Applying the scores of multivariate statistical analyses to characterize the relationships between the hydrochemical properties and groundwater conditions in respect of the monsoon variation in Kapas Island,Terengganu, Malaysia

The different factors (seasonal changes) and variables (physicochemical) controlling the groundwater hydrochemistry of Kapas Island were identified using multivariate techniques principal component analysis (PCA), discriminant analysis (DA) and hierarchy cluster analysis (HCA). In the present study, the hydrochemistry of 216 groundwater samples, consisting of information concerning the in situ parameters and major ions in six monitoring boreholes, was studied and compared in two different monsoon seasons. The dominant variables derived from four components by PCA in the pre-monsoon indicated the influence of the salinity process, while the dominant variables derived from three components in the post-monsoon mostly indicated on the mineralization process. The DA gave the final variables after discriminating the insignificant variables based on the pre- and post-monsoon classifications. This provided important data reduction in terms of the mineralization process, as it only discriminated physical variables (TDS, EC, salinity, DO and temperature). Based on the HCA result, samples belonging to stations KW 3 and KW 4 were under Ca-rich water, while the remaining boreholes were grouped in Na-rich water.     

Geochemical characterization and heavy metal contamination of groundwater in Satluj River Basin

Groundwater, a renewable and finite natural resource, vital for man’s life, social and economic development and a valuable component of the ecosystem, is vulnerable to natural and human impacts. The aim of present study is to evaluate hydrogeochemical parameters and heavy metals in groundwater and to study their spatial distribution in the Rupnagar District of Punjab. The spatial distribution of physico-chemical parameters were studied using Arc GIS 9.2. It was observed that the concentration of parameters, such as NO₃, Cd, Cr, Mn and Pb was above permissible limit (World Health Organization, WHO) in southern part of the study area. The heavy metal pollution index (HPI) was calculated for all sampling locations and it was found much above the critical limit of pollution. Geochemical reaction models of selected water groups were constructed using Phreeqc. Geochemical modeling suggests that sodium has source other than halite-albite and calcium has alternate source other than gypsum-carbonate or silicates. It also suggests that evaporites, ion exchange, dissolution along with anthropogenic activities are controlling the hydro-geochemistry of groundwater in the region. Various indices, such as heavy metal pollution index, permeability index, sodium adsorption ratio, were studied to verify suitability of groundwater for drinking and irrigation.     

Evaluation of heavy metal contamination and implication of multiple sources from Hunchun basin, northeastern China

Present concentrations and distributions of heavy metals through profiles, surface soil, and stream sediment samples in the Hunchun area, north-eastern China, were investigated to determine the elemental background values. This study also aims to characterize potentially toxic materials such as pulverized fly ash (PFA) from power stations or ash and slag from coal used domestically in urban areas, agrochemicals applied inappropriately, and urban sewage sludges from Hunchun City, as well as to ascertain the possibility of natural enrichment through site characterization by mineralogical and geochemical investigation. The distribution of contaminants in the alluvial soils (fluvisol) of this area has been influenced by several interacting factors. The parent alluvial materials from weathered products of amphiboles have made coatings such as ferrihydrite, goethite, and hematite. This natural inheritance factor is supported by the fact that the concentrations of weak acid-extractable (plant-available) heavy metals are very low, except for Fe and Mn. However, in agricultural soils and adjacent stream sediments, an anthropogenic input of Cd, Pb, Ni and Cr by agrochemicals is strongly suggested. Also, F contamination by coal combustion and the dissolution of F-bearing minerals could cause some future problems. Wide distribution and significantly high concentrations of Cd, Fe, Mn, and F in soils throughout the combination of pollutants originating from lithogenic and the anthropogenic sources pose potential problems in utilizing water resources. Received: 14 June 1999 · Accepted: 27 December 1999     

Deciphering heavy metal contamination zones in parts of Nalgonda District,Telangana

The study area is very important in terms of anthropogenic activity like rapid industrial, urban development, pesticides, pharmacy, granite polishing and agro based industries. Soils represent an excellent media to monitor heavy metal pollution. The results of soil samples analyzed in the present work using XRF reveal anomalous heavy metal and major oxide concentrations. The geogenic and anthropogenic activities for a long period in the study area are responsible for the anomalous heavy metal pollutants. Hence, this work is of immense societal benefit in terms of prevailing human health hazards in the study area with a direct relevance to such industrially populated regions elsewhere. Soil samples collected from study area were analyzed for heavy metals (As, Ba, Cr, Cu, Ni, Co, Mo, Pb, Rb, Sr, V, Y, Zn and Zr and major oxides (SiO₂, Al₂O₃, Fe₂O₃, MnO, MgO, CaO, Na₂O, K₂O, TiO₂, and P₂O₅ ) using Philips PW 2440 X-ray Fluorescence Spectrometer (XRF). The minimum 0.08 for molybdenum and maximum 21.99 enrichment factor for arsenic is observed. The minimum -2.5 and maximum 17.97 geoaccumulation index values is observed for barium and molybdenum. The minimum 0.07 and maximum 4.3 contamination factors is observed for molybdenum and lead. High contamination degree 19.21 for SMP-1 and least 7.8 for SMP-12 is observed. The minimum 0.41 and maximum 0.95 pollution load index is observed for SMP-12 and SMP-20. Factor analysis results shows that, three factors emerged as significant contributors to the soil quality is about seventy six percent for heavy metals and sixty eight percent for major oxides. The spatial variation maps deciphering heavy metal concentration of both natural and anthropogenic origin by three zones i.e. low, moderate and high of the study area based on environment using Arc-GIS.     

某金矿区浅层地下水重金属及氰化物污染评价

以某金矿区浅层地下水为研究对象,通过分析112件浅层地下水样的Hg、Pb、Cd、Cr~(6+)、As、Cu、Zn、CN~-等重金属元素及氰化物的含量特征,初步查明了这8种元素在地下水中的赋存规律。在此基础上,分别利用单项、综合污染指数评价方法对浅层地下水环境质量进行了重金属及氰化物污染评价。结果表明,浅层地下水中除背景元素Cr~(6+)局部区域超标外,受矿业选冶活动影响,双桥河流域中下游段局部区域Hg、Pb、CN~-等元素超标,该结论对浅层地下水资源污染防治具有重要意义。     

Heavy metal contamination in water and sediment of the Port Klang coastal area, Selangor, Malaysia

This investigation presents the temporal and spatial distribution of heavy metals (As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, Hg, and Zn), in water and in sediments of Port Klang, Malaysia. Water and sediment samples were collected from 21 stations at 3-month intervals, and contamination factor $ (C_{\text{f}} ) $ and contamination degree $ (C_{\text{d}} ) $ were calculated to estimate the contamination status at the sampling stations. Cluster analysis was used to classify the stations based on the contamination sources. Results show that concentrations of As, Cd, Hg, and Pb in sediment and As, Cd, Hg, Pb, Cr, and Zn in water were significantly higher than the background values at which these metals are considered hazardous. The main sources of heavy metal contamination in Port Klang were industrial wastewater and port activities.     

土壤重金属污染评价方法研究进展

从技术应用的角度,将土壤重金属污染评价方法分为传统的方法和基于GIS的评价方法两大类.本文阐述了评价方法的研究进展,分析了主要评价方法的优缺点,最后对评价方法做出了展望.     

Assessment of heavy metal contamination in soils around Balanagar industrial area,Hyderabad, India

The concentration of heavy metals such as Ba, Co, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, Rb, Sr, V, Y, Zn, Zr were studied in soils of Balanagar industrial area, Hyderabad to understand heavy metal contamination due to industrialization and urbanization. This area is affected by the industrial activities like steel, petrochemicals, automobiles, refineries, and battery manufacturing generating hazardous wastes. The assessment of the contamination of the soils was based on the geoaccumulation index, enrichment factor (EF), contamination factor, and degree of contamination. Soil samples were collected from Balanagar industrial area from top 10–50 cm layer of soil. The samples were analyzed using X-ray fluorescence spectrometer for heavy metals. The data revealed that the soils in the study area are significantly contaminated, showing high level of toxic elements than normal distribution. The ranges of concentration of Cr (82.2–2,264 mg/kg), Cu (31.3–1,040 mg/kg), Ni (34.3–289.4 mg/kg), Pb (57.5–1,274 mg/kg), Zn (67.5–5819.5 mg/kg), Co (8.6–54.8 mg/kg), and V (66.6–297 mg/kg). The concentration of above-mentioned other elements was similar to the levels in the earth’s crust pointed to metal depletion in the soil as the EF was <1. Some heavy metals showed high EF in the soil samples indicating that there is a considerable heavy metal pollution, which could be correlated with the industries in the area. A contamination site poses significant environmental hazards for terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. They are important sources of pollution and may results in ecotoxicological effects on terrestrial, groundwater and aquatic ecosystems.     

Assessment of heavy metal contamination in soils around Manali industrial area, Chennai, Southern India

The concentrations of heavy metals (As, Ba, Co, Cr, Cu, Ni, Mo, Pb, Sr, V and Zn) were studied in soils to understand metal contamination due to industrialization and urbanization around Manali industrial area in Chennai, Southern India. This area is affected by the industrial activity and saturated by industries like petrochemicals, refineries, and fertilizers generating hazardous wastes. The contamination of the soils was assessed on the basis of geoaccumulation index, enrichment factor (EF), contamination factor and degree of contamination. Soil samples were collected from the industrial area of Manali from the top 10-cm-layer of the soil. Soil samples were analyzed for heavy metals by using Philips MagiX PRO-2440 Wavelength dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectrometry. The data revealed elevated concentrations of Chromium (149.8–418.0 mg/kg), Copper (22.4–372.0 mg/kg), Nickel (11.8–78.8 mg/kg), Zinc (63.5–213.6 mg/kg) and Molybdenum (2.3–15.3 mg/kg). The concentrations of other elements were similar to the levels in the earth’s crust or pointed to metal depletion in the soil (EF < 1). The high-EFs for some heavy metals obtained in the soil samples show that there is a considerable heavy metal pollution, which could be correlated with the industries in the area. Contamination sites pose significant environmental hazards for terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems. They are important sources of pollution and may result in ecotoxicological effects on terrestrial, groundwater and aquatic ecosystems. In this perspective there is need for a safe dumping of waste disposal in order to minimize environmental pollution.     

铅同位素示踪技术在重金属污染研究中的应用

重金属通过在生态环境和生物中的迁移、转化和富集已对环境质量和人类健康构成了严重威胁.概述了重金属元素在地表环境中的迁移方式和在土壤-植物系统中的聚积形态,以及重金属污染治理的研究现状.针对以往研究工作的不足和在研项目特点,重点提出了土壤和茶叶中铅同位素组成的测试技术,综述了铅同位素示踪技术在重金属污染研究中的应用,并指出了今后研究重金属污染的重点.     

Assessment of heavy metal contamination in soils around chromite mining areas, Nuggihalli, Karnataka, India

Toxic heavy metals represent one of the possible environmental hazards from mine lands, which affect many countries having historic mining industries. The primary aim of the study was to investigate the degree of soil pollution occurring near chromite mines, and make a systematic evaluation of soil contamination based on geoaccumulation index, enrichment factor and pollution index. This paper presents the pollution load of toxic heavy metals (As, Ba, Co, Cr, Cu, Mo, Ni, Pb, Sr, V, Zn and Zr) in 57 soil samples collected around three different active (Tagdur), abandoned (Jambur) chromite mining sites as well residential zone around Chikkondanahalli of the Nuggihalli Schist Belt, Karnataka, India. Soil samples were analyzed for heavy metals by using Wavelength dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectrometry. Results indicated that elevated concentrations of Cr, Ni and Co in soils of the study area exceed the Soil Quality Guideline limits (SQGL). The high enrichment factor for Cr, Ni Co obtained in the soil samples show that there is a steady increase of toxic heavy metals risk in this area, which could be correlated with the past mining activity and post abandoned mining in the area. The data was also treated to study the geoaccumulation index, pollution index and spatial distribution of toxic elements. Emphasis need to be put on control measures of pollution and remediation techniques in the study area.     

The relationship of sediment texture with coastal environments along the Kuala Terengganu Coast, Malaysia

The subtidal sediments of four coastal environments (beach, berm, surf zone and nearshore sea floor) of Kuala Terengganu have been studied in terms of their textural characteristics and depositional process. Sampling and statistical analyses of the grain size distributions of beach, surf zone and shallow sea-floor sediments at various locations along the coastline show that they varied in their mean grain size as well as values of sorting and skewness. The statistical parameters of grain size distributions thus allowed recognition of distinct sub-environments. The size distribution of such sediments suggests that the various processes that are responsible for their transportation and deposition are wave, current and wind action. The different energy conditions and the morphology of each coastal environment seem to be reflected in the characteristics of the sediments in each environment.     

Evidences for heavy metal contamination in surface sediments of seagrass ecosystem of Lakshadweep archipelago, India

Surface sediments of nine islands of Lakshadweep were evaluated for their heavy metal concentration (Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb and Zn). Sediments of thirteen seagrass and seven non seagrass sites were collected randomly and analysed for heavy metal concentration using Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometer. Heavy metals like Cu, Ni and Zn were found in higher concentrations in the seagrass sediments, whereas other heavy metals such as Cd, Co, Cr, Fe, Mn and Pb were higher in non seagrass sediments. Different pollution indices were calculated to evaluate contamination level of all heavy metals in the sediments. Cadmium recorded higher contamination factor (1.733–21.067), enrichment factor (276.10–12,270) and Geo-accumulation Index (0.208–3.811) both in seagrass and nonseagrass sediments. Multivariate statistical analysis such as principal component analysis and cluster analysis coupled together with correlation co-efficient was used to identify the possible sources of heavy metal pollution in the region. Average concentrations of Cd in Lakshadweep islands were slightly higher than effective range, low but still below effective range medium. All other metals were still below these ranges indicating fairly uncontaminated sediment in the region.     

Potential for localized groundwater contamination in a porous pavement parking lot setting in Rhode Island

The control of polluted surface runoff and the assessment of possible impacts on groundwater is a concern at the local and regional scale. On this background, a study investigates possible impacts of organic and inorganic pollutants (including bacteria) originating from a permeable asphalt parking lot on the water quality immediately beneath it. The functioning of the permeable pavement, including clogging and restricted vertical percolation, was also evaluated. Four nested sample ports (shallow and deep) were installed below low- and high-traffic areas, including one port outside the parking lot. At least initially there was a good hydraulic connection between the parking surface and the shallow sample ports. The presence of a geotextile layer at the base of the parking lot structure, however, was identified in lab tests as one factor restricting vertical percolation to the deeper ports. Clogging of the permeable surface was most pronounced in heavy traffic areas and below snow pile storage areas. Corroborated by high electric conductivity and chloride measurements, sand brought in by cars during winter was the principal cause for clogging. No bacteria or BOD were found in percolating water. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) were present at concentrations near minimum detection limit. Nutrients (nitrate and phosphate) were being leached into the ground via the permeable parking lot surface at annual flux rates of 0.45–0.84 g/m²/year. A multi-species tracer test demonstrated a retention capacity of the permeable parking lot structure of >90% for metals and 27% for nutrients, respectively.     

Nitrate contamination in irrigation groundwater,Isfahan, Iran

Groundwater is one of the major sources of water in Isfahan. Efficient management of these resources requires a good understanding of its status. This paper focuses on the hydrochemistry and also it wants to assess the nitrate concentration in irrigation groundwater of Isfahan suburb. All the groundwater samples are grouped into three categories, including Na-Cl + Ca-Cl (63 %), Na-SO₄ + Ca-SO₄ (23 %) and Ca-HCO₃ (14 %). According to the EC and SAR, the most dominant classes are C3S1, C4S2 and C4S3. 55 % of samples indicate very high salinity and medium to very high alkalinity that is not suitable for irrigation. 84 % of the groundwater samples show nitrate contents higher than HAV (13 mg l^?), while more than 25 % exceeded the maximum contamination level (44.27 mg l^?) according to EPA regulations. The horizontal and vertical distribution patterns of nitrate in groundwater samples show a surficial origin for nitrate contamination. The high nitrate content can be attributed to the agricultural activities along with domestic sewage and industrial wastewaters in populated area. Based on results, using high nitrate groundwater for irrigation can minimize the requirement for inorganic fertilizers and reduce the cost of cultivation and nitrate contamination.     

Geochemical investigation of groundwater in a Granitic Island: a case study from Kinmen Island,Taiwan

Kinmen Island is principally composed of low permeable granitoid and covered by a very thin sedimentary layer. Both surface and groundwater resources are limited and water demand is increasing with time. The groundwater in the granitoid has been surveyed as an alternative water source for daily use. Two to five highly fractured zones in the granitoid aquifer for each site were first determined by geochemical well logging. Accordingly, ten samples were collected from three sites. Using environmental isotopes and geochemical modeling, geochemical processes occurring due to water–rock interaction in the granitoid aquifer can be quantitatively interpreted. The stable isotopes of oxygen and hydrogen in groundwaters cluster along Taiwan’s local meteoric waterline, indicating evaporation does not have considerable effect on groundwaters. Given such a high evaporation rate for Kinmen Island, this result implies that infiltration rate of groundwater is high enough to reduce retention time through a well-developed fracture zone. NetpathXL is employed for inverse geochemical modeling. Results determine gypsum as being the major source of sulfate for deep groundwaters. The contribution from pyrite is minor. In addition, the weathering of albite to kaolinite is the dominant water–rock interaction characterizing geochemical compositions of deep groundwater in Kinmen Island.     

Biomarkers of selected heavy metal toxicity and histology of Chanos chanos from Kaattuppalli Island,Chennai, southeast coast of India

Bioaccumulation of heavy metals and its associated histological perturbations were studied in various tissues of Chanos chanos collected from Kaattuppalli Island, and they were compared with those of fish collected from the Kovalam coast. The concentration of four heavy metals: copper, lead, zinc and cadmium were determined in water, sediment and different tissues of fish (gills, liver and muscle). The result showed a marked difference between the two sites as well as significant variations within the water, sediment and biota samples. The decreasing trend of metals from both Kaattuppalli Island and Kovalam coast was in the order of Cd > Cu > Pb > Zn. Overall, the highest metal concentration was found in the sediment, water and biota collected from Kaattuppalli Island. The accumulation in the gills and liver of C. chanos was found to be quite high in comparison with that of muscle. These tissues were further investigated by light microscopy and the results were compared with the tissues from the reference site (Kovalam coast). The presence of large lipid droplets in the liver and increase of mucous cells in the gills were some of the most noticeable alterations observed that were related to heavy metal contaminants. It is concluded that histopathological biomarkers provide reliable and discriminatory data to augment heavy metal pollution in Kaattuppalli Island. Therefore, long-term monitoring is necessary to assess the eco-health of the Kaattuppalli Island environment by choosing a bio-indicator species like C. chanos, which provide accurate, reliable measurements of environmental quality.