Heavy metal pollution in the soil surrounding a thermal power plant in Playas de Rosarito,Mexico

The generation of electricity has been identified as one of the main pollutant activities, and some studies have established an increment of heavy metals in soil in the areas surrounding these plants. The aim of this study was to evaluate the soil concentrations of heavy metals in the zone surrounding a thermoelectric power in Mexico. Thirty-two top soil samples (0–5 cm) were collected; additionally, four depth profiles (1 m) were investigated. Median concentrations for chromium, vanadium, nickel, mercury, and cadmium were 47, 47, 73, 0.02, and 0.01 mg/kg, respectively. Higher Cr, Ni, and V concentrations were observed in the soil depth profiles located closer to the plant in comparison with the concentrations found in the soil depth profile located further away from the plant; these results may indicate a possible accumulation of these metals. The geoaccumulation index results indicated that most of the sites were in the classifications of unpolluted and unpolluted to moderately polluted (classes 1 and 2). The statistical results showed that downwind of the plant in relation to the prevailing winds, there was a strong correlation between soil concentrations of chromium, copper, nickel, and vanadium. Based on the results of this study, it can be concluded that the use of fuel oil at the thermoelectric plant contributed to the accumulation of vanadium and nickel in the soil of the surrounding areas, as well as chromium and copper.     

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 metals pollution and the identification of their sources in soil over Xiaoqinling gold-mining region,Shaanxi, China

In order to determine the characteristics of heavy metals’ pollution and identify their sources in the soil over the Xiaoqinling gold-mining region, Shaanxi, China, 133 soil samples were collected over the region, one sample was from a close point as background, and concentrations of Hg, Pb, Cu, and As in all samples were analyzed. Results indicated that the soil was polluted by these heavy metals, as their concentrations in the soil over the studied region were higher than that in the background zone. In addition, the result indicated that these metals had their specific spatial characteristics. Among the samples, those with higher concentrations of Hg, Pb, and Cu were mainly collected from the Shuangqiao river alluvial terrace area, the loess ravine tableland, and the piedmont alluvial–pluvial inclined tableland, which are the areas of gold-mining activities. Meanwhile, the samples with higher concentrations of As were distributed over the loess ravine tableland around Tongguan County, where agricultural activities were conducted intensively. Furthermore, the sources for all the heavy metals Hg, Pb, Cu, and As in the soil over each landscape were determined through analyzing the concentration correlation of these metals and comparing the maps of metal concentration distribution and land-use types. In Yellow river–Weihe river alluvial plain area, these heavy metals were mainly from agricultural activities. In the other landscapes, As was also mainly from agricultural activities; the other metals were contrarily from the gold-related activities. Interestingly, the correlation coefficients of As concentrations with Hg, Pb or Cu concentrations were positive in the samples from Yellow river–Weihe river alluvial plain area, and on the contrary, they were negative in the samples from the other landscapes. This result showed that the correlation can be used as an index to indicate properly the effect of the gold-related or agricultural activities on the heavy metals in the soil and identify their main sources over each landscape. As human activities resulted in the site-specific characteristics in the concentrations and sources of the heavy metals in each landscape, site-specific control strategies should be selected intensively to remedy landscape soil pollution. In Yellow river–Weihe river plain area, effective control strategies should be aimed at remedying As pollution caused by agricultural activities; in the other landscapes, Hg, Pb and Cu pollution caused by gold-mining activities should be considered.     

Heavy metals contamination in water and sediments of an urban river in a developing country

Water and sediment samples were collected from 20 location of the Buriganga river of Bangladesh during Summer and Winter 2009 to determine the spatial distribution, seasonal and temporal variation of different heavy metal contents. Sequential extraction procedure was employed in sediment samples for the geochemical partitioning of the metals. Total trace metal content in water and sediment samples were analyzed and compared with different standard and reference values. Concentration of total chromium, lead, cadmium, zinc, copper, nickel, cobalt and arsenic in water samples were greatly exceeded the toxicity reference values in both season. Concentration of chromium, lead, copper and nickel in sediment samples were mostly higher than that of severe effect level values, at which the sediment is considered heavily polluted. On average 72 % chromium, 92 % lead, 88 % zinc, 73 % copper, 63 % nickel and 68 % of total cobalt were associated with the first three labile sequential extraction phases, which portion is readily bioavailable and might be associated with frequent negative biological effects. Enrichment factor values demonstrated that the lead, cadmium, zinc, chromium and copper in most of the sediment samples were enriched sever to very severely. The pollution load index value for the total area was as high as 21.1 in Summer and 24.6 in Winter season; while values above one indicates progressive deterioration of the sites and estuarine quality. The extent of heavy metals pollution in the Buriganga river system implies that the condition is much frightening and may severely affect the aquatic ecology of the river.     

Heavy metal pollution and soil magnetic susceptibility in urban soil of Beni Mellal City (Morocco)

The assessment of anthropogenic impact in the urban environment can be evaluated according to heavy metal contents of soils such as Pb, Cu, Zn, Cd and Fe. These elements have more affinity to establish metallic bond with ferrous material leading to enhancement of soil magnetic susceptibility. The objective of this study was to undertake joint magnetic and geochemical investigations of road-side urban soil materials to address the environmental pollution of Beni Mellal city that has been subjected to environmental stress, due to population overpressure and related urbanization. Twenty three soils magnetic susceptibility profiles were made along 5 km peripheral national road (N8) in Beni Mellal. The magnetic survey reported here for the first time on this City’s topsoils tries to establish the link between magnetic properties and the content of heavy metals. High magnetic susceptibility values and high contents of heavy metals were found near the paved edge of the road and within the place reserved as large engine park. Magnetic extracts of highly polluted areas and unpolluted soil (olive plantation) were analyzed by SEM coupled with RDX in order to discriminate anthropogenic magnetic spherules and pedo-lithogenic magnetite-like minerals. Magnetic mineralogy determined by Mössbauer spectroscopy suggests the presence of hematite, magnetite and goethite in highly polluted areas. The iron oxides and especially goethite are efficient in incorporating and/or adsorbing foreign ions.     

Environment impact of heavy metals on urban soil in the vicinity of industrial area of Baoji city,P.R. China

Heavy metals in soils are of great environmental concern, in order to evaluate heavy metal contents and their relationships in the surface soil of industrial area of Baoji city, and also to investigate their influence on the soils. Soil samples were collected from 50 sites, and the concentration of Pb, Zn, Cu, Cr, Ni heavy metals and the contents of characteristics in soil from industrial area of Baoji city were determined with X-ray fluorescence method. The concentrations of Pb, Zn, Cu, Cr and Ni in the investigated soils reached the amount of 2,682.00–76,979.42, 169.30–8,288.58, 62.24–242.36, 91.96–110.54 and 36.14–179.28 mg kg⁻¹, respectively. The major element Pb contents of the topsoils were determined. to highlight the influence of ‘anthropic’ features on the heavy metal concentrations and their distributions. To compare, all values of elements were much higher than those of unpolluted soils in the middle of Shaanxi province that average 16.0–26.5, 67.1–120.0, 17.8–57.0, 46.9–65.6 and 24.7–34.6 mg kg⁻¹ for Pb, Zn, Cu, Cr and Ni, respectively. An ensemble of basic and relativity analysis was performed to reduce the precipitate of Pb in soil was extremely high and greatly relativity with other elements. Meanwhile, Pb, Zn, Cu, Cr, Ni heavy metals were typical elements of anthropic activities sources, so it was easy to infer to the tracers of anthropic pollutions from the factorial analysis, which was coming from the storage battery manufactory pollutions. The pollutant distributions were constructed for the urban area which identified storage battery manufactory soot precipitate as the main source of diffuse pollution and also showed the contribution of the topsoils of industrial area of Baoji city as the source point of pollution. Consequently, the impact of heavy metals on soil was proposed and discussed. These results highlight the need for instituting a systematic and continuous monitoring of heavy metals and other forms of pollutants in Baoji city to ensure that pollution does not become a serious problem in the future.     

Heavy metals pollution on the sediments in lakes Dianchi, Erhai and Poyanghu and historical records

In this paper²¹⁰ Pb and ¹³⁷Cs dating methods were used to determine sedimentation rates of lakes Dianchi, Erhai and Poyanghu, and to establish the time scale of the sediments. Also based on geochemical records in the sediment column, the historical variation in heavy metal content over the past one hundred years was determined. Some element concentration increased rapidly after the 1970s, such as Cu, Zn and Mn in the sediments of northern Lake Dianchi, Cd and Mn in southern Lake Erhai and in the west central parts of Lake Poyanghu, Our investigations indicate that the increase in element concentration is caused by human activities. In order to understand the extent of the effect caused by human activities, we have calculated the flux of Zn, Cd and Mn. Results show that the flux caused by human activities is seven times greater than the natural one and the ratio is about 2 times in Lake Erhai and Lake Poyanghu.     

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.     

江都市土壤重金属分布特征及污染评价

江都市土壤重金属含量分布及污染现状评价结果显示,江都市土壤环境质量总体良好,但局部地区土壤污染严重,其中通扬运河以北地区土壤环境质量优于通扬运河以南地区。土壤中镉、汞、锌含量空间分布不均匀,局部土壤含量超过国家土壤二级标准,由点源污染所致,其中镉、汞为江都市土壤主要致污染因子,导致局部土壤严重污染。建议对不同污染程度土壤土地采取不同利用方式,需进行合理调整规划。     

Heavy metals in sediments from San Antonio Bay and the northwest Gulf of Mexico

Sediments from San Antonio Bay, the northwest Gulf of Mexico, and the Mississippi River Delta were acid leached and analyzed for Fe, Mn, Pb, Zn, Cd, Cu and Ni by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. In order to account for differences in sediment clay, carbonate, and organic matter content, metal concentrations were normalized to Fe. Significant linear correlations of metals to Fe were obtained for unpolluted sediments and deviations from these “natural” statistical populations were found for areas thought to have metal input caused by man. San Antonio Bay sediments show little evidence of metal pollution despite 70 years of shell dredging in the bay. However, the San Antonio-Guadalupe River system, the bay's prime sediment source, has 10% to 50% higher than natural levels of Pb, Cd and Cu. Sediments from a 1500 km² area of the Mississippi River Delta have Pb and Cd concentrations 10% to 100% higher than expected levels. The vertical distribution of Pb and Cd in these sediments suggests that inputs have occurred during the past 30 to 40 years. We find no indication of metal pollution in other areas of the Delta or along the continental shelf of the northwest Gulf of Mexico.     

Heavy metal pollution around the island city of Bombay, India. Part II: distribution of heavy metals between water, suspended particles and sediments in a polluted aquatic regime

The island city of Bombay is surrounded by Thane creek in the east and Ulhas river on the north. These two aquatic regimes act as receptacles of industrial waste and sewage discharges from the city and also lithogenic fluxes from the adjacent basaltic terrain.

Two consecutive sets of pre-monsoon and post-monsoon samples of water, suspended solids and sediments were collected from the intertidal zone of Thane Creek and along the Ulhas River. These were analysed for toxic heavy metals such as Fe. Mn, Ni, Co, Pb, Zn, Cu, Cr, Hg and Cd and the degree of metal contamination was determined. Using this data the pattern and mechanism of distribution of heavy metals in water, suspended solids and sediments were investigated. These are closely related to discharges of industrial effluents and domestic sewage and largely controlled by basic geochemical processes.     

Accumulation and sources of heavy metals in urban topsoils: a case study from the city of Xuzhou, China

The knowledge of the variability, the anthropogenic versus natural origin and corresponding environmental risk for potentially harmful elements in urban topsoils is of importance to assess human impact. The aims of the present study were: (1) to assess the distribution of heavy metals (Sn, Li, Ga, Ba, Fe, Mn, Co, Be, Ti, Al, Hg, Cr, Sb, As, Bi, Pd, Pt, Au, Ni, Cd, Zn, Cu, Pb, Se, Mo, Sc and Ag) in urban environment; (2) to discriminate natural and anthropogenic contributions; and (3) to identify possible sources of pollution. Multivariate statistic approaches (principal component analysis and cluster analysis) were adopted for data treatment, allowing the identification of three main factors controlling the heavy metal variability in Xuzhou urban topsoils. Results demonstrate that Hg, Cr, Sb, As, Bi, Pd, Pt, Au, Ni, Cd, Br, Zn, Cu, S, Pb, Se, Mo, Sc and Ag could be inferred to be tracers of anthropogenic pollution, whereas Al, Ti, Ga, Li, V, Co, Pt, Mn and Be were interpreted to be mainly inherited from parent materials. Iron, Ba, Sn, Pd and Br were interpreted to be affected by mixed sources.     

Heavy metals in sediments as evidence for recent pollution and quasi-estuarine processes: an example from Lake Druzno,Poland

This article presents the results of a geochemical investigation of sediments from Lake Druzno (northern Poland), a reservoir fed by freshwater from the catchment, with periodic input of brackish water from Vistula Lagoon. This study analyzed the spatial variation in heavy metal content in surface sediments as well as the temporal changes in metal content in two sediment cores dated using the ²¹⁰Pb method. In the surface sediments, the highest metal concentrations were recorded in the northern part of the lake, with lower concentrations in the central and southern parts. Absolute values of metal concentrations in the cores were low, but normalization with respect to Al showed an increase during the second half of the 20th century. Mean enrichment factors (EF) in sediments from the second half of the 20th century ranged from insignificant (1–1.2) for Fe to (1.55–3.3) for Cu, Cd, Pb and Zn. The sediments deposited before 1950 had lower EF values (>1.5) and had low variability. Results from both the surface sediments and the cores indicate that the main source of lake pollution is brackish water intrusion from the Vistula Lagoon via the contaminated River Elbląg.     

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.     

Distribution of heavy metals in Gaborone urban soils (Botswana) and its relationship to soil pollution and bedrock composition

The capital city of Botswana, Gaborone, has seen unprecedented population, economic, and industrial growth in recent years. In order to assess how this rapid urbanisation process impacts the environment, 106 silt and clay (particle size <0.053 mm) samples, separated from Gaborone surface soil samples representing urban, agricultural and rural sites, were investigated. The concentrations of nine heavy metals (Sc, Cr, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Nb, Cd, and Pb) were measured using ICP–MS and GFAAS, and the resulting patterns were correlated to the bedrock composition and anthropogenic activities. As expected, we found that samples from soils on top of dolerites show higher levels of Cr, Ni, and Cu than those on top of granites and rhyolites. However, our studies also show that Gaborone city centre soils are moderately polluted by Pb (up to 222 mg/kg, i.e. 5.7-fold the concentration in comparable rural soils), as a result of heavy traffic. Furthermore, Cr and Ni pollution originating from agrochemicals were shown to be accumulating in Gaborone crop soils. Our studies also showed moderate levels of Zn pollution and low level, dot-shaped pollution of Cr, Co, Ni, Cu detected in Gaborone residential and industrial soils that are correlated to waste disposal. Interestingly, the highest levels of Sc, Cr, Co, Ni and Zn pollution are found near two abandoned sewage works. The results of sequential extraction indicate that the polluting Co and Ni exist in all speciations; the polluting Cu mainly exists in the residue of the sequential extraction, whereas the polluting Pb is mostly bound to organic matters and Fe- and Mn-oxides. These results highlight the need for instituting a systematic and continuous monitoring of heavy metals and other forms of pollutants in Gaborone to ensure that pollution does not become a serious problem in the future.     

The spatial characteristics and pollution levels of metals in urban street dust of Beijing,China

The components and concentrations of metals in street dust are indictors of environmental pollution. To explore the pollution levels of Cd, Cr, Cu, Mn, Ni and Pb in street dust and their spatial distribution characteristics, 220 dust samples were collected in a grid pattern from urban street surfaces in Beijing. Multivariate statistics and spatial analyses were adopted to investigate the associations between metals and to identify their pollution patterns. In comparison with the soil background values, elevated metal concentrations were found, except those for Mn and Ni. The results of the geo-accumulation index (I_geo) and the potential ecological risk index (Erⁱ) of the metals revealed the following orders: Cd > Cu > Cr > Pb > Ni > Mn and Cd > Cu > Pb > Cr > Ni. Levels of I_geo ranging from 0 to 5 were found and about 80% of the samples were below the moderately polluted level. The Erⁱ values of single elements were within the low ecological risk level in most sampling sites. Most of the metals in the street dust of Beijing were statistically significantly correlated. It is hard to clearly identify the sources of each metal in the street dust since local environments are very complex. Cadmium, Cu, Cr, Mn and Pb showed medium spatial autocorrelations within the sampling region. Similar spatial distribution patterns were observed for Cu, Cr and Pb, and these metals had relatively high spatial variabilities and were enriched in the center of the city with several peaks scattered in the suburbs. Metal pollution anomalies were identified by using cluster and outlier analyses. Locations identified as clusters with high values indicated non-point source pollution, while locations identified as outliers with high values indicated point source pollution. Traffic, construction, and other human activities influenced these high values. In addition, the locations identified as outliers with low values in urban areas might benefit from less transportation and better management.     

Contamination and distribution of heavy metals in urban soil in Zhangzhou City, Fujian, China

The urban environment quality is of vital importance as the majority of people now live in cities. Due to the continuous urbanization and industrialization with rapidly increasing economy in China, metals are continuously emitted into soils, imposing a great threat on human health. Urban soils might be affected by industrial activities, transport, agricultural practice, and waste disposal. An extensive survey was conducted in the highly urbanized Zhangzhou City （Fujian Province, China） using a systematic sampling strategy. Concentrations of Hg, Cd, Pb, Zn, Cu, As, Cr and Ni were measured on 108 topsoil samples collected from parks （0-15 cm）, residential areas and suburban agricultural soils. Statistic approach （cluster analysis） was adopted for identification of natural and anthropogenic influence on heavy metal contents. The maps of metal concentrations in surface soils were made based on geographical information system （GIS） data. All of these aim at assessing the distribution of these heavy metals in the urban environment.     

基于土壤重金属污染风险管控的土壤质量评价:以某县级市为例

近年来农用地土壤质量受重金属污染影响进而导致农产品受到威胁的问题愈发严重,然而关于土壤质量评价的研究很少考虑土壤污染状况,忽略了土壤污染风险对土壤质量的影响。本文以某典型制造业县级市为例,在以土壤理化性质为主要指标的土壤肥力状况评价基础上,对研究区土壤重金属进行污染风险管控类型划分。通过建立分段函数将土壤污染风险管控类型划分结果引入土壤质量评价体系,对农用地土壤质量进行评价。结果表明：研究区土壤理化指标的变异系数从大到小为速效磷(AP)含量>土壤电导率(SEC)>全磷(TP)含量>土壤有机碳(SOC)含量>阳离子交换量(CEC)>全氮(TN)含量>pH。土壤肥力状况随地势降低和河流增加呈现升高的趋势,高肥力区主要分布在平原区西北部和平原区东北部,低肥力区主要分布在东南部丘陵山区和西部低洼区,肥力过渡区环绕低肥力区分布。农用地土壤污染风险管控类型的划分结果表明,Cd、Hg、As、Pb、Cr、Ni、Cu和Zn 8种重金属中至少有88.89%的Cd样点和98.61%的Cr样点属于优先保护类,11.11%的Cd样点、1.39%的Cr样点属于安全利用类,该区重金属污染以Cd为主。土壤质量评价结果表明,土壤质量总体分布与土壤肥力状况分布规律类似,但由于受土壤污染风险的影响,研究区西南部低质量土壤范围向东扩张,东南部低质量土壤分布范围更小,更密集化。上述研究结果说明,引入土壤污染风险管控类型划分结果一般会对土壤肥力状况作减幅修正,并在一定程度上改变原土壤肥力状况的空间分布格局。     

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.