos mining site (Alentejo, Portugal)

The abandoned pyrite mine of São Domingos, in the southeast Portugal is still an acid mine drainage generator and a source for trace elements pollution. This study aims to evaluate and map the soils and sediments chemical pollution. With this purpose three test sites located in the vicinities of the mine were sampled for soils, sediments and mining waste materials. The samples were analysed for pH, organic carbon, iron oxides and total content of As, Cu, Cr, Hg, Pb, Sb, U, Zn, Mn, S, Fe Al, Ca, K, Mg and P. The hyperspectral image of the test sites was acquired using the aero transported sensor HymapTM. Chemical analysis and hyperspectral images data were processed to estimate the contamination maps by multivariate data analysis, ordinary kriging, cokriging and indicator kriging methodologies.The test sites located downstream the mine open pit, are highly contaminated mainly in As, Hg, Pb and Sb, but no contamination was found in the third test site, upstream the mining site. The acid mining drainage seems to be the main spreading agent of chemical contaminants mostly originating from the mine waste materials. Factorial analysis and the geostatistical methodologies allowed several approaches for the contamination cartography of mining areas.